Returning to the same building it once called home, Old Forester Distilling Co. opened to the public today at 119 W. Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. The $45 million, 70,000 square foot distillery will guide guests through the brand’s rich history and Bourbon making process of Old Forester, a brand sealed in history as America’s First Bottled Bourbon.
The letter mark symbol of 7 and a line create a Z for Zinfandel, embossed with a crimson red in gradient and seductive lines. On top sits a modest, shiny halo. This angel and devil play is nicely embedded in the wine label typography as well. Stephanie Sharlow looks at ten wine labels that knock it out of the park.
The gin category is exploding, but is there enough room for every brand out there? Well, that depends on how you slice it, and what you consider to be “gin”. Natasha Swords examines the market, exemplifying some truly diverse leading their corners of the market as viable and growing segments. The U.S. beverage market is a $354.2 billion industry with alcoholic beverages making up 60% of the revenues, with $211.6bn in sales.
In the world of whiskey, Jack Daniel’s has been making a bold statement. That while they have been known for well over a century for their classic Old No. 7, they know how to make a variety of amazing whiskeys. The latest of Jack Daniel’s newest offerings is a bold and sophisticated concoction that goes by the name of “Sinatra Select.” Aptly named in tribute for one of Jack Daniel’s biggest fans: the legend Frank Sinatra himself.
Cabernet Sauvignon may be a dime a dozen, but a handful of exceptional Cabernets taste like a million bucks. This is one of them. Though Duckhorn might be better known for their steadfast devotion to Merlot they have always produced Cabernet as well. Their Patzimaro Vineyard, located at the base of Spring Mountain in Napa near St. Helena, takes full advantage of its diurnal swings to achieve amazing fruit. Comprising Cabernet Sauvignon…
Woodford Reserve has just released Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, a blended malt whiskey based on historical recipes and influenced by Woodford Reserve Bourbon. The Malt is the newest expression of the Woodford Reserve portfolio, which includes the original Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and Woodford Reserve Rye. This is the fourth addition to Woodford Reserve’s 22-year-old brand.
Eau De Musc (“Water of Musk”), a new limited-edition beaver castoreum whiskey from the branding mastermind of Hendrick’s Gin brand, officially launches nationwide on June 11, 2018. Well-regarded in the spirits world for pushing boundaries with his bold choice of flavors and exotic ingredients, Steven Grasse and his talented team at Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile are about to introduce one of the most thought-provoking spirit releases of the year.
Barbera has a long history in Italy’s Piedmont region with known plantings dating back to the 1200s. In California, however, Barbera has been planted for just over 100 years. For the last 50 of those years, Jed Steele has been making an incredible diversity of wine including this California iteration of Barbera. His grapes, from Lake County, were fermented in small lots and aged 10 months in a combination of both American and Hungarian oak.
The St. Agrestis Negroni Four Pack retails for $24.99 and is currently available for distribution in NYC and Brooklyn. It has taken the Negroni to the off-premise level quite effectively with a retro-NYC bottle design, and a surprisingly high-quality liquid on the inside. The RTD market has some doozies, but this isn’t one of them, and it’s sure to roll effectively across the country over the next 12-24 months.
Brewers seeking discounts on Whiskey Del Bac barrels can reach out directly to Hamilton Distillers tomorrow, Thursday, June 14th from 11AM to 4PM. The Arizona-based distillery will have a large selection of their used-barrels for sale at discounted prices. Both Classic and Dorado barrels are available for sale on a first come, first served basis. No holds.
Today Fever-Tree took over direct control of its U.S. operations through its U.S. subsidiary, Fever-Tree USA. Headquartered in Brooklyn, Fever-Tree USA will be responsible for all aspects of the Group’s North American business including importation, warehousing, distribution, marketing, sales and direct customer relationships. Since first entering the U.S. market in 2007, this pioneering approach to taste and quality has seen Fever-Tree become the fastest growing and No. 1 premium mixer…
Anheuser Busch’s Michael Taylor has taken up the position of CEO at Green Flash Brewing Company, known for its fan favorites like West Coast IPA and Alpine Duet. With more than 14 years of experience in the beer and beverage industry, Taylor will focus on strengthening the Green Flash and Alpine brands, culture and regional footprint, while guiding the long-term strategic growth of the businesses.
