Franklin Liquors-The Wonderful World of Wine

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

08-24-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

How RTDs are winning over bars

How heatwaves affect what we drink

Tales of Kosher Alcohol

Why You’ll Never Find Norway’s Best-Selling Beer On American Shelves

As beer fans in the United States may already know, there are quite a few countries in the world that also have strong beer cultures. Germany, the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Mexico, and Japan are a few staples that come to mind, but one nation you might not think of is Norway.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2224153/norway-best-selling-beer-unavaliable-america

The World’s Best-Selling Vodka Isn’t Grey Goose Or Ketel One — It’s Cheaper

The (arguably) tasteless spirit may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that vodka reigns supreme worldwide. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2222773/best-selling-vodka-world-not-grey-goose-ketel-one-smirnoff

How heatwaves affect what we drink

As another heatwave begins in Europe, you might think all this dry, sunny weather would benefit drinks sales. We consider if that’s true, as well as the impact on wine, and which styles stand to benefit.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/how-heatwaves-affect-what-we-drink

America hits major marijuana milestone as daily weed use surpasses daily drinking

Survey finds 21.4 million Americans now use cannabis daily or near-daily, up 21% since 2022

https://www.foxnews.com/health/america-hits-major-marijuana-milestone-daily-weed-use-surpasses-daily-drinking

Tales of Kosher Alcohol

I’m sure many of you have heard of kosher food and many rules associated with it, in purchasing the ingredients, cooking, and consuming (don’t mix meat and dairy, for example). But wine is wine, right?

Tales of Kosher Alcohol

On Declining Per Capita Wine Consumption: Are We Reliving 1986 or 1993?

Is it just the beginning or the beginning of the end? Or something else?

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/on-declining-per-capita-wine-consumption

Is wine good for you? Here’s what the evidence says

Between WHO warnings and NHS guidelines lies a complex truth about wine, health and why humans have never stopped drinking it. Gabriel Stone considers the effect of booze on your body

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/is-wine-good-for-you-heres-what-the-evidence-says

Global alcohol deaths drop by 26%

According to a new report, the alcohol-attributable mortality rate has fallen by more than a quarter since 2010

Global alcohol deaths drop by 26%

10 Lime Beers, Ranked Worst To Best

Most beer drinkers have shoved a small lime slice through the narrow neck of a clear-bottled Corona — it’s practically a rite of passage once you’re legally old enough to drink. The Corona and lime pairing is such a staple nowadays that other brewers are starting to incorporate lime into their ales. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2226890/lime-beer-ranked-worst-best

Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo Winemakers Just Bottled the Internet’s Spiciest Wine Trend

Invivo X, SJP launches the first major-label Sauvignon Blanc infused with jalapeño – turning the TikTok phenomenon into a bottle you can pick up off the shelf & find on select restaurant menus this summer

Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo Winemakers Just Bottled the Internet’s Spiciest Wine Trend

Next Century Spirits buys Chicken Cock Whiskey

North Carolina-based Next Century Spirits has acquired four brands from Grain & Barrel Spirits, including Chicken Cock Whiskey and its two Kentucky visitor experiences.

Next Century Spirits buys Chicken Cock Whiskey

Find out the trends attracting Gen Z consumers to drink

The main consumer choices and behaviours influencing alcohol consumption among legal-drinking-age adults have been uncovered in a new white paper. But what are they? db finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/find-out-the-trends-attracting-gen-z-consumers-to-drink

The 30 Best Gins for 2026

Should you trust your eyes or the statistics when it comes to gin these days?

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

NEW RTD

• Minute Maid Spiked, part of Coca-Cola’s Red Tree Beverages, has launched Vodka Lemonade Iced Tea. The 5% abv drink is non-carbonated and made with iced tea and 3% lemon juice. It joins the brand’s other vodka-based offerings—Lemona de, Pink Lemonade, and four flavors of Vodka Punch—plus wine-based cocktails like Margarita and Daiquiri, among others, in the brand’s portfolio. The new release is available in 8-packs of 12-ounce cans ($17) and in individual 16-ounce cans ($3.49). Both formats are available nationwide. Last year, Minute Maid’s spirits-based RTDs reached 100,000 cases in the U.S. in their first year on the market, according to Impact Databank.

These Are the Only 5 Beers to Win 3 Stars at the 2026 Great Taste Awards

More than 15,000 food and drink products competed, but only five beers earned the competition’s highest honor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-beers-great-taste-awards-2026-12033143

Idaho Makes Great Wine, and This Producer Is Leading the Charge

3100 Cellars is the only dedicated sparkling wine house in the Gem State, where vinous treasures abound.

https://www.foodandwine.com/idaho-sparkling-wine-12033554

The world’s best-selling spirit brand is not a Scottish whisky, a Russian vodka or a Cuban rum

The title belongs to South Korea, where Jinro soju shifted 94.5 million cases last year and has held first place for 25 straight years.

The world’s best-selling spirit brand is not a Scottish whisky, a Russian vodka or a Cuban rum — the title belongs to South Korea, where Jinro soju shifted 94.5 million cases last year and has held first place for 25 straight years.

Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks?

As summer holidaymakers toast marshmallows over campfires, Sarah Neish asks marketing experts whether campers are a smoking hot demographic, and why this consumer segment is left out in the cold by many drinks brands.

Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks?

Your Wine Habit Could Be Doing Public Good

Recycled wine corks find new life in Brooklyn public housing with sustainable cork pathways, playgrounds and community spaces

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/recycled-wine-corks-helping-communities

How To Order Wine Like An Expert

Whether ordering a bottle to share with friends at a bar or choosing something to pair with dinner, selecting wine can be daunting. 

https://www.mashed.com/2227909/how-to-order-wine-like-an-expert

How a More Casual Drinker Gets the Most Out of the Fancy Coravin Wine Preserver

It’s keeping my bubbly, well, bubbly, so I can enjoy a summer’s worth of sparkling cocktails at my own pace.

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/coravin-sparkling-spritzes

Exploring eight EU wine regions set to win over drinkers

The EU is at the heart of the international wine trade, with its position built on quality assurance and regulation. A recent masterclass explored how that is driving innovation in its emerging regions.

Exploring eight EU wine regions set to win over drinkers

Cutwater is fastest-growing alcohol brand in US

AB InBev’s canned cocktail Cutwater has become the fastest-growing brand in the US alcohol industry after rising by 104% over the past 12 months.

Cutwater is fastest-growing alcohol brand in US

Slovenian Winemakers Face Threat of Not Being Allowed to Sell Wine

Here’s the full details, plus how you can help

https://themorningclaret.com/p/slovenian-winemakers-face-threat-of-not-being-allowed-to-sell-wine

Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter in 2025

Among the five main destinations for the Mexican beverage are the United States, with US$6.046 billion; the Dominican Republic, with US$49 million; Spain, with US$39 million; Peru, with US$37 million; and Panama, with US$32 million, as of the close of 2025.

Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter in 2025

How weight-loss medication is changing relationships with alcohol

There is a growing body of research into the link between weight-loss drugs and alcohol consumption.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7kmlg0lxpo

Best Champagne for Celebrations

How to Choose

https://winesfromfrance.com/blogs/news/best-champagne-for-celebrations

Burgundy’s Crémant starts its earliest harvest

Burgundy is seeing one of the earliest harvests for Crémant this year, with some producers having already started picking over the weekend

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/burgundys-cremant-harvest-start-is-earliest-yet

The Legal Drinking Age Used to Be Different in Every State. 

Here’s What America Looked Like Before 1984. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/every-state-legal-drinking-age-1984-map

Bota Box Introduces Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a 1.5-Liter Box

Renowned vineyards meet sustainable packaging and exceptional value in new Limited Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/newreleases/article/321715

China’s Biggest Wine Influencer Lady Penguin Under Investigation

The company behind the six-million-follower wine personality will face trial in Beijing, casting a shadow over a content-commerce empire that once generated RMB 350 million in annual sales.

Breaking News: China’s Biggest Wine Influencer Lady Penguin Under Investigation

PourPlays Launches the First Gamified Wine Education Platform

 Making Wine Discovery Engaging, Rewarding, and Fun for a New Generation

https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20260810fl19977/pourplays-launches-the-first-gamified-wine-education-platform-making-wine-discovery-engaging-rewarding-and-fun-for-a-new-generation

How RTDs are winning over bars

After conquering supermarket shelves, ready-to-drink brands are making their mark behind the bar. We explore why brands are increasingly being poured in on-trade establishments.

How RTDs are winning over bars

Copper & Kings delivers distillery exclusives

Louisville-based brandy producer Copper & Kings has begun nationwide shipping of its exclusive distillery bottling.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/08/copper-kings-delivers-distillery-exclusives

The Top 150 Tequila Brands Ranked

Fifteen reviewers scored more than 350 brands. Here are their favorites. 

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/the-top-150-tequila-brands-ranked

How wine brands are finding growth in a shrinking market

Global wine consumption has fallen to levels not seen in more than six decades, leaving producers searching for new definitions of growth. From natural wine and Michelin-starred restaurants to China and Champagne, a handful of businesses are showing that expansion remains possible when producers know precisely who they are trying to reach.

How wine brands are finding growth in a shrinking market

Scientists have found out what causes ‘tropical’ aromas in whisky

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have uncovered the source of ‘tropical’ or ‘mango’-like characteristics in whisky, meaning distillers could in future “dial up or tone down” the aromas as desired.

Scientists have found out what causes ‘tropical’ aromas in whisky

Old Elk unveils 10YO whiskey trio

American whiskey brand Old Elk has released a collection of three 10-year-old expressions as the first major releases under Middle West Spirits’ ownership.

Old Elk unveils 10YO whiskey trio

Crown Royal gets snug in Juicy Couture

Diageo’s Crown Royal has collaborated with lifestyle brand Juicy Couture on flavored whisky-inspired bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits.

Crown Royal gets snug in Juicy Couture

The (Unhinged) Frozen Pickle Wine Hack, Explained

Once upon a time, the frozen snack hack was simple. You put grapes in the freezer, waited a few hours, and got little marbles of frozen fruit that tasted vaguely like sorbet. It was low-effort, deliciously clever, and completely uncontroversial.

The (Unhinged) Frozen Pickle Wine Hack, Explained

How To Grow Wine Without Herbicides

…Is The Wrong Question

https://beyondorganicwine.substack.com/p/how-to-grow-wine-without-herbicides

What temperature should you serve wine at?

Serving wine at the right temperature can make a significant difference to how it tastes, whether you are opening a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a mature red or a bottle of Sherry. Gabriel Stone explains when to chill, when to warm and why the old rule of white wine cold and red wine at room temperature does not always work.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/what-temperature-should-you-serve-wine-at

Most popular beers across US regions revealed in new data

New research has revealed the beer brands people are most curious about in different parts of the US that lead to them discovering and then buying certain brews. db looks at the findings.

Most popular beers across US regions revealed in new data

Jameson Distiller’s Batch lands in US

Irish Distillers-owned Jameson has brought Distiller’s Batch, a single pot still Irish whiskey, to the US.

Jameson Distiller’s Batch lands in US

The Number of Breweries Per Capita in Every State Has Changed Dramatically Since 2010

 Here’s What the Shift Looks Like 

https://vinepair.com/articles/breweries-per-capita-in-every-state-percent-change

Climate Change & True Terroir

What this summer’s fires tell us about the future in your glass

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/climate-change-and-true-terroir

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

08-10-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

The Wine That Refuses to Behave

A Virginia Wine Expert Says These Are the Best Wines for Summer

These wines’ bright, acidic flavors pair well with sunshine.

https://northernvirginiamag.com/food-and-drink/2026/07/17/a-virginia-wine-expert-says-these-are-the-best-wines-for-summer

Why Wine Fans Should Embrace Cruising

Cruise lines have realized that the readership profile at wine magazines aligns with their target audience.

Why Wine Fans Should Embrace Cruising

WHICH WINE GOES BEST WITH A GLUTEN-FREE MEAL?

Gluten-free menus have become widely available, whether for medical reasons, digestive comfort or dietary choice

https://www.lasommeliere.com/en/blog/which-wine-goes-best-with-a-gluten-free-meal–n861

Is Sauvignon Blanc Dry Or Sweet? What Wine Newbies Should Know

In many ways, it would be far more accurate to describe sauvignon blanc as “crisp and bright” rather than “sweet” or “dry.”

https://www.tastingtable.com/2214242/is-sauvignon-blanc-wine-dry-or-sweet

Former Jack Daniel’s Cooperage closes in Alabama

Alabama Cooperage, previously known as Jack Daniel’s Cooperage, will close in September, resulting in 71 job losses.

Former Jack Daniel’s Cooperage closes in Alabama

Why it’s hoped Taylor’s latest innovation will go unnoticed

As db is first to report, Taylor’s Port has developed a new, lighter bottle for its fine fortified wines. We find out why CEO Adrian Bridge is hoping that consumers won’t notice.

Why it’s hoped Taylor’s latest innovation will go unnoticed

Will Modelo and Corona brewing move from Mexico to the US?

US President Donald Trump is being urged by trade unionists to make some of America’s biggest beer brands “a lot more American”. But what is provoking the rift with Mexico over imported beer? db looks at the argument

Will Modelo and Corona brewing move from Mexico to the US?

This Nonalcoholic, Low-Calorie Beer Is The Highest-Rated Brew In Our Ranking

The nonalcoholic drink market has surged in recent years, as more and more people turn to zero-proof options.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2215003/best-non-alcoholic-low-calorie-beer-athletic-brewing-co-highest-rated

Terragena Launches Single-Serving Frozen Wine Product

 Terra Pop 

Terragena Launches Single-Serving Frozen Wine Product: Terra Pop 

PAIRING WINE WITH SALMON

 5 EASY WINS

https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/features/pairing-wine-with-salmon-5-easy-wins

The 30 Best Chardonnays for 2026

One of Pinot Noir’s most famous, if not most famous, progeny, Chardonnay captured American hearts long before the heartbreak grape took center stage in the early aughts.

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

New Book Challenges Conventional Thinking About the Wine Business

James Silver’s The Reset Is Over Argues the Industry’s Transformation Is Complete–and Offers a Practical Blueprint for What Comes Next

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/people/article/320858

Moonshine University to close after 14 years

Flavorman will cease operations at Kentucky’s Moonshine University and its associated programs on 31 December 2026.

Moonshine University to close after 14 years

New Vodka

Heaven Hill’s Deep Eddy has launched a new Espresso-flavore d vodka, billed as a shortcut for making the popular Espresso Martini cocktail and other coffee-forward drinks. The 35% abv vodka is now available across the U.S. with the 750-ml. size retailing at $17; Deep Eddy Espresso is also available in 50-, 100-, and 375-ml. formats, plus larger sizes like 1- and 1.75-liter bottles. This is the 10th expression in the Deep Eddy portfolio, joining popular flavors like Ruby Red and Sweet Tea, among others. Last year, Deep Eddy was up 1% to 1.75 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Bardstown finishes whiskey with pineapple

Lofted Spirits’ Bardstown Bourbon Company has introduced a Kentucky-exclusive expression, finished in pineapple rum casks sourced from the Caribbean.

