Silverado Vineyards has appointed Pacific Southern Wine Company, based in Atlanta, to represent the winery in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. “We are delighted to partner with Pacific Southern to enhance our market presence, particularly in key on-premise accounts, and also to increase share of mind within our current distribution network,” explains Pamela Ford, Sales Director, East, Silverado Vineyards.
Among the many casualties to of Hurricane Florence is Blockade Runner Beach Resort in North Carolina. This landmark has been an icon of Wrightsville Beach for 55 years, and announced today it will close for renovations due to damages sustained from Hurricane Florence. “We made the decision following several weeks of analysis and assessments with engineers and experts,” said Mary Baggett, co-owner and operator of the resort with her brother William Baggett. “
In 1797, George Washington’s farm manager, James Anderson, convinced his employer that producing whiskey made from corn and rye grown on the estate would be a natural complement to his milling business. Washington was initially skeptical but soon granted permission to build the 2,250-square-foot distillery, making it among the largest whiskey distilleries in early America. By 1799, Washington produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey, worth the then-substantial sum of $7,500. The distillery ceased operating in 1814 when the building burned.
“It’s an interesting time for wine,” says Jennifer Jones, Vice President, Alcohol for Albertsons/Safeway, and recipient of the Bonfort’s 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. “Domestic sales are steady,” she adds. “Consumers want a new experience, a unique label and to be introduced to new names in winemaking.”Jennifer has earned a reputation as a proactive and trusted advisor and leader on the teams she runs. During her career…
According to the Distilled Spirits Council, sales continue the dramatic upward trend with a record eighth consecutive gain of market share — capturing 36.2 percent of revenue compared to beer and wine. Distilled spirits supplier revenue is up four percent over 2016 driven largely by high-end and super premium spirits products. Consumers are embracing the cocktail scene with the innovation and experimentation that spirits invite. This trend is not just evident in the United States — U.S. spirits, particularly American…
Here’s an opportunity to make your on-premise customers happy and give them a reason to revisit your menu while raising some money for charity. We got some tips from the Brits on how to do Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style, while contributing to this wholly worth cause. Modern European inspired restaurant Aster islaunching boob buns and pink lattes throughout October in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Situated in Victoria, Aster will serve a unique twist on the traditional…
Rabble Wine Company, producer of unconventional wines from California’s Central Coast, launched its augmented reality (AR) app, which brings to life the company’s historic wine labels. The AR label series kick offs with the Rabble Wine Company Red Blend, which animates a colorful print of the city of Florence, initially shown as quiet and bright prior to its dark destruction by Apocalyptic comets. The sophistication of the app is remarkable and as high a standard of AR as anything out there created…
Today is International Coffee Day, and that means new ways to get your on-premise customers reading your cocktail menu. Coffee Day has, of late, turned in International Coffee Weekend which is now turning into International Coffee Week. This unofficial holiday celebrates of the world’s most highly consumed beverages which translates into broad consumer-base appeal for you, so have at it with these 7 enticing recipes we’ve procured for your bar’s quick inclusion.
Lovely ruby red color. Immediate notes or raspberry and chocolate on the nose are reflected on the palate. A lot of vanilla in this one which will either really appeal to you or not. Super soft tannins sacrifice a little of the dimension, but do make for a gentle aftertaste which many consumers like. Blackberry and plum, mocha and ash/tobacco. For $12.99 this is a great value and since its label is also appealing, it’s a smart one to have on your shelf at this price point.
For eight decades Martini has been at it pressing grapes and making wine. Its Sonoma expressions of Cabernet have always been consistent and provide a hallmark of quality from the Dry Creek Valley. The 2015 vintage is no exception. Comprising mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc, this is a rich and layered wine offering notes of blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, and black cherry with a mild tannic structure that makes this extremely drinkable now and a great…
An excellent example of the endlessly effervescent bubbles that should be associated with all champagnes, is found in Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV. Immediately off to a wonderful beginning with an inviting straw yellow color, cream-like nose attributes as well as apricot, followed by a similar experience on the palate. Green apples, with a truly perfectly balanced measure of steel and mousse. Strongly recommend.
New Belgium Brewing and Knob Creek Bourbon have banded together to launch Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale, creating an entirely new style of bourbon barrel ale. Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale is a highly-drinkable bourbon-inspired ale which uses Knob Creek Bourbon-soaked oak spirals and barrel char to impart big, full flavor into New Belgium’s high rye base ale. “We could have simply barrel-aged some ale, or rested beer on barrel staves, but that wouldn’t have given us the amazing freshness…
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High-profiled mixologists competed for first place in the Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum Cocktail Competition which took place on high seas off the coast of California. Well, they were calm seas in the idyllic Marina Del Rey, in Los Angeles but the evening was pretty exciting either way. Josh Diercks, a bartender at A&O Kitchen and Bar in Newport Beach. Josh Diercks, a bartender at A&O Kitchen and Bar in Newport Beach nabbed first place with his creation, Prestige Worldwide…
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Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the largest wine and spirits distributor in North America, has adopted the Wine Scholar Guild’s French Wine Scholar study & certification program to train its employees on the wines of France. Currently, 23 Southern Glazer’s employees have earned the FWS title and post-nominal with 140 more mid-study. “France is one of the most important wine-producing countries on earth,” states Eric Hemer, MW, MS, Senior Vice President and Corporate Director of Wine, Southern Glazer’s.
