Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-04-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Declining Wine Consumption: Reliving 1986 or 1993?
Source: Substack (Tom Wark)
Summary: Analyzes current downward trends in U.S. per-capita wine consumption. The piece draws parallels to historical downturns in 1986 and 1993 to evaluate whether the American wine market is experiencing a temporary contraction or a long-term structural shift.
2. Tales of Kosher Alcohol
Source: talk-a-vino.com
Summary: Explores the landscape of kosher wines, spirits, and liquors (including whiskey, tequila, and vodka). It breaks down how kosher certifications influence production and consumer purchasing decisions beyond just price considerations.
3. Daily Marijuana Use Surpasses Daily Drinking in the U.S.
Source: Fox News (Angelica Stabile)
Summary: Reports on SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) survey data showing a major shift in substance habits. With 21.4 million Americans reporting daily or near-daily cannabis use, daily marijuana consumption has officially surpassed daily alcohol drinking in the United States.
4. How Heatwaves Affect What We Drink
Source: The Drinks Business
Summary: Examines how rising temperatures and seasonal heatwaves alter consumer preferences, driving shifts toward lighter, colder, and lower-ABV beverage formats.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-03-26) collection from The Wonderful World of Wine:
1. Episode 321 — Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina
Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast
Summary: Co-hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi sit down with Gabrielle Malina, the driving force behind Boston’s First Crush. The episode explores how local wine culture is being redefined through natural wines, community-focused events, and initiatives aimed at making wine more approachable and inclusive for everyday consumers.
2. The World’s Best-Selling Vodka Isn’t Grey Goose or Ketel One — It’s Cheaper
Source: Tasting Table
Summary: Despite the premium marketing of brands like Grey Goose, Cîroc, or Ketel One, Smirnoff remains the undisputed global leader in vodka sales. Backed by global distribution via Diageo, Smirnoff moves roughly 23.4 million nine-liter cases annually—nearly double its closest competitor, Absolut. Its dominance is driven by an affordable price point (~$12 a bottle) and its status as an industry-standard, versatile workhorse mixer for high-volume bars.
3. Why You’ll Never Find Norway’s Best-Selling Beer on American Shelves
Source: Tasting Table
Summary: Norway’s top-selling pilsner, Ringnes Bryggeri (brewed since 1886 and owned by Carlsberg), is virtually impossible to find in the United States. Due to heavy alcohol production taxes in Scandinavia and high US import costs, bringing the domestic lager stateside is economically unfeasible for distributors. While traditional Norwegian lager remains abroad, American beer lovers can still sample Norwegian influence through craft imports or local beers brewed using traditional Norwegian kveik yeast.
4. What Real Vikings Drank When They Wanted Something Stronger Than Beer
Source: The Takeout
Summary: Centuries before modern distillation introduced hard liquor to Scandinavia, wealthy Vikings drank fruit wine when they wanted drinks with higher alcohol content than standard beer or mead. Using locally abundant ingredients like cherries, apples, pears, lingonberries, and cloudberries, ancient producers fermented fruit wines reaching ABVs similar to modern grape wines—a craft that parallels today’s revival in artisanal fruit wines, traditional ciders, and perries.
Here is a summary of the featured stories from Mark Lenzi’s curated magazine issue, Liquor Industry News:
1. Non-Alcoholic Fall Beers: Samuel Adams NA Octoberfest & Apple Spice Ale
Source: Tasting Table (Julia Duda)
Summary: Samuel Adams is expanding its non-alcoholic lineup for autumn with new offerings including NA Octoberfest and Apple Spice Ale. The review highlights how craft brewers are increasingly translating complex, seasonal flavors into the non-alcoholic space to meet growing consumer demand for zero-proof autumn beverages.
2. Legendary Rye Whiskey of the American West
Source: Tasting Table (Autumn Swiers)
Summary: This piece dives into the historical lore of classic rye whiskey tied to iconic Old West figures like John Henry “Doc” Holliday in Tombstone, Arizona. It explores how traditional rye spirits played a central role in frontier saloon culture and continue to hold a distinct legacy in American whiskey heritage.
3. The Rise of Sake in the U.S.
Source: CBS News
Summary: Highlighting the booming popularity of Japanese rice wine across the United States, this feature profiles sommelier Daniel Bennett of Chicago’s Omakase Room. Bennett breaks down the nuances, production traditions, and food-pairing versatility that make high-grade sake increasingly popular among American diners.
4. Canadian Wine Destinations: Quebec City Region
Source: Mansion Global
Summary: The article showcases the wine region situated near Quebec City as an underrated luxury destination for wine enthusiasts. It spotlights boutique, cool-climate wineries producing notable ice wines, whites, and sparkling varieties in picturesque settings like Île d’Orléans.
