WHERE DRINKING+DRIVING=LEGAL
Some things just seem like a bad idea. The Irish town of Kilgarvan has passed a law that allows members of its community to drink and drive. Proposed by local pub owner and politician Danny Healy-Rae, the motion allows people who live in country areas to have a few beers... Read More
THE AMAZING POISON DETECTOR
In America we take it for granted that when we buy alcohol it’s poison free. But in much of the developing world, poisonous alcohol is a very real problem. Beverages tainted with methanol are frequently causing blindness and oftentimes death. The drinks can come from botched batches of home-distilled liquor... Read More
DIAGEO-GUINNESS USA
TOM LOONEY is being promoted from Chief Commercial Officer to President. He replaces Sheila Stanziale who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Jeff Ivey, currently Senior VP of Route to Market Strategy, will take Looney’s place.
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE
Nik Fordham has been appointed Master Distiller. In this position he will oversee production for the brand at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire, England, due to open later this year. As Master Distiller, Fordham will join Ivano Tonutti, the brand’s Master of Botanicals.
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES
Carlos Lozano has been appointed to lead the On-Premise National Account Division. Lozano possesses over 2O years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. His national account background includes managing portfolios for Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard USA. Most recently, he was Director of National Accounts for Monin... Read More
SIDNEY FRANK IMPORTING COMPANY
Tony M. Bagnulo has been appointed Vice President, On-Premise Marketing. In this newly created hybrid marketing and sales role, he will lead all on-premise programs, management and training as well as analysis and monitoring of the on-premise account universe for the company’s portfolio. Bagnulo has a decade of experience growing... Read More
OBITUARY: Henri Krug 75
The former president of Maison Krug Champagne, died on Thursday, March 7. He was the fifth generation to oversee the production of the legendary Champagne, along with his younger brother Rémi. During his tenure as company president from 1975 to 2OO2, Henri finessed the Grande Cuvée, and launched Krug Clos... Read More
OBITUARY: Jim Barrett 86
The founder of Napa Valley’s infamous Chateau Montelena passed away on March 14. Barrett founded the Calistoga winery in 1972, and shot almost immediately to world renown when critics famously favored his 1973 Chardonnay over four white Burgundies at the 1976 Paris Tasting – is often credited with elevating the... Read More
SENSATIONAL SOMMELIER
This is a man who knows wine. Paolo Basso has beaten off competition from 53 other hopefuls to be named Best Sommelier in the World. The 47-year-old Swiss-Italian was crowned champion at the 14th finals held by the Association de la Sommelerie Internationale in Japan. The global contest takes place... Read More
GROWLERS OF WINE
Over the last few years, the beer growler concept has become extremely popular. So if it’s good for beer drinkers, why not wine lovers? Well in Oregon it now is. The state Senate recently voted unanimously to let wineries, restaurants, grocery stores and wine shops dispense wine in consumer-supplied growlers... Read More