Industry News

Sonoma makes great Pinot Noir, but it’s not all in the Label

Pinot Noir is the sexy grape that makes Sonoma chic.  There are so many marquee Pinot wineries in the region with signature names like Rochioli, Hirsch, Marcassin,  Kistler and Williams Selyem. I have been professionally...

Independence Pays Off for Edrington

It’s been a full year since Edrington launched Edrington Americas, its wholly owned sales, marketing and distribution company for the U.S. market. I talked to Raul Gonzalez (pictured above), Marketing Director for single malts at Edrington,...

Everything You Need to Know About Sake

So. You think you’ve figured out wine pretty well. Then craft beer got big, and you had to learn what IBUs were. Craft cocktails came sneaking up behind you, and suddenly American whiskey has...

New Bacardi Marketing Aimed at Millennials

Bacardi rum has unveiled a 30-second TV spot, experiential House Party campaign and comprehensive digital, mobile and partnership strategy designed to connect with millennials on their terms, the company says. This is the first campaign launch since...

Heineken Acquires Red Stripe Beer from Diageo

The Jamaican beer brand Red Stripe has changed hands. As part of a $780.5-million deal announced yesterday, Heineken has agreed to buy controlling ownership of Jamaican alcohol-producer Desnoes & Geddes from Diageo. Among D&G's assets is the beer...

Does Rum Age Better Under the Sea?

Seven Fathoms Rum, true to its name, ages rum in an unusual place: 42 feet underwater. (1 fathom = 6 feet.) We recently caught up with Nelson Dilbert (above, left), co-owner and co-master distiller...

Diageo Names New CFO

Diageo today announced that Kathryn Mikells is to be appointed Chief Financial Officer. Based in London, Mikells' position is effective November 9, 2015. Mikells joins from Xerox Corporation, where she is currently CFO, a position she...

Stoli Group Expands With Bayou Rum Partnership

The Stoli Group has added its first rum. Stoli Group USA, LLC and Louisiana Spirits, LLC announced today the start of a long-term partnership. As of January 1, 2016, the multi-year agreement will see Stoli Group USA...

Maker’s Mark Lets Retailers Customize in ‘Private Select’ Program

Whiskey enthusiasts can now make their own Maker’s Mark. The company announced its newest program this week — Private Select. This program allows retail customers to “make their own Maker’s,” the company says, by finishing fully-matured cask strength...

Crown Royal to Include Serving Facts Panel on Packaging

Diageo has begun shipping cases of Crown Royal macro-nutritional information included on the product. This is the first alcohol beverage brand to include a serving facts panel on its packaging, the company says. The panel details...