14/10/2021 Stay updated with this running blog on spirits industry.
Bartender Spirits Awards will be gathering the latest news about the ins and outs of the spirits industry. We’ll be updating this blog regularly with important news and stories.
19 Oct
How Kentucky’s Vintage Spirits Law Has Changed Alcohol Retail - Vinepair
The patchwork of U.S. liquor laws varies from state to state, but one regulation remains consistent across the board: It is illegal to sell spirits without a license. There’s a tiny handful of exceptions, most notably a special law in Kentucky, which is changing the face of retail within the state.
19 Oct
Tasmania's Lark Distilling Co. to Acquire Pontville Distillery and Estate - Wyoming News Now
Australia's leading distiller of single malt whisky, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding agreement for the acquisition of Kernke Family Shene Estate Pty Ltd, the owner of the Pontville Distillery and Estate.
18 Oct
KDA welcomes its 48th member Augusta Distillery - The Lane Report
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced that Augusta Distillery in Bracken County is the newest and 48th member of the nonprofit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
18 Oct
Switchgrass Spirits Opens Its Distillery to the Public This November - RiverFront Times
Three years after its founding, local distillery Switchgrass Spirits is ready to open its doors to the public. The north St. Louis-based company has announced plans to offer tours of its facilities, complete with a tasting the first Saturday of every month.
Tours, which are free and must be reserved in advance, will begin November 6.
15 Oct
Talking spiced whisky and new vodka with Phillips Distilling CEO Andy England - On Milwaukee
While some of us are chasing down barrel proofs and single barrels and other more traditional whiskey expressions, there's a whole sector of the spirits market enjoying an entirely different path. We talked to CEO Andy England about the unique spirits Phillips Distilling is doing.
15 Oct
Michigan distillery, Detroit Lions partner to release ‘Honolulu Blue’ canned cocktail - M Live
Coppercraft Distillery in Holland announced Wednesday the release of its limited edition, Honolulu Blue canned cocktail crafted in partnership with the Detroit Lions.
14 Oct
Biology Professor Brings Field Expertise to Craft of Botanical Foraging - Austin Chronicle
Molly Cummings, a biology professor at UT, is the founder of Austin-based WildGins Co, and produces two different varieties of gin (WildBark and WildJune) distilled with juniper berries native to West Texas, which she hunts down and forages by hand.
14 Oct
Whiskey Chronicles Of Edmund Taylor Jr., Part 1 – The Distiller Without Peer - The Whiskey Wash
Edmund Haynes Taylor Junior, was in many regards, the world’s most extraordinary whiskey entrepreneur and distillery proprietor. He was also the industry’s most effective campaigner lobbying to improve whiskey regulations and tax relief by shepherding into Congress statutes to codify whiskey and, by Presidential decree, definitions on straight whiskey.
13 Oct
Have your booze and eat it too at NYC's only bourbon distillery restaurant - Time Out
“I’ve been a bourbon drinker since before I could drink,” says The Grid’s chef and culinary director Adam Raksin. Set to open this Thursday, October 14, it’s the new restaurant at the recently opened Great Jones Distilling Co. in Noho.
13 Oct
Black-Owned Distillery Lands Partnership With Delta - Atlanta Daily World
For those traveling long distances through the air, Passengers traveling with Delta Air Lines can now enjoy vodka from Du Nord Social Spirits, the first Black-owned distillery in the U.S.
12 Oct
Craft Distillers Nationwide Collaborate On Charitable American Malt Whiskey Blend - The Whiskey Wash
A new American malt whiskey from Good Deeds Spirits is a special expression blended from 10 leading American craft whiskey producers. This 1,000 bottle release will see 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit STEPUP Foundation, a diversity and inclusion initiative founded by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA).
11 Oct
Ciara joins Ten to One rum family led by Trinidadian businessman - Buzz Caribbean
RnB superstar Ciara, is now co-owner of Ten to One rum, a liquor brand started by Trinidad-born entrepreneur, Marc Farrell.
11 Oct
“That was Tequila?! I thought that was water!”: When Ayesha Curry made Stephen Curry chug a glass of Tequila on The Ellen Show before the All-Star Game - The Sports Show
08 Oct
10 of the Best Bitter Cocktails for Any Occasion - Vinepair
The season of brightly colored drinks with sweet, fruity flavors has come to an end. But that only means there is room on the palate for something more intense or refined — something bitter. Vinepair has curated the 10 best bitter cocktail recipes for any occasion.
08 Oct
US bars and restaurants suffer employment shortages - The Drinks Business
The number of people working in pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes dropped by 42,000 to 11.34 million last month, according to Business Insider citing latest figures from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) showing that hospitality recorded the largest drop in employment compared to other industries such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
07 Oct
McCormick Distilling Company joins Duty Free Global distribution network - Moodie Davitt Report
McCormick Distilling Company has appointed Duty Free Global as global travel retail partner for Five Farms Irish Cream and Broker’s Gin. The agreement is in effect from 1 October.
06 Oct
Bourbon distillers face big tax bills and higher tariffs after a record year for production - CNBC
Distillers in Kentucky are slated to pay more than $33 million in aging barrel taxes in 2021 alone. That figure is 140% higher than it was 10 years ago.
06 Oct
Eastside Distilling Launches Burnside Black - FFT
Portland craft distillery, Eastside Distilling, has announced the national release of Burnside Black Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey, a Bourbon casked double barrel rye.
05 Oct
Don Julio promises $100,000 to small businesses - The Spirits Business
Diageo-owned Tequila brand Don Julio has launched a grant programme to support small businesses founded by Hispanic entrepreneurs.
05 Oct
Houston’s Yellow Rose Distilling reopens tasting room after renovation - Houston Business Weekly
Houston’s Yellow Rose Distilling, maker of Outlaw Bourbon and various whiskeys, has reopened after an extensive renovation and now features a photography exhibit celebrating the “outlaws of country music.”
04 Oct
Distillery celebrates the end of an era; selling liquor on Sunday is now legal - WCTI12
The new law went into effect Friday, October 1st. According to the new law, North Carolina distilleries are now legally allowed to sell bottled spirits on Sundays from noon until 9 pm.
Distilleries in Eastern North Carolina celebrated the new law.
04 Oct
Koval Distillery Opens Ravenswood Tasting Room - Block club Chicago
The tasting room is part of the distiller’s years-long plan to bring all its operations under one roof.
30 Sept
High-end drinks brands are being rationed in the US - The Drinks Business
It’s not only Britain’s shop shelves and petrol stations that are facing shortages as the world emerges from the pandemic. Alcohol production and distribution is also being hit by rationing in the US.
30 Sept
High Bank Distillery expanding to Gahanna - NBC4i
High Bank Distillery is opening a new restaurant and bar. The Grandview Heights distillery and eatery is expanding, taking a 7,500-square-foot space at 1379 E. Johnstown Road in Gahanna where it hopes to open its second establishment in spring 2022.
29 Sept
Texas’ Fierce Whiskers Distillery Announces Grand Opening - The Whiskey Wash
Fierce Whiskers Distillery and Tasting Room has announced its grand opening in Austin, Texas after a five year build out project.
“Our goal is to embrace tradition from a modern perspective. We are using the best ingredients and combining them with a data-driven approach to ensure that each barrel produced exceeds standards and delivers the finest product,” Fierce Whiskers Co-Founder Tri Vo said.
29 Sept
Debut whiskey honours Wild West icon - The Spirits Business
Eastside Distilling’s Melissa Heim has launched a new whiskey inspired by a historical female figure, called Big Nose Kate. The 750ml bottling presents an ABV of 45%, and the first limited release will be available in US states New Mexico, Arizona, and Oregon, as well as online at BigNoseKate.co
27 Sept
Ginato gin launches in Israel - Daily Dose O Donna
The Kirker Greer Spirits-owned producer has launched its gin line comprising 4 expressions in Israel, additional increasing its worldwide presence following its launch in South Africa and Australia.
27 Sept
Why Liquor Shortages Caused By The COVID-19 Pandemic Persist In Some States - NPR
Several states across the U.S. are still experiencing booze shortages related to COVID-19, and it's unclear when supply will be able to meet demand.
24 Sept
Appleton Estate’s Joy Spence, the First Lady of Spirits, Wants to Get Rum Into Whisky Drinkers’ Hands - Vinepair
Spence recently spoke with VinePair about the importance of chemistry in rum, the current climate for women in the spirits industry, misconceptions about premium aged rum, and bringing joy to everything she does.
24Sept
Craft Spirits Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2026 | Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Constellation Brands - Open PR
Latest published market study on Global Craft Spirits Market provides an overview of the current market dynamics in the Craft Spirits space.
23 Sept
Distillery creates limited vodka from wildfire smoke-tinged Napa grapes - Kron 4
Hangar 1 distillery, based in Alameda, is using wildfire smoke to sell a unique, one-of-a-kind vodka with sales benefitting the California Fire Foundation.
23 Sept
Pernod-Ricard Acquires Online Retail Giant The Whisky Exchange - Forbes by Joseph V Micallef
French beverage conglomerate Pernod-Ricard has just announced the acquisition of Specialty Drinks Ltd., the parent company of The Whisky Exchange.
22 Sept
Barware trends 2021 - Bartenders Business
Bartenders Business has created a rundown of the barware trends that are going to steal the spotlight in 2021, with the demand for up to date barware.
22 Sept
In high spirits: Alcohol nano-distillery opens in Middle River - Avenue News
“Maryland’s first nano-distillery - Loveton Farms Distillery,” which produces small-batch, handmade spirits, officially opened its doors and held its first tasting experience for visitors on Sept. 9, 2021.
21 Sept
Buffalo Trace Distillery warns fans of consumer frauds - WVTQ
According to Buffalo Trace Distillery, several disappointed fans have contacted the Distillery letting them know they ordered some of Buffalo Trace’s premium whiskies online from various sites, were charged for the transaction, and then received nothing, or in some cases empty bourbon bottles, many of which were counterfeit and included plastic toppers on the bottle instead of the metal toppers used on legitimate bottles.
21 Sept
Tamdhu’s New Cigar Malt Scotch Features A Unique Limited Edition Humidor - The Whiskey Wash
To mark the recent launch of a new Cigar Malt, Tamdhu Distillery created a very limited edition, bespoke cigar humidor, inspired and infused by the whisky itself.
1 June
Working Dogs Can Sniff Out Flaws In Whisky And Wine Barrels
Now, an 18-month old pup named Rocco is giving a new connotation to nosing whisky: he’s helping associate global brand director (and human) Chris Wooff sniff for flaws in the Grant’s Whisky Distillery in Girvan, Scotland.
“The sense of smell of a dog like Rocco is 40 times stronger than a human’s, and we’ve specially selected and trained Rocco to pick up the scent of anything that’s not quite right as the whisky matures,”
1 June
Kentucky Bourbon Trail gearing up for summer
“Visits have started to pick up as of March and we are getting busier and busier as the COVID restrictions are being lifted and the weather is getting better,” Nicole Ebelhar, manager of visitor experience at Owensboro’s Green River Distilling Co., said last week. “We are looking forward to being open at full capacity on June 11.”
31 May
Orphan Barrel Dug Deep into the Cascade Hollow Distillery Rickhouses to Create ‘Copper Tongue’ Cask Strength Bourbon
This 16-year-old bourbon boasts an approachable and mellow profile balanced by juicy bursts of candied orange and hints of cedar. Tennessee bourbon fans can best enjoy Orphan Barrel Copper Tongue neat or thoughtfully garnished with a slice of pear.
Orphan Barrel Copper Tongue 16-Year-Old Cask Strength Bourbon is bottled at a relatively low 89.8 proof (44.9% ABV). Copper Tongue is available now with a suggested retail price of $100.
31 May
Copeland Distillery In Northern Ireland Launches Its First Whiskey ‘Merchants’ Quay’
After a tough year for the distillery because of the pandemic, Copeland still released its first whiskey, marking its entry into a third spirits category. The distillery already introduced a rum range in November 2020 during the pandemic and it already had a successful range of gins.
The distillery also is producing malt and pot-still whiskeys that are currently undergoing the maturation process. Those are expected to launch in 2024.
28 May
Sugarlands Distilling Company Named Official Spirits and Official Moonshine of Rahal Letterman Lanigan
More than 1 million people visit Sugarlands' downtown Gatlinburg distillery annually, and over 25,000 visitors have rated the distillery a five-star experience on Trip Advisor ranking it as the '#1 Thing to do in Gatlinburg,' as well as the 'World's Top-Rated Distillery Experience.'
28 May
375 Park Avenue Spirits Partners With Tommy Bahama Spirits’ For Sales And Distribution
“Whether it be spirits, home furnishings or apparel, the Tommy Bahama brand has a proven track record of creating quality products that inspire and encourage the relaxed, carefree lifestyle it embodies,” says Jason Schladenhauffen, president and CEO of 375 Park Avenue Spirits.
“This unique collection of craft spirits and RTD (ready-to-drink) products have already won numerous awards and created a loyal following due to its superior taste and the island state-of-mind exuded from every sip. We’re excited to hit the ground running – in our flip-flops – to expand the availability of this portfolio across the U.S.”
27 May
Belvedere debuts Organic Infusions line
The new Belvedere Organic Infusions line comprises three flavours: Blackberry & Lemongrass with a hint of Sage; Lemon & Basil with a touch of Elderflower; and Pear & Ginger with a drop of Linden Honey.
The 40% ABV range is made with 100% traceable Polish rye, and 100%-certified organic fruits and botanicals. Like all of Belvedere’s vodkas, the range contains zero additives, sugar and is gluten-free and kosher.
27 May
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Celebrates 22 Years with an All New ‘Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide’ Experience
The world is celebrating two American legend’s birthdays this week. Musician, singer, songwriter Bob Dylan turned 80 earlier this week while the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® celebrates its 22nd birthday on May 27. Both offer a little bit of heaven right here on earth.
24 May
Morrison family reveals Scotch whisky portfolio
Jamie Morrison, chairman of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: “As one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, we can trace our involvement in the whisky business back five generations where we have held almost every role possible in the industry including licensed grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers.”
The new range includes Islay single malt Scotch brand Mac-Talla, blended malt whisky Old Perth and single malt Càrn Mòr.
24 May
South County Distillers’ announces line-up of summer spirits
South County Distillers (SCD) this week announced the launch of their summer line up of spirits and canned cocktails today. The sister company of Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island produces craft spirits from grain to glass at their campus in Westerly. This summer, consumers can enjoy the following offerings from South County Distillers:
24 May
Last Drop Distillers debuts 50-year-old whisky
The Last Drop 50 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is the 22nd release from the Sazerac-owned bottler. It is also the company’s inaugural signature blend.
Rebecca Jago, managing director of The Last Drop, said: “This wonderful 50-year-old blend marks a significant moment for The Last Drop as our first foray into the creation, as well as curation, of remarkable spirits.”
21 May
Amass launches trio of hard seltzers
Spirits producer Amass has moved into the hard seltzer category with the launch of three canned products: Surfer Rosso, Faerie Fizz and Sun Sign.
Amass Hard Seltzers are made with alcohol distilled from organic sugarcane, plus natural botanical extracts to give a ‘complex, yet crisp’ flavour.
Each expression has an ABV of 5% and costs US$21 per pack of four 355ml cans.
21 May
Copeland Distillery launch their first whiskey, Merchants' Quay
The Irish whiskey industry is expanding more rapidly than ever, with new products hitting the market at an incredible pace.
The trend continues as Copeland Distillery launched its first whiskey product this week, a blended whiskey called Merchants' Quay. This release marks Copeland's entry into a third spirits category, having introduced a rum range in November last year, which joined its successful range of gins.
21 May
Texas whiskey is emerging as a new player in the liquor industry
With only 17 years of history, Texas whiskey is a growing genre of whiskey that is showing explosive growth.
19 May
Ole Smoky Distillery Releases 50ML Mini Bottles of Five ‘Fan-Favorite’ Whiskies
Ole Smoky Distillery, one of the nation’s fastest-growing spirits companies, now has five of their innovative whiskey offerings available in mini 50ML bottles, Salty Caramel Whiskey, Mango Habanero Whiskey, Peanut Butter Whiskey, PeachWhiskey, and Salty Watermelon Whiskey. The minis can now be found across the United States in liquor stores and anywhere you typically purchase spirits.
19 May
Award-Winning 818 Tequila Founded by Kendall Jenner to be Distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer's)—the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol—today announced that it has signed a national alignment agreement with 818, the award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand, founded by Kendall Jenner. Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, the brand has created as much marketplace buzz for its 16 blind tasting awards as it has from its famous owner.
19 May
The Texas whiskey boom continues with three new releases
One of several new spirits or liqueurs finding their way onto local shelves is Grayson Texas Blended Bourbon, the forthcoming project from three Texas whiskey aficionados.
It’s “a whiskey that captures that boldness of Texas while paying homage to the Lone Star State,” they say. In other words, it’s very Texas. Grayson also has the distinction of being Texas’ first Black-owned whiskey brand: Among its three founders is former Major League Baseball player Vernon Wells.
18 May
Distillers Breathe a Sigh of Relief as Doubling of Retaliatory Tariffs on American Whiskey to the EU Temporarily Delayed
Retaliatory tariffs of 25% were slapped on imports of American Whiskey and Bourbon into the EU back in mid-2018. Since then U.S. spirits exports were down 23% to $1.4 billion. American Whiskey exports were down 29% to 846 million during the same period.
Those tariffs were scheduled to double to 50% on June 1, 2021, if nothing happened. Distillers and their representatives across the U.S. have been fighting to have those new tariffs stopped and the old tariffs removed. Though the existing tariffs are still in place the looming doubling from 25% to 50% tariff has temporarily been halted.
