Eve's Wine 101

BAR AND RESTAURANT EXPO 2023 TO PRESENT INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL PAVILION OF 50 JAPANESE FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

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LAS VEGAS- Bar & Restaurant Expo, returning to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 27-29, will introduce the first International Pavilion of Food and Beverage Products at this year’s event, featuring the expo’s first Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase.

Sponsored by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase will present an exciting mix of Japanese products, flavors, and globally renowned specialties from 50 leading international suppliers. Attendees will be treated to delicious food and beverage samples and will have the opportunity to learn how to incorporate these key products into versatile menu items and creative beverage offerings.

“The Government of Japan is excited for the opportunity to present at this year’s Bar & Restaurant Expo, our first ever Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase at this event” said Osamu Taki, chief executive director of JETRO Los Angeles, “We strongly believe the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase will have a great impact on the traditional bar and restaurant scene by teaching industry professionals how to incorporate the latest trends in Japanese cuisine.”

This experience will showcase traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages including sake and shochu – which have a rich 500-year history in Japanese cuisine, plus many renowned food products including wagyu beef, ramen, takoyaki and more. Attendees can also sample Japanese products that are new to the U.S. market, including dried sweet potato and baked sweet potato. With more than 20,000 Japanese restaurants currently operating in the United States, JETRO and MAFF look forward to promoting the unique and exciting specialties the country has to offer to the culinary world at this year’s expo.

“The addition of the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase demonstrates the expanding global influence of Bar & Restaurant Expo, and the appetite for new products, different experiences, and fresh ideas to help fuel the growth of the bar & restaurant industry”, said Tim McLucas, Vice President of Bar & Restaurant Group, Questex. “We are excited to welcome so many Japanese companies, products and connections to the 2023 event in partnership with JETRO and MAFF.”

In addition to the International Pavilion, Bar & Restaurant Expo will offer attendees exclusive access to leading suppliers launching new and exciting products, endless networking opportunities and the latest industry topics and trends through an array of expert speakers, educational workshops, offsite trainings and amazing nightlife events. View the current exhibitor list and floorplan here.

Those interested in attending the 2023 Bar & Restaurant Expo can find more information about the expo and purchase tickets at https://www.barandrestaurantexpo.com/. Bar & Restaurant Expo is a trade event and not open to the public.

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About Bar & Restaurant Expo

Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show, has continued to evolve to mirror the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry. The event has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators, and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. The Bar & Restaurant Group is a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris 2023, turning the spotlight on Be Spirits

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The forthcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris exhibition, due to take place from 13 to 15 February 2023 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, is dedicating a hall to the spirits and craft beverage arena with a programme that promises to be more vibrant than ever.

2023, A LANDMARK YEAR FOR BE SPIRITS 

  • In terms of new features, Be Spirits will boast its own hall to make room for spirits from all backgrounds, from the craft distilleries to the household brands, and shed light on industry trends for professionals.
  • The new format comes with a change in tempo stemming from a desire to meet the community’s needs through specific opening times, from 10 am to 8 pm.
  • A new area, dubbed the Craft Pavilion, will be reserved for the upcoming generation, with young producers of spirits, RTDs, alcohol-free drinks, ciders and beers, allowing them to promote their products in an outstanding international setting. Featured producers will include Gin and Pastis from the Distillerie de l’Ort, produced organically by a brother and sister duo in the Perigord region; rum infusions from K’ribean Cocktail-Taleya, born of a family venture in Guadeloupe; Gin with lavender accents by the Le Vadrouilleur-Maison LC 1901 distillery in Haute Provence; and the craft aperitif Vylmer Apéritifs, also produced in Provence and inspired by the 1950s.

BE SPIRITS, AN EVENT WITHIN THE EVENT 

In 2023, spirits, craft and alcohol-free beveragesare becoming even more significant with 20 % extra floor space compared with the 2022 event and 44 % new exhibitors. Alongside the many French exhibitors, international attendance will be very strong with the return of Belgium, Canada, the United States, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Romania, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Alongside them will be Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic and Vietnam as newcomers to the exhibition in 2023.

BE SPIRITS, AN EVENT FOCUSING ON DISCOVERY 

27 categories of spirits will be represented: Anise-based drinks, Armagnac, Cachaça, Calvados, Cognac, Cream Liqueurs, Brandies, Gin, Mezcal, RTDs, Rum, Rum infusions, Sake, Alcohol-free, Tequila, Tonic, Vermouth, Vodka and Whisky. New alcoholic drinks will enter the Be Spirits repertoire: Absinthe, liqueurs, bitter, Pisco (Peru’s national drink), Hard Tea and Shochu (the Japanese spirit), along with ciders and beers.

Making their debut in the Be Spirits hall are alcohol-free drinks which will come in a range of styles from semi-sparkling, spirits and beers to mixers and tonics, broadening the choice on offer in response to market demand.

EXHIBITORS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS

International participants include Whisky, Rum and Vodka from Canada with Notaboo and sake and shochu from Japan with the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and American RTDs Slim Chillers. French exhibitors will also share the limelight with attendance by the National Armagnac Marketing Bureau, Cognac with Château Montifaud, craft cream liqueurs with La Mentheuse, and Whisky from La Distillerie Warenghem with its Whisky Armorik.