Here is a summary of the featured stories from Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-01-26) collection:
1. Portuguese Cork Association Launches “Drink Responsibly” Campaign
Source: PR Newswire / APCOR
Summary: The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) launched a nationwide US campaign titled “Drink Responsibly. Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork.” The initiative aims to educate consumers on mindful drinking while raising awareness about the sustainability, quality, and environmental benefits of natural cork closures in wine.
2. Boston Beer Company’s Sun Cruiser Hard Tea
Source: VinePair
Summary: An in-depth look at Sun Cruiser, Boston Beer Company’s alternative hard tea line alongside Twisted Tea. Made with real spirits and tea, the brand focuses on lower-ABV, refreshing offerings with line-ups including Classic Iced Tea and Half & Half (lemonade and iced tea), with plans for line expansions.
3. US Wine Industry & Collective Marketing Challenges
Source: The Drinks Business
Summary: Industry agency leadership warns that while regional wine associations perform strong localized promotion, the broader US wine sector lacks a unified, collective national marketing strategy. Without generic, industry-wide promotional efforts, the US wine market risks losing consumer ground to competing beverage categories.
4. Tsingtao Expands into Irish Whiskey
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Prominent Chinese brewing giant Tsingtao is diversifying its portfolio beyond beer by partnering with Ireland’s Great Northern Distillery to enter the growing Irish whiskey segment.
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News:
1. Australian Wine Exports Drop to 22-Year Low (The Drinks Business)
Key Takeaway: Australian wine exports have dropped to their lowest level in over two decades.
Details: The decline is primarily driven by a broader global drop in wine consumption, which continues to put downward pressure on international demand for Australian vintages.
2. ‘Worst Crisis Since WWII’: Bordeaux Wildfires Continue Amid Extreme Heat (The Drinks Business)
Key Takeaway: Extreme heatwaves and wildfires near Bordeaux have created severe crisis conditions for the region.
Details: The fires and scorching temperatures have severely disrupted local wine regions, with officials describing the situation as one of the hardest challenges the area has faced in modern history.
3. How to Pair Tequila With Food Without Screwing It Up (Tequila Report)
Key Takeaway: A practical guide to integrating tequila into dinner pairings rather than treating spirits and food as separate entities.
Details: Author Jay Baer breaks down how different styles of tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo) complement various flavor profiles, sauces, and cooking techniques to elevate meal pairings.
4. 10 Summer Cocktails Food & Wine Readers Loved This July (Food & Wine)
Key Takeaway: A roundup of the most popular summer drinks favored by readers over the month.
Details: Features top-rated seasonal cocktail recipes, emphasizing refreshing ingredients, fruit-forward flavors, and easy-to-make summer classics.
The Story: Beyoncé has formally taken full ownership of SirDavis American Whisky, a brand created in partnership with Moët Hennessy (LVMH).
The Details: Named after her great-grandfather Davis Hogue—a prohibition-era moonshiner—the brand reflects a high-rye American whisky profile finished in sherry casks.
Svedka Introduces a “Vodka Water Cooler”
The Story: Svedka Vodka (owned by Sazerac) launched a marketing campaign featuring an office-style water cooler dispensing its new Ready-To-Drink (RTD) canned Vodka Waters.
The Details: This move targets the fast-growing canned RTD market, capitalizing on the shift away from sugary malt beverages toward low-calorie, spirit-based canned drinks.
European Sparkling Wines & Regional Heritage
The Story: A feature by VinePair exploring how European sparkling wines (beyond Champagne, such as Cava, Prosecco, and Crémant) communicate regional identity and terroir.
The Takeaway: As the European Union remains the world’s third-largest wine exporter, producers are doubling down on regional heritage to connect with budget-conscious yet craft-focused consumers.
Tuscan Terroir Focus: Wine, Food, and Olive Oil
The Story: A spotlight piece via Vero examining the agricultural triad of Tuscany, with a focus on Sangiovese-based reds (like Montalcino) produced without oak aging to preserve freshness and versatility with food
The Wine That Refuses to Behave: A Love Letter to Pét-Nat (Substack – Sandra E. Taylor)
The Premise: For those looking for sparkling wine without paying Champagne prices, Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) is having a moment.
Takeaway: Made using the ancient méthode ancestrale (where wine is bottled before primary fermentation completes), Pét-Nat offers a playful, rustic, and unpredictable sparkle that makes high-end bubbles feel accessible and fun for casual summer drinking.
The Case for Buying Wine You Actually Understand (River Journal Online – Thurman Hunter)
The Premise: Most consumers experience aisle anxiety—grabbing bottles based on familiar price points or pretty labels and hoping for the best.
