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*

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

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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

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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*

06-15-2026

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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Beer Sale Items

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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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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

03-23-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine

The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning

Our society has an alcohol problem

 

 

Think You Know Where Your Whiskey Comes From? You Might Be Wrong

It’s possible that your favorite whiskey was distilled somewhere you would never expect.

https://www.foodandwine.com/sourced-vs-contracted-whiskey-11915388

 

 

EU Rides to Wine’s Rescue

The European Union has announced a major bail-out package for wine producers

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/eu-rides-to-wines-rescue

 

 

‘We were right’: He took Trump’s tariffs to the Supreme Court and won

Victor Owen Schwartz never imagined he would one day find himself challenging a president in the highest court in the land.

https://libertyjusticecenter.org/newsroom/we-were-right-he-took-trumps-tariffs-to-the-supreme-court-and-won/

 

 

Bulleit Debuts a Mesquite-Smoked Malt Bourbon With Zero Rye

The release uses a mashbill centered on mesquite-smoked malted barley and was aged for more than six years before bottling.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bulleit-mesquite-smoked-malt-kentucky-straight-bourbon-11914619

 

 

Diageo Debuts Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Expression

Diageo is introducing Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-time release made with an experimental mashbill that includes 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley. During the malting process, a portion of the malted barley is smoked over mesquite wood to impart a smoky aroma.

Bottled at 46.5% abv, the new entry is positioned at $50 a 750-ml. and is rolling out in limited quantities nationwide. According to Impact Databank, Bulleit slipped an estimated 3.6% to 1.6 million cases in the U.S. market last year.

 

 

PEOPLE ARE DRINKING LESS THAN EVER. WHAT’S COUNTRY MUSIC TO DO?

In Nashville, some are wondering how a decline in drinking may affect artists’ own liquor brands and the songs they sing. “There are more weed songs for sure,” says one songwriter

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/drinking-songs-country-music-decline-1235521023/

 

 

5 Places You Should Never Keep a Bottle of Wine, According to Experts

If your wine rack is anywhere near your oven, it’s time you find it a new home.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/5-places-you-should-never-store-a-bottle-of-wine-according-to-experts/

 

 

Did tariffs on imported wines help American wineries? If so it’s hard to see.

American wineries faced headwinds in 2025 that included demographic shifts, reduced tourism, and higher input costs. You might think that tariffs on imported wines would have helped. They didn’t.

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/03/did-tariffs-on-imported-wines-help-american-wineries-if-so-its-hard-to-see-how/

 

 

Red blotch a worldwide vineyard threat

Grapevine red blotch virus is a growing problem.

https://goodfruit.com/red-blotch-a-worldwide-vineyard-threat/

 

 

Wine Diplomacy Paves the Way

Wine producers in the US look to maintain goodwill during these challenging times.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-diplomacy-paves-the-way

 

 

Yes, Japan Makes Wine—Here’s Why You Should Be Paying Attention

Defined by restraint, freshness, and food-first balance, Japanese wine is quietly booming—driven by indigenous grapes, precise craftsmanship, and a philosophy that favors harmony over power.

https://www.foodandwine.com/japanese-wine-11893591

 

 

Is Phylloxera Still a Threat to the Global Wine Industry?

Genetic adaptation, leaf-feeding populations, and global movement are reshaping the modern phylloxera threat

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/is-phylloxera-still-a-threat-to-the-global-wine-industry/

 

 

Michter’s Bet Early on an Annual 10-Year Bourbon — and the 2026 Release Shows Why That Call Endured

Relying on sensory evaluation instead of calendar deadlines, Michter’s releases its 10-year bourbon only when barrels meet its standards — a practice that has defined its consistency since 2000.

https://www.foodandwine.com/michters-10-year-bourbon-2026-11916630

 

 

What is Sea Aged Sparkling Wine?

You may have seen, during your searches for new wines, some which are stated to have been aged in / under the sea. So, ‘why are wines aged in the sea’ and ‘are they really worth the money’?

https://glassofbubbly.com/what-is-sea-aged-sparkling-wine/

 

 

The Wildest Beer Collab of the Year Involves Bear Poop

This light lager from Columbia Sportswear and Breakside Brewery features notes of berries and honey.

https://www.foodandwine.com/nature-calls-columbia-beer-with-bear-scat-11915970

 

 

15 of the Weirdest Liquor Laws in the U.S.

Some of these mandates come from research and years of developing common sense — for example, don’t drink and drive or operate heavy machinery. Others are based on religious tendencies like dry counties in the South and limitations in Utah. And plenty are just plain weird.

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-liquor-laws-united-states/

 

 

Wine Market Council and Quini Partner

New Research to Decode Consumer Barriers to Wine Flavor

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/314863

 

 

Coravin Celebrates Milestone Sale of Their Two Millionth Wine By-the-Glass System

Coravin, the global leader in wine by-the-glass technology, is excited to announce the sale of its two millionth system, marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey to transform how wine is discovered and enjoyed around the world.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/coravin-celebrates-milestone-sale-of-their-two-millionth-wine-by-the-glass-system/

 

 

Heaven Hill Bottles Final Pours From a Historic Kentucky Rickhouse Before It Goes Dark

The release carries a suggested retail price of $199.99 and marks the first in a planned series of commemorative releases tied to the Deatsville campus, with additional expressions and events scheduled through 2027.

https://thedailypour.com/whiskey/bourbon/heaven-hill-bottles-final-pours-from-a-historic-kentucky-rickhouse-before-it-goes-dark/

 

 

NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen launches Bourbon

Former American football player Jared Allen shares his journey into the spirits industry with Full Ryde Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/nfl-hall-of-famer-jared-allen-launches-bourbon/

 

 

10 Things The Bible Actually Says About Alcohol And Drinking

Whether you’re skipping drinks this month or savoring a glass with dinner, the Bible’s take on alcohol is probably more reasonable than you expect.

https://www.thequeenzone.com/10-things-the-bible-actually-says-about-alcohol-and-drinking/

