Global Spirit Awards Winners Announced

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 th… Read the rest

8 Labor Day-Inspired Cocktails To Boost Your Menu, Sept. 3rd

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 wo… Read the rest

Código 1530 Tequila Establishes Nationwide Distribution Across U.S.

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 Glazer… Read the rest

Wine Condoms Break $1M in Sales

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 wit… Read the rest

Lonerider Spirits’ 8-State Rollsout Begins in N.C.

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 rele… Read the rest

Biodynamic Wines from Lake County Go National With Skyland

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 biody… Read the rest

Savoy’s American Bar Wins World’s Best Bar at Tales

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… Read the rest

Cascade Kriek 2017 Released On Draft and 500ml Btls

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. T… Read the rest

Glenfiddich Releases New Concept Fire & Cane

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 b… Read the rest

Four Roses Picks Official Flower Grower for 130 Year Anniversary

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 beg… Read the rest

National IPA Day Highly Monetizable

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… Read the rest

6 Frozen Cocktails That Won’t Embarrass Your Bar

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, lik… Read the rest

Josh Phelps Releases His First Rosé, Space Age

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 appell… Read the rest

Mendoza 2015 Vintage That Was Saved By Rains Releases Stunner

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… Read the rest

Erick Castro Joins Arizona Distilling Co

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 wel… Read the rest

Artisanal Brewers Collective’s Noah Regnery Says “Be Authentic”

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… Read the rest

How The Brands You Stock Connect With Consumers

Photo: Andy England 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 import… Read the rest

Lucid Absinthe Cocktail Classic Finalists’ Names Released

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 cre… Read the rest

Mother of Dragons, Third Beer in Game of Thrones Launches

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’… Read the rest

21 Bartenders Head To Scotland For Chivas Masters Competition

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… Read the rest

What You Can Learn From A Tequilera

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 Aud… Read the rest

The Savoy’s American Bar Appoints Maxim Schulte New Head Bartender

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… Read the rest

Tequila Day Cocktails to Spice Up Your Bar

Prickled Pink by Jaime Salas, National Milagro Tequila Ambassador 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 aro… Read the rest

5 Cool Summertime Cocktails to Heat Up Your Menu

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 r… Read the rest

8 New Recipes To Stir Up A Beer Cocktail Menu This Summer

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 Sl… Read the rest

Copper Cane’s Joe Wagner Says Just “Go With Your Palate”

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… Read the rest

Tequila Don Julio Releases First Innovation in Six Years

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 ta… Read the rest

Wine Of The Week: 2017 Veramonte Carménère – 90 Points

When you visit Chile as I did in 2017 you are privy to an abundance of Carménère. Though not as widely planted as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère has become Chile’s signature grape and they have become the de facto single best producer of it in New Wor… Read the rest

5 Cocktail Recipes to Spruce Up Your Bar’s Summer

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 b… Read the rest

Suerte Targets Small Format Consumers With 50 ml Bottles

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 na… Read the rest

Are You Tapping Into The $2 Billion Hangover Market?

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 product… Read the rest

Marshall Stuart: Big and Bold Like Winemaker, Like Wines

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, Davi… Read the rest

Shaw Ross Taps Into Upscale Prosecco Consumer With Danzante

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. win… Read the rest

Altos Tequila Bartender Competition Puts Up $50,000

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,… Read the rest

Joe Menetre Is New VP At Suerte Tequila

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 years and we want to capitalize on the stro… Read the rest

Cocktails To Serve The Parched In Three Digit Temperatures

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 wit… Read the rest

Cazadores Kicks Off The Tortilla Awards

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-mak… Read the rest

9 Red, White, and Blue Cocktails to Serve Up on the Fourth of July

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… Read the rest

What Is It With The Sexton?

