Based on the “Liquor Industry News 02-03-26” magazine, here are the stories posted today, February 3, 2026:
Malibu’s New Pink Rum: A look at the release of “Malibu Pink.” The article explores the flavor profile of this new pink rum and its anticipated popularity for events like bachelorette parties.
Wine Cork Upcycling: Tips on how to repurpose old wine corks for use in your garden or yard rather than throwing them away.
DIY Valentine’s Day Decor: A guide on how to transform a budget wine glass from Dollar Tree into a romantic candle holder for Valentine’s Day.
Global Riesling Map: An overview of the world’s best Riesling-producing regions, highlighting the distinct styles created from this aromatic grape.
North Macedonia as a Wine Destination: An exploration of why North Macedonia is considered one of Europe’s most underrated and unexplored destinations for wine enthusiasts.
Based on the Flipboard link provided, here is a summary of the liquor industry news stories posted today, February 2, 2026:
Talking Whiskey with Colonel Craig Duncan: In Episode 308 of “The Wonderful World of Wine” podcast, hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi interview Colonel Craig Duncan to discuss various aspects of the whiskey industry.
The 2025 Top 50 Largest Wineries: An industry report from Wine Business detailing the ranking and performance of the top 50 largest wineries over the past year.
Jack Daniel’s Age-Stated Releases: A feature from VinePair exploring the success of Jack Daniel’s recent high-end, age-stated whiskey releases and discussing the aging potential of Tennessee whiskey.
2026 Whiskey Trends: Tasting Table highlights eight key trends to watch in the whiskey world throughout 2026, suggesting a strong year ahead for bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts.
The following liquor industry news stories were posted to the Flipboard magazine on January 31, 2026:
Champagne and Chocolate Pairings: An exploration of the evolving (and sometimes debated) art of pairing chocolate with Champagne, noting that it has become a popular subject in the industry.
Isiah Thomas Launches Kosher Champagne: NBA legend and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has entered the kosher wine market, debuting a new Champagne line created in partnership with a historic French producer.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Expansion: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has officially added 10 new stops, including distillery experiences and satellite tasting rooms, bringing the total number of locations to 68.
Luxury Bourbon Recommendations: A guide highlighting specific bourbon whiskeys priced over $300 that are considered “worth the splurge” for serious collectors and enthusiasts.
German Winter Beer Traditions: A look at a centuries-old German beer drink recommended as an ideal warm beverage for the winter season, contrasting with the American preference for cold beer.
Blind Tasting Tips from Sommeliers: Six professional sommeliers shared their top advice for blind tasting wine, a practice that is becoming increasingly democratized and popular in wine bars.
January 26, 2026, the liquor industry news roundup curated by Mark Lenzi includes the following stories:
Santa Barbara’s New Wine Experience: The Hilt Estate has launched “The Hideaway Experience” at The Barn in Santa Ynez, which is being described as a premier destination for wine tasting in the region.
Brewery Etiquette: A guide on brewery “faux pas” highlights common behaviors—such as indecisiveness at the tap—that cause frustration for staff and other patrons.
Old Fashioned Alternatives: For fans of the classic Old Fashioned, a new feature recommends various cocktail “riffs” and similar drinks to try next.
Non-Alcoholic Beer Rankings: An updated list evaluates the non-alcoholic beer market, identifying 15 brands worth buying and 10 that consumers should avoid.
Weekly Industry Roundup: Mark Lenzi (CSW, CSS, FWS) provides his “Liquor Industry Week In Review,” covering broader trends and insights across the wine and spirits sector.
Based on the “Liquor Industry News 01-23-26” Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi, here are the summaries of the featured stories and articles published for that date:
Genetic Study on Alcohol and Cancer Risk: A major genetic analysis reported no overall association between alcohol consumption and total cancer risk. The study offers a more nuanced perspective on the link between drinking and health than previous reports, though it notes specific nuances depending on the individual.
Guide to Champagne Labeling: An introductory guide for wine enthusiasts explains the complexities of Champagne wine labeling. It covers the specific requirements for wines produced in the Champagne region of France, including how to read terms on the bottle to understand quality and origin.
