News & Notes

What Is ‘Skinny’ Prosecco?

Prosecco’s popularity continues to rise worldwide. In the U.S., sales grew 36% last year. In the U.K., a new label is creating buzz: “Skinny” Prosecco. But what is that? First of all, it’s a brand from...

Ilegal Mezcal Gains National Distribution After Bacardi Investment

Ilegal Mezcal has entered into a national distribution agreement with Southern Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s). The brand will be part of Southern Glazer’s Transatlantic Spirits division, the companies said in a press release, following a minority...

Louis Glunz Beer Announces New President, CEO, And General Manager

Chicago-based craft and specialty import beer distributor Louis Glunz Beer announced today three changes to its front office. Owner Jack Glunz (above, right), after 67 years in the business, will step into the position of CEO while promoting his son, Jerry...

Ancho Reyes Verde

Following a New York launch in the autumn of 2016, Ancho Reyes Verde has announced additional distribution in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois and Florida in 2017. Ancho Reyes Verde began as a limited edition...

Connecticut Considers Ditching Minimum Alcohol Pricing

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has again submitted a bill that would do away with the state's minimum alcohol pricing laws. This legislation, passed in 1981, mandates that retailers sell alcohol at prices established by the liquor...

Castello di Gabbiano Dark Knight 2015

Italy’s Castello di Gabbiano winery estate, located in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, has launched its first vintage of Dark Knight, an IGT red blend. The inaugural bottling taps into the surging IGT Italian red wine category...

Interview: What’s Driving Premium Tequila?

North of the border, the premium tequila category continues to expand. Austin, Texas’ Tequila 512, launched in 2012, experienced 60% growth in 2015, followed by about 70% growth in 2016. The future for the brand...

Sales Of Alcohol Imports Surged In America In 2016

Foreign alcohol brands enjoyed record numbers in 2016. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that alcohol imports increased 6% last year in America. The first 11 months of 2016 saw $17 billion in sales for this category....

Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante

Casa Modelo has announced the launch of its newest ready-to-serve chelada, Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante. The second chelada flavor to join the Casa Modelo portfolio, Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante contains traditional Mexican ingredients — chipotle peppers and...

Scotch Tasting: BenRiach, The GlenDronach, And Glenglassaugh

Brown-Forman is best known for its bourbon. Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and Old Forester are among the company’s American whiskey brands. But it’s a boom time for global whisky, and Brown-Forman understandably is seeking a...