Inglenook, Napa Valley’s first estate winery, offers an incredibly memorable Father’s Day gift with its 2014 Rubicon and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, two exceptional cabernets from a historical winery that make a lasting impression with their quality and distinctive flavors. With its quality wines and iconic chateau, Inglenook is also an exceptional destination to spend the day for locals and visitors alike.
In Portland, Oregon Caffè Umbria is a full-bar coffee roaster with two locations on Madison Street and NW 12th Avenue. Retail District Manager, Danica Copus says with Negroni week just around the corner, they have prepped their cocktail menu for their carefully curated Negroni Elixir, which sells for $12. Made with Grappa Nardini, Calisaya, Caffè Coretto Coffee Liqueur, and lemon zest garnish, this one is a good one for any bar’s menu.
The misunderstanding of Port is that it is either for the winter months or merely an after-dinner drink. Yet neither is exclusive. Graham’s 20-Year-Old Tawny bridges all the gaps. Using a variety of Ports from five different vineyard sites, this 20-Year-Old is drinking extremely well right now. Comprising various grapes including Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca, this 20 YO is full of life.
Pahlmeyer Winery has released a new Jayson by Pahlmeyer Sauvignon Blanc, adding to the winery’s line of wines established by founder Jayson Pahlmeyer in 1992. The Jayson by Pahlmeyer 2017 Sauvignon Blanc will be allocated selectively on- and off-premise nationally Ask your distributor for details.. “My father’s primary ambition when he started Pahlmeyer was to craft a red wine as fine as the first growths of Bordeaux,” said President Cleo Pahlmeyer.
Napa Valley Winemaker, Dave Phinney, has always had a constant in his life: Agriculture. So when he opened The Savage & Cooke Distillery on historic Mare Island off the coast of San Francisco, and proximate to Napa Valley, it exemplified the natural evolution of the creative mind. In a recent interview, Dave told Bonfort’s that his move into spirits was a logical progression, “We were already in the alcohol space…
Back Bar USA, a consulting firm that works with beverage and hospitality brands around the world, announced a partnership with award-winning chef Michael Mina’s restaurant company, Mina Group. Back Bar USA will work with Mina Group’s eclectic portfolio of more than 30 restaurants, including Bourbon Steak and PABU Boston, to identify partnership opportunities with upscale beverage and spirits brands. “There is a tremendous opportunity with Mina Group’s innovative, contemporary concepts…
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You’ve probably heard about G4 Tequila by now. It’s one of those brands that you look forward to telling your colleagues about, but then discover everybody was clued in before you. You hear its name for the first time, and then you notice it popping up in conversation every day, or a customer wants to know why you don’t stock it already, and why can’t you put it in their Paloma?
Moët & Chandon’s Ice Imperial and Ice Imperial Rosé, are the first-ever champagnes designed specifically to be enjoyed over ice. Moët & Chandon first pioneered this trend in 2011, launching Moët Ice Imperial (SRP: $59.00) followed by Moët Ice Imperial Rosé which just debuted last summer (SRP: $75.00). This small evolution means champagne is no longer only for special occasions. It’s a cocktail you can serve anytime, anywhere…
If wine is about terroir, then Locations Wine is about everywhere terroir. Winemaker Dave Phinney wanted to explore the world of wine by creating blends from the best grapes in various countries. He makes blends from New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Portugal and, in this case, the “F” for France, which comprises mainly of Rhone Valley grapes, Grenache and Syrah, but with a few added Bordeaux varieties tossed in…
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If you were hoping to sell Redbreast Dream Cask, you’re out of luck. Irish Distillers has confirmed that the limited edition, 32 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, Redbreast Dream Cask, has sold out, and it launched just three days ago. Offered initially through The Redbreast Birdhouse, at 4.00pm on 19th May – World Whisky Day – all 816 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask were sold by 10.30pm on the same day…
Southern Glazer’s has made the distribution of cannabis, officially, respectable. It was only a matter of time, a short one, before the alcohol industry, a mainly finely tuned machine comprising well-trained sales reps. and seasoned division managers, would take over the existing and disorganized world of cannabis distribution. The cannabis industry is today, what the alcohol industry was straight after Prohibition. A lot of gatekeepers have suddenly…
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Marking its 50th Year in 2018, Martini Vermouth is bringing industry colleagues who celebrate and serve the brand in their on-premise businesses to Italy for Martini Racing Ciclismo, a bespoke program to promote health and wellbeing in their industry through cycling. Invited bartenders also to take part in La Classicarace weekend 15th-18th September in Italy, the spiritual home of Martini and host to some of the world’s most iconic classic cycling races.
