Liquor Industry News 10-20-25

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

10-20-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

What’s a Wine Headache?

What does moderation mean?

Why do we rarely see wine commercials?

The Science of Grape Pressing

By using more sophisticated technology and focusing on technique, winemakers can use grape presses to craft more precise wines of different quality levels and styles

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-grape-pressing/

Uncle Nearest Lender Argues That Additional ‘Comingled,’ Personally Owned Entities Should Be Added to Receivership

The ongoing lawsuit between Tennessee-based whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, Inc. and its primary lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, continues to escalate.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/uncle-nearest-inc-receivership-escalation/

Non-alcoholic wines are here to stay

Not just for Gen Z: more and more people prefer dealcoholized wine to traditional wine

https://www.nssmag.com/en/fashion/42741/non-alcoholic-wines-trend-2025-growth-italy

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Beer Every Day

It all depends on the number of cans you crack open.

https://www.eatingwell.com/what-happens-to-your-body-if-you-drink-beer-11819188

What sour mash really means on your whiskey label

Have you ever wondered what sour mash is?

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/sour-mash-whiskey/

Why do we rarely see wine commercials?

Wine brands have less money for advertising and they want to maintain their prestige image.

https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/09/26/why-do-we-rarely-see-wine-commercials

I Visited France’s Famous Vineyards to Finally Understand Wine in My 30s

Study appellations, aging, and terroir without a textbook.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bordeaux-wine-cruise-11812977

Widow Jane finishes Bourbon in Greek oak

Heaven Hill Brands-owned Widow Jane Bourbon has unveiled the seventh limited edition in The Vaults series, which was finished in ‘mythological oak’.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/widow-jane-finishes-bourbon-in-greek-oak/

Value of New Zealand wine exports falls

New Zealand saw the value of its wine exports fall marginally to NZ$2.10 billion (£0.91 bn) despite a 5% growth in volume over the last 12 months, on the back of “sluggish” sales to established markets.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/value-of-new-zealand-wine-exports-falls/

Goldilocks & The Three Wines – Why Wine Temperature Matters

-too warm, too cold – finding the “just right” temperature

https://www.shadesofgrape.ca/p/goldilocks-and-the-three-wines-why?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=1c3602eeb937ee7c535ebe417374e55b8119f73a

Foley Launches Tequio Tequila Cocktails

Foley Family Wines & Spirits is extending its range with a new RTD label, Tequio Tequila Cocktails. The lineup includes Tequio Blanco and Reposado Tequila Sodas both at 5% abv, as well as a Tequio Paloma at 6.9% abv that will join the portfolio later this year. Tequio retails at $20 a four-pack of 355-ml. cans. The brand was founded by Louis-Pascal Walsh and Frederick “Flick” Mooradian in Venice, California.

Tequio’s RTDs are made with El Mexicano Tequila, also part of the Foley portfolio. “Sitting at the intersection of Tequila and RTDs, the two fastest growing segments, Tequio joins our portfolio alongside our Sabe branded cocktail-strengt h, high-abv canned cocktails,” said Foley CMO Jason Daniel. “Both are highly differentiated brands playing in the most resonant and growth-driving segments of the RTD category.”

Woodford Reserve Releases Its First High-proof Rye: Barrel Strength Rye

Barrel Strength Rye honors the legacy of America’s original rye whiskeys, where spice and tobacco take the lead, layered with notes of fruit, floral, and subtle sweetness,

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/newreleases/article/308764

Catena Wines Aging Well

Dr. Laura Catena looks back on 3 decades of wine

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/catena-wines-aging-well

New bribery case shows the three-tier system is not working

Another case has come forth of bribery occurring at a major supermarket chain with a large winery and a large wholesaler alleged to be involved. We can rinse and repeat as these stories repeat themselves time and time again.

https://irishliquorlawyer.com/liquor-industry-insights/new-bribery-case-shows-the-three-tier-system-is-not-working/

Watch the emotional evolution of someone’s face after 1, 2, and 3 alcoholic beverages

Giggling might be induced just by seeing the transformation.

https://www.upworthy.com/three-glasses-down-update

The 19 Best Pinot Grigios for 2025

While most believe Pinot Grigio originated in Italy, it was actually born, like many of the most popular grapes of the world, in France, where it is known as Pinot Gris.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-pinot-grigio-2025/