Like all good things vintage, vodka is making a resurgence (although it remains the world’s most popular spirit) and is officially trending for fall—just in time for National Vodka Day (10/4/18). We’ve got the Top 5 List of Autumnal Vodka Cocktails that will get your customers in the fall and spendy mood. So, take this opportunity to capitalize on National Vodka DayThursday October 4th by changing up your menu and offering something new and for a limited time, to pique customers’ interest and get them grading-up to handcrafted cocktails.
Award-winning Speyside Scotch distillery The Glenrothes has unveiled a striking new range celebrating the rich and colorful origins of the whisky-making journey and its most defining part, the sherry seasoning of the oak casks. The Soleo Collection signals a departure from vintages and reserves to age statements and features five entirely new whiskies: 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old, Whisky Maker’s Cut, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old. The creation of a single-malt whisky goes through many stages. From the selection of the right raw materials…
CIRQ, the winery created in 2009 by renowned pinot noir winemaker and Kosta Browne founder Michael Browne, has kicked off a new chapter with his own estate winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The winery, which has made some of the most beloved pinots in the region over the last decade, moves forward under Browne’s sole leadership, a big deal for the winemaker and consumers alike. “Taking back CIRQ has profound meaning for me,” says Browne. “Launching this brand paid respect to both my family’s colorful…
CIL U.S. Wines & Spirits, the American subsidiary of independent and family-owned CAMUS Wines & Spirits, announced, just in time for OND, the release of CAMUS XO Borderies Family Reserve cognac. Handcrafted from grape to bottle, XO Borderies Family Reserve is a single-estate cognac produced exclusively from the Camus family’s private vineyard in the Borderies cru.
Coca-Cola was, earlier in the week deemed to have shown interest in the CBD (cannabidiol) category, per a statement on Monday that said it was in talks with Canada’s Aurora Cannabis Inc. to develop drinks infused with cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. However, now the soft drink giant states it has no interest in developing CBD-infused beverages.
Dalla Valle’s nearly iconic Napa vineyard is surprisingly just 15 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. From that they are able to extract excellent fruit and consistently craft excellent wines. Supple and earthy with restrained fruit and a surprising acidity, this 2014 fires on all cylinders.
At first there are soft notes of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, bing cherry and raspberry.
Seagram’s Vodka, announced the launch of Tropical Pineapple Vodka as the newest addition to the American-made brand. True to the versatility of the Seagram’s Vodka product line, the pineapple flavor is highly mixable and is sure to be the perfect ingredient for gatherings large and small. Enjoy hints of pineapple in a refreshing cocktail, sipped neat, or over ice. Seagram’s Vodka is five-times distilled and produced with high-quality American grain to ensure a clean, extra smooth taste and no burn.
Today Yuengling’s Jen Yuengling, sixth generation brewer of America’s Oldest Brewery will make a mark for Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans through physical and social activity, as a partner for its Lagers for Heroes program that supports active military, veterans and their families. In celebration of the partnership, Jen is participating in Team RWB’s 5th Annual Old Glory Relay, a 4,300-mile journey where veterans and supporters carry the flag across America to honor and connect those who served our country.
Maison Perrier-Jouët announced the upcoming arrival of Séverine Frerson, who will be working alongside Hervé Deschamps, the Maison’s Cellar Master, who is preparing for his succession after 35 years at the Maison. Hervé Deschamps arrived at Maison Perrier-Jouët in 1983. A decade later, he became the seventh Cellar Master since the Maison was founded over 200 years ago. As a guardian of Perrier-Jouët’s style, he has maintained the floral and…
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Champion and one of the world’s most iconic athletes, Conor McGregor, has Launched Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey with Eire Born Spirits. Available in Ireland and the United States, Proper No. Twelve’s global launch expression is a blend of golden grain and single malt. Twelve is complex and sophisticated yet smooth and approachable with hints of vanilla, honey and toasted wood.