Left to right: Kentucky State Senator Paul Hornback, Shelbyville Mayor Tom Hardesty, Kentucky State Representative Rob Rothenburger, Tom Bulleit, Ed Bello, Shelby County Judge-Executive Dan Ison, Barry Becton Construction will soon begin on a nearly $10 million Visitor Center at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. This week, Bulleit Distilling Co. and Diageo executives joined Shelby County elected and community leaders to celebrate the start of construction and enjoy…
Mexico’s Casa Noble has enjoyed a rich and noble tradition since 1776, when the distillery first began making tequila. The brand itself launched in 1990 and quickly earned a reputation for being a high end, fine handcrafted tequila. Casa Noble’s Founder and seventh-generation Maestro Tequilero Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo sat down with Bonfort’s Jose Martinez to discuss the past, present and future of tequila.
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D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. today the launch of “Spread Your Wings,” a new brand campaign and tagline designed to engage consumers. The launch of the advertising campaign is the first driven largely by Yuengling’s sixth-generation– Jen, Debbie, Wendy and Sheryl Yuengling. “Spread Your Wings” builds on the Yuengling Eagle iconography and centers on its eagle wings to symbolize the unique qualities of the brand and today’s consumers.
For suppliers, this has always been the bane of marketing life. How do you monitor all this sampling and brand ambassador activity? Distributors report the usage in variable ways, usually not very detailed and rarely in a timely manner. Suppliers often argue their share of the expense, and countless work-hours are spent figuring it all out. But, it looks like there’s a solution. And it’s a really good one.
The Bisol family, a name synonymous with Prosecco, announced the relaunch of its entire line of Prosecco, featuring a complete packaging redesign. The new design emphasizes the Bisol family’s historic roots in the Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene, where the family has been tending vines since 1542. A redesigned logo incorporates this historical date, the “Valdobbiadene” indication, and a stylized, steep hill reminiscent of Cartizze. Each label showcases the nuanced variation…
Hello again! Owen and Freddie here to talk to you about something that’s very important to us, not only as business owners but also as people with a concern for the future of our industry. This week we’re talking about reducing waste, single-use plastics and making sustainable choices behind your bar. When done correctly, you’re not only lessening the negative environmental impact of your bar but also helping to preserve the…
Espolòn Tequila has a new Creative Director – none other than loquacious anti-hero Deadpool, who will assume the role of Creative Director for Culture ‘n Stuff leading up to the theatrical release of his highly anticipated movie, Deadpool 2, in theaters nationwide on May 18th. Espolòn’s history as one of the Campari Group’s most creatively daring spirits has made the brand a top seller in the US, growing +57.1% in 2017.
Bonfort’s always likes to go to the streets when it comes to getting a real picture of how a brand, category, or sub-category is performing. We asked six top mixologists to evaluate mezcal’s performance, its uses, its demographic and its future. They name their favorite brands, how they serve them and the communication they afford curious consumers. Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, which means your opportunity to educate customers is ripe. Don’t waste it.
Mother’s Day is upon us and that means brunches, lunches, and breakfast in bed. Remember to use those words in your signage at retail, and pair Mother’s Day on-premise menus with rosés that don’t hike up the price per plate so much that they’re off-putting. Make the decision to buy an easy one and consider your demographic. On Mother’s Day, you’re often selling to females who don’t usually drink rosés…
The Chicago-based Spirits Investment Partnership and Bob Dylan have released Heaven’s Door, a collection of super-premium craft American Whiskeys. Bob Dylan’s first and only brand partnership, Heaven’s Door will be an ever-evolving portfolio of handcrafted whiskeys in collaboration with different master distillers and blenders from across the country. The current portfolio rolls out mid-May in Tennessee, Texas, California, Florida, New York and Illinois. RRP $49.99 – $79.99.
Playa Real recently signed a partnership deal with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) to distribute the brand in Texas and Colorado, with additional states on the horizon. With its recent acquisition of Breakthru Beverage, RNDC is now the largest distributor in the United States, with operations in over 22 states. Each of the three tequilas is 80 proof and filtered through a precise triple distillation process, producing a smooth and authentic tequila taste.
