Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News:
Popular Dark Beers Ranked Worst to Best (Mashed) A roundup evaluating and ranking top dark beer brands, exploring the wide variety of flavor profiles and quality across popular stouts, porters, and dark lagers.
Best Vodka for Taste and Price (Sporked) A buyer’s guide reviewing vodka brands on the market to highlight the top picks for overall quality, flavor profile, and budget-friendly pricing.
Why Premium Whiskey Is Getting So Expensive (Food & Wine) An analysis of why rare and allocated whiskies (such as Eagle Rare, Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle) continue to skyrocket in price, citing supply limits, allocation systems, and market demand beyond standard inflation.
Beer Brand Outranking All Spirits and Wine in America (Men’s Journal) A report on market trends showing a leading beer brand outperforming top wine and spirit competitors in US market popularity and sales performance.
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-27-26) collection on Flipboard:
Key Stories & Highlights
9 Great Places to Retire if You Love Wine and Vineyards (Investopedia)
Explores top U.S. retirement destinations suited for wine enthusiasts seeking proximity to vibrant wine-producing regions, vineyards, and tasting rooms.
Hue Cares? Cornell Study Says Wine Color Isn’t the Whole Picture (EurekAlert! / Cornell University)
A Cornell study investigates how consumers make snap judgments about red wine based on color intensity, exploring how visual expectations relate to actual flavor perception and quality.
10 Red Bordeaux That Prove Great Bottles Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune (Food & Wine)
Challenges the perception that all Bordeaux wines are prohibitively expensive or reserved only for elite collections, highlighting accessible and high-value red Bordeaux options.
Details how modern Oktoberfest celebrations are incorporating zero-proof and non-alcoholic beer alternatives to cater to shifting consumer drinking habits and health-conscious festivalgoers.
The Flipboard collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine) includes the following featured articles:
1. For the Love of Zinfandel: An Essential History
Source: Substack (by Amy Beth Wright)
Summary: Adapted from a broader historiography of California Zinfandel presented around the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, this article celebrates Zinfandel’s deep heritage in California winemaking, exploring its evolution from early roots to a staple American varietal.
2. A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wine for Any Occasion
Source: Glass of Bubbly
Summary: A practical buyer’s and host’s guide designed to reduce choice paralysis when selecting wine. It breaks down how to navigate various wine regions, styles, and pairings based on the setting—whether hosting a dinner party, gifting a bottle, or finding everyday options.
3. Ina Garten’s Secret to a Better Bourbon Sour Is Surprisingly Simple
Source: Food & Wine (by Merlyn Miller)
Summary: Highlights a cocktail tip from celebrity chef Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) on how to elevate and batch classic Bourbon Sours for home entertaining without losing balanced citrus-sweet dynamics.
4. The Radler Is the Unsung Hero of Oktoberfest
Source: VinePair
Summary: Explores the history and enduring appeal of the Radler—a equal-parts blend of lager and lemon-flavored soda/lemonade created in 1920s Germany for cyclists. The article highlights its role as a low-ABV (around 3%) alternative that allows Oktoberfest attendees to pace themselves while celebrating.
Amid a broader decline in alcohol consumption as more Americans opt for sobriety or moderation at bars and restaurants, Vermont craft brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids has introduced its first non-alcoholic craft beer.
Hard Mountain Dew’s $1 Million Bigfoot Bounty:
Source: The Drinks Business
In a high-profile marketing stunt, the team behind Hard Mountain Dew offered a $1 million reward for anyone who can provide verified evidence of a Bigfoot sighting.
🍷 Business & Market Shifts
California Winery Put Up for Sale After Canadian Ban:
Source: The Drinks Business
A family-run California winery has been placed on the market following regulatory challenges and trade bans affecting U.S. alcohol exports to Canada.