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 the changing face of Ireland – capturing the heritage and provenan… Read the rest

14 Recipes For Your World Cup Soccer Cocktail Menu

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 l… Read the rest

How To Compete in Florida’s Beer Scene Boom

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. 20… Read the rest

Resolute Wines Now ÆRENA Wines

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 … Read the rest

Millennial Drinkers Get their “Woodstock” in Brooklyn

Written by David Rosengarten, Two Times James Beard Award Winner and renowned Author and Chef. Main image above: Peter Iglesias, C.O.O. at Royal Dutch Distillery. Photo Credit: Amjed Osman Photography. A veteran wine writer, a Baby Boomer like me, wa… Read the rest

Celebrity Branding Is Shortest Path To Shelf Space

Main picture: David Beckham for Haig Club Whisky. 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?… Read the rest

WoW: 2017 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc, 92 Points

Wine of the Week By Michael Cervin 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… Read the rest

Master Distiller Chris Morris’s Newest Inspiration is Steeped in Kentucky Tradition

By Natasha Swords, Editor-in-Chief The only problem any master distiller could find with a brand like Woodford Reserve is, frankly, that it’s as close to perfect as you can get. “So, what’s left to discuss?” you ask, and quite rightly. Th… Read the rest

Old Forester Returns Home

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 histor… Read the rest

10 Wine Labels That Crush Custom Branding

Contributed by Stephanie Sharlow, Chief Editor at DesignRush The 7 Deadly Zins 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… Read the rest

Bonfort’s Gin Category Report, And Leaders of the Splinter Segments

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… Read the rest

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey Released Nationally

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, wh… Read the rest

Hendrick’s Mastermind Launches New Bourbon Infused With Oil From Beaver Castor Sacs

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 bo… Read the rest

Wine Of The Week: 2016 Shooting Star Barbera , 90 Points

By Michael Cervin 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 makin… Read the rest

This RTD Negroni Levels Field For Off-Premise

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… Read the rest

Hamilton Distillers Selling Off Discounted Whiskey Barrels

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 p… Read the rest

Fever Tree Takes Direct Control of U.S. Operations

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,… Read the rest

Anheuser Busch’s Michael Taylor Is New CEO At Green Flash Brewing

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 foc… Read the rest

Father’s Day Covered For Your High-End Customers

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… Read the rest

6 Bars That Know How To Kill It During Negroni Week

Caffè Umbria’s Negroni Elixir Recipe: 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 hav… Read the rest

Bonfort’s Wine of The Week: Graham’s 20 Year-Old Tawny Port, 93 Points

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-Y… Read the rest

Pahlmeyer Adds The Jayson Sauvignon Blanc

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-prem… Read the rest

Dave Phinney on Why Now?

Photographer: Margaret Pattillo 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… Read the rest

Mina Group Hires Bar Back USA to Seek Out New Opps

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 portfol… Read the rest

5 Memorial Day Champagne Cocktails To Boost Your Bottom Line

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… Read the rest

Bonfort’s Wine of The Week Locations “F”

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, Portug… Read the rest

Redbreast Dream Cask Sells Out Same Day Of Release

Apprentice Blender, Dave McCabe, and Master Blender, Billy Leighton, taste one of just 816 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask to mark World Whisky Day 2018 over the weekend. If you were hoping to sell Redbreast Dream Cask, you’re out of luck. Irish Dist… Read the rest

Southern Glazer’s Moves Into Cannabis Distribution

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 ma… Read the rest

Martini Invites U.S. Bartenders to Cycling Weekend in Italy

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… Read the rest

Bulleit Bourbon Visitor Center to Create 30 New Jobs

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… Read the rest

Casa Noble’s Pepe Hermosillo Talks The Tequila Space

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. Mexico’s Casa Noble has enjoyed a rich and noble tradition since 1776, whe… Read the rest

Yeungling Supports Sales with New Ad Campaign

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, We… Read the rest

Take Control of your Sampling Costs

For any brand, sampling and ambassador expense-tracking are dreaded chores that never result in any sort of accurate accounting. But restaurants need to sample brands before they take them on, and brands need to factor in the cost of sampling in orde… Read the rest