Loyal exhibitors include the Consorzio di Tutela della Doc Prosecco, Anivin de France, Armagnac Castarede, Armagnac Veuve Goudoulin, BBC Vins et Spiritueux, Calvados Christian Drouin, Château de Saint Aubin, Cognac Dobbe, Maison Dolin, Drouet et Fils, Cognac François Voyer, Cognac Prince Hubert de Polignac, Dartilongue et Fils Armagnac, Delors Frères, Distillerie des Moisans, Distillerie Merlet, Distillerie de la Seine, Distillerie Jean-Paul Mette, Distillerie Longueteau, Domaine familial Louis Dupont, Eyland Spirits, Fire&Ice Beverages AG, Hardy Cognac, Hawkins Distribution, Jacoulot, Kaskad Diffusion, Les Bienheureux, Le Club des Marques, Les Jardins de l’Orbrie / So Jennie, Maison de la Mirabelle – Distillerie de Rozelieures, Maison Ferroni , Maison Peyrat, Michel Couvreur Scotch Whiskies LTD, Plus Oultre Distillery, Tesseron Cognac, Terre de Légende – Bruant Distribution, Tennessee Distilling and Vinet Delpech.

Among new exhibitors will be Arspirits, Armagnacs from Château de Lacquy, Black Mountain, Cognac Paul Giraud et Fils, JNPR, Distillerie de l’Ort, Distillerie Castan, Distillerie Miclo, Distillerie des Menhirs, Domaine de Coquerel, Dunrobin Distilleries, Groupe Geloso/Broue Alliance, Kratochvilovci, K’Ribean Cocktail / Taleya, Gaec du Clos de la Pommeraye, Godet Frères Cognac, Vignobles du Hour, Notaboo Corp, Famille Laudet / Domaine de Laballe, Maison Gelas, Saka Spirits, Slim Chillers, Spirignac, Shogga, Spiritique, Spiribam, Square Box / L’arrange Français and Univers Drink.

AN ON! PROGRAMME FUELLED BY CREATIVITY 

As part of the ON! programme, the event will provide the stage for innovative events in a new area called Speakeasy, a nod to the illicit ‘speak softly’ bars of the Roaring Twenties.  The 2023 Speakeasy by Wine Paris & Vinexpo will take an enterprising approach to on-trend topics in the world of spirits and mixology, yet maintain a very convivial atmosphere.

The battle of the Mixologists, a new event, will bring together the industry’s most creative figures. Speakeasy will also be the venue for masterclasses, conferences and panel discussions devoted to new trends and challenges in the global spirits market. The line-up already includes:

  • a masterclass on Brandy curated by Lucien Bernard,
  • a ‘Spirits’ masterclass by the WSET,
  • a ‘Sowine’ conférence hosted by Marie Mascré, ‘Z (for zebra?): younger generations and their relationship with wines and spirits’,
  • and masterclasses by the Japan Sake and Shochu Association.

The FEVS (French Federation of Wine & Spirits Exporters) will also reveal figures for French wine and spirits exports at its annual press conference on Tuesday 14 February at 10 am in the LET’S SPEAK WINE! area.

  • THE INFINITE BAR

One of the go-to attractions at Be Spirits is the huge, 40-metre-long Infinite Bar which is a focal point in the Be Spirits hall and the point where business meets inspiration. In 2023, it will welcome European, Parisian and French bars to showcase the incredible creativity of the top mixologists or up-and-coming personalities on the bartender scene.

For more information, visit wineparis-vinexpo.com

About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS

Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is the annual event for wine and spirits professionals from around the world. Hosted in February at a key time of the year, it aims to offer a cohesive focal point for industry players centring on a comprehensive, relevant and inclusive range of products that showcases vineyard sites across the globe alongside all the French wine regions.

About VINEXPOSIUM

Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. The group boasts an extensive portfolio of iconic, high-performance events tailored to different market segments: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris; Vinexpo America, Drinks America; Vinexpo Asia; Symposium; Vinexpo China; WBWE Amsterdam; and Vinexpo India, along with Vinexpo Explorer and Vinexpo Meetings. Vinexposium also continues to enhance its digital portal, Vinexposium Connect, the high-performance business enabler where industry members can connect 365 days a year around the world and enjoy online networking and exclusive content.

WINE PARIS AND VINEXPO PARIS 2023, AN INTERNATIONAL MILESTONE

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Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris returns in 2023 from February 13th– 15th  at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Four months ahead of the 4th edition, Vinexposium is preparing for its signature event, aiming to enhance the business experience for attendees and resonate with the entire community of wine and spirits professionals.

Following a very successful event in 2022, Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2023 solidifies its role as the international show for wines and spirits at a key moment in the calendar year, and in an ideal location in the heart of Europe. The high expectations voiced for the forthcoming edition, with even greater overseas representation expected, are echoed in the registration numbers– over 98% of producers have already signed up for the event.

WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS, THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

In 2023, significant emphasis will be placed on welcoming international visitors and producers, with over 52 wine producing countries attending the exhibition. In 2022, over 25,000 visitors came to the show. More are expected this year. 

Noteworthy international pavilions include the United States, making a big comeback in Paris (with delegations from California, Oregon, New York and Washington) as well as attendance by Argentina, Japan, Canada, Germany, Austria, Greece, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium to name a few. Many other international companies will be presenting their products, including VSPT Wine Group from Chile; ViniPortugal for Portugal as well as IVDP (Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto) l exhibiting for the first time in Paris; Viña Costeira, Bodegas Medrano Irazu, Bodegas Franco Española, Dominio de Punctum, Bodegas Raíces Ibéricas and Very Fine Vinos from Spain and Matteo Colla-Wines from Piedmont, Area 39 and Consorzio Tutela del Vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco representing Italy.

