tequila cabeza

Sazerac Co. is readying a national rollout of a French vodka entry, Epic. Sazerac plans to start shipping Epic (roughly $13 a 750-ml.) to around 30 states in February, with national availability expected later in the year. Along with the core offering, Epic has six flavor extensions: Peach, Whipped Cream, Kiwi Strawberry, Cherry, Cake and Coconut. Sazerac said more flavors will be added at later dates.

Celebrity mixologists Simon Ford, Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric have launched a new venture, The 86 Co., starting with a portfolio of four mixology-focused spirits. The lineup includes Caña Brava ($34.99), a three-year-old rum aged in a combination of new uncharred American oak and used American whiskey barrels; Fords gin ($37.99), distilled in London and featuring a blend of nine botanicals; Tequila Cabeza ($42.99); and Aylesbury Duck vodka ($30.99). The new products have rolled out in select markets across the country. They’re all packaged in 1-liter bottles designed for mixing—featuring long necks that are easy to grab, labels with useful information about the product, a scale with exact measures in fluid ounces and liters to help with recipes and a grip in the middle for handling.

Newcomer Pavan Liqueur has launched its eponymous French brand in the U.S. Named after a European dance from the 16th century, Pavan is made with AOC-certified Petite Muscat grapes, which are aged in oak casks and blended with Muscat eau-de-vie and orange blossom water. The 18%-abv offering, which made its U.S. debut in Miami last month, is slated to roll out in New York and California in February. Priced at $30 a 750-ml., it’s positioned as a super-premium cocktail option, as well as an alternative to white wine or rosé.