Liquor Industry News

Liquor Industry News 05-18-26

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

05-18-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

The Timeless Wines of Kermit Lynch

Proseccos That Make You Go “Hmmm”

The Power of Michel Rolland

HOW DOGFISH HEAD BECAME THE OFFICIAL BEER OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD

“This has really been the most rewarding collaborative project we’ve ever been involved with, and the most durable,” says founder Sam Calagione

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dogfish-head-grateful-dead-1235553249/

Major alcohol distributor warns of nearly 2,800 layoffs

The alcohol distribution industry faces consolidation pressures, which are impacting jobs amid restructuring.

https://www.thestreet.com/employment/another-major-alcohol-distributor-rndc-signals-nearly-2800-job-cuts

Vermont area poised to become federally recognized wine region

Move over, craft beer — Vermont wine is making a name for itself

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/apr/26/vermont-area-poised-to-become-federally/

The Cocktail That Defines Every Decade Since Prohibition

There are several cocktails that can claim “cocktail-of-the-decade” status within a given 10-year period; however, a handful of drinks stand out as particularly emblematic of a given time, both at the bar and beyond. This article humbly aims to pinpoint these special drinks.

https://vinepair.com/articles/cocktails-that-define-each-decade-since-prohibition-timeline/

Can indigenous and international varieties co-exist in Italian vineyards?

The relationship between the likes of Merlot and Molinara or Viognier and Vermentino is not always an easy one, but Italian winemakers are striking a balance between the glamour and marketability of international varieties and the tradition and resilience of native ones.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/can-indigenous-and-international-varieties-co-exist-in-italian-vineyards/

We Tried 6 of America’s Top-Selling Light Beers, Sight-Unseen — One Clear Winner Emerged

Think you can taste the difference between these classic American light beers? We gave it a try — here’s our definitive ranking.

https://www.foodandwine.com/american-light-beers-ranked-11959364

Dre and Snoop turn lemons into new RTD line

To mark National Lemonade Day (3 May), Gin & Juice founders Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg have expanded their ready-to-drink (RTD) line with a canned beverage crafted with their ultra-premium Still G.I.N

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/dre-and-snoop-turn-lemons-into-new-rtd-line/

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/

Martignetti Companies to Acquire RNDC’s National Control State Business

Martignetti Companies and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) today announced that they have reached an initial agreement for Martignetti to acquire RNDC’s Control State operations.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/317175

Proseccos That Make You Go “Hmmm”

But somewhere behind the big brands and the supermarket shelves, there is a different kind of Prosecco.

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/artisan-prosecco-valdobbiadene-good-quality-guide

NZ Winegrowers joins global call for white wine emoji

New Zealand Winegrowers wants wine lovers to raise their glasses this month, as it launches the ‘The Great White Wine Toast’ – a global campaign calling for the creation of an official white wine emoji alongside the existing red wine emoji.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/593574/nz-winegrowers-joins-global-call-for-white-wine-emoji

The Power of Michel Rolland

Reflecting on the prolific wine consultant’s legacy

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/remembering-michel-rolland-winemaker-legacy

The 30 Best Tequilas for 2026

As with bourbon, obituaries for the tequila industry have already been queued up. The boom is supposedly over and no one is drinking it any more. Time to move onto BuzzBallz…

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-tequila-2026/

Coors Is Going Alcohol-Free — Meet Its First 0.0% Beer

The zero-ABV brew will debut in Northeast markets this May, with a nationwide rollout planned for 2027.

https://www.foodandwine.com/coors-launches-zero-abv-nonalcoholic-beer-11960529

Wine and Longevity

New international research has reignited the debate on the relationship between alcohol and health, suggesting that not all alcoholic beverages have the same effect on the body. The study, which analyzed more than 340,000 adults in the United Kingdom, shows that light or moderate wine consumption is associated with lower mortality rates compared to other types of alcohol and even compared to total abstinence in certain specific cases.

https://reportergourmet.com/en/news/10096-does-wine-help-you-live-longer-here-s-why-it-s-different-from-beer-and-spirits

High Noon Launches Golf-Inspired Transfusion Vodka Seltzer as Its First Limited Flavor

High Noon Transfusion, which is made with real vodka and juice and tastes like the classic grape-juice drink with accents of lime and ginger, is now available nationwide but in finite allocations in each market.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/high-noon-launches-limited-edition-transfusion-vodka-seltzer/

MGP’s distilling sales plunge 40% in Q1

Third-party producer MGP Ingredients reported a 40% sales drop for its Distilling Solutions segment in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/mgps-distilling-sales-plunge-40-in-q1/