Bardstown finishes whiskey with pineapple

11 Lesser-Known Beers You Should Try if You Love Hazy IPAs

Way back in the day, before craft beer rose to prominence, if a bartender served you a cloudy beer, you might send it back and start questioning the cleanliness of their tap lines. In today’s beer world, though, receiving a murky beer is considered by many to be an attractive feature.

https://vinepair.com/articles/less-popular-hazy-ipas-to-try

Your Guide to Wheat Beer, From Hefeweizen to Berliner Weisse

From fruity German hefeweizens to citrusy Belgian witbiers and refreshingly tart Berliner weisse, here’s how to tell the world’s most popular wheat beers apart, and the best bottles to try this season.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wheat-beer-styles-12023598

Why Faux Works With Food

Faux is an alcohol-free, wine-adjacent beverage made from verjus, wine grapes, fruit, and botanicals. Every ingredient has a role. Verjus provides acidity and structure. Wine grapes create a varietal foundation. Fruit brings balance and aromatic lift. Botanicals add savory complexity.

https://www.fauxwine.com/blogs/news/why-faux-works-with-faux

The Top 10 Best-Selling Beers in America

 Every Decade Since the ’80s

https://vinepair.com/articles/us-best-selling-beer-brands-by-decade

How Four Roses Is Shaping the Future of Bourbon Without Forgetting Its Past

Iconic brands never tread water. Instead, they make waves. Always in motion, these outfits manage to both honor longstanding tradition and stay ahead of trends via constant innovation.

https://vinepair.com/articles/four-roses-shaping-the-future-of-bourbon/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=0eb1cfc733-July_23_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-d4b45486c1-38937345&mc_cid=0eb1cfc733&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Champagne to limit production to 250m bottles for 2026

The region of Champagne is to cap the amount of wine that can be made from this year’s harvest at 8,800kg/ha ­– the equivalent of around 250 million bottles.

Champagne to limit production to 250m bottles for 2026

Could craft beer be seeing the start of a second wave?

In the US, craft brewing trends have held steady, declines in operating breweries have slightly increased and consumer engagement has strengthened. Jessica Mason asks: are we seeing craft beer’s resurgence?

Could craft beer be seeing the start of a second wave?

15 Lies About Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo Tequila

A quiz about tequila that most people get wrong. What’s your score?

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/15-lies-about-blanco-reposado-and-anejo-tequila

‘Good day for Scotland’: US lifts tariffs on Scotch

“This is a good day for Scotland,” said the country’s first minister, as the US officially returned to tariff-free trading for Scotch whisky.

‘Good day for Scotland’: US lifts tariffs on Scotch

Bulleit creates Bourbon-rye blend

The newest core expression from Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is named ‘87 and marries both Bourbon and rye whiskeys.

Bulleit creates Bourbon-rye blend

Why electrolytes have become wine’s newest additive

Joel Gott Wines has released Sauvy B, a canned Sauvignon Blanc spritz with electrolytes from pink Himalayan salt – the latest sign that ‘functional’ hydration ingredients, long confined to sports drinks and hangover cures, are moving into wine.

Why electrolytes have become wine’s newest additive

10 reasons why Moldovan wine should be on your radar

The story of Moldovan wine is one of fortitude in facing great challenges – and now this remarkable wine nation is ready to take its place on the global stage. We pick out 10 reasons why the country is worth a closer look by those in the drinks trade.

10 reasons why Moldovan wine should be on your radar

Super Mario’s namesake planted the grapes behind Washington’s only 96-point scoring white wine

Of all the white wines produced in Washington, only one earned a top score from the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, widely considered the Oscars of the wine world. The grapes that made it were planted by the man who inspired Nintendo’s most famous character.

https://mynorthwest.com/seattles-morning-news/super-mario-white-wine/4259719

8 Affordable Sparkling Wines That Are Just As Good As Champagne, According To Sommeliers

Your wine shop run just got a lot more interesting.

https://www.delish.com/food/a71746275/best-champagne-alternatives-sparkling-wines

Samuel Adams Is Introducing a New Version of a Best-Selling Beer

Plus, 3 fan-favorite drinks are returning.

https://www.allrecipes.com/samuel-adams-new-fall-beers-12026452

Wine Experts Say Your Order Might Be Showing Your Age—Here’s Why

Team sauvy b or rosé all day?

https://www.delish.com/food/a71851702/wine-order-age-trends

Pot Still or Column Still? Why Most People Get This Wrong!

Pot stills make flavourful spirits, column stills make neutral spirits — right? Not quite. The truth is more interesting, and far more precise.

https://thespiritjournal.substack.com/p/pot-still-or-column-still-why-most

Is Your Go-To Beer Still Truly American? 

The Answer May Surprise You

Is Your Go-To Beer Still Truly American? The Answer May Surprise You

Jimothy the viral raccoon gets his own beer can tribute from a top Mass. brewery

While Tree House shared few details about the can, it confirmed on Instagram that, “yes they are real, and they’re beautiful,” and that they’re on sale at the Charlton location.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/jimothy-raccoon-beer-tree-house-mass/3986746

The Unusual Way This Southern Liquor Store Sells Rare Bourbon

Southern Spirits has unique ways of making the hunt for rare whiskey fair.

https://www.southernliving.com/southern-spirits-uses-games-to-sell-rare-bourbons-12004234

The Wildest Flavored Vodkas Bartenders Actually Recommend

Bartenders share the surprising flavored vodkas they’d happily pour, from popcorn and pickle to marshmallow and Doritos.

https://www.foodandwine.com/the-best-unexpected-flavored-vodkas-12025247

What Is Blouge Wine? 

The Red-White Hybrid Built for Chilling

https://wineguide101.com/what-is-blouge-wine

Say Goodbye To Mediocre Wine 

This 20-Minute Rule Makes It Taste Premium

https://www.tastingtable.com/2220488/say-goodbye-to-bad-wine-20-minute-rule

Old Forester releases first whiskey from Louisville distillery

The latest addition to Old Forester’s 117 series is the first expression made entirely at the brand’s distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Old Forester releases first whiskey from Louisville distillery

Wales bids for world’s first natural wine appellation

Britain could become home to the world’s first appellation dedicated to natural wine, with Welsh producers seeking protected status for wines made without synthetic chemicals, additives or industrial yeasts. The proposed Natural Wine of Wales PGI would also require grapes to be grown and spontaneously fermented in Wales.

Wales bids for world’s first natural wine appellation

Can we please stop calling wine “porch pounders?”

The “porch pounder” is a slang word for a wine that is light in alcohol, crisp in acidity, and easy drinking. These are the wines that don’t need food or even snacks to enjoy. You simply crack it open and guzzle it down, to live up to its phrase.

https://cellarnotes.substack.com/p/can-we-please-stop-calling-wine-porch

Hard seltzer loses its sparkle as the RTD market evolves

The past decade has seen the rise and fall of hard seltzers as they have morphed into other RTD categories. Can the sector regain the effervescence that initially made it so popular?

Hard seltzer loses its sparkle as the RTD market evolves

3 Summer Sparkling Wine Cocktails 

That Aren’t Aperol Spritz

3 Summer Sparkling Wine Cocktails (That Aren’t Aperol Spritz)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EVERY WINE REGION WANTS TO BE PREMIUM?

The formula for at least some premiumization is familiar. 

What Happens When Every Wine Region Wants to Be Premium?

The Case for Buying Wine You Actually Understand

Most people buy wine slightly anxiously. 

The Case for Buying Wine You Actually Understand

Vintage Dated Whiskies

Pick your favorite year. Vintage-dated bottlings are a rare, fun treat

https://whiskyadvocate.com/vintage-dated-whiskies

The Wine That Refuses to Behave

: A Love Letter to Pét-Nat

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-wine-that-refuses-to-behave

Beyoncé takes ownership of SirDavis American Whisky

Grammy Award-winning singer Beyoncé has taken sole ownership of SirDavis American Whisky, the brand she founded in partnership with Moët Hennessy.

Beyoncé takes ownership of SirDavis American Whisky

Svedka introduces Vodka Water Cooler

Sazerac-owned Svedka has reimagined the office water cooler for its new ready-to-drink (RTD) canned Vodka Waters.

Svedka introduces Vodka Water Cooler

New Old Elk

• Old Elk, owned by Ohio’s Middle West Spirits, has announced a trio of 10-year-old whiskies, the first major new releases from Old Elk since its May 2025 acquisition by Middle West. The new releases include a Straight Bourbon, a wheat whiskey, and a wheated Bourbon, all retailing for $70 a 750-ml. The Bourbon is made from a mash of 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye, and bottled at 52.5% abv. The wheat whiskey is distilled from 96% rye and 4% malted barley and released at 51.5% abv. Finally, Old Elk’s new wheated Bourbon is bottled at 52.5% abv and distilled from 51% corn, 46% wheat, and 3% malted barley. All three are rolling out now across the U.S.

The European Sparkling Wines Tell a Story in Every Sip

With 27 countries spanning 1.5 million square miles, 446 million inhabitants and 24 languages, the European Union (EU) is the third largest exporter of agricultural and agri-food products consumed in the U.S. Products produced in the EU not only have a long cultural history steeped in culinary tradition, but are held to rigorous standards denoted by a specially developed set of EU Quality Labels designed to assure consumers are not only getting a top-caliber product, but to also inform them about the product’s background.

https://vinepair.com/articles/european-sparkling-wines/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=76636a1fd8-July_29_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-d4b45486c1-38937345&mc_cid=76636a1fd8&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Explore the Two Faces of Tuscany

It’s one of the most recognizable regional identities in the world, and it carries that recognition into everything: from wine labels to travel brochures to the produce aisle at a grocery store

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/tuscany-food-wine-tuscan-olive-oil

‘Worst crisis since WWII’: Bordeaux wildfires continue amid extreme heat

As wildfires continue to blaze near Bordeaux, in what President Emmanuel Macron has described as the toughest situation France has faced since World War II, the country’s celebrated wine region confronts a growing environmental crisis.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/worst-crisis-since-wwii-bordeaux-wildfires-continue-amid-extreme-heat

Australian wine exports drop to 22-year low

Australian wine exports have fallen to their lowest level in more than two decades as a worldwide decline in wine consumption weighs on demand, according to a new industry report.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/australian-wine-exports-drop-to-22-year-low

MGP’s whiskey sales plunge 59% in Q2

The Distilling Solutions arm of MGP Ingredients plummeted by 42% in the 2026 second quarter (Q2) as whiskey suffered a 59% drop.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/07/mgps-whiskey-sales-plunge-59-in-q2

Tsingtao enters Irish whiskey with Great Northern

Chinese brewer Tsingtao has joined forces with Great Northern Distillery to make Irish whiskey for Asian consumers, with plans to open a distillery in China.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/07/tsingtao-enters-irish-whiskey-with-great-northern

US wine industry risks losing ground without collective marketing

While regional trade organizations “do excellent work”, the US wine trade “does not do a fantastic job” of collective marketing, says agency founder behind anti-prohibitionist campaign.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/us-wine-industry-risks-losing-ground-without-collective-marketing

7 Things You Should Know About Sun Cruiser
 Boston Beer Company’s Other Hard Tea

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-sun-cruiser

The Portuguese Cork Association Launches “Drink Responsibly. 

Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork.” Campaign

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-portuguese-cork-association-launches-drink-responsibly-choose-a-bottle-with-a-natural-cork-campaign-302839350.html

Beer Review

Samuel Adams’ New NA Octoberfest And Apple Spice Ale Beers Hit All The Right Autumnal Notes

https://www.tastingtable.com/2228364/sam-adams-fall-2026-beers-review

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

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Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

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Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

07-27-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What is ‘back sweetening’ and why does it matter?

Life Behind the Liquor Counter

Does Expensive Wine Actually Taste Better?

Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2026

Cask Connoisseur has released its annual ranking of the UK and Ireland’s favourite whisky distilleries, but which producer came out on top?

Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2026

Does Light Drinking Lower Cancer Risk? 

Depends Who You Ask

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/new-alcohol-health-study-june-2026

Statement on Irresponsible and Biased Alcohol-Related Commentary

WHY EQUATING ALCOHOL TO TOBACCO OVERSIMPLIFIES AND DAMAGES PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS

Statement on Irresponsible and Biased Alcohol-Related Commentary

Will Canada end up being punished for the US alcohol ban?

Legislation calling for an investigation into Canada’s limits on importing US alcohol has been proposed by congresswoman Claudia Tenney. db reports.

Will Canada end up being punished for the US alcohol ban?

French vineyards battle extreme heat as climate pressures mount

French wine producers are facing another difficult growing season as record-breaking temperatures compound the effects of frost, hail and prolonged drought across key regions.

French vineyards battle extreme heat as climate pressures mount

SipSource: vodka to outpace US spirits market

The vodka category is expected to outperform the core spirits market in the US over the next 12 months, according to a SipSource forecast

SipSource: vodka to outpace US spirits market

We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Best Scotch Under $50? 

Scotch doesn’t have to be expensive. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-best-scotch-under-50-2026

Why These 6 Beers Were Named the Best in the Country at the 2026 Good Food Awards

Exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability made these breweries and their beers stand out.

https://www.foodandwine.com/good-food-awards-beer-winners-2026-12012552

Barton 1792 Unveils Its First Rye Whiskey Alongside a 15-Year Cask-Strength Bourbon

The Kentucky distillery is expanding the 1792 lineup with two exciting bottles.

https://www.foodandwine.com/barton-1792-whiskey-releases-12012542

Can You Bring Your Own Bottle Of Wine Into Olive Garden?

While the casual dining chain is usually accommodating, you shouldn’t assume BYOB is guaranteed. 

https://www.foodrepublic.com/2204959/bring-bottle-wine-olive-garden

Does Expensive Wine Actually Taste Better?

 The Science

Does Expensive Wine Actually Taste Better? The Science

Kentucky Bourbon Trail gains new stops

Four new destinations have been added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, taking the total tally to 74 experiences for whiskey fans.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail gains new stops

Green agenda: what to know before converting to organic

Thinking of converting to organic? Amelie Maurice-Jones has asked producers across the globe what they wish they’d known before starting out

Green agenda: what to know before converting to organic

How Provence turned rosé into a lifestyle

The average export price is €5,90, significantly higher than competing Spanish or Italian rosés (and high by most standards)

How Provence turned rosé into a lifestyle

Have we forgotten wine’s place at the table?

Gastronomy is classically defined as the art of eating well. For me, an essential part of eating well is drinking well.

Have we forgotten wine’s place at the table?

