GSN: Backbar Review – May 13-17, 2013

San Francisco-based Anchor Distilling Co. has added Luxardo Aperitivo ($19.99 a 750-ml.) to its U.S. import portfolio. A light, bittersweet liqueur, the 11%-abv offering is named after the Italian aperitivo occasion, in which a liqueur is served prior to a meal. Luxardo Aperitivo features an infusion of herbs, roots and citrus and is designed to be enjoyed with fruit juices, wines and in cocktails, such as the Spritz (where it’s combined with Prosecco). In addition to Luxardo Aperitivo, Anchor Distilling currently imports close to 20 liqueurs from Italy’s Luxardo Distillery, including its Amaretto, Limoncello, Sambuca and Maraschino expressions.

Park City, Utah’s High West Distillery has debuted its second RTD barrel-aged cocktail, the Barreled Boulevardier. The cocktail is made with Bourbon, Vya sweet vermouth and Gran Classico bitter, and is aged in whiskey barrels for four months. The Barreled Boulevardier is the 16th spirit to join High West’s portfolio. The first barrel-aged cocktail they released was a barrel-aged Manhattan in 2010. High West’s range of small-batch whiskies is currently available in 39 states throughout the U.S.

Heaven Hill’s Burnett’s vodka has added two new flavors to its lineup—Blackberry and Tropical Fruit. Both are line priced at $10.99 a 750-ml. The Burnett’s portfolio now includes 33 different flavors. The launch of Blackberry and Tropical Fruit comes on the heels of the recent release of Cherry Cola and Strawberry Banana to the portfolio, as well as a package redesign for the brand. The new packaging, which will roll out across all variants and sizes this spring, features an enlarged and repositioned brand name, crest, flavor image and descriptor.

Tequila Tapatio has unveiled a new Blanco Tequila bottled at 110 proof, the highest proof allowed by law for the Mexican spirit. Created by Tapatio distiller Carlos Camarena, Tapatio’s 110-Proof Blanco is characterized by an array of flavors, including florals, cinnamon and chamomile. Tapatio’s 110-Proof Blanco will be available California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida and Missouri, priced at $48 a 1-liter.

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Missouri’s McCormick Distilling has reformulated its Tarantula Tequila brand to create two 100-proof expressions. Rolling out this month, the core Tarantuala range now includes Tarantula Plata 100 and Tarantula Reposado 100, both of which are 100-proof and made with 100% blue agave. Priced at $17.99 a 750-ml., the Tequilas are meant to be consumed neat, as a shot, on the rocks or in cocktails. Concurrently, Tarantula has unveiled new labeling, using the colors of the Mexican flag to reflect the brand’s heritage and authenticity. In addition to the 100-proof Plata and Reposado, Tarantula Tequila’s portfolio also includes Tarantula Azul (a blend of Tequila and citrus liqueur) and Tarantula Strawberry (Tequila and strawberry liqueur).

Sazerac Co. has unveiled a new barrel-aged Tequila range under its Corazon Tequila brand. The limited edition series, known as Expresiones del Corazon, features five 100%-agave offerings, each aged in barrels from a different Buffalo Trace whiskey. These offerings include the Buffalo Trace Reposado (aged 10.5 months, 80 proof), George T. Stagg Añejo (aged 22 months, 80 proof), Sazerac Rye Añejo (aged 24 months, 90 proof), Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo (aged 23 months, 80 proof) and a Blanco (80 proof). Just 6,000 bottles of each Expresiones del Corazon Tequila will be available nationwide, priced between $59.99 and $89.99. The Corazon Tequila brand also features core Blanco, Reposado and Añejo variants.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN: Backbar Review – May 6-10, 2013

Pernod’s Chivas Brothers unit says it’s breaking new ground with the launch of Glenlivet Alpha, a so-called “blind whisky,” that will be released without cask information, tasting notes and other descriptive info. Packaged in an opaque black bottle, Alpha will launch in the U.S., U.K., France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, China, India and other global markets at a retail price of $120 a bottle, of which 3,500 were produced. Pernod will back the mystery Glenlivet expression with an integrated campaign including social media elements that will see consumers interactively explore its taste profile. A series of “online sensory challenges” will gradually shepherd consumers along the path to unlocking Alpha’s secrets, the company said. In June, Glenlivet master distiller Alan Winchester will reveal the product’s makeup in a global broadcast on the brand’s webpage and Facebook page.

