Franklin Liquors
Liquor Industry News
The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)
By: Mark C Lenzi
CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*
03-23-2026
Liquor Industry Week In Review
The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)
This Weeks Highlights:
New Products
Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine
The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning
Our society has an alcohol problem
Think You Know Where Your Whiskey Comes From? You Might Be Wrong
It’s possible that your favorite whiskey was distilled somewhere you would never expect.
https://www.foodandwine.com/sourced-vs-contracted-whiskey-11915388
EU Rides to Wine’s Rescue
The European Union has announced a major bail-out package for wine producers
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/eu-rides-to-wines-rescue
‘We were right’: He took Trump’s tariffs to the Supreme Court and won
Victor Owen Schwartz never imagined he would one day find himself challenging a president in the highest court in the land.
https://libertyjusticecenter.org/newsroom/we-were-right-he-took-trumps-tariffs-to-the-supreme-court-and-won/
Bulleit Debuts a Mesquite-Smoked Malt Bourbon With Zero Rye
The release uses a mashbill centered on mesquite-smoked malted barley and was aged for more than six years before bottling.
https://www.foodandwine.com/bulleit-mesquite-smoked-malt-kentucky-straight-bourbon-11914619
Diageo Debuts Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Expression
Diageo is introducing Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-time release made with an experimental mashbill that includes 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley. During the malting process, a portion of the malted barley is smoked over mesquite wood to impart a smoky aroma.
Bottled at 46.5% abv, the new entry is positioned at $50 a 750-ml. and is rolling out in limited quantities nationwide. According to Impact Databank, Bulleit slipped an estimated 3.6% to 1.6 million cases in the U.S. market last year.
PEOPLE ARE DRINKING LESS THAN EVER. WHAT’S COUNTRY MUSIC TO DO?
In Nashville, some are wondering how a decline in drinking may affect artists’ own liquor brands and the songs they sing. “There are more weed songs for sure,” says one songwriter
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/drinking-songs-country-music-decline-1235521023/
5 Places You Should Never Keep a Bottle of Wine, According to Experts
If your wine rack is anywhere near your oven, it’s time you find it a new home.
https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/5-places-you-should-never-store-a-bottle-of-wine-according-to-experts/
Did tariffs on imported wines help American wineries? If so it’s hard to see.
American wineries faced headwinds in 2025 that included demographic shifts, reduced tourism, and higher input costs. You might think that tariffs on imported wines would have helped. They didn’t.
https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/03/did-tariffs-on-imported-wines-help-american-wineries-if-so-its-hard-to-see-how/
Red blotch a worldwide vineyard threat
Grapevine red blotch virus is a growing problem.
https://goodfruit.com/red-blotch-a-worldwide-vineyard-threat/
Wine Diplomacy Paves the Way
Wine producers in the US look to maintain goodwill during these challenging times.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-diplomacy-paves-the-way
Yes, Japan Makes Wine—Here’s Why You Should Be Paying Attention
Defined by restraint, freshness, and food-first balance, Japanese wine is quietly booming—driven by indigenous grapes, precise craftsmanship, and a philosophy that favors harmony over power.
https://www.foodandwine.com/japanese-wine-11893591
Is Phylloxera Still a Threat to the Global Wine Industry?
Genetic adaptation, leaf-feeding populations, and global movement are reshaping the modern phylloxera threat
https://daily.sevenfifty.com/is-phylloxera-still-a-threat-to-the-global-wine-industry/
Michter’s Bet Early on an Annual 10-Year Bourbon — and the 2026 Release Shows Why That Call Endured
Relying on sensory evaluation instead of calendar deadlines, Michter’s releases its 10-year bourbon only when barrels meet its standards — a practice that has defined its consistency since 2000.
https://www.foodandwine.com/michters-10-year-bourbon-2026-11916630
What is Sea Aged Sparkling Wine?
You may have seen, during your searches for new wines, some which are stated to have been aged in / under the sea. So, ‘why are wines aged in the sea’ and ‘are they really worth the money’?
https://glassofbubbly.com/what-is-sea-aged-sparkling-wine/
The Wildest Beer Collab of the Year Involves Bear Poop
This light lager from Columbia Sportswear and Breakside Brewery features notes of berries and honey.
https://www.foodandwine.com/nature-calls-columbia-beer-with-bear-scat-11915970
15 of the Weirdest Liquor Laws in the U.S.
