GSN Backbar Review: May 18-22, 2015

Voli Vodka is launching its 80-proof extension into seven new markets this year. Previously, the offshoot had only been available in Florida. Initially entering New York and California, Voli Vodka 80 Proof is also set to expand into Georgia, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas and Tennessee by the end of the year. The 80-proof offering, which is produced in Cognac, France, will be available in 750-ml. and 1-liter bottles, priced at around $24.99 and $29.99, respectively. In addition to 80 Proof, the Voli range includes the brand’s core Original Light, Mango Coconut and Lemon expressions (all of which are around 60 proof), which retail at $19.99 a 750-ml.

American whiskey liqueur Sweet Revenge, a 77-proof shot-geared offering that is part of the Independence Spirits Company portfolio, is entering several new markets this year. The pink-colored liqueur opened Indiana—its 34th U.S. market—last month, distributed by RNDC. Meanwhile, Sweet Revenge, which retails from $17-$20 a 750-ml., was introduced in New Mexico and Mississippi earlier this year, and will enter Virginia on July 1. The brand’s largest current markets are Pennsylvania (its production base), Texas and California.

Sazerac Co.’s Buffalo Trace Distillery has released a new pair of French oak-aged Bourbons under its Experimental Collection series. The two 10-year-old whiskies include Buffalo Trace’s 100% French Oak Barrel Aged Bourbon, which was matured entirely in French oak, and French Oak Barrel Head Aged Bourbon, which was aged using both French oak heads and American white oak staves. Rolling out this month, both 45%-abv Bourbons are packaged in 375-ml. bottles and will be available for a limited time, priced at around $46.35 each.

New Orleans craft distiller Atelier Vie has released Euphrosine Gin #9 Barrel-Finished Reserve. The barrel-aged gin was matured in second-use American whiskey barrels. The latest gin offering, as well as the original Euphrosine Gin #9, are rolling out in a new packaging design that includes embossed labels showcasing the brand name and a historic New Orleans street map on the back labels. More products from Atelier Vie will feature the new packaging in the months ahead. The Barrel-Finished Reserve is 90 proof and retails for $40 a 750-ml. bottle, while the standard Euphrosine gin is $30. Atelier Vie’s spirits portfolio also includes Toulouse Green Absinthe Verte, Toulouse Red Absinthe Rouge, Riz Louisiana Rice Whiskey and Buck 25 Vodka. Its brands are distributed in Louisiana, as well as to select retailers in Arkansas, Illinois and Indiana.

Moët Hennessy USA is set to launch a new special edition under its Ardbeg single malt Scotch whisky brand at the end of this month. Forbes reports that the new Islay single malt entry, which is launching in recognition of Ardbeg’s 200th anniversary this year, is called Perpetuum and will retail at $100 a bottle. Ardbeg’s latest special edition is non-chill filtered and bottled at 47.4% abv.