French heatwave to cut Champagne yields by 10%

France’s prolonged summer heat and drought are shrinking grape development across major wine regions, with Champagne growers expecting yields to fall around 10% and harvests beginning weeks earlier than normal.

French heatwave to cut Champagne yields by 10%

The Consumer Has Said What They Want. Is Wine Willing to Listen?

New research listened to social media, online conversations and found fun, not fuss wins out.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/320311

Crealis Unveils A New Scientific Study On The Impact Of Crown Cap On Sparkling Wines During Aging

The research demonstrates the aging potential associated with liners’ different levels of permeability from CREALIS PE.DI’s range of crown capsules. 

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/vendor/article/320386

The 20 Best Vodkas for 2026

What does it mean to be the best-selling spirits category in a world where people are supposedly drinking fewer spirits?

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

Ignore the Second-Cheapest Wine on the Menu — Here’s Why You Should Drink the Cheapest Instead

Don’t be swayed by the lure of spendier options. The least-expensive wine can often surprisingly punch well above its weight class.

https://www.foodandwine.com/order-cheapest-bottle-wine-12014453

Demystifying the Packaging Dilemma

The Heavy Bottle Illusion

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/demystifying-the-packaging-dilemma

Super-premium Tequila faces 5% drop by 2030

As super-premium Tequila volumes decline, the high-end part of the category is expected to soar by 2030, according to IWSR.

Super-premium Tequila faces 5% drop by 2030

Uncle Nearest receiver claims lender ‘ignored red flags’

The receiver for Uncle Nearest has filed a counterclaim against Farm Credit Mid-America, arguing that the lender’s failures helped the alleged fraud remain under the radar for years.

Uncle Nearest receiver claims lender ‘ignored red flags’

The Best Beer Styles For Newbies, According To Experts

When the weekend hits and you’re in the mood for a beer, you may head to the store to grab your favorite six-pack.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2210578/best-beer-beginners

This Brilliant Wine Bottle Trick Keeps Your Plants Watered for Weeks

Before recycling your wine bottles, consider using them to water your plants.

https://www.marthastewart.com/wine-bottles-to-water-plants-12012933

WE TESTED EVERY MANUAL WINE OPENER SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

The manual wine opener category is wider than most buyers realize.

https://truewinelover.com/blogs/news/title-we-tested-every-manual-wine-opener-so-you-dont-have-to

7 Grape Varieties to Try if You Love Cabernet Sauvignon

Big, bold, and full of personality, Cabernet Sauvignon rules the world of red wine.

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

Six Summer Beers You Should Be Buying In 2026

In case you need any inspo to get all that chillaxing started, here are six beers that are perfect for summer 2026.

Six Summer Beers You Should Be Buying In 2026

Franzia Without America: How Tariffs Reinvented an Iconic Brand in China

Franzia is one of America’s best-known wine brands. But in China, it is no longer selling American wine.

Franzia Without America: How Tariffs Reinvented an Iconic Brand in China

How to Label “Estate Bottled” (and When You Legally Cannot)

One of the most coveted terms on a wine label — and one of the most strictly defined. You qualify on every count, or you cannot use it.

https://www.colaclear.com/blog/how-to-label-estate-bottled

America’s Regional Whiskey Styles, Mapped

In American whiskey, bourbon reigns supreme, a position supported by measures both quantitative (sales) and qualitative (fame). But it’s far from the country’s only whiskey style. The U.S. boasts a range of other categories, including some that predate bourbon itself.

https://vinepair.com/articles/america-regional-whiskey-styles-map

10 Lesser-Known Brands You Should Try if You Love Scotch

Scotch is a simple beverage at its core.

https://vinepair.com/articles/less-popular-scotch-brands-to-try

Weavers sacked from Uncle Nearest amid federal investigation

Uncle Nearest’s co-founders, Fawn and Keith Weaver, have been dismissed from the company, as its receiver disclosed he is cooperating with ongoing federal investigations.

Weavers sacked from Uncle Nearest amid federal investigation

Life Behind the Liquor Counter

The rules say check IDs, refuse the drunk, protect the vulnerable. The incentives say do the opposite. Somebody has to live in that gap.

https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-paradox-behind-the-liquor-counter

The Human Element

Decoding Social Responsibility in the Vineyard

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-human-element

Roman women managed wine and olive oil production on ancient farms, study finds

For years, historians described the Roman vilica, or female farm manager, as a housekeeper whose work focused on meals, cleaning, and supervising servants inside the home. A new study argues this view misses one of the most important jobs on a Roman estate. Evidence shows many vilicae managed large farming operations, especially the production of wine and olive oil, two of the estate’s main sources of income.

Roman women managed wine and olive oil production on ancient farms, study finds

Freeze, drought make 2026 a difficult year for Virginia vineyards

Despite some recent rain, Virginia remains in a drought—the latest insult for vineyards where grape crops were crushed by an early freeze followed by extreme temperatures. WMRA’s Christine Kueter reports.

https://www.wmra.org/2026-07-14/freeze-drought-make-2026-a-difficult-year-for-virginia-vineyards

What is ‘back sweetening’ and why does it matter?

Wines by the glass in the US are becoming sweeter as a global trend for ‘friendlier’ table wines begins to take hold. And European regions including Bordeaux and the Rhône are considering adapting legislation to follow suit, reports Roger Morris.

What is ‘back sweetening’ and why does it matter?

The Celebrity Spirits Boom Is Over. Long Live Dead Celebrities

The celebrity spirits boom has almost certainly come to an end.

https://vinepair.com/articles/celebrity-spirits-brands-boom-again-with-dead-celebrities

Trinchero Releases ‘Sauvy B,’ a Wine Spritzer With Added Electrolytes

At a time when the wine industry attempts to court younger consumers and better-for-you trends swarm the market, Trinchero Family Wine and Spirits is releasing Sauvy B, a ready-to-drink (RTD), citrus-flavored wine spritz containing electrolytes, the alcohol conglomerate announced today. Famed winemaker Joel Gott partnered with Trinchero, the third largest wine supplier in the U.S., to produce Sauvy B

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/trinchero-releases-sauvy-b-wine-rtd-with-electrolytes

WhistlePig joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Non-profit trade group the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) has welcomed WhistlePig Whiskey as its newest member.

WhistlePig joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association

What the Wine World Teaches Us About Taste (and Smell)

Before anything makes it to our mouths, all drinking and dining experiences start with our eyes. In the case of wine, tasters consider the color and opacity of the liquid before them, and swirl it around to assess its legs, or the streaks the liquid leaves on the side of the glass. Then, they raise it to their noses and inhale deeply for the bouquet, parsing which scents they glean. Finally, it’s time to take a sip.

https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/smell/2026/what-the-wine-world-teaches-us-about-taste-and-smell-071526

The Complete Ultimate List of Craft Tequila Brands

The additive-free tequila conversation needs to expand. Here is what craft actually means, and who qualifies.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/the-complete-ultimate-list-of-craft-tequila-brands

New Bourbon

• Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill Distilleryhas announced Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash, a new whiskey marrying a traditional Bourbon and a wheated Bourbon. The 50% abv bottling is a blend of two 9-year-old whiskies made during the same distillation season by the company. Two-thirds of the final blend is a Bourbon distilled from a mash of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, with the final third a wheated Bourbon made from a 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley mashbill. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash ($50) will be available in limited quantities across the U.S. beginning in August.

Inside a Kentucky Rickhouse

 A Whiskey Distiller Explains How Barrel Placement Impacts Bourbon

https://vinepair.com/articles/ask-a-distiller-does-rickhouse-placement-matter-for-whiskey

What the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Roundup Means for Wine (and the World)

In a 7-2 opinion, Supreme Court Justices sided with Monsanto, agreeing to shield the agricultural giant from future liability against those claiming its weed killer, RoundUp, caused adverse health effects.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/glyphosate

Stop trying to make non-alcoholic wine happen. It’s not going to happen

Drinks that are never going to break through plus England’s greatest vineyard, Breaky Bottom, is on the market

https://henryjeffreys.substack.com/p/stop-trying-to-make-non-alcoholic

Laser technology could combat deadly fake alcohol

Adelaide University is developing laser-based technology that could detect counterfeit alcohol and identify dangerous chemicals, like methanol, inside unopened spirits bottles.

Laser technology could combat deadly fake alcohol

Fireball creates hightops with whiskey pouch

Sazerac-owned Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has released a pair of limited edition sneakers with a custom-built compartment designed to hold a Stash Flask.

Fireball creates hightops with whiskey pouch

US restaurants pushing wine markups to six times cost

Restaurant wine pricing in the US has become “a particular pain point” for the category, with some venues now taking six-times markups on bottles, according to Gino Colangelo, founder and president of Colangelo & Partners, the New York-based wine PR agency.

US restaurants pushing wine markups to six times cost

Why the world is about to see more Canadian cider

Canadian non-profit association for cider makers Cider Canada has received federal support to expand into international markets. db looks into what this could mean for the category’s prosperity.

Why the world is about to see more Canadian cider

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

07-13-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What is “American” Wine?

Top 10 oldest wineries and distilleries in the US

The 6 Best Summer Beers, According to Experts

The No. 1 Mistake to Avoid Before Your First Sip of Wine, According to a Sommelier

If you’ve ever written off a wine after one taste, you may have been judging it too early.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dont-drink-water-before-tasting-wine-12003407

Willett starts production at Springfield site

Family-owned Willett Distillery has filled its first cask and begun whiskey production at its new facility in Springfield, Kentucky.

Willett starts production at Springfield site

How the Martini glass became more than the Martini

Think of a Martini and what do you picture? We bet that it’s the classic V-shaped cocktail glass that immediately comes to your mind.

How the Martini glass became more than the Martini

Why Is Everybody Making Blackberry Whiskey?

As a spirits writer and reviewer, samples arrive at my (home) office nearly every single day. Some are exciting. Some aren’t great. Many are just part of the job. And you never quite know until you open the box

https://vinepair.com/articles/blackberry-whiskey-distilleries-recent-trend

The 10 Most Popular American Whiskey Brands in the World for 2026

Despite the dips in certain regions, American whiskey was the country’s most exported spirit with major growth in new markets like Brazil and Australia

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/most-popular-american-whiskey-brands-2026

Buffalo Trace’s Proof of Concept

The distillers behind Pappy Van Winkle have been experimenting with what strength to cask at and the results are surprisingly good.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/06/buffalo-traces-proof-of-concept

Orange Wine

An Ancient, Sustainable Sip Making a Modern Comeback

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/orange-wine

The 32 Best Pinot Noirs for 2026

Pinot Noir remains the ultimate litmus test for many winemakers.

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

7 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Rioja

Tempranillo is a sneaky little grape. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/rioja-producers-to-know

New RTD

• Sazerac has expanded its spirits-based RTD offerings with three new brands: Lovebug Hard Cream Soda, Buckhorn Whiskey Lemonade, and Endless Afternoon Whiskey Lemonade. Lovebug, at 5% abv, comes in Vanilla ’n Cream, Cherries ’n Cream, Cola ’n Cream, and Peaches ’n Cream flavors. Buckhorn (7% abv) covers Classic Whiskey Lemonade, Peach Whiskey Lemonade, Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade, and Honey Whiskey Lemonade. Finally, Endless Afternoon, canned at 9% abv, comes in Original Lemonade, Peach Lemonade, Blackberry Lemonade, and Ginger Lemonade flavors. The three new brands are each available in select regions across the U.S. in brand-specific 8-packs of 12-ounce cans retailing at $19.

The 6 Best Summer Beers, According to Experts

Nothing goes better with scalding-hot summer days than an ice-cold beer. Crack open our favorite cold ones and share a toast that chilly weather is many, many months away.

https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a71472301/best-summer-beers-to-drink

The Hottest Gen Z Alcohol Trend Isn’t a New Cocktail — It’s Drinking Earlier

After-work drinks and earlier bed times are in vogue.

https://www.foodandwine.com/daycap-trend-drinking-earlier-12003980

Guinness and Oysters Are Having a Moment

This Unexpected Pairing Has a Long History

https://vinepair.com/articles/guinness-oysters-popular-pairing

Online searches ‘through the roof’ for Sancerre and chilled reds

A new ‘Summergeist’ report by Google reveals the top-trending food and drinks this season, with Sancerre and chilled reds storming ahead, as well as, bizarrely, spam hotdogs. db finds out more.

Online searches ‘through the roof’ for Sancerre and chilled reds

Irish whiskey GI under review

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has launched a public consultation to review the rules that govern Irish whiskey.

Irish whiskey GI under review

Bulleit bottles its oldest straight rye

Diageo-owned Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has released a limited edition 20-year-old straight rye, the brand’s oldest of its kind to date.

Bulleit bottles its oldest straight rye

Ole Smoky releases RTDs

Tennessee-based Ole Smoky has revisited the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with a line of sparkling moonshine lemonades.

Ole Smoky releases RTDs

New RTD

• Brown-Forman has announced El Jimador Tequila Spritz, a new RTD extension for the brand. The new line comes in three flavors—Lime, Orange, and Mango—all at 4.8% abv and hitting shelves across the U.S. beginning in July. The cocktails come in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for a suggested price of $11. The new Tequila Spritzes mark the brand’s first entry into the spirits-based RTD category in the U.S., although El Jimador is present in the malt-based cocktail category with El Jimador Bebidas. Last year, El Jimador Tequila was down nearly 13% in the U.S. to 672,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

On Greek island of Santorini, winemakers try to adapt to heat and drought

Climate change makes wine growing harder on Greek island

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/greek-island-santorini-winemakers-try-adapt-heat-drought-2026-06-29

Will Europe’s heat wave kill a harvest too?

Shades of 2003 haunts growers

https://tomm142661.substack.com/p/will-europes-heat-wave-kill-a-harvest

Buffalo Trace Revives 5 Historic Whiskey Brands in Its New Prohibition Collection

This year’s lineup includes the distillery’s highest-proof rye in modern history.
https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-prohibition-collection-2026-12009201

Sazerac buys Garrard County Distilling for $20m

Tom Collins Distilling, which is affiliated with Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac, has purchased the former Garrard County Distilling property located in Lancaster, Kentucky.

Sazerac buys Garrard County Distilling for $20m

Finnish Long Drink explores raspberry

Ready-to-drink (RTD) brand The Finnish Long Drink has debuted a new flavor, raspberry, as well as a zero-sugar variant.

Finnish Long Drink explores raspberry

Schiava and Lagrein: The red spirit of Alto Adige

The indigenous red varieties of Alpine northern Italy are a worthy complement to the region’s fine whites.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/schiava-lagrein-red-spirit-alto-adige

What is “American” Wine?