Bisol Relaunches Its Prosecco Collections

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,… Read the rest

How to Mitigate Waste with Food Well Spent

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 plas… Read the rest

Campari Kicks Off Espolòn-Deadpool Campaign

  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,… Read the rest

6 Top Mixologists Weigh in on Mezcal

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… Read the rest

4 Easy-To-Sell Rosés This Mother’s Day

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… Read the rest

Bob Dylan’s New Whiskey Hits Six States

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 handc… Read the rest

RNDC Takes On Playa Real Tequila in TX + CO

The Davis Spirits Company has announced the launch of Playa Real Premium Tequila, an Austin-based tequila brand with a lineup of three 100% blue agave 80-proof, triple-distilled tequilas. Included in the portfolio is one premium Silver tequila and tw… Read the rest

10 Perfect Father’s Day Gifts You Already Stock

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. Dads collect whisky, not socks but it’s up to… Read the rest

Mezcal: To Be Noble is to Be Sustainable

Bob Murphy, CFO at Wolfsheim Spirits (importers of Noble Coyote) explains to Bonfort’s why mezcal is the exception to the rule when it comes to the spirits category. The mezcal category is, afoot. That is, while its growth and potential are cur… Read the rest

Abraham Bowman Sweet XVI Released

A. Smith Bowman Distillery has just released the Abraham Bowman Sweet XVI Bourbon. 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.… Read the rest

8 Mom’s Day Masterpieces Made with Stirrings

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 specif… Read the rest

Licensee Caroline Benkert On Our Changing Industry

Caroline Benkert runs The Bluebird Cocktail Room, Baltimore’s buzziest and most beautiful new literary-themed bar with her husband, Paul Benkert. While Paul is the creative force behind the drinks, the bar could not run without Caroline and it clearl… Read the rest

This Brand Targets At-Home Bartenders

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… Read the rest

Half Moon Has Juicy Gossip For SF Bay Area

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 cre… Read the rest

7 Vodkas With Taste Profiles That Help You Sell

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 as… Read the rest

Prairie Spirits’ New Packaging Revealed

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 th… Read the rest

Sterling Releases Two Rosés For Broad Consumer Appeal

Napa Valley’s iconic a Sterling Vineyards, which hosts the annual Napa Valley RoséFest has two new roses that could fit your consumer profiles this year. Sterling Vineyards Vintners Collection Rosé 2016 (SRP $12; distributed nationwide) is light pink… Read the rest

Sazerac Launches Great Agave Website

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… Read the rest

Sustainability Is Key For Newer Mezcals

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 harveste… Read the rest

Moraga Bel Air’s Scott Rich Doesn’t Aim To Please

Natasha Swords, Editor in Chief, and Bonnie Graves, Wine Editor take an enviable tour though Moraga Bel Air with Winemaker, Scott Rich. By Natasha Swords Scott Rich is as approachable a winemaker as they come. Despite the continued success of Moraga… Read the rest

Industry Insider: Brandon Bartlett Says Be Realistic

Wine Warehouse’s Spirits Director, Brandon Bartlett Says “Be Realistic” Ever wonder what it’s like to be a new brand seeking distribution? Distributor Insight investigates. “Be prepared and know your cost of goods. Then, remember there are other cost… Read the rest

Bonfort’s Tequila Category Report 2018

Story by Natasha Swords. Main photo by Caleb Stokes. 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 cel… Read the rest

The Matter of Mezcal

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 be… Read the rest

Here Are The Top 50 Brewing Companies By Sale Volume

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 sale… Read the rest

These Steps Will Keep Your Bar Consistently Fresh

By Owen Meyer and Freddie Sarkis of Liquor Lab in NYC. Main Photo Credit:  Ash Edmonds 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… Read the rest

How One Company Is Responsible For Why We Salt Our Drinks Today

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” – quit… Read the rest

Industry Insider: Henry Preiss On Being Genuine

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 underst… Read the rest

Kate Johnston Deconstructs American Single Malt Whiskey

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 o… Read the rest

Eric Hobbie Will Launch A New Era In Cocktails At Palms, Las Vegas Next Month

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… Read the rest