Governor Ralph Northam has declared September as Virginia Spirits Month, marking the third annual celebration designed to educate consumers and travelers about Virginia distilled spirits. “Virginia is the birthplace of American spirits, and our 70 licensed distilleries are a part of the fastest growing sector of the beverage business,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Distilleries brought more than $163 million into our economy in 2017…
Howell Mountain is one of the notable places in Napa for quality Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. The area consists of two types of specific soil; a volcanic ash and iron-rich red clay, and these come to bear in the Ladera Cab. There’s also a provenance to Howell Mountain as it has been producing wine since the 1880s. Ladera’s Reserve Cabernet generously reflects both of these. Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and just 3% Petite Verdot…
“It’s an interesting time for wine,” says Jennifer Jones, Vice President, Alcohol for Albertsons/Safeway, and recipient of the Bonfort’s 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. “Domestic sales are steady,” she adds. “Consumers want a new experience, a unique label and to be introduced to new names in winemaking.”Jennifer has earned a reputation as a proactive and trusted advisor and leader on the teams she runs. During her career…
As a renowned benchmark producer within the Rioja region of Spain, Bodegas LAN is committed to meticulous vineyard management and winemaking. The winery’s signature character is featured throughout its portfolio, which showcases both classic and single vineyard wines that are continuing to please consumer palates all across the US. As distribution has increased on the East and West Coasts…
“Jennifer Jones stands out as a leader in our industry because she is constantly working to gain a competitive advantage. She has an uncanny ability to embrace unorthodox thinking and find creative solutions to any issue or challenge,” so says Shannon Bennett, Team Lead Albertsons Companies at MillerCoors. Jennifer Jones, Vice President Alcohol Sales at Albertsons/Safeway will receive the first Bonfort’s Lifetime Achievement Award on September 14th for outstanding performance in alcohol retailing, and MillerCoors thinks that sounds about right.
Blake Van Treese has joined Napa-based Last Bottle Wines as the company continues to expand its offerings amid steady growth. “Blake’s skills in wine buying, marketing, and management, along with and deep roots in the Valley are a perfect complement to how we acquire and sell wine,” said co-owner Cory Wagner of Last Bottle, “And we are excited to have him with us as we launch our newest venture.”
Mendocino’s Anderson Valley has made a name for itself with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Roederer Estate takes advantage of that using only estate sourced fruit for their premier sparkler, L’Ermitage. The Mendocino winery was founded in 1981, and this wine is overseen by winemakers from both Anderson Valley and the Roederer Estate in France. L’Ermitage is comprised of 52 percent Chardonnay and 28 percent…
The Beach Whiskey Company has announced four new major hires. “We continue to be encouraged by the response to Beach Whiskey and American Harvest Organic Vodka from retailers, distributors and consumers,” said Chuck Trout, CEO of the Beach Whiskey Company. “As a result of our success with national chains in the on- and off-premise, we’ve expanded our sales leadership and are thrilled to announce three new additions to the Beach Whiskey Company team.”
Nine Banded Whiskeyhales from Austin, Texas, a product of the city’s creativity and originality. Like Austin, NIne Banded prides itself on being able to bring people together, and to that end it brought Kyle Herman, President of the brand, and me together where I got to grill this spirits veteran on his new product, the shape of the industry today and what’s coming next for the ever-growing American whiskey category?
Conecuh Brands will release Clyde May’s Straight Rye Whiskey on September 1st of this year. The newest addition to the Clyde May’s line up is aged a minimum of 3-years and bottled at 47% ABV. “Right now, Clyde May’s Straight Rye Whiskey is at its peak in terms of flavor profile and taste. Given the excellence of the product and current market trends, this is the perfect time to release this new expression,” says Roy Danis, President and CEO Conecuh Brands.
They ignited a new wave of vodka culture with their eye-popping ad campaigns in the late 1970s and ‘80s. They introduced a new spectrum of flavor possibilities to the spirit category and drove a Cosmo-ic frequency in the 1990s. They pinpointed ways to make vodka seem cool again to the hot hands of craft bartending in the early 2000s. How can Absolut Vodka drive category innovation in the second decade of the 2000s? Instead of forcing a premium upgrade…
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Labor Day is a few weeks away, and the holiday weekend is considered the last official summer getaway for wine lovers all across the U.S.A. Planning an escape wouldn’t be complete without the ideal beverage to accompany your trip. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, a beachfront barbecue, enjoying some gourmet grilling on the patio or just sitting and sipping in the sun, rosé pairs perfectly with so…
In 1975 Calera’s first wine made its way to the public. Calera, which is Spanish for “lime kiln” – a reference to the limestone kiln still on the property today – is located in the Gavilan Mountains, east of Monterey Bay in San Benito County. This site was chosen to plant Chardonnay specifically because of its limestone soils, which is clearly evident in this wine. What’s so compelling is the zesty-ness…
Spirits maverick Steven Grasse (creator of the Hendrick’s Gin brand), and his Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile team are on a mission to make the newly launched Old Hampshire Applejack Whiskey the official state spirit of New Hampshire. With a TV campaign across television, radio, print and digital media proposing Old Hampshire Applejack as the official New Hampshire state spirit…
In 1974 Sonoma’s Landmark Vineyards was founded by a group that included Damaris Deere Ford, the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere, inventor of the first steel plow. Now she has a Chardonnay named after her. Pulling fruit exclusively from the cool Lakeville section of the Petaluma Gap this was aged for 15 months in French oak, just 35 percent of which was new. The Damarias is an amalgam of soft notes of crème brulee, guava, lemon custard, lime kefir, pear, red delicious apple, with back notes of pistachio…
Durham Distillery of North Carolina, which makes gin, liqueur, and vodka has entered the ready-to-drink category. A signature gin and tonic and a vodka and soda are the first products in a line of canned cocktails made right with the distillery’s award-winning spirits. It’s the first distillery to-market canned cocktails in North Carolina and two of only a handful offered across the U.S.