18 May
Calgary’s Burwood Distillery launches limited-edition whisky
Burwood began aging the complex single malt whisky in 2017, and have produced just 500 bottles that will be available for purchase in the coming weeks. The Scientist label was developed in collaboration with local design agency Daughter Creative, and tells the story of Ramsey and his journey from the world of anthrax research at the University of California.
17 May
Tullibardine Imports Two New Scotch Single Malts To United States
Scotland’s Tullibardine distillery, working with importer Prestige Beverage Group, recently announced it is releasing two new Scotch single malt whiskeys created exclusively for the United States market: Tullibardine Artisan and Tullibardine 12-Year-Old.
These new offerings join the distillery’s current US offerings, like the 228 Burgundy Cask Finish, 500 Sherry Cask Finish, 15-year-old, 20-year-old and 25-year-old.
17 May
Choo, Choo – Wally Dant, Kentucky Gov & Friends Arrive at Log Still Distillery Ribbon Cutting by Train
The distillery celebrated a new milestone this week with ribbon-cutting for their new 4,000 square foot tasting room. As a crowd of 100 or so people prepared for the ribbon cutting the common question was, “Where’s Wally?”.
That question was answered in true 1800s style first audibly with the sound of a train whistle off in the distance then visually as a train carrying Log Still Distillery Founder J.W. ‘Wally’ Dant III, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and several other dignitaries came rolling around the bend.
17 May
Joe Jonas fronts Tanqueray Sevilla spot
To celebrate the launch of the orange-flavoured variant across the US, Tanqueray has unveiled a new series, called Today’s Forecast: Sunshine in a Glass.
Jonas stars in the series as a weatherman who delivers the ‘Tanqueray Sevilla Orange Weather Report’.
In the video, Jonas tells viewers that summer occasions can be brightened with ‘scattered Tanqueray Sevilla Orange in your area’.
13 May
Diageo predicts ‘strong recovery’ in fiscal 2021
In its latest update, Diageo said it had experienced ‘good recovery’ across all regions.
Diageo noted a ‘particularly strong’ performance in North America – the group’s largest market – led by ‘resilient consumer demand’, a wide-ranging portfolio, and ‘effective’ marketing and innovation.
13 May
Buffalo Trace announces limited release of Weller, Craft Your Own stocks
ans of W.L. Weller Bourbon Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery can anticipate a springtime treat, as the Distillery announces the annual release of Weller Full Proof and “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon” (C.Y.P.B.).
The Weller Full Proof Bourbon was first introduced in 2019. Buffalo Trace Distillery fills its wheated bourbon barrels at 114 proof, hence the name Full Proof. This bourbon forgoes chill filtration to preserve all the naturally occurring residual oils and flavors.
13 May
Where to Find Metallica's Blackened Whiskey Online
Metallica's BLACKENED Whiskey was first introduced a few years ago as a super limited-edition release, but it's now available for purchase online at ReserveBar ($42, for a 750ml bottle).
Inspired by the song, "Blackened," and the great American whiskey-making tradition, BLACKENED is a collaboration between Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and Metallica.
13 May
Direct-to-consumer shipping saved my craft distillery. Here’s why it needs to stay
The pandemic shut down our tasting rooms and almost completely eliminated restaurant, bar, and store sales of our spirits. It would have killed my Santa Ana-based distillery entirely were it not for two saving graces: hand sanitizer production, which brought in much-needed revenue but not profit, and the foresighted action by the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to allow us to ship our bottles directly to consumers, including through online sales.
13 May
New data reveals world’s most popular cocktail
Based on data from 115 countries, the Margarita claimed the crown as the most popular cocktail internationally.
It was the most-searched-for cocktail in 30 countries, including the US and the UK, averaging 546,280 searches worldwide per month.
The Mojito came in second as the most popular cocktail in 26 countries, among them Poland, Norway and Italy, garnering 302,840 searches monthly.
12 May
Kentucky's newest distillery unveils tasting room
Gov. Andy Beshear was on hand for the official ribbon-cutting Tuesday at Log Still Distillery in southern Nelson County.
The farmlands in southern Nelson County, just outside the city of New Haven, are now home to Kentucky's newest distillery. But the land, and the family behind it, are no stranger to bourbon.
Wally Dant describes it as "hallowed ground." It was his 3x great grandfather that used a poplar log to first make the spirit back in 1836.
12 May
Michter’s Releases Its 2021 10 Year Bourbon Following Record-Setting Barrel Auction Sale
Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is 94.4 proof and was stored in Michter’s heat-cycled warehouses. It will sell for a suggested retail price of $150 in the U.S.
“This release is a really full-bodied, special bourbon,” Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee said in a prepared statement.
12 May
Templeton Distillery Launches Entrepreneur’s Grant Program And 10 Year Reserve Rye Whiskey
The grants are designed to help ignite the spark of these budding companies, just like early producers in the small town of Templeton, Iowa were inspired by the idea to craft what was commonly known as “Templeton Rye” over 100 years ago.
The launch of the grant program is timed alongside the debut of Templeton’s new 10 Year Reserve Rye Whiskey, complete with a refreshed look, marking a new chapter for the brand that respects the past yet is inspired by the future.
12 May
Catoctin Creek Says Forget the Pony, Our Ragnarök Rye GWAR Toppers are Made From the Fillings of Trolls
Once you get a taste of GWAR rye it’s hard to get enough. At least that’s was Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville, Virginia, says.
This seemingly normal distillery has gone other worldly with their affection for GWAR and Ragnarök Rye. Since the February launch their rye barrels went empty when the monster metal rock band drank it… all of it.
11 May
George Dickel Bottled In Bond Adds Spring Vintage
With this latest bottling, General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin is continuing to build on the legacy of innovation from Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to make consistent, quality whisky for a great value.
This 13-year-old whisky offers a bold and balanced profile highlighted by tantalizing notes of cherry. At 100 proof (50%), George Dickel Bottled in Bond is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks and plays well in many classic cocktails like a Perfect Manhattan thoughtfully garnished with an orange peel to further amplify the fruit notes found in the liquid.
11 May
US hard seltzer sales will ‘far surpass’ 281m cases in 2021
Brandy Rand, chief operating officer of the Americas at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, said: “The category will far surpass this by 2021.
“The rapid growth outpaced expectation, accelerated by Covid and also buoyed by continued new product innovation, not only from big brands but domestic craft players.”
Special Pricing Deadline for 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards: March 31
After the successful second edition event of 2020, Bartender Spirits Awards is back for the third time with an aim to deliver the best and innovative spirits to the on-premise industry in USA. Registrations are now open with the Special Pricing offer ending on March 31, 2021. Check out the Key Deadline and Pricing. Here's how you can enter your spirits.
8 February
Diageo pledges $10 million to Black universities - The Spirits Business
Smirnoff owner Diageo will donate US$10 million to support 25 Black educational institutes in the US as it seeks to expand diversity in the alcohol sector.
“We are proud to partner with these esteemed institutions and to do our part to help shape a more equitable society by providing opportunities for future leaders,” said Debra Crew, president of Diageo North America. “This initiative further deepens Diageo’s commitment to making a long-term and sustainable impact on underrepresented communities.”
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8 February
Is Craft Gin the New IPA of the Spirits World? - VinePair
Located in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn, this self-proclaimed “house of gin” literally only produces gins for the moment. In fact, since the mid-summer of 2020, when Halftone opened, they’ve already released five different gins.
There’s their flagship Halftone Gin featuring hawthorn berry, sumac, pink peppercorn, and almond. They have a London Dry Gin with spruce tip and citrus peels. Wavelength: magenta is a naturally-colored pink gin with rose hip and lemon verbena, while Overlay: cascade is a “hazy” gin with Cascade hops.
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8 February
Anheuser-Busch to invest $1 billion in production facilities in hard seltzer push - Reuters
Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Budweiser beer, was late to the hard seltzer game, but plans on overtaking market leaders White Claw and Boston Beer Company’s Truly over time by ramping up the production and marketing of drinks such as Bud Light Seltzer.
“We need to build more seltzer capacity so we can attend the demand from consumers, which is a growing demand,” Anheuser-Busch Chief Executive Officer Michel Doukeris told.
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12 January
El Rey Zapoteco Mezcal - Oaxaca’s oldest artisanal mezcal brand - Bartenders Business
As one of the few mezcal brands that owns its maguey fields, El Rey Zapoteco is afforded an unparalleled degree of control over the quality of its agriculture. Only fully mature or "capón" agaves are harvested, and for every agave that El Rey Zapoteco harvests, five seedlings are planted to ensure the sustainability of future generations.
The brand won 89 points, a silver medal at the 2020 Bartenders Spirits Awards
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12 January
2.7 Million People Have Already GivenUp On Dry January - The Drinks Business
Generation Z and millennials were keenest to take part in the initiative, with under 34s being the most enthusiastic group with 48% due to take part in the ‘Dry January’ challenge.
Many opt to buy non-alcoholic alternatives so the challenge comes with less of a shock. This year, 75% of people taking part in Dry January turned to non-alcoholic versions of beer and wine to help them achieve their goal.
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12 January
Beefeater gin embraces sustainable packaging - The Spirits Business
The new bottle is made entirely from recyclable glass and the shape was inspired by London bricks. The bottle was designed with bartenders in mind and is said to make pouring the gin easier.
“The new design has performed well with bartenders and consumers alike, and we’re proud to have designed this new iteration of Beefeater’s iconic bottle with sustainability in mind, taking the brand on to the next step in its journey with a natural evolution for today’s gin enthusiasts.”
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12 January
11 Zero-Proof Alternatives To Keep You Going Through Dry January - And Beyond - Forbes
Dry January can be challenging for those of us who enjoy a variety of beverage flavors or prefer to stay away from too much coffee, sugar and artificially flavored drinks. So here are a few suggestions that I have found enjoyable so far, and will remain on rotation moving forward.
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11 January
BNIA: US tariffs will ‘destroy’ Armagnac industry- The Spirits Business
The Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac (BNIA) has slammed the introduction of a 25% tariff on Armagnac in the US, arguing the move will ‘destroy’ the industry.
Patrick Farbos, president of the BNIA, said: “Our Armagnac operators, flagships of the Armagnac appellation in France and around the world, are in danger. The American market is historically our first export market, along with China, with a great proportion of vintage Armagnacs sold on this market.
“The operations are intrinsically linked with the United States, in cordial trade relations forged over a long time. This announcement will destroy our industry.
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11 January
What does Dry January look like during a pandemic? - IWSR
“With the dramatic changes imposed on consumption occasions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, at-home consumption has increased sharply to the benefit of low- and no-alcohol beverages,” says Sophia Shaw-Brown, senior insights manager at IWSR. In the 10 focus countries included in IWSR’s 2021 Global No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain, UK and the US), consumption volumes of total beverage alcohol decreased by approximately -5% between 2019 and 2020, while growth in the low/no category remained positive, albeit muted, at +1%.
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11 January
Non-Alcoholic Spirits Are Popping Up Everywhere. But The Category Still Has A Few Lessons To Learn- Forbes
A record high of 12 new non-alcoholic spirits brands launched in the US while 11 new brands launched in the U.K. market. That makes a total of 29 and 42 brands in each market, respectively. Thanks to the expanded selection, non-partakers can pick from booze-free tequilas, rums, whiskeys and even amaro, plus an army of no-proof beers and canned options.
But new insights have noted that while the category is expanding at a speedy clip, brands need to learn to create meaningful connections with house-bound drinkers to truly find success.
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05 January
Calif. distillers helped overcome hand sanitizer shortage. Now the FDA is making them pay - The Sun
As major producers of hand sanitizer faced a shrinking workforce and sky-high demand in the spring, one unlikely group of businesses – craft distillers – stepped up to increase the supply for panicked consumers.
Now, the Federal government is expecting distillers who rose to the occasion to alleviate the shortage pay the piper.
Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unveiled a new set of fees for organizations operating as “monograph drug facilities” producing over-the-counter drugs.
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05 January
US to slap 25% tariff on Cognac and brandy - The Spirits Business
On 30 December 2020, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced it will adjust tariffs on certain products from the European Union (EU). As part of the revision, certain Cognacs, grape brandies and wine from France and Germany will suffer a 25% duty rate from 12 January 2021.
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05 January
Jeffrey’s Tonics brings spirits to life with its craft cordials and syrups - The Buyer
Essentially what they have looked to do with their Jeffrey’s range of premium soft drinks is to create a selection of handcrafted cordials and tonic syrups that are made from infusions of natural herbs and spices.
Here the focus is on creating a premium soft drink that can be enjoyed both with and without alcohol. In fact the most refreshing serves are simply mixing the Jeffrey’s range with sparking water and ice. They are also designed to work as mixers for spirits and making cocktails.
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22nd December
Craft Spirits Are in Real Trouble. Can They Rebound in 2021? - The Daily Beast
The sharp decline of the bar market is bad news for anyone selling liquor, but especially for smaller spirits brands. Craft distillers operate in a wholly different world than larger, legacy producers. Top sellers like Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal, Beefeater, Smirnoff and Bacardi tend to dominate national distribution chains, which rewards them with prime space in stores. Smaller craft distillers, by contrast, have always depended on hand-selling and word-of-mouth, particularly a good word from a trusted bartender to a customer. That’s now gone.
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22nd December
Technology that detects whisky’s age is ‘world first’ - The Spirits Business
A team of researchers has joined forces with a technology firm to create what is thought to be the world’s first age verification service for whisky in a bid to tackle counterfeit products.
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21st December
7 Drinks Trends To Watch In 2021 - Vinepair
At VinePair’s currently remote, online HQ, they’ve had deep discussions on what the next year might look like in the world of booze. They don’t have a crystal ball but they do have a crystal decanter full of whiskey, and raise a glass to all as we say goodbye to 2020 and share these seven predictions on the drinking trends that will define 2021.
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21st December
Six Of The World’s Most Expensive Whiskies - The Drinks Business
Whisky is big business, and no more so than in 2020 it seems. With distilleries temporarily closing due to Covid restrictions and production slowing, casks produced in 2020 are predicted to become some of the rarest and most valuable in the future, believes cask whisky investment company Whiskey and Wealth Club.
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15th December
Irish whiskey sales forecast to exceed Scotch in the US by 2030 - The Spirits Business
Sales of Irish whiskey in the US are expected to overtake Scotch in the next decade, according to a new report by Drinks Ireland.
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15th December
KARUIZAWA DISTILLERS AND KOMORO DISTILLERY – A NEW CHAPTER IN NAGANO WHISKY MAKING - The Whiskey Exchange
Karuizawa is a hefty name in Japanese whisky. A town with an eponymous distillery whose whiskies now change hands for many thousands of pounds a bottle. A distillery that is not only closed but has also been demolished, removing any hope of it reopening despite its booming popularity. However, there will soon be whisky in Karuizawa again – get ready for Karuizawa Distillers and Komoro Distillery.
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11th December
November 2020 Alcohol Trends Highlight A Strong OND For Whiskey - Vinepair
On the spirits side of things, whiskey and Cognac continue to shine. Bourbon (#1) was up a bit YoY, on the back of very strong performances in October and September. Generic Whiskey (#2) was up double digits, as were Irish Whiskey and Rye Whiskey.
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11th December
How Impending Federal Tax Hikes Will Decimate The Craft Distillery Industry - by Joseph V Micallef at Forbes
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit craft distillers exceptionally hard. Unlike the established national spirits brands, most craft distillers lack a broad retail distribution network.
On average, the typical craft distiller relies on tasting room sales, both consumed on premise and off, for about half of their revenues. Lock down orders imposed by states have decimated those sales leaving many craft distillers on perilous economic ground.
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11th December
UK ends tariffs on US rum, vodka and brandy - The Spirits Business
The UK government said it would suspend the tariffs that the EU imposed on US$4 billion of US goods as part of the long-running Airbus and Boeing dispute, signalling good news for rum, vodka, brandy and vermouth.
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9th December
Are people really drinking more during the pandemic? - The IWSR
In the early days of Covid-19 lockdown, reports of consumers panic buying beverage alcohol led to the impression that people were drinking more than usual during the pandemic. Although pantry loading behaviour soon tapered off, many industry watchers were asking themselves, “are consumers drinking more during Covid-19?”
IWSR looks to answer this question with the publication of an in-depth assessment of beverage alcohol consumption and consumer behaviour this past year. IWSR’s analysis covers 20 key markets (including the global travel retail channel) that drive 75%+ of global alcohol volumes.
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9th December
DWAYNE JOHNSON’S TEREMANA TEQUILA SETS RECORD IN FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS - Black Enterprise
Johnson tells Shanken News Daily, “Tequila’s been a part of my family for a very long time, in good times and not so good times and everything in-between. We want to be in this for the long haul, and really build a legacy brand, so that when I walk off into the clouds one day, this goes on to my children’s children’s children.”
Johnson’s Teremana is on track to sell 300,000 9-liter cases in its first 12 months on the market, with expected overall shipments totaling 400,000 cases.
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7th December
These Are The 4 Top Alcohol Trends This Winter (According To Drizly) - by Eustacia Huen at Forbes
For many people who are ready to toast this year goodbye, it’s time to pick the drink. Now that Thanksgiving is over and winter is almost here, Eustacia asked Liz Paquette — Head of Consumer Insights at Drizly — to share the hottest alcohol trends. Based on the sales data of 4,000 beverage alcohol retailers across 31 states and 1,400 markets on the e-commerce platform, here are her top picks
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7th December
Retailers to carry more Tequila and hard seltzers in 2021 - Felene Vodka
Tequila and hard seltzers are expected to gain more shelf space in the US over the next year, according to a survey of independent retailers by alcohol e-commerce platform Drizly.
On Drizly’s platform, Tequila has grown its share by 22% over the past year, while mezcal’s share has risen by 57%.