World’s Most Expensive Bourbons in 2026:
Source: VinePair
VinePair highlights the booming secondary market and collectorI cannot directly browse or access real-time external links or specific web pages.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (09-23-26) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. Industry & Trade News
Wholesale Tier Issues & Legal Scrutiny: An article by Tom Wark on Substack discusses federal regulatory enforcement regarding distributor practices and potential bribery concerns within the wine wholesale tier (focusing on major distributors like Southern Glazer’s).
2. Wine Selection & Pairing
Pairing Turkish Wines with Herbs & Spices: Andrea Lemieux (The Quirky Cork) explores pairing strategies for Turkish wine varieties, moving beyond standard red/white protein pairing rules to focus on herbal and spiced flavor profiles.
Pinot Noir Alternatives: Tasting Table highlights alternative lighter red wines worth exploring for fans of Pinot Noir looking to expand their palate.
3. Culture & Lifestyle
Go-To Tailgating Drinks: A feature on VinePair interviews 15 bartenders on their top beverage choices for football season tailgating, ranging from portable batched cocktails to canned options.
Based on the Flipboard collection “Liquor Industry News 09-22-26” curated by Mark Lenzi, here are summaries of the key stories featured in the feed:
Chianti Employs AI to Combat Fakes (Vino Joy News)
Summary: The Chianti Wine Consortium is leveraging artificial intelligence and digital tools to scan the global internet and marketplaces to track down and eliminate counterfeit Chianti wine.
9 Grape Varieties to Try if You Love Chardonnay (VinePair)
Summary: An exploration of alternative white wine grape varieties for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the buttery, rich profile of Chardonnay but are looking to try something new.
Could We Be Facing a Fine Wine Shortage in Two Years’ Time? (The Drinks Business)
Summary: Discussing projections by Bordeaux correspondent Colin Hay, this piece examines market trends and projects a rebalancing of fine wine supply and demand around 2028, raising questions about potential future shortages.
There’s More to Wine Than Glamor (Substack / Dave McIntyre)
Summary: An essay exploring the deeper, less glamorous agricultural, economic, and everyday realities behind the wine industry beyond its polished marketing and luxury image.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News” collection:
Liquor Industry News (Overview): An introductory curation by Mark C. Lenzi highlighting the latest product updates, trends, and news within the wine and liquor industry.
A Turtle Taught Millions of People to Cut Up Six-Pack Rings. Does It Still Matter?: A look back at Peanut—the red-eared slider turtle whose shell was permanently warped into a figure-eight by getting stuck inside a plastic six-pack ring as a baby—and how this iconic story inspired a generation to cut up their plastic rings to protect wildlife, examining whether those habits still hold significance today.
3 Fall Beers You Should Be Trying in 2026: A seasonal spotlight recommending three distinct fall beer styles and selections to try as the weather shifts and beer enthusiasts transition into autumn drinking.
8 Best German Beers Available in the US: A curated guide to top-tier German beers widely accessible to consumers in the United States, perfect for Oktoberfest season and classic European beer styles.
Based on the curated collection from “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” titled LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 09-20-26, here is a summary of the featured stories:
Red Wine-Inspired Recipes (Northern Express)
Explores creative cooking and baking recipes utilizing the seasonal harvests and unique culinary gifts inspired by red wine along the 45th parallel.
Is Wine Healthy for You? (California Grown)
A thoughtful look at the common health questions and cultural anxieties surrounding regular wine consumption, often brought up during social gatherings and book clubs.
7 Lies About Cristalino Tequila: Debunking Myths (Tequila Report / Jay Baer)
Clears up common misconceptions, misunderstandings, and rumors surrounding Cristalino tequila to help consumers better understand this specific style of spirit.
Albariño Is the Refreshing, Affordable White Wine You Should Be Drinking Right Now (Food & Wine)
Highlights Albariño as an approachable, crisp, and wallet-friendly white wine option that deserves a spot in your glass.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News” collection:
A Timeline of Craft Beer’s Darling Styles (VinePair): Traces the evolution of craft beer over the past 30 years, highlighting how popular styles have transitioned from semi-obscure curiosities to mainstream commodities.