Takeaway: The article argues for demystifying wine shopping. Instead of trying to decipher overly complex or obscure descriptions, consumers benefit far more from buying styles and regions they genuinely understand and enjoy.
What Happens When Every Wine Region Wants to Be Premium? (Food & Wine Aesthetics – Dwight Furrow)
The Premise: Exploring the global industry push toward “premiumization,” using regions like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in Italy as an example.
Takeaway: As nearly every wine region tries to elevate its status and price tier, it shifts market dynamics—forcing consumers to navigate higher prices while regions balance local tradition with high-end global prestige.
Ditching Industry Jargon: “Porch Pounders” (Substack / Kiersten Hickman) A commentary examining the popular casual term “porch pounder”—frequently used to describe easy-drinking, high-acid summer wines—and arguing why the phrasing dilutes appreciation for light-bodied wines and should be retired by industry professionals.
Wales Pursues World’s First Natural Wine Appellation (The Drinks Business / Barnaby Eales) Welsh wine producers are applying for formal protected status to establish the world’s first official natural wine appellation, signaling growing recognition and regulatory structure for low-intervention winemaking in the UK.
Old Forester Unveils Milestone Louisville Release (The Spirits Business / Joe Rogers) Old Forester has introduced the latest expression in its limited 117 Series. This release marks a significant brand milestone as the first whiskey produced entirely at its downtown Louisville, Kentucky distillery since the facility re-opened.
Cocktail Alternatives: Twist on the Long Island Iced Tea A feature exploring cocktail variations and substitutions—such as the Florida Iced Tea—offering drinkers alternative recipes when tequila or standard bar staples run short.
Here is a breakdown of the featured stories in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 07-27-26” Flipboard magazine, curated by wine specialist Mark C. Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Key Article Summaries
“Say Goodbye To Mediocre Wine — This 20-Minute Rule Makes It Taste Premium”
Source: Tasting Table (by Sean Bell)
Summary: Offers accessible serving hacks to instantly elevate inexpensive wines. The core tip centers on proper temperature management—chilling lighter reds for roughly 20 minutes before serving, or taking whites out of the fridge 20 minutes ahead to unlock their full aroma and flavor profile without muting them.
“What Is Blouge Wine? A Guide to the Chilled Hybrid”
Source: Wine Guide 101 (by Damon Segal)
Summary: Explores the emerging trend of “Blouge” (a blend/co-fermentation of white and red grapes). Positioned between a light red and a dark rosé, these juicy, low-tannin hybrid wines are designed to be served chilled, appealing to modern drinkers looking for vibrant, casual summer wines.
“The Wildest Flavored Vodkas Bartenders Actually Recommend”
Source: Food & Wine (by Kate Dingwall)
Summary: Highlights unique and unorthodox flavored vodkas that professional bartenders endorse for craft cocktails. It looks beyond artificial sweet flavors to focus on savory, botanical, or craft-infused spirits that add genuine complexity to drinks.
“Liquor Industry News 07-27-26”
Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Education (by Mark C. Lenzi)
Summary: An industry news roundup covering new product rollouts, retail beverage trends, market insights, and educational updates for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (07-26-26) collection:
1. Wine Orders as Age Indicators (Delish)
The Takeaway: Wine choices often reflect generational trends. For example, rosé dominated millennial culture in the mid-2010s through the “rosé all day” movement, while younger consumers and modern wine drinkers lean toward crispy whites like Sauvignon Blanc or natural wines.
2. New & Returning Fall Brews from Samuel Adams (Allrecipes)
The Takeaway: As seasonal transitions approach, Samuel Adams is introducing a new variation of one of its best-selling beers alongside the return of three fan-favorite seasonal brews for the fall lineup.
3. Turin’s Aperitivo Evolution (Food & Wine)
The Takeaway: Moving beyond classic spritz stops in tourist-heavy hubs like Rome or Venice, Turin (Piedmont) is emerging as one of Italy’s most exciting drink destinations with a rising scene centered on natural wine, inventive cocktails, and apericena (aperitivo paired with substantial snack dinners).
4. Volcanic Sparkling Wines of Veneto (Great Italian Food Trade)
The Takeaway: A spotlight on Lessini Durello and Monti Lessini DOP—volcanic sparkling wines produced in northeastern Italy’s Veneto region, known for high acidity and mineral profiles shaped by volcanic soils.
This Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine) features several key wine and spirits industry stories:
Featured Stories
8 Affordable Sparkling Wines That Are Just As Good As Champagne (Delish) Highlights sommelier-recommended budget sparkling wines (like Cava, Crémant, and Prosecco) that offer high quality and effervescence without the premium Champagne price tag.
