Posts Tagged ‘Halloween’

Liquor Industry News 10-08-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 8, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-08-26

Here is a summary of the stories from Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News 10-08-26 magazine feed on Flipboard:

1. Trentino Sparkling Wine Exploration

  • Source: Substack (Tom Hewson)
  • Summary: An in-depth feature exploring the mountain sparkling wines of Trentino, Italy, following a series covering the Franciacorta region, highlighting the region’s picturesque vineyard landscapes and traditional-method sparkling wines.

2. IWSC Best American Whiskey Award

  • Source: Food & Wine (Brad Japhe)
  • Summary: Bardstown Bourbon Company’s limited-release 104-proof bottle ($140) was named the top American whiskey for 2026 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). The release blends aged bourbon and rye with a unique finishing process that earned it a near-perfect score.

3. Wild Turkey’s $300 Russell’s Reserve Release

  • Source: Food & Wine (David Thomas Tao)
  • Summary: Details why the new premium $300 Russell’s Reserve release from Wild Turkey carries a rye-like spicy and earthy profile. The article attributes this distinct flavor to where and how the barrels were aged over more than a decade in specific microclimates across the rickhouses.

4. Rise of Low-Alcohol Wine Trends

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: Examines the growing trend of low-alcohol wines as consumers seek moderate drinking options without completely foregoing wine, highlighting shifts in production methods and market demand.

Liquor Industry News 10-07-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 7, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-07-26

Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-07-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):

1. The Human Cost of Cheap Wine

  • Source: Substack (Sandra E. Taylor)
  • Summary: Highlighted by a recent Los Angeles Times investigation, this story examines social equity and labor conditions in the wine industry. It argues that fair treatment and working conditions for agricultural workers are the true measure of sustainability in winemaking—exposing the underlying human cost of low-priced wines.

2. What’s The Difference Between Red Wine And Rosé?

  • Source: Mashed (Sinéad Cranna)
  • Summary: An educational breakdown explaining that rosé is not simply a diluted or lighter version of red wine. The article details how skin contact during the initial fermentation process and fundamental winemaking choices determine the distinct characteristics, color, and body of rosé versus red wine.

3. Maker’s Mark Releases First Bourbon Aged with Japanese Mizunara Oak

  • Source: Food & Wine (Gina Pace)
  • Summary: Maker’s Mark introduces an experimental new release featuring Japanese Mizunara oak finishing—a highly prized wood in the whiskey world known for imparting unique sandalwood and incense notes. The piece outlines the distillery’s wood-finishing strategy and the details on bottle availability.

4. Future Proof: Buffalo Trace Distillery

  • Source: The Spirits Business
  • Summary: An industry profile detailing how Buffalo Trace Distillery is navigating long-term growth, production expansions, and evolving market demands to secure its position and supply for the future.

Liquor Industry News 10-06-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 6, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-06-26

Here is a summary of the news stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (10-06-26) collection on Flipboard:

1. Top-Rated Budget Bourbon

  • World’s Best Bourbon for $25: A bottled-in-bond Kentucky bourbon priced around $25 earned a Gold Outstanding medal and 98 points at the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), outperforming spirits costing ten to twenty times as much. (Source: Food & Wine)

2. Beer Industry Trends & Highlights

  • Best Affordable Beers Beyond the Classics: An evaluation of top budget beer brands that punch above their price point, offering quality flavor profiles alternative to standard dive-bar choices like Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller Lite.(Source: Tasting Table)

3. Innovation & Research

  • Whisky Making in Space: A joint Scottish-Japanese research initiative involving engineers and researchers is studying the physics and chemical reactions of whisky production in zero-gravity environments. Findings are expected to offer insights into fluid dynamics and potential medical manufacturing applications. (Source: The Spirits Business)

4. Wine Region Profiles

  • Virginia Wine Documentary: A new documentary highlights Virginia’s growing wine industry, showcasing local winemakers, vineyards, and the region’s evolving reputation in craft wine production. (Source: Alexandria Living Magazine)

Liquor Industry News 10-05-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 5, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-05-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10/05/26) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi:

1. Liquor Industry News & New Products

  • Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
  • Summary: An industry update covering new beverage alcohol product launches, market trends, and industry updates compiled by wine and spirits certified specialist Mark C. Lenzi.

2. Our Favorite Cheap Beer Brand Of All Time Was Also The Favorite Of Miners

  • Source: The Takeout (by Joe Hoeffner)
  • Summary: A look back at classic budget-friendly American beer brands, exploring how historical working-class staples (such as mining-community favorite beers) continue to hold a nostalgic and appreciated spot alongside the modern craft beer market.

