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”).
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.
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.
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).
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:
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.
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).
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.
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.
The Flipboard magazine collection “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 08-15-26” curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine) features articles covering trends, regions, and market developments across spirits, wine, and beer.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the collection:
1. Want to Drink Rare Bourbons for a Good Price? Try Winning the Lottery
Source: Wine Enthusiast (by Kristy Alpert)
Summary: Details how consumers can acquire highly sought-after, rare bourbons (like Pappy Van Winkle or BTAC) at manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) rather than extreme secondary market markups through state-run or retailer-sponsored liquor lotteries.
2. Vermentino, Explained: The Distinctive Italian White Wine You Should Know
Source: Food & Wine (by Tom Hyland)
Summary: Profiles Vermentino, an Italian white wine grape primarily grown in Liguria, Tuscany, and Sardinia. Known for its salinity, coastal influence, herbal notes, and surprising aging potential, it stands out against standard straightforward Italian whites.
3. World Cup Is Gone. Beer’s Summer Blues Remain. Now What?
Source: VinePair (by Dave Infante)
Summary: Analyzes the beer industry’s market performance following major summer sports events like the World Cup. It examines how the anticipated sales boost provided temporary relief, but underlying challenges and demand shifts in the beer sector persist.
4. Ancient Areni Reawakens
Source: Deborah Parker Wong
Summary: Explores the resurgence and heritage of Areni, an ancient indigenous grape variety from Armenia, highlighting how modern winemakers are reviving historical winemaking traditions and indigenous varietals to bring Armenian wines onto the global stage.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s curated Flipboard collection Liquor Industry News (08-13-26)from The Wonderful World of Wine:
Key Stories & Headlines
1. Crown Royal Partners with Juicy Couture
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Diageo’s Crown Royal has teamed up with Y2K lifestyle brand Juicy Couture to release limited-edition bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits inspired by Crown Royal’s flavored whiskies (Regal Apple, Peach, and Blackberry).
Key Detail: The collaboration supports diversity in the fashion industry through a $75,000 donation to RaiseFashion, funded by 100% of the net proceeds from tracksuit sales.
2. Old Elk Releases 10-Year-Old Whiskey Trio
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Following its acquisition by Ohio-based Middle West Spirits, Colorado whiskey maker Old Elk introduced three high-ABV 10-year-old expressions:
Pricing & Availability: All three bottles are priced at $69.99 (750ml) and distributed nationwide.
3. The “Frozen Pickle Wine” Viral Trend
Source: Sporked
Summary: An analysis of the latest internet drink trend: dropping frozen dill pickle slices into a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc as savory ice cubes.
Takeaway: Evolving from frozen grapes and “spicy Sauvy B” (frozen jalapeño slices in white wine), the trend highlights how consumers embrace low-effort, high-novelty freezer hacks—even if food critics conclude that the brine clash is best kept separate from good wine.
4. How to Grow Wine Without Herbicides
Source: Beyond Organic Wine (Substack)
Summary: Examines sustainable and organic viticulture practices, detailing modern advances in vineyard tools, cover crops, and soil management aimed at eliminating chemical herbicides in favor of regenerative grape growing.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-12-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Copper & Kings Expands Distillery-Exclusive Shipping: Louisville, Kentucky-based brandy producer Copper & Kings announced it is offering nationwide shipping for its distillery-exclusive bottlings, making limited-edition spirits available directly to consumers across the country.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails Gain Ground in Bars: Beyond conquering supermarket retail shelves, ready-to-drink canned and bottled cocktails are increasingly being integrated into on-premise venues and behind bar programs as bars adopt them for speed, consistency, and convenience.
Extreme Heat Forces Early & Nighttime Grape Harvests in Italy: Climate change and scorching temperatures in Italy (specifically the Franciacorta sparkling wine region) are shifting harvest schedules. Vineyards are harvesting grapes up to 10 days earlier than usual and relying on pre-dawn/nighttime picking to protect fruit quality from intense heat.
The Producers Behind Costco’s Kirkland Boxed Wine: An inside look into the sourcing, wineries, and production partnerships behind Costco’s popular and budget-friendly Kirkland Signature boxed wine offerings.
The stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-11-26) collection cover a mix of industry launches, legal developments, and market trends:
1. China’s Top Wine Influencer “Lady Penguin” Faces Smuggling Trial
The Story: The company behind Wang Shenghan (known online as Lady Penguin), China’s prominent wine influencer with over 6 million followers, is set to stand trial in Beijing on September 1, 2026.
Details: Both the corporate entity (Beijing Lady Penguin Wines & Spirits) and an individual are accused of smuggling goods and duty evasion. This marks a dramatic downturn for a digital brand that previously generated up to RMB 350 million ($48M+) in annual sales before facing debt, lawsuits, and declining operations in recent years.
The Story: Startup PourPlays announced the official launch of its interactive “Play–Learn–Win” mobile platform designed to make wine education engaging for new generations of consumers.
Details: The app combines game mechanics (such as pairing challenges and trivia levels) with AI-powered tasting notes, live event integrations, and promotional coupons. It aims to bridge the disconnect between traditional wine marketing and younger, digitally native drinkers.
3. Bota Box Debuts Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a 1.5-Liter Format
The Story: Major boxed wine brand Bota Box launched a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon packaged in a 1.5-liter box (equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles) at a suggested retail price of $20.
Details: Crafted by winemaker Alicia Ysais using select lots from recent Napa vintages, the launch reflects growing industry demand for premium-tier wines packaged in sustainable, eco-friendly alternative formats.