 

 

Bogle Family Vineyards Introduces Chenin Blanc & Riesling Varietals to National Wine Portfolio

Bogle 2025 Chenin Blanc and the Bogle 2025 Riesling. Produced from Bogle’s estate vineyards in Northern California’s Clarksburg AVA, the inaugural national releases of the Chenin Blanc and Riesling will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning March 2026, each with a suggested retail price of $11.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/bogle-family-vineyards-introduces-chenin-blanc-riesling-varietals-to-national-wine-portfolio/

 

 

Wine Harks Back to the USSR

The current state of the wine industry displays some interesting parallels with late Soviet-era winemaking.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-harks-back-to-the-ussr

 

 

Santiago Marone Cinzano: ‘my generation wants wines that are ready to drink’

Generation Z want wines that are ready to drink now, rather than waiting for years, according to Santiago Marone Cinzano, the 10th generation member from the famous vermouth family who is forging his own way of making top quality Brunello di Montalcino. Arabella Mileham reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/santiago-marone-cinzano-my-generation-wants-wines-that-are-ready-to-drink/

 

 

Kansas City may ban tiny booze bottles to fight crime.

Businesses say those aren’t the problem

https://www.kcur.org/news/2026-03-03/kansas-city-tiny-bottle-ban-ordinance

 

 

7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome

Planning a wine country escape but can’t bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don’t have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/7-Pet-Friendly-Lodi-Wineries-Where-Your-Four-Legged-Friend-is-Always-Welcome

 

 

New Whiskey

• Grain & Barrel Spirits’ Chicken Cock Whiskey has revamped its core portfolio, adding a new wheated Bourbon, which replaces the brand’s Small Batch Bourbon. The new whiskey is bottled at 47% abv, aged for at least five years, and is distilled from a mash of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon is positioned at $55 a 750-ml. and is now rolling out across the U.S.

 

How to Open an Old Bottle of Wine, According to a Sommelier

Wine director Drew Brady likens a 30-year-old cork to a 30-year-old person. Bodies, like corks, can feel physically sound when suddenly a moment of fragility comes along.

https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-open-old-wine-bottle/

 

 

EU gives stamp of approval to Rioja’s viñedos singulares

The EU has approved Rioja’s new geographical indication of viñedos singulares, the smaller geographical units that highlight terroir, following changes introduced by the Consejo Regulador (DOCa) over the last few years.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/eu-gives-stamp-of-approval-to-riojas-vinedos-singulars/

 

 

Virginia’s Most Prominent Winery Sold

Barboursville to change ownership but maintain continuity

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/virginias-most-prominent-winery-sold

 

 

Introducing New ButterZero, Non-Alcoholic Wines by Butter

Butter Wines introduces a premium alcohol-removed wine, bringing its great-taste-first focus to the growing non-alcoholic wine category

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/03/introducing-new-butterzero-non-alcoholic-wines-by-butter/

 

 

The Most Wanted Bourbons of 2026

This year’s search for the most popular bottles in the world starts in Kentucky, where things are not as rosy they once were.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/the-most-wanted-bourbons-of-2026

 

 

The 10 Most Important Cocktails of the 21st Century

The first quarter of this century has seen the birth and rebirth of literally thousands of cocktails, more than any other period in history.

https://vinepair.com/articles/most-important-cocktails-21st-century/

 

 

Johnnie Walker introduces Black Cask

Diageo has debuted Black Cask, a permanent product innovation from Johnnie Walker that seeks to bridge the gap between Scotch and Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/johnnie-walker-introduces-black-cask/

 

 

Are RTDs a beacon of hope for the spirits industry?

While most drinks categories are suffering from downturns, RTDs are bucking the trend thanks to their convenience and experimentation.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-rtds-a-beacon-of-hope-for-the-spirits-industry/

 

 

Anatomy of Wine’s Triple Crisis

The identity of wine has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. No wonder the wine business has changed, too. Here’s that excerpt from Wine Wars II.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/03/triple-crisis/

 

 

Cava’s apex expands as five new Paraje Calificado wines approved

Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has ratified five additional single estate Cavas at the highest rung of the appellation’s hierarchy. The decision brings the total number of Paraje Calificado wines to 15 and confirms the category’s full organic status from the 2025 harvest.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/cavas-apex-expands-as-five-new-paraje-calificado-wines-approved/

 

 

Terroir Terror in the Loire

Bureaucrats are adding to the woes of Loire winemakers by banning the use of a treasured geographical indicator.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/terroir-terror-in-the-loire

 

 

11 Beers With Pretty Gross Origin Stories

One description rarely mentioned alongside America’s favorite brew is “gross.” Yet, here we are.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2115865/beers-with-gross-origin-stories/

 

New Makers

• Maker’s Mark, part of the Suntory Global Spirits range, is unveiling the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release. According to the company, the new entry was “inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the Bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.” The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series includes novel expressions made using a wood stave finishing technique that Suntory says amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the Bourbon. The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% abv, and the other at 56.65% abv. Both will retail at around $75. Maker’s Mark was roughly flat at 2.25 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

 

Huge Fake Wine Seizure in Italy

With exploitation, human trafficking and fraudulent wine, this week’s news roundup reads more like a police blotter.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/huge-fake-wine-seizure-in-italy

 

 

Russians destroy historic 19th-century Ukrainian winery

The winery was originally founded 130 years ago by a Russian prince and, while changing hands several times over the years (including being collectivized during the Soviet Era), it was actively producing wine up until the full Russian invasion of the country on 24 February, 2022.

https://www.hudin.com/russians-destroy-historic-19th-century-ukrainian-winery/

 

 

The Science Is In: What Really Causes Wine Headaches

Thanks to new research about quercetin, the list of culprits in wine falls into three primary categories: tannins, biogenic amines (BAs), and alcohol.

https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/what-really-causes-wine-headaches\\

 

 

Is it best to consume hot or cold water between alcoholic drinks?