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Father’s Day is just around the corner (June 17th) and it’s time to start thinking about how to suggest to your customers that a great bottle of whisky, gin or vodka is, in fact, the gift he really wants. Here are 10 brands you probably already stock which cover the age and location demographics of most men. Get your signage going to position these brands, or similar ones, where your customers can see them.
Bob Murphy imports Noble Coyote, a recently brand to the U.S., and says sustainability is now a key component of introducing a mezcal brand into the U.S. market. For producers within the category, taking the issue of sustainability seriously sometimes means weighing up the pros and cons of making and marketing, say, Tepextate which gets more at the register but takes 35 years to grow versus Arroqueño which takes 12-14 years, on average.
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This limited release explores how barrel entry proof affects bourbon flavor profile over long aging periods. The bourbon was aged for sixteen years prior to bottling. The four entry proofs chosen for this experiment were 125, 114, 105, and 90 proof. Each of the barrel proofs was evaluated individually over the course of sixteen years before marrying the barrels together to comprise the Abraham Bowman Sweet XVI bourbon.
Mother’s Day is close. Very close. If you haven’t devised a cocktail program yet, then look no further. Stirring’s and Bonfort’s have you covered. Together, we’ve sourced recipes from leading Mixologists around the country, created specifically for May 13th. And for our off-premise readers we’ve created these cocktails in printable form, so you can print them out and stick them onto your Stirring’s displays.
My great-aunt owned a restaurant when I was a child, which was, interestingly, where my parents met. She was a total badass who ran every single part of the restaurant all while being the most popular woman in town. Now I’m lucky enough to continue to create my own stories and memories at my own bar, following in my aunt’s footsteps. Though Caroline and Paul are new to entrepreneurship…
Premixes for cocktails are, without doubt, not all created equal. Some are bad. Some are, really, bad. But others raise the bar beyond expectation. There’s no greater endorsement of a product than a high-profiled industry-member putting their face on it, to be judged by the industry in which they work. Bonfort’s spoke to Jay Whitney, President at FoodStory Brands, about communicating Cocktail Artist to the on- and off-premise trade.
Today, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company launched its newest limited release 16 oz can: Juicy Gossip IPA. It’s an exploration in fruity hop flavors including Citra, Mosaic, and Denali hops with a tropical yeast blend and wheat malts. This combination creates a slightly sweet maltiness followed by a blast of hops-provided tropical fruit, red berries, and orange flavors. The flavor rounds out with a dry, slightly citrus finish.
Not all vodkas are created equal, but to many consumers, they taste, at the very least, indistinguishably similar. Bonfort’s has put together a list of seven vodkas, each of which wears a distinctive, and identifiable, taste profile. We also asked each brand for its most notable selling points (story) to help our readers shift it off shelves and into consumer shopping baskets. Nemiroff Honey Pepper Vodka SRP $17.99
Prairie Organic Spirits, a certified organic spirits company, is debuting its new packaging on store shelves starting this month. The revamped bottle represents the brand’s commitment to making organic spirits. This craftsmanship is represented by the bottle’s new custom hammered design and wooden cork cap. The label on each of the three varieties uses a combination of familiar and new colors, including earth tones and design elements representative of Prairie’s…
Sterling Vineyards Vintners Collection Rosé 2016 (SRP $12; distributed nationwide) is light pink in color with aromas of strawberries, fresh picked berries and subtle floral notes. A blend of Syrah and Tempranillo, the wine’s rich palate is balanced by a refreshing, racy acidity, with flavors of pink citrus and orange blossom. This rosé can be served on its own or paired with fresh seafood, grilled chicken or charcuterie.
The Sazerac Company just launched an educational website about all things agave. This new website, www.GreatAgave.com includes information about the history of agave spirits, the plant itself, where it’s grown and the many unique processes and people that have made spirits like tequila and mezcal the fastest growing categories in the industry. Rich in story and tradition, the agave plant has been used to create some of the oldest distilled spirits in the….
As Bonfort’s reports on the continuing Mezcal craze heating up across the country, we discover Puente Internacional’s La Luna Mezcal. Hailing from Etucuaro, Michoacan in Mexico, La Luna is one of the few mezcals that is grown and harvested completely sustainable and biodynamic. Grown by the Perez Escot Family, who have been crafting Mezcal since 1910, La Luna prides itself on supporting surrounding communities while honoring traditional methods.