Colorado’s Woody Creek Distillers has unveiled a new 10,000-square-foot distillery and six new ultra-premium craft spirits. Made with produce sourced from local growers, the spirits portfolio includes Woody Creek’s flagship Potato Vodka and Reserve Stobrawa Potato Vodka, which are currently available, and a Baby Bourbon, Gin, Apple Brandy and Pear Eau de Vie slated to launch this year. The distillery plans to distribute a total of 10,000 cases of spirits for 2013. Additionally, the craft company is working on Olathe Corn Whiskey, which will be aged in American white oak barrels and released in 2015.

Country singer Kenny Chesney will officially launch his new Blue Chair Bay Rum brand this month. The range, which includes Blue Chair Bay Rum White, Coconut and Coconut Spiced expressions, is set to launch into 32 U.S. markets, available in 750-ml. and 1.75-liter bottles. Chesney will support the rollout with a series of launch parties in 18 key cities, which will be open to all LDA ticketholders of Chesney’s No Shoes Nation concert tour. Additionally, Blue Chair Bay will host free happy hours open to the public prior to each launch party. A premium blended rum, Blue Chair Bay is imported from Barbados and bottled by Chesney’s Fishbowl Spirits in Rochester, New York.

In a presentation to investors and analysts yesterday, Diageo global innovation director Syl Saller talked about the company’s emphasis on innovation, as well as one new product the company has high hopes for in the U.S. market—Naked Turtle rum. Saller said that innovation has accounted for more than 50% of Diageo’s net sales value growth over the past five years, and is now responsible for roughly 11% of the company’s total turnover. Claiming that “innovation is most critical to a developed market like North America,” Saller then alluded to Diageo’s new rum entry. “White rum is obviously a significant opportunity for us, and we are exploring this with the Naked Turtle brand in the U.S. We’ve been in test in three cities since September (2012), and while it’s early days for this brand, we’ve exceeded our initial targets.” Naked Turtle is “priced at a slight premium to Bacardi,” said Saller, adding that the brand’s “fun in the sun” profile is balanced with a marketing program that promotes the preservation of rare species of turtles around the globe. “You’ll continue to see really fun, really innovative entrepreneurial activities from Naked Turtle,” she said.

Montalvo Tequila has expanded its distribution footprint in the U.S. into two new states. It is now available in Florida through Antares, Inc. and New Jersey through MHW, Ltd., with more markets on the way. Montalvo initially launched in April 2012 in New York and California. The brand is a 100%-agave Tequila available in three expressions—Plata ($37.99), Reposado ($43.99) and Añejo ($49.99).

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN Alert: 2013 James Beard Foundation Award Winners

Last night the James Beard Foundation announced the winners of the 2013 James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism, Food and Beverage Awards (see the list of 2013 finalists).

Here are the winners in the drinking world.

2013 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Beverage Category
Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours
by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and José Vouillamoz
(Ecco)

2013 James Beard Foundation Broadcast and New Media Award for Video Webcast, Fixed Location and/or Instructional
How to Cocktail
liquor.com
Producers: Kit Codik, Scott Kritz, and Noah Rothbaum

2013 James Beard Foundation Journalism Award for Wine, Spirits, and other Beverages
Michael Steinberger
vanityfair.com
“A Vintage Crime”

Outstanding Bar Program
The Aviary, Chicago

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
Merry Edwards, Merry Edwards Winery, Sebastopol, CA

Outstanding Wine Program
Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder

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GSN: Backbar Review – April 29-May 3, 2013

21st Century Spirits’ Blue Ice Vodka has received approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to feature a “Gluten Free” designation on its package label. A potato vodka priced at around $20 a 750-ml., Blue Ice is the first spirit brand to receive a gluten free certificate of label approval from the TTB. The designation, which appears within a red badge, is now printed on Blue Ice’s flagship vodka packaging nationwide.

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Nashville, Tennessee-based supplier Lipman Brands has unveiled new additions to its spirits and beer portfolios, as well as the relaunch of the El Diamante del Cielo Tequila brand. Later this year, Lipman plans to introduce Old Hickory Great American Whiskey, a handcrafted grain whiskey produced in Bardstown, Kentucky.

