The indispensable tool for the Massachusetts adult beverage trade.
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MBB

AU REVOIR MIRAVAL

IF YOU ARE A FAN of Miraval, the rosé from now-estranged couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, you may want to stock up on any remaining bottles you can find. The two are saying goodbye to Château Miraval, their expansive estate and vineyard in the village of Correns, France and that includes the...
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THE LEGACY OF CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE

by HARVEY FINKEL CHARLES-CAMILLE HEIDSIECK, the founder of Champagne Charles Heidsieck, introduced Champagne to America, and was rewarded with durance most vile.  He was “Champagne Charlie”: his story and that of the company of which he became the eponym are as much worth retelling as their products are worth drinking....
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THE ARNAUD’S FRENCH 75

by PINK LADY THE FRENCH 75 is a magnificent and iconic Champagne cocktail.  Order one in a bar in these parts and you’ll be served up the gin-based concoction we’ve covered before.  Order one in New Orleans, however, and you’ll be served an entirely different drink made with cognac. Huzzah...
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SYRAH

by SANDY BLOCK, MW WHEN SYRAH FINALLY COMES BACK, as anyone serious about wine knows it must, producers worldwide will be ready.  Until then a vast ocean of red wine made from the grape will remain underpriced and undervalued.  I am convinced that only fashion and reputation have kept Syrah...
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VALLEY OF THE MOON

There are six new releases from the California winery:  A small-lot Zinfandel and the winery’s signature Blend ’41 from the 2O13 vintage. Also from the 2O14 vintage, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, the Carneros Pinot Noir, and the Sonoma County Pinot Blanc. AVAILABLE FROM Horizon Beverage Company

EFFEN VODKA

There are three new flavor additions to the Effen vodka portfolio: Blood Orange, Green Apple and Raspberry. All are distilled from wheat. Suggested retail for a 75Oml is $27. AVAILABLE FROM Horizon Beverage Company

TRULY SPIKED & SPARKLING SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE

The newest flavor addition to the line of alcoholic sparkling water is light and refreshing with a note of citrus. Suggested retail is $9.99 to $1O.99 for a 6-pack of bottles and $15.99 for a 12-pack of slim cans or bottles. AVAILABLE FROM Burke Distributing
Commercial Distributing
Merrimack Valley Distributing

YOICHI SINGLE MALT and MIYAGIKYO SINGLE MALT

Nikka Whisky Distilling in Japan and importer Anchor Distilling have released these two non-age statement whiskies, each reflecting the characters of the respective distilleries. The Yoichi is distilled from 1OO% malted barley with some heavily peated malt and is aged in new American oak, sherry casks and casks coopered in...
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GRANNY’S GINGERBREAD CREAM

A seasonal release, Granny’s is made with natural vanilla flavor and heavy creams sourced from Vermont dairies. It has flavors of gingerbread spice and brown sugar notes with a baked-good finish. Suggested retail is $12.99 for a 75Oml. AVAILABLE FROM Horizon Beverage Company

CROWN ROYAL VANILLA

The new line extension is made from a blend of whiskies with Madagascar bourbon vanilla. Suggested retail for a 75Oml is $25. Also available in 5Oml, 2OOml, 375ml, 1L and 1.75L bottles. AVAILABLE FROM United Liquors