New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products
09-04-26
Posts Tagged ‘Specials’
New Products This Week-Franklin Liquors New Beer, Wine, Liquor
September 4, 2026Liquor Industry News 09-04-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
September 4, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
The articles featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (09-04-26) Flipboard collection highlight key trends, regulation breakdowns, and recommendations across spirits and wine:
- Why Your Tequila Was Bottled in Indiana: 7 Rules Explained (Tequila Report / Jay Baer)
Explores spirits labeling regulations and import laws that require or permit tequila—produced and distilled in Mexico—to be transported in bulk and bottled in U.S. facilities (such as in Indiana) before reaching retail shelves. - Wine Folly Launches Its First Mobile App (Wine Industry Advisor)
Announces the release of Wine Folly’s inaugural mobile app, which puts 32 interactive wine region maps directly onto smartphones to assist consumers and professionals with educational exploration and terroir navigation. - 15 Bartenders Share Best “Bang for Your Buck” Scotches (VinePair / Rich Manning)
A round-up featuring recommendations from 15 professional bartenders on high-value Scotch whiskies that deliver exceptional quality, flavor, and complexity without demanding a luxury price tag. - Bordeaux Fire Myths Debunked (The Drinks Business)
Addresses and clarifies common misconceptions, rumors, and overstatements regarding recent wildfire events and their actual impact on vineyards, production, and smoke taint risk in the Bordeaux wine region.
Liquor Industry News 09-03-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
September 3, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the main news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
1. Basil Hayden Releases First Cognac Cask-Finished Bourbon
- Publisher: Food & Wine (Tony Sachs)
- Summary: Basil Hayden has launched a new expression finished in French oak casks that previously held Cognac for 20 to 25 years. This release marks the brand’s first-ever use of casks from a non-American spirit. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers an accessible price point of around $50.
2. The College Football Beer Boom
- Publisher: Food & Wine (Rich Manning)
- Summary: College football stadiums historically prohibited beer sales, but recent policy shifts combined with new financial drivers in college athletics have led to a massive expansion of beer availability at games. The article explores how changing venue policies and stadium economics are reshaping game-day culture.
3. America’s Top Beer by Interest
- Publisher: Food & Wine (Stasia Brewczynski)
- Summary: Based on an analysis of Google search data by Innerbody, Michelob Ultra leads as the most-searched beer across the nation. Lagers dominate consumer search trends overall, capturing four out of the top five spots nationwide.
4. Celebrity Spirits Profile: Dos Hombres Reposado
- Publisher: Tequila Report
- Summary: A feature on Breaking Bad co-stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s mezcal brand, Dos Hombres, highlighting their Reposado expression and discussing the growing landscape and market dynamics of celebrity-backed agave spirits.
Liquor Industry News 09-02-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
September 2, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories curated in the Liquor Industry News (09-02-26) collection on Flipboard:
Market Trends & Category Shifts
- Canadian Whisky Slumps in US Control States (The Spirits Business)
Data from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association reveals that Canadian whisky experienced the sharpest sales decline among spirits categories in US control states in July, contrasting with positive growth seen in categories like Scotch and Tequila. - Why Apéritifs Are Still a Solid Bet (The Spirits Business)
Producers of apéritifs—traditionally low-key, pre-meal drinks—are working to maintain their momentum. After successfully repositioning their brands into mainstream culture over recent years, makers are now adapting strategies to retain consumer engagement amid shifting drinking habits.
Wine Industry Highlights
- Getting Grenache Noticed by Consumers (The Drinks Business)
Despite being the seventh most planted grape variety globally, Grenache often lacks direct brand recognition among wine drinkers, who frequently consume it in blends without realizing it. Industry leaders are discussing strategies to highlight the grape directly to consumers. - Climate Change Pushes French Wine Production North (The Drinks Business)
Evolving climate patterns and rising temperatures are shifting optimal viticultural zones in France further north, forcing vineyard managers and winemakers to adapt traditional growing regions and practices.
