Liquor Industry News

Liquor Industry News 10-06-25

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*

10-06-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Organic Vs Natural Vs Biodynamic Wine

Beer Is Losing Its Grasp on Football

Alcohol Looks Weaker on Surveys Than in Reality

Americans reevaluate their relationship with alcohol as consumption hits record low; more Americans confront health risks of moderate drinking

A growing number of Americans are walking away from the bar, the bottle, and a decades-old assumption that a daily drink is harmless. According to the USA Today website, Gallup finds just 54 percent of US adults now say they drink alcohol, the lowest share in nearly 90 years of polling, a change the pollsters say is tied to rising health concerns about even “moderate” drinking.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/americans-reevaluate-their-relationship-with-alcohol-as-consumption-hits-record-low-more-americans-confront-health-risks-of-even-moderate-drinking/articleshow/123874622.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Why isn’t beer served over ice?

For whatever reason, beer is one of the few beverages that it’s considered totally unacceptable to add ice,

https://savornation.tv/food-facts/why-isnt-beer-served-over-ice/

It’s the Era of ‘Self-Prohibition.’ That’s Made Booze-Free Alcohol a Big Business

A market for alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits shops has opened up as more Americans moderate their drinking.
https://www.investopedia.com/it-s-the-era-of-self-prohibition-that-s-made-booze-free-alcohol-a-big-business-11809226

We Asked Experts For The Best Types Of Wine For Avoiding A Hangover—These Are Their Top Picks

Happy hour without the headache!

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a65943431/best-wines-for-avoiding-hangovers/

The Rise of No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: How TTB and FDA Divide Oversight

The demand for no- and low-alcohol beverages has exploded in recent years.

https://www.winelawonreserve.com/the-rise-of-no-and-low-alcohol-wines-how-ttb-and-fda-divide-oversight/

Alcohol Looks Weaker on Surveys Than in Reality

For the first time in Gallup’s trend, a majority of Americans, 53%, say drinking in moderation, or ‘one or two drinks a day’, is bad for one’s health

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/gallup-finds-americans-turning-on?utm_medium=newsletter

What The 2025 Results Tell Us About the Global Wine Scene

This year’s IWSC wine results delivered some genuine surprises: a Georgian qvevri wine and a Burgundian Chardonnay both claimed Gold medals.

https://www.iwsc.net/news/wine/what-the-2025-results-tell-us-about-the-global-wine-scene

How Will We Know (When the Wine Market Finally Turns Around)?

Everyone is hoping for a turning point in the wine business.

https://wineeconomist.com/2025/09/16/shoop/

Thieves strip 8,000 square metres of German vines

Unknown perpetrators have stolen almost all the ripe Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grapes from two vineyards in Gundheim, Rhineland-Palatinate. Police believe the raid, carried out between 6 and 14 September, cost the growers several thousand euros in lost fruit.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/thieves-strip-8000-square-metres-of-german-vines/

Survey uncovers solutions to help US shoppers buy more wine

New consumer research reveals how US shoppers think the wine industry can make buying more approachable, as trade data shows price pressures and competition weighing on sales.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/survey-uncovers-solutions-to-help-us-shoppers-buy-more-wine/

The 30 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2025

Adored by both bartenders and spirits connoisseurs, rye whiskey has never quite penetrated the home bar of mainstream drinkers (and, to a lesser extent, taterdom) in the same way bourbon has.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-rye-whiskies-2025/

New Bourbon

Sazerac’s 1792 Bourbonhas released Cognac Cask Finish, the latest permanent addition to brand’s portfolio. The 47.5% abv whiskey is matured in Cognac casks housed on the top floor of the distillery’s rickhouses for at least six months before bottling. 1792 Cognac Cask Finish carries a suggested price of $38 and is now available across the U.S. Last year, the brand was up 25% to 175,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 1792’s 2024 performance earned the brand a “Hot Prospect” award from Impact.

4 Easy Ways To Chill Your Wine FAST

No more whining about warm wine.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/kitchen-secrets/a66029806/how-to-chill-wine/

German winemakers carve out the alcohol-free wine category

Germany has pioneered alcohol-free beer. Can it also lead the way in alcohol-free wine?