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Bacardi has extended its Classic Cocktails Light range with a new flavor, Light Strawberry Daiquiri. The launch will be supported with an ad campaign that will kick off in mid-May and run through September, appearing in print formats with a focus on epicurean and women’s lifestyle media, as well as digital spaces covering entertainment, lifestyle and party-planning. Bacardi will also run sampling events in 21 markets across the country. Bacardi Classic Cocktails Light launched to the U.S. market last May with Piña Colada and Mojito. At less than 95 calories per 4-ounce serving, they are available nationwide in 750-ml. and 1.75-liter formats, priced at $19.99 for the latter.

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Phillips Distilling has added two flavor extensions to its UV vodka line: Salty Watermelon and Peach. Available nationwide, the new expressions come in all bottle sizes, priced at $12.99 a 750-ml. Salty Watermelon and Peach bring UV’s vodka portfolio to 19 flavors, including Candy Bar, Chocolate Cake, Whipped, Blue and Vanilla, among others.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN Alert: World Cocktail Week ~ May 6-13, 2013

May 6-13 is World Cocktail Week.  There will be celebrations and events all over the country, benefiting The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans.  Here are a few of these events.

Monday May 6 2013 (5:30 pm)

PUNCH n’ RUM GUMBO

Presented by Dale DeGroff & Simon Ford

In: New Orleans, LA

Friday May 10 2013 (9:00 – 11:30)

Passport to Paris, Pamplona and Beyond – Adventures in Hemingway’s Cocktails

Presented by Philip Greene

In: Washington, DC

There is also this event in DC:

The Black Mixology Club

FRIDAY MAY 10TH, 2013 — The Howard Theatre – Washington, DC
(VIP: 8pm-12am REGULAR: 9pm-12am)

Celebrate historic Black bartenders with drinks made by acclaimed local and national bartenders while listening to DC’s famous Go Go music performed by The Chuck Brown band at the legendary Howard Theatre. All-inclusive. Must be 21+.

And for our friends “down under”, be sure to check out:

World Cocktail Week in Sydney, Australia

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GSN: Backbar Review – April 22-26, 2013

Beam has expanded its fast-growing Skinnygirl brand with a number of new flavor extensions. The new additions include Sweet ’n Tart Grapefruit Margarita and Mojito cocktails and a Moscato wine (all priced at $14.99 a 750-ml.), as well as White Cherry vodka (priced at $21.99 a 750-ml.). All four new products are available now nationwide.

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Pernod Ricard is extending Beefeater gin with a new ultra-premium barrel-rested gin, Burrough’s Reserve. The new entry, created by Beefeater master distiller Desmond Payne from the original recipe used by brand founder James Burrough in the 1860s, is rested in Jean de Lillet oak barrels, and is suggested to be served neat. Produced in small batches of 900 liters each, Burrough’s Reserve is 43% abv and will hit the U.S. in October, after first rolling out in the U.K. and Spain in June.

Pernod Ricard’s Absolut vodka has added a new flavor, Absolut Cilantro, to its lineup. Featuring a blend of all natural cilantro and lime flavors, Absolut Cilantro is targeted toward the cocktail occasion within both the on- and off-premise. The new offering will roll out in May, available in 750-ml. ($21) and 1-liter bottles.

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Lucas Bols has launched a new innovation, Bols Yogurt Liqueur, to its line of liqueurs in the U.S. market. The product will roll out in Florida by June 1 and in California by July 1, with a national rollout slated for August. Bols Yogurt Liqueur (15% abv) will have a suggested retail price of $17.99 a 750-ml. With a sweet and sour taste profile, Bols is positioning the beverage for consumption on its own or mixed with fresh fruits, fruit juices, soft drinks and other spirits. According to the company, it differs from other cream-based liqueurs in that it doesn’t curd when mixed with sodas or fresh juices.