Liquor Industry News 09-01-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
September 1, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-01-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. When to Send Back the Last Glass of Wine
- Source: Food & Wine (by Kelly Magyarics)
- Summary: The last glass poured from an open bottle sold by-the-glass at a restaurant or bar should taste as fresh as the first, but oxidized or stale wine is a common issue. This article breaks down how to identify when a lingering bottle has spoiled and offers practical advice on how to politely send it back to get a fresh pour.
2. Early Harvest & Industry Challenges in Lodi
- Source: CBS News (by Carmela Karcher)
- Summary: Grape growers in Lodi, California, report an unprecedented harvest season starting weeks ahead of schedule, with some picking beginning as early as late July. The early harvest comes as the broader wine industry continues to navigate economic and climate-related pressures.
3. Redesigning Wine Tech Sheets at Tablas Creek
- Source: Tablas Creek Blog (by Ian Consoli / Samantha Naylor)
- Summary: A reflective piece by a marketing intern at Tablas Creek Vineyard exploring how the winery re-imagined and modernized its technical spec sheets to better communicate wine details to consumers, distributors, and trade professionals.
4. Bourbon Cocktails Showcase
- Source: Food & Wine
- Summary: A roundup featuring 29 bourbon cocktail recipes, highlighting versatile drink preparations ranging from ice-cold mint juleps for warm weather to hot toddies and warm cocktails.
Liquor Industry News 08-31-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 31, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
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.
Liquor Industry News 08-30-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 30, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
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).
Liquor Industry News 08-29-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 29, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories curated in the Liquor Industry News (08-29-26) collection from The Wonderful World of Wine:
Key Industry Stories
- Unusually Early & Rapid Grape Harvest in Germany (Wines of Germany)
- Summary: The 2026 wine vintage in Germany is experiencing an exceptionally early start and rapid grape ripening across all of its major wine-growing regions. Winemakers are accelerating harvest timelines to capture optimal acidity and sugar levels.
- The Go-To In-Flight Drink Recommended by Wine Experts (Travel + Leisure)
- Summary: Six wine industry professionals share their top beverage picks for air travel. As airlines invest heavily in premium wine lists to drive passenger loyalty (such as luxury programs on carriers like Emirates and Porter), experts weigh in on which drinks elevate the travel experience right at takeoff.
- Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Wine Shipping Regulations (Free The Grapes)
- Summary: An informative guide breaking down current state-by-state Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipping laws for wine lovers. The piece outlines consumer rights, shipping restrictions, and actionable ways wine enthusiasts can support modernizing DTC wine shipping legislation.
- Volcanic Wine Regions Beyond Mt. Etna (VinePair)
- Summary: A deep dive into distinctive volcanic terroirs around the globe—highlighting regions from Santorini to the Canary Islands. The article explores how ash-rich, mineral-dense volcanic soils shape the acidity, minerality, and unique flavor profiles of these wines.
New Products This Week-Franklin Liquors New Beer, Wine, Liquor
August 28, 2026New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products
08-28-26
Liquor Industry News 08-28-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 28, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News 08-28-26 magazine collection on Flipboard:
Key Stories & Headlines
- Sangria vs. Tinto de Verano: Which to Sip? (bullagastrobar.com) Compares two iconic Spanish summer wine drinks, exploring the differences between fruit-infused Sangria and the simpler, refreshing combination of red wine and carbonated soda (Tinto de Verano).
- “Tasting Enough Wines” Will Not Make One an Expert, Research Shows (thedrinksbusiness.com) Highlights a new intelligence study debunking the common assumption that volume drinking or simply tasting a vast number of wines makes someone a wine connoisseur.
- Redwood Empire Unveils “The Hyperion” Limited-Edition Blend (thespiritsbusiness.com) Details California-based Redwood Empire’s latest limited release: a unique, one-off blend featuring four distinct whiskey styles, including the brand’s own single malt.
- Wine and Health: Dr. Laura Catena on the Science Behind Moderate Drinking (falstaff.com) Features insight from physician and vintner Dr. Laura Catena examining the scientific perspective and physiological research around moderate wine consumption.