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4th December
SPONSORED: DESIGNS GET NOTICED, FEELINGS SELL - The Drinks Business
There is more to packaging than good design; it’s an opportunity to stimulate the senses, which is why CANPACK helps its clients produce packaging that tells a story and makes consumers feel something.
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4th December
Retailers to carry more Tequila and hard seltzers in 2021 - Timesnest
Tequila and hard seltzers are anticipated to achieve more shelf area in the US over the subsequent 12 months, in accordance to a survey of impartial retailers by alcohol e-commerce platform Drizly.
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3rd December
Vinexpo webinar tackles brand priorities for 2021 - The Spirits Business
Trade show Vinexpo New York will host its fourth webinar this week, which will focus on adapting to US market changes during and after Covid-19.
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3rd December
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Releasing Tequila-Infused Ice Cream Line Named ‘Dwanta Claus’ - Outsider
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is ready to drop a “People’s Elbow” on Christmas with a new ice cream line that has a taste of his own tequila brand.
Johnson calls his new concoction Dwanta’s Teremana Spiked Eggnog ice cream, according to an article on People.com.
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1st December
Beverage alcohol ecommerce value grows by 42% in 2020, to reach US$24 billion - The IWSR
Based on new IWSR research, IWSR forecasts that the value of alcohol ecommerce will increase by 42% this year, across 10 core markets, to reach US$24 billion, with the US predicted to overtake China by the end of 2021.
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1st December
Is America Ready for a Brandy ‘Renaissance’? - Vinepair
The growing momentum has seen media outlets celebrate “surging sales” and even declare a “brandy renaissance.” But just how ripe is the market for another brown spirits revival?
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1st December
Vermò is the result of the dream of two friends - Bartenders Business
Vermò is the result of the dream of two friends, Ettore (Italian) and Jorge (Spanish).
Vermò is a modern take on the classic vermouth di Torino Rosso. Handcrafted in Piedmont, Italy, the home of Italian vermouth, Vermò is made with a blend of trebianno and chardonnay grapes alongside 31 high quality botanicals, resulting in a light, crisp and fruity taste, perfect for sipping on the rocks or as a versatile base for many cocktails. Originally launched in Italy in 2017, Vermò is the brainchild of friends Jorge Ferrer, a Spaniard and Ettore Velutto, an Italian, who have brought this historic fortified wine into present day with a fresh, unexpected twist.
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26th November
Walmart Rejected by Supreme Court on Texas Liquor Sales - Bloomberg Quint
(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Supreme Court turned away a bid by Walmart Inc. to start selling liquor at its Texas stores, leaving intact for now a state law that bars such retail sales by publicly owned companies.
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26th November
Rita Ora seeks to ‘push boundaries’ with Tequila brand - The Spirits Business
Pop star Rita Ora has launched Próspero Tequila in the UK and hopes to “push boundaries” in the industry with the female-founded brand.
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25th November
20 Minutes With: Becky Harris, American Craft Spirits Association President - Penta
Becky Harris, the head distiller of Purcellville, Virginia’s Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, was elected president of the board of directors for the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) in May. Diving into a leadership position amid a pandemic andand a social justice awakening, wasn’t quite what she envisioned.
“It’s not at all what I was thinking it was going to be—they asked me to run back in December of last year,” Harris says. “But I think we have a really good role to play to help all these small distilleries in the industry and to make progress while we can.”
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25th November
This Rum got awarded 'Rum Of The Year' and is now expanding into Bars - Bartenders Business
Saltwater Woody is an American Rum that is handcrafted in small batches, cut to proof with saltwater, and flavored with 100% real fruit juice. The saltwater acts to not only remind you of the ocean and vacation, but it also has tremendous flavor enhancements. Salt tampers bitterness and brings out sweeter flavors, while also enhancing floral and citrus notes on a palate. When mixed with water, salt works to break down molecules releasing them into the air giving our products a brilliant aroma.
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25th November
MMeet Santa at Buffalo Trace Distillery's Annual Drive-through Light Display - Spectrum News 1
Before Santa makes the rounds next month, he's making a special trip to Kentucky.
Children and families can see him at Buffalo Trace Distillery's annual drive-through light display, which kicks off Dec. 3 and goes through Jan. 1. The distillery's 150,000 colorful lights will be lit from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night.
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23rd November
Get Ultra-premium, all-natural, ready-to-drink, pre-mixed cocktails in Los Angeles - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Blue Marble Cocktails produces ultra-premium, all-natural, ready-to-drink, pre-mixed cocktails, vodka-based spiked seltzers, ultra-premium spirits and canned water. Blue Marble is a family business with family values supporting global awareness, conservation and environmental initiatives through its "Keep The Blue Marble Blue" program and uses recyclable cans and SFI certified packaging.
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23rd November
The alcohol tariff war is hurting small craft distillers - Fox Business
The most recent collateral damage from the years-long trade war could not come at a worse time for small US craft distillers who are struggling to stay open in the pandemic.
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20th November
US on-trade situation ‘catastrophic’ as sales fall - The Spirits Business
Spirits sales in the US on-trade were down 33.5% in September as the impact of Covid-19 on the channel “continues to get worse every day”, according to data analysis firm Sip Source.
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20th November
Consumers, Consumption, and COVID-19: How Can Craft Brands Sell Against the Current? - The Drinks Business
In 2019, craft distilling was valued as a US$1.8 billion industry, but this year, craft distillers’ sales have decreased by 41% – or by approximately $700 million – during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study by DISCUS.
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20th November
Quincy Street Distillery- Craft distillery from Illinois - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Quincy Street Distillery creates historically-inspired, handcrafted artisanal spirits with unique and distinctive expressions of taste. The distillery operates in a historic storefront in the very heart of beautiful Riverside, Illinois, one of the first planned suburban communities in the United States.
Quincy Street Distillery honors this historic legacy with meticulously crafted small-batch spirits that balance the creative with the classic, as well as through our commitment to using the finest regional ingredients and collaborating with other local artisans.
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19th November
RTD cocktails soar 131% in US off-trade - The Spirits Business
US off-trade spirits sales grew by 26.3% in September and October, bolstered by a triple-digit increase for ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, according to new Nielsen data.
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19th November
Here’s why you should be investing in whisky instead of drinking it - Prestige Online
Properties, art, and rare collectables have always been at the pinnacle of investment opportunities.
But in the past decade, one particular item has seen a spirited rise in investment value: whisky. Its value not only rose by 564 percent, but it also outperformed other alternative investments including wine, rare coins, luxury cars, and more, according to Rare Finds Worldwide (RFW), a Hong Kong-based tailored whisky brokerage.
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17th November
White Claw maker set to open $400M plant in South Carolina - abc15 NEWS
The South Carolina Dept. of Commerce announced that Mark Anthony Brewing is building a $400 million state-of-the-art brewing facility in Richland County to keep up with the demand for White Claw Hard Seltzer.
This new facility will create 300 new jobs and is stated to be one of the biggest economic investments in the history of Richland County.
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17th November
Try the world's first Himalayan Dry Gin - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Distilled in India with foraged Himalayan Juniper and locally sourced botanicals, HAPUSA is a gin that is uniquely Indian. You have heard so many stories from far-away India. Now you shall be able to drink them.
In Sanskrit, Juniper is called ‘Hapusa’, and it is this which gives their Gin not only its name but its untamed aroma and flavor.
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17th November
Bacardi’s Foray into Sustainable Packaging Has Some Challenges - Plastics Today
Bacardi plans to have PHA-based liquor bottles on store shelves by 2023, despite the material’s higher cost compared with conventional plastics and the reluctance of industrial composting facilities to accept the biopolymer.
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13th November
RTDs only category to see volume growth in 2020 - The Spirits Business
The ready-to-drink (RTD) category is the only beverage alcohol sector expected to see growth in 2020, with volumes forecast to increase 43%, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
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13th November
Wine and spirits count the cost as the next round of US/EU tariffs come into force - BeverageDaily.com By Rachel Arthur
The EU is adding new tariffs on US rum, brandy, vodka and vermouth today; following on from tariffs imposed by the US last year. Industry representatives on both sides of the Atlantic warn the alcohol industry is suffering from the ongoing Airbus/Boeing subsidies dispute, at a time when it also faces significant challenges from the pandemic.
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12th November
Beverage Alcohol in 2020 Performs Better than Expected - The IWSR
New IWSR forecasts show greater resilience than initially projected, with positive news on impending vaccine potentially pushing beverage alcohol recovery even further
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12th November
Elon Musk Hawks $250 Tesla Tequila, Sells Out In a Few Hours - SFIST
Billionaire Elon Musk gets to do what he wants and turn joke tweets into actual businesses — remember the Boring Company? — and the latest is a premium tequila in a lightning-bolt-shaped bottle with Tesla branding.
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11th November
Nero Premium Vodka - Distilled exclusively from British potatoes - Bartenders Business
Nero Premium Vodka is produced using British potatoes. It is distilled six times resulting in an extremely smooth, velvety vodka with little to no after burn. Nero can be enjoyed neat or pairs well with any mixer or as part of a cocktail. Nero consistently comes out tops in blind taste tests against some of the bigger more established brands.
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11th November
Drizly sales up 219% on US election day - The Spirits Business
The US presidential election on 3 November boosted online alcohol retailer Drizly’s sales by 219% above its baseline year-over-year growth.
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11th November
Melati Launches Asia’s First Non-Alcoholic Aperitif - The Drinks Business
Singaporean company Melati has released its debut non-alcoholic aperitif, inspired by traditional Asian herbal remedies and the first product of its kind produced in the region.
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9th November
El Rey Zapoteco Mezcal: Oaxaca’s oldest artisanal mezcal brand - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Oaxaca’s oldest artisanal mezcal brand from farm to bottle, El Rey Zapoteco was founded in 1960 by Don Serafín Hernandez Blas in the mezcal capital of the world, Santiago Matatlán. Today, the business is run by the family matriarch Doña Juana and Don Serafin’s sons.
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9th November
Colorado’s Craft Spirits Scene Is Booming. Drink Straight From The Source At These 10 Distilleries- by Kevin Gray at Forbes
Since 2011, the number of American craft distilleries has increased at a clip of almost 700 percent. In 2019, there were 2,210 active craft distilleries (and plenty more in the works) in the United States, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Much of that growth has been centered in California, New York, Texas, Washington and Colorado, with the latter now housing nearly 100 distilleries, up from single digits just one decade ago.
Colorado’s distilling scene covers the state, from population centers like Denver and Colorado Springs to suburbs, small towns and ski areas.
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6th November
United Spirits sales slide 29.7% in H1 -The Spirits Business
Diageo-controlled United Spirits has reported a 29.7% sales decline for the first half of its 2021 fiscal year due to the impact of India’s nationwide lockdown.
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6th November
Want to make an award-winning bloody mary at your bar? - Bartenders Business
Chefs love the depth and character Smokin' Mary adds to their dishes. Bartenders love that everything for an award-winning cocktail is right in the mix - all they need is ice, spirits and garnish.
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6th November
Clear Water Distilling Co - Handcrafted premium spirits - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Like craft brewing, Clear water distillery makes spirits/products based on a target flavor idea instead of a category. They feel that makes for the best products because they are not constrained by the need to fit a particular category. It also gives them total freedom for creativity and results in a wonderful new pallet for bartenders and mixologists.
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5th November
Ghost Coast Distillery, Ships of the Sea Museum ‘band’ together in good spirits for Savannah’s service industry - Do Savannah
With industry-wide shut downs earlier this year, COVID-19 devastated, and still hits hard, the city’s restaurants and bars. But here’s a bright spot — Savannah’s very own Ghost Coast Distillery along with Athen’s Creature Comforts Brewing Company are teaming up with The Giving Kitchen for a night of music and adult beverages at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
All together, on Saturday, they’re “Raising Spirits” for Savannah’s service industry.
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5th November
Organic, Vegan, Low-Calorie, Sugar-Free Vodka for your Bars - Bartenders Business
Enjoy this organic Quinoa based Vodka from the 3000 m high Altiplano plateau
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5th November
Israeli Distiller Milk And Honey Announces Three-Part Whiskey Series - The Whiskey Wash
Israel’s first whisky distillery, Tel Aviv-based M&H–short for Milk and Honey–has released a three-part series called Elements to follow up the unveiling of their first single malt earlier this year. The series comprises three variations on the distillery’s core single malt, each aged in a different selection of barrels.
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4th November
Dulce Dorado Tequila, the first honey-vanilla infused Tequila in the USA - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Dulce Dorado [duel-say] [duh-rah-doe] translates to “SWEET GOLD” in Spanish and that is the basis of this incredible Honey and Vanilla infused Tequila.
The recipe goes back over 100 years where it was first distilled in Puerto Penasco Mexico, a small fishing town south of Arizona on the Mexican Baja.
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4th November
Brown-Forman considers $96m distillery expansion - The Spirits Business
US drinks firm Brown-Forman is contemplating a US$96 million expansion of its Louisville distillery to meet forecasted demand for Bourbon.
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4th November
Responsible Lee - Craft American whiskey producer - Bartenders Business
Responsible Lee is a craft American whiskey producer, dedicated to creating world class whiskey while living out our commitment to socially responsible business practices and environmentally sustainable practices.
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28th October
Triple Nickel Distillery - Elk County’s Hottest Distillery - Bartenders Business
Triple Nickel Distillery was founded in 2018 by Adam Berasi, Jeff Glass, and Paul Leonard II. They pride themselves in our quality products, and give their customers a positive experience. Their spirits are blended in house using 100% natural juices.
Triple Nickel Distillery, in the heart of Elk Country (located in Weedville, PA), opened its doors at the end of October 2018. They pride themselves in providing handcrafted, small-batch, all-natural specialty, and Vodka spirits. They take pride in the quality of our gluten-free and sulfite-free spirits.
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28th October
From Concept to Can: How to Launch a Successful RTD Brand in 2020 - Vinepair
Convenience is key in today’s drinking landscape. Even before the coronavirus pandemic forced widespread bar closures, consumers were increasingly reaching for ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages. The RTD category grew 80 percent in 2019 and ended the year with a total value of more than $100 million, according to consumer analytics firm Nielsen.
This year’s unique circumstances have only fueled further growth, with conveniently packaged RTDs offering the ideal solution for socially distanced drinking occasions. According to global analytics firm IWSR, RTDs now hold a 6 percent volume share of total beverage alcohol in the U.S. Over the next five years, IWSR forecasts that RTDs’ volume share will overtake that of the entire spirits category stateside.
From developing a base recipe for the product to getting to market and growing distribution, entering the RTD space can take years. Here, Vinepair has outlined how existing brands within the category have been able to do so, and share the challenges they report from their journeys.
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27th October
Grand Brulot, a craft distilled cognac you must try - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
The cognac in Grand Brulot is a craft distilled, single-estate, 80 proof VSOP produced by 6th Generation Cellar Master Christoph Tardy and aged for at least 4-5 years in Limousin or Allier Oak casks. The coffee used hails from Ecuador and the essence of Robusta coffee beans is married to French Brandy before joining the VSOP Cognac in French oak casks to blend. The result is an impeccably smooth, full-bodied Cognac Café, with notes of nutmeg and vanilla enveloped by the aroma of honey.
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27th October
Oregon Micro Fund Launches Second Fund to Help Oregon-based Wineries and Craft Beverage Entrepreneurs Prosper - Wine Industry Advisor
Oregon Micro Fund (OMF), a Portland-based Fin-Tech Lender providing accessible loans and practical business coaching, today announced a second fund that provides loans up to $250,000 to businesses in rural Oregon that focus on adult craft beverages (e.g., wine, beer, spirits), as well as other businesses and agricultural entities that support this industry.
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27th October
Royal Hawaii Spirits - Hawaiian tropical flavors, aromas & Aloha Spirit - Bartenders Business
Some of the RHS distillery Hawaii liquor formulas and recipes are available for bars, private labels or shared through RHS Ambassadors with other craft distilleries or co-packers to make delicious one of kind alcoholic beverages outside of the Hawaii Islands.
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26th October
Yellow Banks Bourbon makes debut Nov. 1 - Messenger-Inquirer
Owensboro’s Green River Distilling Co. has created a new bourbon named for the city.
Yellow Banks Bourbon, which uses Owensboro’s original name, is a collaboration between the distillery and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Jacob Call,
Green River’s master distiller and director of operations, told the Owensboro Rotary Club on Wednesday.
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26th October
Treaty Oak Distilling looking to open second property for gin production, tastings - Community Impact
Tony Gonzales, chief marketing officer of Treaty Oak Distilling, said the Dripping Springs-based distillery is planning to expand onto a second Texas Hill Country property in 2021, where it will distill its gin product line, Waterloo Gin.
Although a location has not been finalized yet, Gonzales said Treaty Oak would move its gin production to the site, which would also have a tasting room similar to the one currently at Treaty Oak Ranch, located 16604 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs.
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26th October
Chakra Vodka ready to be distributed in Bars of USA - Bartenders Business
Chakra Vodka was introduced to the market towards the end of 2019 and is starting to have a following of its own. Watch for this delightful line up of vodka with seven unique flavors on store shelves soon.
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21st October
Big Gin Wins Gold At 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards - Captive Spirits Distilling
Among submissions from over 34 countries, we are honored to announce that Big Gin won a Gold Medal (90 points!) at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards. Don't worry, Bourbon Barreled and Peat Barreled were not left out; they came in right behind at 89 points each.
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21st October
Couple finds century-old bottles of bootleg whiskey in secret walls of NY home - Today
It’s not every day that you find century-old bootleg whiskey in the walls of your home, but for Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker, that was their reality earlier this month.
The couple moved into their home in Ames, New York in 2019 and had been living in it as-is for nearly a year. They recently decided to take the plunge into renovating and doing so they discovered dozens of bottles of 1920s whiskey hidden within the walls.