Branch & Barrel Makes ‘Whiskey’ from Field Peas (The Spirits Business): Highlights a Colorado-based distillery that has released an aged specialty spirit featuring a unique mash bill made with 22% field peas.
12 Coffee Cocktails Worth Trying At Least Once (The Daily Meal): Explores a variety of coffee-based cocktails beyond the classic espresso martini, showcasing options suitable for brunch, happy hour, or after-dinner drinks.
Rare Beer Was Once a Collector’s Dream. Now, It’s a Liability. (VinePair): Examines the shifting market for rare and vintage beers, discussing how what used to be prized collector’s items have turned into financial and storage burdens.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 09-18-26” collection by Mark Lenzi:
Your Favorite College Sports Team Might Have Its Own Beer — Here’s Why
Source: Food & Wine (Rich Manning)
Summary: Universities and alcohol producers are increasingly collaborating to release school-branded beers and beverages. These partnerships generate valuable revenue for athletic programs while providing fans and alumni with a thematic drink to enjoy on game day.
Why Soju Is The Ultimate Vodka Swap
Source: Food & Wine (Clara Wang)
Summary: The article explores how Korean soju serves as a great alternative to vodka in cocktails. With its neutral flavor profile and lower alcohol content, this traditional spirit (distilled from rice or other starches) offers a clean and versatile base for various drinks.
Italian Aperitivo Favorites: Classic Bottles, Spritz Ideas & European
Source: mydrinx.shop (Yulia Nazarini)
Summary: A look into the Italian aperitivo culture, detailing classic bottles, spritz recipes, and the relaxed European lifestyle surrounding pre-dinner social drinking.
Sazerac Revives Glenmore Whiskey
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Sazerac is bringing back the historic Glenmore whiskey brand, adding another classic label back into active production within the spirits market.
The link provided goes to Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News collection on Flipboard (specifically the curation for September 17, 2026). Mark Lenzi—co-proprietor of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts and co-host of The Wonderful World of Wine podcast—curates these regular digital collections to highlight the most important shifts, product releases, cultural pieces, and debates across the global wine, beer, and spirits industries.
This link points to a curated digital magazine edition on Flipboard titled “Liquor Industry News 09-15-26,” created by beverage educator and retail operator Mark Lenzi.
About the Publication & Curator
Curator: Mark Lenzi, owner of Franklin Liquors (in Franklin, MA), co-host of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) podcast, and holder of multiple wine and spirits credentials (CSW, CSS, FWS, CWAS).
Format: A daily trade and consumer intelligence digest aggregating top headlines across spirits, wine, and beer.
Key Story Categories
While Flipboard magazine issues are periodically updated throughout the publication day, Mark Lenzi’s daily roundups cover key developments across the beverage sector:
Spirits & Distillery Releases
Coverage of new product launches, limited-edition cask finishes (bourbons, tequilas, rums), and market pricing data across domestic and imported spirits categories.
Global Vintage & Harvest Reports
Real-time production metrics, climate conditions, harvest timelines, and yield projections from major wine regions across North America and Europe.
Beer Industry & Consumer Trends
Updates on craft brewing developments, shifts in retail demand, agricultural ingredient updates (hops/grain supply), and sports/event-driven sales data.
Regulations, Licensing & Market Intelligence
Analysis of federal and state liquor laws, distribution policies, tariffs, retail dynamics, and emerging consumer behavior trends.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-14-26) collection on Flipboard:
Top U.S. Wine Towns for Fall Harvest: Highlights nine scenic U.S. wine destinations—spanning from coast to coast—that come alive during the late summer and fall harvest season, offering visitors a dynamic look at vineyards during peak grape picking.
Optimum Nutrition’s Protein Beer Review: A review of ChampionSips, a new limited-edition non-alcoholic pilsner created by Optimum Nutrition that incorporates 10 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Virginia’s Emerging Whiskey Scene: Explores how Virginia is rapidly becoming one of the American South’s premier whiskey destinations, giving traditional bourbon hotspots like Kentucky strong competition through its rich history and growing craft distilleries.