Kraken resurrects Dark Caramel rum

Proximo Spirits has made The Kraken Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt a permanent part of the brand’s core range, following its debut as a limited edition release last year.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/kraken-resurrects-dark-caramel-rum/

US government shutdown: product delays and lost sales possible

The American spirits industry could face delayed product launches and lost sales after the US government reached a political gridlock, forcing it to shut down.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/us-government-shutdown-product-delays-and-lost-sales-possible/

Chivas Regal’s first-ever clear spirit hits market

Chivas Regal has unveiled Crystalgold, its first-ever clear spirit drink, created through a bespoke filtration process that strips colour from oak-aged whisky while retaining flavor

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/chivas-regals-first-ever-clear-spirit-hits-market/

Could Beer Waste Be the Next Big Source of Protein? Scientists Think So

Researchers found that proteins extracted from spent grain, beer’s biggest byproduct, can outperform conventional materials used in food science applications.

https://www.foodandwine.com/spent-grain-protein-research-11814852

BOISSON INTRODUCES CURATED NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE CLUB IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOMMELIER ANDRÉ HUESTON MACK

As Wine Director at Boisson, I’m excited to launch what I believe is the future of inclusive wine culture

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boisson-introduces-curated-non-alcoholic-wine-club-in-partnership-with-sommelier-andre-hueston-mack-302571740.html

Study claims wine can lower risk of heart diseases; debunks myth that alcohol is bad for health

Here’s what you need to know.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/study-claims-wine-can-lower-risk-of-heart-diseases-debunks-myth-that-alcohol-is-bad-for-health-101735636499315.html?utm_source=microsoft-ht

Trump’s tariffs give European wineries — and US importers — a hangover

With U.S. tariffs set at 15 percent for the foreseeable future, it’s a lose-lose situation for winemakers on both sides of the Atlantic.

https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-tariffs-european-wineries-grapes-us-importers-hangover/

The Seven Wonders of Wine World

Iconic Bottles That Define Modern Wine Culture

https://vinepair.com/articles/seven-wonders-of-wine-world/

Why Buffalo Trace Is Beating Bourbon’s Downturn

After what has seemed like an endless string of smashing successes, the bourbon industry is facing its first real roadblocks in decades, and reports of turmoil and decline have been growing more frequent and agitated over the past year.

https://vinepair.com/articles/buffalo-trace-succeeding-as-bourbon-slumps/

Ignoring This Beer Myth Allows You To Enjoy Your Favorite Brew In A New Way

This is because often times, cold temperatures make it harder to taste your beer.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1981681/beer-myth-serve-cold/

Accidentally bought a terrible bottle of wine? Just add salt

Putting salt in wine can improve it.

https://metro.co.uk/2025/10/04/unexpected-kitchen-cabinet-item-can-make-wine-taste-better-24300797/

Busch Light Is Giving Away 19 Years’ Worth of Beer, but There’s a Catch — Consumers Must Legally Change Their Name

The alcoholic beverage brand is encouraging consumers to score the major prize by changing their name to Hunter

https://people.com/busch-light-giving-19-years-of-beer-to-consumers-who-legally-change-their-name-11824515

Tariffs Have Transformed the Wine World as We Know It

While the U.S. Court of Appeals recently clipped the administration’s wings—declaring his unilateral levies illegal—those fees remain in place as the case moves toward the Supreme Court for further deliberations.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/tariffs-transform-wine-industry/

How a Jug of Carlo Rossi Wine Inspired a Legendary Rock Song

Iron Butterfly’s 1968 hit “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is a simple, somewhat nonsensical, and exhausting tune

https://vinepair.com/articles/iron-butterfly-hit-song-wine-inspiration/

US spirits exports to Canada plummet 85% in Q2

Exports of American spirits plunged by double digits in all key markets during the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, with Canada suffering the largest drop.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/us-spirits-exports-plummet-85-to-canada-in-q2/

We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Best Rye for Beginners?

Because there are so many ryes on the market, there’s never been a better time for the uninitiated yet curious drinker to dive into the category

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-best-rye-whiskey-for-beginners/

Amidst a slow wine market, winemakers say they’re struggling this harvest

A global drop in demand for wine has led to a grape glut, and many U.S. vineyards are letting their grapes rot rather than harvesting them. Growers say it’s one of the worst wine years in decades.