The question of whether warm or cold water is better to drink has led to viral discussions online. In the era of zebra-striping, where chasing an alcoholic drink with a soft drink or water is becoming increasingly popular, whether temperature plays a vital role in progressive drinks trends is still up for debate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/is-it-best-to-consume-hot-or-cold-water-between-alcoholic-drinks/

 

 

US Doubles Down on Bordeaux

Despite fears of tariffs and trade wars, Bordeaux has strengthened its grip on US wine searches.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/us-doubles-down-on-bordeaux

 

 

Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay

Which White Wine Is Right for You?

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/sauvignon-blanc-vs-chardonnay-which-white-wine-is-right-for-you

 

 

AI Can’t Taste. Why Do People Let It Pick Their Wine?

Outsourcing your drink order to the robot in your phone has offline implications.

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/ai-sommelier-problem

 

 

What Will a Global Trade Meltdown Mean For Bourbon’s Protected Status?

No matter where you are in the world, if you ask for bourbon, you’re going to get a whiskey produced in the United States under specific rules.

https://vinepair.com/articles/international-trade-chaos-influence-on-bourbon/

 

 

Should you use Prosecco in cocktails?

Prosecco has become a vital ingredient in some of the world’s most popular cocktails, including the Aperol Spritz. But how do producers really feel about their sparkling wines being used in mixology? Sarah Neish finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/716838/

 

 

Shoppers willing to pay nearly 10% more for sustainable products

A global survey from PwC shows shoppers remain committed to sustainability, even as rising bills and inflation reshape spending habits

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/shoppers-will-pay-nearly-10-more-for-sustainable-products/

 

 

Uncle Nearest allegedly hid $20m loan provided by Jay-Z

Kentucky lender Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) has accused Uncle Nearest of fraud, alleging that the Tennessee whiskey maker hid a US$20 million loan given to the brand by media mogul Jay-Z.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/uncle-nearest-allegedly-hid-20m-loan-provided-by-jay-z/

 

 

Chicken Cock debuts wheated Bourbon

Grain & Barrel Spirits-owned whiskey brand Chicken Cock has replaced its small batch core range expression with a new wheated Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/chicken-cock-debuts-wheated-bourbon/

 

 

SIP Certified Unveils Brand Makeover

New Website to Help Consumers Find Sustainable Wines

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315029

 

 

U.S. Wine Industry by the Numbers

If it seems like the number of wines and wineries is always growing it is due in part to the fact that openings are so much more visible than closings. But new wineries enter the market and existing ones exit every year.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/10/numbers-2026/

 

 

Our society has an alcohol problem.

(But not the problem you might think…)

https://www.readbetweenthewines.com/news-updates/our-society-has-an-alcohol-problem-but-not-the-problem-you-might-think/

 

 

Samuel Adams Unveils “Our City. Our Beer.”

Variety Pack Crafted Alongside Derrick White, Garrett Crochet, Julian Edelman and Zdeno Chara

https://www.bostonbeer.com/news/2026/03/samuel-adams-unveils-our-city-our-beer-variety-pack

 

 

Just thinking about tequila, whiskey or wine shifts your mindset

New research

https://theconversation.com/just-thinking-about-tequila-whiskey-or-wine-shifts-your-mindset-new-research-277160

 

 

New Evan

• Heaven Hill has expanded the Evan Williams lineup with a new Blackberry flavored whiskey. The 32.5% abv extension is rolling out across the U.S. now and joins other flavored options from the brand like Honey, Apple, Peach, Cherry, and Fire (cinnamon). The new release carries a suggested price of $15 a 750-ml. Last year, Evan Williams was at approximately 2.9 million cases in the U.S. including flavors, according to Impact Databank.

 

Champagne sales unlikely to rebound in 2026

Following three years of declining shipments of Champagne, it’s hoped that the region will see a turnaround in 2026 – but that’s unlikely with production costs, exchange rates and market conditions as they currently are.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/champagne-sales-unlikely-to-rebound-in-2026/

 

 

World Atlas of Wine returns with ninth edition

The landmark wine reference first published in 1971 will appear in a newly revised ninth edition. Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW again collaborate with maps editor Julia Harding MW on the latest version of a book widely regarded as a cornerstone of wine literature.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/world-atlas-of-wine-returns-with-ninth-edition/

 

 

Are national drink days creating too much noise at the bar?

With more than 100 alcohol-themed awareness days now crowding the calendar, are these celebrations still worth toasting, or are they just marketing clutter?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-national-drink-days-creating-too-much-noise-at-the-bar/

 

 

Gallo Extends Fast-Growing Lucky One RTD Into Spiked Iced Tea

Spirit of Gallo’s Lucky One, which reached just under 1 million cases in its first full year on the market in 2025, according to Impact Databank, has extended into spiked iced tea, launching four new flavors across the U.S. The new releases are in Original (Sweet Tea), Half & Half, Peach, and Raspberry flavors and are made with vodka, with each 355-ml. can coming in at 100 calories. They join Lucky One’s original four varieties of lemonade in the brand range.

Lucky One’s Sweet Tea flavor is rolling out in 4-packs of 355-ml. for around $11 and the flavors can be found in the brand’s variety 8-pack, which carries a suggested price of $20. The brand is continuing its partnerships with Best Friends Animal Society and Lifeline Animal Project and in the last year has donated more than $1 million to help rescue dogs find homes.

 

 

The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning

When did everybody who’s good at something become a sommelier?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/is-everyone-a-somm-viewpoint/

 

 

If Gen Z Is Drinking Less, What Does Turning 21 Mean Now?