Scott Rich is as approachable a winemaker as they come. Despite the continued success of Moraga Bel Air, the positive reviews, the unwavering quality, and the loyal following he has created since joining the winery in 1996, Scott is humble and friendly. But he doesn’t aim to please. He strives, instead, to make the best wines he can. Upon arriving at the stunning 14-acres Moraga Bel Air site in Beverly Hills, owned…
“Be prepared and know your cost of goods. Then, remember there are other costs that go on top of that before you can get to where you need to be pricewise on the shelf.” – this is the No.1 piece of advice Brandon Bartlett, Director of Spirits at Wine Warehouse Distributing gives to new brands seeking distribution. No. 2 is, “Can you continue to supply your distributors if and when you are successful?”
While Mexicans do not confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16th), they do trail behind Americans in alcohol consumption every May 5th. Americans may be unclear why they’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo but they’re doing it with more conviction than the holiday’s country of origin. Quick history lesson: Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 battle of Puebla, in which a staggeringly outnumbered cluster of Mexican soldiers, won victory…
According to research firm, Technavio, the increasing disposable incomes and the lifestyle changes of consumers have considerably increased the demand for mezcal. Premium spirits such as mezcal, tequila, gin, Scotch whiskey, and Irish whiskey have become a status symbol, especially among youth. Lead analyst at Technavio, Manjunath Jagannathan states, “The increasing number of mezcalerias and the rising number of export brands continue to fuel the mezcal growth revolution in bars, pubs…
The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers—today released its annual lists of the top 50 producing craft brewing companies and overall brewing companies in the U.S., based on beer sales volume. Of the top 50 overall brewing companies, 40 were small and independent craft brewing companies. “In an increasingly competitive and mature marketplace, these brewing companies continue to lead and pave the path for…
When it comes to the bar programs at Liquor Lab, we encounter demands that change constantly, especially as a business that increases complexity within the program and the cocktails themselves. Juices, syrups, purees and the like, need to be prepared in a way that satisfies quality, time efficiency, and volume because these are the elements that often make a program stand out. Juices, as well as syrups, purees and other cocktail…
The word salt is derived from the Latin, salarium. This was the money paid to Roman soldiers for purchases of salt and, hence, represented their salary. Today, for 60 partners at Twang, it still does. (“Partners” is Twang-speak for “employees” – quite indicative of the company’s perspective that everyone counts as pretty much the same and that the company is really, for all intents and purposes, a great big family.)
Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports can look at the pricing that a new brand entering the United States has put together and tell in about 20 seconds if they understand how the U.S market works. “Any brand looking to enter the U.S. market needs to understand the three-tier system and how it affects price,” he says. “A lot of foreign brands don’t. I can tell especially if they’ve come in through a licensed
Virginia Distillery Company’s Sales Director, Kate Johnston sat down with Bonfort’s to discuss the single malt category and American producers’ place within it, and moreover, the on- and off-premise licensees role in educating their customers on what is American Single Malt Whiskey? Virginia Distillery Company (VDC) is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Nelson County, Virginia, about 30 minutes south of Charlottesville on Route 29.
When Clique Hospitality’s Andy Masi, alongside nightlife partners Ryan Labbe and Jason ‘JRoc’ Craig were tapped by Red Rock Resorts to bring two unique concepts, APEX Social Club and Camden Cocktail Lounge, to Palms Casino Resort, they reached out to Intoxicologist Mastermind, Eric Hobbie to aid with the venues’ opening in May 2018.
Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner and that means get-togethers with old friends, spicey food and Mexican beers. Those of us who are organized will remember to buy Mexican beer, but domestic will do just as well in a pinch. Either way, the salted beer rim is big during Cinco de Mayo and you don’t want to be the only gringo in the room who looks like the $30 cocktail diva or divo who doesn’t know how to hang with a bottle of Dox Equis.
What’s the trendy, affordable, up-and-coming wine of the summer? Muscadet, according to The Absinthe Group’s Wine Director Phillip Acquafresca. Muscadet is a growing wine region located in the western Loire Valley and is the only region in the world that almost exclusively cultivates the Melon de Bourgogne grape. Today’s Muscadet producers have gone to great lengths to ensure that they’re producing wines of the highest quality, including the introduction of crus…
Three Olives Rosé Vodka is a new flavored vodka that combines the refreshingly fruity taste of rosé wine with signature smooth, crafted vodka. To celebrate the great taste and mixability of Three Olives Rosé Vodka, the brand has teamed up with Betches Media, the satirical socially-driven authority behind the “rosé all day” lifestyle to collaborate on custom social content, limited-edition merchandise and events rolling out all summer long.