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/06/nx-s1-5535639/amidst-a-slow-wine-market-winemakers-say-theyre-struggling-this-harvest

Come Over October: ‘Wine is so much more than alcohol’

The Come Over October campaign is back, and this time it’s calling on wine businesses to fight for their future. Eloise Feilden speaks to its founders.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/come-over-october-wine-is-so-much-more-than-alcohol/

Should You Bring Wine When You’re Invited To A Dinner Party?

Ever been invited to a dinner party and wonder if you should bring your host a bottle of wine?

https://www.tastingtable.com/1988228/dinner-party-guest-wine-gift-etiquette/

Move over Valle de Guadalupe, there’s a new wine region in town

While it might seem unlikely, the central states of Puebla and Hidalgo have been on the map of Mexican wine-producing states for several years.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/food/move-over-valle-de-guadalupe-theres-a-new-wine-region-in-town/

What’s a Wine Headache?

Certain components found in wine like tannins and histamines may be the culprit

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/wine-headache

What does moderation mean?

We are all apparently drinking less. But how are we doing that?

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/what-does-moderation-mean?utm_medium=newsletter

Ageing Bourbon barrel numbers hit all-time high

The number of ageing barrels of Bourbon in Kentucky has hit a record high of 16.1 million, with taxes on the casks soaring by 163% over the last five years.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/ageing-bourbon-barrel-numbers-hit-all-time-high/

EH Taylor Bottled in Bond joins Antique Collection

Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Antique Collection with a new addition to the series: EH Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/eh-taylor-bottled-in-bond-joins-antique-collection/

Sagamore Spirit names new master distiller

Maryland-based Sagamore Spirit has promoted Ryan Norwood from vice president of operations to master distiller, after nearly a decade at the distillery.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/sagamore-spirit-names-new-master-distiller/

Super Simple Sake Terms

Four little words to set you on the path to enjoying sake

https://shanaspeakswine.substack.com/p/super-simple-sake-terms?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=7e712bb3cddcda71ae07cb51db15cbf8a4f0b800

European beverage market under ‘structural reset’ as 71% of consumers drink less alcohol

Europeans are consuming less alcohol – and many younger consumers are stopping buying alcohol altogether – according to new data released by Circana this week. But winning in this new market is not simply about being alcohol-free…

HTTPS://WWW.BEVERAGEDAILY.COM/ARTICLE/2025/10/08/EUROPEAN-CONSUMERS-DRINK-LESS-ALCOHOL-CIRCANA-DATA/

Adding Art to Bubbles

The Champagne Method

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/champagne-traditional-classic-method-wines

From algorithms to appellations: the rise of AI in wine

From predictive analytics to fine wine fintech, industry leaders are harnessing technology to make wine more personal, more accessible, and more relevant to a new generation.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/from-algorithms-to-appellations-the-rise-of-ai-in-wine/

Capsules influence wine purchase decisions, shows ‘neuromarketing’ study

In a scientific study exploring the emotional impact of wine capsules on consumers, it was found that nine out of 10 shoppers prefer a wine bottle with a capsule. Furthermore, synergy between the capsule and label is paramount for “brand recall”.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/capsules-influence-wine-purchase-decisions-shows-neuromarketing-study/

Beer Trends 2025: Social drinking rebounds amid shifting consumer habits

Data from Fintech and the National Beer Wholesalers Association showcases trends like nonalcoholic beer and the growing ‘Beyond Beer’ category

https://www.nrn.com/beverage-trends/beer-trends-2025-social-drinking-rebounds-amid-shifting-consumer-habits

How the ‘95/5’ Rye Mash Bill Went From MGP Signature to Craft Staple

And yet, here in the year 2025, all of the sudden at least a half dozen craft distilleries have begun distilling their own rye with that exact same 95/5 ratio.

https://vinepair.com/articles/95-5-rye-mgp-signature-to-craft-whiskey-staple/

Your First Wine Tasting:

What to Expect and How to Fake It Like a Pro

https://brads-wine.com/blogs/news/your-first-wine-tasting-what-to-expect-and-how-to-fake-it-like-a-pro