But with the media’s preoccupation with the idea that Gen Z isn’t drinking, does it really mean anything to turn 21 today?

https://vinepair.com/articles/if-gen-z-is-drinking-less-what-does-turning-21-mean-now/

 

 

Getting Into Biodynamic Wine

Biodynamic wine is a holistic approach to viticulture that goes beyond organic farming, focusing on vineyard ecology, natural cycles, and soil health. In this guide, we explore how biodynamic wines are made, what sets them apart, and how they taste.

https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/biodynamic-wine-guide/

 

 

Alcohol, Health and the New Puritans

A brush with medical professionals has left one wine lover unhappy at being pigeon-holed as an “alcohol user”.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/alcohol-health-and-the-new-puritans

 

 

Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine

A standard wine pour is 5 ounces. It sounds like a small detail, but that number quietly shapes how you host, how many bottles you need, and how guests experience the wine.

https://communitywineandspirits.com/blogs/news/understanding-the-standard-pour-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!

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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*

03-09-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Wine Tariffs Still Up in the Air

Is wine getting worse?

The 30 Best Bourbons for 2026

 

The Wine World Has a Snob Problem

When hierarchy masquerades as expertise and consumers quietly opt out

https://mollybossardt.substack.com/p/the-wine-world-has-a-snob-problem?utm_campaign=post&triedRedirect=true

 

 

Is it all over for alcohol in the US?

U.S. alcohol consumption has fallen sharply in recent years, which has market questioning if long period of growth has ended.

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/is-it-all-over-for-alcohol-in-the-us-4501134

 

 

Who Is America’s Most Wine-Savvy President?

One of America’s Fouding Fathers believed the United States could produce wines as good as European wines

https://www.vaildaily.com/news/who-is-americas-most-wine-savvy-president/

 

 

Suntory spirits sales fall in 2025 as demand drops

Japanese drinks group Suntory reported a 0.4% drop in alcohol sales last year due to a decline for spirits and a consumption slowdown in the US and Europe.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/suntory-spirits-sales-fall-in-2025-as-demand-drops/

 

 

English wine’s golden age faces a tiny villain

Spotted wing drosophila has gone from curiosity to complication across English and Welsh vineyards. Once the question was whether SWD had arrived; now it is about when it will bite and how quickly it might turn ripe fruit into a rot problem. James Bayley reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/english-wines-golden-age-faces-a-tiny-villain/

 

 

Why Champagne performed better in 2025 than the figures suggest

The year-end shipment figures for Champagne show a global decline in demand, but underlying consumption appears to have held up better than the headline numbers suggest.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/why-champagne-performed-better-in-2025-than-the-figures-suggest/

 

 

The Rise of New Old World Wine

Often under-represented, the wines of Central and Eastern Europe are the new kids on the old bloc.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/the-rise-of-new-old-world-wine

 

 

New Surfside

• Philadelphia’s Stateside Brands has expanded the Surfside RTD label with a new blueberry flavored lemonade. The new addition is at 4.5% abv and contains 100 calories per 12-ounce can. Surfside Blueberry Lemonade is available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans that carry a suggested price of $11. In addition, the company has put out a new variety 8-pack featuring Surfside’s Half and Half expressions. The pack retails for around $20 and contains two cans each of Half and Half, Raspberry Half and Half, Mango Half and Half, and Blackberry Half and Half. Last year Surfside was named “2025 Spirits Brand of the Year” by Market Watch Magazine and the brand grew to 10.5 million cases in the U.S.

 

Can Wine Appellation Systems Withstand Climate Change?

Extreme weather is testing long-standing appellation rules on allowed grape varieties, vineyard locations, and more, intensifying the debate over the future relevance of geographical indications

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/can-wine-appellation-systems-withstand-climate-change/

 

 

From Olympic Powder to Alpine Pour: Inside Alto Adige Wine Country’s Mountain Terroir

Just miles from Cortina’s Olympic runs, Alto Adige’s winemakers harness snowmelt, soaring elevations, and tradition to craft Alpine wines built for endurance.

https://www.foodandwine.com/alto-adige-alpine-wine-11904805

 

 

‘I’m a sommelier – here’s my supermarket tip and why you’re really asked to taste the wine’

Sommelier Jo Radford tells the Money blog about dealing with tricky customers and the one part of the job that’s a little intimidating.

https://news.sky.com/story/im-a-sommelier-heres-my-supermarket-tip-and-why-youre-really-asked-to-taste-the-wine-13508117

 

 

New Woodford

• Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve has released Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Finish, the latest whiskey in the brand’s Distillery Series. The Bourbon is bottled at 45.2% abv and was finished in French oak barrels previously used to mature Cabernet Sauvignon. The release carries a suggested price of $65 for a 375-ml. bottle and is now available at the brand’s distillery and in select retailers across Kentucky. In addition, the whiskey can be shipped to consumers in Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. Woodford Reserve was at 1.5 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

 

Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola intros lower-ABV cans

Brown-Forman has upped the size and lowered the ABV for the latest SKU in its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola ready-to-drink (RTD) range in the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/jack-daniels-and-coca-cola-intro-lower-abv-cans/

 

 

Crémant de Limoux: France’s First Sparkling Wine Region

Why you should swap the Champagne for Crémant, France’s first sparkling wines, which were made long before the country’s most famous fizz took centre stage.

https://francetoday.com/food-drink/wine_and_spirits/cremant-de-limoux-frances-first-sparkling-wine-region/

 

 

Beer Is Your Ticket To Eating More Salad — Here’s How

Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go –- we’re not talking about some kind of sacrificial trade-off where you forgo drinking a beer until you’ve eaten a salad.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2100846/beer-upgrade-salad-dressing-flavor/

 

 

Somms Answer Wine’s New Questions

Younger generations are asking questions that, more than ever, suggest wine lovers want biodynamics over Burgundy.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/somms-answer-wines-new-questions

 

 

A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting

A Satirical Blend of Sommelier Savvy and Child-Rearing Challenges

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/02/17/a-wine-lovers-guide-to-parenting-a-satirical-blend/

 

 

People who switched to cannabis drinks cut their alcohol use nearly in half

Cannabis-infused drinks could help some people trade heavy drinking for a lighter buzz.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005806.htm

 

 