3. One Of America’s Most Beloved Beers Is Also The Worst Tasting Overall

  • Source: Tasting Table (by Autumn Swiers)
  • Summary: An analysis examining how one of the most ubiquitous and popular light beers across American tailgates and college campuses regularly ranks poorly in taste rankings, highlighting the divide between mass popularity/affordability and sensory quality.

4. There Are Rules That Distinguish Sparkling Wine From Champagne

  • Source: Morning Brew
  • Summary: An overview of the strict regional, legal, and production rules (such as traditional method fermentation and protected designation of origin in France’s Champagne region) that differentiate authentic Champagne from other global sparkling wines.

Liquor Industry News 10-04-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 4, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-04-26

Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-04-26) collection on Flipboard:

1. Quick Trick for Chilling Wine (Southern Living)

  • Summary: Offers practical guidance on how to chill a bottle of wine down in as little as 15 minutes without relying on the freezer, providing a fast solution when preparing for dinner parties or last-minute gatherings.

2. Advocating for Wine Consumption (Post-Journal)

  • Summary: A commentary encouraging readers to enjoy a glass of wine with friends or family, framing wine consumption and appreciation as an enjoyable routine to share with loved ones.

3. Napa Winery Introduces Ingredient Labels (Wine Spectator)

  • Summary: Honig Winery in Napa Valley is introducing detailed ingredient labels (listing simple ingredients like grapes, yeast, and sulfites) on their bottles, sparking discussions around transparency and wine-labeling standards across the industry.

4. How to Serve Sake Like a Pro (Elite Traveler)

  • Summary: Explores proper sake serving techniques and etiquette, aimed at demystifying traditional Japanese sake service for international drinkers accustomed to standard small ceramic cups.

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

October 2, 2026

New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products

10-02-26

Liquor Industry News 10-02-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 2, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-02-26

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

1. Health & Trends: What Happens to Your Body During “Sober October”

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: With a recent Gallup poll showing that only 54% of U.S. adults consume alcohol (a historic low), interest in temporary abstinence programs like “Sober October” is rising. Doctors explain that health benefits begin within days—such as improved sleep quality and hydration—while deeper metabolic and physiological benefits continue to build throughout the 30-day period and beyond.

2. Bourbon Release: King of Kentucky Single Barrel 14-Year Returns

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: Brown-Forman has announced the fall release of its highly sought-after King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon. Aged for 14 years and bottled at proof starting at 125, only 99 barrels made the cut for this ultra-premium collection, which will retailed at a suggested price of $399 per bottle.

3. Trade & Regulation: What US Winemakers Don’t Have to Tell UK Consumers

  • Source: The Drinks Business
  • Summary: A newly published UK-US bilateral wine agreement signed on September 30 outlines labeling requirements and trade rules for American wines sold in the UK. The report highlights discrepancies in how winemaking techniques, ingredients, and processes are disclosed to British consumers compared to local or European standards.

4. Spirits Exploration: What 50-Year-Old Whisky Tastes Like

  • Source: Esquire
  • Summary: An in-depth feature exploring ultra-aged whiskies, examining the maturation process, the rare flavor profiles that develop over five decades in wood, and why these exceptionally aged spirits command such significance and high value in today’s liquor market.

Liquor Industry News 10-01-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 1, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-01-26

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

Key Stories & Headlines

  1. U.S. Ban on Canadian Alcohol Imports
    • Source: CNN
    • Summary: A newly implemented U.S. ban targets Canadian alcoholic beverages, affecting roughly $800 million worth of trade between the two nations and highlighting heightened trade tensions.
  2. China’s Wine Imports Continue to Slide
    • Source: The Drinks Business
    • Summary: Demand for imported wines in China continues to decline as economic factors and changing consumer preferences alter the international wine market landscape.
  3. Understanding Biodynamic Wine & Farming
    • Source: Vero Wine
    • Summary: An exploration of biodynamic winemaking, looking beyond standard organic certification into holistic farming techniques, unfiltered wines, and popular styles like orange wine.
  4. Expert Recommendations for Wedding Wine
    • Source: Wine Enthusiast
    • Summary: Industry professionals weigh in on selecting the best wine profiles, sparkling wines, and crowd-pleasing varietals for wedding receptions and toasts.

Liquor Industry News 09-30-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 30, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-30-26

Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-30-26) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi on Flipboard:

1. Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine (1WineDude)

  • Summary: The host reflects on recent personal and professional updates following a headquarters relocation. The episode discusses the process of unlearning rigid wine norms, adapting to changing consumer preferences, and evaluating wine with a fresh perspective as a judge.

2. The One Question to Ask a Sommelier That Reveals If a Restaurant Actually Cares (Substack / Sandra E. Taylor)

  • Summary: Focuses on navigating restaurant wine lists without relying solely on front-label marketing jargon. It suggests asking sommeliers direct, bookseller-style questions about how bottles are sourced and curated to test whether the venue truly values its beverage program.

