Posts Tagged ‘FWS’

Liquor Industry News 09-22-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 22, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-22-26

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Liquor Industry News 09-21-26

September 21, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-21-26

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.

Liquor Industry News 09-20-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 20, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-20-26

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Liquor Industry News 09-19-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 19, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-19-26

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.

Liquor Industry News 09-18-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 18, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-18-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 09-18-26” collection by Mark Lenzi:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Liquor Industry News 09-15-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 15, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-15-26

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Global Vintage & Harvest Reports
    • Real-time production metrics, climate conditions, harvest timelines, and yield projections from major wine regions across North America and Europe.
  3. 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.
  4. Regulations, Licensing & Market Intelligence
    • Analysis of federal and state liquor laws, distribution policies, tariffs, retail dynamics, and emerging consumer behavior trends.

Liquor Industry News 09-11-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 11, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-11-26

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)

Liquor Industry News 09-09-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 9, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-09-26

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.

Liquor Industry News 09-08-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 8, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-08-26

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.

Liquor Industry News 09-07-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 7, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-07-26

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.

Liquor Industry News 09-05-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 5, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-05-26

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.

Liquor Industry News 09-01-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 1, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-01-26

Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-01-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):

1. When to Send Back the Last Glass of Wine

  • Source: Food & Wine (by Kelly Magyarics)
  • Summary: The last glass poured from an open bottle sold by-the-glass at a restaurant or bar should taste as fresh as the first, but oxidized or stale wine is a common issue. This article breaks down how to identify when a lingering bottle has spoiled and offers practical advice on how to politely send it back to get a fresh pour.

2. Early Harvest & Industry Challenges in Lodi

  • Source: CBS News (by Carmela Karcher)
  • Summary: Grape growers in Lodi, California, report an unprecedented harvest season starting weeks ahead of schedule, with some picking beginning as early as late July. The early harvest comes as the broader wine industry continues to navigate economic and climate-related pressures.

3. Redesigning Wine Tech Sheets at Tablas Creek

  • Source: Tablas Creek Blog (by Ian Consoli / Samantha Naylor)
  • Summary: A reflective piece by a marketing intern at Tablas Creek Vineyard exploring how the winery re-imagined and modernized its technical spec sheets to better communicate wine details to consumers, distributors, and trade professionals.

4. Bourbon Cocktails Showcase

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: A roundup featuring 29 bourbon cocktail recipes, highlighting versatile drink preparations ranging from ice-cold mint juleps for warm weather to hot toddies and warm cocktails.

Liquor Industry News 08-31-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 31, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-31-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (08-31-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):

1. Podcast & Special Features

  • The Wonderful World of Wine (Episode 323): Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy with Jennifer Martin
    Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore the intersection of destination weddings, Italian wine selection, and navigating Italian culture and language.

2. Spirits & Whiskey Industry News

  • Grain Profiles in Whiskey Making (Substack – The Spirits Journal)
    An in-depth look at Cereal Choices: How Grain Type Shapes Whisk(e)y, detailing how grain chemistry (barley, corn, and rye) and processing directly influence final flavor profiles beyond acting as raw starch sources.
  • Angel’s Envy Cask Experiment Review (Robb Report)
    A taste-test review of Angel’s Envy’s latest release—a bourbon finished in both stout and Amburana casks—describing the experimental blend as a misfire that results in a very unusual flavor profile.
  • Top-Selling Bourbon Retains Market Lead (Mashed)
    A feature analyzing the brand strategy and long-term consistency of the world’s best-selling bourbon brand and how it maintains its dominant global position year after year.

New Products This Week-Franklin Liquors New Beer, Wine, Liquor

August 28, 2026

New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products

08-28-26

Liquor Industry News 08-28-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 28, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-28-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News 08-28-26 magazine collection on Flipboard:

Key Stories & Headlines

  • Sangria vs. Tinto de Verano: Which to Sip? (bullagastrobar.com) Compares two iconic Spanish summer wine drinks, exploring the differences between fruit-infused Sangria and the simpler, refreshing combination of red wine and carbonated soda (Tinto de Verano).
  • “Tasting Enough Wines” Will Not Make One an Expert, Research Shows (thedrinksbusiness.com) Highlights a new intelligence study debunking the common assumption that volume drinking or simply tasting a vast number of wines makes someone a wine connoisseur.
  • Redwood Empire Unveils “The Hyperion” Limited-Edition Blend (thespiritsbusiness.com) Details California-based Redwood Empire’s latest limited release: a unique, one-off blend featuring four distinct whiskey styles, including the brand’s own single malt.
  • Wine and Health: Dr. Laura Catena on the Science Behind Moderate Drinking (falstaff.com) Features insight from physician and vintner Dr. Laura Catena examining the scientific perspective and physiological research around moderate wine consumption.