Italian Wines for the 2026 Winter Olympics: To celebrate the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Italy, experts highlighted six special Italian wines. These selections are intended to toast the games while showcasing the rich food and wine culture of the host regions.
The Importance of Cocktail Garnishes: An article exploring why garnishes are essential for the perfect Manhattan cocktail. It explains that the right garnish does more than just look aesthetically pleasing; it can significantly enhance or alter the flavor profile of the drink.
Defining “Indigenous” Grapes: A look into the difficulty of classifying grapes as indigenous. While searching for unique and distinctive grape varieties is currently fashionable in the industry, the article notes that defining what is truly “native” to a region is highly problematic and complex.
Expert Recommendations for Bargain Wines: Sixteen wine professionals shared their go-to bargain wine picks for 2026. The article addresses the rising cost of wine due to inflation and tariffs, providing readers with high-quality, affordable alternatives available at local bottle shops.
The following stories were featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 01-20-26” collection on Flipboard, published on January 20, 2026:
Episode 307-Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad: A podcast episode from The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) featuring hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi. They interview social media star Kelly Axelrad to explore current trends and insights in the wine world.
Prosecco DOC Growth in the U.S.: A report from PR Newswire highlighting that Prosecco DOC production reached 667 million bottles in 2025. President Guidolin noted that the denomination maintains steady growth and leadership in the U.S. market despite global economic pressures.
Best Wine Pairings for Pasta Sauce: An article from Tasting Table by Lucia Capretti providing a guide on how to pair various wines with ten popular types of pasta sauces for the best culinary experience.
10 Tips for Making the Best Martini: A feature from Chowhound by Allyson Morgan offering professional tips and techniques for crafting the perfect classic martini, referencing its cultural status in media like James Bond and Mad Men.
The following is a summary of the articles featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 01-14-26” collection on Flipboard:
New U.S. Dietary Guidelines and Alcohol: The Trump administration released new dietary guidelines that emphasize “real food” over highly processed products. However, the guidelines remain vague regarding alcohol consumption, leaving many to wonder about the specific health implications and recommended limits.
The Rise of Oregon Chardonnay: While Oregon is long-established as a benchmark for Pinot Noir, the region’s Chardonnay is now “stepping into the sun.” It is increasingly being recognized for producing some of the best expressions of the varietal in the world.
Pennsylvania Rare Whiskey Lottery: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has opened a lottery for rare and limited-edition whiskeys. Residents have a specific window to enter for a chance to purchase these highly sought-after bottles.
Wyoming Whiskey’s Latest Release: A feature on Wyoming Whiskey highlights their latest special bourbon. The article focuses on the brand’s commitment to local craftsmanship, from the specific grains used to the barreling process.
Enhancing Classics with “Bubbly Booze”: This piece explores how adding sparkling elements or specific “bubbly” spirits can elevate classic cocktails, transforming standard drinks into more “exalted” versions.
Why Wine Tastes Better at Restaurants: This article explains the psychological and environmental reasons why a bottle of wine often tastes superior in a restaurant setting compared to at home, and provides tips on how to recreate that “magic” in a domestic environment.
Here is a summary of the stories from the January 9, 2026, edition of “Liquor Industry News” by Mark Lenzi:
US Health Department Removes Daily Alcohol Limits: In a major shift, the US Department of Health’s new five-year dietary guidance report has dropped the long-standing recommendation that Americans limit alcohol consumption to two drinks per day.
Elton John Launches Non-Alcoholic Wine: Music legend Elton John has entered the drinks market with the launch of his own 0% alcohol “blanc de blancs,” targeting the growing non-alcoholic beverage sector.
Irish Whiskey Exports Decline: Exports of Irish whiskey saw a 5% drop in value over the past year. Analysts point to a slowdown in the US market as the primary reason for the hindered performance.
Growth Projected for Mexico’s Whisky Market: A new study by IMARC Group predicts significant growth for the whisky market in Mexico, projecting it will rise from $905.2 million in 2025 to $1.47 billion by 2034.
Red vs. White Wine Health Debate: A feature from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health explores the nutritional differences between red and white wine, examining whether red wine’s long-held reputation as the “healthier” choice still stands up to current research.