Foam has become a new content feed. The Ripple Maker, a Wi-Fi enabled countertop device prints content on top of a variety of foam-topped drinks. To continue providing companies new ways to engage with customers, today Ripples unveiled a new device, the Ripple Maker PM, with the capability to print personalized content onto foam-topped cocktails in addition to beer in seconds, and an upcoming Ripples ChatBot.
China is notorious for the adulteration of wine and the relabeling of inferior wines to more expensive brands, making it a safe haven for counterfeit products. However, a recent landmark case in favor of the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB or Bordeaux Wine Council), which represents more than 7,000 Bordeaux-based wine producers, against wine counterfeiters selling fake editions of some of the…
Jamie Kutch seems to love plots of land that reflect their unique characteristics. The fruit from this wine from McDougall Vineyard, an elevation of just over 900 feet and a scant three and a half miles from the Pacific Ocean on the Sonoma Coast, shows what he can do with the right fruit and vineyard. Dijon clone 114 was whole cluster pressed (and punched down by foot), then aged sur lie for…
Mallory Uran McEligot has been promoted to the position of Director of Membership and Events at Silver Trident Winery, according to an announcement by Bob Binder, the winery’s founder and proprietor. “We’re pleased to recognize Mallory’s contribution to our team and add to her responsibilities as we attract more customers to our wines,” he said. “She has been an instrumental part of our team, helping to grow our membership base and foster valuable relationships with all guests.”
When wine writer Gabriel Geller heard about the man behind Covenant Winery, he knew it was an inspiring story, one worth telling. “It’s a story of faith, entrepreneurship, and chutzpah,” he says. In 2002, Jeff Morgan was at a winemaking conference in Napa Valley, CA when an intriguing topic came up: why aren’t there more good kosher wines? The question led the journalist-turned-winemaker on a quest to produce not …
Argyle Winery, begun in 1987 in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, has always focused on Pinot Noir, and their Nuthouse label elevates traditional Oregon Pinot even a step further. Pulled exclusively from their Lone Star vineyard, planted in 1997 and currently at 140 acres, it uses clones Pommard, 667, 115, and 777, to craft a delicate, earthen and subtle wine. There’s a very pretty floral nose to this — rose hips…
Last year Bourbon reached 20 million cases in the United States — that’s a growth rate of about 30 percent since 2010. With warehouses filled to capacity, bourbon is just at the beginning of its return from the ashes after the vodka category burst its bubble back in the ‘70s. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, new educational and historical campaigns, a cool factor for the mixology space and the truly stellar standard across many of the brands responsible for growing this category makes this spirit the one to watch…
It seems that lately there’s a day for pretty much any noun you can think of, but for on- and off-premise licensees honing in on Malbec Day or Margarita Day can mean a boost in profits and a reason to email your customer list. This coming Tuesday is National Sweet Tea Day (August 21st) and that means an opportunity for bars to connect customers with a one-day only menu that celebrates the occasion.
Alexandrion Group, Romania’s largest spirits producer, announced site plan approval by the Planning Board of the Town of Carmel for the construction of its first U.S. distillery in Mid-Hudson, Putnam County, NY. The new distillery will produce premium spirits tailored to the U.S. market, such as whiskey, bourbon, gin, brandy and vodka, and will export these new products to the 50 countries that Alexandrion Group is currently supplying around the world.
The judging process for the specialty spirit categories began with a 100% double blind tasting preliminary round, with the best spirits advancing to the Sweepstakes Rounds, where the Double Gold and The Best of Show Categories were awarded. During the competition, all the spirits in their respective and specific subcategories are sampled together as flights, evaluated from color to finish, and scored by each one of the spirits judges in the flight.