Liquor Industry News 08-26-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 26, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-26-26

Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-26-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:

  • Health & Wine: We Asked Cardiologists: Is Red Wine Still Good For Your Heart? (Delish)
    Cardiologists clarify that while moderate alcohol consumption can fit into an overall balanced lifestyle, red wine should not be relied upon or treated as heart medicine.
  • Product Innovation & RTDs: BuzzBallz Turns Pop-Tarts into RTDs (The Spirits Business)
    Sazerac-owned ready-to-drink (RTD) brand BuzzBallz has partnered with Pop-Tarts to release two limited-edition toaster-pastry-flavored cocktail drinks.
  • Consumer Trends: The Most Sought-After Beers in Each US State (The Drinks Business)
    A new data-driven map ranks the most popular and sought-after beer brands across every U.S. state, highlighting regional sales shifts and emerging craft trends.
  • Wine Region Spotlight: Check Out My Gravel Pit: Why The Rocks is on the Ascent (The Drinks Business)
    An exploration of “The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater” wine region, detailing how its unique rocky, gravelly terroir is driving high ratings and growing acclaim for its Syrah and other varietals.

Liquor Industry News 08-24-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 24, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-24-26

Here is a summary of the main stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-24-26) collection on Flipboard:

1. Welcome to the World, Asti Rosato!

  • Source: Wine, Wit, and Wisdom (Society of Wine Educators)
  • Summary: The European Union has approved a new style of pink sparkling wine within Italy’s established Asti DOCG classification: Asti Rosato. The regulation allows for two key styles:
    • Asti Rosato / Asti Spumante Rosato: Produced via second fermentation in bulk tanks/autoclaves (Charmat/Martinotti method) with a minimum 1-month production/aging process.
    • Asti Metodo Classico Rosato: Produced via traditional bottle fermentation (aged on lees for at least 9 months) using 70%–90% Moscato Bianco blended with 10%–30% Brachetto.

2. What Makes Vermentino So Special?

  • Source: Substack – The Wine Classroom (Paul Vigna)
  • Summary: While Vermentino is traditionally associated with Mediterranean regions like Sardinia and Tuscany, East Coast winemakers are increasingly championing the white grape variety. Industry insiders and growers highlight its adaptability, natural acidity, and ability to thrive in warm coastal and mid-Atlantic climates while delivering crisp, fruit-forward flavor profiles.

3. The Tequila Hangover Myth You Can Stop Believing

  • Source: Tasting Table (Claudia Alarcón)
  • Summary: Industry experts debunk the long-standing myth that tequila inherently causes worse hangovers than other spirits. Severe hangovers associated with tequila typically stem from consuming cheap, mass-produced mixto tequilas loaded with added sugars, artificial flavorings, and colorings. Distillers and bartenders advise looking for 100% agave, additive-free tequilas meant for sipping rather than shooting to avoid morning-after ill effects.

Liquor Industry News 08-23-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 23, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-23-26

Here is a summary of the highlighted stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-23-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:

1. Can Heavy Metal Help Save Wine? This Festival Thinks So

  • Source: Food & Wine (by Jesse Koji Fukumoto)
  • Summary: The Blood of Gods Annual Merrymaking festival is bringing new energy, unconventional programming, and a metal-head edge to the wine world. Sommelier and author André Hueston Mack kicked off the event’s panel discussions with the bold declaration to “burn it all down,” advocating for breaking traditional wine elite stereotypes to attract younger, new generations of wine drinkers.

2. This Kentucky Liquor Store Might Be The Best-Kept Secret On The Bourbon Trail

  • Source: Southern Living (by Melinda Salchert)
  • Summary: Highlighting a hidden gem located in Bardstown, Kentucky—the official “Bourbon Capital of the World”—this feature focuses on a local liquor store known for offering insanely affordable pours and rare bourbon finds. It stands out as an unpretentious, must-visit pitstop for enthusiasts touring the Bourbon Trail.

3. How to Make the Best Fall Cocktails

  • Source: A Lush Life Manual (by Susan L. Schwartz)
  • Summary: A seasonal guide detailing ten classic and signature autumn cocktails designed for cooler weather. The piece highlights how drink choices shift away from summer’s crisp citrus to richer, darker profiles centered around brown spirits, bitters, smoke, maple, and warming spices. Highlighted drinks include the Boulevardier, Rye Manhattan, Sidecar, Kentucky Hot Toddy, and Irish Coffee.

4. 10 Under-The-Radar Spirits From Around The World Worth Seeking Out

  • Source: Tasting Table (by Xenia Turner)
  • Summary: A global tour of unique, regionally celebrated spirits that go beyond standard bar staples. Featured bottles include:
    • Mekhong (Thailand): A spiced, rum-like distilled spirit made from molasses, rice, and local herbs.
    • Tsipouro (Greece): A potent pomace brandy deeply rooted in Greek meze culture.
    • Other hidden gems mentioned include Sotol (Mexico), Singani (Bolivia), Feni (India), Chacha (Georgia), Poitín (Ireland), and Pálinka (Hungary).

