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.
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Lenzi chat with wine writer Joe Roberts about wine competitions, adapting to changing consumer trends, and unlearning outdated wine rules and norms.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.
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.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Flipboard magazine LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 09-26-26:
1. Emerging Wine Scene in Colorado
Source: Food & Wine (by Gigi Ragland)
Summary: Highlighted as a high-altitude playground, Colorado is cultivating an emerging wine scene set against scenic landscapes, including national parks, steep canyons, high deserts, and the Rocky Mountains.
2. Top Moscatos for Wine Beginners
Source: Tasting Table (by Lucia Capretti)
Summary: An introductory guide featuring the 10 best Moscatos for wine drinkers who are new to the variety or open to lighter, sweeter, and more approachable flavor profiles over strictly dry wines.
3. Widow Jane Re-Releases Rare Aged Bourbon
Source: The Manual (by Christopher Osburn)
Summary: Widow Jane Distillery announced the return of Black Opal, one of its rarest and longest-aged limited-edition bourbon expressions.
4. A “Bloody” Halloween Wine Accessory
Source: Sporked
Summary: A fun seasonal item showcase detailing a wine company’s themed Halloween-inspired accessory designed to add a spooky, “bloody” aesthetic to fall celebrations.
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.
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News collection:
1. Natural Wine Debate: Swill, Attitude, or Aesthetic Choice?
Source: Substack (Tom Wark)
Summary: A deep dive into the ongoing debate between natural wine advocates and conventional winemakers, sparked by new research into commercial and native yeasts. While critics have often written off natural wines as flawed or inconsistent “swill,” the discussion highlights that native yeast fermentations and minimal intervention are ultimately stylistic choices that reflect terroir, artistic intent, and individual consumer preferences rather than absolute technical superiority.
2. Booker’s and Little Book Release 2026 Whiskeys
Source: Food & Wine (David Thomas Tao)
Summary: James B. Beam Distilling Co. announced the latest additions to its high-end whiskey lineup under the Booker’s and Little Book labels. The 2026 releases highlight generational traditions from the Noe family—featuring apple, oak barrel, and cinnamon notes in the core Booker’s release—and introduce notable line extensions, including only the second-ever Rye bottling under the Booker’s name.
3. Organic vs. Sustainability in Winemaking
Source: Substack / The Sustainable Vine (Sandra E. Taylor)
Summary: The article challenges the common consumer assumption that organic certification equals maximum environmental benefit. It argues that large-scale sustainable practices—such as carbon footprint reduction, water conservation, and soil health initiatives—can often deliver a greater positive impact on the planet than smaller operations simply holding an organic seal.
4. Parker’s Heritage Marks 20th Edition: What’s Next for the Label?
Source: VinePair (David Thomas Tao)
Summary: Celebrating the 20th release of Heaven Hill’s acclaimed Parker’s Heritage Collection, this profile reflects on the brand’s legacy as a testing ground for experimental mash bills, unusual cask finishes, and unique production techniques. Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll shares insights on how these annual limited releases serve as an incubator for future permanent products across Heaven Hill’s portfolio.
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 stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News curated magazine:
Key Stories & Headlines
How Did Ancient Israelites Make Wine?
Source: The Times of Israel (by Zev Stub)
Summary: Researchers and volunteers stepped barefoot into an ancient wine press on a West Bank hilltop, stomping grapes to scientifically reconstruct and study ancient Israelite winemaking techniques.
7 U.S. Wineries with New Tasting Rooms to Visit Next
Source: Food & Wine (by Lauren Mowery)
Summary: Highlighting newly opened winery tasting rooms across the country (from California to North Carolina). The article notes that despite headwinds—including inflation, lower consumption among younger drinkers, and GLP-1 weight-loss medication adoption—wineries continue to innovate visitor experiences.
Canadian Whisky on the Rocks? Crown Royal to Avoid Trump’s New Ban
Source: MarketWatch (by Victor Reklaitis)
Summary: Despite broad proposed trade restrictions and bans affecting various Canadian imports, popular Canadian whisky brand Crown Royal is positioned to navigate around proposed restrictions, keeping supply accessible to U.S. consumers.
What’s the Etiquette for Serving Port?
Source: The Drinks Business
Summary: An exploration of traditional rituals and etiquette associated with serving Port wine, covering serving temperatures, decanting rules, and classic table customs (such as passing to the left).
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. […]