Every holiday is an opportunity to boost sales. On-premise readers can benefit the first Monday in September by changing up their cocktail list to make customers feel a sense of occasion, as well as urgency. Nothing says “buy me” like an item that won’t be there tomorrow. Here are 8 Labor Day-inspired cocktails that scream “Summer’s not over yet!”
Tequila brand, Código 1530 announced distribution in 48 U.S. states, with product hitting the shelves of retailers nationwide will begin this month. The new distribution plan solidifies Código 1530 Tequila’s existing relationship with Southern Glazers, which currently distributes the product in 45 U.S. States, and establishes a new presence with other local distributors, including Martignetti Companies…
If you thought having the talk was awkward, try making condoms for a living like the family team behind the Wine Condom. Wine Condoms is more than the ultimate protection for one’s Pinot–it’s a family-run enterprise. The edgy bottle stopper with the tongue-in-cheek tagline “Screw the Cork, Use a Condom,” is the creation of millennial entrepreneur Mitch Strahan and his 51-year-old mom Laura Bartlett.
The Stags Leap District in Napa is truly one of the most consistent and alluring Cabernet Sauvignon regions in all of California, and Shafer Vineyards has long helped to keep Cabernet at its rightful prominent in this AVA. Silky and velvety with mild tannic structure, the 2015 iteration of Shafer’s One Point Five starts off with a noticeable burst of riper red fruit at the beginning, followed by blackberry…
Lonerider Brewing Company, an award-winning company brewing ales for outlaws, announced today the launch of sister craft distillery Lonerider Spirits. Lonerider Spirits’ first distilled spirit, a bourbon whiskey finished in sherry casks, will be released this fall in North Carolina and soon thereafter in the other eight states where Lonerider already has a presence. A second spirit is planned for 2019. It will retail for just under $40.
The biodynamically farmed wines of Hawk and Horse Vineyards are now represented by Skyland Distributing Company. “We are honored to represent this distinguished winery,” says Brian Eddington, General Manager, Skyland Distributing Company. “As a biodynamic producer from Lake County, they are leading the way in producing distinctive and delicious wines,” he added.
The Savoy’s American Bar won three significant prizes at the 12th Annual Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans 2018; Best International Bar Team, Best International Hotel Bar, and the Award’s most prestigious prize, World’s Best Bar. Winning at the highly regarded Tales Of The Cocktail is the perfect addition to what has been an exciting past year for the world renowned American Bar…
Cascade Brewing recently released its Kriek 2017 project on draft and in a new 500ml bottle format. The product is a blend of sour red ales aged in oak wine barrels for up to 17 months with more than 16,000 lbs. of fresh Bing and sour pie cherries. The beer features complex flavors of cherries, roast malts, oak and spice, and comes in at 7.7 percent ABV.
The world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky has launched the fourth and newest concept in its Experimental Series with Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, a smoky whisky finished in sweet rum casks with an SRP of $49.99. Fire & Cane is inspired by the early innovation of Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, who ran peated spirit through the Glenfiddich stills for the first time in 2003, birthing the concept. Fire & Cane …
Viognier – that weird wine, the outlier, mis-pronounced and mis-produced, far too often resulting in a weird amalgam of perfume and cologne. There are about 3,000 acres planted in California alone and though still considered an obscure wine (though Texas and Virginia do well with the grape), it is not a strong sell to the public at retail. But when Viognier is understood and produced with care for the grape and its historical context …
Four Roses has selected premier grower Jackson & Perkins as its partner to launch a special edition rose to commemorate the brand’s 130th anniversary. The rose is available via JacksonAndPerkins.com and will retail for $26.95. The plants will begin shipping August 17 to open plant zones. “Four red roses have been synonymous with our brand since the legend began in 1888,” said Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott.
It seems as though anything with the name IPA attached to it sells out the door, all day long. With that in mind, on-premise licensees would be running away from profits if they weren’t to monetize National IPA Day this August 2nd. With the help of Coopers’ Craft Bourbon, here are five outstanding IPA cocktails assembled by bartenders from around the country, with which to treat IPA-happy customers.
The frozen cocktail is becoming a thing of the past, and there are a few reasons why. Smoky brown spirits are hugely popular, with mezcal replacing tequila in many Palomas and whiskey forming the basis of what were once traditional gin cocktails, like the Negroni. Egg-white whipped cocktails in coupe glasses are making an appearance on most cocktail menus alongside several mule variations. The frozen cocktail simply isn’t cool anymore.