Essential Bourbon Cocktails: A round-up guide covering 18 classic and essential bourbon cocktail recipes every whiskey fan should know.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-13-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
1. Can the Feds Ban You From Making Liquor in Your Own Home?
Source: Reason.com (by C. Jarrett Dieterle)
Summary: Explores a legal challenge against the long-standing federal ban on home distilling. The case centers around whether Congress exceeds its powers under the Commerce Clause by prohibiting individuals from making spirits for personal, non-commercial use at home.
2. We Tasted and Ranked 10 Oktoberfest Beers — The Best Wasn’t From Germany
Source: Food & Wine (by Dylan Garret)
Summary: A seasonal taste test evaluating ten classic and modern Oktoberfest beers. The review compares traditional German offerings with domestic and international craft brews, highlighting how non-German craft breweries are giving traditional Munich lagers serious competition.
3. What Should You Drink With a Cigar? Experts Share Their Favorite Pairings
Source: Elite Traveler (by Alice Lascelles)
Summary: Expert sommelier and spirit recommendations that go beyond classic pairings like cognac and single-malt Scotch. The article details alternative options—including aged rums, fortified wines, and specific cocktail profiles—that complement different cigar wrappers and strength levels.
4. Bushmills Original: The Ultimate Bottle Guide
Source: Tasting Table
Summary: A comprehensive breakdown of Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey, covering its triple-distillation process, flavor profile (vanilla, fruit, and light spice notes), ideal serving methods, and positioning within the broader Irish whiskey market.
Here is a summary of the main news stories curated in the Liquor Industry News (09-11-26) collection by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
French Wine Bucket List
Key Highlight: An overview of bucket-list French wines every enthusiast should try. While ultra-luxury bottles like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Pétrus, and Krug Clos du Mesnil command price tags over $1,000, the guide explores landmark regional French wines worth seeking out. (Source: Food & Wine / Ray Isle)
Non-Alcoholic Beverages & Moderation Trends
Key Highlight: New research confirms that alcohol-free beverages do not act as a “gateway” to alcohol consumption. Instead, growing evidence shows they actively support moderation and healthy lifestyle choices for consumers looking to reduce overall alcohol intake. (Source: The Drinks Business / Jessica Mason)
Advocacy for Organic Farming
Key Highlight: Italian producer Candoni Wines is launching a fundraising effort to send U.S. organic farmers to Washington, D.C. for the Organic Farmers Association’s annual advocacy fly-in, connecting grape growers and agricultural producers directly with federal lawmakers. (Source: The Drinks Business / Michael Huband)
Top Scotch Whisky Rankings
Key Highlight: A curated list showcasing the top 25 Scotch whiskies highlighted for the current year, providing industry benchmarks across single malts and blended scotch categories. (Source: VinePair)
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-09-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
Sauvignon Blanc: The Wild Chameleon Grape (Vero / verovino.com) An exploration of Sauvignon Blanc, highlighting its characteristic light greenish hue, signature aromas of fresh grass and blackcurrant leaf, and its crisp, refreshing profile on the palate.
9 California Chardonnays You Should Try if You Don’t Like Big, Oaky Wines (VinePair) A curated selection of California Chardonnays aimed at drinkers who usually avoid the variety due to its reputation for heavy oak and buttery “butter-bomb” flavor profiles, showcasing lighter and more balanced alternatives.
Blue Nun Is Back with a Vengeance (The Drinks Business) A look at the resurgence of Blue Nun, the iconic German wine brand that dominated the 1970s and ’80s market (selling millions of bottles annually), as it attempts a modern comeback.
Check Out These Wineries and Vineyards for Sale Around Northern Virginia (Northern Virginia Magazine) A feature detailing notable winery properties, vineyard real estate, and wine business opportunities currently available on the market across Northern Virginia.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-08-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
Op-Ed: Beer Can Be Saved from Pesticide Contamination (Food Tank) Focuses on the widespread use of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) in agricultural crops and discusses how pesticide contamination impacts beer production, outlining steps that beverage companies and consumers should take to address the issue.