BRINGING TOGETHER ALL FRENCH WINE REGIONS

French wine promotional agencies are determined to make a strong showing, with all of the winegrowing regions present under one roof at this year’s show.  The regions will feature independent winegrowers  exhibiting alongside prominent industry players, representing wines from :

  • Alsace (Alsace Frey-Sohler, Henri Ehrart),
  • Beaujolais (Maison Jean Loron, Les vins Aujoux),
  • Bordeaux (Duclot, Domaine Barons de Rothschild-Lafite, New Aquitaine organic winegrowers),
  • Burgundy (Diva Domaines & Distillerie, Paquet Montagnac),
  • Languedoc-Roussillon (Gérard Bertrand, Vignobles Jeanjean, Moulin de Gassac),
  • Loire (Orchidées Maisons de vin, Domaine de Bois Mozé),
  • Champagne (Champagne Mailly Grand Cru, Champagne Palmer & Co, Champagne Gratiot & Cie, Champagne Lallier, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte)
  • and the Rhone Valley (Famille Ravoire, Domaines Aimé Arnoux).

  • More information on the exhibitors online here.

A FOCUS ON SPIRITS

In addition to wines, the Be Spirits area will highlight spirits and craft drinks from all backgrounds, ranging from craft distillers to household brands and featuring diverse selections, from hard tea to infused rum. Participants will include international spirits, such as Eyland Spirits and its Icelandic gin Olafsson, whisky, rum and vodka from Canada with Notaboo and Japanese sake and shochu with the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association along with American ready-to-drink Slim Chillers.

French spirits will also enjoy a share of the limelight with attendance by the National Armagnac Bureau, Cognac with Château Montifaud, craft cream liqueurs with La Mentheuse, and whisky by La Distillerie Warenghem.

Discover the full selection of spirit producers exhibiting at the show.

Designed to showcase the creative genius of the top mixologists, the Infinite Bar will host 10 Parisian bars, 5 bars from French regions and 5 European bars this year behind an imposing 40-meter long bar.

WhiskeyFest Las Vegas 2022…Done!

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Last month Eddie and I attended the WhiskeyFest Las Vegas event at Resorts Word – for the first time! We had two VIP tickets, which allowed us entry one hour early and samples of rare and aged whiskies. My plan? As soon as I checked in and picked up my swag bag – and program – I scoured the slim booklet to see who was pouring what that first hour, made some quick notes, and then attacked the two conference rooms allocated for the event. Second to that plan was doing as much damage, err, getting as many tastes as I desired in that hour, before taking a break, enjoying the different buffet meals, and then heading into a sit down class with one of the brand ambassadors. After the class I did go back into the two main rooms, but didn’t do as much tasting as I had in that first hour and in the class. First I will share the pours Eddie and I  enjoyed in bold and italics, and then I’ll share which class I took and my notes on that.

The Full List and VIP Pours:

Ardbeg: Wee Beastie, 10 yr., An Oa, 19 yr. Batch No. 4 (VIP hour only), Corryvreckan (VIP hour only)

Awayuki Japanese Strawberry Gin: A little on the sweet side for me but tasty.

Baker’s Bourbon

Balcones Distilling: Lineage Single Malt, Baby Blue Corn Whisky, Texas 1 Single Malt, Pot Still Bourbon, Rye 100, Brimstone Smoked Corn Whisky, Mirador Single Malt (VIP hour only), Prohibida Rum (Finished in ex-Balcones—Peat Casks) (VIP hour only)

Basil Hayden:10 yr., Dark Rye, Subtle Smoke, Toast

Benromach: 10 yr., 15 yr., 21 yr., Heritage Single Cask 1978—(VIP hour only)

Bikoku

Bird Dog Whiskey: Salted Caramel, Apple, Gingerbread

Blackened American: Flagship, Rye the Lightning

Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon: (VIP hour only)

Booker’s

Brenne: Estate Cask Single Malt, 10 yr. Single Malt

Bruichladdich: Classic Laddie, Islay Barley 2013

Calumet Bourbon: Farm Kentucky Straight Bourbon — Small Batch, 10 yr., 15 yr., 16 yr.

Chita

Cincoro Tequila: Blanco, Reposado, Cincoro Añejo, GOLD (VIP hour only), Extra Añejo (VIP hour only)

Crown Royal: Reserve 18 yr. (VIP hour only)

Dewar’s: Caribbean Smooth, Japanese (this was a Mizunara cask) Smooth, French Smooth, 12 yr., 15 yr., 18 yr. (VIP hour only), 25 yr. (VIP hour only), Double Double 21 (VIP hour only), 19 yr. (VIP hour only) I don’t do a lot of blends but I had a class on Dewar’s once and learned about the amazing single malts that go into their whiskey which made me a fan.

