Eve's Wine 101

Reviewing Coppa Cocktails Cosmopolitan and a Trip to the 1980s

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When I see a Cosmopolitan cocktail offered on a bar menu I’m immediately swept into the 1980s and an episode of Sex in the City. This is a good thing, as I loved the 80s and that show! So when offered a bottle of a pre-mixed “Coppa Cosmo” that’s “a blend of Dutch vodka with triple sec, cranberry, and lime juices” I said heck ya!

Come to find that the brand, Coppa Cocktails, also makes a Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito, Mai Tai, Sex on the Beach and a Margarita. That covers a lot of favorites! But let’s get back to the Coppa Cosmopolitan for now, and my review below.

I poured three shots (it’s a low ABV) of this premade Cosmo into my Martini shaker, filled with ice, shook like mad and then strained it into an iced coupe glass. Noting a very pretty color, like the watermelon or peach flavored Jolly Rancher hard candy. Aromas included the cranberry (juice) and orange (from the triple sec), lime soda as well as memories of a sweet fruit cocktail in syrup. The flavor mirrored the aromas, and if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, without too much alcohol, this one fits the bill perfectly!

I’ll be keeping an eye out for the other flavors come summer as they all sound perfect to have by the pool, beach, picnic and to share with other gal pals!

From Coppa Cocktails

Coppa Cocktails are ready-to-serve, bartender quality cocktails, and their Cosmo in particular blends premium Dutch vodka with triple sec, cranberry, and lime juices. Convenience and quality are hand-in-hand with Coppa Cocktails!

https://www.coppacocktails.com/en-us/our-cocktails

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.

Renegade Rum Launches New Terroir-Driven Pre-Cask Collection

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Renegade Rum Distillery, the game-changing terroir-driven rum project based in Grenada, announces the August launch of a diverse new selection of four flavorsome Pre-Cask white rums in the United States. An industry-challenging enterprise from Mark Reynier, the man behind the renaissance of Islay’s Bruichladdich single malt whisky and multi-award winning Waterford Whisky, Renegade Rum seeks to explore the effect terroir, cane variety and distillation style has on the flavor of rum.

The cane plant, rum’s primary raw ingredient, is the natural source of its flavor. Thus the land on which it grows and its microclimate determines its character. With these details in mind, Renegade Rum chose to explore the terroirs of Grenada one place, one farm, at a time – to be shared initially as these fresh, vibrant spirits before cask ageing.

Pure and intense building blocks of flavor, the Renegade Rum Pre-Cask Collection of rums are for spirits connoisseurs to compare and contrast original nuances, but they will also have appeal to those searching for inherently and authentically flavorsome white spirits to create cocktails rooted in real provenance. So distinct are these cane-derived spirits that the first Pre-Cask Collection of white rums that were available in late 2021 in Europe, have already sold out with the trade and won notable awards, including Best New Rum at Vinexpo, Paris.

Renegade Rum CEO Mark Reynier says, “We are delighted to share more Pre-Cask bottlings for the curious, to explore with us these new realms of natural flavor derived from sugar cane. They are for spirits connoisseurs searching for authenticity and transparency. And as the building blocks of our Renegade Rum, we have discovered they also make for intensely flavored, ultra high-provenance ingredients for the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.”

“Even though these are among our first distillates, we have been delighted with their award-winning reception and the fact that we have commenced serious discussions around terroir, traceability and transparency in rum, adds Mark. This is a prelude, of course, to our aged rum – and we look forward to sharing our first serious studies with the world this autumn.”

The four Single Farm Origin white rums to be released in the United States within the Pre-Cask Collection are as follows:

Single Farm Origin: Nursery – The genesis of our pioneering project to propagate entirely clean & healthy heritage cane varieties began at our nursery farm. Nestled in La Calome Valley, with its almost terraced valley floor, it is made up of Hartman & Woburn clay loam soils & a profusion of volcanic boulders. For this rum we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Yellow Lady from “big pumps” field, which stands on the terroir known as Upper La Calome.

  • Terroir: Upper La Calome
  • Cane Variety: Yellow Lady
  • Pot Still

Single Farm Origin: Hope – On the island’s south-eastern flank, sheltered from the Atlantic Trade Winds by a narrow mangrove belt, stands this distinctive terroir. Bright, iron-red clay & pyroclastic boulders & rich, alluvial soil & its cool, high water table ensures a humid microclimate with lush cane in the driest season. For this rum we harvested the oldest of our varieties, Cain, from Mamo Field, which stands on the terroir known as Boulders.