Liquor Industry News 08-27-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 27, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (August 27, 2026) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Key Stories & Headlines
- Changing Palates (World of Fine Wine)
- Summary: Renowned wine writer Terry Theise, alongside a panel of distinguished wine writers, explores how taste in wine evolves over a person’s lifetime as they grow older.
- Alcohol at the Supreme Court (SCOTUSblog)
- Summary: Kelsey Dallas reviews Supreme Court discussions regarding alcohol law precedents, examining how the justices referenced the Founding Fathers’ drinking habits while considering legal frameworks around substance regulations.
- Rally Dog Vodka Ade Launch (Boston Beer Co.)
- Summary: Boston Beer Company announced Rally Dog™ Vodka Ade, the latest RTD (ready-to-drink) canned cocktail from its innovation incubator, tapping into the rapidly growing vodka-ade category.
- Flavor Trends: From “Swicy” to “Newstalgia” (Craft Beer & Brewing)
- Summary: Author Randy Mosher breaks down emerging flavor profiles for brewers and beverage makers to consider, covering trends such as “swicy” (sweet + spicy) combinations and nostalgic flavor spins (“newstalgia”).
Liquor Industry News 08-26-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 26, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
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 08-25-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 25, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (August 25, 2026) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi on Flipboard:
Key Stories & Highlights
1. Unlikely Brand Partnerships: Wine Meets Fast Food & Sports
- Source: Substack (Robert Joseph)
- Summary: Industry commentator Robert Joseph explores unconventional strategic partnerships in the beverage world. Highlighting collaborations like La Vieille Ferme pairing with KFC and Gusbourne partnering with major football clubs, the article examines how wine brands are attempting to break traditional upscale stereotypes to reach mainstream, mass-market audiences.
2. Modernizing the Restaurant Wine List
- Source: SevenFifty Daily (Caitlin A. Miller)
- Summary: Taking inspiration from venues like New York City’s Bibliothèque (a wine bar and bookstore), this piece explores the evolving design and philosophy behind modern wine menus. Great wine lists are moving away from intimidating, clinical catalogues toward narrative-driven, approachable, and engaging experiences for diners.
3. “Come Over October” Campaign & Social Connection
- Source: Wine Industry Advisor (Press Release)
- Summary: Survey findings from the Come Over October™ initiative reveal a significant opportunity for the wine sector. The campaign emphasizes positioning wine not just as a beverage choice, but as a central medium for social gathering, community, and in-person connection.
4. Angel’s Envy Launching Experimental Bourbon Release
- Source: Food & Wine
- Summary: Premium Kentucky distillery Angel’s Envy announced one of its most experimental bourbon expressions to date, continuing its trend of innovative barrel finishing and unique mash bill experimentation.
Liquor Industry News 08-24-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 24, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the main stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-24-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Welcome to the World, Asti Rosato!
- Source: Wine, Wit, and Wisdom (Society of Wine Educators)
- Summary: The European Union has approved a new style of pink sparkling wine within Italy’s established Asti DOCG classification: Asti Rosato. The regulation allows for two key styles:
- Asti Rosato / Asti Spumante Rosato: Produced via second fermentation in bulk tanks/autoclaves (Charmat/Martinotti method) with a minimum 1-month production/aging process.
- Asti Metodo Classico Rosato: Produced via traditional bottle fermentation (aged on lees for at least 9 months) using 70%–90% Moscato Bianco blended with 10%–30% Brachetto.
2. What Makes Vermentino So Special?
- Source: Substack – The Wine Classroom (Paul Vigna)
- Summary: While Vermentino is traditionally associated with Mediterranean regions like Sardinia and Tuscany, East Coast winemakers are increasingly championing the white grape variety. Industry insiders and growers highlight its adaptability, natural acidity, and ability to thrive in warm coastal and mid-Atlantic climates while delivering crisp, fruit-forward flavor profiles.
3. The Tequila Hangover Myth You Can Stop Believing
- Source: Tasting Table (Claudia Alarcón)
- Summary: Industry experts debunk the long-standing myth that tequila inherently causes worse hangovers than other spirits. Severe hangovers associated with tequila typically stem from consuming cheap, mass-produced mixto tequilas loaded with added sugars, artificial flavorings, and colorings. Distillers and bartenders advise looking for 100% agave, additive-free tequilas meant for sipping rather than shooting to avoid morning-after ill effects.