3. How to Prevent Humidity From Damaging Your Wine Cellar (PorchDrinking)

  • Summary: Offers practical cellar management advice for protecting stored vintages. It details how maintaining optimal humidity levels prevents cork breakdown, mold growth, and label decay, helping long-term wine collectors preserve bottle quality.

4. Can You Know What a Wine Tastes Like From the Label? (Food & Wine / Kelly Magyarics)

  • Summary: Examines how label aesthetics and packaging design convey clues about a wine’s flavor profile and target audience. It explores visual cues—such as minimalist designs, traditional crests, or vibrant typography—and what they suggest about winemaking style before opening the bottle.

Liquor Industry News 09-29-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 29, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-29-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-29-26) magazine curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW):

🍷 Podcast & Education

  • Episode 325: Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine with Joe Roberts (SoundCloud / WWW) Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi chat with wine writer Joe Roberts about wine competitions, adapting to changing consumer trends, and unlearning outdated wine rules and norms.

🍺 Tips & Food Trends

  • The Pantry Staple That Makes Cheap Beer Taste 10x Better (Tasting Table) Explores simple household ingredients (such as a pinch of salt or citrus) that dive-bar regulars and beer enthusiasts use to cut bitterness and enhance the flavor profile of budget beers.
  • What Does It Take to Make Bourbon Ice Cream? (Food & Wine) Traces the step-by-step process of producing Graeter’s Bourbon Ball ice cream—from selecting custom barrels at New Riff Distilling to navigating state liquor-control regulations for alcohol-infused desserts.

🥃 Spirits & Industry Insights

  • Can Scotch Whisky Shake Off Its Old-Fashioned Image? (The Spirits Business) Examines how the Scotch category is attempting to modernize its branding, attract younger consumers, and break away from traditional “stuffy” stereotypes through innovative cask finishes and cocktail integration.

Liquor Industry News 09-24-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 24, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-24-26

Here is a summary of the key stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (09-24-26) collection:

🍻 Product Launches & Industry Trends

  • Lawson’s Finest Liquids Releases Non-Alcoholic Beer:
    • Source: WCAX
    • 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.

Liquor Industry News 09-21-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

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 09-15-26 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 09-14-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 14, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-14-26

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.

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 08-07-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 7, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-07-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News 08-07-26” collection on Flipboard:

  • How a More Casual Drinker Gets the Most Out of the Fancy Coravin Wine Preserver (Bon Appétit) The author explains how the Coravin wine preservation system helps them keep their sparkling wine carbonated for much longer, allowing them to enjoy summer cocktails at their own pace without wasting bottles as overall alcohol consumption habits trend downwards.
  • How To Order Wine Like An Expert (Mashed) This piece offers advice on how to confidently navigate a wine list. It provides insights from wine industry veterans on how to tackle ordering wine at a restaurant, emphasizing that sommeliers are there to help guide you rather than intimidate you.
  • Your Wine Habit Could Be Doing Public Good (Wine Spectator) While most wine lovers focus on what’s inside the bottle, this article highlights the “Cork Collective” and its efforts to recycle corks. The initiative proves that the stoppers themselves can be repurposed and used for the public good.
  • Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks? (The Drinks Business) This story explores the growing trend of camping and outdoor recreation, asking whether the beverage and liquor industry is missing out on a large, potentially lucrative demographic by not marketing more specifically to campers.

Liquor Industry News 12-21-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 21, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-21-25

This curated collection by Mark Lenzi for December 21, 2025, provides a snapshot of the current state of the beverage alcohol industry, focusing on market shifts, regulatory updates, and upcoming consumer trends.

Liquor Industry News 11-02-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

November 2, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

11-02-25

The link provided is a Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-02-25” curated by @MarkLenzi, focusing on “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).”

The most recent stories in the magazine as of the summary are:

  • Non-Alcoholic Beer: An article discussing what people may not know about non-alcoholic beer.
  • A Snob’s Guide to Tuscany: A guide to discovering secrets in the Italian region of Tuscany.
  • The Dark Story Of How The French 75 Cocktail Got Its Name: An exploration of the history behind the classic cocktail.
  • Drinking tequila and mezcal sustainably on The Day of the Dead: An article on sustainable practices for enjoying these spirits during Día de Muertos (Nov. 2).
  • French Senate Unveils 23-Point Plan to Rescue Wine Industry Amid Deepening Crisis: A report on the French Senate’s plan for reform in the country’s wine industry.
  • Anthony Gismondi: Port is more than just a wine, it’s a mood. Try one of these: A recommendation for Port wines as the autumn weather settles in.