CORE WINE TERMS DITCHED
It’s out with the old and out with the new. The US arm of the Court of Master Sommeliers has decided that wine-producing countries will no longer be referred to as “Old World” or “New World” in materials, the body announced in its December newsletter. The decision was driven by... Read More
ANCIENT DISCOVERY IN THE RHÔNE
A historic wine find has been unearthed as a group of French archaeologists have discovered an ancient 2,000 year-old winery on a plot of land set to become a parking lot in the Rhône Valley’s Drôme department. The Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Preventives (INRAP), overseen by France’s Ministry of Culture,... Read More
HAS FINE WINE LOST ITS LUSTER?
It wasn’t exactly a banner year for luxury wines. The market for top-end Burgundies, vintage Champagnes and other fine wines declined significantly in 2023, as higher interest rates and a slowdown in the Chinese economy catch up with the once-booming asset class. The price of Burgundy dropped 15.7 percent over... Read More
CRAFT BREWERS CONFERENCE SPEAKER LIST
This year’s lineup of featured speakers for the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas April 21-24, has been announced. They are: KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Fawn Weaver, business entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Featured speakers and topics: BART WATSON, Chief Economist for the Brewers Association —... Read More
Czech glass is world class
There are beer glasses and then there are Czech beer glasses. Any true enthusiast appreciates the difference. Made famous by its brewing industry, Czech glassware has been added to the World Heritage list by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In mid-December, the Czech Republic’s nomination was approved... Read More
The 2023 Year in Craft Beer
The craft brewing industry had its share of challenges in 2023. The Brewers Association has recapped a year that proved difficult for many small and independent brewers facing a mature, competitive marketplace. Its midyear survey indicated a production dip, with all signs pointing to production being down in 2023, the... Read More
BERT “TITO” BEVERIDGE NAMED RAY HERRMANN H.E.R.O. AWARD RECIPIENT
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has announced that Bert “Tito” Beveridge, Founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka will receive the 2024 Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award at Access LIVE in Vegas January 29-February 1. Tito was chosen by the selection committee for the qualities that make him a H.E.R.O. (Humanitarian,... Read More
Beam Suntory to sell Courvoisier
It’s the end of an era for Beam Suntory. The drinks company will exit the Cognac category with the sale of Courvoisier to Campari Group for $1.2 billion. Campari said the agreement is the largest in the group’s history and would include full ownership of the brand and its operations... Read More
SLÁINTE TO IRISH WHISKEY
Irish whiskey makers have plenty to raise a glass to these days. The category continues to experience steady growth globally, thanks to new international markets, a heightened focus on luxury, and the category’s ability to innovate. In 2022, the value of Irish whiskey exports surpassed $1.07 billion for the first... Read More
Martignetti Completes Acquisition of Quality Beverage
Martignetti Companies has completed the acquisition of Quality Beverage, L.P. Quality Beverage is a distributor of beer and alternative beverages in Massachusetts, representing the Anheuser-Busch portfolio in addition to a variety of other domestic and imported brands including Yuengling, Wormtown, Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Harpoon, Liquid Death and Beatbox. Previously... Read More