Liquor Industry News

Liquor Industry News 10-05-26

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

10-05-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

There’s More to Wine Than Glamor

Is Wine Healthy for You?

America’s Cooling Relationship With Alcohol

We Tasted and Ranked 10 Oktoberfest Beers — the Best Wasn’t From Germany

Released seasonally from August to October, traditional Oktoberfest beer spans two main styles, and creates a whole lot of opinions.

https://www.foodandwine.com/oktoberfest-beer-ranked-12116667

Can the Feds Ban You From Making Liquor in Your Own Home?

A challenge to the federal prohibition on home distilling could give the Supreme Court a chance to rein in Congress’ Commerce Clause power.

https://reason.com/2026/09/12/can-the-feds-ban-you-from-making-liquor-in-your-own-home

I Tried Optimum Nutrition’s New Protein Beer. Here’s What It’s Like.

Ten grams of protein, 90 calories, and a crisp non-alcoholic pils in one 16 ounce can. Here is what ChampionSips is and how it drinks.

https://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/optimum-nutritions-new-protein-beer

These 9 U.S. Wine Towns Are Especially Beautiful in the Fall—and Harvest Season Is the Time to Go

From coast to coast, these wine destinations come alive during the harvest season.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/us-wine-towns-harvest-season-12112695

English whisky secures GI

After years of development and consultation, the geographical indication (GI) for English whisky has been approved.

English whisky secures GI

Van Winkle Collection sees another jump in pricing

Kentucky’s Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace have unveiled the annual Van Winkle Collection, with average prices up roughly 17%.

Van Winkle Collection sees another jump in pricing

From ‘Dry’ to ‘Neat’

A Guide to Every Common Bar Call

https://vinepair.com/articles/common-bar-calls-guide-infographic

What’s Really in Wine? (Additives and processing aids explored) |

Plus, the disturbing reason Corn Flakes were invented

https://therottenapple.substack.com/p/issue-256

INTIMIDATED BY THE WINE LIST?

HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT BOTTLE.

Intimidated by the Wine List? How to choose a great bottle.

APCOR: Cork is wine’s strongest quality signal

Producers and retailers can use cork as an indicator of wine quality without pricing themselves out of the mainstream market, according to new data from the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR).

APCOR: Cork is wine’s strongest quality signal

Parker’s Heritage Is One of the Most Compelling Lines in Whiskey.

What’s Next for the Label?

https://vinepair.com/articles/heaven-hill-parkers-heritage-20-years-whats-next

We the Wine People Documentary Arrives on Apple TV September 15

New feature film explores the people, research, collaboration and identity shaping Virginia wine

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/323121

Organic Isn’t Always the Most Sustainable Choice

When scale does more for the planet than a seal

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/organic-isnt-always-the-most-sustainable

Booker’s and Little Book Just Released Their New 2026 Whiskeys — Including Booker’s 2nd-Ever Rye

The Booker’s release draws on a Noe family tradition of apples, bourbon barrels, and cinnamon, while Little Book brings together whiskey from three generations.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bookers-the-reserves-little-book-infinite-edition-iii-2026-12121394

Is Natural Wine Just Swill…Or Is It Swill With An Attitude? Or Something Else?

New research concerning commercial yeast adds to this discussion.

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/is-natural-wine-just-swill

Patrón offers free agave-dedicated WSET course

Bacardi-owned Patrón has launched Agave Masters, a global educational programme for bar professionals.

Patrón offers free agave-dedicated WSET course

11 Margarita Myths Everyone Gets Wrong

Including: Any cheap tequila works in a margarita

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/11-margarita-myths-everyone-gets-wrong

The field blend, a brilliant concept that might be making a comeback

Most vineyard plots are planted with single varieties, and there are good reasons for this. But a few days in Portugal’s Douro make me wonder whether the tradition of field blends is worth revisiting.

https://jamiegoode.substack.com/p/the-field-blend-a-brilliant-concept

America’s Cooling Relationship With Alcohol

Gallup has been tracking the U.S. consumer’s relationship with alcohol since 1939, with the two lowest moments before 2024 coming in 1939 and the mid-1980s.

https://www.meininger.de/en/insights/americas-cooling-relationship-alcohol

How Much Should You Spend On A Good Bottle Of Red Wine In 2026?

With economies everywhere feeling volatile lately, it almost feels irresponsible to spend much on wine.

https://www.mashed.com/2258844/how-much-spend-good-bottle-red-wine-2026

Sazerac revives Glenmore whiskey

Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has relaunched Glenmore Bourbon and rye whiskey, bringing the brand back to shelves after a decades-long hiatus.