El Tequileño: Reposado Gran Reserva, The Sassenach Select Double—Wood Reposado, Añejo Gran Reserva

FEW Spirits: Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye, American Whiskey, Cold Cut, Immortal Rye, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon—(VIP hour only)

Frey Ranch: Bourbon, Rye, Single Barrel Rye (VIP hour only)

Gentleman Jack

Gladstone Axe

Glen Moray: 25 yr., Classic, Port Cask, Chardonnay Cask, Cabernet Cask, Sherry Cask, 12 yr., 15 yr., 18 yr., Pauillac Single Cask, 21 yr. (VIP hour only)

Glenmorangie: Original 10 yr., X by Glenmorangie, Lasanta 12 yr., Quinta 14 yr., Cadboll Estate 15 yr., 18 yr. (VIP hour only), Signet (VIP hour only) If I only had one single malt brand to enjoy, a pal told me, it would be Glenmorangie. I had to agree.

Gordon & MacPhail: Connoisseurs Choice, This was my favorite table as there were so many incredible aged whiskies to try. —Glenlivet 2004, —Bunnahabhain 1989, —Caol Ila 1997 – Cask Strength, —Tormore 1994 – Cask Strength, Glentauchers 1979 – Private Collection 1—(VIP hour only)

Hakushu: Smoky

Hibiki: Japanese Harmony

Jack Daniel’s: Tennessee Whiskey, Single Barrel Select, Bonded Tennessee Whiskey, Triple Mash Blended Straight—Whiskey (VIP hour only), Sinatra Select (VIP hour only)

Jefferson’s: Ocean Aged at Sea Rye, Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet—Cask Finished Bourbon

Johnnie Walker

Kikori

Knappogue Castle: 12 yr., 14 yr., 16 yr.

Knob Creek: 9 yr., Rye, 12 yr.

Legent

Little Book

Maker’s Mark: 46, Cask, BRT-01, BRT-02

Michter’s: US*1—Bourbon, —Rye, —American Whiskey, —Sour Mash, Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash (VIP hour only), 10 yr. Rye (VIP hour only)

Middle West Spirits: Straight Wheat, Straight Rye, Straight Bourbon, Bourbon Cream, Sherry Finished Bourbon (VIP hour only), Oloroso Wheat Whiskey (VIP hour only), Ported Pumpernickel Rye (VIP hour only) I’m a Middle West fan, first for their Pumpernickel rye. I believe they are the only ones in the U.S. making a pumpernickel whiskey. And these three, including the ported pumpernickel, blew my socks off.

Oban

Octomore 13.2: VS, VSOP, XO (VIP hour only)

OMAGE: (VIP hour only)

OYO Vodka: Honey Vanilla Bean, Stonefruit, Barrel-Finished Honey Vanilla Bean

Port Charlotte: 10 yr., Islay Barley 2013

Powers Irish Whiskey: Gold Label, Three Swallows, John Power

Rabbit Hole: Dareringer Sherry Cask Bourbon, Bourbon – Limited Release

Saint Cloud Kentucky Straight Bourbon: 100 Proof Single Barrel, X-Series (Abstrākt2) Single Barrel 110 Proof, 13 yr. Single Barrel, Barrel Proof (VIP hour only) Loved this discovery!

Seven Seals: Sherry Wood Finish, Port Wood Finish, Peated Port Wood Finish, Age of Taurus (VIP hour only), Age of Leo (VIP hour only)

Shanky’s Whip

Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash: (VIP hour only)

Shunka Shuto: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

SIA

Skrewball: Neat, Espresso martini (Skrewball, Kahlua—Coffee Liquor, & Cold Brew), Skrewball with Salt Rim, Skrewball with mixers (Cranberry, Apple Cider—Pineapple Juice, & Soda Water)

Smooth Ambler: Contradiction Bourbon, Founders’ Cask Strength—Series Rye

St. George Spirits: Lot 22 Single Malt, Baller Single Malt, Breaking & Entering American, Terroir Gin, Botanivore Gin, Spiced Pear Liqueur, NOLA Coffee Liqueur, Green Chile Vodka, Absinthe, 40th Anniversary Single Malt—(VIP hour only)

Talisker: 10yr

Teitessa Single Grain Japanese Whisky: 15 yr., 20 yr. (VIP hour only), 25 yr. (VIP hour only) This was my second favorite table, and a new Japanese whisky discovery for many if not all of us at the event. The 15 and 25 year old were both made the same way, and delicious. All three were very smooth and no need to add water.

Templeton: 4 yr., 6 yr., Barrel Strength, Stout Cask Finish, 10 yr. (VIP hour only), Single Barrel (VIP hour only)

Toki (as a Highball)

Vim & Petal Dry Gin

WhistlePig: PiggyBack 100% Rye, PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon, FarmStock Rye,
Small Batch Rye, Aged 10 yr. (VIP hour only) Fabulous finish on this one.

Widow Jane:10 yr. Bourbon, Lucky 13 Bourbon, Oak & Apple Wood Rye, Decadence (VIP hour only)

Yamazaki: Puncheon Cask, Sherry Cask, Mizunara Cask

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Suntory Seminar

I don’t really know why I’m so enamored with Japanese whisky exactly, it may have been my exposure to Sake when I did my certification class, the books I was sent for review on Japanese drinks and Japanese whisky, the uniqueness of the Japanese Mizunara cask, the differences in how Japanese whisky tastes compared to Scotch whisky…or just fond memories of my high school boyfriend Jim Matsuo that still hasn’t come to a single reunion. LOL.