That moment when ten customers ask for salt and rocks margaritas at the same time #seriously? Pat Trevino of Twang, the leading beverage salt manufacturer in the country, says get ready and know which salts you plan to use, way ahead of time! Not all salts, as it turns out, are created equally. Naturally flavored blends of wildly delicious ingredients. Twang-A-Rita is a line of premium cocktail rimmer blends for cocktail…
Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits received the Whole Foods Market 2017 Supplier Award for Outstanding Innovation, recently. The 6th annual Supplier Awards are Whole Foods Market’s highest honor for producer partners who embody its mission and values, namely outstanding innovation, responsible sourcing and commitment to quality standards.
Sean “Diddy” Combs and the makers of CÎROC Ultra Premium Vodka announced the return of Summer Colada, the first flavor named as part of the 2018 CÎROC Summer Collection. Originally released in 2017 as a limited edition, CÎROC is relaunching the liquid due to its success. “This summer we’re bringing back Summer Colada, one of our most successful limited edition variants,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chairman of Combs Enterprises.
Gilles Bogaert, Managing Director in charge of Finance, IT and Operations, has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard EMEA & LATAM. A Comex member, he will report to Alexandre Ricard. Gilles, a graduate of ESCP Europe (France), began his career in 1991 as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Paris, and joined Pernod Ricard in 1995 as Audit & Development Manager. He became CFO of Pernod Ricard Argentina…
The Fladgate Partnership officially announced the declaration of three 2016 Vintage Ports: Taylor Fladgate 2016 Vintage Port, Croft 2016 Vintage Port and Fonseca 2016 Vintage Port; each will be available nationwide beginning in September of this year. In classic Port wine tradition, a vintage is only declared in years that produce exceptional quality.
Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., announced the arrival of Véronique Hombroekx as Managing Director of the Branded Wines division. After a successful career within several international companies developing well-known retail brands, Véronique Hombroekx will bring a new take on the activities of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s Branded Wines division “I am delighted to be joining the team at Baron Philippe de Rothschild…
He ChongYue is one of the most esteemed contemporary artists in the circle of Chinese photographers today. More recently he interpreted the cellars at Lafite in this stunning assembly of insightful imagery. Born in Beijing in 1960, he took up photography in 1984, and mostly works with a wooden chamber camera. His interest in rural life made him a perfect candidate to photograph Lafite. He ChongYue currently lives and works in Beijing…
Broken Shed Distilleries, Inc. announced that Jean-Marie Heins has been named Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Heins will be responsible for the overall marketing strategy and implementation for Broken Shed Vodka, and will report to Samuel A. Brown, Executive Chairman and Jonathan Bailey, Chief Executive Officer and President.
Gran Passione announced the return to its Veneto roots to focus on north-eastern Italian selections beginning this month. The core wines, all imported by Winesellers, Ltd., Gran Passione Rosso Appassimento Veneto IGT, Gran Passione Bianco Veneto IGT and Gran Passione Prosecco DOC Spumante will showcase contemporary flavors and style from the Veneto region.
JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset has expanded with the launch of JCB Spirits — three vodkas (classic, caviar infused and truffle infused) and a gin distilled from a wine-base made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the Côte d’Or in Burgundy. The spirits, which launched early March in selected states, captures the JCB hallmarks of quality and style in a new line that represents an extension of Burgundy beyond wine.
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery, is adding a new beer to its iconic core product portfolio, Yuengling Golden Pilsner, a modern pilsner crafted with the perfect balance of hop and malt character for crisp, smooth refreshment. Born from six generations of brewing expertise, Golden Pilsner is Yuengling’s first year-round beer to debut in 17 years.