Great vineyards produce great fruit. What a winemaker does with that fruit is another matter, and not all winemakers are sensitive to what they have been given. The 2015 LaZarre Pinot Noir comes from the La Encantada Vineyard in Santa Barbara’s Santa Rita Hills, one of Santa Barbara’s premiere vineyards and a plot originally planted by pioneering Pinot producer Richard Sanford. There is an elegance that comes, not from a talented winemaker manipulating…
Founder and Winemaker Josh Phelps released his first rosé from his American wine label, Grounded Wine Company, Space Age, a Grenache rosé from Paso Robles, California. Made from 100% Grenache grapes from three select parcels in the Paso Robles appellation, the rosé showcases California terroir with an elegant expression of the popular pink wine. “Grounded wines demonstrate how choices made by a winemaker can influence a wine, and Space Age is…
The Mendoza 2015 harvest was “saved by the heavy rains” and low temperatures that were observed in Mendoza in February, allowing the grapes to achieve better balance and slow ripeness as well as to maintain their freshness and subtle mouthfeel, which was critical after the high temperatures that were registered from winter to summer and the premature phenology that it caused. The harvest…
Arizona Distilling Company has named San Diego-based bartender, Erick Castro as its newest partner. Castro will be involved with the brand on a multi-faceted level, including research and development, overall strategy and cocktail development, as well as executing ongoing tastings and trainings as he advocates for the brand across the U.S., and soon globally. “As a long time fan of Arizona Distilling Company, I am thrilled to come on board as partner, and to be given…
The on-premise business is not an easy one. Occasionally, however, we meet serial success restaurateurs and can’t help but wonder what they’re doing that others are not. Among LA’s newest arrivals are Cornwall-themed English pub, The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse, on Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, and spacious urban, light-filled 6th & La Brea, located in the epicenter of Los Angeles. Artisanal Brewers Collective, the group which launched these two brewery…
So many alcohol brands, and so little shelf space. How is a brand to break through the clutter, grab the consumer and make a connection? Natasha Swords, Bonfort’s Editor in Chief reports. From a retailer point of view, it’s important to understand the overall process of brand marketing. Next time a big brand asks you for more space behind the bar, or better positioning near the cash register…
The United States Bartenders’ Guild together with Lucid Absinthe Supérieure have announced the selection of the five finalists in the 2018 Cocktail Classique, a national mixology competition which has sought to identify the talent behind the most creative cocktails using Lucid Absinthe. Each of the finalists topped ten other competitors to win their regional semi-finals, held this year during March – July, and will journey to the Finals in New Orleans on August 20, 2018.
Brewery Ommegang and HBO Licensing & Retail have announced the newest beer in their collaborative series inspired by the award-winning drama Game of Thrones! Mother of Dragons, a beer brewed for Daenerys Targaryen, is the third beer in this year’s Royal Reserve Collection, a series of four limited release beers, each designed and brewed as an homage to one of four epic figures engaged in the battle for the Seven Kingdoms.
Chivas Regal has revealed the 21 national winners heading to the United Kingdom to compete to be crowned Chivas Masters Global Champion 2018. For the first time, the Chivas Masters Global Final (taking place from 24th-28th June) will return to Chivas’s roots with the five-day finale starting at the Strathisla distillery in Speyside, the home of Chivas, before culminating in London, one of the most exciting and diverse cocktail capitals in the world.
Audrey Formisano is in-house “Tequilera” at Marriott Puerto Vallarta, a luxury resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. A native of France, she earned a degree in service and hotel management as well as her Sommelier Certification. One would think that Audrey would be in France teaching about wine, but instead, she enjoys everything Tequila and being in the sun. She started working at Marriott Puerto Vallarta in 2003, and immersed in the native…
You might be surprised to know that Washington State is the second largest wine producer in the U.S. behind California. And yet Washington wine is still something of a mystery. Sure, grapes were first planted in 1825 in the Evergreen State, but it has not been able to brand itself the way California, even Oregon’s Willamette Valley, have done.
The world-renowned American Bar at The Savoy appointed Maxim Schulte as its new Head Bartender. Previously helping to shape Asia’s bar scene at The Ritz Carlton in Macau, 29-year-old Schulte will be joining the American Bar’s award winning team on 20 August 2018 and embarking with them on the latest exciting journey in the history of London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar. German born, Maxim started his career in Hamburg
Tequila day is right around the corner and this year, instead of serving straight shots, spice up your bar’s selection with these cocktails. The first being Prickled Pink. Centered around Pink Agua de Tuna, this cocktail is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Your customers will be consuming with delight as the prickly pear puree pairs perfectly with Milagro Silver, lime juice, and agave nectar.