Virginia Distillery blends Bourbon and American single malt

The Split Barrel Project is a new series from Virginia Distillery Co, with the first release combining Kentucky straight Bourbon with American single malt (ASM).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/virginia-distillery-blends-bourbon-and-american-single-malt/

You’re about to see a lot more alcohol on TikTok—and there’s a reason

Liquor companies just unlocked TikTok after years of restrictions. Now they’re racing to win over your algorithm—and your wallet.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91533064/youre-about-to-see-a-lot-more-alcohol-on-tiktok-and-theres-a-reason

Trump lifts whisky tariffs after royal visit

US President Donald Trump has removed barriers on Scotch and Irish whiskey imports following the state visit by King Charles. Industry figures have welcomed the relief after months of declining exports and mounting financial strain.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/05/trump-lifts-whisky-tariffs-after-royal-visit/

Martha Stewart’s Clever Trick for Serving Ice-Cold Vodka at Parties

Bust out this hack for your next gathering and everyone will be impressed.

https://www.foodandwine.com/martha-stewart-iced-vodka-trick-11961564

More than Margaritas: 10 Tequila Cocktails to Try Now

There’s a drink for every taste in these recipes, using blanco, reposado or añejo tequila

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/tequila-cocktail-recipes

How To Get Red Wine Out Of Fabric Before It Sets

If you love red wine but hate the stains, don’t despair. Red wine stains can be removed from almost every type of fabric if you follow our best advice and act fast. Learn how to get red wine stains out of clothes, table linens, upholstery, and carpet.

https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-remove-red-wine-stains-fabric-11964827

Flavored Wines Are Leading Key Industry Trends in 2026

The growth of flavored wine offers lessons in accessibility, flavor, and meeting evolving consumer demand

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/flavored-wines-are-leading-key-industry-trends-in-2026/

You Opened It. Now What?

The Wine Lover’s Guide to Keeping That Bottle Fresh

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/you-opened-it-now-what-wine-preservation-guide

The Timeless Wines of Kermit Lynch

The Most Influential Wine Importer of them All

https://www.thewinecountry.com/blogs/latest-news/the-timeless-wines-of-kermit-lynch-the-most-influe/

Why Do Wine Bottles Have Those Fancypants Indentations At The Bottom?

Not all bottles have them, and some people think they are a mark of quality, when they aren’t

https://www.iflscience.com/why-do-wine-bottles-have-those-fancypants-indentations-at-the-bottom-83415

Mastiha: what is it and why is it gaining in popularity?

What do you picture when you think of a Greek island? Sun? Gyros? Amanda Seyfried frolicking down a sandy beach? On Chios, though, a UNESCO-protected cluster of twenty-four villages has been quietly producing something far more distinctive. Mastiha, the resin-based spirit made here for millennia, is suddenly gaining momentum with bartenders and drinkers worldwide – and positioning itself as Greece’s next breakout spirit.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/05/mastiha-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-gaining-in-popularity/

Diageo taps into mini canned cocktails

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has launched 100ml canned versions of its Cocktail Collection in the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/05/diageo-taps-into-mini-canned-cocktails/

Monika Alcobev on Tequila’s cultural shift in India

Over the past decade, Tequila has undergone a significant transformation in its consumption and perception in the Indian market, evolving from being primarily enjoyed as a shot to a spirit suitable for sipping. For Jose Cuervo, it took three attempts to successfully establish momentum in the country’s competitive spirits market

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/05/monika-alcobev-on-tequilas-cultural-shift-in-india/

Updated alcohol warning labels may prompt people to cut back

Study

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1125925

Method Oregon creates a new standard for Oregon sparkling

Q+A with Jeanne Feldkamp of Corollary Wines and Method Oregon

https://industry.traveloregon.com/newsroom/news/method-oregon-creates-a-new-standard-for-oregon-sparkling/

Is the Iran War Forcing Wineries To Go Green(er)?

Plus, Is it too late to save wine, coffee, chocolate? + The states with the lowest ability to resist food cravings + all of the other Good + Tasty news you need

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/is-the-iran-war-forcing-wineries

Could rye whiskey become official spirit of the US?

Vermont-based WhistlePig Distillery is on a mission to put rye back at the centre of American whiskey culture with a campaign to make it the official spirit of the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/05/could-rye-whiskey-become-official-spirit-of-the-us/

Restaurant wine sales fall as value and new trends drive US growth

On-trade wine sales have dropped sharply in recent years, but pockets of growth are emerging across value-driven, white and sparkling categories. Changing consumer habits are reshaping how diners engage with wine, with flexibility, affordability and experimentation leading the way. Kathleen Willcox reports.