The Art of Blending: A Deconstruction of Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Jonathan Armstrong | BIO
West Coast Brand Ambassador | House of Suntory

Seminar description: Please join the House of Suntory for an extraordinary opportunity to discover and explore the depth of Japanese whisky. Tasting a selection of whiskies from Chita, Hakushu and Yamazaki distilleries, we will discuss the history, craftsmanship and terroir of the House of Suntory. Through the Art of Blending we will examine the influence of American oak, Spanish Sherry casks and Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels and share the subtle, refined and complex nature of Hibiki Japanese Harmony.

Back to me: The five we tried that led up to the final blend included 1. Chita clean (made from corn). 2. Yamazaki Puncheon cask was a bit harsh to me. 3. Yamazaki sherry cask (my personal “wow that’s good” favorite) 4. Yamazaki Mizunara oak (My second favorite but a bit tight. Hibiki is also the first known brand to make this.) 5. Hakushu heavily peated (not too peated in my opinion). And the final blend they all went into: 6. Hibiki Harmony (We have a bottle at home).

I had a similar class two years ago, and covered it here in this blog, but here are a couple of things that sounded new to me:

Yamazaki Distillery will be celebrating their centennial this year as they opened in 1923. I bet that will garner a nice celebration. Also single malt whisky lost in sales to a less alcoholic drink in Japan: the highball that is now the most popular drink in Japan.

Instagram for some of the distilleries:

@Glenmorangie @GlenmoDan @StGeorgeSpirits @Glen_Moray _Whisky @GordonAndMacPhail @Dewars @BalconesDistilling @WhistlePigWhiskey @MiddleWestSpirits @CrownRoyal @SaintCloudBourbon @TeitessaJapaneseWhiskey @SuntoryWhiskey @WhiskyAdvocate

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Pacific International Liquor Announces Arrival of Ginjo Style KOBE SAKE

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LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A revolutionary new sake, “KOBE,” has been born. With premium Ginjo aroma, it can be enjoyed casually as cold sake. Its alcohol content is 11.5%, as light as wine. If you believe sake tastes harsh, KOBE SAKE is surprisingly smooth and crisp. KOBE SAKE can also be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails. This is because the brewer’s skill has resulted in a fine balance of distinctiveness and taste.

The city of Kobe is known as the oldest sake-producing area (for 700 years), and it produces more than 25% of all the sake produced in the entire country. Sake made in Kobe is believed to be the best because of its excellent local weather, the quality of its rice and water, and the skill of its brewers.

After nearly 300 years of national isolation, Japan opened the Port of Kobe on January 1, 1868, allowing Kobe to develop into an international port city. Kobe attracts many Americans and Europeans, many of whom establish their residences there. Through their influence, Western food, clothes, and entertainment found their way into Japanese culture, making Kobe one of the first cities in Japan to be introduced to foreign culture.

The Meiji and Taisho periods’ cityscape and culture still remain in present day Kobe. In fact, KOBE SAKE’s label design depicts the integrated image.

Kobe is also known as the birthplace of Japanese jazz and cinema. Other products developed in Kobe include clothes, bread, confectionery, and beef, which remain signature goods of Kobe to this day.

Today, nearly 50,000 people from more than 100 countries live in Kobe. As sake has become more popular worldwide, one-third of visitors to the sake breweries in Kobe are foreigners. As Kobe cherishes both its traditional and foreign cultures, KOBE SAKE will be another cultural contribution by the city of Kobe, Japan.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact us kobesake.com

South Coast Winery Garners 20 Awards from LA Competition

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The Nth 2022 Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience: Celebrating 10 Years of Flavor, Distinction and Luxury

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The Nth Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience is back with a bang for its glorious 10th anniversary celebrations, to be held once again at the beautiful Wynn Las Vegas Hotel and Resort showcasing the very best our beloved Whisky and Spirits industry has to offer.

There’s no getting away from the fact that the past two years have been as troubling, uncertain and disruptive for the Whisky and Spirits industry as they have been for any other. We’ve seen no shortage of events rescheduled, cancelled, or switched to being held online… so it gives us an enormous amount of pleasure to be back in our spiritual home Las Vegas doing what we do best.

As our 10 year anniversary special, and as our triumphant comeback, we’re pulling out all the stops on the 22nd and 23rd of April 2022 and providing an experience unlike any other. If whisky and fine spirits make your world go round, there’s simply no better place to be.

Nth 2022 is more than just a celebration of fine whisky – it’s a voyage of discovery, a journey into the heart of what makes this world-beating spirit so very special, and an opportunity to take your passion to new heights. What’s more, it’s a chance to share this passion with like-minded individuals, new friends, and experts gathered from around the world, joined together by an unrivalled enthusiasm for sheer excellence.

World class exhibitors, resplendent dinners, meet and greets, Master Classes, Super Pours, High Roller Lounge, opening of new releases, High Roller package (for those seeking to truly make the most of their Nth 2022 experience) justifies its reputation as the world’s leading fine Whisky and Spirits event.

A COVID-Secure Celebration In Style

On the one hand, the team behind the Nth 2022 are keen to ensure that the experience exceeds all expectations in a way befitting all good 10th anniversary celebrations. On the other, we want to ensure that all of our guests and delegates feel safe, remain protected, and that guidelines are adhered to with the latest healthcare advice.

Nth 2022 is, after all, an interactive experience; one at which whisky and fine spirits lovers from across the nation and the globe can come together in celebration, and get up close and personal with their favourite labels. As such, Show Founder Mahesh Patel has been working tirelessly to ensure the safest measures have been taken, with no compromises made when it comes to spectacle and sophistication.

