News & Notes

Highlands 41 Paso Robles Wines

Riboli Family Wines has launched Highlands 41, the newest estate-based brand within the Riboli Estates Group division. Rooted in Paso Robles, this line features three varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Red Blend. Created by fourth-generation...

How Kimbark Beverage Shoppe Became a Community Pillar

For Jonathan Swain and his family business — Kimbark Beverage Shoppe — running a retail store on Chicago’s South Side is about more than just profit. “Before joining the family business, I was working in...

Interview: Bruichladdich’s Head Distiller Talks Whisky Terroir

The concept of terroir in whisky has gained traction in recent years. More brands and distillers now openly talk about how their local environment affects the final sippable product. And while there are industry...

Sombra Mezcal New Packaging

Sombra Mezcal has rolled out a new bottle design. Founded in 2006, Sombra Mezcal is made in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. Sombra comes from organically farmed, high-altitude Espadín agave, distilled at the traditional strength of 90 proof. The brand maintains high standards...

Highland Park Launches Cask Strength Release No. 1

The Orkney-based distillery Highland Park has introduced a cask strength edition, Highland Park Cask Strength Release No. 1. Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion selected and married together predominantly sherry seasoned American oak casks of different...

Michelob Launches Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer

Michelob is the latest company to bring innovation into the the hard seltzer category with the launch of Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer. This new offering is USDA-certified organic, the company says, similar to Michelob Ultra...

Mount Gay Unveils Master Blender Port Cask Rum

Mount Gay has launched Master Blender Collection: The Port Cask Expression, the third in this limited-edition series. Created by the distillery’s first female Master Blender, Trudiann Branker, Port Cask incorporates Tawny Port casks for the...

How to Sample Alcohol During the Pandemic

Stated mildly, in-store sampling is difficult during the pandemic. The old way of “sips to lips” — handing out small pours to large groups of customers — poses an array of health risks in...

Crystal Head Onyx Vodka

Crystal Head Vodka, known for its signature skull bottle, has launched Onyx, one of the first commercially available agave-based vodkas.  Crystal Head Onyx comes in a glossy black bottle with a matching crest debossed cap, a reference of...

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition Arrives at Retail

After launching last year exclusively at Duty Free, Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition will now roll out to retail stores nationwide. The exclusive whiskey is Woodford Reserve Bourbon aged an additional three years in XO cognac...