William Grant & Sons USA has released a limited edition vintage cuvee, Reserve Jean de Lillet 2009, to Maison Lillet’s range. Priced at $39.99 a 750-ml., only 1,000 bottles of the reserve will be available in the U.S. beginning April 30 through Astorwines.com, as well as select retailers in New York and San Francisco. Jean de Lillet is a blend of 2009 vintage wine from Sauternes with orange liqueur, and has been aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. It can be consumed immediately but also ages well (recommended aging time is 10-15 years), according to William Grant.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN: Backbar Review – April 15-19, 2013

Pernod Ricard USA has begun rolling out Absolut Elyx, its new handcrafted upscale vodka extension, in key urban markets across the United States. Absolut Elyx is now moving into prestige venues in the on-premise, as well as selected off-premise accounts, the company tells Shanken News Daily exclusively. Launch markets include New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Boston and Washington, D.C. The suggested retail price is $49.99 a 1-liter bottle. Elyx will introduce a 1.75-liter size for the on-premise in May, and a 750-ml. will be added later this year.

Brown-Forman’s Tequila Herradura has unveiled the first offering in its new small-batch series, Coleccion de la Casa. Launching this month, Coleccion de la Casa’s debut expression is Reserva 2012, Port Cask Finish, described as a Reposado Tequila matured in American oak casks for 11 months and then Port casks for an additional two months. It’s available in a limited quantity of 2,000 cases, priced at $89.99 a bottle. In other Brown-Forman news, Southern Comfort liqueur is releasing a poker-inspired gift pack for its 100-Proof expression. The World Series of Poker gift pack includes a 750-ml. bottle of Southern Comfort 100-Proof, as well as a deck of playing cards and 10 poker chips. The limited edition offering is currently available in 13 U.S. markets.

Diageo has announced it has made Johnnie Walker Double Black a permanent offering in the brand’s U.S. lineup. It is now available nationwide as an official part of the range, “on the tails of the overwhelmingly positive response in America,” according to the company. Double Black was initially launched to the U.S. market in fall 2011—after being sold exclusively in duty free—as part of an effort to move the blended Scotch whisky upscale (Double Black retails for $40 a 750-ml., compared to $34 for the regular Black extension).

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN: Backbar Review – April 8-12, 2013

Wemyss Malts has introduced two new Scotch whiskies—Heathery Smoke and Hive—to the U.S. market through Domaine Select Wine Estates’ Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits division. Heathery Smoke is a 30-year-old Scotch from Caol Ila distillery on Islay and is available exclusively in the U.S. as part of a limited edition 272-bottle release. The Hive, meanwhile, is an 8-year-old blended malt Scotch from a single cask bottling. It’s the latest addition to Wemyss’ collection of blended malt Scotch whiskies, which also includes Spice King and Peat Chimney. Both Heathery Smoke and Hive are now rolling out across the market.

The English Whisky Co. (EWC) is launching several products in the U.S. this month. Based in Norfolk, England at the St. George’s Distillery, EWC is launching four whiskies: Classic Single Malt and Peated Single Malt ($74.99 a 750-ml.), as well as Classic Cask Strength Single Malt and Peated Cask Strength Single Malt (both $114.99). Those offerings are currently distributed in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California and Illinois through exclusive importer Purple Valley Imports, whose U.S. arm is based in Pittsburgh.

International Beverage USA has introduced a new premium Thai rum, Phraya, to the U.S. market. It is available now in luxury and specialty retailers in California, Illinois, Washington and New York for a suggested retail price of $49.99 a 750-ml. International Beverage will expand the brand into Florida and Texas this June. Distilled in the province of Nakhom Pathom, Phraya is aged for seven to 12 years in “fired” oak barrels using a maturation technique that was designed for the tropical climate of Southeast Asia.

Beam Inc. has introduced two new flavor extensions to the Cruzan rum portfolio, Key Lime and Passion Fruit. Both are available now nationwide for a suggested retail price of $14.99 a 750-ml. Key Lime and Passion Fruit join a Cruzan line that includes aged light rum, aged dark rum, Black Strap, Single Barrel, 151-Proof and 9 Spiced rum, as well as 11 flavored variants.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN: Backbar Review – April 1-5, 2013

Diageo will extend its Captain Morgan rum brand with a limited edition Sherry Cask Finish next month. Captain Morgan Sherry Cask Finish ties in with the company’s efforts to illuminate the exploits of the real-life Captain Henry Morgan, including, most recently, its Sundance Channel documentary on Morgan’s 17th-century flagship, the Satisfaction. The limited-release entry is intended to celebrate the discovery of the cannons from the Satisfaction on an archaeological expedition to Panama led by Diageo, says Tom Herbst, vice president, marketing, rums. “(The Sherry Cask extension) will be a unique flavor profile,” Herbst adds. “It will have a richer, fuller flavor and mouthfeel resulting from being finished in Sherry casks, which are the type Captain Morgan would have had on his boat.” No word yet on the new offering’s retail price-positioning, but it will likely be at a premium to the core brand. The Sherry Cask variant also continues Captain Morgan’s outreach beyond the rum category, with a style that should appeal to whiskey drinkers. The brand pursued a similar gambit with its launch of Captain Morgan Black (94.6 proof, $22 a bottle) last summer, which Diageo says was designed to draw in drinkers of brown spirits across multiple categories.