Truth in labeling is a valid request.

https://stevenunlimited.substack.com/p/what-is-american-wine

We need to kick back a bit on wine and health

I’m worried that people are being scared about enjoying wine for no particular reason. Maybe we need to be more honest in the sphere of wine and health?

https://jamiegoode.substack.com/p/we-need-to-kick-back-a-bit-on-wine

7 Things You Should Know About BuzzBallz, 

The Trailblazing RTD Popular With Gen Z

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-buzzballz

Top 10 oldest wineries and distilleries in the US

Ahead of Independence Day on Saturday, db reveals the ten oldest wineries and distilleries in the United States that remain operational, two of which predate the Declaration of Independence altogether.

Top 10 oldest wineries and distilleries in the US

Champagne on course for earliest harvest start date ever

Following an unusually early and heavily frost-damaged start to the season, followed by recent heatwave conditions, Champagne could be on course for the earliest start date for harvesting in its long history.

Champagne on course for earliest harvest start date ever

Beer considered to be the ‘most American’ of drinks

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, new statistics have revealed that the majority of adults believe beer is the drink that is understood to be “most American”. db looks at the findings.

Beer considered to be the ‘most American’ of drinks

New Bourbon

Jefferson’s Bourbon, part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, has released a new limited edition 20-year-old whiskey finished in Bordeaux casks. The Bourbon is bottled at 47% abv and is a tribute to the brand’s namesake and “the pioneering spirit of America,” according to the company. Jefferson’s Bourbon Founder’s Reserve 20-Year-Old is limited to just 250 bottles, available through the brand’s website and in select retailers across the U.S. The limited-time-off ering carries a suggested price of $500 a 750-ml. Last year, Jefferson’s was at 131,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Ten whiskeys for the US 250th anniversary

Whiskey producers across the country have unveiled a plethora of limited releases to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US.

Ten whiskeys for the US 250th anniversary

ARE LOW-CAL BEERS THE NEXT BIG THING?

So: weaker than a Michelob Ultra and less than 100 calories, but stronger than NA and fuller-flavored for craft beer drinkers.

https://www.beervanablog.com/beervana/2026/6/30/are-low-cal-beers-the-next-big-thing

This Is the No. 1 Nonalcoholic Beer in America, According to the First NA Beer Competition

Judges tasted more than 100 alcohol-free beers and beverages to crown the inaugural Best in Show winner.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-day-brewing-wild-american-pilsner-best-in-show-north-american-nonalcoholic-cup-2026-12009452

The Ultimate Champagne Flavor Map

Wineries of all types strive to develop an estate identity through their liquid, but nowhere is that brand recognition as important as it is in Champagne

https://vinepair.com/articles/champagne-flavor-map-infographic

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

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Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

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Follow Us On X

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Franklin Wine Club 

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How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

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Food And Wine Events

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Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-29-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

Can you taste history?

Are Washington wines ‘volcanic’?

Organic Wine Decoded

What’s Actually in Your Wine, and Why Almost None of It is on the Label

Cultured yeast, fining agents, added sugar, and sulfur all go in. Here’s how to taste the difference.

https://thepolishedpalate.substack.com/p/whats-actually-in-your-wine-and-why

21 Liqueurs to Know to Read a Cocktail Menu With Confidence

When ordering a classic cocktail, drinkers can anticipate how the beverage will likely taste.

https://vinepair.com/articles/cocktail-menu-liqueurs-to-know

No Increased Risk of Cancer Death from Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Study

Who’s Gonna Tell The WHO? Who’s Gonna Tell the Media?

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/no-increased-risk-of-cancer-death-from-moderate-alcohol-consumption

When People Say They Want Sustainable Wine, Are They Telling the Truth?

The industry keeps telling itself that its customers are demanding greener winemaking. Research backs that up. Or does it?

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/when-people-say-they-want-sustainable

New Bourbon

• Barrell Craft Spirits has released Bourbon Batch 038, the latest cask strength bottling from the Louisville, Kentucky-based blender. Batch 038 brings together 12-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, 12- and 15-year-old Tennessee Bourbon, 9- and 10-year-old Indiana Bourbon, and 8-year-old Maryland Bourbon creating a derived mash bill of 79% corn, 17% rye, and 4% malted barley that’s bottled at 58.48% abv. The new release is now available in 49 states at a suggested price of $85 a bottle. Timed to the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 features a commemorative red, white, and blue label. 

Beyond the Buzzwords: The Evolution of the Natural Wine Movement

Wait! Isn’t all wine natural?

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/beyond-the-buzzwords-the-evolution

The States That Drink the Most Liquor in America

Wine and beer continue to top spirits in total consumption by volume

https://vinepair.com/articles/map-states-drink-spirits-america-2025

Bartenders Say ‘Overly Complex’ Cocktails Are Out—Here’s What Everyone Will Be Drinking This Summer

If that’s not a recession indicator, I don’t know what is.

https://www.delish.com/food/a71410804/summer-cocktail-trends-2026

Elijah Craig Is Bringing Back Its 21-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon After More Than a Decade

The limited-edition bourbon was bottled at 94 proof.

https://www.foodandwine.com/elijah-craig-21-year-old-single-barrel-bourbon-11993275

Vin de France gains ground in Bordeaux

An increasing number of Bordeaux producers are stepping outside appellation rules in favour of Vin de France, seeking greater freedom over grape varieties, winemaking techniques and branding. While still a small part of regional production, the category is becoming a vehicle for innovation, climate adaptation and commercial flexibility

Vin de France gains ground in Bordeaux

Coors Light’s New ‘Tallerboy’ Packs 3 Beers Into 1 Giant Can

There’s no need to get up from your couch to grab a second or third beer.

https://www.foodandwine.com/coors-light-tallerboy-canister-11993250

Everything You Need to Know About Johnnie Walker

A look at the blended scotch whisky brand that rose from humble origins to become the number one scotch whisky brand in the world

https://whiskyadvocate.com/johnnie-walker-whisky-overview

First 5,000 bottles produced from Pope’s vineyard

Pope Leo XIV gave thanks for the inaugural vintage made from the two-hectare vineyard located inside his summer residence and farmed by migrant workers.

First 5,000 bottles produced from Pope’s vineyard

10 Essential Bottles of Rosé

Although rosé’s popularity peaks in the summertime, the pink wine’s roots prove it is more than a trendy seasonal beverage.

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

Biodynamic Wine: Stardust, Sorcery, or the Ultimate Terroir?

The cosmic side of viticulture

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/biodynamic-wine-stardust-sorcery

Why Is NA Wine So Far Behind NA Beer?

Read More

https://defector.com/why-is-na-wine-so-far-behind-na-beer

Champagne growers and houses rethink old partnerships

Climate change and shifting consumer preferences are prompting some Champagne producers to deepen ties with their grape growers. For estates such as Laurent-Perrier, closer collaboration is becoming increasingly important for maintaining quality and long-term stability.

Champagne growers and houses rethink old partnerships

Why China could be fine wine’s next success story

From award-winning Chardonnays to ambitious export plans, China’s wine industry is shedding old stereotypes and building a reputation for premium quality. As curiosity grows at home and abroad, producers are positioning themselves as the next major force in fine wine. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.

Why China could be fine wine’s next success story

Frey Ranch ballots northern Nevada’s ‘oldest’ Bourbon

Nevada’s Frey Ranch Distillery has released its first batch of 10-year-old Bourbon, which is available exclusively through a ballot.

Frey Ranch ballots northern Nevada’s ‘oldest’ Bourbon

Teremana debuts limited design series

Actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Tequila has launched its first limited edition design series, called The Craft Editions.

Teremana debuts limited design series

9 of the Best Albariños From Spain’s Rías Baixas

Albariño is a quintessential summer white wine.

https://vinepair.com/good-wine-reviews/best-albarino-spain-rias-baixas

We Asked 14 Wine Pros

 What ‘Cult’ Wine Is Actually Worth the Hype?

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-wine-pros-cult-wines-worth-the-hype-2026

New Bookers

• Suntory Global Spirits has introduced the second batch of Booker’s Bourbonfor 2026, “The Milkshake Batch.” This edition comes in at 62.2% abv and aged for just over seven and a half years before bottling. The Bourbon’s name is inspired by the treats shared by Booker and Fred Noe after fishing trips. Booker’s “The Milkshake Batch” is now available in limited quantities across the U.S. for a suggested price of $100 a bottle.

lcohol drinking will shrink in the next decade, research finds 

Global alcohol consumption is set to drop over the next ‌decade, despite population growth and rising demand in India, which is set to become the world’s biggest drinks market after China, according to market research firm IWSR

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/alcohol-drinking-will-shrink-next-decade-reasearch-finds-2026-06-11

Light Beer Isn’t a Joke Anymore — and Science Shows Why

Brewing experts reveal how ingredient quality, fermentation science, and modern technology are transforming light beer into a category worth drinking.

https://www.foodandwine.com/light-beer-taste-better-11995399

Why Molson Coors is betting on cheap beer

The brewer is reviving Keystone Ice and expanding Miller High Life to reach younger drinkers and budget conscious consumers.

https://www.fooddive.com/news/molson-coors-cheap-beer-value-miller-high-life-keystone-light/822646

56 Great Reposado Tequilas Under $60

The cheat sheet for stocking a serious reposado shelf without blowing your budget

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/56-great-reposado-tequilas-under-60

10 things to look for when drinking rosé wine

So, what makes a good rosé? Such is the diversity of the category today, there’s no simple, single answer. Nevertheless, Patrick Schmitt MW has listed 10 things to consider when drinking pink wine – including his views on sweetness and ice in your rosé.

10 things to look for when drinking rosé wine

7 Things You Should Know About Rabbit Hole
 The Bourbon Distillery Breaking Tradition

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-rabbit-hole

Organic Wine Decoded

The baseline of eco-friendly drinking

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/organic-wine-decoded

Water, Barley, Hops, and … Dinosaurs?

For decades, beer brewers have achieved that crisp, clean taste with a weird relic from the land before time. Will modernization make your favorite brand go extinct?

https://slate.com/life/2026/06/beer-lager-ale-brands-filtration-fish-diatomaceous-earth.html

What Is Chardonnay Rose? Meet the Pink Grape Approved for Making Champagne

This pink-skinned grape is helping growers combat the effects of climate change.

https://www.foodandwine.com/what-is-chardonnay-rose-pink-champagne-grape-11982908

I Asked a Beer Expert If It’s Better to Buy Beer That’s Already Cold

 Her Answer Totally Surprised Me

https://www.thekitchn.com/room-temperature-vs-chilled-beer-expert-23786696

Dry Martini

What ‘dry’ really means in a Martini, and the perfect recipe.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dry-martini-cocktail-recipe-11997380

Former U.S. health official explains why the Trump administration ‘ignored’ a key alcohol study

A study finding that even one drink a day causes health risks was deliberately sidelined by the Trump administration, a former federal public health official alleges

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/former-u-s-health-official-explains-why-the-trump-administration-ignored-a-key-alcohol-study

10 Lesser-Known Producers You Should Try if You Love Bourbon

There are two ways to view the bourbon market in 2026. The first way is through the current lens of doom and gloom, lamenting the slowdown in bourbon sales and complaining about how Gen Z doesn’t drink as much as previous generations, even though data suggests this hot take looks increasingly like a load of fertilizer.

https://vinepair.com/articles/less-popular-bourbon-producers-to-know

Top 10 best-selling world whisky Brand Champions

While North American and Japanese whiskies had a lackluster 2025, there was one Irish player that stormed to success.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/06/top-10-best-selling-world-whisky-brand-champions/5 Wine Rules That Deserve to Be Broken, According to Sommeliers

From chilled Cabernet to Riesling with rib eye, sommeliers are challenging some of wine’s most persistent myths.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-rules-to-break-11997826

Bag wines, low alc wines, no alc wines.

 It’s all happening!

Bag wines, low alc wines, no alc wines. It’s all happening!

This Is Who Chooses The Wine Selection At Costco

Despite having a large warehouse format, Costco is quite selective with the products it chooses to carry.

https://www.mashed.com/2190776/how-costco-chooses-its-wine

\

Digital influence rises, but consumers still trust people over AI, study finds

New research commissioned by drinks marketing specialist Chelsea Co. suggests digital channels are becoming increasingly important in drinks discovery, but consumers continue to place greater trust in human recommendations and real-world experiences.

Digital influence rises, but consumers still trust people over AI, study finds

The Italian region selling rosé to the French

Maremma is finding success with its fresh coastal rosé in Provence, with one producer telling db it sold 10,000 bottles to the south of France in the last year as consumers look beyond their own back yard for refreshing pink wines. Sarah Neish reports.

The Italian region selling rosé to the French

Coors Whiskey Co debuts American malt blend

The whiskey arm of brewing giant Molson Coors has launched its first namesake blended American malt whiskey expression.

Coors Whiskey Co debuts American malt blend

First Texas Cooperage Opens Doors

Standard Cooperage Offers Texas-Made Sustainable, Artisan Barrels for Wineries and Distillers

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/vendor/article/319239

Embracing White Wine Season

A Red Drinker’s Guide to the White Wine World

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/embracing-white-wine-season

Lambrusco Is the No-Brainer Wine You’ve Been Missing

A great place to start to look for good Lambrusco and its kin is in the hills just outside Modena

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/lambrusco-red-italian-sparkling-wine

Wine Is Swinging for the Fences With Sports Advertising 

 Is It Working?

https://vinepair.com/articles/wine-industry-investing-in-sports-advertising

94% of alcohol-free beer drinkers also consume booze

New research has revealed that moderation trends are changing the way people perceive no and low alcohol drinks. The data has shown that many who indulge in drinking alcohol are also seeking out non-alcoholic options as well. db reports.

94% of alcohol-free beer drinkers also consume booze

New Long Drink

• The Finnish Long Drink, part of the Mark Anthony Group portfolio, has launched a new Raspberry-flavor ed RTD. It comes in two varieties, Traditional Raspberry and Raspberry Zero Sugar, both at 5% abv, with the sugar-free version at 99 calories per serving. The new releases are exclusive to the brand’s variety packs, with Traditional Raspberry available alongside Citrus, Peach, and Pineapple in an 8-pack that retails at $19, and Raspberry Zero Sugar available in a 12-pack ($25) that includes the brand’s other Zero Sugar offerings. Last year, the gin-based Finnish Long Drink grew 20% to 3.2 million cases, earning Impact “Hot Brand” honors. 

WHAT IS MOSCATO WINE? 

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

https://moscato.life/blogs/news/what-is-moscato-wine-beginners-guide

Alcohol cancer labels: public health measure or scare tactic?

In the second of our series on the implications of the WHO’s ‘no safe level’ agenda, Tom Bruce-Gardyne explores the battle to impose cancer warnings on drinks, and ponders the motives, whether it is really to inform consumers or simply to scare them into drinking less.

Alcohol cancer labels: public health measure or scare tactic?

Consumers prefer grocers with the better private label brand: report

Those retailers with better products, sharper execution and experience will retain customers

https://www.supermarketnews.com/private-label/consumers-prefer-grocers-with-the-better-private-label-brand-report

Are Washington wines ‘volcanic’? 

Yes, no, and maybe.