Most people view the stifling heat of summer as only a con, but honestly, without this oppressive time of year the fun and fruity cocktails wouldn’t taste half as good. Drinking a strawberry mojito in anything less than 80 degrees just doesn’t seem right. So we take the good with the bad and we thank whatever makes lemon, lime and rum go so well together. Listed below are a few
High-end Cabernet Sauvignon is a dominant force in Napa. Admittedly however many are variations on a theme – big brooding wines with a hefty price tags that are indistinguishable from each other. Chappellet has long been an authoritative maker of quality wines out of Napa, most notably their Cabernet’s, and the 2015 shows why. This wine offers smooth and delightful black cherry, cassis, blueberry pie notes, cedar and blackberry, but there…
Chenin Blanc in the U.S. is not only under appreciated, but typically misunderstood. California versions want to abandon their Loire Valley roots and create an entirely different animal. For an American market, that might be okay. But true articulated versions of Chenin, a delicate and nuanced grape, needs guidance and that inspiration and historical context hails directly the Loire. Though Lang & Reed also make a Napa version of Chenin…
Eastciders Greyhound. Created by Taffy Rhyne at Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbone in Austin, Texas. Ingredients: 3 oz Austin Eastciders Ruby Red Grapefruit Cider, 1.5 oz Deep Eddy Vodka, 0.5 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 5 oz Scrappy’s Grapefruit Bitters, Slice of grapefruit. Method: Fill glass with crushed ice. Add vodka, lime juice, simple syrup and grapefruit bitters to glass. Top with Austin Eastciders Ruby Red Grapefruit Cider. Stir. Garnish with…
Bonfort’s Editor-in-Chief, Natasha Swords talked to Joe Wagner, possibly the industry’s most trail-blazing personality, about his most recent venture, Copper Cane Wine & Provisions. After his sale of Pinot Noir brand, Meomi for $315 million, Joe quickly created Copper Cane, a luxury brand collective that focuses on decadence. Steeped in family winemaking history, Joe is that perfect, accidental balance of depth of tradition and knowledge matched with an inherent compulsion
Tequila Don Julio has released Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Double Cask, a limited-edition Reposado tequila finished in casks used in the making of Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky. Inspired by Don Julio González’s innovative spirit and passion to take the art of tequila making to new heights, current Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa is continuing the legacy by producing a truly unique tequila. The latest variant to the portfolio is a rich and…
In many cases a wine is greater than the sum of its parts and this holds true for the 2016 iteration of MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, utilizing fruit from five different sites. To keep that fruit in prime expression this wine was whole cluster pressed, after which 15% of the wine stayed in stainless steel while the rest went into both new and used oak. A smart decision as this…
If there is ever a time to get your patrons to spend a little more on a cocktail, summer is it. The readiness to try new things is never higher, and paired with the heat, your customers will be convinced that a cocktail is the perfect solution. And besides, it wouldn’t hurt to make your bar menu stand out a bit more from the competition.
Suerte, the small-batch, single-distillery tequila maker, announced today the release of its Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo in 50 ml bottles. “In the six years since we started Suerte Tequila, we have watched the brand expand and reach new audiences nationwide. We hope that by introducing 50mL bottles of Suerte, more people will try and love our traditionally-crafted tequila,” said Suerte Co-founder Laurence Spiewak.
Americans consume 117 billion drinks every year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Hungover workers who trudge to the office after a night of tying one on cost the U.S. economy $160 billion annually in lost workplace productivity. What all of this means is that Americans are buying hangover cures to the tune of almost $2 billion dollars in the U.S. alone. Now are you interested?
Winemaker, Marshall Stuart started out his career in 1988, working with Carl Key at Keyways Winery in Temecula, California. While working there he completed his Bachelors Degree in Winemaking, Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis one of the most renowned viticulture and enology programs in the world. In 1994 Marshall purchased his own property and, subsequently, opened his own winery in 1988, Stuart Cellars. When he closed
If timing is everything, then Shaw Ross International Importers, LLC has nailed it with the release of Danzante Prosecco. Known for its Pinot Grigio, the addition of this Prosecco adds of bit of sparkle to its portfolio in one of the hottest U.S. wine categories. “Danzante Prosecco offers a uniquely refined taste profile for the upscale, luxury prosecco drinker,” said Alessandro Bernini, Shaw Ross International Importers, LLC, Italian Portfolio Manager.
Altos Tequila has unveiled the next phase of its celebrated educational Tequila programme; The Tahona Society Collective Spirit. The contest challenges bartenders to come up with a new sustainable initiative, event or project that benefits bar staff, customers, the community or the environment – in a bid to win a $50,000 grant to bring the concept to life in their home bar. A new approach to cocktail competitions, the evolution of…
Suerte, the small-batch, single-distillery tequila maker, today announced that Joe Menetre has joined the team as Vice President of Sales. “Demand for Suerte has been growing rapidly over the last couple of…
In South Texas, escaping scorching temperatures – which easily peak past 100 degrees – with a refreshing, tropical cocktail is a way of life. At San Antonio’s oldest bar, The Esquire Tavern, Beverage Director Houston Eaves plays with fitting summertime fruit ingredients and thoughtful seasonal spirits, like pineapple and passionfruit to Mexican agave liquor and Jamaican rum. Just the names of Esquire Tavern’s Desert Bird and Sea of Confusion offer respite to local patrons…
Flavored spirits are always a challenge, in large part because one of the reviewer’s tasks is to suggest a prospective place in the cocktailian’s toolkit. That said, while not an extraordinary sipper, I think this Nemiroff entry has a place in that toolkit. Cocktail Recommendation: A classically-rendered Sherry Cobbler, but with the Nemiroff Honey Pepper Vodka subbing for sherry, resulting in a comparatively high-proof refresher served over pebbled ice.
