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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-30-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Wine & Terroir
7 Great Cabernet Sauvignons From Napa’s Storied Rutherford AVA (Robb Report) Highlights premier Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA—a region renowned for its distinct soil profile and heritage dating back to the 19th century.
Cocktails & Spirits
Why Bars Across the Globe Are Serving Their Martinis Colder Than Ever (Robb Report) Explores the global trend of serving ultra-chilled, sub-zero Martinis to enhance the texture, dilution control, and overall drinking experience.
Retro Revival: 11 Classic ’50s Cocktails That Deserve a Comeback (Food & Service) Takes a nostalgic look back at 1950s mixology, offering a resurgence of classic cocktail recipes and techniques for modern home bars and venues.
Pairings & Flavor Science
What Makes a Food Pairing Work? (Cocoa Runners) Examines the principles and flavor science behind successful food and beverage pairings (such as chocolate with spirits or wine).
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.
Here is a summary of the primary stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-17-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
🍷 Wine News & Guides
Best Red Wine for Braising Ribs (Tasting Table)
Highlights full-bodied, accessible red wines that make an ideal base for rich culinary dishes like braised ribs, offering an easy flavor upgrade available in any standard wine aisle.
Ireland’s Emerging Wine Industry (BBC News)
Explores the small but growing ecosystem of Irish vineyards. While Ireland is traditionally associated with stout and whiskey, it is recognized as a wine-producing nation by the European Commission, with local winemakers carving out a distinct niche.
The Rise of Quality Non-Alcoholic Wines (Robb Report)
Highlights recent technological and production shifts in zero-proof winemaking, noting that non-alcoholic wines have dramatically improved in body, structure, and taste—making them genuine options for enthusiasts looking to skip alcohol.
🥃 Spirits & Whiskey Highlights
15 Top American Whiskeys Under $25 (Food Republic)
A roundup showcasing high-value American whiskeys and bourbons that deliver strong flavor profiles and craft quality without exceeding a budget-friendly $25 price point.
Here is a concise summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (07-23-26) collection on Flipboard:
Food Pairings for Alcohol-Free Wines: Tips and techniques on how to pair alcohol-free wine alternatives with meals just as you would traditional wines.
Bardstown’s Pineapple Finish Whiskey: Bardstown Bourbon Company released a Kentucky-exclusive expression finished in pineapple rum casks.
Moonshine University Closing: Flavorman announced plans to close Kentucky’s Moonshine University and its educational programs after 14 years in operation.
New Wine Industry Book: A newly published book challenges conventional business models and traditional thinking within the wine industry.
This link provided points to a specific entry in a daily digital curation series titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 05-20-26” on Flipboard.
Here are the specific details about this link:
Curator: The content is curated by Mark Lenzi, a credentialed wine and spirits expert (owner of Franklin Liquors and host of The Wonderful World of Wine educational podcast/blog).
Format: It is a Flipboard “magazine”—a digital aggregation layout used to collect, organize, and share news stories from various publications across the web.
Content Focus: As part of his daily series, this specific entry acts as a industry dashboard tracking global and domestic beverage trade news. It aggregates articles, reporting, and features specifically focused on wine, beer, spirits, market trends, consumer habits, and regulatory updates relevant to that date.
The May 2, 2026 edition of “Liquor Industry News,” curated by Mark Lenzi, features 13 key stories focused on market adaptation, regulatory shifts, and high-end spirit releases.
The Flipboard link you provided leads to a curated collection of liquor industry news for April 5, 2026, compiled by Mark Lenzi (under the profile “The Wonderful World of Wine”).
The magazine features stories focusing on wine, spirits, and mixology trends. Key articles highlighted in this specific update include:
Wine Trends: An article from Wine Enthusiast regarding an “Off-Dry Riesling Reboot” and a feature from Food & Wine exploring whether natural wine is “weird or wonderful,” featuring winemaker Jean-Pierre Robinot.
Spirits & RTDs (Ready-to-Drink): A review from Sporked on the new Casamigos premixed Margaritas (including a Spicy version) ahead of Cinco de Mayo.
Education & Pairing: A guide from The Columbian on the nuances of pairing Japanese sake with food beyond the standard “warm cup” experience.
Cocktails & Mocktails: * A Tasting Table piece on a century-old classic cocktail made with four simple ingredients.
A feature on 3-ingredient mocktails that use Coca-Cola as a base.
This collection is part of a daily series where Lenzi aggregates news for wine and spirits enthusiasts and professionals.
The Flipboard link you provided leads to a curated digital magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 03-31-26,”created by Mark Lenzi under his profile “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).”
This specific collection features 18 stories covering various updates in the wine and spirits world as of March 31, 2026. Key stories highlighted in this edition include:
Wine Branding vs. Labels: An article by Robert Joseph (via Substack) discussing the sheer volume of wines on the market and how AI might help consumers distinguish between a true “brand” and just another “label.”
German Wine Classification: A guide to Germany’s newly revised, geography-based labeling system intended to make their wine categories easier for consumers to understand.
Restaurant Wine Pricing: A report from Wine-Searcher indicating that over 75% of wine drinkers are rejecting expensive restaurant markups, posing a significant challenge to the industry.
Jefferson’s Bourbon “Ocean Aging”: News on a partnership between Jefferson’s Bourbon and Holland America Line to age whiskey on cruise ships.
Market Trends in “Control States”: Data showing a rebound in Scotch sales in U.S. monopoly (control) states, specifically driven by growth in New Hampshire, even as other spirits saw a decline.
The following liquor industry news stories were posted on January 12, 2026:
Where To Buy An Empty Bourbon Or Whiskey Barrel: This story explores the world of “coopers”—specialist artisans who create whiskey barrels—and provides guidance for enthusiasts looking to purchase used barrels for personal projects or decor.
What Happens to Opened Wine: A report on how oxygen affects wine once a bottle is opened. It explains that while old wine typically won’t make you sick, oxidation strips the “brightness” and flavor, making it taste different than intended.
The 23 Best Rye Whiskey Cocktails: A comprehensive guide for home bartenders featuring essential recipes and deep dives into the versatility of rye whiskey in mixology.
Why a Popular ’70s Beer is Now Only in Canada: This piece looks at a specific cult-classic beer brand from the 1970s (famously associated with pop culture icons like Kurt Cobain) that has disappeared from U.S. shelves but remains available in the Canadian market.
Espresso Martini Popularity: A look at the “buzzy modern classic” that remains one of the most-ordered cocktails globally, detailing its standard ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and simple syrup.
Weekly Liquor Industry Highlights: A review of the first week of January 2026 by Mark C. Lenzi, covering broad trends and news across the wine and spirits sectors.
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.
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.
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. […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 310 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Seth Cysewski, the visionary founder and inventor of Mistral […]