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2026/06/are-washington-wines-volcanic-yes-no-and-maybe.html

The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Burgers With Wine

No longer are burgers relegated to just backyard barbecues. Now, patties populate menus at restaurants of all statures, and gourmet versions get dressed up with high-end cheeses, perfectly proofed buns, and quality accouterments. Of course, something as meaty and rich as a burger requires a palate cleanser: wine

https://vinepair.com/articles/burger-wine-pairing-guide

Moving Beyond “Organic”

Here is your regional guide to the holistic sustainability certifications changing the wine world from New York to Chile.

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/moving-beyond-organic

California wineries request US$32 million to fight vineyard pest

Senators have requested the immediate release of emergency funds from the US Department of Agriculture to “contain and eradicate” the glassy-winged sharpshooter before it decimates vineyards across California.

California wineries request US$32 million to fight vineyard pest

Frost and hail threaten 2026 US and French wine harvests

Severe frost and hail have already caused extensive vineyard damage across parts of the United States and France, raising concerns over another difficult harvest year. Growers are reporting losses of up to 90% in some regions, with months of weather risks still ahead.

Frost and hail threaten 2026 US and French wine harvests

Do Pickles Actually Belong in Your Sauvignon Blanc?

Another year, another wacky wine trend.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/pickle-wine

Why European Wine Brands Struggle in the U.S. Market

European wine brands often enter the United States expecting quality and heritage to carry them. The wine earns respect, but the brand stalls. The reason is rarely the wine. It is that the U.S. market runs on different rules than most international producers expect. Below are direct answers to the questions producers ask most.

Why European Wine Brands Struggle in the U.S. Market

Can you taste history? 

We try George Washington’s original beer

https://www.npr.org/2026/06/19/nx-s1-5843321/george-washingtons-original-beer-nypl

Stemmed vs stemless wine glasses

Which style is best?

https://westgarthwines.com/blogs/news/stemmed-vs-stemless-wine-glasses-which-style-is-best

Why the World Cup is a ‘make or break’ moment for alcohol

The World Cup might face another hurdle: A years-long decline in drinking.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/08/food/world-cup-spirit-sales

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-15-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What Is abv And Why Does It Matter?

Who is really driving the public health debate?

The World’s Best Value Bourbon

King Valley prosecco producers prepare for upcoming export label change for Italian wine variety

Australia is the only country outside Italy that can use the prosecco name, but in 10 years, Australian prosecco exports will be rebranded

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-24/prosecco-name-remains-in-australia-export-label-change-coming/106700276

America’s Most Popular RTDs

Ranked by Alcohol Content

https://vinepair.com/articles/popular-rtds-abv-ranked-infographic

BuzzBallz, BeatBox, and Cutwater, Oh My! 

Why We Can’t Get Enough of Boozy RTDs

https://vinepair.com/articles/buzzball-beatbox-cutwater-rtd-popularity

The Only Wine Glass Guide You’ll Ever Need 

(And Yes, It Matters)

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/wine-glasses-guide-what-you-need-at-home

New Rittenhouse

• Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill has announced RittenhouseUnited States 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, a new 10-year-old rye whiskey released to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentenni al. The 50% abv rye is blended from 90 barrels and carries a suggested price of $100 a 750-ml. The whiskey is rolling out this month in limited quantities in select markets across the U.S. and joins commemorative releases from Evan Williams as part of Heaven Hill’s celebration of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. Rittenhouse has U.S. volume of 70,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

Champagne’s future lies in innovation, says De Saint-Gall

From climate adaptation to changing consumer habits, cellar master of Champagne De Saint-Gall Cédric Jacopin outlines the pressures shaping Champagne today.

Champagne’s future lies in innovation, says De Saint-Gall

The Napa Cabs You Should Try if You Don’t Like Big, Jammy Wines

In their heyday, Napa Cabs were nothing like today’s stereotypical version. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/napa-winemakers-light-style-cabernet-sauvignon

12 Bartenders Pick Their Favorite Bourbons Under $50

Quality bottles of bourbon aren’t just for those with deep pockets. Here are 12 bartender-recommended picks that won’t break the bank

https://whiskyadvocate.com/bartenders-bourbon-recommendations-under-50-dollars

The wine industry’s Gen Z problem isn’t what you think

Benjamin Jack, son of Bruce Jack, has spent the past year moving between industry tastings, festivals and wine events. What he found was not a generation turning away from wine, but a trade increasingly out of step with how people discover and enjoy culture.

The wine industry’s Gen Z problem isn’t what you think

T

he World’s Best Value Bourbons

Our search for value takes us deep into the Kentucky countryside as we check on Bourbon’s best-value bottles.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/05/the-worlds-best-value-bourbons

Understanding Sparkling Wine Sweetness

Complete Wine Guide

https://vinovistara.com/blogs/production/understanding-sparkling-wine-sweetness-complete-wine-guide

Wine industry searches for answers as US alcohol sales slide

The US wine industry is grappling with falling sales, shifting consumer habits and intensifying competition from alternative drinks categories. But while traditional consumption patterns continue to weaken, pockets of growth suggest wine’s future may depend on reinvention rather than retreat. Kathleen Willcox reports.

Wine industry searches for answers as US alcohol sales slide

French vineyard prices fall again as Bordeaux leads decline

French vineyard values fell for a second consecutive year in 2025, according to new figures from Safer, with Bordeaux suffering some of the steepest losses as structural pressures continue to weigh on the country’s wine sector.

French vineyard prices fall again as Bordeaux leads decline

Court says Uncle Nearest was ‘haemorrhaging money’

Uncle Nearest will remain under the control of a receiver after a judge rejected co-founder Fawn Weaver’s appeal.

Court says Uncle Nearest was ‘haemorrhaging money’

The 20 Best Mezcals for 2026

To say mezcal is a complex spirit is a bit of an understatement. 

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

Bourbon’s Global Soft Power Is Fading as Trump Tariffs Reshape the Industry

Bourbon is facing a crisis of global proportions. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/american-politics-hurt-bourbon-global-market

POUR THE WHY, NOT JUST THE WHAT: Tasting Flights that Fly

POUR THE WHY, NOT JUST THE WHAT: Tasting Flights that Fly

Craft Breweries Are Betting Big on the 2026 World Cup

If you’re into soccer, you might consider watching the world’s greatest teams play live in a nearby stadium sometime in the next month and a half. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/craft-breweries-bet-big-on-2026-world-cup

The 8 Best Naturally Low-Alcohol White Wines, According to Experts

Consumer demand for lighter, fresher wines has put the spotlight on naturally low-alcohol whites. Here are eight bottles wine professionals across the country recommend

A

n Interview with an Average Wine Buyer

Here’s How My Sister Chooses Wine. You Are Not Going to Like It

https://thecorruptwinewriter.substack.com/p/an-interview-with-an-average-wine

The Most Popular Beer Brand Among Boomers In 2026 Isn’t Heineken Or Corona

The Baby Boomer generation includes people born between 1946 and 1964. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2181509/beer-brand-boomers-most-popular-guinness

Guinness v alcohol-free Guinness 0

We held a blind taste test to see if we could spot the fake

https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/may/30/guinness-v-guinness-0-non-alcoholic-taste-test

What Is Lambrusco? 

It’s Your Next Summer Sip

What Is Lambrusco? It’s Your Next Summer Sip

2 Creative Ways To Use Wine In Your Cooking

Wine can elevate a dish, adding everything from zingy brightness to deep, rich, complex notes, depending on the wine you use and how you cook it.

https://www.mashed.com/2181860/creative-ways-use-wine-cooking

11 Grapefruit Cocktails to Shake Up All Summer Long

Bright, bitter, and refreshing, these sunny cocktails are easy and delicious.

https://www.foodandwine.com/grapefruit-cocktails-we-love-11987251

Bardstown and Mars create Japanese-Bourbon blend

Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company has partnered with whisky maker Mars to develop a limited edition blend that combines Bourbon and Japanese single malts.

Bardstown and Mars create Japanese-Bourbon blend

Who is really driving the public health debate?

A century ago, America was in the grip of Prohibition. When it ended in failure in 1933, the campaign to demonise drink appeared to be dead and buried. But it’s back in a coalition of NGOs, public health officials and temperance crusaders under the banner of the WHO. In the first of a new series, Tom Bruce-Gardyne explores how we got here.

Who is really driving the public health debate?

How Carmen DO preserves Chile’s viticultural legacy

Carmen DO spans Chile’s wine regions, with a range that foregrounds unique terroirs, varieties with history and – crucially – the growers that serve as vineyard custodians over generations.

How Carmen DO preserves Chile’s viticultural legacy

Best canned craft beers available everywhere

Because beer tastes better in a can

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/best-canned-craft-beers-available-everywhere

Why Wine Investors Need to Rethink Everything They Know Before Buying Whisky

Think your wine investment skills translate to whisky? Think again. Why does identical whisky in different bottles sell for a million pounds apart?

Why Wine Investors Need to Rethink Everything They Know Before Buying Whisky

Wine Losing the Class War

While much of the equality buzz has been around gender and sexuality, class is the forgotten battlefield for wine.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/06/wine-losing-the-class-war

The Empty Chair

What Sports Betting, Cannabis, and Weight-Loss Drugs Taught Me About the Wine Business

The Empty Chair: What Sports Betting, Cannabis, and Weight-Loss Drugs Taught Me About the Wine Business

Distillers Give Their Favorite Stills Nicknames

Here Are the Best Ones.

https://vinepair.com/articles/distillers-favorite-still-names

Scientists to brew beer with yeast from mummified remains

Researchers have said they plan to brew beer from the yeast strains collected from the corpse of Ötzi, the man whose body was preserved in the frozen Alps of northern Italy during the Copper Age.

Scientists to brew beer with yeast from mummified remains

Espolòn launches Extra Añejo in the US

Campari Group has added an extra añejo to the Espolòn Tequila range in the US, which has been finished in French Chardonnay casks.

Espolòn launches Extra Añejo in the US

Chaos revisited: US tariff refunds get complicated

A US Supreme Court ruling says many of president Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal, meaning firms are trying to claw back money. But where does this leave consumers?

Chaos revisited: US tariff refunds get complicated

What Is abv And Why Does It Matter?

Reviews: Aubaine, Avennia, Cynthian, Hors Catégorie, No Girls & Wine of the Week

https://paulgregutt.substack.com/p/what-is-abv-and-why-should-it-matter

A Certified Cicerone’s Guide to Beer for Wine Lovers

From reading freshness dates to recognizing beer styles, these practical tips make navigating the beer aisle easier.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-beers-for-wine-lovers-11990694

What does that even mean?

A few pet peeves and a good cheap pink

https://lettiewine.substack.com/p/what-does-that-even-mean

Why diversity is Grüner Veltliner’s ace in the hole

Grüner Veltliner first won attention as a characterful indigenous grape, flying the flag for Austria on the international stage, but its real strengths are its diverse styles and versatility.

Why diversity is Grüner Veltliner’s ace in the hole

Whiskey House of Kentucky cuts 30% of staff

Almost a third of the workforce has been reduced at custom distillery Whiskey House of Kentucky.

Whiskey House of Kentucky cuts 30% of staff

The 15 Beers That Defined American Craft Brewing  

Where They Are Now

https://vinepair.com/articles/american-craft-brewing-defining-beers-today

The 10 Best High-Proof Tequilas

One way tequila producers are targeting spirits nerds is with high-proof expressions. 

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/10-best-high-proof-tequilas

America’s First Low-Alcohol Craft Brewery Is Here

Dad Strength is a 2.9% IPA that’s built for weeknights.

https://www.foodandwine.com/game-changers-dad-strength-brewing-11979326

Sazerac launches AJ Bond Tennessee whiskey

Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has entered the Tennessee whiskey market with its first flagship expression from AJ Bond Distillery.

Sazerac launches AJ Bond Tennessee whiskey

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

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Like Us On Facebook

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Follow Us On X

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Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

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Food And Wine Events

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Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-01-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

AI Won’t Replace Sommeliers

What Makes a Good Scotch?

Inside Whiskey Allocations

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

In the early days of the 21st century’s American whiskey renaissance, as a slew of new rye brands arrived on the scene, seemingly out of nowhere, savvy drinkers learned a quick and easy way to determine who was actually distilling their “juice” and who had sourced it from somewhere else: Check to see if the mash bill was 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley.

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

RTDs up 14% in US as spirits fall in 2025

Spirits volumes fell by 4% in the US last year, but ready-to-drink (RTD) variants soared by 14%, according to IWSR.\

RTDs up 14% in US as spirits fall in 2025

New Korbel

• California sparkling wine label Korbel, owned by Gary Heck and marketed by Henkell Freixenet subsidiary Freixenet-Mionet to USA, has announced a new limited edition bottling celebrating the 250th anniversary of America. The celebratory label is available on Korbel’s Brut sparkler and features red, blue, and gold stars on a white background, with text reading “America 250 Years” at the bottom of the label. The limited release is rolling out across the U.S. and carries a suggested price of $14 a bottle. Last year, Korbel was at 1.06 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

What Makes a Good Scotch?

 The Criteria Is Changing

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/scotch-age-abv

Champagne Sales More Snakes Than Ladders

Champagne has seen some tough times in recent years, but perhaps the sales decline has bottomed out.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/05/champagne-sales-more-snakes-than-ladders

Cavit Wines Returns to Original 1970s Price for 50-Year Milestone

To mark 50 years of bringing Pinot Grigio to American tables, Cavit Wines is turning back time. For one week only, from May 10 through May 17, 2026, consumers can enjoy Cavit Pinot Grigio at its original 1970s price of $6.99 through a national rebate program.

Cavit Wines Returns to Original 1970s Price for 50-Year Milestone

Chianti DOCG set to include rosé among other changes

The Chianti DOCG is preparing for a series of amendments to its production specifications, covering grape varieties, rosé winemaking, vineyard management, and the appellation’s organisational structure, which together represent the most substantial revision to the region’s rules in recent years.

Chianti DOCG set to include rosé among other changes

5 Wine Pairing Rules That Actually Work With Spicy Food

Spice has creeped into our cuisine – just notice at the next party you go to and see the snacks and appetizers being served.

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/spicy-food-wine-pairing-guide

The Cork Is Still King 

How Diam Bouchage Keeps Reinventing Wine’s Most Essential Tool

https://emag.directindustry.com/2026/05/12/the-cork-is-still-king-how-diam-bouchage-keeps-reinventing-wines-most-essential-tool

California Wine Lawsuit Update

 The State Moves to Dismiss

California Wine Lawsuit Update: The State Moves to Dismiss

Kids from the Sticks

Defending the Legacy of American Wine

https://cawg.substack.com/p/kids-from-the-sticks?utm_campaign=43df10e308-AfternoonBrief_2026_05_12&utm_term=0_-43df10e308-64683881

Why Two Famous Actors Waited Six Years to Make Tequila

An additive-free, Valley-made debut from Dos Hombres at a price most celebrity brands will not touch.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/why-two-famous-actors-waited-six-years-to-make-tequila

US ban an ‘act of consumer resistance’ by Canadians

Canadian wine producers are in no rush for US-made alcohol to return to Canada’s shelves, describing the “tremendous” impact the ban is having on domestic sales. Sarah Neish reports.

