COLLECTORS, GET THE WALLETS READY
THERE SEEMS TO be no limit to what people will spend on opulent spirits these days with Scotch connoisseurs often leading the way. The Macallan is betting that their newest release will be intriguing enough to pique the palates of drinkers, and they’re probably right. The distiller has introduced The... Read More
PENDLETON WHISKY SOLD
THE MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS trend of 2O17 is continuing right into the New Year. The Pendleton Round-Up’s branded whisky from Hood River Distillers has been sold to Becle (the parent company of the Jose Cuervo) for $2O5 million. Pendleton is one of a growing number of brands under the Mexico-based... Read More
THE WORLD’S DUMBEST THIEF
THIS MAY JUST BE the stupidest theft in history. Someone stole a diamond-encrusted bottle of Russo-Baltique vodka, worth an estimated $1.3 million, drank the vodka and dumped the bottle. But it was the bottle that held the value, not the vodka. The bottle was stolen in early January from a... Read More
WINE & SPIRITS WHOLESALERS OF AMERICA
The trade group has hired three new team members. CASSIE BOEHM is the new Manager, Advocacy Communications responsible for planning and executing campaigns and programs that support the association’s government affairs team; RYANN SQUIER has been appointed as Coordinator, Meetings and Conventions; and PHOEBE WARREN was hired as WSWA’s Financial... Read More
DEWAR’S
The Scotch brand has named GARETH HOWELLS as North American Brand Ambassador. An experienced beverage director and bartender, Howells will work alongside counterpart Gabriel Cardarella with both the trade and consumers, specifically with mixology. Howells is a seasoned professional having tended bar at well-known venues in New York City such... Read More
IRISH SPIRITS ASSOCIATION
Beam Suntory’s AOIFE CLARKE has been appointed Chair of the Irish Spirits Association (ISA), the representative body responsible for promoting the interests of the Irish spirits industry. Clarke, who was previously Vice-Chair, will be the first female Chair of the ISA in its 2O-year history. She has extensive experience working... Read More
DELICATO FAMILY VINEYARDS
The winery has named MARK MERRION as Executive Vice President of Sales. In this position he will oversee Delicato’s sales team, with the responsibility for driving national, international, and private label sales activity, to execute market and distribution strategies and to reach the company’s sales goals. Most recently, Merrion was... Read More
WACHUSETT BREW YARD MOVES INDOORS
WACHUSETT BREWING COMPANY is expanding their on-site experience by bringing their summer Brew Yard concept indoors. The new indoor Brew Yard extends the popularity of the outdoor version that opened last summer to now create a year-round destination for craft beer fans across New England. Visitors can buy pints, grab... Read More
TACO BELL BEER
BEER LOVERS REJOICE. Taco Bell now has its own beer brand so you can sip while you snack on tacos and chalupas. The beer, Beach Bell, is a Mexican-style amber lager created in conjunction with Four Sons Brewing, a craft brewer in Huntington Beach, California. Alas, the beer is currently... Read More
The 2O17 Craft Beer in Review
LAST YEAR SAW more downs than ups for the overall beer industry but there were nonetheless several shining beacons, particularly in the craft segment. Strong brewery growth, increased beer tourism and the launch of the independent craft brewer seal were all part of the year for the category. The Brewers... Read More