Bardstown Bourbon faces gender discrimination lawsuit

A former executive of Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the firm alleging gender discrimination and improper conduct.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/bardstown-bourbon-faces-gender-discrimination-lawsuit/

 

 

Proper No. Twelve unveils charred barrel Black Reserve

Proximo Spirits-owned Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey has introduced a blend finished in heavily charred American oak barrels.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/proper-no-twelve-unveils-charred-barrel-black-reserve/

 

 

5 Myths About Natural Wine

What’s True, What’s Not

https://www.raisin.digital/en/news/5-myths-about-natural-wine-whats-true-whats-not-1124/

 

 

Why Chile’s ‘forgotten’ ancestral grape is due a second renaissance

A decade ago, Miguel Torres sparked a País revival by proving Chile’s “forgotten” ancestral grape could make serious wine. Today, the producer predicts a second resurgence of the variety, thanks to its knack for withstanding climate change. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/why-chiles-forgotten-ancestral-grape-is-due-a-second-renaissance/

 

 

The first Masters of Wine of 2026 have been announced

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has revealed the names of four individuals who have passed all stages of the Master of Wine examination — a cohort that includes the first female MW to be based in Italy.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/the-first-masters-of-wine-of-2026-have-been-announced/

 

 

The 30 Best Bourbons for 2026

Whether you’re looking for screwtop economy bottles or high-priced allocated beauties, here are 30 of the best bourbons at every price point for 2026.

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

 

 

New On The Rocks

• Suntory Global Spirits has expanded cocktail brand On the Rocks with a new Whiskey Sour, made using Jim Beam Bourbon. The cocktail is bottled at 20% abv and is recommended to be served over ice with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry as garnishes. The Whiskey Sour is available in both 375- and 750-ml. bottles with the former retailing for around $13 and the latter for around $25. The new release is now available across the U.S. In 2025, On the Rocks was up 22% to 960,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Why Does The New York Times Keep Telling You Alcohol Will Kill You?

Why has the world’s paper of record decided to publish so many stories about how awful alcohol is — and when will it end?

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/why-does-the-new-york-times-keep

 

 

What Do Trees Really Do for Wine? More Than You Probably Think

From cooling vineyards to potentially shaping the notes in your glass, scientists and winemakers are just beginning to understand how forests influence flavor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trees-influence-wine-vineyards-11909290

 

2026 Flavor & Food Trends Wineries Can Use

Too many wineries cling to “the way we’ve always done it,” and it is obviously not working for many winery operations right now. Traditional winemaking has its place, but tradition alone won’t help you stand out among thousands of competing brands in today’s challenging market.

https://www.dgwinemaking.com/2026-flavor-food-trends-wineries-can-use/

 

 

Scaling up: Japan’s new wave of whisky distilleries

With new distilleries multiplying at home, Japanese whisky is entering a more competitive and regulated era – one that will test its biggest names and its newcomers.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/scaling-up-japans-new-wave-of-whisky-distilleries/

 

 

New Bourbon

• Luxco’s Penelope Bourbon has released Barrel Strength 7-Year, the latest cask strength whiskey from the company. This whiskey is distilled from a mash of 70% corn, 23% rye, 5% malted barley, and 2% malted rye and bottled at 57.6% abv. Barrel Strength 7-Year is rolling out now in select markets across the U.S. The whiskey carries a suggested price of $60 a bottle, with Penelope releasing 13,000 6-packs.

 

A Year of Scanning: What You’re Really Drinking

Label scanning can tell a lot about wine, according to our Head of Advanced Solutions John Buckwell – and it says even more about you.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/a-year-of-scanning-what-youre-really-drinking

 

 

A Historic Supreme Court Decision Just Ended Trump’s Tariffs — With Far-Reaching Effects on Wine and Food Imports

The ruling overturns the administration’s use of emergency powers and opens the door to refund battles over more than $150 billion in duties paid by U.S. importers.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trump-tariffs-us-supreme-court-ruling-11910767

 

 

‘Impossible to describe:’ Importer who challenged Trump tariffs hails Supreme Court win

With wines and spirits arriving from 16 countries, nearly every corner of Schwartz’s supply chain was touched by the new tariffs

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/wine-importer-who-challenged-trump-tariffs-celebrates-supreme-court-win

 

 

While corporate America stayed silent, a small wine importer risked his business to challenge Trump’s tariffs

Schwartz became the face of the fight to overturn Trump’s most sweeping tariffs — and he won, in a case that was decided by the Supreme Court on Friday.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/21/business/vos-selections-trump-tariffs-lawsuit-risk-takers

 

 

This $55 Whiskey Is America’s Best Rye, According to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards

The award rounded out a strong performance for Heaven Hill Distillery, whose Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye likewise received a Gold Medal.

https://www.foodandwine.com/elijah-craig-toasted-rye-best-rye-in-america-world-whiskies-awards-2026-11909643

 

 

Wine is good for your health if consumed in moderation and within the per diem expenses

Moderate wine consumption in people who closely follow the per diem expenses reduces mortality by up to 33%

https://biotech-spain.com/en/articles/wine-is-good-for-your-health-if-consumed-in-moderation-and-within-the-per-diem-expenses/

 

 

The global glut: vintners being paid to dispose of wine

Changing tastes, a fall in demand and overproduction of wine from the boom years have left vineyards with a problem

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/the-global-glut-vintners-being-paid-to-dispose-of-wine-633vq8kn9

 

 

Microplastics in my wine!?

Does the tiny plastic liner that secures a seal between the closure and the bottle afflict our wine with invisible yet scary microplastics?

http://wineloverspage.com/2026/02/microplastics-in-wine/

 

 

How do people under 40 find their way into fine wine?

The fine wine sector has been operating on a series of false assumptions about how and why people engage with the category and become wine collectors, a new report from fine wine think tank Areni Global has claimed.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/how-do-people-under-40-find-their-way-into-fine-wine/

 

 

New Whiskey

• Heaven Hill Brands is introducing BernheimOriginal Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition. Bernheim’s 20th Anniversary Limited Edition is made from a special selection of barrels aged 10 years and is bottled at 115 proof (57.5% abv). It was produced at the Bernheim distillery and aged in rickhouses in Bardstown, Kentucky. Rolling out in limited quantities nationwide, the special edition wheat whiskey retails at $85 a bottle.