US ban an ‘act of consumer resistance’ by Canadians

Portuguese liqueur producer defeats Louis Vuitton in trademark case

A Portuguese court has ruled in favour of Licores do Vale following a trademark dispute with Louis Vuitton that centered on the use of the initials “LV”.

Portuguese liqueur producer defeats Louis Vuitton in trademark case

Ian Somerhalder chats American whiskey trends

“The world is a very strange and quite divided place, but it’s our job to lift it up, to bring the sentiment up, bring the energy up,” said Ian Somerhalder. We discussed in detail key American whiskey trends with the Brother’s Bond Bourbon co-founder.

Ian Somerhalder chats American whiskey trends

Too Many Wineries, Not Enough Consumers

Banks are telling US wineries that some of them need to get out of the pool, a new report reveals.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/05/too-many-wineries-not-enough-consumers

Miller Lite Releasing Soccer Balls That Can Hold Up to 12 Beers Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The beer brand is taking soccer fandom to the next level with the limited-edition Miller Time MVP 

https://people.com/miller-lite-debuts-soccer-ball-shaped-beer-holder-for-2026-world-cup-11972672

Burgundy Without Breaking the Bank (Sort Of): My Guide to Finding Value

You might not have $812,500 to buy a bottle of wine, but you can still find good value in Burgundy

https://juliaconey.substack.com/p/burgundy-without-breaking-the-bank

US Wine Spending Hits Record Despite Falling Consumption

Rising prices lift wine value as demand weakens across US markets

https://www.farms.com/ag-industry-news/us-wine-spending-hits-record-despite-falling-consumption-870.aspx?utm_source=afternoon+brief&utm_campaign=993d051efd-afternoonbrief_2026_05_12_copy_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-43df10e308-64683881

How a New York Wine Importer Helped Take Down Trump’s Tariffs

Victor Owen Schwartz, owner of V.O.S. Selections, discusses sticking his “neck out” to challenge President Trump’s crippling tariffs, the mix of egos on his winning Supreme Court team and his hope for a “lifeline” from refunds.

https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2026/05/12/how-a-new-york-wine-importer-helped-take-down-trumps-tariffs/?slreturn=20260516093928

Is US Three-Tier System Already Dead?

Whisper it, but the US system of separating the distribution of wine and spirits might be on the way out.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/05/is-us-three-tier-system-already-dead

Penelope debuts golf-inspired Bourbon series

Luxco-owned Penelope Bourbon has unveiled the first three expressions in its new 18-bottle series called Architects of Golf.

Penelope debuts golf-inspired Bourbon series

South Africa predicts high-quality 2026 wine harvest

South Africa’s wine industry has reported a technically demanding but high-quality 2026 harvest, with producers overcoming climatic extremes to deliver concentrated wines with strong premium potential. Industry bodies said the vintage demonstrates both the adaptability of vineyard teams and South Africa’s growing focus on value-driven, premium wine production for global markets.

South Africa predicts high-quality 2026 wine harvest

Ancient Cypriot grape offers hope for Australia’s wine growers

An ancient white grape variety from Cyprus is reducing water use by as much as 75% for Australian growers while surviving temperatures above 45°C. Producers in South Australia’s Riverland and Barossa Valley believe Xynisteri could provide a lifeline for parts of the wine industry facing rising water costs, oversupply and climate pressure.

Ancient Cypriot grape offers hope for Australia’s wine growers

New Fresca

• Coca-Cola’s Red Tree Beverages has announced Fresca Hard, a new malt-based RTD extension of the existing Fresca Mixed spirits-based RTD. The new drinks come in four flavors—Original  Grapefruit Citrus, Watermelon Citrus, Pineapple Citrus, and Peach Citrus—all at 4.6% abv and 99 calories per can and available in a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans ($18). The new line is rolling out now across the U.S. Last year, the Fresca Mixed portfolio, produced by Sazerac and Red Tree Beverages, was at 426,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 

Australia shocked as government slashes wine tourism budget

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reneged on his promise to support the struggling wine tourism sector, announcing this week that he will phase out the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door grant package, effectively wiping AU$10 million from the program.

Australia shocked as government slashes wine tourism budget

Inside Whiskey Allocations

 Why Only Some Stores Get Pappy, Buffalo Trace, and Other Prized Bottles

https://vinepair.com/articles/inside-whiskey-allocation-system

7 Things You Should Know About Voodoo Ranger

New Belgium’s Wildly Successful IPA Brand

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-voodoo-ranger

Green River finishes Bourbon in honey barrels

Lofted Spirits-owned Green River Distilling has released a Kentucky straight Bourbon finished in barrels with 100% locally sourced honey

Green River finishes Bourbon in honey barrels

Why Brix Matters in Tequila, and Why it’s Also Overrated

A practical guide to the number producers care about, and what it actually tells a drinker.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/why-brix-matters-in-tequila-and-why-it-s-also-overrated

Pabst Puts Schlitz on Ice

Places Brand ‘on Hiatus’ and Stops Production

https://www.brewbound.com/news/pabst-puts-schlitz-beer-on-ice-places-brand-on-hiatus-and-stops-production

Diners ditching bottles of wine for the table as healthy living and rising costs reshape restaurant habits

Non-alcoholic cocktails are commanding same $16 price point as craft cocktails at many restaurants

https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/diners-ditching-bottles-wine-table-healthy-living-rising-costs-reshape-restaurant-habits

Supermarkets Roll Out AI Somm

The AI Panzer rolls relentlessly on, while there is also a ray of hope for US winemakers.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/05/supermarkets-roll-out-ai-somm

New Seagrams 7

• Diageo is launching a new flavored offshoot for Seagram’s 7 Crown, Apple Pie. The new flavored blended whiskey is at 35% abv, carries a suggested price of $12 a bottle, and will be available nationwide for a limited time beginning in June. According to the company, the new release combines Seagram’s 7 Crown’s blended whiskey with baked apple, vanilla, and spiced flavors, and is recommended to make variant on the 7 & 7 serve. Seagram’s 7 Crown Apple Pie joins the original Seagram’s 7 Crown, Dark Honey, and Apple in the brand’s portfolio.

Which US states are the most ‘cocktail-obsessed’?

The states considered the ‘most cocktail-obsessed’ in the US have been revealed, with the northeast region dominating the top 10.

Which US states are the most ‘cocktail-obsessed’?

Abstract Ice brings customizable craft ice to on-trade

California-based Abstract Ice is expanding its US footprint to bring its patented ice-making technology to the wider hospitality industry

Abstract Ice brings customisable craft ice to on-trade

The Year Every State Got Its First Craft Brewery

Today, beer geeks flock to their local craft brewery to sit at picnic tables and sip small-batch brews — a culture that stems from the Great American Craft Beer Boom that gained traction in the 1960s and ’70s. However, the existence of craft breweries predates that sudden rise by over a century.

https://vinepair.com/articles/first-craft-brewery-in-every-state-map

New Evan Williams

• Heaven Hill is debuting a trio of limited edition Evan Williams bottlings to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The whiskies—all “officially licensed America250 commemorative products”—come with new blue labels with red accents and prominently showcase “America 250” and the Statue of Liberty. The first release is a 1.75-liter bottling of Evan Williams flagship Black Label Bourbon ($25). The second is a commemorative bottling of Evan Williams 1783 ($40 a 1.75L and $24 a 750-ml.). The final whiskey is a higher-proof single barrel bottling, sourced from 250 barrels ($40 a 750-ml.). Heaven Hill has also formed a partnership with the Folds of Honor non-profit to donate $75,000 in scholarships for families of deceased and wounded service members and first responders. Last year, Evan Williams, including flavors, was at roughly 2.9 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Change of guard: Four Roses Bourbon

Gallo has completed the acquisition of Four Roses Bourbon, marking the brand’s return to US family ownership for the first time in 83 years.

Change of guard: Four Roses Bourbon

Tennessee Wine Industry Hits New Milestone with American Viticultural Area Approval

Tennessee is now home to four American Viticultural Areas (AVA), further establishing the state as an emerging leader in the Southeast’s wine industry.

https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/news/2026/5/19/tennessee-wine-industry-hits-new-milestone-with-american-viticultural-area-approval.html

Virginia winemakers lose up to 90% of vines to deep freeze

The biting frost that struck Virginia in late April “will go down in the record books”, the Virginia Wine Board told db, but reassured “there is still hope for the vintage”. Sarah Neish reports.

Virginia winemakers lose up to 90% of vines to deep freeze

AI Won’t Replace Sommeliers

 But It Could Help Save

https://vinepair.com/articles/can-artificial-intelligence-save-wine

Why Screw Caps May Actually Be Better For Wine, According To Experts

Forget what you think you know about screw caps.

https://www.delish.com/food/a71178622/screw-cap-wine-vs-cork

We Asked 13 Pitmasters

 What’s the Best Beer to Bring to a BBQ?

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-best-beers-for-summer-bbq-2026

New Whiskey

Vermont-based WhistlePig Whiskey is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with two new limited edition offerings: Rye, White & Blue PiggyBank; and Declaration Wheat Whiskey. The new PiggyBank release is a 10-year-old Straight Rye whiskey bottled at 55% abv and packaged in a pig-shaped decanter with a red, white, and blue label. The second release, Declaration Wheat Whiskey, is bottled at 43% abv and made from a “high wheat” mash bill that is double-aged in American oak before bottling. The new releases are launching in limited quantities across the U.S. as well as through WhistlePig’s website, where the PiggyBank release sells for $230 a liter and the wheat whiskey goes for $74 a 750-ml.

Buffalo Trace Is Bringing Back 2 E.H. Taylor Bourbons Whiskey Fans Haven’t Seen in Years

Both bottled-in-bond whiskeys were aged for 10 years and will retail for $80 when they arrive later this year.

https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-eh-taylor-four-grain-and-eh-taylor-cured-oak-2026-11980110

Plain talk about how the wine industry is (actually) doing very well

Or, the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain

https://caparoso.substack.com/p/plain-talk-about-how-the-wine-industry

The Perils and Pleasures of Pairing

A group of sommeliers from around the United States, Canada and Mexico spent last week in Sonoma County tasting wines, touring vineyards, and competing in a time-honored contest of skill and creativity – food and wine pairing.

The Perils and Pleasures of Pairing

Europe’s oldest vineyards threatened by solar power

Home to Spain’s oldest Tempranillo plantings, D.O. Toro’s ancient vineyards are under threat – not from climate change, but subsidies that encourage the installation of solar panels on farmland.

Europe’s oldest vineyards threatened by solar power

Trump in trademark war with California winery

A Republican producer based in Monterey is embroiled in a dispute with Trump-affiliated companies over the name of one of its wines as the US President moves to protect his ‘brand’

Trump in trademark war with California winery

The U.S. Is One Step Closer to Legalizing Home Distilling. 

Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

https://vinepair.com/articles/home-distilling-tips-to-know

New Sugarlands

New Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Sugarlands Distillery has released Eggo Blueberry Waffle Moonshine, the latest collaboration between the distillery and the staple breakfast brand. The 30% abv moonshine is now available at Sugarlands’ distillery with a national rollout underway. The new entry follows 2022’s EggoNog and 2024’s Eggo Brunch in a Jar Waffles & Syrup Sippin’ Cream, and is the first Eggo-flavored moonshine created by the two brands. While Sugarlands is primarily known for their moonshine-based drinks, the company has diversified lately, announcing a strategic partnership with Tequila-maker Azul Imports in March, as well as expanding Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey to national distribution in late 2025.

Hennessy’s New Pre-Mixed Cocktails Are Quietly Landing on Liquor Store Shelves

Liquor stores have begun receiving shipments of three pre-mixed Hennessy cocktails that combine the fan-favorite cognac with a variety of summery flavors.

Hennessy’s New Pre-Mixed Cocktails Are Quietly Landing on Liquor Store Shelves

Inside the chemistry of the Paloma

Why do tequila and grapefruit work so well together? db takes a closer look at the chemistry, flavour compounds and production choices that make the iconic Paloma work so well. 

Inside the chemistry of the Paloma

Why mezcal could be the spirit for wine lovers

Could mezcal be the next spirit for wine lovers? Andrew Maidment, former marketing director of Wines of Argentina UK and co-founder of Zacal Mezcal, tells the db why agave has more in common with fine wine than many might think.

Why mezcal could be the spirit for wine lovers

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

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.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/05/restaurant-wine-sales-fall-as-value-and-new-trends-drive-growth/

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

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.

https://www.mashed.com/2152090/how-many-beers-equal-bottle-of-wine/

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

04-20-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

I Have Seen The Liquor Store Of The Future

The New Official Wine Consumption Guidelines

Who Really Pays for Tariffs?

 

 

 

How Technology Is Transforming No- and Low-Alcohol Wine

From non-traditional yeasts to nano-membrane filtration, a wave of innovation is helping winemakers rebuild what’s lost when alcohol is removed from wine

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/how-technology-is-transforming-no-and-low-alcohol-wine/

 

 

What to Know About Pechuga — the Mezcal Distilled With Poultry

Distilled with poultry, this celebratory spirit tells deeply personal stories of tradition and place.

https://www.foodandwine.com/what-is-pechuga-mezcal-11934660

 

 

The How of Wine
How to find an earth-friendly wine

https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/the-how-of-wine-how-to-find-an-earth-friendly-wine/article_00637f0e-1d08-45c7-b681-aabc89f862d3.html

 

 

Yes, You Can Drink Wine When You Fly — If You Know What to Order

Sommeliers share pro tips around alcohol content, food pairings, and hydration when enjoying wine before and during flights.

https://www.foodandwine.com/drinking-wine-when-you-fly-11936556

 

 

Scotch up as most spirits drop in control states

Sales of Scotch in US monopoly states rebounded last month, driven by New Hampshire, according to data from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/scotch-up-as-most-spirits-drop-in-control-states/

 

 

Jefferson’s Bourbon takes ocean aging to cruise ships

Pernod Ricard-owned Jefferson’s Bourbon has partnered with Holland America Line to age its whiskey on the high seas.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/jeffersons-bourbon-takes-ocean-ageing-to-cruise-ships/

 

 

Consumers Reject Expensive Restaurant Wines

High wine prices in US restaurants are turning off diners, and so are the types of wine on offer.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/consumers-reject-expensive-restaurant-wines

 

 

Kansas City is split on if mini liquor bottle ban would reduce crime.

