Liquor Industry News

Liquor Industry News 05-04-26

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

05-04-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Many Beers Are Equivalent To One Bottle Of Wine?

11 Essential Bottles of Japanese Whisky

Understanding the Wine Drinker of Today

The Definitive Ranking of Bloody Mary Garnishes

So, we’ve rounded up and ranked common Bloody Mary garnishes, from cool yet composed to outright absurd.

https://vinepair.com/articles/bloody-mary-garnish-ranking/

Plenty of the choices facing the wine world are hard.

Making wines with “American” on the label 100% from US grapes shouldn’t be one of them

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/04/plenty-of-the-choices-facing-the-wine-world-are-hard-making-wines-with-american-on-the-label-100-from-us-grapes-shouldnt-be-one-of-them/

Cost of dating climbs, US consumers cut back

Dating is on the decline in the US as costs rise, according to a new study commissioned by Maison Louis Jadot, with consumers becoming more selective about how they spend on wine.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/cost-of-dating-climbs-us-consumers-cut-back/

What Does it Mean When a Spirit Is ‘Overproof’?

But what actually is an overproof spirit and can the label be applied across categories?

https://vinepair.com/articles/overproof-spirits-explained/

I Support Keeping American Wine Truly American and Improving Truth in Labeling

In the wine industry, we place great importance on origin and on the uniqueness of wine as an agricultural product tied to a specific place.

https://www.vinography.com/2026/04/i-support-keeping-american-wine-truly-american-and-improving-truth-in-labeling

The Wines That Changed How America Drinks, Decade by Decade

Walking into a wine shop in 2026 looks a lot different than it would have in the 1970s. Where shelves might have been lined then with jugs of Carlo Rossi California Chablis, shoppers might now find a buttery bottle of Rombauer or a niche Chardonnay from France’s Jura region.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wines-trends-changed-america-drinking-habits/

Top 50 beer companies in America revealed

The top 50 breweries in the US have been ranked by the Brewers Association in its annual report based on volume output for 2025. db looks into the findings.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/top-50-beer-companies-in-america-revealed/

Understanding the Wine Drinker of Today

For the first time, the survey asked respondents about AI and discovered that not only were a full 25% using AI for wine recommendations, but 40% of respondents were very happy with the recommendations, while 33% were somewhat happy. A mere 1% were dissatisfied.

https://www.meininger.de/en/insights/understanding-wine-drinker-today

Kentucky distiller charged with criminal loan deception

A grand jury has charged Darron Dillow, co-owner of Limestone Farms Distillery, with “theft by deception” for allegedly using a neighbour’s farm as collateral to secure a loan worth more than US$10,000, without their permission.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/kentucky-distiller-charged-with-criminal-loan-deception/

Conor McGregor settles lawsuit over Proper No. 12 whiskey but can’t resist one last jibe

The UFC champion and drinks entrepreneur Conor McGregor has settled a dispute with fellow fighter Artem Lobov, who claims he was entitled to 5% of the sale price of whiskey brand Proper No. 12.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/conor-mcgregor-settles-lawsuit-over-proper-no-12-whiskey-but-cant-help-one-last-jibe/

How a Baltimore Brewery Shaped New York’s Most Notorious Baseball Team

In 1885, Baltimore’s National Brewing Company produced its first batch of Natural Bohemian,

https://vinepair.com/articles/baltimore-national-brewing-company-shaped-1986-mets/

Consumers Want to Buy Wine. Why Are We Making It So Hard?