HTTPS://WWW.BEVERAGEDAILY.COM/ARTICLE/2025/09/19/GERMANY-AND-RIESLING-PIONEER-ALCOHOL-FREE-WINE/

How bold labels are the disruptors of wine

What were once seen as the all important traditions that kept wine special and separate to any other drink are now some of the major reasons for holding it back

https://www.the-buyer.net/insight/arsen-khachaturyants-how-bold-labels-are-the-true-disruptors-of-wine

Chimps consume daily dose of alcohol through fruit, UC Berkeley study finds

Wild chimpanzees may be ingesting the equivalent of nearly two cocktails a day via their fruit-heavy diets, according to new research.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/chimps-consume-daily-dose-of-alcohol-through-fruit-uc-berkeley-study-finds/

Why it’s not over for wine just yet

Despite much hand-wringing by those in the wine trade right now, tech expert and Wine Owners co-founder Nick Martin believes that the grape-based drink has a bright future, when discussing market challenges with db ahead of our conference next month.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/why-its-not-over-for-wine-just-yet/

We Asked 6 Wine Pros: What’s the Most Overrated Wine Region?

When it comes to wine, certain regions are undeniably more famous than others, and they tend to be the ones that carry the most prestige (think places like Champagne, Burgundy, and Napa Valley).

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-wine-pros-overrated-wine-region/

Lodi Wine History: The Making of California’s Most Dynamic Wine Region

As we celebrate California Wine Month this September, there’s no better time to dive into the rich history of grape growing and wine production in one of the state’s most significant appellations.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/CA-Wine-Month-Discover-Lodi-Wine-History

The 10 Best California Cabernet Sauvignons Under $50

These are 10 of the best California Cabernets under $50.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-california-cabernet-sauvignon-under-50/

Sagamore releases its oldest rye whiskey

Illva Saronno-owned Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Maryland has unveiled its oldest straight rye whiskey to date: a 10-year-old.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/sagamore-releases-its-oldest-rye-whiskey/

The wine industry doesn’t work the way Washington thinks it does

Kevin D. Williamson is national correspondent for the Dispatch and writer-in-residence at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

https://cei.org/opeds_articles/the-wine-industry-doesnt-work-the-way-washington-thinks-it-does/

Is Expensive Wine a Scam?

Using Wine-Searcher data to navigate the price-quality maze can help you see beyond the hype and illusion.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/09/is-expensive-wine-a-scam

How To Identify 3 Disappointing Wine Faults Like A Sommelier

If you are a wine lover, nothing is more disappointing than opening a bottle and realizing something is not quite right.

https://www.brookswine.com/how-to-identify-3-wine-faults-like-a-sommelier/

Maison Chavin highlighted by Neo Restauration:

Dealcoholized wine in the spotlight

https://www.pierre-chavin.com/en/all-the-news/presse-en/maison-chavin-mise-en-lumiere-par-neo-restauration-le-vin-sans-alcool-a-lhonneur/

Vineyards Expose Kids to Toxins

Toxic atmospheres, poor prices and drought – life doesn’t get any easier for European wine producers.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/09/vineyards-expose-kids-to-toxins

Alcohol Is Killing Americans at an Alarming Rate—Here’s Why

America’s relationship with alcohol is getting better and worse at the same time. Fewer people are drinking overall, which is nice. But for those still clinging to the bottle, things are worse than ever.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/alcohol-is-killing-americans-at-an-alarming-rate-heres-why/

Beer Is Losing Its Grasp on Football. Here’s Why.

How have beer sales been looking now that both college and professional football are back in full swing?

https://vinepair.com/articles/hop-take-football-season-beer-sales-down/

Michelob Ultra Now the Top-Selling Beer in America

First introduced in 2002, Michelob Ultra isn’t a new commodity, but sales volume has ramped up significantly in the past five years.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/michelob-ultra-top-selling-beer-in-america/

New Vodka

Belvedere, part of the Moet Hennessy portfolio, has launched Dirty Brew, a 30% abv coffee-infused vodka. The new entry is a blend of Belvedere’s organic rye vodka with roasted organic robusta coffee beans, and is recommended to be served as a shot or poured over top of desserts such as an Affogato. Belvedere Dirty Brew retails at $37 a 700-ml. bottle and is launching exclusively on ReserveBar. Belvedere had U.S. volume of 345,000 cases last year, according to Impact Databank.