Brown-Forman is launching a new program to sell personalized barrels of Old Forester Bourbon for $7,500 each, according to local news reports. The process involves master distiller Chris Morris choosing three barrels from over 200 (a day’s production volume) in Old Forester’s 4- to 6-year-old inventory, and then walking customers through a tasting of the three barrels from which they may choose. A barrel holds about 220 bottles, making the price per bottle about $34. Brown-Forman also does a similar barrel program for Jack Daniel’s.

Beam Inc.’s Pinnacle vodka has added Rainbow Sherbet to its fast-rising line of dessert-flavored entries. Pinnacle’s newest flavor combines the tastes of orange, lime and raspberry. Rainbow Sherbet is the first of several new Pinnacle flavor innovations planned for 2013, including Strawberry Shortcake, which is coming soon.

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Heaven Hill Distilleries is introducing new products to two of the U.S. spirits market’s hottest segments—flavored whisk(e)y and vodka’s $12-$18 price tier. This spring, Heaven Hill is rolling out High Rise Vodka and Cinerator Hot Cinnamon flavored whiskey. High Rise is a domestically-produced vodka, distilled five times from winter white wheat. It will initially be launched in 11 markets around the U.S. Priced at around $15 a 750-ml., High Rise features a core offering as well as Cherry and Citrus extensions.

Beam Inc. has unveiled Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece, a limited edition extra-aged Kentucky Bourbon. Created to coincide with the start of Kentucky’s horse racing season, Distiller’s Masterpiece is finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and packaged in a wooden case. The 100-proof offering will be available solely at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Kentucky, priced at $200 a bottle. Distiller’s Masterpiece debuts as Jim Beam’s most upscale offering to date, joining the brand’s Original, Honey, Red Stag, Black, Devil’s Cut and Jacob’s Ghost expressions.

Beam Inc. has launched its 2 Gingers Irish whiskey brand in the Chicago market. Previously available in other Illinois regions, the twice-distilled whiskey is also sold in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, priced at around $19.99 a 750-ml. Established by Minnesota-based entrepreneur Kieran Folliard in January 2012, 2 Gingers was acquired by Beam in December for an undisclosed sum. The brand, which is produced at Beam’s Kilbeggan Distilling Co. in Ireland, has quickly risen to become the fifth-largest Irish whiskey brand in the U.S., with sales of around 20,000 cases across 2,100 accounts last year.

Pernod Ricard has introduced its limited edition Absolut Mexico bottle in the U.S. market. The special edition, which contains unflavored Absolut vodka and retails at $19.99 a 750-ml., has been available in Mexico since last year. The Absolut Mexico package was designed by contemporary Mexican artist and tattoist Jeronimo Lopez Ramirez, also known as Dr. Lakra. According to Pernod, the design “combines three legendary icons from ancient Mayan culture—Hurakan (Hurricane), Kukulkan (Serpent) and Balam (Jaguar)—and brings them to life on the Absolut bottle through a modern artistic lens that represents Mexico today.”

All information courtesy of Shaken News Daily.

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GSN: Backbar Review – March 25-29, 2013

Heaven Hill Distilleries has released the 2003 vintage of its Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon. Created by master distillers Parker and Craig Beam, the 86.6-proof limited edition entry marks the 18th vintage in the Evan Williams Single Barrel series, which first launched in 1994. The 2003 edition is now available nationally both on- and off-premise, priced at around $25.99 a 750-ml. In addition to the Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, the brand’s stable includes the core Evan Williams Bourbon range, Evan Williams 1783, the Evan Williams Reserve flavored liqueurs and a variety of flavored seasonal liqueurs.