There’s a lot of conversation right now about softening demand in the wine industry. Traffic is down, consumers are more selective, and younger buyers don’t always engage in the same way the industry is used to.

https://winesalessymposium.com/consumers-want-to-buy-wine-why-are-we-making-it-so-hard/

Open White Wine Goes in the Fridge, but What About Red? I Asked a Sommolier

Here’s everything you need to know about storing open red, white and sparkling wine.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/open-white-wine-goes-in-the-fridge-but-what-about-red-i-asked-a-sommolier/

Americans Could Soon Be One Step Closer to Distilling Spirits at Home

The decision challenges a Reconstruction-era law originally intended to prevent Americans from evading federal liquor taxes.

https://www.foodandwine.com/federal-appeals-court-strikes-down-home-distilling-ban-11948831

Study links breathalyzer apps to shifts in drinking habits

New research suggests that repeated use of mobile breathalyzers is associated with changes in how people drink and assess intoxication. The findings add to a broader picture of consumers engaging more actively with tools that track health and alcohol intake.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/study-links-breathalyser-apps-to-shifts-in-drinking-habits/

4 North American Wine Regions to Visit Next in the West, From Oregon to Mexico

Venture beyond Napa and Sonoma to these alternative West Coast wine destinations with compelling wineries, restaurants, and hotels.

https://www.foodandwine.com/next-great-north-american-wine-regions-11941766

PBR & Grillo’s Team Up For A Beer That’s Kind Of A Big Dill

It’s tangy, dill-forward, and already doing numbers in the comment section.

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a71063866/pbr-grillos-pickle-beer-release/

The Best Beer To Kick Back With While Enjoying A Bowl Of Vanilla Ice Cream

Step aside meat and veggies –- we’re about to dive into the two best food groups in existence: beer and ice cream.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2148418/best-beer-pair-vanilla-ice-cream/

3 Types Of Beer That Are Always A Little Overpriced (And One That Isn’t)

Beer is, for the most part, a more or less affordable luxury, which is why the alcohol industry has typically held up well during troubled times.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2149063/why-these-beers-always-overpriced-explained/

Everything You Need to Know Before You BYOB

Whether you’re headed to a spot without a liquor license or want to indulge in a special bottle, there are many reasons to bring your own wine to a restaurant
https://vinepair.com/articles/byob-etiquette-guide-complete/

Host of the Italian Wine Podcast Receives Vinitaly Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Attilio Scienza, host of the Italian Wine Podcast show “Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza”, has been awarded Vinitaly’s highly prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at a formal inauguration ceremony in Verona on Sunday 12 April 2026. Launched in 2025, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes figures who have made a fundamental contribution to the Italian wine sector.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/host-of-the-italian-wine-podcast-receives-vinitaly-lifetime-achievement-award-302746059.html

Why Alcohol Distribution Is Different — and Why That Matters

Alcohol distribution is treated differently because it must address unique economic and public interest risks. After Prohibition, states began adopting the three-tier system to rebuild the marketplace in a way that prevents any one supplier or retailer from dominating while ensuring safeguards around public health and safety. This system promotes transparency and ensures oversight

https://www.wswa.org/news/why-alcohol-distribution-different-and-why-matters

11 Essential Bottles of Japanese Whisky

The history of Japanese whisky isn’t quite as convoluted as other spirits categories. It’s just misunderstood.

https://vinepair.com/articles/essential-bottles-japanese-whisky-timeline-infographic/

Trump administration begins $166bn tariffs refund

The Trump administration has launched a platform to process US$166 billion worth of refunds on tariffs the US Supreme Court ruled unlawful in February.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/trump-administration-begins-166bn-tariffs-refund/

The Soil Story: Understanding Terroir Across Willamette Valley’s AVAs

When wine lovers talk about Oregon Pinot Noir, they often mention “terroir,” that magical combination of soil, climate, and topography that gives each wine its unique character.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316829

I Was a Restaurant Sommelier for Years — Do These 4 Things to Get a Great Bottle

The best way to order wine at a restaurant when the list is huge.

https://www.foodandwine.com/navigating-enormous-wine-lists-11954081

Does Natural Wine Taste Different—and Why?