 

EU Council backs new no-alcohol wine definitions and updated labeling

EU rules being updated means better access to information on wine bottles, including ingredients and new digital label options, which makes it easier for consumers to choose products based on taste, nutrition, or personal preferences.

https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/eu-wine-policy-labeling-reform.html

 

 

U.S. Census Report Shows Wine and Beer Exports Collapsed by $472 Million in 2025

Those exports fall under the Census Bureau’s “Wine, beer, and related products” sector, which includes sparkling and still wine, beer, vermouth, cider, alcohol-based ready-to-drink (RTD) products, and other fermented beverages. For wine alone, exports dropped by $428 million — a 33.5 percent loss from 2024, according to Robb Report.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/census-report-us-alcohol-imports-decline-by-millions/

 

 

‘Nearly a quarter in the drinks trade are thinking about leaving because of the culture’

Nearly a quarter of drinks professionals have considered leaving the industry because of harassment or discrimination, according to new data from Drinks United. Michelle Brampton, CEO of the WSET, and founding member of the Drinks United Programme Board, says the scale of the findings surprised even her and warns that junior staff are paying the highest price.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/nearly-a-quarter-in-the-drinks-trade-are-thinking-about-leaving-because-of-the-culture/

 

 

Rhode Island’s Wine Shipping Law: Why It Limits Consumer Choice

Other States Are Moving Forward, but the Ocean State Remains Behind

https://freethegrapes.org/rhode-island-wine-shipping-law/

 

 

Is wine getting worse?

Or at least much more limited in choice

https://fionabeckett.substack.com/p/is-wine-getting-worse

 

 

New Bourbon

Louisville, Kentucky-based Michter’s has announced the latest batch of its 10-year-old Bourbon. The limited edition release is bottled at 47.2% abv with the distillery noting that many of the whiskies used in the blend are aged beyond 10 years. Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon carries a suggested price of $195 and will be available in limited quantities across the U.S. In addition to the 10-year-old Bourbon, Michter’s also offers limited edition bottlings like Michter’s 10 Year Rye and, even more rarely, 20-year-old whiskies.

 

 

Wine Tariffs Still Up in the Air

Doubt is the only certainty a bewildered wine industry can rely on as President Trump looks for alternatives to tariffs.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/wine-tariffs-still-up-in-the-air

 

 

Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

Promoting women’s ownership in wineries can boost sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.

https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2026/02/25/women-more-likely-to-choose-wine-from-female-winemakers/

 

 

MGP’s FY whiskey sales sink 52%

Third-party producer MGP Ingredients saw sales drop by nearly a quarter last year as demand for its whiskey plunged.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/mgps-fy-whiskey-sales-sink-52/

 

 

No-Alcohol Wine Boom not so Boomy

No-alcohol wine is all the rage, if the hype is to be believed, but does it actually sell?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/no-alcohol-wine-boom-not-so-boomy

 

 

How the alcohol industry is rethinking R&D amid falling global consumption

The global alcohol industry is in structural retreat as global consumers continue to drink less. Producers are scrambling to reformulate beverage R&D and regain their falling profits.

https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/alcohol-decline-wine-spirits-beer-trends.html

 

 

Here’s the Secret Code on Your Wine Label That Changes Everything

From Pommard to Dijon, the tiny clone number attached to your favorite grape may matter more than where it’s grown.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-grapes-vines-clones-11913083

 

 

15 Reasons Cruising is Ideal for Serious Wine Fans

First, you need to choose the right cruise line. Different lines target different demographics. Some target young families. Others target people who like dressing up for dinner.

https://allthingscruise.com/15-reasons-cruising-is-ideal-for-serious-wine-fans/

 

 

Heaven Hill unveils commemorative Deatsville Bourbon

Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands has sourced a limited edition 13-year-old Bourbon from its Deatsville campus.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/heaven-hill-unveils-commemorative-deatsville-bourbon/

 

 

The Surprising Origin Story of the Jell-O Shot

Part of the Jell-O shot’s charm is its subversive nature. It’s a silly, sneaky booze delivery system cleverly wrapped up in a classic dessert that likely evokes a childhood memory or two

https://vinepair.com/articles/jell-o-shot-origin-story/

 

 

A book review of, “Greek Wine Explained 2026″

It’s no surprise to me as, Yiannis Karakasis has done it again with his latest work, the excellent, “Greek Wine Explained” that’s been published for 2026.

https://www.hudin.com/a-book-review-of-greek-wine-explained-2026/

 

 

Why Layoffs Are Spreading In California Wine Country

Experts are still debating the reasons for a fall in wine profits. But in the wine industry reset, workers pay the price with their jobs.

https://patch.com/california/healdsburg/why-layoffs-are-spreading-california-wine-country

 

 

 

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 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

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Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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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*

02-23-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Curling Became the ‘Drinking Man’s Sport’

The Truth About Vegan Wine

Bourbon Loses its Charm Overseas

 

 

7 Alternatives to Chartreuse, the Perpetually Hard-to-Find Green Liqueur

With its signature bright green color and easy-to-read label, a bottle of Chartreuse isn’t hard to spot on liquor store shelves or bar racks.

https://vinepair.com/articles/green-chartreuse-herbal-liqueur-alternatives/

 

 

How to Choose the Perfect Sparkling Wine for Valentine’s Day 2026

Valentine’s Day calls for bubbles—there’s something undeniably romantic about the pop of a cork and the effervescence of sparkling wine.

