Liquor Industry Weekly Highlights: Trends and Insights 2025

Liquor Industry News 12-15-25

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

12-15-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

No, Vodka Is Not a ‘Neutral Spirit’

Top 10 festive drinks in the US

The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025

This $150 Bourbon From Indiana Is the Best in the World, According to Top Shelf 2025

The winning bottle emerged from an elite field of Double Gold medalists judged by experts behind the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-bourbon-starlight-japanese-mizunara-reserve-top-shelf-awards-2025-11854986

The US states selling the most Tequila and American whiskey

California was the leading market for American whiskey and Tequila volume sales in the US last year, but which states round out the top 10?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/the-us-states-selling-the-most-tequila-and-american-whiskey/

Did the Catholic Church invent terroir?

From medieval monastic labour to papal vineyards, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in shaping how we understand wine, land and terroir, writes Kathleen Willcox. Today’s winemakers are the inheritors of that legacy, but who will protect it as monastic influence fades?

Illustration from 19th century.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/did-the-catholic-church-invent-terroir/

The 2025 Ultimate Gift Guide for The Wine Lover Who Has Everything

You’ll notice two conspicuous omissions from this guide, and that’s entirely deliberate

https://www.vinography.com/2025/11/the-2025-ultimate-gift-guide-for-the-wine-lover-who-has-everything

Portugal leading world wine consumption

After all, Portugal has a long tradition of drinking wine

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/11/portugal-leading-world-wine-consumption.html

There is now a language for describing the aromas of weed, much like wine

A new lexicon aims to capture the different varieties of cannabis, just as familiar descriptors are used to identify a bottle of wine for varying consumer preferences

https://macaonews.org/news/around-the-world/words-to-describe-cannabis-weed-marijuana/

The Top 10 Wines to Add to Your Collection, According to Buyers

Which bottles would sommeliers and wine buyers add to their own wine cellars for aging? From Barolo and Burgundy to Riesling and Chenin Blanc, here are their picks

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-top-10-wines-to-add-to-your-collection-according-to-buyers/

The chemistry behind Portugal’s fortified wine

In Portugal’s Douro valley, centuries-old winemaking traditions meet modern chemistry to create a sweet and intense fortified wine.

https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/the-chemistry-of-port/4022483.article

Prosecco DOC: the first tricolor bands on the bottles of the world’s most popular Italian wine

Starting today, Prosecco DOC bottles will feature the new state seal with the Italian tricolor. The most widely consumed Italian wine in the world was the first to apply the new security seals

https://www.prosecco.wine/en/prosecco-doc-the-first-tricolor-bands-on-the-bottles-of-the-worlds-most-popular-italian-wine/

What’s So Funny About Bourbon? Jim Gaffigan Has Thoughts

Most likely, you know comedian Jim Gaffigan for his stand-up routines about food and parenting. But his most recent comedy show is all about bourbon

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pop-culture/jim-gaffigan-bourbon-set-fathertime/

French whisky: the category with ‘je ne sais quoi’

With around 200 mainly artisanal producers, the French whisky industry has the potential to be a force for quality spirits.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/french-whisky-with-je-ne-sais-quoi/

Which US states limited alcohol sales over Thanksgiving?

Many states in the US still adhere to centuries-old ‘blue laws’ that restrict or ban the sale of alcoholic beverages over major holidays including Thanksgiving. But a tangle of different sub-rules makes it a minefield for drinks companies to navigate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/which-us-states-limited-alcohol-sales-over-thanksgiving/

Sparkling wine keeps its shine as younger drinkers reshape the category

New IWSR data shows sparkling wine outperforming still wine in the US, UK and France, as Millennials and Gen Z embrace fizz far beyond celebrations.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/sparkling-wine-keeps-its-shine-as-younger-drinkers-reshape-the-category/

Amoon Spirits unveils ‘world’s first’ smart vodka

Indianapolis-based company Amoon Spirits has launched a vodka with a bottle featuring a patented Vortex Control Unit (VCU) system that can be controlled with an app.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/amoon-spirits-unveils-worlds-first-smart-vodka/

Smirnoff creates NFL-inspired merch

Diageo-owned Smirnoff has reprised its ‘We Do Game Days’ campaign for its fifth season as the official vodka sponsor of the National Football League (NFL).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/smirnoff-creates-nfl-inspired-merch/

How The Macallan Became a Cult Scotch Whisky

When it comes to spirits, Scotch whisky is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

https://vinepair.com/articles/the-macallan-cult-scotch-story/

Think You Don’t Like Wine? This Spanish Red Is Winning Over Bourbon Lovers

Aged in American oak, Spanish Rioja wine has more in common with bourbon than you might think.

https://www.mensjournal.com/drink/think-you-dont-like-wine-this-spanish-red-is-winning-over-bourbon-lovers

MOSCATO D’ASTI: THINK YOU KNOW IT?

THINK AGAIN.

https://pleasethepalate.com/moscato-dasti-think-you-know-it-think-again/

Proposed Bill Would Increase Excise Tax On Alcohol Sales In Massachusetts

A newly proposed bill would create an optional 2% excise tax on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. The funds would be used for addiction and recovery programs for participating municipalities.