Chardonnay is the most planted and most widely consumed wine (red or white) in the U.S. It has become as American as the proverbial apple pie. Chardonnay’s diversity means it can be light and crisp like stainless steel versions, the big oak and butter bomb, a late harvest iteration, to Champagnes and sparklers of the highest order. Napa’s Frank Family Chardonnay has always been a very consistent wine…
Embrace the authentic flavors of Mexican heritage and cuisine, all from the taste and texture of its unsung hero, the tortilla. The recipe below brings together all the ingredients that makeup Chef Aarón Sánchez and Tequila Cazadores new tortilla-making competition, the Tortilla Awards.
Fourth of July cocktails do it best when they’re as visually captivating as they are delicious. Steering clear of cheap mixers and focusing on fresh ingredients not only makes for a more well-crafted cocktail, but it also presents the opportunity to embrace ingredients with rich colors for a striking and decadent presentation. The Freshest Sangrita, Created by Jaime Salas, National Milagro Tequila Ambassador. Ingredients: 4 Parts Milagro Silver Tequila made…
The Sexton was officially launched in the United States in November 2017. It’s a modern malt that came to market during the explosive rise of the Irish Whiskey category and represents…
Argentina. Agüero’s Argentinian Buck. Ingredients: 1.5 oz Fernet-Branca. Splash of lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with Lime Wedge. Inspiration: For the refined palate that seeks something a little laid back — a pleasantly bitter and minty liqueur mixes gracefully here with the spicy, earthy kick of carefully brewed ginger beer. An instant classic!
The Santa Lucia Highlands, located in Monterey County has established itself on a singular variety – Pinot Noir. Sure, there are more than a dozen other varieties planted on the mountain slopes and the bench that sits above the Salinas Valley, but Pinot Noir in Santa Luca is like hand and glove. And in Monterey, Scheid has long established itself as one of the leading wineries with 4,000 acres of vineyards.
In under five years, Florida’s beer scene has blown up but in a cultish way. Florida is America’s fastest-growing state for craft breweries where innovators are finding a welcoming home. One of those breweries is Concrete Beach Brewery, est. 2015, helmed by Head Brewer, Eric Hernandez whose journey from the food manufacturing industry, to homebrewer to head brewer is a riveting tale of success in the frantic race to make kick-ass craft beer. Bonfort’s very own Judi Laing sat down with Eric to chat about what it takes to break through the noise in an increasingly competitive category.
Resolute Wines, ironically changed its name, but its liquid in the bottle is as consistent and high-scoring as ever. The brand is now officially ÆRENA Wines. Featuring distinctive bottlings from both well-known and emerging appellations, ÆRENA Wines creates authentic California wines that embody a sense of place and decidedly drinkable point of view.
We Baby Boomers learned all about wine in our immediate post-drinking-age years. We helped create a “wine culture” in America, in which you’d darn well better know the difference between a Napa Valley Chardonnay, and the same grape variety as grown in Chablis….or why the tricky harvest of 1964 in Bordeaux created successful wines at some properties, poor wines at others. Cocktails? The old folks had them sometimes…as in “screwdrivers,” or vodka with orange juice. And that was about it, for then. But…..Apres ça…le deluge.
What do George Clooney, David Beckham, Bob Dylan, Matthew McConaughey, Jay Z, Ryan Reynolds, Drake, Connor McGregor, Darius Rucker, Channing Tatum and at least a dozen more celebrities have in common? They’ve each matched their own branding to hard liquor. Ben Woo is based in Los Angles as managing director with global business strategy firm, RedSky Insights.
It may seem innocuous but there is more Sauvignon Blanc planted in Napa than any other county in California. Historical data shows that Sauvignon Blanc was first planted in the Livermore Valley in the late 1800s in the Golden State and a comprehensive culmination of that history is exhibited in the Cliff Lede iteration. The first whiff of the nose tells you exactly what this is.
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The only problem any master distiller could find with a brand like Woodford Reserve is, well, that’s it’s as close to perfect as you can get. So, what’s left to discuss you ask, and quite rightly? The problem is that if you’re adding to the brand’s portfolio then every addition must also, then, be perfect, or what’s the point? And define perfect? This writer’s perfect may not be your …
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.
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.
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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