4. A Look Back at Pre-1984 State Drinking Laws in the U.S.
The Story: A historical analysis published by VinePair explores the state-by-state landscape of legal drinking ages prior to the passage of the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
Details: The article highlights how state drinking ages varied widely—ranging from 18 to 21—and examines how the federal government used federal highway funding leverage to standardize the age at 21 nationwide.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-10-26) collection on Flipboard:
Key Stories in this Edition
Liquor Industry News Roundup (thewonderfulworldofwine.education) Curated by wine & spirits educator Mark C. Lenzi, this issue covers industry updates, new beverage releases, regulatory notes, and retail market developments across the wine, spirits, and beer sectors.
How Weight-Loss Medication is Changing Relationships with Alcohol (BBC News) An exploration into an unexpected side effect of popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy): many users report a significant decrease in alcohol cravings and overall consumption alongside their reduced appetite.
Best Champagne for Celebrations: How to Choose (winesfromfrance.com) A practical guide to selecting Champagne for major milestones and events, detailing differences in sweetness levels, grape blends, price points, and serving tips for memorable toasts.
Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter (mexicosolidarity.com) A report detailing Mexico’s dominant milestone as the top global exporter of beer, driven by sustained international demand for Mexican lager brands in major export markets like the United States.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News:
Key Headlines & Summaries
Slovenian Winemakers Face Threat of Not Being Allowed to Sell Wine (The Morning Claret)
Summary: Slovenian winemakers are facing regulatory hurdles and uncertainty following new regional wine legislation, which creates risks around compliance and licensing that could prevent some producers from legally selling their wines.
Cutwater Named Fastest-Growing Alcohol Brand in the U.S. (The Spirits Business)
Summary: Anheuser-Busch InBev’s ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail brand, Cutwater, recorded a 104% growth surge over the past 12 months, making it the fastest-growing alcohol brand in the United States amidst rising consumer demand for premium RTD beverages.
Exploring Eight EU Wine Regions Set to Win Over Drinkers (The Drinks Business)
Summary: Highlighting a recent industry masterclass, this piece explores eight emerging European Union wine regions positioned to gain market share by leveraging strong EU quality assurance standards and evolving consumer preferences.
New Study Finds Alcohol Industry Fails on Nutrition & Ingredient Transparency (Center for Science in the Public Interest / CSPI)
Summary: A report published by health advocacy groups highlights significant gaps in consumer disclosure across major alcoholic beverage manufacturers, arguing that the industry lags behind food and non-alcoholic drinks in disclosing calorie counts, ingredients, and nutritional facts.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News 08-07-26” collection on Flipboard:
How a More Casual Drinker Gets the Most Out of the Fancy Coravin Wine Preserver (Bon Appétit) The author explains how the Coravin wine preservation system helps them keep their sparkling wine carbonated for much longer, allowing them to enjoy summer cocktails at their own pace without wasting bottles as overall alcohol consumption habits trend downwards.
How To Order Wine Like An Expert (Mashed) This piece offers advice on how to confidently navigate a wine list. It provides insights from wine industry veterans on how to tackle ordering wine at a restaurant, emphasizing that sommeliers are there to help guide you rather than intimidate you.
Your Wine Habit Could Be Doing Public Good (Wine Spectator) While most wine lovers focus on what’s inside the bottle, this article highlights the “Cork Collective” and its efforts to recycle corks. The initiative proves that the stoppers themselves can be repurposed and used for the public good.
Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks? (The Drinks Business) This story explores the growing trend of camping and outdoor recreation, asking whether the beverage and liquor industry is missing out on a large, potentially lucrative demographic by not marketing more specifically to campers.
Jinro Soju Retains Title as World’s Best-Selling Spirit South Korea’s Jinro Soju remains the top-selling spirit brand globally, beating out Scotch whiskies, vodka, and rum. The brand moved 94.5 million cases over the past year, marking its 25th consecutive year holding the #1 worldwide spot.
Idaho’s Wine Scene Gains Recognition A feature on Idaho’s growing wine industry highlights 3100 Cellars, the state’s only dedicated sparkling wine house. Located near Boise, the producer is leading the charge in showcasing Idaho as an essential destination for wine enthusiasts.
2026 Great Taste Awards: Only 5 Beers Earn 3 Stars Out of more than 15,000 food and drink entries evaluated at the Great Taste competition, only five beers from four breweries achieved the highest honor of three stars, designating them as “exquisite and extraordinary.”
VinePair’s 30 Best Gins VinePair released its annual roundup reviewing and ranking the top 30 gins, detailing emerging flavor profiles and top-performing distilleries.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Liquor Industry News (08-05-26) curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. Sarah Jessica Parker & Invivo Bottled the Internet’s Spiciest Wine Trend
Source: Wine Industry Advisor
Summary: Actress Sarah Jessica Parker and New Zealand-based Invivo Winemakers have teamed up again to release a new bottle inspired by viral social media wine trends. The release capitalizing on trending flavor profiles and digital wine culture highlights ongoing celebrity collaboration in the beverage industry.
2. 10 Lime Beers, Ranked Worst to Best
Source: Tasting Table (by Emily Hunt)
Summary: Moving beyond the classic ritual of putting a fresh lime wedge into a Corona bottle, this ranking evaluates ten commercially available lime-infused beers on the market, reviewing their balance of citrus flavor, sweetness, and drinkability from worst to best.
3. Global Alcohol-Related Deaths Fall by 26%
Source: The Spirits Business (by Lauren Bowes)
Summary: A recent report based on data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) reveals that the global alcohol-attributable mortality rate has declined by over 25% since 2010, indicating shifts in global consumption habits and improved public health awareness.
4. Is Wine Good for You? What the Evidence Says
Source: The Drinks Business
Summary: This piece examines the latest scientific research and clinical evidence surrounding wine consumption, contrasting long-held health claims (such as resveratrol and heart health benefits) with modern epidemiological guidelines on alcohol intake.
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 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.
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