The result? An interactive exhibition experience, which surpasses any of the ten years of whisky convention excellence that has gone before. By working alongside Wynn Resorts, and by adhering to a wide array of health and safety guidelines, we’ve designed Nth 2022 in a way that will keep delegates safe without ever interrupting the pleasure and enjoyment that sits at the heart of the event. The Nth 2022 will go ahead exactly as it should: as a joyful celebration of whisky and spirits. After all, you wouldn’t expect – and don’t deserve – anything less.

A Thrilling Array of Vendors and Exhibitors

There are many reasons why aficionados of fine spirits have The Nth 2022 marked on their calendars as an unmissable date, and just as many reasons why guests will be flocking to Wynn Las Vegas from across the globe. Our exclusive High Roller Experience comes with a stunning array of master classes, super pours, gifts, dinners, networking and tasting some of the world’s most expensive new releases of spirits in the world. However, at every Nth Experience the real big draw is the chance to explore what’s on offer from our incredible array of guest vendors and exhibitors, who represent the absolute cream of the crop of the spirits world. As you’d expect from a 10th anniversary celebration, this year’s event has truly gone the extra mile to include representatives from the world’s most prestigious and exciting distilleries.

We’ve invited exhibitors from Scotland, Japan, the USA, France, and even further afield this year, bringing them together for your pleasure right here in Las Vegas. Guests at The Nth 2022 will be able to pick up tips from the masters, peek behind the curtain of some of the world’s greatest producers, and get up-close-and-personal with some absolute wonders from their archives and cellars. From The Dalmore to Bowmore, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich, and from The Macallan to Michters and countless others in between, it’s a deep dive into the greatest names and hidden treasures of the industry.

Super Pours and Once-in-a-Lifetime Drams

If the Nth experience is known for one thing, it’s that it gives whisky connoisseurs the chance to truly tick off their spirits bucket list in flawless style. The Nth 2022 has truly upped the ante when it comes to the list of Super Pours on offer this year, with an awe-inspiring list of whiskies and Spirits being brought out for your tasting pleasure and sensory fulfilment.

We’re keeping the list of Super Pours available at The Nth 2022 under wraps for the time being… but recent years have seen incredibly rare and precious whiskies (such as G&M Private Collection Mortlach 1954, Glenfiddich Grand Cru, Dalmore 35YO, Last Drop 1870 Port, and The Glenlivet Atlantic 1965) being poured to rapturous applause. Trust us when we say 2022 features bottles that are right at the top of the wish-lists of the world’s greatest whisky fans, and they’re surely not to be missed.

Master Classes with Industry Icons

The Master Classes at The Nth have always been one of the biggest draws to this industry-defining showcase of fine spirits, and Nth 2022 is shaping up to be the best yet when it comes to panels and seminars hosted by the world’s most celebrated experts. Delegates at last year’s event were able to join Whisky Master Classes including: The Urquhart Family, The Dalmore distillery, William Grants and many more….

Here’s to Ten More Years!

The past ten years of The Nth have been an incredible journey; a chance to rejoice in the love and appreciation of the world’s finest spirits, educate dedicated whisky fans and deepen the joy that masterful distillation can bring.

On the 22nd and 23rd of April 2022, we’re coming together at The Wynn Las Vegas to not only celebrate the zenith of whisky and fine spirit production, but also to celebrate the journey The Nth has been on.

2022 is going to be a year to remember right across the spirits industry – it’s the year of the comeback, the defiant return to form, and of new ambitions and new ideas. The Nth 10 Year Anniversary experience is sure to be the highlight, and we can’t wait to see you there.

For Tickets and Event information please visit www.universalwhiskyexperience.com

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Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris, where the global industry meets

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Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris is returning to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 14 to 16 February 2022 for its third edition, marking the resumption of in-person events for the wine and spirits industry. By offering a comprehensive and inspiring range of products with a powerful international resonance, the Vinexposium group’s flagship event is reiterating its commitment to becoming THE global benchmark and a key date for trade members.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris will be the first major international event of 2022 and it marks the resumption of full-scale tastings. Highly awaited by the global wine and spirits industry for the variety of products on show and its business meetings, the event is now focusing on promoting attendance by key buyers, including those from outside the EU who are showing a strong interest in the exhibition.

Over three days, more than 2,800 exhibitors will convene in Paris to showcase their latest vintage, their flagship products and rare bottlings, all of them delicious pours to be shared with connoisseurs from around the globe. The desire by French wine marketing boards to join forces by being stakeholders in the event is stronger than ever and the event will group together all of France’s wine regions, alongside an impressive line-up of international wine regions. In total, representations from 23 countries will celebrate the reunion of the wine and spirits community in the heart of the French capital next February.

The event, which will cover four halls at the entrance to the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre (halls 3, 4, 5 and 6), will cater as much to the small winegrowers as to the major international brands. Household names such as François Lurton, Gérard Bertrand, E. Guigal, Maison M. Chapoutier, Domaine Paul Mas, Castel Frères, Maison Sichel, Bernard Magrez, Grands Chais de France and Gh Martel & Cie Champagne will be attending, alongside less prominent vineyards well worth discovering, such as the Aquitaine Independent Winegrowers and family-run properties like Vins Chevron Villette, Vignobles Vellas and Château Castigno, to name a few. Hall 5, set aside for international producers, will welcome wines of Luxembourg, Advantage Austria, Tenuta Lamborghini, Wines of Lebanon, Wines of Germany, Cesari, Carpineto, Consorzio Di Tutela Della Doc Prosecco, Consorzio Tutela del vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, Gaja, J. Garcia Carrion, Viniportugal Wines Of Portugal, Hammeken Cellars and Flechas De Los Andes, for example.