Some of these mandates come from research and years of developing common sense — for example, don’t drink and drive or operate heavy machinery. Others are based on religious tendencies like dry counties in the South and limitations in Utah. And plenty are just plain weird.
https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-liquor-laws-united-states/
Wine Market Council and Quini Partner
New Research to Decode Consumer Barriers to Wine Flavor
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/314863
Coravin Celebrates Milestone Sale of Their Two Millionth Wine By-the-Glass System
Coravin, the global leader in wine by-the-glass technology, is excited to announce the sale of its two millionth system, marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey to transform how wine is discovered and enjoyed around the world.
https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/coravin-celebrates-milestone-sale-of-their-two-millionth-wine-by-the-glass-system/
Heaven Hill Bottles Final Pours From a Historic Kentucky Rickhouse Before It Goes Dark
The release carries a suggested retail price of $199.99 and marks the first in a planned series of commemorative releases tied to the Deatsville campus, with additional expressions and events scheduled through 2027.
https://thedailypour.com/whiskey/bourbon/heaven-hill-bottles-final-pours-from-a-historic-kentucky-rickhouse-before-it-goes-dark/
NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen launches Bourbon
Former American football player Jared Allen shares his journey into the spirits industry with Full Ryde Bourbon.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/nfl-hall-of-famer-jared-allen-launches-bourbon/
10 Things The Bible Actually Says About Alcohol And Drinking
Whether you’re skipping drinks this month or savoring a glass with dinner, the Bible’s take on alcohol is probably more reasonable than you expect.
https://www.thequeenzone.com/10-things-the-bible-actually-says-about-alcohol-and-drinking/
Bogle Family Vineyards Introduces Chenin Blanc & Riesling Varietals to National Wine Portfolio
Bogle 2025 Chenin Blanc and the Bogle 2025 Riesling. Produced from Bogle’s estate vineyards in Northern California’s Clarksburg AVA, the inaugural national releases of the Chenin Blanc and Riesling will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning March 2026, each with a suggested retail price of $11.
https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/bogle-family-vineyards-introduces-chenin-blanc-riesling-varietals-to-national-wine-portfolio/
Wine Harks Back to the USSR
The current state of the wine industry displays some interesting parallels with late Soviet-era winemaking.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-harks-back-to-the-ussr
Santiago Marone Cinzano: ‘my generation wants wines that are ready to drink’
Generation Z want wines that are ready to drink now, rather than waiting for years, according to Santiago Marone Cinzano, the 10th generation member from the famous vermouth family who is forging his own way of making top quality Brunello di Montalcino. Arabella Mileham reports.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/santiago-marone-cinzano-my-generation-wants-wines-that-are-ready-to-drink/
Kansas City may ban tiny booze bottles to fight crime.
Businesses say those aren’t the problem
https://www.kcur.org/news/2026-03-03/kansas-city-tiny-bottle-ban-ordinance
7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome
Planning a wine country escape but can’t bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don’t have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend.
https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/7-Pet-Friendly-Lodi-Wineries-Where-Your-Four-Legged-Friend-is-Always-Welcome
New Whiskey
- Grain & Barrel Spirits’ Chicken Cock Whiskey has revamped its core portfolio, adding a new wheated Bourbon, which replaces the brand’s Small Batch Bourbon. The new whiskey is bottled at 47% abv, aged for at least five years, and is distilled from a mash of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon is positioned at $55 a 750-ml. and is now rolling out across the U.S.
How to Open an Old Bottle of Wine, According to a Sommelier
Wine director Drew Brady likens a 30-year-old cork to a 30-year-old person. Bodies, like corks, can feel physically sound when suddenly a moment of fragility comes along.
https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-open-old-wine-bottle/
EU gives stamp of approval to Rioja’s viñedos singulares
The EU has approved Rioja’s new geographical indication of viñedos singulares, the smaller geographical units that highlight terroir, following changes introduced by the Consejo Regulador (DOCa) over the last few years.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/eu-gives-stamp-of-approval-to-riojas-vinedos-singulars/
Virginia’s Most Prominent Winery Sold
Barboursville to change ownership but maintain continuity
https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/virginias-most-prominent-winery-sold
Introducing New ButterZero, Non-Alcoholic Wines by Butter
Butter Wines introduces a premium alcohol-removed wine, bringing its great-taste-first focus to the growing non-alcoholic wine category
https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/03/introducing-new-butterzero-non-alcoholic-wines-by-butter/
The Most Wanted Bourbons of 2026
This year’s search for the most popular bottles in the world starts in Kentucky, where things are not as rosy they once were.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/the-most-wanted-bourbons-of-2026
The 10 Most Important Cocktails of the 21st Century
The first quarter of this century has seen the birth and rebirth of literally thousands of cocktails, more than any other period in history.
https://vinepair.com/articles/most-important-cocktails-21st-century/
Johnnie Walker introduces Black Cask
Diageo has debuted Black Cask, a permanent product innovation from Johnnie Walker that seeks to bridge the gap between Scotch and Bourbon.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/johnnie-walker-introduces-black-cask/
Are RTDs a beacon of hope for the spirits industry?