Based on the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 01-08-26” collection curated by Mark Lenzi, here are the key stories for January 8, 2026:
Wine Shipping Legal Battle: A significant case regarding wine retailer shipping might return to the US Supreme Court this year. Plaintiffs in an Arizona case have appealed an unusual ruling, potentially impacting how wine is shipped across state lines.
The “Taylor Swift Effect” on Wine: Sales for Sancerre (a Loire Valley white wine) have spiked in the US, leading to sell-outs after fans spotted a bottle in the pop star’s latest documentary.
Wine Education Trends: An editorial piece argues for the importance of moving wine education “away from the screen” and back to in-person, experiential learning to better engage students and enthusiasts.
Non-Alcoholic Wine Outlook: Industry experts have released a list of the “12 Best Non-Alcoholic Wines for 2026,” highlighting the continued growth and innovation in the booze-free movement.
Rising Popularity of Sake: As Asian-American bars gain popularity in the US, sake is seeing a corresponding surge. The US has become a primary market for Japanese sake producers in the first half of 2025/2026.
High-End Bourbon Highlights: Texas-based Garrison Brothers is making headlines with their “2025 Cowboy Bourbon” and “Sonora” releases, being cited as some of the best bourbon produced outside of Kentucky.
Episode 306: A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake A new podcast episode from The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) featuring hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi. They interview wine writer Raymond Blake to explore his unique perspective on the industry.
Introducing New Michelob ULTRA Zero Lime: A Refreshing Alcohol-Free Brew with a Citrus Twist Anheuser-Busch announced the launch of a new non-alcoholic lime-flavored beer under the Michelob ULTRA brand, targeting the growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
The 20 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2026 A curated list by VinePair highlighting the top-performing non-alcoholic beers in the current market, noting that the category continues to lead growth in the U.S. beverage sector.
Brassfield Estate Winery Concludes 2025 with Exceptional Sales Growth and Expansion of National Sales Team A report from Wine Industry Advisor regarding the winery’s year-end success, detailing their sales growth and the strategic expansion of their sales force to handle increased demand.
This Flipboard link for Liquor Industry News 01-05-26, curated by Mark Lenzi of “The Wonderful World of Wine,” contains the following articles:
Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark (Franklin Matters) A feature on the radio show/podcast (Episode #1621) where hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi discuss their award-winning wine series.
The Cheap Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon You Shouldn’t Look Down On (Tasting Table) An article exploring the prestige of the “Bottled-in-Bond” label and highlighting affordable options that enthusiasts often overlook despite their high quality.
How to Make The Americano, With Amaro (A Lush Life Manual) A guide on upgrading the classic low-proof Americano cocktail by incorporating Amaro for a more complex flavor profile.
What’s The Actual Difference Between A Bar And Cantina? (Chowhound) An educational piece explaining the cultural and functional differences between these two types of establishments.
Taste Test: Cult Distillery Willett’s New Bourbon Doesn’t Live Up to Its Unicorn Bottles (Robb Report) A review by critic Jonah Flicker of a new whiskey release from the famous Willett distillery, noting that while solid, it lacks the “unicorn” status of their previous rare bottles.
10 Best Whisky Stories of 2025 (Man of Many) A retrospective of the year’s top whisky news, including a highlight on the House of Suntory’s partnership with artist Hiroshi Senju for ultra-rare Hibiki releases.
Based on the content curated by Mark Lenzi in the “Liquor Industry News 01-03-26” edition, here is a summary of the featured stories and industry updates:
This Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi for January 2, 2026, focuses on the transition from New Year’s celebrations into “Dry January” and the emerging trends for the new year.
The following is a summary of the stories featured in the LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 01-01-26 collection:
Understanding “Still-Strength” Spirits: An exploration of what “still-strength” means for curious drinkers. These spirits are bottled directly at the proof they leave the still, without being diluted with water, offering a more intense and pure expression of the production process.
Champagne Industry Challenges: While New Year’s Eve sparked the typical surge in Champagne sales, the industry is currently facing significant headwinds. These include ongoing labor abuse allegations in French vineyards and the looming threat of international tariffs.