Washington, D.C.-based Georgetown Trading Co. has unveiled its latest release, Pow-wow botanical rye whiskey. It is available now in Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida and Washington, D.C., priced at $41 a 750-ml. The small-batch whiskey (90-proof) is inspired by an old colonial recipe and is infused over an extended period of time with saffron, orange peel and other botanicals. Producer and importer Georgetown Trading’s portfolio also includes James E. Pepper Kentucky whiskey as well as the John L. Sullivan Irish whiskey brand.

Beam Inc. is launching a new addition to its Hornitos Tequila brand, Hornitos Lime Shot. Lime Shot is a combination of Hornitos Plata 100% blue agave Tequila with the taste of lime and a hint of salt. It is available now nationwide, for a suggested retail price of $17.99-$19.99 for a 750-ml. bottle. It will also be available in 50-ml. and 1-liter sizes.

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Pernod Ricard has extended its Lillet aperitif brand for the first time in 50 years with the launch of Lillet Rosé. Available exclusively within European travel retail, the new offering will debut at the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport in April before rolling out to additional travel retail outlets May 1. The launch will be supported via branded merchandising units and high visibility light-boxes, as well as a guided sampling program. Made from various Bordeaux grape varietals and handcrafted fruit liqueurs, Lillet Rosé joins Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge in the Lillet portfolio.

Beam Inc. has extended its Pucker flavored vodka line with a new entry, Watermelon Wow. The new Watermelon flavor is in national distribution, priced at $16.99 a 750-ml. The Pucker range features six other flavors—Sour Apple Sass, Grape Gone Wild, Cherry Tease, Citrus Squeeze, Lemonade Lust and Raspberry Rave.

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Pernod Ricard’s Absolut brand has officially unveiled Absolut Craft, a new range of artisanal flavored vodkas designed exclusively for professional bartenders. Created in partnership with master bartender Nick Strangeway, the collection will ultimately feature three expressions, each using “at least 12 macerates, infusions and/or distillates” to create a sophisticated flavor profile.  Absolut Craft’s debut expression is Herbaceous Lemon, made with a blend of lemon verbena, lemon thyme and lemon myrtle. Herbaceous Lemon (41% abv) will be available in select markets this April. Two additional Absolut Craft flavors are slated to roll out later this year.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

 

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GSN: Backbar Review – March 18-22, 2013

Firefly Distillery, based in Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, has launched a new range of flavored moonshines. The range, called Firefly Moonshine, rolls out nationwide this month and is priced at $19-$20 a 750-ml. The flavors include White Lightning, Apple Pie, Caramel, Cherry, Strawberry and Peach. Firefly Moonshine joins Firefly’s flagship Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka, as well as its Firefly Skinny Tea, Sweet Tea Flavors, Sweet Tea Flavored Bourbon, Handcrafted Vodka and a variety of ready-to-drink cocktails.

Pernod Ricard USA has unveiled Mama Walker’s, a new range of breakfast-inspired liqueurs. Featuring Maple Bacon, Blueberry Pancake and Glazed Donut flavors, the 35%-abv offerings are currently available in 50-ml., 750-ml. and 1-liter formats, priced at around $12.99 a 750-ml. According to Pernod, Mama Walker’s is intended to tap several consumer trends, including a rising interest in comfort food, sweet and savory and retro-inspired flavors. The brand’s launch will be backed by point-of-sale materials, sampling events and digital outreach. Mama Walker’s joins Hiram Walker and Kahlúa in the core Pernod Ricard USA liqueurs stable.

Beam Inc.’s Sauza Tequila has released Sauza Sparkling Margarita, a new line of premixed cocktails featuring three flavors—Original Lime, Wild Berry and Mango Peach. Each is 19.9 proof and has a suggested retail price of $12.99 a 750-ml. (they’re also available in 375-ml. bottles). The new Sauza offering is hitting store shelves this month.

Brown-Forman has released a special edition Early Times Mint Julep bottle to commemorate the 2013 Kentucky Derby, which will be held May 4. Available in limited quantities starting this month, the collectible bottle features imagery from a painting entitled “The Derby Dance,” created by equine artist Celeste Susany. The 1-liter pre-mixed cocktail offering is 30% abv and priced at $14.99 a 750-ml. A longtime sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, Early Times’ Mint Julep has served as the annual horse race’s official drink for the past 26 years.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN: Backbar Review – March 11-15, 2013

Ultra-premium Avión Tequila, part of the Pernod Ricard USA portfolio, is being extended with a new Avión Espresso liqueur. The new entry combines Avión Silver with Italian espresso, and will launch nationwide beginning this month, priced at $24.99 a 750-ml. bottle. Avión founder and chairman Ken Austin tells Shanken News Daily that the extension will be aimed at the on-premise, where its versatility and mixability will be touted.