While most drinks categories are suffering from downturns, RTDs are bucking the trend thanks to their convenience and experimentation.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-rtds-a-beacon-of-hope-for-the-spirits-industry/
Anatomy of Wine’s Triple Crisis
The identity of wine has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. No wonder the wine business has changed, too. Here’s that excerpt from Wine Wars II.
https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/03/triple-crisis/
Cava’s apex expands as five new Paraje Calificado wines approved
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has ratified five additional single estate Cavas at the highest rung of the appellation’s hierarchy. The decision brings the total number of Paraje Calificado wines to 15 and confirms the category’s full organic status from the 2025 harvest.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/cavas-apex-expands-as-five-new-paraje-calificado-wines-approved/
Terroir Terror in the Loire
Bureaucrats are adding to the woes of Loire winemakers by banning the use of a treasured geographical indicator.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/terroir-terror-in-the-loire
11 Beers With Pretty Gross Origin Stories
One description rarely mentioned alongside America’s favorite brew is “gross.” Yet, here we are.
https://www.thetakeout.com/2115865/beers-with-gross-origin-stories/
New Makers
- Maker’s Mark, part of the Suntory Global Spirits range, is unveiling the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release. According to the company, the new entry was “inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the Bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.” The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series includes novel expressions made using a wood stave finishing technique that Suntory says amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the Bourbon. The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% abv, and the other at 56.65% abv. Both will retail at around $75. Maker’s Mark was roughly flat at 2.25 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.
Huge Fake Wine Seizure in Italy
With exploitation, human trafficking and fraudulent wine, this week’s news roundup reads more like a police blotter.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/huge-fake-wine-seizure-in-italy
Russians destroy historic 19th-century Ukrainian winery
The winery was originally founded 130 years ago by a Russian prince and, while changing hands several times over the years (including being collectivized during the Soviet Era), it was actively producing wine up until the full Russian invasion of the country on 24 February, 2022.
https://www.hudin.com/russians-destroy-historic-19th-century-ukrainian-winery/
The Science Is In: What Really Causes Wine Headaches
Thanks to new research about quercetin, the list of culprits in wine falls into three primary categories: tannins, biogenic amines (BAs), and alcohol.
https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/what-really-causes-wine-headaches\\
Is it best to consume hot or cold water between alcoholic drinks?
The question of whether warm or cold water is better to drink has led to viral discussions online. In the era of zebra-striping, where chasing an alcoholic drink with a soft drink or water is becoming increasingly popular, whether temperature plays a vital role in progressive drinks trends is still up for debate.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/is-it-best-to-consume-hot-or-cold-water-between-alcoholic-drinks/
US Doubles Down on Bordeaux
Despite fears of tariffs and trade wars, Bordeaux has strengthened its grip on US wine searches.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/us-doubles-down-on-bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay
Which White Wine Is Right for You?
https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/sauvignon-blanc-vs-chardonnay-which-white-wine-is-right-for-you
AI Can’t Taste. Why Do People Let It Pick Their Wine?
Outsourcing your drink order to the robot in your phone has offline implications.
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/ai-sommelier-problem
What Will a Global Trade Meltdown Mean For Bourbon’s Protected Status?
No matter where you are in the world, if you ask for bourbon, you’re going to get a whiskey produced in the United States under specific rules.
https://vinepair.com/articles/international-trade-chaos-influence-on-bourbon/
Should you use Prosecco in cocktails?
Prosecco has become a vital ingredient in some of the world’s most popular cocktails, including the Aperol Spritz. But how do producers really feel about their sparkling wines being used in mixology? Sarah Neish finds out.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/716838/
Shoppers willing to pay nearly 10% more for sustainable products
A global survey from PwC shows shoppers remain committed to sustainability, even as rising bills and inflation reshape spending habits
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/shoppers-will-pay-nearly-10-more-for-sustainable-products/
Uncle Nearest allegedly hid $20m loan provided by Jay-Z
Kentucky lender Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) has accused Uncle Nearest of fraud, alleging that the Tennessee whiskey maker hid a US$20 million loan given to the brand by media mogul Jay-Z.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/uncle-nearest-allegedly-hid-20m-loan-provided-by-jay-z/
Chicken Cock debuts wheated Bourbon
Grain & Barrel Spirits-owned whiskey brand Chicken Cock has replaced its small batch core range expression with a new wheated Bourbon.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/chicken-cock-debuts-wheated-bourbon/
SIP Certified Unveils Brand Makeover
New Website to Help Consumers Find Sustainable Wines
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315029
U.S. Wine Industry by the Numbers
If it seems like the number of wines and wineries is always growing it is due in part to the fact that openings are so much more visible than closings. But new wineries enter the market and existing ones exit every year.
https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/10/numbers-2026/
Our society has an alcohol problem.