Super Mario’s Namesake Planted Grapes Behind Washington’s Top Scoring White Wine (MyNorthwest) Focuses on the unique history behind Washington state’s top-rated white wine from the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, tracing its vineyard roots to Mario Segale (the real-life namesake of Nintendo’s Mario).
10 Reasons Why Moldovan Wine Should Be On Your Radar (The Drinks Business) Explores the rising global profile of Moldova’s wine industry, highlighting its indigenous grape varieties, subterranean cellars, and modern winemaking evolution.
Why Electrolytes Have Become Wine’s Newest Additive (The Drinks Business) Examines a new trend in wellness-oriented alcoholic beverages, where brands are experimenting with adding electrolytes to wine targeting health-conscious consumers.
This link leads to a curated daily digital magazine titled “Liquor Industry News (07-24-26)” on Flipboard, created by Mark Lenzi.
Overview
Curator: Mark Lenzi — Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) & Spirits (CSS), owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts, and co-host of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) podcast and blog.
Content: Every day, Mark compiles an updated digest collecting the latest articles, market trends, beverage reviews, legislative changes, and educational pieces across the wine, beer, and spirits industries.
Format: The Flipboard magazine aggregates articles from various industry outlets (like VinePair, Tasting Table, Food & Wine, and Wine Business) into a single swipeable magazine format.
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.
Lesser-Known Beers for Hazy IPA Fans (VinePair) Explores alternatives to traditional hazy IPAs, highlighting underrated styles and craft brews that deliver similar juicy, unfiltered profiles.
Whiskey vs. Scotch: What’s the Actual Difference? (Tasting Table) Breaks down common misconceptions about the two spirits, detailing differences in geographic origin, production rules, mash bills, and flavor profiles (all Scotch is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Scotch).
Missouri Bourbon as its Own Category (Southern Living) Discusses how Missouri bourbon is carving out its own distinct regional identity under local distilling laws, challenging Kentucky’s long-standing dominance with recommended bottles to try.
Long-Standing Airline Cocktails (Food Republic) Highlights an iconic in-flight cocktail that has remained a signature menu staple on a major airline for over two decades.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (07-20-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Episode 320: Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu (SoundCloud)
Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore a new iconic Napa Valley wine release in conversation with guest Jayson Hu.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Dry Or Sweet? What Wine Newbies Should Know (Tasting Table)
A beginner’s guide clarifying that Sauvignon Blanc is best characterized by its crisp, bright acidity rather than simple sweet or dry labels.
Why Sauvignon Blanc Fans Swear By Mixing In This Spicy Ingredient (Tasting Table)
Highlights the growing viral trend of infusing Sauvignon Blanc with hot peppers (like jalapeños) to complement its naturally green, citrusy profile with a spicy kick.
Europe’s Regional Beer Styles, Mapped (VinePair)
A visual breakdown mapping out traditional and regional beer styles across different countries and regions in Europe.
Here is a quick summary of the top stories shared in this curated collection of liquor industry news:
Top Summer Wines: A Virginia wine expert recommends selecting wines with lighter textures and brighter, high-energy flavors to elevate hot outdoor summer gatherings.
The $600,000 Bottle: An analysis of what a record-breaking 2018 auction—where a bottle of Romanée-Conti Pinot Noir fetched nearly $600,000—reveals about luxury markets and global dynamics.
World Cup Cocktail: In celebration of the 2026 World Cup final showdown between Argentina and Spain, a guide highlights how to mix a classic Fernet and Coke, Argentina’s unofficial national drink.
The Colorado Bulldog: An introduction to a lesser-known but perfect summer cocktail—essentially a White Russian upgraded with a splash of cola for a fizzy kick.
Here is a brief summary of the featured stories from the “Liquor Industry News” collection:
Canadian Cider Global Push: The non-profit association Cider Canada has secured federal government support aimed at expanding its footprint and boosting exports into international markets.
Massive Restaurant Wine Markups: Wine pricing at US restaurants has reached a new pain point for consumers, with reports showing some venues are marking up bottles to as much as six times their wholesale cost.
Fireball’s Novelty Sneakers: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has launched a marketing campaign featuring limited-edition high-top sneakers designed with a custom-built, secret compartment to carry a whiskey pouch.
Laser Tech vs. Counterfeit Alcohol: New laser technology is being highlighted as a potential weapon against illegal and dangerous counterfeit alcohol by allowing quick authentication of spirits.
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 […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 309 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin Get ready for groundbreaking wine education on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as Kim and Mark host Rachel Martin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Oceano Wines ( […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 308 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan Grab a glass 🥃 and join us for a very special episode as Kim and Mark take their first deep dive into the world of whiskey! We're thrilled to […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 307 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly […]