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20th October
Rockwell Vermouth - a must-have for Bartenders! - Bartenders Business
Rockwell Vermouth have spent years on a quest to find the right ingredients, partners, and processes for the perfect American Vermouth. Along the way, they discovered golden cane sugar caramelized for the impeccable balance of bitter and sweet by experts in the Carolinas;
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20th October
DROUET VSOP COGNAC Wins the best spirits award In the world - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
DROUET VSOP COGNAC Wins The Best Spirits Award at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards which is made by Drouet. The brand is imported by Glass Revolution Imports in the USA.
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19th October
Nemiroff Vodka acquires Nemyriv distillery - The Spirits Business
Vodka brand Nemiroff won an auction to acquire the Nemyriv distillery in Ukraine for an undisclosed sum.
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19th October
A Vodka brand on a mission to raise funds for animals in need - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Hera The Dog Vodka is an organic, premium vodka on a mission to raise funds for animals in need, and just 16 months since its launch, this vodka is proving to be the little vodka that is good. The brand surprised all the leading bartenders at the 2020 Bartenders Spirits Awards that was held in San Francisco where it scored a gold medal with 94 points.
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19th October
Hood River Distillers Announces Its Wins At The 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards - Spirited Biz
Hood River Distillers, the Northwest’s oldest and largest importer, distiller, producer, bottler, and marketer of distilled spirits, is pleased to announce several of its high-quality spirits are medal winners at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards. Receiving gold are Batanga Tequila Blanco, Batanga Tequila Reposado, Old Delicious Apple Brandy, and Big Gin along with silver medal winners, Bourbon Barreled Big Gin and Peat Barreled Big Gin.
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16th October
Tax and Trade Bureau Updates Rule to Allow “Gluten-Free” Labeling on Distilled Spirits - Distilled Spirits Council
The Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) updated their policy regarding gluten content statements on distilled spirits, wines and malt beverages. The move aligns TTB with the recently released Food and Drug Administration (FDA) final rule permitting “gluten-free” labeling claims on distilled products made from gluten-containing grains.
After issuance of FDA’s final rule, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) worked closely with TTB urging swift incorporation of this rule into TTB’s gluten-free policy.
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16th October
10 Greek Bartenders bring you the finest Greek spirit brand - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
O/PURIST tsipouro is a project led by 10 Greek Bartenders, with distinguished careers both in Greece and abroad. Together, they dreamt of evolving the traditional Greek tsipouro into a refined spirit for the international, contemporary bar scene. An innovative spirit that would keep its authentic character but at the same time would inspire creativity in cocktail recipes.
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16th October
Put some taste of Philippine islands in your bars with this Vodka - The Bartenders Business
Papo Js is a small batch, handcrafted spirit made from the nectar of coconut flowers. It is a product unique to the Philippine islands where they developed style over the past five hundred years.
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14th October
Brown-Forman Purchases 2-Year-Old New Zealand Based Ready-to-Drink Maker ‘Part-Time Rangers’ - Distillery Trail
The Ready-to-Drink – RTD category has been one of the hottest categories there is in the distilled spirits world over the last few years. Now, with the pandemic, lock-downs, and states modifying laws to allow carry out and to go cocktails the category continues to grow exponentially. In fact, the category is so hot that there are many headlines that talk about the shortage of aluminum cans.
Brown-Forman based in Louisville, Kentucky has announced it went shopping down under and has acquired New Zealand based RTD maker Part Time Rangers Holdings Limited. Part-Time Rangers produces spirit-based ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with all-natural fruit flavoring
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14th October
Rude Bwoy Spirits Wins Two Awards At 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards - Spirited Biz
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14th October
New Jack Daniel’s master distiller keeps up family tradition - The Washington Post
In a business where family tradition tends to matter, Chris Fletcher stepped up Wednesday to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps to lead production of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand.
The Tennessee distillery introduced Fletcher as master distiller for the flagship brand of Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corp. Fletcher spent six years as assistant master distiller and assumes the top role following Jeff Arnett’s departure after 12 years leading the distillery.
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13th October
Wine Distributor Jailed For Fraud After Using Reality Tv To Lure Investors - The Drinks Business
A New York-based wine and spirits distributor has been convicted of fraud in connection to a product that featured on TV programme Shark Tank, the US equivalent of Dragons’ Den.
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13th October
Looking for a new cognac for your bar? Try this. - Bartenders Business
An innovative take on an 18th-century French tradition and a homage to a legendary New Orleans cocktail, Grand Brulot French VSOP Cognac Café
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12th October
Cape Clear Island Distillery: Ireland's only Island whiskey - Los Angeles Drinks Guide
Cape Clear Island Distillery is the only offshore island distillery in Ireland, located on Gaeltacht-designated (Irish speaking) Cape Clear Island. They've been distilling since November of 2019 under the watchful eye of distiller Christopher Mason. Their 3 SQ. MILES gin has won awards at several prestigious international competitions, and we look forward to having it available in Los Angeles soon!
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12th October
12 Scholarships And Programmes To Improve Diversity In Wine, Beer And Spirits - The Drinks Business
Take a look at some of the initiatives that have launched over the past two years that are designed to foster diversity and by extension, inclusion, in the drinks industry.
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12th October
Grass Valley-based South Fork Vodka wins national, international awards - The Union
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9th October
PIERCE BROSNAN IS THE NEW FACE OF DON RAMON TEQUILA - Spirited Zine
Pierce Brosnan has joined Casa Don Ramon Tequila as its global spokesperson. The James Bond star will act as the face of the Mexican spirits brand and represent its Limited Edition Collection.
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9th October
Tasmanian Pure Vodka™ Wins Gold at 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards - Pr Newswire
Tasmanian Pure Vodka™ (TPV™) received a 94 point score and gold medal – the ultimate seal of approval in the global spirits on-premise industry – at the recent Bartender Spirits Awards. Tasmanian Pure Vodka,™ a newly launched spirit upending the premium vodka category, scored highly in all aspects of judging including: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package and price.
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9th October
Alcohol industry calls for immediate end of tariffs on wine and spirits - The Hill
Business groups representing the beverage alcohol industries in the U.S., Europe and the United Kingdom are urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the European Commission for Trade to end the tariffs on wine, distilled spirits and beer.
Eighteen associations signed onto a letter after reports that the World Trade Organization (WTO) authorized the European Union to impose $4 billion in tariffs on goods from the U.S. in response to a dispute over Boeing.
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9th October
ProWein expands 2021 show to five days - The Spirits Business
Wine and spirits trade fair ProWein has extended its 2021 show by two days to ensure the event follows hygiene and safety measures.
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8th October
Blue Light Caribbean Gin Wins at 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards - Blue Light Gin
At the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards, the second edition which took place in San Francisco this August, Blue Light Distillery won a Silver medal, which is the ultimate seal of approval in the global spirits on-premise industry. Blue Light Caribbean Gin needed to score highly in all aspects of judging: Mixability, Balance and Versatility, Taste, Mouthfeel and Finish, Package & Price.
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8th October
Tucson's craft distilling industry muscling into brewing's territory - Tucson
Craft brewing, you’ve got company. Craft distilling is fast graduating from a passing fad to bona fide boom in Tucson.
In the next handful of months, two new craft distilleries will begin making regionally distinctive vodkas, gins and whiskeys, joining Tucson’s three other active distilleries.
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8th October
Get a taste of Rude Bwoy, the Spirit of the Caribbean. - Bartenders Business
From generations of old family recipes, noted Jamaican spirits experts Leo and Dawn Gonsalves, have carefully crafted the award-winning Rude Bwoy Spirits lineup which consists of three all-natural, ultra-premium rums including a white, gold, and coconut rum. In addition, Rude Bwoy also features a very unique sugarcane-based vodka.
Each of the Rude Bwoy offerings is handcrafted and 100% natural and produced in our Florida distillery.
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6th October
Distillers Push to Define American Single Malt - Seven Fifty Daily
Up to now, the industry has been built on creativity and freedom to try new things. Looking ahead, there’s an industry-wide agreement that the regulations governing the American single malt category need to be established.
Producers are faced with perplexing Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) rulings: Some have been allowed to put “American single malt whiskey” on one line on labels, while others are not, and some can age their single malts in used oak barrels, while others are not permitted to do so. Creating a uniform set of official standards for the American single malt category would create consistency and transparency, say proponents.
The 170-distiller member American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) first sent a proposal to the TTB for an official category definition in 2017, but the organization is still waiting for approval.
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6th October
Rock band Kiss to release spirits range - Today News Post
American rock band Kiss has partnered with Swedish drinks company Brands for Fans to create a new line of branded spirits.
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6th October
Ohio distillery owner pivots to save jobs ahead of its 10-year anniversary amid the coronavirus pandemic - Yahoo Finance
Greg Lehman, co-founder and owner of Ohio’s Watershed Distillery, was able to quickly pivot his business amid the coronavirus pandemic, saving his decade-old distillery.
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5th October
Renegrade Rum Distillery begins production at new $25m site - Drinks International
The Renegade Rum Distillery in Grenada has begun production after five years of planning and construction. The long-awaited project has seen the construction of a US$25m distillery with some of the most pioneering technology aimed at extracting the local terroir.
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5th October
Gatsby Spirits - Hand-crafted spirits with soul from Oregon - Bartenders Business
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5th October
Here’s how to help people impacted by the Glass fire - The Press Democrat
For the second time in six weeks, large wildfires have ripped through Sonoma and Napa counties, destroying homes and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Here are some ways to help those displaced by the latest big blaze.
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5th October
Moonshine University to welcome 30th class of distillers - The Lane Report
Moonshine University, the nation’s premier educational distillery, is gearing up to welcome its 30th class of 6-Day Distillers. Taking place this October 18-23, the course will mark a significant milestone for the Louisville, KY-based facility whose graduates have gone on to launch 178 distilleries worldwide.
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30th September
Spiced rum: potential to ‘push boundaries' - The Spirits Business
Traditionally, spiced rum has been seen as a sweet and sugary variant of the popular spirit, but thanks to a new generation of producers the category is hotting up.
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30th September
SALTWATER WOODY IS RUM OF THE YEAR - Saltwater Woody
Press release by Saltwater Woody.
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30th September
Goya Tequila - World's First Seasonal Tequila - Bartenders Business
Clara Canals Corral, Co-Founder and CEO at Goya Tequila shares their story. Goya Tequila won 89 points, a silver medal at the 2020 Bartenders Spirits Awards
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30th September
Tasting Notes On Matthew McConaughey’s Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon - Uproxx
Longbranch — the much-hyped bourbon collaboration between Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey — was first released in May of 2018. At the time, it got some great buzz and solid reviews. But the whiskey has seen a recent spike in popularity thanks to a new advertising campaign (directed by and starring McConaughey) and the fact that quarantined, stir-crazy, election-stressed drinkers are looking for something unique to try outside of their standard bottles.
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29th September
How Kentucky’s Craft Bourbon Distilleries Are Navigating the Pandemic - Vinepair
Across the state, distilleries are taking differing approaches to operating during the pandemic: Some are closed to the public entirely; others have resumed most of their tour experiences, though with reduced capacities and mandatory masking; and others have opened but scaled back to a position somewhere in between those two extremes.
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29th September
Vinexpo NY creates webinar series on US market - The Spirits Business
Trade show Vinexpo New York has launched a series of online seminars to help brands launch in the US.
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28th September
Kinsale Gin tops the charts at the International 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards winning gold in three categories - The Cork.ie
Kinsale Gin surpassed expectations at the Bartender Spirits Awards in the USA by taking gold across three categories.
Kinsale Gin was awarded Gin Of The Year, Gin Producer Of The Year, and a Double Gold at the international awards.
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28th September
Scotch Distillery Partners With Beekeepers, Bartenders To Support Bee Colonies - KEYT
Honey bees worldwide are in trouble, but now there’s a scotch distillery that is helping save them.
The Gardening Giveback Project is a collaboration between Aberfeldy Scotch Distillery and the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP), to bring together beekeepers and bartenders in San Francisco and other major cities.
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28th September
Boston Harbor Distillery: Revolutionary Spirit of New England - Bartenders Business
Demon Seed Whiskey scored 89 points, a silver medal at the 2020 Bartenders Spirits Awards.
Demon Seed Whiskey is hand made using whole scorpion peppers, macerated in rye whiskey and blended with fresh ginger and real Vermont maple syrup. It's a rollercoaster of flavors beginning with the first sip of intense spice followed by the layered flavors of whiskey, ginger and earthy sweetness resulting in a long lasting, satisfying finish that has you looking for more.
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25th September
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Virginia Distilled Spirits - by Tara Nurin at Forbes
Using the tagline “It’s 5’oclock for 30 Days,” the Virginia Distillers Association (VDA) is promoting the 400th anniversary of the first spirit distilled on U.S. soil this month.
By streaming a video tasting at a distillery on its social media channels every day of September and getting the state liquor store system to run a 20% off promotion that boosted sales 1,316% a few weeks ago, the commonwealth is doing what it can to boost awareness of its robust yet under-the-radar spirits industry at a time when COVID has annihilated alco-tourism, distillery events and on-premise sales.
In this spirit, here are 10 things you probably don’t know about Virginia’s home-grown liquor.
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25th September
Jack Daniel’s Takes Dog Toy To Court Over Trademark Infringement - The Drinks Business
As reported by Law360.com, Jack Daniel’s submitted its appeal to the court last Friday (18 September) arguing for the previous verdict to be overturned.
Jack Daniel’s, which is owned by Brown-Forman, was first taken to court by the maker of the Bad Spaniels Silly Squeakers dog toy in 2014 after the distiller sent cease and desist letters to the company.
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23rd September
How Bourbon Producers Are Rallying to Preserve America’s White Oak Industry - Vinepair
American white oak is a key ingredient in bourbon production. During aging, the charred staves that form the walls of barrels impart the distinctive vanilla and caramel flavors that have become synonymous with America’s native spirit. So much so that some may believe bourbon must age in American oak. It doesn’t — the TTB dictates only that bourbon must age in “charred new oak containers.”
Still, bourbon producers overwhelmingly favor barrels made from American white oak. Perhaps because of this distinction, it’s an aspect of production we’ve come to take for granted. Rarely do we consider the workings and sustainability of America’s white oak industry, despite it being vital to the very production of one of the nation’s most popular spirits. To some, these may seem like esoteric, insider topics. But now, more than ever, they deserve recognition.
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23rd September
Rare Jura whisky to be auctioned off – with proceeds going to Scottish Association for Mental Health - Scotsman Food and Drink
The Jura Whisky distillery is auctioning 470 bottles of an exceptionally rare 19-year-old whisky, which has been bottled to raise funds in aid of a Scottish mental health charity.
The special expression, which has a full-bodied cask strength of 55 % ABV, was distilled in May 2001 and placed into Jura cask No 1708 before being bottled and hand sealed in August 2020 on the Isle of Jura, home to a tiny island community of just 212 people.
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23rd September
Big brands back calls to delist Jim Murray's Whisky Bible over 'sexist language' - Daily Record
A number of retailers and whisky brands are beginning to throw their weight behind growing calls for Jim Murray's annual whisky book to be delisted in shops due its "sexist" language.
Whisky writer Becky Paskin called out the Whisky Bible author on social media over his comparison of drinking the spirit to having sex.
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22 September
Wild Leap Launches Ready-To-Drink Premium Vodka Cocktails - Brewbound
Vodka cocktail fans are in for a treat with Wild Leap’s introduction of their wildly convenient Ready-To-Drink Premium Vodka Cocktails. This new line of canned cocktails debuts in two flavors, Strawberry Mango and Creamsicle Mojito, and features three ounces of premium Wild Leap Vodka.
These canned cocktails are 10% alcohol by volume, gluten-free and require no preparation before opening. Available in 4-packs of slender 12 ounce cans, Wild Leap Ready-To-Drink Premium Vodka Cocktails hit the shelves this week!
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22 September
Can Craft Whiskey Survive The Pandemic? - by Fred Minnick at Forbes
According to data from the American Craft Spirits Association, which defines craft distilleries here, more than 50 percent of distilleries have laid off employees during the Pandemic and more than 70 percent of craft distilleries report declines in orders from their distributors. And nearly 85 percent of craft spirits producers report sales are down.
So, while media wants to paint a rosy picture of us all in our homes, feet propped up and drinking martinis on a zoom call, craft distillers are hemorrhaging and the alcohol industry is not doing as well as people are wrongly claiming.
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21 September
It’s now possible to detect counterfeit whisky without opening the bottle - Ars Technica
There's nothing quite like the pleasure of sipping a fine Scotch whisky, for those whose tastes run to such indulgences. But how can you be sure that you're paying for the real deal and not some cheap counterfeit? Good news: physicists at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland have figured out how to test the authenticity of bottles of fine Scotch whisky using laser light, without ever having to open the bottles. They described their work in a recent paper published in the journal Analytical Methods.
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21 September
US luxury whiskey firm sues Halewood International over trademark infringement - Business Live
Merseyside spirits firm Halewood International has been sued by an American luxury whiskey giant.
Sazerac Brands LLC says Knowsley-based Halewood infringed its trademark after selling a new high-end bourbon called 'American Eagle'.
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17 September
Avallen Calvados secures £250,000 funding - Today News Post
Calvados brand Avallen has surpassed its £250,000 (US$316,000) fundraising target to support the next phase of the company’s growth.
Healthy Hospo founder Tim Etherington-Judge and wine and spirits specialist Stephanie Jordan launched Calvados brand Avallen in April last year.
The duo launched the crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs in July 2020. To date, the campaign has raised £255,065 (US$328,700) from 337 investors.
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17 September
Hudson creates new whiskey and updates recipes - The Spirits Business
New York-based Hudson Whiskey has launched a Scotch barrel-finished rye expression as its first line extension in seven years and revamped its portfolio with new recipes.