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Edrington Group’s Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky has released the second offering in its “Valhalla Series,” a 15-year-old, limited edition whisky called Loki. Retailing at around $249 a 750-ml., Loki is at 48.7% abv and comes in the same viking ship-inspired wooden box as its Valhalla series predecessor, Thor, which sold out. Loki, named for the mischievous Norse god, was aged in both Sherry casks and “heavily peated” casks, Edrington says, and “has a smoky punch, while retaining a light color.” Edrington’s Highland Park, Macallan and Famous Grouse Scotches are handled in the U.S. by Rémy Cointreau USA.

Constellation Brands is set to launch a restaging for its Svedka vodka brand that will start this spring and continue throughout the year. Initiatives will include upgrading the packaging across the brand’s core flavor line—Citron, Clementine, Raspberry, Vanilla and Cherry (all priced at $12.99 a 750-ml.)—as well as a reformulation of those flavors “to deliver smoother, richer, and brighter flavor profiles”.

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Campari America’s Skyy vodka has unveiled its latest flavored entry, Skyy Infusions Moscato Grape. Leveraging the popularity of the Moscato wine category, the vodka will be priced at $18.49 a 750-ml. and will be positioned for cocktail consumption. Campari will support the launch with a fully integrated marketing campaign featuring advertising, on- and off-premise promotions and social media. Moscato Grape joins an Infusions portfolio that includes Coconut, Dragon Fruit, Blood Orange, Pineapple, Ginger, Cherry, Grape, Citrus, Raspberry, Passion Fruit and recently released Wild Strawberry.

The Bacardi-owned Dewar’s Scotch brand is entering the thriving flavored whisk(e)y category with its launch of Dewar’s Highlander Honey. Rolling out in April, the 80-proof, honey-infused offering will be priced at a slight premium to the brand’s core White Label variant. The new entry is part of Dewar’s overall efforts to engage younger LDA consumers, particularly brown spirits drinkers in the 25- to 29-year-old range.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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GSN: Backbar Review – March 4-8, 2013

Diageo North America is entering the low-calorie spirits segment with the introduction of Smirnoff Sorbet Light flavored vodka this month. At 78 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, the 30% alcohol-by-volume spirit is a blend of triple-distilled Smirnoff No. 21 vodka and natural fruit flavoring. Sorbet Light is available nationwide in three flavors: Raspberry Pomegranate, Mango Passion Fruit and Lemon, with a suggested retail price of $15.99 a 750-ml. bottle.

Beam Inc. has officially launched white whiskey Jim Beam Jacob’s Ghost into national distribution, retailing at $22 a bottle. Beam says the 40%-abv offering—news of which trickled out last fall—differentiates itself from other moonshines and white whiskies on the market by its one-year stint of aging in white oak barrels, creating a “hybrid spirit” that should appeal to both whiskey and white spirits drinkers. A combination of 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley, the new Jack extension is also 40% abv, but will sell at a hefty premium to Jacob’s Ghost, retailing around $50 a bottle.

Proximo Spirits has partnered with the estate of Marilyn Monroe to debut Three Olives vodka’s most recent extension, Marilyn Monroe Strawberry. The new flavor will launch nationwide this month, priced at $21 a 750-ml. Marilyn Monroe Strawberry joins a Three Olives brand portfolio that already includes more than 21 flavors, including S’mores, Cake, Loopy, Root Beer and Bubble, among others.

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Pernod Ricard USA will release a new small-batch Canadian whisky brand, Pike Creek, beginning next month in select markets including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, New York and New Hampshire. Aged in American oak Bourbon barrels and finished in vintage Port barrels, Pike Creek is 80 proof and will retail at $32 a 750-ml.

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Castle Brands is launching a new limited edition entry from the Jefferson’s small-batch Bourbon range, Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The new expression, which is sourced from 15 lots of Bourbon, was aged in new oak for 21 to 24 years and bottled at 90 proof. Rolling out nationally on April 1, Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21-year-old will be priced at $120 a 750-ml., with a limited quantity of 2,000 cases available.