Sazerac revives Glenmore whiskey

Italian Aperitivo Favorites

Classic Bottles, Spritz Ideas & European Drinks Delivered to the USA

https://mydrinx.shop/blogs/news/italian-aperitivo-favorites-classic-bottles-spritz-ideas-european-drinks-delivered-to-the-usa

Beyond Pinot Grigio

Discover the Diversity of Italian White Wines

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/italian-white-wine-types-still-sparkling-dry-sweet

Why Soju Is The Ultimate Vodka Swap

With a clean, neutral profile and lower alcohol, this Korean spirit can easily replace the base in your favorite vodka cocktails.

https://www.foodandwine.com/soju-vodka-swap-in-cocktails-12124517

Your Favorite College Sports Team Might Have Its Own Beer — Here’s Why

Universities and alcohol producers are finding that school-branded drinks can generate revenue while giving alumni and fans something more meaningful to raise on game day.

https://www.foodandwine.com/college-beer-collaborations-12122590

Branch & Barrel makes ‘whiskey’ from field peas

Colorado-based Branch & Barrel Distilling has released a limited edition aged speciality spirit, made with a mash bill that includes 22% field peas.

Branch & Barrel makes ‘whiskey’ from field peas

A Timeline of Craft Beer’s Darling Styles

At one point or another during these three decades, certain styles have bubbled up to the craft beer scene’s forefront as the industry’s darling brews.

https://vinepair.com/articles/craft-beer-favorite-styles-timeline

7 Lies About Cristalino Tequila

Let’s clear up some misconceptions about cristalino

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/7-lies-about-cristalino-tequila

Is Wine Healthy for You?

Yes, it is, but there are a few caveats to consider.

Is Wine Healthy for You?

RED WINE-INSPIRED RECIPES

INSIDE THE INGREDIENTS

https://www.northernexpress.com/news/food/red-wine-inspired-recipes

8 Best German Beers Available In The US

German beer has a reputation for being a bit more serious than its American counterpart.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2260069/best-german-beers-available-us

3 Fall Beers You Should Be Trying In 2026

If there’s one season we could confidently say should be dedicated to beer, it’s fall.

3 Fall Beers You Should Be Trying In 2026

A Turtle Taught Millions of People to Cut Up Six-Pack Rings. Does It Still Matter?

For a generation, Peanut the turtle became a symbol of the dangers of six-pack rings.

https://www.foodandwine.com/cut-six-pack-rings-12129233

There’s More to Wine Than Glamor

Two films document a community and a family struggling to build a legacy

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/theres-more-to-wine-than-glamor

Could we be facing a fine wine shortage in two years’ time?

In an interview last week, drinks business Bordeaux correspondent Colin Hay projected a rebalancing of fine wine supply and demand around 2028 – which could mean price rises for blue-chip brands in two years’ time.

Could we be facing a fine wine shortage in two years’ time?

9 Grape Varieties to Try if You Love Chardonnay

Describe a wine as buttery, and most picture Chardonnay.

https://vinepair.com/articles/chardonnay-alternative-grapes-to-try

Chianti Employs AI to Combat Fakes

Artificial intelligence is making its way deeper into the wine industry, moving beyond the vineyard and the cellar and into combating fake wines.

Chianti Employs AI to Combat Fakes

We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Tailgating Drink?

Tailgating is a traditional game day staple for many. It’s also the one moment of guaranteed Sunday afternoon happiness.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-go-to-tailgate-drink

Southern-Glazer’s and Bribery at the Wine Wholesale Tier

On the culture of bribery in wine wholesaling

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/southern-glazers-and-bribery-at-wholesale-tier

Jefferson’s Bourbon gets makeover

Pernod Ricard has revealed a new design for Jefferson’s Bourbon and added an eight-year age statement to its Reserve expression.

Jefferson’s Bourbon gets makeover

Family-run Californian winery up for sale after Canada booze ban

McManis Family Vineyards, a massive 36-year-old Northern California winery known for its organic varietal wines, is selling its main winery and vineyards after exports nosedived amid Canada’s boycott of American alcohol.

Family-run Californian winery up for sale after Canada booze ban

Hard Mountain Dew offers US$1 million for Bigfoot sighting

The team behind the alcoholic flavoured malt beverage is offering a US$1 million bounty to anyone who can provide “verified evidence” that Bigfoot exists as it puts the mythical (or real) creature at the heart of its latest campaign.

Hard Mountain Dew offers US$1 million for Bigfoot sighting

The 10 Most Expensive Bourbons in the World

Dank cellars are a gold mine for some drinkers.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/10-most-expensive-bourbons-2026

Lawson’s Finest Liquids releases its first non-alcoholic beer amid decline in alcohol use

More Americans are choosing to stay sober at bars and restaurants, and Lawson’s is the latest Vermont business to get in on the growing trend of offering non-alcoholic products.

https://www.wcax.com/2026/09/22/lawsons-finest-liquids-releases-its-first-non-alcoholic-beer-amid-decline-alcohol-use

The Radler Is the Unsung Hero of Oktoberfest

The traditional combination of beer and lemon soda is called a “radler,” and it’s offered as an option everywhere beer is sold at Oktoberfest.

https://vinepair.com/articles/radler-beer-unsung-oktoberfest-hero

Ina Garten’s Secret to a Better Bourbon Sour Is Surprisingly Simple

Batch this crowd-pleasing cocktail for your next happy hour, just like the Barefoot Contessa.

https://www.foodandwine.com/ina-garten-bourbon-sour-12137396

For the Love of Zinfandel: An Essential History

A celebration of California Zinfandel at the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta.

https://wineflights.substack.com/p/for-the-love-of-zinfandel-an-essential