By Micah Hanks

Tequila aficionados are no longer the only ones lauding the present over-abundance of Agave, a plant used in the distillation of the Southwestern liquor famously used in Margaritas (and hangovers). Now, the Agave plant has also been associated with beneficial prebiotic bacteria, according to a new study.

Researchers with Reading University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico suggest in the study that Agave displays prebiotic activity, as observed in samples of inulin extracted from the plant. The beneficial bacteria present in the samples, according to experts, may provide both a useful and cost-effective alternative to chicory inulin, which presently dominates the market. However, Inulin extracted from Agave tequilana managed to similarly boost levels of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, two bacteria that are commonly used in commercial inulins, as well as a host of other components.

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By Micah Hanks

Don’t let the rather suggestive name fool you: when it comes to getting “high,” Jeremiah Weed Kentucky bourbon literally means high in the sky.

Jeremiah Weed provides a 100 proof bourbon, as well as its own variations on the popular pre-mixed sweet tea vodka and vodka-lemonade. As reported recently at the Buzztab website, according to distribution company Diageo the liquor is sold close to many military bases; hence it also happens to have become a favorite among men in service. Though its proximity to military installations might have something to do with the affinity that has developed, probing a bit deeper leads us to another notion as to the origins of this love affair with the innocuous bottled spirit.

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The results are in from the 2010 “Beer City USA” poll with Asheville, North Carolina, emerging the victor in a close battle with Portland, Oregon, with whom they tied in last year’s voting. According to official results, Asheville won with 39.9 percent of votes; 34.1 percent were attributed to Portland.

The Asheville-based Citizen Times reported that the title is one celebrated by the area, whose beer community in Buncombe County consists of nine breweries. Only weeks away in June, the city will celebrate its first first “Beer City Festival” in downtown Asheville.

In total, close to 19,000 votes were cast. Among the US cities that also placed in the ranking were Denver, CO, and Milwaukee, WI. In 2009, Asheville also tied with Portland, leading some to consider this a “second victory” for the rustic Western NC city.