What research says

https://www.swoknews.com/ap/national/kansas-city-is-split-on-if-mini-liquor-bottle-ban-would-reduce-crime-what-research/article_821f36bb-62df-5a30-a5b8-55ae430648cf.html

 

 

A Guide to Germany’s New Wine Classification System

Germany’s updated wine law—which is mandatory from the 2026 vintage—introduces PDOs, PGIs, and stricter regional control, but understanding the new hierarchy won’t necessarily be easier

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/a-guide-to-germanys-new-wine-classification-system/

 

 

Is Your Wine a Brand or a Label? Here’s One Way to Find Out For Yourself.

There are well over a million different wines on shelves and lists. Which would be missed if they disappeared? Artificial Intelligence could help to provide that answer.

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/is-your-wine-a-brand-or-a-label-heres?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

New Mikes

• Mark Anthony Brands has launched Mike’s Dirty Lemonade, a new non-carbonated offshoot of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade brand. The new malt-based drinks are inspired by the “dirty soda” trend—in which extra flavors are added to a soft drink—and come in at 4.5% abv in four flavors: Dirty Lemon Secret, Dirty Cherry Brew, Very Berry Grape, and Pineapple Haze. The new releases will be promoted with the “Made with Real Character” campaign featuring a trio of anthropomorphic lemons with attitude. Along with Mike’s, Mark Anthony Brands also markets malt-based heavyweights like White Claw and Cayman Jack, among others.

 

American Airlines cabin crew allegedly served fake fizz on flight

A flight attendant reportedly mixed still Chardonnay wine with carbonated water to “make” sparkling wine after the airline ran out of bottles of fizz.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/american-airlines-cabin-crew-allegedly-served-fake-fizz-on-flight/

 

 

MGP actions ‘poorly handled’ but not fraud, rules judge

A court has dismissed a lawsuit brought against MGP Ingredients by investors who claimed the company had misled them about the business’ health.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/mgp-actions-poorly-handled-but-not-fraud-rules-judge/

 

 

Pinot, Chardonnay, Voltis? Champagne Experiments with New Grape

The new grape variety is mildew resistant, meaning growers can dramatically reduce sprays

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/champagne-experiments-with-new-grape

 

 

Angel’s Envy Is Releasing Its First Age-Stated Rye — and a Cask-Strength Bourbon Built on a ‘Solera-Inspired Process’

Fewer than 1,500 bottles of the bourbon will be released internationally, while the rye will be available exclusively in the U.S.

https://www.foodandwine.com/angels-envy-10-year-cask-strength-rye-and-cask-strength-bourbon-2026-11937350

 

 

IS “ESTATE BOTTLED” AN INDICATOR OF QUALITY?

Yes. But not as much as people often assume.

https://foodandwineaesthetics.com/2026/03/31/is-estate-bottled-an-indicator-of-quality/

 

 

Trade war meets tradition: Canadian Jews confront a Manischewitz-free Passover

The ban on American booze, which came in response to the country’s tariffs, has “created a meaningful opening” for Israeli wineries in Canada, according to a wine executive.

https://www.jta.org/2026/03/31/global/trade-war-meets-tradition-canadian-jews-confront-a-manischewitz-free-passover

 

 

FACEBLOCK: META’S UNEXPECTED CRACKDOWN ON ALCOHOL CONTENT

In January 2026, hundreds of thousands of businesses received the un­welcome news that Facebook would no longer be recommending their pages

https://full-pour.com/facebook-alcohol-page-suspension/

 

 

US whiskey exports to EU plunge 35% in 2025

Exports of US spirits declined by 3.8% last year, driven by a double-digit drop for American whiskey in Europe, Canada and Japan

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/us-whiskey-exports-to-eu-plunge-35-in-2025/

 

 

The best (of the worst) industry April Fool’s jokes 2026

It’s the one day of the year when journalists everywhere read every press release twice – and still don’t trust it. To save you the guesswork, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best drinks industry pranks that have been doing the rounds this April Fool’s Day

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/the-best-of-the-worst-industry-april-fools-jokes-2026/

 

 

Green River cuts head distiller role

Aaron Harris, who was head distiller at Owensboro-based Green River Distilling, has left the Kentucky-based American whiskey company.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/green-river-cuts-head-distiller-role/

 

 

Goodbye cork taint – hello, halo taint

It’s not just corks that can make a wine smell musty. Newly minted MW Kathleen Van den Berghe explores haloanisoles in wine.

https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/goodbye-cork-taint-hello-halo-taint

 

 

The Surprisingly Heavy History of Easter Beer—Plus, 7 Styles to Try

For many of us, spring brings lighter and brighter flavors into our glasses and onto our plates.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/beer/easter-beer-traditions/

 

 

What to Drink Next If You Love Booker’s

If you love barrel-proof bourbon, there is a vast range of bottles to explore.

https://www.unicornauctions.com/unicorn-review/what-to-drink-next-bookers

 

 

New RTD

• Harvest Hill Beverage Company has extended spirits-based RTD SunnyD Vodka Seltzerwith a new “Purple” flavor. The 4.5% abv limited time offering is lightly carbonated and calls back to a pitcher of “purple stuff” seen in a 1990s SunnyD commercial. The release carries a suggested price of $10 a 4-pack and will be supported by social activations and influencer marketing asking “What does Purple taste like to you?”

 

Infographic: Who Really Pays for Tariffs?

These Scholars Tracked a Bottle of Wine To Find Out.

https://reason.com/2026/04/02/infographic-who-really-pays-for-tariffs-these-scholars-tracked-a-bottle-of-wine-to-find-out/

 

 

After the Craft Beer Gold Rush

Now that the release lines have died down and the hazy bros have moved on, craft beer culture in America is different—but that’s not such a bad thing.

https://punchdrink.com/articles/craft-beer-gold-rush-breweries-2026/

 

 

Michter’s Legacy Series 2026 Is Here — and It’s as Experimental as Ever

This year’s Shenk’s features caramel malted barley, while Bomberger’s draws on Chinquapin and Hungarian oak to shape its profile.

https://www.foodandwine.com/michters-legacy-series-shenks-bombergers-2026-11941655

 

 

Increased Wine Sales – with PET Bottles?

Practical packaging that is also sustainable is becoming an increas-ingly strong sales argument.

https://whattheythink.com/news/129841-increased-wine-sales-pet-bottles/

 

 

Who’s Afraid of 100% American Wine?

A simple standard is facing serious resistance. The real question is: who benefits from keeping it that way?

https://cawg.substack.com/p/whos-afraid-of-100-american-wine

 

 

Wine Filtering Wands And Stir Sticks

Are These Things Legitimate?

https://porchdrinking.com/wine-filtering-wands-and-stir-sticks-are-these-things-legitimate/

 

 

The Off-Dry Riesling Reboot No One Saw Coming

An array of factors contributes to off-dry Riesling’s contemporary reboot.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/grapes-101/off-dry-rieslings/

 

 

The Reason Americans Have Stopped Drinking Out

And what it signals for the restaurant trade elsewhere

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/the-reason-americans-have-stopped

 

 

Who benefits from wine shipping limits? Not states, not producers, not consumers.

Ninety years on, the rules states built beneath the 21st Amendment are costing them money, costing producers markets, and costing consumers choice. The authority to change them has always been there.

https://stevenunlimited.substack.com/p/who-benefits-from-wine-shipping-limits

 

 

Buffalo Trace Just Released 2 New Experimental Whiskeys — Including a 15-Year Bourbon for $47

The releases reflect two distinct approaches the distillery has explored in recent years.

https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-single-oak-rye-bourbon-and-buffalo-trace-experimental-collection-low-entry-proof-wheated-bourbon-11942950

 

 

So you chose the wine because of the cool label

Love! Do this next.

https://cellarnotes.substack.com/p/so-you-chose-the-wine-because-of?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

The New Official Wine Consumption Guidelines

Ten Recommendations Concerning Wine Consumption

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/the-new-official-wine-consumption-guidelines?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

Maximalist Bars Are Offering Guests a Much-Needed Escape from Reality

A Bold Rebuke of Minimalism

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/maximalist-bar-interiors/

 

 

Tannins from oak barrels that flavor wine are ‘fingerprinted’ by researchers

Complex tastes in wine come from both grape skins and wood during aging; new study uses AI to identify compounds responsible for flavors and mouthfeel

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/tannins-oak-barrels-flavor-wine-are-fingerprinted-researchers

 

 

What makes a great site for Trentino Pinot Grigio?

Even in Italy, Pinot Grigio is far from homogenous. In the best sites of Trentino, producers like Mezzacorona are showing how the variety can match easy-drinking charm with “elegant sapidity”.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/what-makes-a-great-site-for-trentino-pinot-grigio/

 

 

MGP halts production at Kentucky distilleries

US firm MGP Ingredients will pause operations at Kentucky distilleries Limestone Branch and Lux Row Distillers as whiskey demand drops, impacting 33 jobs.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/mgp-halts-production-at-kentucky-distilleries/

 

 

Deep Eddy Vodka to shut brand home

Heaven Hill Brands will close its Deep Eddy Vodka visitor centre in Dripping Springs, Texas, this summer after investing millions into its expansion.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/deep-eddy-vodka-to-shut-second-distillery-and-tasting-room/

 

 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail hits 2.7m visits in 2025

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail matched its visitation numbers from 2024 after welcoming 2.7 million whiskey fans last year

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/kentucky-bourbon-trail-hits-2-7m-visits-in-2025/

 

 

The 30 Best Red Blends for 2026

Red blends aren’t a new concept — they’ve existed in regions like Bordeaux and the Southern Rhône for centuries — but it’s certainly a category that continues to evolve.

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

 

 

How Dogfish Head Finally Found Growth Again — With the Grateful Dead

Dogfish Head became a top-20 craft brewery in America in 2010, but in 2019, sales growth stopped and started trending downward the following year due to heightened competition in an increasingly localized, IPA-crazed market.

https://vinepair.com/articles/dogfish-head-grateful-dead-growth/

 

 

Scientists Call for Urgent Action on Glyphosate, Citing Strong Links to Cancer

Newer research is now “so strong that no additional delays in regulation of glyphosate can be justified.” Guest article by Carey Gillam of The New Lede, reprinted with permission. .

https://organicwineuncorked.substack.com/p/scientists-call-for-urgent-action

 

 

Does Your Drink Choice Matter? A New Study Finds Moderate Wine Drinkers Live Longer

Researchers found that light-to-moderate wine drinkers had lower mortality rates than both abstainers and beer and spirits drinkers

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/new-study-finds-moderate-wine-drinkers-live-longer

 

 

What’s Next for the Wine Importer Who Took Down the Trump Tariffs at the Supreme Court?

The tariffs were deemed illegal: the billions of dollars that were collected now have to be returned

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/wine-enthusiast-podcast/victor-schwartz-supreme-court/

 

 

I Have Seen The Liquor Store Of The Future

The first thing you see is that there is no product on shelves, except for one example of each item

https://www.thechalkreport.com/post/i-have-seen-the-liquor-store-of-the-future

 

 

Sazerac to debut its first Tennessee whiskey

Nearly a decade after buying its first Tennessee site, Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has revealed the name of the distillery, which is set to launch its first whiskey this summer.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/sazerac-to-debut-its-first-tennessee-whiskey/

 

 

New JD and Coke

• Brown-Forman has released a new Zero Sugar variety 6-pack for its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola spirits-based RTD. The new pack contains two cans each of Jack & Coca-Cola Zero, Jack & Coca-Cola Cherry Zero, and Jack & Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero, all at 5% abv and 100 calories per can. The new variety pack is now available nationwide for a suggested price of $17 a 6-pack. Last year, Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola was up 6% to 739,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston Launch Dos Hombres Tequila, Starting With a $40 Blanco and $50 Reposado

Produced in Amatitán, Jalisco, the tequilas are the work of maestro tequilero Julio Cova at Tequilera Tap Distillery.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dos-hombres-tequila-blanco-reposado-11945782

 

 

This Popular Airline Will Soon Let You Ship a Case of Wine for Free

Passengers flying out of wine country on the airline will be able to check a case of wine for free starting April 24

https://people.com/southwest-airlines-will-soon-let-you-ship-a-case-of-wine-for-free-11945510

 

 

US Wine – Don’t Look Now

With the US wine trade being battered, California wine legend Randall Grahm shares some thoughts on the current state of play.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/04/us-wine-dont-look-now

 

 

US wineries lose USD 357 million after Canada banned American wine

One year after Canadian provinces began removing US wines from store shelves in retaliation for Mr Trump’s tariffs, new data underline how the bans and “Buy Canadian” campaigns triggered a collapse in US wine exports. Full-year 2025 trade data from the Wine Institute shows that exports to Canada fell 78 percent year-on-year, driving a USD 357 million decline in value.

https://brauwelt.com/en/international-report/the-americas/649212-us-wineries-lose-usd-357-million-after-canada-banned-american-wine

 

 

More than a quarter of beer sommeliers are women

The number of female beer sommeliers has grown, with more than 25% of accredited beer sommeliers now being women. Could the sector be showing signs of diversifying? db finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/more-than-a-quarter-of-beer-sommeliers-are-women/

 

 

US appeals court declares 158-year-old home distilling ban unconstitutional

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of ‌Appeals in New Orleans ruled in favor of the nonprofit Hobby Distillers Association and four of its 1,300 members

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-appeals-court-declares-158-year-old-home-distilling-ban-unconstitutional-2026-04-10/

 

 

Boston Beer Facing $175.5M Judgment for Breach of Contract Claims

Boston Beer may have to pay $175.5 million to Ardagh Metal Packaging for claims that it failed to fulfill the terms of a beer-can purchase contract.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/boston-beer-facing-175-5m-judgment-for-breach-of-contract-claims-09622a15

 

 

 

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

04-06-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Prohibitionists Still Going after Wine

Wine drinkers might live longer

Is Guinness really ‘good for you’?

 

 

If A Brewery Makes This Beer Pouring Mistake Don’t Ignore It

We’re all familiar with at least some restaurant red flags you shouldn’t ignore, but many aren’t aware that breweries can likewise commit offenses that should give people pause.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2119832/brewery-beer-pour-mistake-dont-ignore/

 

 

What GLP-1s mean for hospitality

As medicines like GLP‑1s move into the mainstream, they’re reshaping the way people eat, drink and experience hospitality. These treatments are influencing everything from the dishes guests gravitate toward to the way they approach alcohol and indulgence. And while habits are evolving, one thing hasn’t changed: people still want to go out, socialise and enjoy great food and drink

https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2026/what-glp-1s-mean-for-hospitality/

 

Brewers hit ‘structural stagnation’ with beer ‘no longer a growth or margin-expansion story’

Global brewers have gone from growth to “stagnation” as developed market volumes enter structural decline, according to new data.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/brewers-hit-structural-stagnation-with-beer-no-longer-a-growth-or-margin-expansion-story/

 

 

US craft beer sector’s migration from bottles to cans slows

The shift from beer being packaged in cans instead of bottles is “levelling off in the US, according to new research from the Brewers Association (BA). Could this have been impacted by tariffs on aluminium? db finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/us-craft-beer-sectors-migration-from-bottles-to-cans-slows/

 

 

Is the ‘Ozempic era’ an opportunity for no-and-low?