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17 September
O.Z. Tyler changes name to Green River Distilling Co. - Tristate HomePage
An Owensboro distillery will move forward with a new name
O.Z. Tyler will become Green River Distilling Company. In a release the company announced Green River Distilling Co. 4 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be available in 2021.
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15 September
Thirsty? These 20+ bourbon distilleries are offering socially-distanced tours in Kentucky - Courier Journal
Bourbon. Kentucky's native spirit. There's no better way to celebrate during National Bourbon Heritage Month than to learn a bit more about the many distilleries that call Kentucky home.
From the big names you know to the small distilleries you've yet to try, they've put together a list of distilleries that are currently offering tours with plenty of COVID-19 safety and social distancing restrictions in place.
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15 September
Hinch Distillery names US distributor - The Spirits Business
Northern Ireland’s Hinch Distillery, which is due to open its £15 million (US$19m) site in County Down next year, has entered the US through a distribution deal with Chopin Imports.
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14 September
Craft Vodka Market Is Booming Worldwide (2020-2027) | By Top Leading Players – Belenkaya, Absolut, Deep Eddy, Finlandia, Green Mark, Grey Goose, Hangar 1 Vodka - The Market Chronicles
The Craft Vodka Market has grown rapidly in recent years and has made a significant contribution to the international economic scenario in terms of sales generation, growth rate and market share.
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8th September
How distillery owners are finding creative ways to stay in the game during the pandemic - The Washington Post
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8th September
Tours resume at Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg - Manchester Times
Tennessee whiskey fans are now able to take tours of the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, according to distillery officials.
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8th September
Michigan craft distillers say more options to deliver products to customers would be ’massive lifesaver’ - Mlive
A bill in the Michigan Legislature sponsored by Sens. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, and Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, would specifically target distilleries by allowing small distilleries to obtain a “spirits shipper” license and distribute a limited amount of product per year to Michigan retailers, restaurants and bars or individuals. The bill would also let licensed distilleries sell products online and ship directly to consumers.
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4th September
US off-trade spirits sales grow 26.2% - The Spirits Business
Off-trade spirits sales in the US rose by 26.2% in the week ending 22 August compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest Nielsen data.
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4th September
Jack Daniel's master distiller stepping down after 12 years - New Jersey News Network
After 12 years of leading production of the powerhouse Jack Daniel's whiskey brand, Jeff Arnett is stepping down as master distiller, the company announced Thursday.
Arnett stewarded the brand's continued global growth and executed a strategy that expanded the Jack Daniel's lineup with flavored brand extensions and super-premium products that fetch higher prices — part of an industry-wide trend in American whiskey production.
Arnett said in a statement that his work at the distillery was “an incredible chapter in my life and I look forward to spending some time to think about what the next chapter will hold.”
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4th September
Johnnie Walker bookmarks brand’s 200th anniversary - Todays News Post
Diageo’s head of whisky outreach, Dr. Nicholas Morgan, has penned a new book recounting the history behind blended Scotch brand Johnnie Walker.
The book, called A Long Stride, is the first in-depth account of the history behind the world’s biggest-selling Scotch whisky brand. According to Brand Champions data, Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker sold 18.4 million nine-litre cases in 2019.
A Long Stride will be released on 29 October 2020. It will be available in hardback, priced at £16.99 (US$22.50), and in electronic format, priced at £13.59 (US$18)
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3 September
Snoop Dogg to Release His Own Strawberry-Infused Gin - Food & Wine
The hip-hop icon has announced that he is “finally” releasing Indoggo Gin, which would appear to get its name from a portmanteau of “Dogg” and “indo,” the substance Snoop proclaimed to be smoking while “rollin’ down the street” in the lyrics to his famed Doggystyle track, “Gin & Juice.”
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3 September
The States That Love American Whiskey the Most - Vinepair
Bourbon may be America’s native spirit, but it isn’t the only whiskey produced throughout the U.S. American distillers are crafting all types of whiskey, from rye to single malt, and even bourbon is produced beyond the boundaries of Kentucky.
See where your state falls in VinePair’s map of American whiskey ordering behaviors in each U.S. region!
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3 September
Canned cocktail sales to surpass $146bn by 2030 - The Spirits Business
The report from market research firm Fact MR said sales of RTD products will rise by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% to 2030, when the value of sales in the sector is predicted to surpass US$146bn.
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1st September
Watershed Distillery to Release New Limited Anniversary Bourbon - Bevnet
Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon, a limited release bourbon expression from Watershed Distillery, is slated to release on September 19, 2020, at Watershed Distillery’s Columbus based bottle shop. Liquor store allocation to select stores throughout Ohio begins on September 21, with allocation to additional U.S. markets to follow in early October.
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1st September
Ketel One creates Botanical Spritz RTDs -The Spirits Business
“We created Ketel One Botanical to appeal to the conscious consumer,” said Carl Nolet Jr. “We care as deeply about what goes into every bottle, as they care deeply about what they are eating and drinking. That sentiment rings truer than ever in a world where caring for ourselves and each other is a priority, and ease without sacrificing quality is so important.”
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31 August
‘WE NEED SOME HELP:’ Michigan’s craft spirits industry seeks relief to weather pandemic, stay competitive - MiBiz
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the supply of hand sanitizer dried up, nearly every member organization of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association rolled up their sleeves to pivot from producing spirits to making hand sanitizer.
Not unlike adjacent industries — craft beer and wine, restaurants and hospitality — local craft distillers have felt the crush of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns. However, maneuvering an industry with heavy-handed regulation has made it tough for these businesses to find creative solutions to keep revenue flowing, which has left the $1.8 billion dollar industry shaken and stirred.
A bit of relief for the state’s craft distillers could potentially come via a piece of legislation the MCDA helped introduce before the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, which has not yet been scheduled for a hearing, deals with limited self-distribution.
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31 August
Celebrating craft spirits across Virginia - CBS19 News
September is Virginia Spirits Month, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, distillers and those who like local craft spirits will be celebrating.
This year’s theme is it’s “5 O’clock for 30 days.”
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28 August
This Limited Edition Outdoor Blanket Raises Money to Protect the Great Plains - Afar
Love drinking whiskey outdoors? You’ll be thrilled to learn that High West, Utah’s first whiskey distillery, recently partnered with Coalatree, a sustainable outdoor gear brand, for a charitable collaboration that benefits conservation efforts in the Great Plains.
For every High West X Coalatree Kachula Adventure Blanket ($83, coalatree.com) sold, $30 will be donated to the American Prairie Reserve.
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28 August
Spirit Sensation Ketel One Botanical Debuts First-Of-Its-Kind Vodka Spritz To Effortlessly Elevate Any Occasion - PR Newswire
Ketel One is setting its sights on ready-to-drink cocktails with the debut of the Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz on September 1, 2020.
Brought to you by 11th generation family distillers, Carl Nolet Jr. and Bob Nolet, the first-of-its-kind Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz has no carbs, no added sugar, no artificial flavors or sweeteners, is made from 100% non-GMO grain and is only 73 calories per serving.
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27 August
Baileys unveils limited-edition apple pie flavor in the US - Foodbev Media
Diageo-owned Baileys has introduced an Apple Pie Irish Cream Liqueur in the US as a limited-time offering this autumn.
The new beverage offers Bailey’s take on a classic autumn treat and aims to highlight the ‘timeless’ flavor of apple pie mixed with the taste of Irish cream.
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27 August
Minneapolis' Tattersall Distillery staff vote to unionize - Bring Me The News
Marking a historic first, the staff of Tattersall Distillery in Minneapolis have unionized.
The voting results were finalized by the National Labor Relations Board and announced last Thursday night. The 27 front-of-house and bottling workers will be represented by the Minneapolis-based union Unite Here Local 17, which represents over 5,000 hospitality workers.
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27 August
Indiana’s Hard Truth Distilling Releases It's First-Ever Bourbon - The Whiskey Wash
Hard Truth Distilling Co. describes itself as an “artisan distillery located in Southern Indiana.” Founded in 2015, it started initially as a small operation in the upper rooms of a pizza restaurant and has now grown to an 18,000-square foot, state-of-the-art distillery featuring Vendome Copper & Brass Works equipment. The distillery team there has now unveiled their first bourbon.
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26 August
Hard seltzers: A beverage alcohol category or lifestyle movement? - The IWSR
Headed into 2019, IWSR analysts flagged the rapid growth rate of hard seltzers, a category that, until then, had long gone under the mainstream radar. Soon after, the US headed into the “summer of the hard seltzer” and the category transcended beyond beer, stealing share from spirits and wine. So far in 2020, hard seltzers and other “seltzer-like” products have far outpaced the growth of all other beverage alcohol categories, with new entrants flooding the space.
By the end of 2019, the value of the hard seltzer category in the US accounted for 9% of the value of the vodka and whisky market in the US combined. By 2024, this will likely double to over 20%. IWSR forecasts that US hard seltzer volume consumption will likely surpass US volumes of both vodka and whisky combined by 2022.
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26 August
Cherry Bounce spirits return after 130-year absence - Morganton
For the first time in 130 years, the original Cherry Bounce Whiskey and Moonshine will be reborn since its last appearance on Cherry Mountain in Rutherford County.
On Aug. 15, South Mountain Distilling Company in Rutherford College made available the famed and most-sought-after premium whiskey and moonshine since the 1890s. Made with aged corn whiskey, real honey, black cherries and aged for two years, a limited batch of only 500 bottles in existence of the aged whiskey will be made available for sale at this time.
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25 August
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Is Helping To Keep Bartenders Doing What They Do Best With Launch Of Bulleit Frontier Fund - Bulleit FrontierWhiskey
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2020 - Right now, thousands of those in the bartending and hospitality industry are facing uncharted territory and are limited in where and how to use their skills. Bulleit is committed to helping bartenders get back to doing what they do best.
That is why Bulleit is announcing the creation of the Bulleit Frontier Fund, with an initial commitment of $250,000 over the next year to support the North American hospitality industry. To kick things off, donation recipients will include such worthy organizations as The USBG National Charity Foundation, Another Round, Another Rally and Southern Smoke Foundation.
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25 August
Premium Gin Market Booming Worldwide 2020-2027 - Bulletin Line
Market Research Intellect recently added the Premium Gin Market research report which provides an in-depth scenario analysis of the market size, share, demand, growth, trends, and forecast for the market from 2020 to 2027.
The report covers the impact analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected export-import, demand, and industry trends and is expected to have an economic impact on the market. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the pandemic on the entire industry and provides an overview of a post-COVID-19 market scenario.
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24 August
Study: COVID-19 Crushes Craft Distillers - Distilled Spirits Council
A new Study of fresh data on the crushing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on craft distillers reveals that 41 percent of their sales evaporated—worth more than $700 million—and 31 percent of their employees have been furloughed. A significant portion of these losses was attributed to the shutdown of on-site sales from tasting rooms and other on-premise sales.
The study, conducted by the Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States (DISCUS), was based on data from a June 2020 survey by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), a trade association for craft distillers.
View Fact Sheet on findings here: Study: COVID-19 Crushes Craft Distillers
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24th August
Cognac sales could be worth $5.09bn by 2027 - The Spirits Business
The global Cognac market is expected to be worth US$5.09 billion by 2027 as demand grows in Asia Pacific and across the on-trade, according to analysis firm Grand View Research.
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19 August
The States That Love Tequila the Most - Vinepair
With Hollywood and professional sports stars getting in on the tequila game in recent years, it’s no surprise the category is worth big bucks.
But just how popular is tequila in the U.S.? And, more importantly, which states are home to the most loyal drinkers? Consumer insights firm Nielsen CGA answered those questions for Vinepair, and, for the sake of science, they’ve mapped out the top five tequila-loving states.
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19 August
Arkansas Distilleries Pouring Out New Products - Arkansas Business
Five Arkansas distilleries are working on new products, and business is flowing steadily for them, despite the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the opening of a sixth and bringing a seventh to a standstill.
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18 August
This Legendary Pumpkin Ale Now Comes in Whiskey Form - Food & Wine
One of America’s most legendary (and legendarily strong) pumpkin beers is now available in whiskey form. And if you’re not feeling up to the caffeinated pep or extreme sweetness of a pumpkin spice latte, this new pumpkin ale-inspired spirit may be the chilled out shot you’re looking for.
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18 August
Gray Whale Gin Is Swimming Towards Success In The US Spirits Market - by Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen at Forbes
Gray Whale is the first gin in DFWS portfolio, which also includes Luksusowa Vodka, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Masterson’s Rye, and Redemption Whiskey. While production in 2019 was around 24,000 bottles, Deutsch has increased increase scale and national market penetration in three waves, and it will be in 17 markets within the coming months.
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18 August
Diageo will pay up to $610 million for Aviation Gin, movie star Ryan Reynolds’ Portland distillery - Oregon Live
Diageo, one of the world’s largest producers of spirits and beers, will pay $335 million up front and up to $275 million more based on Aviation Gin’s performance over the next 10 years to acquire the company. Through the deal, Diageo will also acquire Davos Brands, the majority owner of Aviation Gin, and the company’s other spirits brands.
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17 August
Covid-19 delays Fresh Bourbon Distilling construction plans - The Spirits Business
The coronavirus pandemic has halted plans to build the US$5.4 million Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, which was due to break ground this summer.
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17 August
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto Gets His Own Single Malt Whiskey - The Whiskey Wash
Masaharu Morimoto is a name that’s pretty well known among fans of celebrity chefs as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, having competed particularly on the former since 1998. Morimoto has also built himself a considerable foodie empire, including 15 restaurants around the world and a few beers done in collaboration with Oregon-based Rogue Ales & Spirits. One can now add whiskey to this list, courtesy of Rogue and the beers it produces for him.
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14 August
Brown-Forman and Altia extend partnership by 10 years - The Spirits Business
US firm Brown-Forman has extended its partnership with Nordic drinks group Altia for the production of Finlandia Vodka until 2035.
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14 August
Michigan’s Wonderland Distilling Releases Its Very First Whiskey - The Whiskey Wash
Wonderland Distilling, located in Michigan, is a distillery said to make spirits that are “made from the desire for adventure to embody the passion to live a life untethered” in “an ode to the woods, water, fields & manufacturing history that makes Michigan great.”
In part it looks to achieve this through using “Michigan ingredients” such as grains, fruits, botanicals and wood, combined with fresh Lake Michigan water, and it is in that spirit it has just launched its first product, a blend of straight whiskeys.
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14 August
San Diego Distillery Misadventure & Co. Launches Donation Program To Help Fund COVID-19 Research - Pr Newswire
Misadventure & Co. is pleased to announce it will donate a portion of its proceeds of its hand sanitizer sales to fund COVID-19 research. With each hand sanitizer product sold, Misadventure & Co. will move toward its goal of giving fifteen percent of those profits to scientific research institutions including The National Institutes of Health Foundation, John Hopkins Medical Foundation, and University of California San Diego Health Foundation in the name of COVID-19 research and response.
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13 August
Distillery Tasting Rooms are Reopening—But With Some Serious Changes - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Roughly five months after distilleries closed their doors to the public to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, many have started to reopen for tours and tastings. Of course, it’s not quite business as usual: distilleries have made substantial changes, with social distancing and safety guidelines in mind.
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13 August
Tennessee’s First Legal Moonshine Distillery Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Release of ‘Ole Smoky® 153 Moonshine’ - Business Wire
Ole Smoky Distillery is celebrating 10 years of legal distilling with the release of a special commemorative moonshine that pays homage to the drink’s rich history. Created with a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley, and handcrafted in a pot still, Ole Smoky 153 celebrates the taste of the past and the brand’s anniversary.
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13 August
Plans to change alcohol guidelines ‘seriously flawed’ - The Spirits Business
The science adviser to the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has testified against plans to change the definition of ‘moderate drinking’, calling the proposal “seriously flawed”.
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11 August
Buffalo Wild Wings Is Releasing Its Own Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey - Brad Japhe at Forbes
Perhaps it was only a matter of time. Buffalo Trace and Buffalo Wild Wings? The crossover appeal was ultimately too tempting to resist. So for the first time ever, the coveted Kentucky straight bourbon is partnering with the country’s largest sports bar brand.
The result? A special 8-year-old American whiskey available exclusively at the spicy chicken wing chain—specifically, its locations in Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Nevada and California.
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11 August
Cantilever Distillery putting small Minnesota town on the map - Star Tribune
Cantilever Distillery, a multimillion-dollar project with an attached 31-room boutique hotel, quickly made a splash near the shores of Rainy Lake when it opened in mid-January. In February the hotel reached 90% capacity and was well on the way to boosting the fortunes of Ranier, a town of 565 just east of International Falls.
Then the pandemic hit, and another prohibition set in for Cantilever and its expansive cocktail room and restaurant.
Fortunately, it was a short-lived hangover, and now business is buzzing along.
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11 August
Craft Spirits Market Growth To Witness Uptrend With Robust Sales Volume | Biggest Opportunity of 2020 - Primefeed
A new business intelligence report released by Advance Market Analytics with title Global Craft Spirits Market Insights, forecast to 2027. This report provides a detailed overview of key factors in the Global Craft Spirits Market and factors such as driver, restraint, past and current trends, regulatory scenarios and technology development. A thorough analysis of these factors has been conducted to determine future growth prospects in the global market.
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10 August
Distillers ask Congress to keep aid flowing during pandemic - Great Falls Tribune
Trade associations for 15 Montana distillers are urging Congress to provide more economic aid to distilleries facing deep financial hardship due to the impact of COVID-19.
A letter was sent Friday to the state’s congressional delegation from Montana Distiller’s Guild President Jim Harris and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger, officials said in a news release.
