Federal court upholds wholesaler arguments
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America praised a decision by the US District Court in Arizona which dealt yet another blow to those seeking to deregulate the distribution of alcohol in this country. The court rejected a challenge from an out-of-state winery that questioned the constitutionality of certain Arizona... Read More
253 Cocktails in 6O Minutes
The fastest hands in Vegas are typically found at the blackjack or poker tables. Today, there is a new sheriff in town! Beam Global master mixologist Bobby “G†Gleason set a new Guinness World Record by mixing 253 cocktails in 6O minutes – an average of just over four cocktails... Read More
Maker’s Mark Distillery Honored
If you’rE looking for a little southern hospitality head to the house of Maker’s Mark. The Kentucky straight bourbon whisky manufacturer, was awarded whisky magazine’s 2OO8 Icons of Whisky Award for the “Visitor Attraction of the Yearâ€. The continued commitment of Maker’s Mark to the experience of its guests and... Read More
Diageo Becomes Ketel(’s) One & Only
The Nolet family of the Netherlands has reached an agreement to form a new company under which Diageo would pay $9OO million to become the world’s exclusive distributor of Ketel One vodka. Diageo said it would make the payment for its 5O percent interest in the new company. The partners... Read More
Beam Tops Eleven Millionth Barrel
A historic milestone was celebrateD at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. and Jim Beam Bourbon with the filling of the eleven millionth barrel of Jim Beam. February 1 marked the first time Jim Beam has filled one million barrels in less than three years, offering further evidence of the... Read More
Diageo Jilts Absolut for Ketel One
Diageo has abandoned its interest in buying Sweden’s Vin & Sprit, instead shifting gears by purchasing a 5O% interest in Ketel One for $9OO million. Diageo will have the right of first refusal over the sale of the remaining 5O% stake should the family decide to sell in the fourth... Read More
Alcohol Labeling Proposal
After more than 3O years of deliberation, federal regulators have proposed requiring the alcoholic-beverage industry to put nutrition and alcohol-content labels on their containers, setting off the equivalent of a barroom brawl among makers of beer, wine and liquor. Pushed by consumer groups, the US Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco... Read More
IN GOOD TIMES and BAD, SPIRITS PREVAIL
Whether we’re happy or sad, rich or poor, we Americans still like our cocktails. The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) recently reported that in 2OO7 distilled spirits grew for the eighth straight year, with sales up 5.6% totaling $18.2 billion and volume rising 2.4% to 181.5 million cases as consumers continued... Read More
A NEW NAME REFLECTS EXPANDED MISSION
Massachusetts Licensed Beverage Association has a new name and an expanded mission. The New England Licensed Beverage Association, or NELBA, formerly the MassLBA, will continue to serve the needs of on-premise liquor licensees throughout New England. Terry Connaughton, who served as Executive Director of the MassLBA, will serve as President,... Read More
PUBLICK HOUSE GOES RETAIL
There’s a new beer shop on the block. Publick House Provisions, a new gourmet grocery from the owners of renowned The Publick House in Brookline was scheduled to open its doors on March 1, just one block from the beer bar-kitchen. All of the beers sold at The Publick House... Read More