New $100 Bourbon Blends 3 Coveted Kentucky Whiskeys (Food & Wine) Highlights the debut of Kentucky Boy, a new $100 bespoke bourbon blend created to honor master distiller Chris Morris’s 50-year career. It combines three of Kentucky’s most sought-after whiskeys and debuts at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
French Wine Yields Drop to Historic Low (France 24) Reports that French wine production is projected to hit its lowest harvest in roughly 70 years, with an estimated 6% drop in output following severe summer heatwaves and drought. In response, France announced over €1 billion in emergency support for affected producers.
Woodford Reserve Explores “Super Seasoned” Oak (The Spirits Business) Covers Woodford Reserve’s latest whiskey innovations and barrel aging techniques, focusing on the use of specially “super seasoned” oak wood to influence flavor profiles.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09/07/26) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi:
Liquor Industry News Overview (thewonderfulworldofwine.education) An industry update featuring new product releases, market guidance, and educational insights curated by wine certified specialist Mark C. Lenzi.
For Savory Pot Roast, Cook It In This Popular Wine (Tasting Table) A guide on elevating pot roast dishes by selecting and cooking with specific popular wine varietals to enhance savory flavors and tenderize the meat.
Windows on the World Was More Than a Restaurant — It Was a New York State of Mind (Food & Wine) A look back at the legacy and impact of the iconic NYC top-floor restaurant Windows on the World ahead of the 50th anniversary of its April 1976 opening.
14 Common Mistakes You’re Making When Pairing Food And Wine (Food Republic) An overview highlighting frequent errors consumers make when matching wines with food, alongside practical rules to create balanced flavor pairings.
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-05-26) Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
🥃 Executive & Market Insights
Brown-Forman CEO: US Whiskey Demise “Exaggerated” (The Spirits Business)
Despite recent market pullbacks and softening sales, the CEO of Brown-Forman (maker of Jack Daniel’s) emphasized that consumer interest in American whiskey remains very high and rumors of the category’s decline are greatly overstated.
📦 Releases & Industry Updates
Booze News Weekly Roundup (VinePair)
Four Roses Limited Edition: Four Roses announced its annual 2026 Small Batch Limited Edition release.
PBR Beer Heist Escalates: Updates on a high-profile Pabst Blue Ribbon theft investigation that continues to gain attention.
🍹 Cocktails, Seasonal Drinks & Recipes
Beer Cocktails for Labor Day Weekend (USA Today 10Best)
Drink experts recommend three beer-based cocktails to elevate end-of-summer barbecues and holiday gatherings.
“Pool Wine Season” Continues Into September (Southern Living)
A guide to light, crisp, and refreshing warm-weather wines that carry through early autumn.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 325 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine with Joe Roberts In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down for an engaging conversation with Joe Roberts, the creative force behind […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 324 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher What does it actually take to reach the absolute pinnacle of the wine world? In this powerhouse episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 323 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin Get ready for an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 322 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong 🍷 Prepare to be inspired! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with one of the most influential figures in […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 321 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina Grab a glass and settle in! This week on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark are joined by the powerhouse behind Boston’s […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 320 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu From a world-class collector to a visionary creator, Jayson Hu is redefining the pinnacle of Napa Valley luxury. In this episode, Kim and Mark sit down with […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 319 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Digital Marketing With Molly Bossardt In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Molly Bossardt of Bread & Butter Digital Marketing to pull back the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 318 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle Cheers, wine lovers! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), your hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly multi-talented […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 317 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz In this landmark episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 316 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 315 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sustainability with Sandra Taylor In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 314 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 313 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 312 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Parenting, Wine, and Playful Rhymes 🍷 Grab a glass and settle in! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with the witty and insightful Danielle Frank, author […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 311 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. […]