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10 August
Four Flavored Spirits Showcasing the Best of Local Produce - Wine Enthusiast
Across the country, local-minded spirits makers have found what may be the best way to enjoy regional produce, much of which is available only fleetingly, at the table: Distill it into luscious, full-flavored alcohol.
“There are so many amazing options when one considers what grows regionally,” says Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, president and cofounder of Chicago’s Koval Distillery.
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7 August
Distillers: 33% of Texas distilleries face closure if state laws don't change - Khou
"We're not asking for a handout we're asking to remove the handcuffs that the distilleries have been operating under," the Texas Whiskey Association said.
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7 August
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6 August
Ice Cream Made with Hard Liquor Is Now Legal in NYC - Eater New York
New York restaurants, bars, and ice cream manufacturers can now sell liquor-infused desserts, according to new legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week.
Under state law, ice cream could already be made with wine, cider, and beer up to 5 percent by volume, but the new policy throws hard liquor into the mix, as well. It bears noting that New York’s popular chain of boozy ice cream shops, Tipsy Scoop, has already been doing this for years.
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6 August
Less than 5% of Diageo’s packaging uses plastic - The Drinks Business
After news Diageo was to package a limited edition run of Johnnie Walker whisky in plastic-free paper bottles, the company has revealed that it has already made significant progress in reducing its plastic use.
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5 August
Spirits to grow share of US e-commerce sales - The Spirits Business
The spirits category is expected to increase its share of the US alcohol e-commerce channel at the expense of wine, according to the chief operating officer, Americas, for IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
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5 August
The States That Love Hard Seltzer the Most - Vinepair
Following a survey of 15,000 consumers nationwide, Nielsen found that 11 percent of respondents typically order hard seltzer when visiting on-premise locations. The survey also showed that hard seltzer’s popularity remains almost uniform across the nation.
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5 August
Having Pivoted at the Start of COVID-19, Distilleries Are Now Drowning in Hand Sanitizer - Eater
Distilleries that pivoted from liquor to hand sanitizer have been hung out to dry after the pandemic’s initial panic-demand
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4 August
Shipwrecked whisky could fetch £15k at auction - The Drinks Business
The bottle is one of five legally recovered by divers in 1987. Seller George Currie, who salvaged the bottle along with two other divers, believes now is the time to let the whisky go.
He told Press and Journal: “At the time, we just kept the whisky as a souvenir, and didn’t think too much about it. But it has been 33 years now and it feels like time to let it go, and let somebody else get the benefit.”
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4 August
What are hard seltzers and why is everyone drinking them? - BreakingNews.ie
Booze-fuelled fizzy water isn’t something many of us have come across before, but it’s a whole new drinks trend that’s on the rise.
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3 August
Spirits maintain growth rates in US off-trade - The Spirits Business
For the one-week period ending 18 July, spirits sales in the US off-trade grew 29.3%, while wine increased by 19.7% and beer, flavored malt beverages (FMB) and cider, rose by 15.4%.
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31 July
Sugar-free Smirnoff Ice launches in US - The Spirits Business
Diageo has created a zero-sugar version of ready-to-drink brand Smirnoff Ice, which contains fewer than 100 calories.
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31 July 2020
A Field Guide to New Western Dry Gin — From Balance to Botanicals to Brands - Vinepair
When bartender Ryan Magarian and distiller Christian Krogstad co-founded Aviation Gin in 2006 there was no commonly used term to describe their settled-upon style of gin. So Magarian coined one himself: New Western Dry.
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30 July
Pitbull becomes Espanita Tequila ambassador - The Spirits Business
Espanita Tequila has appointed Armando Christian Pérez, better known as American rapper Pitbull, as its strategic adviser and global brand ambassador.
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30 July
Hard seltzer sales could reach $14.5bn by 2027 - Today News Post
Sales of hard seltzers are predicted to be worth US$14.5 billion by 2027, boosted by markets such as Australia and Canada, according to findings from Grand View Research. The US-based market research firm expects the hard seltzer category to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2020 to 2027.
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30 July
Spike In Interest: The Rapid Rise Of Celebrity Tequila - The Drinks Business
Tequila has come a long way. From being denigrated as a cheap student drink to knock back with brio, then spend the next day regretting it, the agave-based spirit has enjoyed a dramatic change in fortunes, and is now one of the hottest, and fastest-growing, drinks categories on the planet.
According to the IWSR, global Tequila sales are up by 5.3% in volume to 35 million cases a year, while value sales are up by 13% to over £7.2 billion. Tequila has been moving upmarket ever since
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29 July
17 associations demand end to wine and spirits tariffs - The Drinks Business
The industry bodies have submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) after news of another tariff review last month.
In addition to existing tariffs on still wine, Scotch whisky and liqueurs, the US said it was considering further levies of up to 100% on beer, gin and vodka made in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK.
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29 July
Boutique-y unveils World Series whisky range - The Spirits Business
Independent bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company (TBWC) will release a range of world whiskies next month, the first collection in a new themed series.
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28 July
South Carolina distilleries seek pandemic relief - Live 5 News
Scott Blackwell, the president of South Carolina Craft Distillers Guild together with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United State the two organizations sent a letter to the U.S. Congress asking for help.
The letter urges lawmakers to consider four actions:
> Provide federal excise tax (FET) relief
> Seek the suspension of tariffs on distilled spirits
> Support the RESTAURANTS Act
> Expand the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
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28 July
This Entrepreneur owns Pennsylvania’s first and only Black-owned distillery - Black Enterprise
The wine and spirits industry has a longstanding problem with diversity. Many disruptors have sought to change the face of ownership from wineries to local brands. One Black male entrepreneur has succeeded in turning his vodka brand into Pennsylvania’s only Black-owned distillery. Russell Fletcher owns Mishka Premium Vodka.
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27 July
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board provides additional guidance for licensees regarding operations during targeted mitigation efforts - The Business Journals
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board provided additional guidance for liquor licensees on how to best operate during targeted mitigation efforts implemented throughout the state in the wake of a rise in Covid-19 cases.
According to the PLCB, the guidance was designed for restaurant, retail dispenser, and hotel licensees; club and catering club licensees; brewery, distillery, limited distillery, winery, and limited winery licensees; and golf course licenses.
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27 July
Cask Trade to hold online barrel auction - The Spirits Business
Cask Trade, which was founded in 2018 with an aim to provide an “open and honest marketplace” for whisky collectors, will host the online auction from 14 August until 8 pm GMT on 23 August. The casks are priced between £1,500 (US$1,900) and £35,000 (US$45,000).
The nine-day auction is described as perfect for first-time investors and those looking to start collecting casks.
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24 July
Texas Whiskey Association Asks Gov. To Allow Direct Sale Options - Focus Daily News
New guidance from the TABC on the Governor’s Executive Order (GA-28) has forced the public closure of distilleries, wineries and breweries in addition to bars across the state.
There seems to be some kind of disconnect that the Governor is a supporter of “alcohol to go sales” at restaurants, but isn’t acting to waive direct sales restrictions.
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24 July
Newport-based Thomas Tew to be the official rum of the New York Mets - Providence Journal
Rhode Island’s Thomas Tew Rum is now the official rum of the New York Mets. The rum, whose name derives from a 17th-century Rhode Island pirate, will no doubt have its name in lights at the National League home of the Mets, Citi Field, in Flushing Meadows.
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23 July
Trump’s Tariff War Is Crippling The Spirits Industry. Distillers Want Action - Forbes (Kate Dingwall)
Since Trump’s tariff war took off two years ago, American whiskey distillers have lost a jarring $337 million of sales.
But the worst is yet to come. The deadline for the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) public input period for the proposed new tariffs on spirits from the European Union is coming up fast (July 26, 2020), and the outcome will drastically change the industry.
So the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is calling for action in the spirits industry.
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23 July
Discounted Prices On Hand Sanitizer At St. Pete Distillery - Patch
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — In light of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the area, St. Petersburg Distillery has expanded its efforts to assist in slowing the spread of the virus in the community by offering a 50% discount on hand sanitizer products, a news release said. Special discount codes are now listed on the distillery's Instagram and Facebook pages, and can be used to purchase products that include packages of the individual 1.7 oz bottles to the 5-gallon buckets.
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22 July
Oregon moves one step closer to permanently allowing home delivery of beer, spirits and wine - Oregon Live
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission met virtually with city and health officials, as well as local distillery, winery, liquor store, and restaurant owners on Tuesday to discuss the continuance of alcohol delivery.
Alcohol delivery has been allowed in the state of Oregon since 1933, the year Prohibition ended in the United States. Since then, the commission has updated rules to better reflect the market, such as going from only allowing wine to be delivered to including malt beverages and mostly recently distilled spirits.
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22 July
San Antonio's Ranger Creek Issues Collaboratively Made Rye with Texas Whiskey Festival - San Antonio Current
SA's Ranger Creek Distillery and the Texas Whiskey Festival have released a specialty barrel-aged rye, the first in a series of collaborations the festival is undertaking with Lone Star State distillers.
The Texas Whiskey Festival's Tejas series will allow it to collaborate with distillers around the state to create unique offerings that showcase their individual methods and character. Each bottling will be a limited release available only through the respective distiller.
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21 July
Bacardi is blasted for 'sexism' after marketing its new low-calorie, low-alcohol vodka as being 'for women, by women' - as the brand admits it 'is not proud' of the 'gendered language' - Daily Mail
On August 1, the alcohol brand is set to debut Plume & Petal, a line of three new vodkas that are lower in alcohol, lower-calorie, and made 'for today's modern woman, intended to be enjoyed with other women.'
But after Food & Wine restaurant editor Khushbu Shah shared an email pitch for the product she received in her inbox, Twitter users expressed frustration, annoyance, and rage over the unnecessarily gendered language.
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21 July
Texas breweries, distilleries say they should be exempt from shutdown order - Caller Times
Distillery, winery and even some restaurant owners with high alcohol sales say they are unfairly being caught in the crossfire of the statewide bar shutdown, despite running starkly different operations from those Abbott warned against when he issued his latest executive order.
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21 July
Fruit Brandy Market Worth Observing Growth: Trimbach, Distillerie, Weissbrand Distilling - Cole Of Duty
The factors driving the growth of the fruit brandy market are digestive health benefits and the traditional image of the product. Another factor responsible for market growth is the increasing preference for fruit-based cocktail additives by the younger age consumers, over other beverages. Fruit brandy’s traditional luxury image and higher prices result in a higher quality and standard product.
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16 July
Patrón Tequila names new master distiller - The Spirits Business
Bacardi has promoted David Rodriguez to master distiller of Patrón Tequila following the retirement of Francisco Alcaraz. Alcaraz officially retired yesterday (14 July) following more than 30 years with Patrón. His career spans 50 years within the Tequila industry.
Alcaraz has been praised for helping to shape Patrón into a global brand that sells 2.8 million nine-liter cases worldwide.
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16 July
Caledonia Spirits Joins Thirstie Platform to Bring Spirits to Online Consumers - Bevnet
Vermont-based distiller Caledonia Spirits announced that it has partnered with Thirstie, Inc., an industry leader in e-commerce and logistics solutions for beverage alcohol brands, to launch its first-ever online spirits store.
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16 July
Devils River Whiskey is developing a new distillery in downtown San Antonio, Texas, US. - Drinks Insight Network
The new distillery will support the company’s growth and the development of the downtown area of San Antonio. The distillery will enable the company to produce 150 cases of spirits a day. The event space will host corporate gatherings.
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15 July
Ole Smoky Distillery announces ready-to-drink canned moonshine cocktails - WVLT
Ole Smoky Distillery announced Tuesday it is introducing its newest line of products, ready-to-drink cocktails featuring Ole Smoky’s famous moonshine.
According to the distillery, the cocktails will be in four flavors: Apple Pie Ginger, Blackberry Lemonade, Mountain ‘Rita and Mountain Mule and will be sold at all liquor stores across Tennessee along with local marinas and at Ole Smoky’s Nashville Distillery.
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15 July
Discus names Clarkson Hine chair - The Spirits Business
The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has elected Clarkson Hine, Beam Suntory senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, as chair of the association.
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15 July
10th Street Distillery Releases Distiller’s Cut Peated Single Malt - Bevnet
San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery announces the release of their Distiller’s Cut, an exceptional peated single malt whisky that has already distinguished itself by winning Gold at the Whiskeys of the World competition.
The first release of 1000 cases is available now throughout California at all Total Wine & More stores; The Whisky Shop in San Francisco; Ledger’s Liquor in Berkeley; Willibee’s in Petaluma; and Southgate Liquors in San Jose among others. Visit retailers’ web sites for hours and availability.
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13 July
Skeptic Distillery creates Tequila barrel-finished gin - The Spirits Business
Chicago-based Skeptic Distillery has released a new gin that has been finished in Tequila barrels for seven months, called Ginquila.
13 July
US hospitality sector sees 1.5m workers return - The Spirits Business
Businesses in the US hospitality industry brought back 1.5 million employees in June as economic activity in the country picked up following the relaxation of lockdown measures in certain states.
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10 July
Bombay Sapphire and Dewar’s to reopen to the public - The Spirits Business
Bacardi will reopen its Bombay Sapphire and Dewar’s distilleries to the public from 20 July after both sites were temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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10 July
Mezcal regulatory body fined by Mexican government - The Drinks Business
The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM) has been fined almost one million pesos (£33,500) by the Mexican government for spreading misleading information.
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9 July
Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Six Millionth Barrel Raises Over $1 Million for Charities around the US - The Bourbon Review
The distillery reports that 332 non-profit organizations have raised $1,145,162 for charities of their choosing, while the rest have had to reschedule or postpone fundraising efforts due to Covid-19. Causes that have benefitted include education services, ecological foundations, leukemia and lymphoma, arts foundations, veterans, animal rights and many more. Bourbon Charity topped the list, raising $69,125 from a generous group thousands of bourbon lovers through online donations.
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9 July
Celebrity drinks app seeks crowdfunding - The Drinks Business
As the celebrity wine and spirits boom gathers pace, an app called GrapeStars that aims to be the Amazon of celebrity drinks is currently seeking crowdfunding.
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7 July
Iron Fish Distillery expands RV camping on its 120-acre Northern Michigan farm - Michigan Live
Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville has expanded the number of spots it offers through the Harvest Hosts program. If you’re a Harvest Hosts member and have a self-contained RV, you can reserve your spot at Iron Fish and pull into a wide-open area overlooking its rye field.
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7 July
Commissioner Miller Expands Reopen Request to Governor Abbott to Include Distillery, Brewpub Tasting Rooms - Texas Insider
Miller asked Abbott to amend his June 26 Executive Order to remove Texas distillery tasting rooms, brewery and brewpub taprooms and beer gardens from the definition of bars and allow them to reopen immediately under the same health, safety and social distancing rules as Texas restaurants.
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6 July 2020
Rum Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2026 | Key Players: Amrut Distilleries, Beam Suntory, Gruppo Campari, Matusalem - 3w Market News Reports
A new market study is released on Global Rum Market Market with data Tables for historical and forecast years represented with Chats & Graphs spread through 116 Pages with easy to understand detailed analysis.
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6 July 2020
Tennessee whiskey distilleries launch program to honor first African American master distiller - News Channel 5
Jack Daniel's Distillery and Nearest Green Distillery are launching a program to increase diversity in the whiskey industry. It's to honor the very first African American master distiller, Nearest Green.
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6th July 2020
Skaneateles native helps launch online shopping site for rare, high-end liquors - Syracuse
As an online-only retail site, Curiada links the producers of the spirits with a network of brick-and-mortar retail outlets. You buy the liquor from Curiada, but its comes to your door via a retailer in your state.
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3 July 2020
Distilleries in New York May Soon Obtain DTC Licenses - CPA Practice Advisor
New York State Assembly Bill A10448 would authorize direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor. Very similar to the existing rules for wineries, A10448 creates a new DTC license for distilleries and farm distilleries that allows direct shipments to consumers via common carrier.
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3 July
Onda, a Spirits Brand for a New Generation of Drinkers, Launches with Sparkling Tequila - Business Wire
Onda’s beverages are made with blanco tequila from a woman-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The tequila is carefully mixed with sparkling water and real fruit juice to create a finished drink that tastes light and refreshing with just a hint of tequila. Each 12 oz. can is 5% alcohol, 100 calories, zero sugar, zero carb and naturally gluten-free.
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3 July
Diageo goes green with carbon-neutral distillery in Kentucky - The Washington Post
Spirits giant Diageo announced Monday that it’s going green with its newest whiskey-making venture in the Bluegrass State. Its distillery being built at Lebanon, Kentucky, is expected to be carbon neutral — a first for the London-based company. The $130 million distillery of Bulleit bourbon is expected to be fully operational in 2021.
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2 July
Most spirits categories up 30% or more in US off-trade - The Spirits Business
Almost every spirits category grew by 30% or more in the US off-trade channel in the week ending 20 June 2020, new Nielsen data has shown.
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2nd July 2020
Constellation Brands trims spirits portfolio with $225M divestiture - FoodDive
The deal, which requires approval from the Federal Trade Commission, is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2021.
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1st July 2020
Generation Z and Workers from Home Drove the Growth of California Wine Consumption During the COVID-19 Crisis Lockdown - Wine Business
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1st July 2020
Plantation Rum To Change Name - Neatpour
During the last month, the US underwent a racial awakening. As awareness of systemic prejudice spread, it became clear that the spirits industry was no exception. Today, one company moved closer to correcting this problematic norm. Plantation Rum announced that their name will be changing post haste.
28th May 2020
Alcohol industry rebound not expected until 2024 -The Spirits Business
IWSR Drinks Market Analysis forecasts total global alcohol consumption will experience double-digit declines in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will take until at least 2024 to reach pre-crisis levels.