Liquor Industry News 08-22-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 22, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-22-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News collection on Flipboard:

1. Market Trends & Demographics

  • Gallup Poll: U.S. Drinkers Shift Toward Spirits as Beer Declines (The Spirits Business)
    • Key Findings: Overall U.S. alcohol consumption remains at a record low of 54%. Among those who do drink, preferences are continuing to shift away from beer and toward spirits.
    • Breakdown: Beer leads slightly with 36% of drinkers, while spirits closely follow at 32% (up 12% over the last decade) and wine holds steady at 30%. Spirits are especially popular among younger adults (ages 18–34) and women (37% preference).
    • Health Awareness: Over 50% of Americans believe even moderate daily drinking (1–2 drinks) negatively affects health, and 17% reported trying non-alcoholic alternatives in the past year.

2. Spirits & Whiskey Releases

  • Koopers Whiskey Releases Texas Oak Finished Bourbon (The Spirits Business)
    • The Product: Texas-based blending house Koopers Whiskey introduced a limited-edition (360 bottles) 8-year-old Bourbon finished in toasted Texas-grown white oak barrels crafted by Standard Cooperage in Blanco, Texas.
    • Details: Bottled at a barrel proof of 57.4% ABV with a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Master blender Troy Kooper designed the release to highlight local Texan white oak character alongside aged MGP bourbon.

3. Ready-To-Drink (RTD) & Cocktails

  • Is the Tequila in Your Seltzer Any Good? (The Tequila Report)
    • The Myth vs. Reality: Contrary to popular belief, carbonation does not hide low-quality spirits—it amplifies off-flavors and volatile compounds.
    • Quality Indicators: Top-quality canned tequila seltzers use 100% agave tequila, display their distillery NOM, and list minimal ingredients without heavy artificial sweeteners or flavorings. High-end seltzers can contain the equivalent of 1.35 to over 2.1 ounces of standard tequila per can.

4. Wine & Regional Highlights

  • Why Provence Sets the Gold Standard for Rosé (VinePair)
    • Overview: A deep-dive infographic highlighting the history, climate, and winemaking traditions that made the Provence region of France the global benchmark for crisp, high-quality rosé wine.

Liquor Industry News 08-21-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 21, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-21-26

The stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (August 21, 2026) Flipboard collection curated by Mark Lenzi highlight new product releases, brand expansions, and industry milestones across spirits and wine:

1. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Releases Jura Cask & Discovery Expressions

  • The News: Bardstown Bourbon Co. (under Lofted Spirits) introduced two new annual whiskeys: the 2026 Discovery and the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish.
  • Key Details:
    • The Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (52% ABV) blends 11-year Indiana bourbon, 10-year Indiana rye, and 12-year Kentucky bourbon, finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura distillery in Scotland.
    • The 2026 Discovery (66.4% ABV) blends 10-year Indiana bourbon with 11-year and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, finished in custom Garryana (Oregon white oak) barrels.
    • Both bottles retail for $139.99 USD and feature custom label artwork by artist Margaret Archambault.

2. Fireball Debuts “Torch’d Vanilla” Limited Release

  • The News: Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Whisky launched a new limited-edition variant in the US called Torch’d Vanilla.
  • Key Details:
    • Bottled at 33% ABV, it blends vanilla, toasted marshmallow, smoky oak, and baking spices with Fireball’s core cinnamon flavor.
    • Rollout begins in September in two formats: 750ml bottles ($14.99 USD) and 50ml 10-packs ($9.99 USD).

3. Sazerac Expands into Soju with “Dalho”

  • The News: Sazerac entered the rapidly growing US soju market with the launch of Dalho Soju, featuring a “category-first” 50ml mini format.
  • Key Details:
    • Bottled at 17% ABV, Dalho is available in Original, Peach, Strawberry, and Lychee flavors.
    • Offered in traditional 375ml bottles ($5.99 USD) and 50ml bottles ($0.99 USD / $9.99 10-pack) to lower the barrier for consumers looking to try soju.

4. Seven New Masters of Wine Named (Largest Class Since 2021)

  • The News: The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) announced seven new Masters of Wine (MW), bringing the total 2026 cohort to 11—the largest intake since 2021—and raising the total number of active MWs globally to 427.
  • Key Details:
    • The class includes historic national firsts: Tiago Macena MW becomes Portugal’s first resident MW, and Sue Tolson MW becomes Hungary’s first resident MW.
    • The newly inducted members are Alice Archer (UK), Owain Hughes (UK), Weiran Liu (China), Gabriella Macari (US), Tiago Macena (Portugal), Jake Skakun (Canada), and Sue Tolson (Hungary).