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Dueling Pistols, Terlato’s Most Disruptive + Innovative Wine So Far

Terlato Wines debuted a new brand, Dueling Pistols, launched with a whole new approach to a campaign. Through a tension-filled label, episodic background story and through the wines themselves, The Dueling Pistol’s wine encompasses two blends from the Paso Robles and Dry Creek Valley regions of California, made of two bold, competing varietals in each bottle (thus the duel), a tension underscored by an origination story that will reveal itself over time.

The Meaning of Sake

Did you know that in the Japanese language the word ‘sake’ merely means ‘alcohol?’ It does not necessarily mean ‘rice wine’ like Western countries have mistakenly defined in our books and our laws.  In Japan the word ‘sake’ can refer to any wine, beer, or even distilled spirit. The Japanese word ‘sake’ is kind of like the colloquial word ‘booze,’ is for Western countries. The correct word in Japanese which refers to rice wine in particular is ‘Seishu.’

Levendi Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2016, 93 Points

Stunning clarity, in a straw crystal clear appearance, this chardonnay epitomizes what Napa fans hope for. Abundant ripe fruit on the nose in the form of dried pineapple is met with less-ripe flavors of apple to alert the senses that something wonderful is about to happen. You’ll spot the perfected balance on the palate, with that tropical fruit flavor bursting through, prompting immediate salivation. It holds back at the end though, so as not to build. Apple again on the aftertaste keeps it fresh. Upon each entry, the process starts again. This is a crowd-pleaser and a safe bet for any on-premise menu.

Texas Senate Bill To Promote Free Market for Package Store Ownership

Legislation introduced in the Texas Senate would remove a decades-old anticompetitive and unconstitutional limit on package store ownership and promote a free and fair market in Texas.

State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, has introduced Senate Bill 645 that would remove the limit on package store ownership and the so-called “consanguinity loophole.”

8 Paddy’s Day Cocktails To Increase Till Totals

St. Patrick’s Day is No.2 in terms of alcohol sales volume in the United States, Fourth of July being No.1. Whether you’re an Irish bar or an Armenian restaurant, there is a place for you on March 17th. Elevate sales by creating a reason to spend. Think beyond the green-beer pitcher and trade-up customers with premium, themed cocktails that support a celebratory mood and increase margins, as well as repeat orders.

Here are 8 quick-to-make cocktails that won’t slow your service, but will increase your till totals.

OZV Is Refreshed and Ready For Roll Out

Lodi -based, Oak Ridge Winery announced a refreshed label for the OZV portfolio which features three expressions of Zinfandel: The OZV Old Vine Zinfandel 2016, OZV Rosé of Primitivo 2018 and its OZV Old Vine Red Blend 2016. OZV is the No.1 Zinfandel in California in its price point and No.4 in the United States, according to recent Nielsen data.

The new label, hitting shelves now, strengthens OZV among Oak Ridge Winery’s key brands including Maggio Family Vineyards, Old Soul, Moss Roxx, and Lodi Estates by recharging its brand identity as it looks to the future.

Bonfort’s Vodka Report 2018

According to the Distilled Spirits Council, vodka has become the backbone of the spirits industry, accounting for 32% of all volume. In 2017, 71.3 million 9-liter cases of vodka were sold in the United States, generating $6.2 billion in revenue for distillers.

The Council states that an important growth driver has been the continued popularity of flavored vodkas as they now account for around 21% of all vodkas sold in the U.S. Today, consumers can enjoy vodkas that have been infused with natural spices, refreshing citrus flavors, raspberry, vanilla and other alternatives.

Brock Schulte’s 5 Holiday Menu Cocktails

Brock Schulte is the Bar Director of The Monarch in Kansas City. Brock is well-known in the business for creating inventive cocktails that are fun to make and even more fun to drink. Who better to ask for tips on how to upsell customers with holiday recipes than one of the country’s wisest creators of cocktails?

“I think guests, towards the holidays, start to get excited about warm cocktails and seasonal spices, things that remind them of their favorite desserts at family get-togethers like pumpkin pie, cherry pie, creme brulee and the like. Things that are great around the fire, chestnut, almond, praline, fig, and date.

Beyond Pinot Grigio: Why You Need Collio Wines

Think of white wines from Northeast Italy and Pinot Grigio may come to mind. The Collio region in the southeastern corner of Friuli-Venezia Guilia makes intriguing Pinot Grigio while taking innovative steps to produce many other captivating white wines. During the renaissance of Italian wine during the 1970s, red Super Tuscans garnered major attention. Meanwhile in Collio, white grape growers chose to nurture their indigenous grapes and also gained renown as a quality wine region. At Press Club in San Francisco, wine director Mauro Cirilli states unequivocally that Collio is the top Italian white wine denomination…

Rabble’s AR App Is Giant Draw For Customers

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…

International Coffee Day Translates Into Broad-Appeal Cocktails

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. The award-winning Koskenkorva Vodka embodies the true spirit of the village in which its made…

Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV, 94 Points

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. Varietal Breakdown: 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier…

New Belgium and Knob Creek Roll Out Oakspire

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…