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28th May 2020
Rare whisky worth £50,000 stolen in West Sussex - The Drinks Business
Sussex Police has appealed for information after a collection of rare whisky and other spirits, worth around £50,000, was stolen from a lockup near Chichester this month.
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27th May 2020
Online festival from OurWhisky raises thousands for The Drinks Trust charity - Scotsman Food and Drink
Whisky educational platform OurWhisky has announced that its inaugural virtual whisky festival has raised over £12,000 for The Drinks Trust, a charity providing care and support to drinks industry professionals.
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27th May 2020
Assembly Bill Aims To Help Distilleries In New York - The Post-Journal
A Democratic Assemblywoman has introduced legislation that would allow distilled spirits makers in New York to sell directly to consumers.
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26th May 2020
Local brands may find pandemic easier to manage - The Spirits Business
Prestige vodka owner Stock Spirits believes local brands could be better positioned to weather the Covid-19 storm compared to international players.
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26th May 2020
Cocktails-to-go bill is approved in Pennsylvania to help bars and restaurants - The Philadelphia Inquirer
The idea of ordering a cocktail to go from a restaurant or bar in Pennsylvania, unthinkable just a couple of months ago, is now a reality.
Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday signed House Bill 327, giving an industry imperiled by the coronavirus shutdown the temporary authority to sell mixed drinks — typically among their highest-profit line. Bar stools and dining room seats must still remain empty.
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26th May 2020
It's Necessary: Restaurants and bars reopen, but be on your best behavior - Cincinnati.com
Restaurants and bars are reopening around the country. All we ask is while dining out, be on your best behavior. Wear a mask. Keep your distance. Think of others.
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25th May 2020
Elimination of ‘burdensome’ rules will help on-trade - The Spirits Business
The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has welcomed a new executive order designed to help businesses recover from the pandemic and said it would work with the US administration to remove “unnecessary, burdensome regulations” across the hospitality sector.
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25th May 2020
California advances bill allowing some restaurants, bars to terminate leases amid coronavirus - San Francisco Chronicle
The California Senate advanced on Friday a bill that would allow some hospitality tenants to terminate leases if negotiations with landlords to modify terms aren’t successful during coronavirus.
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25th May 2020
Can anyone save New York’s Bars and Restaurants? - The New York Times
A bygone era? Bar and restaurant operating costs rely on full bars, close contact and intimate conversations.
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22 May 2020
CDC Posts Advice on Reopening U.S. Bars, Restaurants and Workplaces - Bloomberg
New guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advising states on how to reopen bars, restaurants and workplaces was posted by the agency on Thursday.
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22 May 2020
Vinexpo webinar to discuss ‘new normal’ for alcohol - The Spirits Business
The New Normal: Beverage Alcohol in a COVID Environment will take place on 3 June from 11 am to 11.45 am EST. The webinar will be sponsored by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
The discussion will ask whether 2019 was the last “normal year” of beverage alcohol consumption or will the same trends continue in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
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22 May 2020
Colorado releases draft guidelines for restaurants, bars to begin reopening; feedback sought - The Denver Channel
Colorado released the draft guidelines for restaurants, bars and cafes to begin reopening Tuesday – which shows the standards those eateries will have to meet in order to begin reopening and focuses on implementing outdoor seating and limiting interactions.
Owners and managers of restaurants and other stakeholders will have through Friday to give feedback to the state on the draft guidelines through a form.
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21 May 2020
California Will Allow Expanded Alcohol Service on Sidewalks and Parking Lots - Eater Los Angeles
California restaurants and bars could be permitted to serve cocktails and food on adjacent sidewalks, parking lots, and in city streets in the coming months.
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21 May 2020
Mixed drinks boost off-trade spirits sales in US - The Spirits Business
Off-trade alcohol sales in the US grew 34.8% in the seven-day period, led by spirits. Wine rose by 35.8%, followed by beer, flavored malt beverages, and cider which grew 29.3%. Beer in particular increased by 20.4%.
Nielsen said RTD cocktails provide convenience and the category continues to expand its presence and extend its “innovative combinations of flavors and liquor types”.
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21 May 2020
Coronavirus Conversations With Raffaele Berardi, The Ceo Of Fraternity Spirits - The Drinks Business
Raffaele Berardi, the CEO of Fraternity Spirits shares how he thinks Covid-19 will, or won’t, change the spirits sector.
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20 May 2020
Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Are a Lifeline for Bars and Restaurants That Should Continue Permanently - Vinepair
Selling alcohol to go has given bars and restaurants a lifeline during Covid-19. The temporary orders have also shown that selling wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails to go can be done responsibly.
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20 May 2020
Restaurants, bars in NY want to open sooner than planned - Utica Observer-Dispatch
“Our plan to reopen restaurants and bars requires businesses to ensure employee wellness, require social distancing by customers and employees and institute enhanced cleaning protocols,” the group said in a letter to Empire State Development and other leaders obtained by the USA TODAY Network New York.
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19 May 2020
Discus calls for clarity on cocktails to-go laws - The Spirits Industry
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (Discus) is urging lawmakers in Connecticut to clarify whether cocktails are permitted as part of the state’s takeaway alcohol rules.
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19 May 2020
‘A beautiful day’ in Italy, as shops and bars finally reopen - Metro.us
Italian shops, hairdressers and restaurants finally threw open their doors on Monday as the country sped up efforts to bounce back from the coronavirus crisis after a 10-week lockdown.
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15 May 2020
Consumers hesitant to return to bars reopening in US - The Spirits Industry
Younger consumers were more likely to return to bars sooner than older demographics. A total of 16% of those questioned who were aged 21-34 visited a bar between 9-11 May, compared to 12% of those aged 35-54 and 4% of those over the age of 55.
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15 May 2020
Texas Restaurant Association urges Governor to reopen bars - Chron
The Texas bar industry has lost $630 million in revenue during that time, while the state has lost $42 million in liquor tax revenue, according to the TRA. The closures have affected 75,000 jobs.
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14 May 2020
Over 50 SF Restaurant Owners Explain What They Need to Stay in Business - Eater SF
The folks behind the dining rooms of some of San Francisco’s buzziest restaurants say that they have a plan to save the city’s restaurant industry, and are urging city officials to dive deep into a 40-page report they’ve created that lays out that strategy. The plan is based on both health and safety recommendations and what over 50 of the city’s boldfaced restaurant names say they need — and its authors say that officials must act on its recommendations, or stand by and watch half of San Francisco’s restaurants close for good.
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14 May 2020
Most Americans claim to drink responsibly in lockdown - The Spirits Business
The majority (86%) of US adults are confident they are consuming alcohol responsibly at home during the coronavirus lockdown, according to a new survey.
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14 May 2020
Coronavirus: Drinking more at home? Booze prices jump 6%, biggest hike since 2007 - The Mercury News
The coronavirus has boosted local prices of beer and booze, according to the Consumer Price Index for Los Angeles and Orange counties. The cost of store-bought alcoholic beverages was 6.1% costlier in April than a year ago, the biggest jump in more than 12 years. This comes as overall inflation in the region hits a five-year low.
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13 May 2020
Alcohol e-commerce develops in global markets - The Spirits Business
A new report by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis looked at how Covid-19 has pushed the development of the e-commerce channel in a number of markets across the world. The IWSR noted the “increasing importance” of e-commerce in the future.
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13 May 2020
On-demand food delivery apps are letting minors order alcohol, regulators say - The Verge
Food and beverage delivery services like DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats aided in a surge of alcohol deliveries to underage minors in California last month, the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) found in a new investigation. And because of relaxed restrictions around alcohol takeout and delivery during COVID-19, the issue is getting worse, regulators say.
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12 May 2020
REBALANCING THE ‘COVID-19 EFFECT’ ON ALCOHOL SALES - Nielsen
A Nielsen investigation of the latest trends estimates that the U.S. alcohol market needs to sustain 22% volume growth across all alcohol categories sold off-premise in order to merely level off from the impact of closed bars and restaurants.
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12 May 2020
Here’s what to expect when Ohio restaurants, bars reopen - Beacon Journal
When restaurants and bars reopen for outdoor dining Friday and dine-in service May 21, they must follow strict requirements from the state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Click the link to read a summary of what to expect if you venture out to dine in at area restaurants.
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11 May 2020
WSTA reiterates priorities for spirits post-Brexit - The Spirits Business
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has written to the UK government highlighting its key priorities to ensure the best possible outcome for the industry at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.
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11th May 2020
Seven ways the government can help bars survive - San Antonio Express
Here are seven suggestions Boehm has for government agencies on how bars such as his might better survive, if not thrive, in the future.
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8 May 2020
Coronavirus: Hong Kong bars to reopen after weeks of Covid-19 shutdown with Lan Kwai Fong venues lining up cheap deals to attract customers - South China Morning Post
Pubs and bars will only be allowed to operate half-full to a maximum of four people per table from Friday, after their emergence as the city’s biggest infection cluster led to a mandatory shutdown of the industry from April 3.
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8 May 2020
Alcohol is proving lifeline to ease lockdown woes - The Drinks Business
Since the coronavirus lockdowns began, it’s been widely reported that sales of wines, beers and spirits have been booming in the retail sector, especially those businesses with direct delivery operations and e-commerce sites*.
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7 May 2020
Hand Sanitizer Should Taste Worse - Vice
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that it appreciates all of the manufacturers that have stepped up to make sanitizer but, going forward, it really needs to taste a lot worse.
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7 May 2020
Top 10 spirits marketing moves in April 2020 - The Spirits Business
A number of spirits brands, including Reyka Vodka and Kraken rum, unveiled light-hearted marketing campaigns last month, while Jameson launched an online educational platform for bartenders.
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7 May 2020
What It Will Take for Restaurants to Survive - The New Yorker
“My concern isn’t actually getting open,” the chef and TV personality Tom Colicchio says. “My concern is, once you’re open, how do you last for a year?”
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6 May 2020
Pegu Club, a Pioneering Manhattan Cocktail Bar, Won’t Reopen - The New York Times
Pegu Club, the SoHo bar that kicked the cocktail revival in New York City into high gear when it opened in 2005 and quickly became one of the most influential cocktail bars in the world, will not reopen, a victim of the citywide restaurant and bar shutdown in the coronavirus pandemic.
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6th May 2020
Spirits Europe unveils responsible drinking quiz - The Spirits Business
Trade body Spirits Europe has launched a new campaign to remind consumers about the importance of responsible drinking during lockdown.
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6th May 2020
Minnesota Distillery donates 80 gallons of sanitizer to Riverside Healthcare in Ontario - International Falls Journal
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5 May 2020
US LOCKDOWN ALCOHOL SALES: THE LATEST TRENDS - The Drinks Business
Here are the latest trends in alcoholic drinks sales in the US since the coronavirus lockdowns began, including the performance of wines, beers and spirits in both offline and online retail.
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5 May 2020
Restaurants, bars open as Montana lifts more virus closures - ctpost
Restaurants, bars, brewpubs and casinos began reopening in Montana on Monday with limits on crowds and servers donning masks and gloves, as the state lifts more closures imposed to fight the coronavirus
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5 May 2020
Global Data cuts growth projections for spirits - The Spirits Business
Global Data said in terms of local currency units value, adjusted to take Covid-19 into account, UK spirits sales forecasts have been adjusted from a 5.1% increase to a 6.9% decline.
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4 May 2020
The Drinks Trust fundraising surpasses £1m - Drinks International
Following a request for support through the “Your Round, Help Your Trade” campaign, The Drinks Trust has raised more than £1m to support members of the industry who have been affected by COVID-19.
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4 May 2020
America’s Restaurants Start to Open Up, With a Side of Anxiety - Bloomberg
As states start lifting their lockdown orders, America’s burger joints, pizzerias, taquerias and diners find themselves on the reopening economy’s front line. Whether they’re ready or not.
Restaurants are among the first businesses allowed to throw open their doors in many places easing virus-fighting restrictions. And after weeks of laying off staff and living off takeout orders, owners can’t wait -- even if they’re not quite sure how to make it work.
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4th May 2020
Downey: bars will not survive without National Time Out
Milk & Honey owner Jonathan Downey has ramped up campaign efforts to introduce a nine-month National Time Out on rent payments and warned that without one, bars will not survive the pandemic as landlords continue pursuing rent payments
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1st May 2020
Hospitality class action group launches to bring business interruption insurance claims - City A.M.
The hospitality insurance group action (HIGA) is open to businesses such as pubs, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs which have been forced to close because of the lockdown and are facing insurers refusing to pay out on business interruption claims.
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1st May 2020
Covid-19: Drinks Ireland comes up with new plan to safeguard sector - Drinks Insight Network
Drinks Ireland, a representative organization of the Irish alcoholic drinks manufacturers, has released a seven-point plan to safeguard the industry during Covid-19 crisis.
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30 April 2020
Imbibe Live canceled with new dates set for 2021 - Drinks International
Imbibe Live 2020 has been canceled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and a new date has been set for the 2021 edition.
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30 April 2020
Drinks Ireland creates coronavirus recovery plan - The Spirits Business
Trade body Drinks Ireland has released a seven-point plan to help the industry recover from the coronavirus pandemic, which calls for the creation of a working group and the abolishment of punitive tariffs
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29 April 2020
Gov. Mills approves bar, restaurants to sell 'cocktails to go' - News Center Maine
A clarification to the "beverage" definition made in a previous Order was revisited Monday to include bars and restaurants to sell spirits-based cocktails
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29 April 2020
Restrictions On Booze Purchases In Australia To Lift From Today - 10 Daily
Retail Drinks Australia released a statement that explained its members’ voluntary national initiative -- which placed temporary restrictions on how many products a customer could purchase in one transaction -- would come to an end from the opening of trading hours on Tuesday.
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28 April 2020
Online auction of record-breaking whisky collection hit by cyber-attack - The Guardian
A record-breaking online auction of rare whiskies has been postponed indefinitely after being targeted in a cyber-attack.
The sale of Richard Gooding’s “The Perfect Collection” was marketed as “the largest and most unprecedented private whisky collection ever to be offered for public sale”.
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28 April 2020
RNDC and Young’s give $400k to World’s Biggest Tip Jar - The Spirits Business
Wine and spirits distribution firms Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and Young’s Market Company have pledged US$400,000 to the World’s Biggest Tip Jar in support of hospitality workers during the pandemic.
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28 April 2020
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27 April 2020
Bars gain further protection from landlords - The Spirits Business
Trade body UK Hospitality has welcomed the government’s new measures to prevent landlords from using aggressive methods to collect rent from businesses, which will provide “extra protection” for the industry.
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27 April 2020
GlenAllachie Distillery launches the second batch of limited-edition wood finishes ahead of virtual tasting - Scotsman Food & Drink
The GlenAllachie Distillery is launching its second batch of limited-edition wood finishes and marking the occasion with a virtual tasting, hosted by master distiller Billy Walker.
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24 April 2020
Ryan Reynolds donates 30% of aviation gin’s UK profits to the drinks trust - The Drinks Business
Hollywood hunk and general do-gooder Ryan Reynolds will be donating 30% of the profits from UK sales of his Aviation Gin to industry charity The Drinks Trust.
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24 April 2020
Craft Distillers Were Booming. Now They Face Bust - The New York Times
In recent years, sales for small liquor makers have been surging, but coronavirus has shuttered tasting rooms and disrupted distribution.
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24 April 2020
Women of the Vine & Spirits Announces Complimentary Access in Response to COVID-19 - Wine Business.com
The organization is now offering complimentary access through June 15 to provide resources and support for all those affected in alcohol beverage, hospitality and on-premise industry sectors.
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23 April 2020
New Site Makes Popular NYC Bars a Zoom Hangout Spot - Eater
Here’s a new level of bar replacement: Zoom happy hours — but with backgrounds of popular NYC bars. A new website called Virtualcheers.org lets customers download a background photo of 12 different bars in the city — including Williamsburg’s Loosie Rouge and Lower East Side’s Pretty Ricky’s — for group hangout sessions on the video platform.
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23rd April 2020
Premium-and-above spirits boost US off-trade sales - The Spirits Business
Off-trade spirits sales in the US grew 32.4% in the week to 11 April 2020, bolstered by premium and ultra-premium variants, according to Nielsen data.
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23rd April 2020
U.S. Distilled Spirits Industry Urges Senate and House Leadership to Provide Additional Economic Relief For Distillers Amid COVID-19 Crisis - Distilled Spirits
In a letter sent on 22nd April to Senate and House leadership, U.S. distilled spirits trade associations urged Congress to provide additional economic relief to the thousands of distilleries facing enormous financial hardship due to the impact of COVID-19.
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23rd April 2020
Sotheby’s Hong Kong to hold largest online spirits sale - The Drinks Business
Owing to the ever-changing Covid-19 situation, the 2020 Sotheby’s Spring Sales in Hong Kong were moved from April to July. In the meantime, the auction house has added a series of online auctions, hoping to quench the thirst of buyers.
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22 April 2020
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22 April 2020
How Small Distilleries Are Adapting During COVID-19 - Liquor.com
In a period of unprecedented upheaval, success will be defined by how rapidly small businesses/distilleries can adjust. Here’s a look at what some distilleries are doing to keep the lights on.
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22 April 2020
The new speakeasy: Uber Eats has turned into a rogue cocktail bar - The Washington Post
Uber drivers have been delivering cocktails and mimosas without ID’ing, in some cases leaving the to-go drinks at the door without ever seeing the customer
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22 April 2020
Restaurants Shunned From U.S. Aid Program Could Get Second Chance With New $310 Billion Bill - Eater
New York restaurants shut out of a federal aid program are about to get another chance at COVID-19 financial relief, hopefully with better odds this time. Congress is on the verge of adding $310 billion to the depleted Paycheck Protection Program, with a sizable portion going toward small business — a crucial development for a policy that’s been criticized for its deference to chains like Potbelly, Ruth’s Chris, and Shake Shack.