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-sparkling-wine-for-valentines-day-2026

 

 

The Refined Shape of New Zealand Pinot Noir

That’s particularly impressive for a grape that very nearly disappeared from the country altogether in modern times.

https://www.vinography.com/2026/01/the-refined-shape-of-new-zealand-pinot-noir

 

 

Vinho Verde and the White Wine Resurgence

There are certainly many reasons for the “red shift” to white.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/02/03/new-white-wines/

 

 

Beyond Chianti: A Guide to the Best Red Wines for Italian Meat Dishes

When people think of Italian red wines, Chianti is often the first name that comes to mind. And for good reason: its bright acidity and deep connection to Tuscan cuisine make it a classic. Yet, focusing only on Chianti means missing the extraordinary diversity that defines Italy’s food and wine traditions.

https://villamosconi.com/italian-food-wine/best-italian-red-wine-pairing-meat/

 

 

Red Wine vs. White Wine: Which Is Better For Your Heart?

When deciding whether to open a bottle of red wine vs white wine, you may wonder which is the healthier choice. Red wine is known for its heart-healthy benefits, but white wine also contains beneficial antioxidants.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/red-wine-vs-white-wine-11881584

 

 

Can Non-Alcoholic Tequila Replicate the Real Thing?

The boom in tequila and non-alcoholic drinks have fueled an inevitable crossover, but recreating tequila’s flavor without alcohol isn’t easy

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/can-non-alcoholic-tequila-replicate-the-real-thing/

 

 

Bourbon brings more than $10bn to Kentucky

The Bourbon sector generates US$10.6 billion for Kentucky’s economy annually and supports nearly 24,000 jobs, a new report has revealed.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/bourbon-brings-more-than-10bn-to-kentucky/

 

 

The Wine Connoisseur: Don’t judge a wine by its screw cap

While screw capped wines might appear to be a modern trend, they were actually introduced in the United States by the E.&J. Gallo Winery during the 1950s and 1960s.

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/the-wine-connoisseur-dont-judge-a-wine-by-its-screw-cap/

 

 

RTD Cocktails Swallow US Drinks Market

Pre-mixed cocktails in a can are dominating the US drinks market, as consumers worry about the economy

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/rtd-cocktails-swallow-us-drinks-market

 

 

Explore Chile with These 8 Top-Rated Wine Values

New reviews of 90+ rated Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Sauvignon Blanc and more

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/new-chile-red-white-wine-reviews-cabernet-carmenere-sauvignon-blanc

 

 

Mexico arrests mayor of Tequila for extorting distillers in alleged cartel scheme

The case exposed the dangers firms face when operating in Mexico, particularly in the tourist and industrial hub that props up a multi-billion-dollar sector but is also plagued by cartel violence.

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/mexico-arrests-mayor-tequila-extorting-distillers-alleged-cartel-scheme-2026-02-05/

 

 

New Long Drink

• The Finnish Long Drink, which jumped 20% to 3.3 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank, is adding a raspberry flavor to its portfolio. The new entry is gluten-free and canned at 5%-5.5% abv. The flavor is also launching in a Raspberry Zero Sugar extension. Long Drink’s raspberry offshoots are debuting exclusively in new variety packs. The brand’s regular 8-pack includes Citrus, Pineapple, Peach, and Raspberry, with a Zero Sugar 12-pack featuring the same lineup.

 

Sober shift: the bartenders choosing sobriety

With Dry January now firmly in the rear-view mirror, one cohort of drinks industry professionals shares why they’ve chosen to abstain from alcohol for good – and how they navigate sobriety in a world filled with booze

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/sober-shift-the-bartenders-choosing-sobriety/

 

 

Spirits sales fall 2.2% in US in 2025

US spirits sales declined by 2.2% in value last year, with only ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in growth, according to a new report.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/spirits-sales-fall-2-2-in-us-in-2025/

 

 

Gallo to buy Four Roses from Kirin for $775m

Japan-based Kirin Holdings has agreed to sell Kentucky Bourbon distillery Four Roses to Gallo for up to approximately US$775 million.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/gallo-to-buy-four-roses-from-kirin-for-775m/

 

 

The Bell’s Beer Conundrum

When the beloved craft brewery was sold to a beverage giant, fans had grievances—and theories. The saga says a lot about the industry now.

https://slate.com/life/2026/02/beer-craft-alcohol-bells-brewery-two-hearted.html

 

 

Chinese Wine Is No Longer Imitating Europe — It’s Defining Itself

As Ningxia and its sister regions shed imitation and embrace terroir, a confident new generation of Chinese wines is earning its place on the global stage.

https://www.foodandwine.com/chinese-wine-quality-evolution-11893069

 

 

The NFL’s Drunkest Fans This Season, Ranked (2026)

Fans of the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers got the drunkest at National Football League (NFL) games this season,

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/nfl-drunkest-fans-2026/

 

 

Gen Z: anti-alcohol or anti-boring brands?

Are younger consumers really swerving the booze or are they simply avoiding boring brands?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/gen-z-anti-alcohol-or-anti-boring-brands/

 

 

Cellar Tracker: the ‘doom and gloom narrative’ of wine’s falling consumption is ‘a little overplayed’

According to Cellar Tracker’s CEO, the aptly named Eric LeVine, wine consumption is still in a healthy place, with dry January showing no inroads in the wine community. He talks to Arabella Mileham about the app’s insights and what it says about today’s collecting, buying and drinking habits.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/cellar-tracker-the-doom-and-gloom-narrative-of-wines-falling-consumption-is-a-little-overplayed/

 

 

Can Wine Save Our Broken Attention Spans?

The act of swirling, smelling, analyzing, and identifying the layered aromas in wine demands your undivided attention. It’s an offline, physically and mentally engaging practice.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/wine-attention-spans/

 

 

Dry January drives shift from alcohol to cannabis in the US

As more Americans cut back on alcohol, Dry January is increasingly becoming a moment of substitution rather than abstinence. Cannabis drinks and edibles are gaining ground as consumers rethink intoxication, ritual and wellbeing, writes Kathleen Willcox.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/dry-january-drives-shift-from-alcohol-to-cannabis-in-the-us/

 

 

Is 3.4% ABV ‘the new normal’ for beer?