Flavors you might find in your glass of wild-fermented rosé, and how to describe

them

https://sangioveseandsediment.substack.com/p/does-natural-wine-taste-differentand?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=9260e1f32b5db049a612c6b8f5c802ba49f73d2d

This Nonalcoholic Drink Serves Up to 59% of a Key Mood-Boosting Vitamin

While it’s not considered nutrient-dense, study findings suggest the beverage may offer more than just flavor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/nonalcoholic-beer-vitamin-b6-study-11955059

Why Some of Milwaukee’s Iconic Beers Are Harder to Find Now

Pabst Brewing Co. has sunsetted Blatz bottles, Schlitz cans and other brands – and diehard fans have noticed.

https://www.milwaukeemag.com/blatz-bottles-are-gone/

Costco’s Kirkland Liquor Is Made by Major Distilleries

Here’s Who’s Behind Every Bottle.

https://vinepair.com/articles/major-distilleries-that-make-costco-kirkland-liquor/

More people are consulting AI to pick wine in a restaurant.

Where does that leave sommeliers?

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/04/22/wine-sommeliers-ai

Maker’s Mark’s $100 Star Hill Farm Whisky Is Back — Now Made With 3 Wheat Varieties

Bottled at 116.4 proof, the 2026 release blends two mash bills and includes whiskies aged 7 to 8 years.

https://www.foodandwine.com/makers-mark-star-hill-farm-whisky-2026-11953632

‘Widespread devastation’: Frost damages grape buds across multiple Eastern states

Overnight temperatures dropped into the mid-20s from New York down to Virginia. What it means for a lot of wineries is far less fruit to harvest this fall.

https://wineclassroom.substack.com/p/widespread-devastation-frost-damages?utm_medium=newsletter

Yellowstone Bourbon donates $25,000 to national parks

Kentucky’s Yellowstone Bourbon has donated US$25,000 to the National Parks Conservation Association after renewing its annual partnership.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/yellowstone-bourbon-donates-25000-to-national-parks/

Four Roses adds to Single Barrel Collection

Gallo-owned Four Roses Bourbon has launched the second annual installment of its Single Barrel Collection, dedicated to the distillery’s 10 unique recipes.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/four-roses-adds-to-single-barrel-collection/

Regenerative and Sustainable Wine: Beyond Organic Labels

This article clarifies those terms and explains why regenerative wine is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation.

https://winefolly.com/tips/beyond-organic-certified-sustainable-wine/

New Captain

Diageo has extended Captain Morgan’s malt-based RTD offerings with the new Sliced Colada Style Drink Variety Pack. The new 12-packs of 12-ounce cans carry a suggested price of $19 and contain four Piña Colada-inspired flavors. The drinks are all at 5% abv and come in Piña Colada, Mango Colada, Passionfruit Colada, and Strawberry Colada. The new variety pack is now available in retailers across the U.S.

How much does one hectare cost to buy around the world?

Vineyard sales are far from being in decline and for the investor “scarcity beats scale”, reveals the new Wealth Report by real estate consultancy Knight Frank. But which regions are “trading up” in value terms? db reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/how-much-does-one-hectare-cost-to-buy-around-the-world/

Alto Adige Wines Shares Latest Developments on UGA Classification

Rising producer participation and new tools reinforce transparency and origin recognition in the region

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316994

Committee Advances American Wine Truth in Labeling Legislation

AB 1585 would require that any wine labeled “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown wine grapes. This standard aligns the national designation with the same requirement California has long applied to wines labeled “California.”

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/04/23/committee-advances-american-wine-truth-in-labeling-legislation/

Could Glass Be Dethroned as Wine’s Top Packaging?

Researchers Unbox Consumer Perceptions of Wine Packaging

https://news.uark.edu/articles/81174/could-glass-be-dethroned-as-wine-s-top-packaging-researchers-unbox-consumer-perceptions-of-wine-packaging

How Many Beers Are Equivalent To One Bottle Of Wine?

It goes without saying that all types of alcohol are not created equal, especially when it comes to serving size and strength.