The 100 Best Whiskeys of 2025: A year-end retrospective ranking the top whiskeys tasted throughout 2025. The list serves as a guide for enthusiasts looking for the “best of the best” as the new year begins.
Ranking the 100 Best Bourbons of 2025: A specific focus on Bourbon, highlighting the top 100 bottles of the year. The report notes that the whiskey industry faced “existential challenges” in 2025, including trade uncertainty and shifting consumer trends.
Orange Wine Fatigue: For those tired of the skin-fermented “orange wine” trend, experts and sommeliers suggest exploring alternative styles of wine that offer similar complexity without being part of the specific orange wine category.
Global New Year’s Drinks: A cultural look at 10 alcoholic beverages from around the world that are traditionally used for New Year’s toasts, along with travel advice on accepting drinks in different international settings.
Based on the “Liquor Industry News 12-31-25” Flipboard curated by Mark Lenzi, the stories posted on December 31, 2025, focus heavily on New Year’s Eve preparation, sparkling wine education, and the industry outlook for 2026.
This Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-30-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine), features several key stories reflecting the state of the alcohol industry at the end of 2025. Here is a summary of the featured content:
Industry Trends & Economic Outlook
Whiskey Trends of 2025: Industry insiders report that 2025 was a challenging year for whiskey producers. Factors like tighter economics, category growth slowdown, and tariffs led to a surplus of well-aged barrels. Trends shifted toward ultra-aged bourbons and smaller bottle formats to adapt to changing consumer habits.
The “Breakout” Wines: Despite reports of declining wine consumption, retailers and beverage professionals identified nine “breakout” wines that managed to capture consumer interest in 2025 by offering something unique or high-value.
Resilience of Sustainable Labels: While overall wine sales slumped, brands with sustainable, organic, or biodynamic certifications resisted the downward trend, as consumers increasingly prioritize environmental and political values in their purchases.
Regional News & Sustainability
California Wine Country’s New Strategy: A proposal is being discussed to implement a small fee on every bottle of wine sold to help fund and “save” California’s wine regions, which have seen a decrease in weekend tourism from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Biodynamics in Champagne: In the face of mounting climate pressures, growers in regions like Épernay and Côte des Bar are arguing that biodynamic farming—focusing on soil health—is essential for producing precise and vibrant wines in a changing climate.
Demographic Shifts
The Gen Z Influence: Marketing experts highlight how Gen Z (born 1997–2012) is quietly reshaping the wine industry. Their relationship with alcohol is different from previous generations, forcing brands to rethink how they communicate and what types of products they offer.
This liquor industry news for December 29, 2025, curated by Mark Lenzi, highlights several key trends and stories focusing on non-alcoholic options, health, and industry insights:
Industry & Product Trends
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic (NA) Sparkling Wines: The news highlights 11 alcohol-free sparkling wines that aim to replicate the “Champagne energy” and complexity of traditional bubbly, making them suitable for holiday celebrations without the alcohol content.
Consumer Regret with NA Brands: Not all non-alcoholic entries are hits; the digest includes a review of a specific NA sparkling wine brand from a well-known producer (Josh Cellars) that missed the mark for reviewers.
Prosecco Mixers: For those drinking traditional spirits, the news features five “unexpected” mixers for Prosecco that offer refreshing alternatives to standard cocktails.
Health & Science
Alcohol and Blood Pressure: A featured article explores the physiological effects of alcohol on blood pressure, specifically addressing whether red wine’s reputation for heart health holds up for those with hypertension.
Global Wine Insights
Beyond the Scores: A story from Marca Chile regarding Viña Santa Sofía emphasizes that while wine scores and points are useful guides for consistency, the true definition of a wine’s quality should be determined by the consumer’s experience in the glass.
Curator Note
The digest is part of “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” series by Mark Lenzi, an industry expert with multiple certifications (CSW, CSS, FWS), aimed at providing a weekly review of trends and news across the liquor and wine sectors.
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The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 302 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! The Umami King Tim Hanni MW Join hosts Kim and Mark as they welcome a true icon of the wine world: Master of Wine (MW)Tim Hanni. Tim, the first American to earn the prestigious MW […]
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