It Shouldn’t Be so Hard to Find a Good NA Drink These Days

It’s not surprising, then, that with such a substantial growing movement, a plethora of new options have cropped up for those who love their drinks, but don’t want the side effects. These non-alcoholic spirits, beers, cocktails, wines, and more have exploded the market, with sales surging 26% over the past year to top $800 million in the US.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/non-alcoholic/where-are-the-na-drinks/

5 Alternatives to Sassicaia, Tuscany’s Legendary Red Blend

Known as the original “Super Tuscan” and kick-starting the Bordeaux-variety revolution in Italy in the 1970s, Sassicaia continues to be one of the most highly sought-after wines in its category.

https://vinepair.com/articles/sassicaia-tuscan-red-blend-alternatives/

New N/A Ameretto

Amaretto Adriatico is introducing Zero, a non-alcoholic amaretto retailing at $32. The newcomer, made in Puglia, Italy, expands Adriatico’s U.S. range, which also includes the flagship Amaretto Adriatico Roasted Almonds expression ($38), along with Bianco, a 16% abv white amaretto ($38). Amaretto Adriatico is made with Filippo Cea almonds from Puglia, Adriatic Sea salt, and half the sweetness of traditional brands, according to the company. The brand is currently present in New York (Empire Merchants), Georgia (Savannah), Connecticut (CDI), Oklahoma (Premium Brands), Maryland and Washington (Breakthru), and will launch in Massachusetts (Martignetti) next month.

Charlie Sheen Partners with Popular Brewery to Debut ‘Wild’ Non-Alcoholic Beer

The new beverage is a game changer.

https://www.mensjournal.com/food/charlie-sheen-wild-af-non-alcoholic-beer

Dr. Maya Rosman reveals: This is the reason why Israeli wine is actually healthier

The Israeli sun can be especially cruel, but it turns out that for grapes it actually adds advantages. And also – is it worth drinking a glass of wine once a day?

https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/nutrition/article-868520

3 Tips for How to Best Use Soda in Cocktails

Classic well drinks like the Rum and Coke or Vodka Soda might seem like the easiest cocktails to master, but there are still some nuances to consider while building these simple, two-part drinks.

https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-use-soda-in-cocktails-explained/

13 of the Best Cocktails to Make With Sweet Vermouth

From New Orleans originals like the Vieux Carré to sherry-spiked cocktails named for ancient Greek hunters, here are 13 of the best cocktails to make using sweet vermouth.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-sweet-vermouth-cocktails/

Here’s Why Your Next Great Sparkling Wine Might Come From Oregon

We all know and love the classic bubbly go-tos — Champagne, Prosecco, Cava — but this American wine region is proving that you needn’t look overseas to sparkle.

https://www.foodandwine.com/oregon-best-sparkling-wine-11816195

We Asked 10 Sommeliers: What Cabernet Sauvignon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

When it comes to red wines, few are as revered as Cabernet Sauvignon.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-somms-best-bang-for-buck-cabernet-sauvignon-2025/

Diageo halts production at Balcones and George Dickel

Diageo has temporarily ceased whiskey production at its Balcones and George Dickel distilleries with the loss of 17 jobs, as it re-evaluates its ‘productivity goals’, The Spirits Business can reveal.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/diageo-halts-production-at-balcones-and-george-dickel/

Why Is Oregon Producing So Many High-Quality, Affordable Wines?

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about wine is that the more you spend on a bottle, the better it will be.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/wine-enthusiast-podcast/oregon-wines-best-buy/

Organic Vs Natural Vs Biodynamic Wine

A Quick Guide To Understanding The Differences

https://www.tastingtable.com/1974585/organic-natural-dynamic-wines-differences/

New Wild Turkey

Campari’s Wild Turkeyhas announced Master’s Keep Beacon, the final whiskey in the Master’s Keep series. This edition is a blend of 10- and 16-year-old Bourbon, selected by master blender Bruce Russell and master distiller Eddie Russell. The younger whiskey was selected by Bruce and is one of the first whiskies he made with his father Eddie and grandfather Jimmy. The older spirit is Eddie’s pick and dates from the original Wild Turkey distillery before its 2011 expansion. The 59% abv Bourbon carries a suggested price of $300 a bottle and is now rolling out in limited quantities across the U.S. Last year, Wild Turkey was at 806,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

How Wine and Spirits Got Stuck in the Middle of a Global Trade War

Over the last seven years, the alcohol industry has faced chaos and cost increases at the hands of a global trade war. Here’s where we currently stand and how we got here.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine-spirits-tariff-timeline/

America’s Bulk Wine Glut Should Have Sparked a Brand Boom

Why Hasn’t It?

https://vinepair.com/articles/american-bulk-wine-glut-not-expanding-market/

We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Tequila Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

As the tequila market continues to boom, so does its reputation as a sophisticated spirit.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-bang-for-buck-tequila-2025/

US tariffs cost Scotch whisky £20m a month

The US’s 10% tariff on UK goods is costing the Scotch whisky industry almost £20 million (US$27m) a month in lost exports, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).