Liquor Industry News 08-23-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 23, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the highlighted stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-23-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
1. Can Heavy Metal Help Save Wine? This Festival Thinks So
- Source: Food & Wine (by Jesse Koji Fukumoto)
- Summary: The Blood of Gods Annual Merrymaking festival is bringing new energy, unconventional programming, and a metal-head edge to the wine world. Sommelier and author André Hueston Mack kicked off the event’s panel discussions with the bold declaration to “burn it all down,” advocating for breaking traditional wine elite stereotypes to attract younger, new generations of wine drinkers.
2. This Kentucky Liquor Store Might Be The Best-Kept Secret On The Bourbon Trail
- Source: Southern Living (by Melinda Salchert)
- Summary: Highlighting a hidden gem located in Bardstown, Kentucky—the official “Bourbon Capital of the World”—this feature focuses on a local liquor store known for offering insanely affordable pours and rare bourbon finds. It stands out as an unpretentious, must-visit pitstop for enthusiasts touring the Bourbon Trail.
3. How to Make the Best Fall Cocktails
- Source: A Lush Life Manual (by Susan L. Schwartz)
- Summary: A seasonal guide detailing ten classic and signature autumn cocktails designed for cooler weather. The piece highlights how drink choices shift away from summer’s crisp citrus to richer, darker profiles centered around brown spirits, bitters, smoke, maple, and warming spices. Highlighted drinks include the Boulevardier, Rye Manhattan, Sidecar, Kentucky Hot Toddy, and Irish Coffee.
4. 10 Under-The-Radar Spirits From Around The World Worth Seeking Out
- Source: Tasting Table (by Xenia Turner)
- Summary: A global tour of unique, regionally celebrated spirits that go beyond standard bar staples. Featured bottles include:
- Mekhong (Thailand): A spiced, rum-like distilled spirit made from molasses, rice, and local herbs.
- Tsipouro (Greece): A potent pomace brandy deeply rooted in Greek meze culture.
- Other hidden gems mentioned include Sotol (Mexico), Singani (Bolivia), Feni (India), Chacha (Georgia), Poitín (Ireland), and Pálinka (Hungary).
Liquor Industry News 08-22-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 22, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News collection on Flipboard:
1. Market Trends & Demographics
- Gallup Poll: U.S. Drinkers Shift Toward Spirits as Beer Declines (The Spirits Business)
- Key Findings: Overall U.S. alcohol consumption remains at a record low of 54%. Among those who do drink, preferences are continuing to shift away from beer and toward spirits.
- Breakdown: Beer leads slightly with 36% of drinkers, while spirits closely follow at 32% (up 12% over the last decade) and wine holds steady at 30%. Spirits are especially popular among younger adults (ages 18–34) and women (37% preference).
- Health Awareness: Over 50% of Americans believe even moderate daily drinking (1–2 drinks) negatively affects health, and 17% reported trying non-alcoholic alternatives in the past year.
2. Spirits & Whiskey Releases
- Koopers Whiskey Releases Texas Oak Finished Bourbon (The Spirits Business)
- The Product: Texas-based blending house Koopers Whiskey introduced a limited-edition (360 bottles) 8-year-old Bourbon finished in toasted Texas-grown white oak barrels crafted by Standard Cooperage in Blanco, Texas.
- Details: Bottled at a barrel proof of 57.4% ABV with a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Master blender Troy Kooper designed the release to highlight local Texan white oak character alongside aged MGP bourbon.
3. Ready-To-Drink (RTD) & Cocktails
- Is the Tequila in Your Seltzer Any Good? (The Tequila Report)
- The Myth vs. Reality: Contrary to popular belief, carbonation does not hide low-quality spirits—it amplifies off-flavors and volatile compounds.
- Quality Indicators: Top-quality canned tequila seltzers use 100% agave tequila, display their distillery NOM, and list minimal ingredients without heavy artificial sweeteners or flavorings. High-end seltzers can contain the equivalent of 1.35 to over 2.1 ounces of standard tequila per can.