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21 April 2020
Cognac Show 2020 to take place online - The Spirits Business
As trade shows and events are forced to cancel amid the covid-19 crisis, The Cognac Show will be heading online at the end of April offering a range of tastings and cocktail masterclasses.
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21 April 2020
Pubs and restaurants will be last to re-open after lockdown - and could stay shut until Christmas - Birmingham Live
Bars, pubs and restaurants will be among the last outlets to re-open after the coronavirus lockdown.
That's according to Michael Gove, who spoke out on Sunday on the BBC as the UK faces weeks more of a nationwide shutdown.
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21 April 2020
Eden Mill to raise funds for NHS with launch of limited edition blue bottles of original gin - Scotsman Food & Drink
The St Andrews based distillery is set to give £2 from every original gin blue bottle sold to help support frontline healthcare workers helping to battle Covid-19.
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21 April 2020
Restaurants describe huge shortfalls within government’s coronavirus relief programs - CNBC
Restaurants reported $30 billion in losses in March, a projected $50 billion in losses in April, and are teeing up for a $240 billion Covid-19-related loss nationwide by the end of the year.
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20 April 2020
20 April 2020
Here’s How the White House Envisions Restaurants and Bars Reopening - Food & Wine
Large venues like restaurants “can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols,” and “bars may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate.”
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20 April 2020
JAPANESE WHISKY AGED IN CHERRY TREE WOOD LAUNCHED - The Drinks Business
Yoshino Spirits Co. has launched what it claims is the first whisky to be aged in Japanese cherry tree wood, which will go on sale around the world this month.
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17 April 2020
How bars, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses are arguing that their business interruption insurance does cover COVID-19 related shut-downs and their insurance companies were wrong to deny claims - Libation Law Blog
Businesses impacted by COVID-19 should be aware of these lawsuits and arguments as it is not a certainty that the blanket denials of coverage are proper and that no coverage is owed under property-damage based business interruption insurance.
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17th April 2020
Global Hospitality Group sbe Distributes Relief Effort Care Packages To San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, & Los Angeles Employees Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic - Food & Beverage Magazine
sbe is a worldwide powerhouse, with a huge presence across the U.S. through its hotels, restaurants, nightlife entities and original brands.
Global lifestyle hospitality brand sbe continued its giveback program for its furloughed and laid off employees with a care package delivery to its San Francisco team members on Thursday, April 9th. This was the fourth city to receive the give back following Las Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles, a noble effort by sbe led by its CEO Sam Nazarian.
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16 April 2020
Our Whisky launches first virtual whisky festival to raise funds for a charity that supports hospitality staff - Scotsman Food and Drink
The whisky experts at OurWhisky are launching their first virtual whisky festival in a bid to connect lovers of a good dram with their favourite distillers and blenders around the world while raising money for hospitality workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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16 April 2020
Massive Channel Shifting Continues: Off-Premise and Online Sales Surge - Winebusiness.com
Nielsen reported that alcohol sales were up 25 percent in off-premise channels in the week ending April 4, with less week-to-week volatility (up only +4 percent versus the previous week’s sales). Online sales of alcoholic beverages continued to climb with increases of 246 percent through March 21; 291 percent through March 28, and 441 percent through April 4. By comparison, e-commerce sales across all departments tracked by Nielsen were up 41 percent in the most recent week.
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16 April 2020
Michigan Allows Bars and Restaurants to Sell Unused Alcohol Back to the State in Exchange for Cash - Eater Detroit
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order on Monday designed to provide financial relief to Michigan bars and restaurants with liquor licenses. The new order places the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in charge of organizing a spirits “buyback” program for alcohol purchased prior to the dine-in closures on March 16.
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15 April 2020
Distillers Can't Help U.S. Fight Covid-19 Without Revised FDA Hand-Sanitizer Guidance - Forbes
The problem for distillers is that the production method FDA requires in the guidance calls for denatured alcohol. The TTB guidance suspended excise taxes for alcohol used for hand sanitizers, but only if the alcohol is denatured. The CARES Act Congress passed at the end of March codified TTB's guidance on excise taxes into law.
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15 April 2020
Social media interaction with alcohol brands up 327% - The Spirits Business
Alcohol brands witnessed a 327% spike in social media engagement in March, with consumers keen to engage with those donating money or resources to help during the covid-19 pandemic.
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14 April 2020
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14 April 2020
Diageo North America Announces #TipsFromHome Social Pledge Movement To Rally Further Support For The Bar & Restaurant Community - PR Newswire
With a $500,000 Kickoff Pledge, #TipsFromHome will Serve as an Ongoing Financial Relief Program to Serve Those Who Serve Us
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13 April 2020
Isle of Raasay unveils cask programme - The Spirits Business
Scotland’s Isle of Raasay Distillery has launched an exclusive cask membership programme, which will see the site’s first 45 casks made available to whisky lovers.
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11 April 2020
Will current shifts in consumer behaviour permanently disrupt the beverage alcohol industry? - The IWSR
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the world over the past few weeks. Global beverage alcohol markets and companies have been subject to massive volatility, including the mass shut-down of the on-trade in many countries and consumer stockpiling through retail and e-commerce.
The picture changes by the day, but amid the disruption, a number of clearly defined trends have emerged and grown in significance. In the short term, the impact of the six trends identified by the IWSR is significant – but will they solidify into longer-term changes in consumer behaviour?
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11 April 2020
These Distilleries Aren’t Just Making Booze—They Could Be Saving Your Life - Fodors Travels
One of the most incredible and heart-warming results of this crisis is the amount of sanitizer these companies are simply giving away.
According to multiple distillers, turning their warehouse into hand sanitizer factories was relatively easy. It was the demand that blew them away.
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10th April 2020
Breakthru gives $500k to provide meals for vulnerable groups - The Spirits Business
North American drinks distributor Breakthru Beverage Group has pledged US$500,000 to purchase meals for vulnerable groups and frontline responders battling against the covid-19 pandemic.
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10th April 2020
Coronavirus prompts some states to close liquor stores, while others allow cocktail deliveries - Fox News
With restaurants and bars shuttered from coast to coast in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Americans are now becoming increasingly reliant on their local liquor stores to wet their whistles. But how easy it is to get a bottle of booze depends on if your state considers a liquor store to be an “essential business” or not.
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9 April 2020
Booze Call: Distilleries can ship directly to consumers - WHSV
For Virginia residents, alcohol runs could be made with a quick trip to the front door.
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority announced it would allow certain distilleries to ship directly to in-state customers to alleviate potential financial hardships during the coronavirus pandemic.
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9th April 2020
Some Restaurant Relief Funds Are So Overwhelmed With Applications They’ve Stopped Taking New Ones - Eater
COVID-19 dealt a devastating blow to the restaurant industry. In the first weeks state governments began enacting social distancing restrictions, dining rooms shut down, putting millions of restaurant employees out of work. With government aid still an open question, it was immediately clear that both workers and restaurant owners would need financial help from other sources to get through this indefinite period of time.
Bartenders Looking For Jobs Help Page
8 April 2020
Master of Malt observes 200% increase in online alcohol orders - Essential Retail
The eCommerce drinks platform also demonstrated a substantial change in purchasing behaviour in regard to alcoholic products during the period 23-29 March, precipitated by the temporary closure of bars and restaurants throughout the country.
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8 April 2020
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7 April 2020
Mexican tequila makers, unlike brewers, plan to keep up production, exports - Reuters
Mexican tequila makers have sought to dispel concerns that their exports to the United States will dry up, after two large brewers in the country suspended production to comply with government rules put in place due to the new coronavirus.
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7 April 2020
The Spirits Business launches Covid-19 Campaign - The Spirits Business
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, The Spirits Business magazine has launched The Spirits Business’ Covid-19 Campaign to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and The Drinks Trust.
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7th Apr 2020
Will The Covid-19 Crisis Change Alcohol E-Commerce Forever? Like, Forever Ever? - Rabobank
Based on interviews and data obtained by Rabobank, we estimate that US off-premise alcohol sales increased 40% to 60% YOY for the week ending March 21. That increase is dwarfed by the massive rise in online alcohol purchases (see Table 1). Even as evidence trickles in that in-store sales are starting to normalize, it appears that online sales are holding steady at all-time highs.
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6 April 2020
Whiskey Club Holds Coronavirus Benefit For Manassas Workers - Patch
The Old Town Whiskey Club is holding a fundraising campaign called Old Town Strong to help restaurant and bar employees who work in downtown Manassas try to make ends meet during the coronavirus crisis.
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6th Apr 2020
Agave could generate efficient biofuel for transport - The Spirits Business
A team of researchers from the University of Sydney, University of Adelaide and the UK’s University of Exeter analysed the potential to produce bioethanol from the agave plant, the high-sugar succulent commonly grown in Mexico.
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6th Apr 2020
Restaurants Find Hope in Delivering Donated Meals to Hospitals - The New York Times
As Americans pitch in to order meals for beleaguered health care workers, the deliveries can be a lifeline for restaurants and food trucks as well as hospitals.
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3 April 2020
Drinks Trust raises £400,000 for industry workers - The Spirits Business
The emergency fund will be used to help people who work on zero-hours contracts or who have been made redundant, despite the UK government’s job retention scheme.
The Drinks Trust said priority would be given to those facing “significant” financial hardship.
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3 April 2020
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2 April 2020
Relief on alcohol tax payments – TTB announces postponement of tax payments and other filing deadlines - Libation Law Blog
TTB has announced the postponement of tax payment and other filing due dates due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The notification takes the form of a circular, TTB Industry Circular 2020-2. It is specifically premised on the Executive’s instruction to Treasury to provide relief to Americans adversely affected by the COVID-19 emergency.
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2nd Apr 2020
How to save our restaurants and 300,000 hospitality jobs - The Lowell Sun
Restaurants are in terrible shape, much worse than after 9/11 or the financial crisis. Some will never reopen. More than 100,000 restaurant employees lost their jobs. We need bold, quick action. Click on the link for the 8 steps to take immediately.
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2nd Apr 2020
Digital Classes To Become A Cocktail, Beer And Wine Expert While You’re Socially Distancing - Forbes
A digital cocktail class from Liquor Lab. COURTESY LIQUOR LAB
As people social distance during the coronavirus, the spirits, wine and beer industry have come up with creative ways to keep people engaged while learning more about their products — and providing a welcome distraction from the pandemic.
While you have some extra time on your hands, why not learn how to make some great cocktails at home, or taste through some wines to learn what you like, and why.
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1 April 2020
Tomatin plans virtual whisky festival - The Spirits Business
Scott Adamson, global brand ambassador at Tomatin Distillery, said: “The greatest benefit to organising the Lockdown Whisky Festival is that it’s virtual, so we can bring the community together to enjoy and learn from some of the best distilleries in the industry, all from the comfort of home at a time when staying in and staying safe has never been more important.
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1 April 2020
Why are liquor stores considered ‘essential’ during COVID-19 pandemic? Here are 5 reasons - Click 2 Houston
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, one type of business that seems to have had an increase in activity is liquor stores.
This has led many to wonder why liquor stores are considered “essential” businesses, particularly when alcoholic beverages are sold at grocery stores to begin with and can just be purchased there.
Here are five reasons why it can be beneficial for liquor stores to remain open during the pandemic.
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30 Mar 2020
HOSPITALITY SHIFTS DOWN 76% DUE TO CORONAVIRUS - The Drinks Business
“The hospitality sector has been hit hard and everything possible needs to be done to help preserve its ability to bounce back when the pandemic loosens its grip on the economy,” said Peter Briffet, CEO of Wagestream.
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30 Mar 2020
Distell gives 10% of Scotch whisky sales to help on-trade - The Spirits Business
The proceeds will be donated to Scottish drinks industry charity The Ben to help on-trade employees affected by covid-19.
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27 March 2020
How the Spirits Industry Is Helping Out During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Food & Wine
Spirits companies have been stepping up to help out—and not just by turning their attention to making sanitizer. Nearly every brand you can think of has pledged to support those in the hospitality industry that have been affected by this outbreak.
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27 Mar 2020
Kentucky Distillers and Legislators Approve Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales via Phone or Online - Distillery Trail
Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory said, “During these trying and uncertain times, the passage of HB 415 will provide spirits, beer and wine producers with the means necessary to grow jobs and investment in our beloved Commonwealth.”
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26 March 2020
‘Whiskey webs’ could spot fake spirits - The Spirits Business
Scientists from the University of Louisville and North Carolina State University discovered that when whiskey dries on a surface it leaves behind a distinctive mark, which has been likened to the ring that forms from a spilled coffee.
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26 March 2020
US spirits sales rise as consumers ‘stock up’ - The Spirits Business
For spirits, all major sub-categories except brandy rose by double digits during the period. The greatest gains were for pre-mixed cocktails, Tequila and gin, which each grew by 49.6%, 43.3% and 39.1%, respectively.
25 March 2020
For Bartenders, The Show Must Go Online - Forbes
As restaurants and bars wait for the government to step in and help, out-of-work bartenders are getting creative, pivoting to online cocktailing or delivery kits to keep income flowing.
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25 March 2020
Distilled Spirits Council Member Companies Donate More Than $8.37 Million to U.S. Bartenders Guild Foundation Emergency Relief Fund and Other Charitable Organizations
“This is an industry with a lot of heart,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “Time and again, distillers come together in times of crisis to support each other and to aid those in need in their communities. We will continue to do our to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of our workers and the public.”
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24 March 2020
Restaurant Industry Asks for $145 Billion Recovery Fund from the Government- CNBC
With hundreds of billions projected in sales declines, and millions in job losses, the National Restaurant Association asked the federal government for $145 billion in relief for restaurants and their employees.
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24 March 2020
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24 March 2020
Beverage Trade Network announces new subscription based online courses for beverage industry professionals. First course to be available from 10 April 2020.
In the online course, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network will be giving a detailed action plan on how wineries and distilleries can ride this wave. In the webinar, you will get the benefit of knowing about 15 takeaways you can start working on today to navigate this time, and know about the current risk factors floating in the industry, so you can prepare your business for that.
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23 March 2020
DISTILLERIES FILL THE HAND SANITIZER SHORTAGE
So proud of the Distilleries stepping in to help combat the hand sanitizer shortage by using the alcohol in their facilities. Distilleries around the nation are increasingly switching up their operations and using their supplies of high-proof alcohol to provide much-needed hand sanitizer during the covid-19 outbreak.
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23 March 2020
Troubled Times — Restructuring Tools for Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, Bars and Restaurants in the COVID-19 Era - Libation Law Blog
The impact of COVID-19 on an already challenged industry has been devastating and promises to get worse. Numerous states and municipalities have ordered breweries, distilleries, bars and restaurants to temporarily close (often excepting take-out and delivery services), and even where locations remain open, consumers are largely staying at home at the direction of authorities (social distancing and quarantining). With COVID-19 cases still multiplying quickly in the United States, these issues are unfortunately likely to worsen before they improve.
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22 March 2020
LIQUOR LAWS LOOSEN UP IN THE FACE OF DELIVERY-ONLY DINING! - Eater
CNBC (https://snip.ly/vwnp4q) Restaurant industry asks for $145 billion recovery fund from the government The National Restaurant Association is asking the federal government for financial relief for the industry as it forecasts sales declines of $225 billion over the next three months due to the coronavirus outbreak.
New Hampshire, Maryland, Illinois, California, and Texas have made similar temporary changes to allow alcohol delivery, as have jurisdictions like Washington D.C. and Atlanta. “They’ve relaxed a lot of laws, and quickly, in light of the potential economic harm to thousands of businesses and millions of employees,” says Art Decelle, senior counsel at Lehrman Beverage Law, whose focus is federal and state regulations in the beer, wine, distilled spirits, and industrial alcohol industries. “And it’s appropriate that they help people stay afloat in a very uncertain period.” Before the new temporary changes took effect, 12 states allowed alcohol delivery, and 31 allowed beer and wine to be shipped directly to customers at home!
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20 March 2020
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20 March 2020
A Hospitality Attorney Provides Guidance On How Shuttered Bars & Restaurants Can Sell Alcohol During The Coronavirus And Resources For Business Owners Struggling To Stay Open - Forbes
When New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced bars, restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries could sell alcohol to go Monday, operators seemed grateful for the move, but unsure if it could work for their business, and confused about specifics of how to implement.
Gina Pace spoke to Alex Victor, a hospitality attorney Davidoff, Hutcher & Citron for a bit of clarity on the guidance from the New York State Liquor Authority which may prove useful to other states considering similar closures to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
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20 March 2020
Online Alcohol Providers See Major Boost Amid Coronavirus Sheltering - Shanken News Daily
As COVID-19 continues to force Americans to stay at home, online purchases of beverage alcohol are seeing major increases.
“The increase in online purchases in the past two weeks has been unprecedented,” said Devaraj Southworth, CEO and co-founder of Thirstie, the New York-based e-commerce platform that works with hundreds of retailers around the country.
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19 March 2020
Customers stock up on alcohol as Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores across Pennsylvania close as part of COVID-19 mitigation - Fox43
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board says the closures will last at least until the end of the month.
After consultation with the Wolf Administration and Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced the indefinite closure of all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores.
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19 March 2020
ABG offers online masterclasses for bartenders - The Spirits Business
Amber Beverage Group’s global brand ambassadors will host digital masterclasses for bartenders across its Moskovskaya vodka, Rooster Rojo Tequila, Cross Keys Gin and Riga Black Balsam liqueur brands. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, consumers are being encouraged to stay at home in a bid to stop the spread of the disease.
To ensure bartender communities remain active, Amber Beverage Group (ABG) is offering digital masterclasses from its brand ambassadors.
International and domestic spirits brands are invited to register, to take advantage of the early bird pricing that is on right now. Here is how to enter.