Belvedere Vodka just launched a new flavor, or maceration, Ginger Zest. The liquid is a refreshing blend of tangy ginger and juicy spring lemon with a touch of grapefruit. It’s perfect for the season and warmer months ahead, with a unique flavor profile great in a wide variety of drinks. A massively on-trend versatile flavor, ginger’s popularity has soared recently throughout food and drink. That said, there are very few ginger-flavored…
The Mezcal Collaborative and Panorama Mezcal announced The Mezcal Cocktail Mission, a multi-city cocktail competition with Pelotón de la Muerte, aiming to develop an original cocktail that belongs to mezcal using only four ingredients. As the cocktail scene booms, the Mezcal Collaborative, Panorama Mezcal and Pelotón de la Muerte are working towards innovating new mezcal forward cocktails that become synonymous to the spirit. Just as an “Old Fashioned”…
This spring Buffalo Trace Distillery will unveil three new O.F.C. Vintage bourbons. These rare bottles are each vintage dated according to the specific year in which the bourbon was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This vintage release includes bourbon whiskey from the years 1985, 1989 and 1990. The three unique vintages are extremely rare, as only one barrel was bottled from each year noted. Very little whiskey remained…
Multi-award winning rosé wine brand Mirabeau en Provence, takes a bold step introducing premium, appellation-specific Pure Provence rosé in cans this spring. Pure Provence is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Cinsault, sourced from Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC and overseen by Mirabeau winemaker, Nathalie Longefay.
The Last Drop team has introduced its very first Port release—The Last Drop 1870 & 1970 Centenario “Old Colheita” Tawny Port Duo— an exquisite debut spanning 100 years of port that expands the company’s distinctive portfolio to include rare fortified aged wines for the very first time as the company celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary this spring.
In an era when everything can be delivered at the push of a button, ultra-premium cognac D’USSÉ™ has partnered with leading on-demand alcohol delivery service Saucey to deliver the authentic cognac in a completely new way. For those over 21 years old in the US, Saucey has partnered with LA based startup, Boost Inc. to unlock purchasing via social hashtags and text. Simply text the hashtag #DUSSE100 to 81000 to buy…
Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, has revealed its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup available at the Kentucky Derby benefiting the Jennifer Lawrence Arts Fund. Now in its thirteenth year, the 2018 Cup pays tribute to Kentucky by offering a quintessential julep crafted by Woodford Reserve’s newly appointed Assistant Master Distiller, Elizabeth McCall, and Master Distiller, Chris Morris.
Mayacamas, the historic Napa Valley vineyard and winery is pleased to announce the promotion of Braiden Albrecht to winemaker. Braiden manages the winemaking process, under the tutelage of renowned consulting winemaker Andy Erickson. Together they are driven to make classic, long-lived wines that are true to Mayacamas’ iconic style.
The Board of Directors of Box Destilleri AB plans to change the company’s name following the discovery in 2017 of a brand collision. Bacardi-owned whiskey company Compass Box drew attention to the confusion that could arise among whiskey consumers due to the similar names the companies have. Compass Box has long been established in a number of international markets where a risk of conflict exists.
Nearly two years after breaking ground, Lux Row Distillers marked its grand opening with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on its 90-acre property in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky. Joined by Dick Heaton, the mayor of Bardstown, and a crowd of community supporters, the Lux family commemorated the occasion by cutting the ribbon on the 18,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distillery.
Symington Family Estates, the Oporto, Portugal based wine group renowned for its Vintage Ports, officially declares 2016 a Vintage year. This is the fourth Vintage declaration for all of its Port companies since 2000. Each of its long-established Port houses, including W. & J. Graham’s, Dow’s, Cockburn’s, Warre’s, Smith Woodhouse and Quinta do Vesuvio will offer a limited amount of 2016 Vintage Port in the U.S. market early fall.
Craft Whiskey and Bourbon is booming. It’s not just craft beer that is pushing sales up in the liquor category. From millennials to baby boomers, the craft drink movement is growing by double digits. Born in the south, whiskey and bourbon still have the aura of a good-hearted American Outlaw and is perfectly embodied by the deep, rich flavors of the premium, craft whiskies of the Jesse James America’s Outlaw line.
Show your pride for the U. S. of A this Memorial Day and 4th of July with the new and limited Crystal Head Vodka miniature multi-packs. In beautifully colored glass bottles of red, white, and blue, Crystal Head Vodka delivers the same ultra-premium, award-winning vodka in festive patriotic packaging to celebrate some of America’s most momentous days. Contact your distributor for allocation details.
Na Wahine O Kalani is a new nonprofit scholarship fund, founded recently to support the spirit and success of Hawai’i’s emerging female athletes ages 12-18 who compete in any athletic medium. “We have the most incredible young athletes all across the Islands, but most lack access to so many of the opportunities that are taken for granted by young athletes on the Mainland,” said Ashleigh Hutchison, founder of Mana Wines and the new Na Wahine O Kalani nonprofit.