4. Wine & Regional Highlights
- Why Provence Sets the Gold Standard for Rosé (VinePair)
- Overview: A deep-dive infographic highlighting the history, climate, and winemaking traditions that made the Provence region of France the global benchmark for crisp, high-quality rosé wine.
Liquor Industry News 08-21-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 21, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
The stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (August 21, 2026) Flipboard collection curated by Mark Lenzi highlight new product releases, brand expansions, and industry milestones across spirits and wine:
1. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Releases Jura Cask & Discovery Expressions
- The News: Bardstown Bourbon Co. (under Lofted Spirits) introduced two new annual whiskeys: the 2026 Discovery and the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish.
- Key Details:
- The Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (52% ABV) blends 11-year Indiana bourbon, 10-year Indiana rye, and 12-year Kentucky bourbon, finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura distillery in Scotland.
- The 2026 Discovery (66.4% ABV) blends 10-year Indiana bourbon with 11-year and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, finished in custom Garryana (Oregon white oak) barrels.
- Both bottles retail for $139.99 USD and feature custom label artwork by artist Margaret Archambault.
2. Fireball Debuts “Torch’d Vanilla” Limited Release
- The News: Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Whisky launched a new limited-edition variant in the US called Torch’d Vanilla.
- Key Details:
- Bottled at 33% ABV, it blends vanilla, toasted marshmallow, smoky oak, and baking spices with Fireball’s core cinnamon flavor.
- Rollout begins in September in two formats: 750ml bottles ($14.99 USD) and 50ml 10-packs ($9.99 USD).
3. Sazerac Expands into Soju with “Dalho”
- The News: Sazerac entered the rapidly growing US soju market with the launch of Dalho Soju, featuring a “category-first” 50ml mini format.
- Key Details:
- Bottled at 17% ABV, Dalho is available in Original, Peach, Strawberry, and Lychee flavors.
- Offered in traditional 375ml bottles ($5.99 USD) and 50ml bottles ($0.99 USD / $9.99 10-pack) to lower the barrier for consumers looking to try soju.
4. Seven New Masters of Wine Named (Largest Class Since 2021)
- The News: The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) announced seven new Masters of Wine (MW), bringing the total 2026 cohort to 11—the largest intake since 2021—and raising the total number of active MWs globally to 427.
- Key Details:
- The class includes historic national firsts: Tiago Macena MW becomes Portugal’s first resident MW, and Sue Tolson MW becomes Hungary’s first resident MW.
- The newly inducted members are Alice Archer (UK), Owain Hughes (UK), Weiran Liu (China), Gabriella Macari (US), Tiago Macena (Portugal), Jake Skakun (Canada), and Sue Tolson (Hungary).
Liquor Industry News 08-20-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 20, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
The Liquor Industry News (08/20/26) magazine edition curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine) covers news, research, and innovation across the wine, beer, and craft beverage industries.
1. Drew Bledsoe on Washington Wine & Doubleback Winery
- Source: 425 Magazine (Denise Sakaki)
- Summary: Former NFL star quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who founded Walla Walla’s acclaimed Doubleback Winery, has been named the 2026 Honorary Chair for the Auction of Washington Wines. The article highlights Bledsoe’s role in promoting the Pacific Northwest wine industry, his personal journey as a winemaker, and the growth of his regional brand presence—including the Bledsoe Family Winery tasting room in downtown Walla Walla.
2. Sierra Nevada Introduces “Beer Soda” and Low-ABV Innovations
- Source: New School Beer + Cider (Ezra Johnson-Greenough)
- Summary: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is entering the low-ABV and hybrid beverage space with two major releases:
- Go-Two IPA: A 2.8% ABV full-flavored IPA created for drinkers looking to moderate alcohol consumption without switching entirely to non-alcoholic beer.
- Shred Beer Soda: A 4.5% ABV citrus-forward beverage inspired by Radlers and classic beer-soda mixes. Launching in a variety pack with Lemon, Orange, Lime Ginger, and Grapefruit flavors, it targets flavor-focused consumers looking for high-refreshment, easy-drinking options.