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Heaven Hill Distilleries will roll out a special bottling, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, this month. The limited edition release will begin shipping mid-March and will be offered in three-bottle cases to markets nationwide that currently offer Elijah Craig. Priced at $39.99 a 750-ml. bottle, the new Barrel Proof Bourbon is 67.1%-abv. It was aged for 12 years, is non-chill-filtered and is packaged in the traditional Elijah Craig flask-style bottle.

Peligroso Tequila is rolling out a new flavor extension to its range, Peligroso Cinnamon ($30 a 750-ml.). The variant will launch this month to key markets, including California and Nevada, with additional markets to follow. The 84-proof, 100%-agave Tequila is infused with real cinnamon and a blend of other ingredients. Peligroso’s range of Tequilas also includes Silver, Añejo and Reposado.

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Lucky Dog vodka has launched in California through San Francisco-based Bock Wine & Spirits. It is available now at restaurants, bars and stores throughout the state for a suggested retail price of $21.99 a 750-ml. Founder and president Greg Nichols, a former U.S. National Freestyle Ski Team member, launched the brand last May in Nantucket, Massachusetts. In addition to California, Lucky Dog is also currently available in the New York metro market and throughout Massachusetts. The brand is now in the process of expanding into Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Virginia.

All above information courtesy of Shanken Daily News.

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GSN: Backbar Review – February 25-March 1, 2013

Camus Cognac has unveiled a limited edition offering commemorating its 150th anniversary. Camus Cuvée 5.150 is a blend of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and Borderies Cognacs, of which 1,492 individually numbered decanters were produced, priced at $13,500 each.

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St. Helena, California-based Charbay Distillers is adding Añejo and Reposado variants of Tapatio Tequila, for which it became the exclusive U.S. importer last June. Tapatio Reposado is aged for eight months in oak barrels and retails for $38 a 1-liter bottle. The Añejo ($44 a 1-liter) is aged 18 months in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, and the Blanco, which was previously available, retails at $38 a 1-liter and is aged for six months in stainless steel. All three are produced by master distiller Carlos Camarena at the Altena Distillery.

Chivas Regal is debuting three new limited edition offerings of its 18-year-old variant in the U.S. market. Entitled “The Drop,” the collection was created in partnership with Italian design firm Pininfarina. 1,500 bottles of the first expression are available in the U.S. at $140 each, featuring a blue metallic-finish outer case and a wood veneer. The second, of which 120 individually numbered bottles are available in the U.S. at $495 each, takes the same aerodynamic design cues a step further. It features a solid wood inlay and includes two Pininfarina-designed glasses. The third, Chivas 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina, is a seven-foot, four-inch piece—made of an oak internal structure clad in aluminum—that will be made to order by Pininfarina on request at $100,000 each.

Campari’s Wild Turkey distillery has extended its Russell’s Reserve small-batch Bourbon brand with a new single barrel offering. Created by Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (55% abv) is Wild Turkey’s first unfiltered Bourbon. The new, high-proof offering will be available starting next month, priced at around $49.99 a bottle.

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Brown-Forman is set to release this year’s special edition Woodford Reserve Bourbon bottle for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. The packaging features art by Oregon-based painter Eric Bowman, which includes a close-up of a racing scene, as well as a sky blue neckband at the top displaying Bowman’s signature and a tag hanging around the bottle with information about the product and the artist. The bottle will be available in 46 markets across the country for a suggested retail price of $43.99 a 1-liter bottle. Woodford Reserve has been a sponsor of the Kentucky Derby for the past 15 years.

Colorado’s Woody Creek Distillers is set to make its debut with six ultra-premium spirits offerings. In addition to its core vodka brands, Woody Creek Potato Vodka and Reserve Stobrawa Potato Vodka, the company’s products include Baby Bourbon, Gin, Apple Brandy and Pear Eau de Vie, all sourced locally from the Aspen Valley. Another label, Olathe Corn Whiskey, is in production and scheduled for release in 2015, after a stint of aging in American white oak barrels.

Heaven Hill Distilleries is rolling out two new flavors—Cherry Cola and Strawberry Banana for the Burnett’s vodka line.  They are line priced at $10.99 a 750-ml. The Burnett’s portfolio now includes 31 different flavors.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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