Vintner Robin Baggett, managing partner of Alpha Omega winery in Napa Valley and Tolosa winery in San Luis Obispo, and vintner wife Michelle, have unveiled the Alpha Omega Collective, a new umbrella brand for those two enterprises and their Spanish winery, Perinet. This newly-formed group marks an exciting milestone for the Baggetts and strengthens the connection between all three brands while propelling future growth.
Seven years ago, a group of women in the craft distilling industry banded together, with leadership from Samantha Unger Katz of New York Distilling Company, to form Ladies of American Distilleries (LOAD). This month, Samantha Unger Katz has announced that she is stepping down as the leader of LOAD to focus full-time on her incubator of underrepresented talent in private markets. Karen Hoskin, owner of Montanya Distillers in Colorado…
Checkerbark American Dry Style Gin, Checkerbark Barrel Rested American Dry Style Gin, and WildJune Western Style Gin will are making their debut into the Texas marketplace this month. All three gins feature wild-foraged Texas junipers, which are hand-harvested in the Davis Mountains. Checkerbark Gin has an herbal and floral nose with intense savory and bracing juniper notes thanks to the use of the unique Checkerbark juniper, which is wild-foraged by hand…
Jura Single Malt Whisky is set to launch two new single malt whiskies into the US market, as part of its new range of remarkable whiskies – the Jura Signature Series. Jura 10 which launched exclusively in the US in January 2017 will be joined by the inspiring Jura Seven Wood and a new modern classic in Jura 18.
Half-Seas Sparkling Cocktails has three “true” ready-to-drink canned cocktails to offer. The Bramble, Daiquiri and Paloma are made with real spirits, rather than malt or other fermented alcohols, and a touch of effervescence for craft cocktail quality to enjoy anytime and anywhere. As three commonly recognizable drinks, the newly announced sparkling canned varieties are quality craft cocktails, both elevated and convenient. The Bramble is a cocktail created in 1980s London and the…
Smith Bowman Distillery is announcing a brand new line of signature gins, called Tinkerman’s Gin, produced by the Distillery’s own “tinkerman” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. Smith Bowman Distillery, known for producing award-winning spirits, will be releasing three Tinkerman’s Gin expressions in limited quantities; Citrus Supreme, Sweet Spice and Curiously Bright & Complex.
Inspired by this aunt’s sensitivity wine, 28-year-old (now 31) entrepreneur/scientist James Kornacki created an innovative product that filters out what an estimated three million Americans are sensitive to…sulfites. Üllo is a wine purifier that filters sulfites with Selective Sulfite Capture technology to restore wine to its natural taste, as though you you opened the bottle right at the vineyard.
As Game of Thrones approaches its final season, Brewery Ommegang and HBO Global Licensing are planning to launch the Royal Reserve Collection, a collectible series of four special, limited release beers, each designed and brewed as an homage to one of four epic figures in the battle for the Seven Kingdoms. Packaged as a series, with simple, elegant iconography and sophisticated design representative of
Coffee + Tripel + bourbon barrels = James Bean. James Bean – Allagash Brewing Company’s Belgian-style golden ale that’s aged in bourbon barrels and blended with cold-brewed coffee from local roaster, Speckled Ax – is now shipping. It features a balance of caramel, oak, bourbon, and coffee notes. For its 2018 release, the beer will reach Allagash’s full distribution footprint in 750 mL bottles and 5.17 gallon kegs.
Consumers In New York, Manhattan’s first hands-on, interactive craft beer, wine, spirits and cocktail event space — where attendees learn how to mix, shake and stir beverages — opened to the public recently in the SoHo area. Liquor Lab is the brainchild of president Owen Meyer, who ran a successful one-year pilot, under the same name in Chicago and founded New York’s Wine & Whiskey club (that sells annual memberships to private bar events).
Montelobos Mezcal has partnered with the @WolfConservationCenter for Lobo week that is now until 3/30 to bring awareness to the Mexican gray wolf, aka the lobo. Montelobos is named for the “Mountain of the Wolves” that overlooks Palenque in Santiago Matalán, Oaxaco where the mezcal is crafted. The lobo is a beautiful and unique species…
Bonfort’s Wine
and Spirits Journal is the original business-to-business publication for the alcohol industry.
Founded in 1871.
Reborn in 2018.
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