(But not the problem you might think…)
https://www.readbetweenthewines.com/news-updates/our-society-has-an-alcohol-problem-but-not-the-problem-you-might-think/
Samuel Adams Unveils “Our City. Our Beer.”
Variety Pack Crafted Alongside Derrick White, Garrett Crochet, Julian Edelman and Zdeno Chara
https://www.bostonbeer.com/news/2026/03/samuel-adams-unveils-our-city-our-beer-variety-pack
Just thinking about tequila, whiskey or wine shifts your mindset
New research
https://theconversation.com/just-thinking-about-tequila-whiskey-or-wine-shifts-your-mindset-new-research-277160
New Evan
- Heaven Hill has expanded the Evan Williams lineup with a new Blackberry flavored whiskey. The 32.5% abv extension is rolling out across the U.S. now and joins other flavored options from the brand like Honey, Apple, Peach, Cherry, and Fire (cinnamon). The new release carries a suggested price of $15 a 750-ml. Last year, Evan Williams was at approximately 2.9 million cases in the U.S. including flavors, according to Impact Databank.
Champagne sales unlikely to rebound in 2026
Following three years of declining shipments of Champagne, it’s hoped that the region will see a turnaround in 2026 – but that’s unlikely with production costs, exchange rates and market conditions as they currently are.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/champagne-sales-unlikely-to-rebound-in-2026/
World Atlas of Wine returns with ninth edition
The landmark wine reference first published in 1971 will appear in a newly revised ninth edition. Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW again collaborate with maps editor Julia Harding MW on the latest version of a book widely regarded as a cornerstone of wine literature.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/world-atlas-of-wine-returns-with-ninth-edition/
Are national drink days creating too much noise at the bar?
With more than 100 alcohol-themed awareness days now crowding the calendar, are these celebrations still worth toasting, or are they just marketing clutter?
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-national-drink-days-creating-too-much-noise-at-the-bar/
Gallo Extends Fast-Growing Lucky One RTD Into Spiked Iced Tea
Spirit of Gallo’s Lucky One, which reached just under 1 million cases in its first full year on the market in 2025, according to Impact Databank, has extended into spiked iced tea, launching four new flavors across the U.S. The new releases are in Original (Sweet Tea), Half & Half, Peach, and Raspberry flavors and are made with vodka, with each 355-ml. can coming in at 100 calories. They join Lucky One’s original four varieties of lemonade in the brand range.
Lucky One’s Sweet Tea flavor is rolling out in 4-packs of 355-ml. for around $11 and the flavors can be found in the brand’s variety 8-pack, which carries a suggested price of $20. The brand is continuing its partnerships with Best Friends Animal Society and Lifeline Animal Project and in the last year has donated more than $1 million to help rescue dogs find homes.
The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning
When did everybody who’s good at something become a sommelier?
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/is-everyone-a-somm-viewpoint/
If Gen Z Is Drinking Less, What Does Turning 21 Mean Now?
But with the media’s preoccupation with the idea that Gen Z isn’t drinking, does it really mean anything to turn 21 today?
https://vinepair.com/articles/if-gen-z-is-drinking-less-what-does-turning-21-mean-now/
Getting Into Biodynamic Wine
Biodynamic wine is a holistic approach to viticulture that goes beyond organic farming, focusing on vineyard ecology, natural cycles, and soil health. In this guide, we explore how biodynamic wines are made, what sets them apart, and how they taste.
https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/biodynamic-wine-guide/
Alcohol, Health and the New Puritans
A brush with medical professionals has left one wine lover unhappy at being pigeon-holed as an “alcohol user”.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/alcohol-health-and-the-new-puritans
Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine
A standard wine pour is 5 ounces. It sounds like a small detail, but that number quietly shapes how you host, how many bottles you need, and how guests experience the wine.
https://communitywineandspirits.com/blogs/news/understanding-the-standard-pour-of-wine
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