Australian lager Foster’s, owned by Asahi Group Holdings but distributed in the United Kingdom by Heineken UK, will see its alcohol content lowered to 3.4% from this week. The brand joins a host of other best-selling beers who have joined the 3.4% gang.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/is-3-4-abv-the-new-normal-for-beer/

 

 

WE DON’T NEED ARTICLES LIKE THIS

During a time when the industry is having trouble selling wine, why would we want to “disappear” wines that people like.

https://foodandwineaesthetics.com/2026/02/03/we-dont-need-articles-like-this/

 

 

Why Publix Keeps Its Liquor In Completely Separate Stores

When it comes to alcohol sales, the United States is a pretty quirky place, as laws about where beer, wine, and liquor can be sold differ from one state to the next.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2090652/publix-liquor-separate-store/

 

 

The Supreme Court Is Poised To Remind States That the Constitution Doesn’t Stop at the Liquor Store

Lower courts keep inventing loopholes to uphold discriminatory booze regulations.

https://reason.com/2026/02/07/the-supreme-court-is-poised-to-remind-states-that-the-constitution-doesnt-stop-at-the-liquor-store/

 

 

Why Winter is the Perfect Season for White Wine: Breaking the Red Wine Myth

Ask most wine drinkers what they reach for in winter, and the answer is almost always the same: red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah—bold, warming reds that seem perfectly suited for cold weather.

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/why-winter-is-the-perfect-season-for-white-wine-breaking-the-red-wine-myth

 

 

Does Wine Actually Need To Breathe?

What’s better than enjoying a glass of your favorite type of wine at the end of the day?

https://www.mashed.com/2092324/does-wine-need-to-breathe/

 

 

Bourbon Loses its Charm Overseas

The sale of Four Roses Bourbon to Gallo suggests Japanese owners might be losing faith in American whiskey.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/bourbon-loses-its-charm-overseas

 

 

Redbreast Expands Its Iberian Series With Its First-Ever Moscatel Cask Release

Master blender David McCabe blended single pot still whiskey aged nine to 11 years, then finished it for 16 months in Moscatel-seasoned casks from Spain’s historic Bodegas Quitapenas.

https://www.foodandwine.com/redbreast-moscatel-wine-cask-edition-single-pot-still-irish-whiskey-11902072

 

 

How Four Roses’s Sale to a Wine Company Could Affect the Bourbon Distillery’s Future

The sale is not yet finalized, but this well-respected bourbon distillery could see some changes.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/four-roses-bourbon-sale-gallo-winery-1237560914/

 

 

What Doctors Want You To Know About the New Federal Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption

Gone are the old daily drink limits, as the update leans on broader guidance shaped by emerging science.

https://www.foodandwine.com/doctors-decode-federal-alcohol-consumption-guidelines-11902380

 

 

5 Jobs in Whiskey You’ve Never Heard Of

With hundreds of millions of bottles produced every year, the global whiskey industry is enormous, valued at approximately $28 billion

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-whiskey-jobs/

 

 

One in five Scotch distilleries in financial distress

Data from restructuring firm BTG has found that 19% of distilleries in Scotland are facing financial distress.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/one-in-five-scotch-distilleries-in-financial-distress/

 

 

They Say All Politics Is Local. So Is Wine Appreciation
As you’ve no doubt read ad nauseum the industry is shrinking.

https://paulgregutt.substack.com/p/they-say-all-politics-is-local-so

 

 

New Whiskey

• Sazerac has announced Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, the latest release from brand created by musician Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley. The whiskey takes the original Traveller blend and dials the abv up from 45% to 60.5%, a proof point chosen by Stapleton and his bandmates following a concert. The new release carries a suggested price of $40 a bottle and is now available across the U.S.

 

Tariffs drag Scotch exports to US down by 15%

Global Scotch whisky exports declined by 0.6% in value and 4.3% in volume in 2025, with a 15% drop in bottles shipped to the US since the 10% tariff was implemented, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA)

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/tariffs-drag-scotch-exports-to-us-down-by-15/

 

 

Champagne’s image tarnished by unpunished herbicide deviators

Breaking the law and skirting the cahier des charges remains unpunished. It does however chip away at Champagne’s image…

https://terroirchampagne.substack.com/p/champagnes-image-tarnished-by-unpunished

 

 

New Bourbon

• Lofted Spirits’ Green River Distilling Co. has added a new high-proof wheated Bourbon to its portfolio, beginning February 13. The whiskey is made from a mash of 70% corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley, with batches coming in between 54.5% and 58% abv. The first batch of Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon comes in at 54.65% abv and is aged between five and seven years. The new whiskey carries a suggested price of $50 a bottle and will launch in 25 markets across the U.S.

 

What Does the Latest Wine and Wellness Consumer Data Say About Organics?

A recent presentation from the Wine Market Council shows a growing portion of the market favors organically grown wines over sustainable. But are producers connecting with buyers?

https://organicwineuncorked.substack.com/p/what-does-the-latest-wine-and-wellness

 

 

The French appellation system, AOC, turns 90

The French system has since become a model for similar regulations in other countries (Italy, Spain, etc.). However, you could say that it turned 90 both last year and this year. The law was passed in 1935 and came into force in 1936.

https://www.bkwine.com/news/appellation-system-aoc-turns-90/

 

 

The Truth About Vegan Wine

Get ready for a shock if you thought you were drinking ethically

https://themorningclaret.com/p/the-truth-about-vegan-wine?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=e3aedc9f8cea8aab46eca9eac339e64e69929bf0

 

 

Heaven Hill challenges ‘100% agave’ lawsuit

Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands has filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit alleging that its Lunazul Tequila is falsely marketed as ‘100% agave’.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/heaven-hill-challenges-100-agave-lawsuit/

 

 

How Curling Became the ‘Drinking Man’s Sport’

This sport is based around camaraderie

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pop-culture/curling-beer-whiskey-history/

 

 

 

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