Alongside wines in Hall 3, the Be Spirits by Vinexpo area and its huge Infinite bar will bring together spirits from all backgrounds, ranging from micro-distilleries through to well-known brands. Attendees will include the Armagnac marketing board BNIA, Calvados Château du Breuil, Cognac Lheraud, Distillerie Warenghem, Gin de Binche, Glasgow Whisky, La Martiniquaise, Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and Distilleria Bertagnolli.

“Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris is above all an event that brings people together and creates a sense of community. People welcome their clients there from a wide range of backgrounds to give international exposure to local, innovative products, from the little treasures to the prominent growths. Paris will host a celebration in 2022 and we are very much looking forward to being reunited with everyone once again”, stresses Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

For more information, please visit wineparis-vinexpo.com 

About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS

WINE PARIS (created by COMEXPOSIUM under the guidance of 13 French wine marketing boards) is the merger of VinoVision and Vinisud, an initiative by all of the founding, partner wine marketing boards. It was further enhanced in 2020 when it partnered with VINEXPO, the creator of international events for the wine and spirits trade. Founded in 1981 by the Bordeaux-Gironde chamber of commerce and industry, Vinexpo is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021 and has gained unique market insight, along with an extensive network of influential distributors worldwide.

About VINEXPOSIUM

Owned jointly (50/50) by global events organiser Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding (owned by the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CCIBG), Vinexposium is the world’s leading organiser of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium brings together an extensive range of high-performance events catering to different market segments through its portfolio of iconic, recognised events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, Vinexpo America, Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai, WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.

Global Spirits Company Donates $500,000 to Support America’s White Oak Forests

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB) – The White Oak Initiative, a diverse coalition of partners committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests, today announced that it will receive a $500,000 donation from Beam Suntory’s Yamazaki brand as the company celebrates the limited release of Yamazaki 55, its 55-year-old Japanese single malt whisky.

The donation, which supports Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy, represents $5,000 for every bottle of Yamazaki 55 sold this year and is meant to honor the forests that produced the casks in which components of this whisky were aged.

“Beam Suntory’s generous donation and partnership is a great example of the collaboration we are seeing in the spirits industry and across the board between end users of wood products and those that cultivate our forests,” said Melissa Moeller, director of the White Oak Initiative at the American Forest Foundation.

Founded by the University of Kentucky, the DendriFund and the American Forest Foundation, the White Oak Initiative has grown to a broad coalition between the spirits industry, conservation organizations, universities and forest products companies to ensure the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests. American white oak is a cornerstone tree species of the eastern United States, occupying more than 100 million acres of land. Not only vital for wildlife, white oak is the most commercially important timber oak, necessary for industries such as furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and wine and spirits. Without collective action now, the many benefits of these iconic trees could be lost to inadequate management, insects, disease and changing climate conditions.

“We support the White Oak Initiative because we are passionate about healthy forests and are committed to helping preserve the many benefits that American white oak forests provide,” Beam Suntory President & CEO Albert Baladi said. “Yamazaki 55 is an exceptional and unprecedented whisky that is carefully crafted at the Yamazaki Distillery, which is surrounded by nature and aged partially in American oak casks. We are proud to honor Suntory’s legacy, both as the pioneer of Japanese whisky and with our longstanding commitment of giving back to society.”

The $500,000 donation will support the White Oak Initiative’s work related to public education, technical assistance for foresters and loggers, testing and reporting, and on-the-ground activities such as improving forest management, site preparation work, and other important actions around white oak regeneration and sustainability.

About the White Oak Initiative
Founded in 2017 by the University of Kentucky, the DendriFund and the American Forest Foundation, the White Oak Initiative brings together industries, universities, state and federal agencies, private landowners, conservation organizations and trade associations that are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests as well as the economic, social and environmental benefits they provide.

About the American Forest Foundation
The American Forest Foundation is a national conservation organization that works with a broad coalition of partners to empower family forest owners to make a meaningful conservation impact around carbon sequestration, clean water, wildlife protection, wildfire reduction, sustainable wood supplies and support for rural economies. Because a large portion of America’s white oak is located on family-owned forestland, the American Forest Foundation has taken on a leadership role in the management and activities of the White Oak Initiative.

INTRODUCING HONKAKU SPIRITS’ SHOCHU PORTFOLIO

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Fukuoka, Japan: Honkaku Spirits is proud to announce the U.S. launch of its Shochu Portfolio, which highlights the spectrum of Japan’s traditional koji-fermented spirit. With SRPs ranging from $34.99 – $99.99/750mL, the Portfolio is distributed by Winebow, a national leading distributor of fine wine and spirits, and is currently available for sale in fifteen states: NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, DE, MD, SC, GA, FL, IL, WI, MN, CA, and WA.