3. Cognitive Study Links General Intelligence to Wine Knowledge
- Source: PsyPost
- Summary: A study published in Intelligence & Cognitive Abilities evaluated 525 participants to explore the link between general intelligence (g) and domain-specific knowledge. Findings show that higher IQ scores consistently predict greater factual knowledge about wine, even when controlling for personal drinking habits or whether participants work in the alcohol industry. The study suggests high cognitive ability serves as a driver for acquiring complex, non-academic knowledge.
4. Top Global Cities for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
- Source: PorchDrinking
- Summary: A round-up exploring top global destinations for craft beer lovers, analyzing local brewing traditions and pub cultures. Featured hubs include:
- Portland, Oregon: Recognized for pioneering American craft beer and density of microbreweries per capita.
- Denver, Colorado: Highlighting the RiNo Art District’s taproom ecosystem and high-altitude brewing chemistry.
- Munich & Prague: Praised for deep historical roots, traditional lager production, and beer hall culture.
- Brussels & Melbourne: Noted for stylistic variety (Belgian lambics/sours) and creative botanical collaborations.
Liquor Industry News 08-19-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 19, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (08-19-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
Key Stories in the Roundup
- How Did G4 Tequila Spend 10 Years Becoming an Overnight Sensation?
- Source: Tequila Report (by Jay Baer)
- Summary: Details the rise of G4 Tequila into Nielsen’s top 25 best-selling tequila brands in the United States. It highlights the decade-long, deliberate growth strategy and craft production methods behind its recent surge as one of the market’s fastest-growing tequila brands.
- Maker’s Mark Announces 2026 Edition of Cellar Aged Bourbon
- Source: Food & Wine (by David Thomas Tao)
- Summary: Maker’s Mark unveiled the 2026 release of its highly sought-after, allocated Cellar Agedexpression. Notably, this year’s release features the highest percentage of 14-year-old bourbon in the blend to date, marking a continued evolution from their traditional practice of eschewing age statements.
- The 12 Best Wine Estates for Tasting Pinot Noir
- Source: Time Out (by Richard Holmes)
- Summary: A curated guide to top international wine estates specializing in Pinot Noir—often dubbed the “heartbreak grape” due to its delicate, temperamental nature. The feature highlights premier tasting rooms and vineyards around the globe where enthusiasts can experience exceptional expressions of the varietal.
- The Next Big Thing in Nonalcoholic Beer: Functional Ingredients
- Source: Food & Wine
- Summary: Examines the evolving non-alcoholic beverage category, focusing on brewers who are enhancing non-alcoholic beers with functional ingredients (such as adaptogens, electrolytes, and mood-boosting botanicals) to cater to wellness-focused consumers.
Liquor Industry News 08-18-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 18, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-18-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. What Is Rum? Light, Gold, Dark and Sipping, Explained
- Source: Kosher Wine Direct
- Summary: An introductory guide breaking down the rum category. It highlights that sugarcane is the only universal rule for rum, leaving room for diverse styles across light, gold, dark, and aged sipping rums due to a lack of single protected geographic regions or rigid global aging mandates.
2. Wax on Wine Bottles: Does It Provide an Extra Barrier for Oxygen?
- Source: Substack (Jamie Goode)
- Summary: An examination of whether sealing wine bottles with wax offers functional oxidation protection or serves purely as aesthetic packaging. Wine writer Jamie Goode explores winemakers’ claims regarding oxygen ingress and bottle aging versus standard capsules.
3. 2026 Price Map: What an Old Fashioned Costs on Average in All 50 U.S. States
- Source: VinePair (Stephen Bradley)
- Summary: A state-by-state pricing breakdown analyzing the average cost of an Old Fashioned cocktail across America. The piece charts how inflation, regional spirit pricing, and state liquor tax variations affect bar menu prices nationwide.
4. Trump Tariffs Hit US Wine Imports
- Source: The Drinks Business
- Summary: An industry report analyzing the trade and financial impact of federal tariffs on international wine imported into the United States, highlighting supply chain adjustments, increased costs for distributors, and retail price pressures.