With growing research to suggest GLP-1 drugs reduce the desire to drink alcohol, Eloise Feilden asks whether the ‘Ozempic era’ offers opportunities for the no- and low-ABV sector to thrive.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/is-the-ozempic-era-an-opportunity-for-no-and-low/

 

 

The 16 Most Important Irish Whiskeys of the 21st Century So Far

In some ways, sales only tell half the story. Whiskey itself paints a more colorful picture.

https://vinepair.com/articles/21st-century-most-imporant-irish-whiskey/

 

 

Retailers turn to digital rebates as alcohol sales slump

Grocers and C-stores are turning to digital alcohol rebates to try to boost alcohol sales and digital engagement.

https://www.modernretail.co/technology/retailers-turn-to-digital-rebates-as-alcohol-sales-slump/

 

 

Why Unions Are Fighting to Keep Wine Out of New York Grocery Stores

The opposition comes as large grocery chains seek to expand their market power into wine sales, a move that could redirect millions of dollars in revenue away from the current system of licensed wine and liquor stores

https://www.altitudesmagazine.com/unions-fighting-wine-new-york-grocery-stores/

 

 

What’s The Best-Selling Whiskey Brand In The US?

Whiskey, or whisky depending on the origins of a particular bottle, is one of the most popular liquors in the world, and for good reason.

https://www.mashed.com/2120839/best-selling-whiskey-brand/

 

 

Tequila’s price rebalancing act

The Tequila sector is changing its stance in line with consumers wanting to enjoy quality liquid at wallet-friendly prices.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/tequilas-price-rebalancing-act/

 

 

The Future of Wine

How AI Is Transforming Employment in the Wine Industry

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/17/the-future-of-wine-how-ai-is-transforming-employment-in-the-wine-industry/

 

 

New Bookers

Suntory Global Spirits has released the first 2026 bottling of Booker’s Bourbon, “Big Easy” Batch. The seven-year-old whiskey is bottled at 64.55% and blended from whiskies matured in five different rick houses. The release takes its name from Booker Noe’s love of New Orleans, according to the company. It carries a suggested price of $100 a bottle and is available in limited quantities across the U.S. Typically, Suntory releases multiple batches of Booker’s every year, with each bottling named in celebration of Booker Noe’s legacy

 

 

Are Americans turning to homegrown wines as tariffs bite?

US wine consumption is falling, but shifting trade policy and pricing pressures are reshaping buying habits. As tariffs disrupt imports, producers and buyers are reassessing the balance between domestic and international bottles. Kathleen Willcox reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/are-americans-turning-to-homegrown-wines-as-tariffs-bite/

 

 

Italy about to start making domestically dealcoholised wine

Following a decree passed in late 2025 to reverse the clamp-down on dealcoholised wine, Italian producers are expecting to be able to start officially dealcoholising wines inside the country “any day now”. Sarah Neish reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/italy-to-lift-ban-on-making-dealcoholised-wines/

 

 

How Ozempic Changed the Way I Taste Wine

GLP-1s don’t merely curb one’s desire to eat; research suggests that they target pleasure centers in the brain, reducing urges to partake in a variety of vices, including gambling, compulsive shopping, and, yes, drinking. There’s even speculation that GLP-1s could one day be used as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/drinking-on-ozempic/

 

 

Wine Isn’t Risk-Free — but It May Not Be the Biggest Health Threat on Your Table

Headlines say “no amount of alcohol is safe,” but a closer look at the science — and how risk statistics are reported — tells a more nuanced story.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-consumption-health-risk-11927690

 

 

Decades-old Missouri cooperage is home to some of the most skilled wine barrel-makers

The Oak Cooperage in Higbee has been making wine barrels since 1972 and is all about turning good wines into great wines.

https://www.komu.com/news/showmemissouri/decades-old-missouri-cooperage-is-home-to-some-of-the-most-skilled-wine-barrel-makers/article_0db465dd-fb63-42d3-931d-7eb35276efca.html

 

 

A New Era for Oregon Bubbles

Method Oregon Launches Nonprofit Organization and First Official Standard for Oregon Sparkling Wine

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/17/method-oregon-launches-nonprofit-organization-and-first-official-standard-for-oregon-sparkling-wine/

 

 

The Best Wine Pairings for Disney’s Most Iconic Snacks

Disney’s top sommeliers to offer their wine pairings for the park’s most famous bites.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-pair/disney-snacks-wine-pairings/

 

 

Marlborough winegrowers brace for challenging years ahead

New Zealand’s largest wine region is bracing for a prolonged downturn, with growers cutting production and facing mounting financial pressure. Some industry leaders warn the road back to profitability will be slow, despite signs of global demand.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/marlborough-winegrowers-brace-for-challenging-years-ahead/

 

 

Moldova’s quiet wine revolution

With a long winemaking history, distinctive grape varieties and a developing wine tourism sector, Moldova is perfectly placed to win over new consumers.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/moldovas-quiet-wine-revolution/

 

 

Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Collaborates with Larceny Bourbon on a Limited Release Napa Valley Red Blend

It’s a Red Blend finished in Larceny Bourbon Barrels – a Wine designed for the Whiskey Lover

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260319763768/en/Cooper-Thief-Cellarmasters-Collaborates-with-Larceny-Bourbon-on-a-Limited-Release-Napa-Valley-Red-Blend

 

 

Is Guinness really ‘good for you’?

Guinness, like other Irish stouts, enjoys a seasonal popularity every St. Patrick’s Day. It has also been touted as being “good for you,” at least by its own advertising posters decades ago.

https://www.kcra.com/article/guinness-health-benefits-risks-2026/70766805

 

 

We Ranked 8 Classic IPAs (and 1 Pale Ale) You’ll Find at Any Store — One Clearly Stood Out

Think you can pick your favorite beer from a lineup? We put it to the test with some of America’s most popular pale ales.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pale-ale-taste-test-11929168

 

 

7 Things You Should Know About Old Overholt

The Oldest Continuously Operating Whiskey Brand in the U.S.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-old-overholt/

 

 

Gen Z and Millennials expect more from alcohol-free beer

Attitudes to alcohol consumption are changing among adult-age Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly expecting more from the alcohol-free beer category, according to a new report.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/gen-z-and-millennials-expect-more-from-alcohol-free-beer/

 

 

New Dalmore

• Single malt Scotch whisky The Dalmore, handled in the U.S. by Spirit of Gallo, is introducing Select Editions 2007 and 2010, 18-year-old and 15-year-old vintage whiskies, respectively. Both were matured in rare Sherry barrels from Gonzalez Byass, including Matusalem, Apostoles, and Amoroso. The Dalmore Select Edition 2007 is at 46.7% abv and retails at $550 a bottle, while Select Edition 2010 is at 49.1% abv and retails at $250. Both luxury malts are rolling out to select retail and fine dining establishments in the U.S.

 

A New Wine Label Promotes Workers’ Rights

Hardly anyone in the natural wine world is talking about environmental justice for those who pick the grapes, labor advocates say. The Guardian Vital label aims to change that.

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/18032026/california-wine-label-promotes-workers-rights/

 

 

New Rumple

Diageo is extending its Rumple Minze brand with Cinnamint Whiskey, a 100-proof flavored whiskey that combines cinnamon with Rumple Minze’s signature peppermint flavor. Diageo says the extension is inspired by the trend toward “fire and ice” shots in bars. Rumple Minze Cinnamint Whiskey will roll out nationally starting this month in 750-ml. bottles priced at $20, along with 375-ml., 50-ml., and 1-liter sizes.

 

 

As Americans drink much less wine, kosher demand stays strong

Across the United States and globally, wine consumption is declining.

https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/jta/as-americans-drink-much-less-wine-kosher-demand-stays-strong/article_0f575dc5-219e-5997-bf4d-f30993483212.html

 

 

The Top-Selling Tequilas in the US Right Now, According to Total Wine & More

Tequilas rooted in traditional methods are seeing rapid growth as consumers become more focused on production and provenance.

https://www.foodandwine.com/top-selling-tequilas-in-america-total-wine-data-2026-11931903

 

 

How Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Became an American Whiskey Unicorn

When it comes to the most sought-after American whiskeys, Kentucky-based Michter’s has at least a few bottles in contention.

https://vinepair.com/articles/michters-celebration-sour-mash-unique-american-whiskey/

 

 

Wine drinkers show lower heart risk than other alcohol consumers, study finds

A study of 340,000 adults suggests not all alcohol carries the same risk – even at low to moderate levels, beer, cider and spirits were linked to higher mortality, while wine was associated with a lower risk.

https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/03/21/wine-drinkers-show-lower-heart-risk-than-other-alcohol-consumers-study-finds

 

 

This New England IPA Has a Cult Following — and It’s at Trader Joe’s

Brewed in Maine with Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe hops, the citrusy IPA has become a sought-after find at the chain.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trader-joes-craft-beer-maine-beer-company-lunch-ipa-11929893

 

 

Who Is George Clooney’s New Non-Alcoholic Beer Even For?

For months, trade insiders have chewed on rumors that this day would come.

https://vinepair.com/articles/who-will-drink-george-clooney-new-non-alcoholic-beer/

 

 

New LUX Row

Kentucky’s Lux Row Distillers has released the 12th edition of Blood Oath whiskey, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Montepulciano and Sangiovese casks. The whiskey, like all Blood Oath releases, is bottled at 49.3% abv (98.6 proof), with this batch limited to 17,000 3-pack cases. The Bourbon itself is a blend of 9-year-old and 12-year-old Bourbons with a 7-year-old Bourbon finished in the two types of wine casks. Blood Oath Pact 12 carries a suggested price of $130 a bottle. While the overall release totals 51,000 bottles, 1,400 will be reserved for a future Trilogy offering, in which the brand re-releases three of its library whiskies at once. Lux Row is part of Luxco, the branded arm of MGP Ingredients.

 

 

Buffalo Trace creates second Daniel Weller whiskey

Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery has released the second edition of its experimental Daniel Weller series, crafted from spelt wheat.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/buffalo-trace-creates-second-daniel-weller-whiskey/

 

 

Are Dirty Martinis becoming too dirty?

In an era where ‘more’ is often mistaken for ‘better’, the Dirty Martini has become a case study in taking things too far. Extra dirty, filthy, and sometimes downright swampy – today’s orders show signs of a cocktail pushed well past its original intent. And consumers are into it.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-dirty-martinis-becoming-too-dirty/

 

 

New laws for Georgian vineyards spark corruption fears

Under new laws, Georgian winemakers will have to seek state approval before setting up commercial vineyards from May. The regulations are intended to boost vineyard quality, but winemakers warn they’ll penalise small businesses, and worry the risk of corruption runs high.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/new-laws-for-georgian-vineyards-spark-corruption-fears/

 

 

What Does Single Pot Still Mean in Whiskey?

It’s a question that, across culture, politics, and religion, the Irish have been asking themselves for decades: How can we set Ireland apart from our counterparts in the U.K.?

https://vinepair.com/articles/ask-a-distiller-what-does-single-pot-still-mean-in-whiskey/

 

 

Consorzio Asti DOCG Unveils New Rosé Sparkling Wine

The new product (which may be bottled starting thirty days after publication) will be a blend composed of Moscato grapes intended for Asti DOCG (70% to 90%) and Brachetto grapes intended for Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG (10% to 30%). It may be offered in all styles, from sweet to extra brut, thus giving producers the flexibility to adjust residual sugar according to their stylistic choices and the needs of different markets potentially interested in this new category.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/24/consorzio-asti-docg-unveils-new-rose-sparkling-wine/

 

 

Prohibitionists Still Going after Wine

A shadowy international organization is trying to put warning labels on your favorite Cabernet and Chardonnay.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/prohibitionists-still-going-after-wine

 

 

Can Beer Really Upgrade Your Lawn? Natural Light Is Betting on It

Backed by studies on brewing byproducts, the new product hints at a different approach to lawn care.

https://www.foodandwine.com/natural-light-lawn-brew-fertilizer-11933024

 

 

Wine producers celebrate Prosecco naming ‘win’, as EU trade deal to boost prospects for Aussie exporters

Through the Wine Agreement, Australian wine exporters will see additional benefits. Importantly, the new agreement includes protections for Australian wine exporters that will allow all other existing grape variety names to be used indefinitely, even if they become an EU GI in the future.

https://winetitles.com.au/wine-producers-celebrate-prosecco-naming-win-as-eu-trade-deal-to-boost-prospects-for-aussie-exporters/

 

 

New JD

Brown-Forman has introduced the latest releases in Jack Daniel’sseries of age-stated whiskies: 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2, 12-Year-Old Batch 4, and 10-Year-Old Batch 5. All three are made from Jack Daniel’s mash of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The 14-year-old is bottled at 58.8% abv, the 12-year-old at 53.5% abv, and the 10-year-old at 48.5% abv. Jack Daniel’s 14-, 12-, and 10-Year-Old Tennessee whiskeys will be available in limited quantities across the U.S., retailing at $150, $100, and $90, respectively. Excluding flavors and RTDs, Jack Daniel’s was at just below 4.5 million cases in the U.S. in 2025, according to Impact Databank.

 

 

This Distiller Debunks The Widespread Myth of the Neck Pour

Heaven Hill’s Conor O’Driscoll says there’s no science to support it

https://whiskyadvocate.com/Whiskey-Neck-Pours

 

 

Arizona is growing nearly 80 types of wine grapes, new report finds

Until now, no data existed to show exactly what was being grown, where, or how much it was worth.

https://www.12news.com/article/money/economy/arizona-wine-growers-new-study/75-3b22af3b-0efa-429a-922b-8c9de9685714

 

 

Long Island Spirits sues LIV Golf

US-based Long Island Spirits, which makes LiV Vodka, has filed a lawsuit against the Saudi Arabian-backed golf league alleging trademark infringement.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/long-island-spirits-sues-liv-golf/

 

 

The States That Tax Beer the Most (2026)

In the U.S., taxes account for a higher percentage of the cost of beer than ingredients, labor, and other materials combined.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/states-highest-beer-taxes-2026/

 

 

What Does ‘Dram’ Actually Mean in Whiskey?

Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a bit of whiskey.

https://vinepair.com/articles/dram-whiskey-term-explained/

 

 

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman explore merger

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman have confirmed early-stage talks about a potential business combination that could create one of the world’s largest spirits groups. The proposed merger would unite major global brands and two founding family dynasties at the heart of the drinks industry.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/pernod-ricard-and-brown-forman-explore-merger/

 

 

Study: Wine drinkers might live longer

Here’s a reason why you might want to get a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon on your next trip to the store to have with dinner.

https://www.audacy.com/national/news/is-red-wine-good-for-health#

 

 

 

 

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