Richard Driscoll, Executive Vice President of Spirits at Winebow, says: “Earlier this year we began supporting Honkaku Spirits’ first product in the U.S., Takamine koji-fermented whiskey, which has already exceeded sales projections. We are delighted to now offer the first part of Honkaku’s shochu portfolio. Honkaku — which means ‘authentic’ — shochu is an unknown category to the U.S., and our sales team is thrilled to support these complex, artisanal products. We have written first-in-category distributor support education, much like we pioneered with agave spirits, and look forward to a strong market response. The wine crowd will love them; they are fabulous on their own, and they make incredible cocktails, too.”

The first shipment of the Shochu Portfolio features distilleries that honor Japan’s process of koji fermentation, a tradition that has been used to make shochu, sake, miso, and other umami-driven Japanese specialties for more than 1,200 years. These small, family-run distilleries use traditional methods to create layered, aromatic, flavorful shochu. This first shipment includes shochu made from rice, barley, sweet potato, and kokuto sugar (a traditional dark sugar from the southern islands of Japan).

The Portfolio currently offers three product lines:

The Obi Collection – Named for the traditional silk kimono belt, this collection debuts with five shochu made in Kyushu by female producers. Three of the expressions come from Furusawa Distillery, a 5th generation-owned distillery established in 1892 and overseen by master brewer-distiller and distillery president Ms. Masako Furusawa since 2007:

  • Motoko (35% ABV); SRP: $48.99/750mL – This 100% rice shochu is distilled at normal atmospheric pressure to heighten its aromas, and then aged more than 8 years in ceramic pots and enamel tanks.
  • Masako (35% ABV); SRP: $46.99/750mL – This atmospheric distilled 100% barley shochu was aged for more than 11 years, including time spent in ceramic pots and enamel tanks.
  • Mahoko (35% ABV); SRP: $64.99/750mL – This atmospheric distilled sweet potato shochu was aged for more than 16 years, including time spent in ceramic pots and enamel tanks. This was made by Masako’s father to celebrate the birth of his granddaughter, Mahoko.

The two other expressions from the Obi Collection are from Nishihira Distillery on Amami Island. Established in 1927, the distillery makes ceramic pot fermented kokuto sugar shochu under the watch of master brewer-distiller Ms. Serena Nishihira, who is also a professional musician:

  • Selephant (30% ABV); SRP $59.99/750mL: With a name inspired by Serena’s childhood nickname, the label of this export-only shochu features a photograph of her own hand to symbolize shochu’s handmade nature.
  • Kana (30% ABV); SRP $67.99/750mL: Aged in oak for at least 1 year, this shochu is named after Kana, wife of Saigo Takamori, Japan’s last true samurai.

The Honkaku Harvest Reserve Collection exclusively features distilleries that either grow their own produce or work with local farmers to assure the highest quality ingredients. Like wine, the shochu featured in the collection are vintage dated. Poised for future growth, this portfolio currently features two shochu from Yachiyoden Distillery. Based in Japan’s Tarumizu region on the east side of the Sakurajima volcano, the distillery takes advantage of the area’s famous soil to grow the sweet potatoes used to make:

  • Crio “Frozen Moon” 2020 (25% ABV); SRP: $99.99/750mL: This shochu is made exclusively with hand-harvested, site-grown sweet potatoes that have been frozen, resulting in a sweeter shochu expression. This expression is extremely limited even in Japan, where it is often sold at auction on the secondary market.
  • Tsurushi “Floating Moon” 2020 (25% ABV); SRP: $99.99/750mL: This shochu exclusively features hand-harvested, site-grown sweet potatoes hung to dry in the distillery rafters prior to fermentation. Like Crio, this extremely limited expression is often sold at auction on the secondary market in Japan.

The “C&S Select” Collection will comprise many shochu. The first shipment includes two selections. The first is from Shoro Distillery; established in 1928, the distillery’s current master brewer-distiller — Mr. Hiroaki Yano — uses forward-thinking products and packaging to defy expectations commonly built around traditional shochu.

  • Colorful (30% ABV); SRP: $54.99/750mL: A collaboration between Hiroaki and another of his master brewer-distillers, Mr. Koji Okayama, this is a blend of two distillates made three years apart (2016 and 2019) from locally grown sweet potatoes, with a Thai rice starter fermentation.

The second expression in the “C&S Select” Collection comes from Tensei Distillery. Established in 1901, this distillery uses the softest strike water in Kyushu to make their shochu, resulting in rounded, mouthwatering spirits.

  • Mugi Hokka (25% ABV); SRP: $34.99/750mL: This shochu is made with 100% heirloom Schooner barley. Eight percent of the barley is roasted, a process that gives the shochu distinct notes of coffee and dark chocolate.

Please drink responsibly.

About Honkaku Spirits: Founded in 2020 in the midst of a global public health crisis, Honkaku Spirits is the first portfolio devoted exclusively to koji-fermented spirits including honkaku (authentic) shochu, Ryukyu Awamori from Okinawa, and koji whiskey from Japan. Working exclusively with family-run distilleries, Honkaku Spirits is devoted to introducing the best traditional Japanese spirits to America. The company is led by Christopher Pellegrini, author of The Shochu Handbook, the first English language book about Japan’s indigenous spirits, and supported by ambassador Stephen Lyman, author of the James Beard Award-nominated Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks. Bruce Gearhart – formerly president of Bacchus Importers, one of the premier fine wine and craft spirits distributors based in the mid-Atlantic – is the Managing Director.

For more information, please write info@honkakuspirits.com or visit www.honkakuspirits.com