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/proposed-bill-would-increase-excise-tax-on-alcohol-sales-in-massachusetts/

Tough Times for Fine Wine and Spirits

A global survey of the wine trade doesn’t show much of optimism going forward, but there are rays of hope.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/tough-times-for-fine-wine-and-spirits

Alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving in Mass. This bill could change that

Known as a blue law, the centuries-old rule prohibits liquor sales on Thanksgiving and Christmas — a rule that at least one lawmaker wants to change.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/alcohol-sales-are-banned-on-thanksgiving-in-mass-this-bill-could-change-that.html

The 10 US states consuming the most rum

Florida was the biggest market for rum volume sales in the US last year, but can you guess which northeastern state led the per capita rankings?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/the-10-us-states-consuming-the-most-rum/

Balcarce: what you need to know about Argentina’s fledgling wine region

If you’ve never heard of Balcarce in Argentina as a wine producing region, you’re probably in good company. But Sebastian Perez Companc of Bodega Puerta del Abra is hoping to change all that as he eyes up international expansion. Arabella Mileham reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/balcarce-what-you-need-to-know-about-argentinas-fledgling-new-wine-region/

The Guinness 60/40 trend: sacrilegious or genius?

As the festive season approaches, pubs are offering a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 and Guinness original stout for a lower alcohol pint, but punters are torn. Is it marketing catnip or an insult to the black stuff?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/the-guinness-60-40-trend-sacrilegious-or-genius/

The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025

In 2024, Prosecco saw a 17 percent increase in imports to the U.S. compared to the previous year, and now accounts for 31 percent of the total value of Italian wines sold stateside.

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

New Bird Dog

Western Spirits’ Bird Dog Whiskey has launched Select Reserve, a new Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled at 43% abv and carries a suggested price of $23. The whiskey, according to the company, is meant to be accessible and approachable and a complement to the brand’s line of flavored whiskies. Bird Dog Select Reserve is now available in most markets across the U.S. Last year, Bird Dog was up 7.5% to 285,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

7 Things You Should Know About Widow Jane, the Beloved Brooklyn-Made Bourbon

The Brooklyn-born brand was founded by Daniel Preston and Vince Oleson with a mission to make bourbon with a distinctly New York spin.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-widow-jane/

Top 10 festive drinks in the US

Several cocktails made the top 10 most searched-for festive drinks in the US list, but which serve came out top?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/top-10-festive-drinks-in-the-us/

Australian wine output leaps 9%, outpacing demand

Australia’s wine production climbed 9% in 2025, but the sector faces growing pressure from mounting inventories and declining global consumption, according to new figures from Wine Australia.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/australian-wine-output-leaps-9-outpacing-demand/

Trump Vodka returns after 14-year hiatus with US-made relaunch

Trump Vodka has reopened for pre-orders in the United States, marking a fresh push by the Trump Organisation into the domestic spirits sector. Produced entirely in the US, the brand avoids the rising import tariffs affecting European wines and spirits and enters the market with a renewed patriotic pitch.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/trump-vodka-returns-after-14-year-hiatus-with-us-made-relaunch/

Altitude and Alcohol: Why Your Usual Drinks Hit Different in the Mountains

Altitude sickness can sneak up fast — especially if you’re sipping après-ski cocktails. Here’s how to stay healthy in the mountains.

https://www.foodandwine.com/drinking-and-altitude-sickness-11859319

Why Your Mouth Feels Dry After Wine or Tea, And How That’s Actually Good for You

Learn about tannins, the plant molecule that dries out your mouth and provides a surprising number of health benefits.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/why-your-mouth-feels-dry-after-wine-or-tea-and-how-that-s-actually-good-for-you-48333

The 10 Best Booze Books to Buy This Holiday Season (2025)

When the holiday season rolls around, choosing the perfect gift for the drinks lovers in our lives is no easy feat.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-alcohol-books-gift-guide-2025/

What has made prosecco the sparkling wine that triumphs worldwide?

The success of this Italian product has been achieved by breaking the mold regarding cava and champagne.

https://en.ara.cat/food/what-has-made-prosecco-the-sparkling-wine-that-triumphs-worldwide_1_5582460.html

Report: Wine in supermarkets offers major benefits, minimal harm

Bolstered by an analysis that finds liquor stores are unlikely to be as affected as feared, campaign restarts for wine sales in grocery stores

https://www.timesunion.com/tablehopping/article/wine-supermarkets-wigs-albany-21218222.php

How Robert Mondavi Winery is moving with the times

From adopting regenerative organic viticulture to creating a new hospitality centre, while investing in raising brand awareness worldwide, Robert Mondavi Winery is making changes to remain relevant now and in the future.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/how-robert-mondavi-winery-is-moving-with-the-times/

No, Vodka Is Not a ‘Neutral Spirit’

The definition, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) — which regulates spirits in the U.S. and provides standards of identity — is that vodka must be a neutral spirit “without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.” It changed slightly in 2020, after years of pushback from distillers who argued the rule didn’t reflect how vodka is actually made or understood.

https://vinepair.com/articles/vodka-not-neutral-spirit/

How To Use Every Type Of Wine Opener, According To Experts

Because you shouldn’t be stuck with just screw-top.