  • Terroir: Boulders
  • Variety: Cain
  • Pot Still

Single Farm Origin: Lake Antoine – Lower Crater Lake South and Upper Crater Lake South – At Lake Antoine, intriguing terroirs wrap around the steep, seaward-facing slopes of a volcanic crater lake, where cane grows on granular Woburn clay loam – sparse & dry at the summit, deep & rich at the foot – fully exposed to the desiccating salt-laden Atlantic trade Winds. For these two rums we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Purple Tallboy from two fields, one from Ball Pasture Field, which stands on the terroir known as Lower Crater Lake South and the second from More Field, which stands on the terroir known as Upper Crater Lake South.

  • Terroirs: Lower Crater and Upper Crater Lake South
  • Variety: Purple Tallboy
  • Pot Still

The Renegade Rum Pre-Cask Collection of Single Farm Origin: Nursery, Hope and Lake Antoine Lower Crater & Upper Crater Lake South are each 50% ABV and are available in 700ml bottles for $65 in fine retail stores. Renegade Rum is imported by Glass Revolution Imports.

Situated on the mountainous, volcanic, Caribbean island of Grenada, the modern marvel that is the Renegade Rum Distillery was designed precisely to extol individuality, with extended temperature-controlled fermentation for purity, and considered distillation for gravitas. The purpose-built, state-of-the-art distillery is the first of its scale to have been designed from the ground up for terroir-bred sugarcane. As well as cutting-edge still design and digital logistics, the Renegade Rum Distillery uses sophisticated technology for air filtration and water purification of waste streams, thus ensuring distilling systems run in rhythm with natural systems.

Each bottle of Renegade Rum will feature an innovative CaneCode which includes all the information about the farm, cane variety and terroir showcasing total transparency for spirits enthusiasts. More information can be found at: https://renegaderum.com/canecode/

In addition, Renegade Rum has also recently launched its cask offering. This is a unique opportunity for anyone to acquire a cask of their own super-premium quality rum – distilled from pure cane juice derived from an individual Single Farm Origin – to be bottled with a personalized label. There are options for French Oak hogsheads matured in the Caribbean, and “Early Landed” American oak barrels, which will be aged in Europe. More information can be found at: https://renegaderum.com/renegade-cask-offer/

About Renegade Rum: Renegade Rum is a game-changing rum distillery located in Grenada, using fresh sugar cane juice rather than generic molasses (a by-product of sugar production), grown on the diverse terroirs of Grenada in the Caribbean. We began producing our first spirit in the autumn of 2020. The cane plant, rum’s primary raw ingredient, is the natural source of its flavor. Thus, the land on which it grows & its microclimate determines its character. Therefore, we choose to explore the terroirs of Grenada – one place, one farm, at a time. For more information, please visit https://renegaderum.com/

U.S. Distilleries Applaud Federal Ruling to Designate American Single Malt Category

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LOVINGSTON, Va./PRNewswire/ — Virginia Distillery Company and members of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC), an organization designed to define, establish, promote and protect the category of American Single Malts, are celebrating a new ruling based on the notice of rulemaking process by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) that will formally define American Single Malt whisky.

The rule ensures that any spirit labeled American Single Malt must be made from 100% malted barley, mashed, distilled and matured in one distillery, produced entirely in the U.S., distilled to a proof not exceeding 160, matured in oak casks not exceeding 700 liters and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.

On July 29, the TTB issued the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register and will enter a 60-day comment period for the public and industry to suggest changes to the proposed rules.

“Announcing American Single Malts as a formal category by the TTB is a historic moment for the industry, as it has been decades since a new whisky category of this magnitude has been added to the Beverage Alcohol Manual,” said Virginia Distillery Company CEO and ASMWC Treasurer Gareth H. Moore. “The American whisky category was synonymous with bourbon just 15 years ago, but the resurgence of rye diversified that view. The American Single Malt category will further broaden the view of the American whisky consumer and fuel innovation and premiumization across domestic products.”

Virginia Distillery Company, the largest independently owned American Single Malt distillery in the U.S. and one of the co-founding members of the ASMWC has been highly active in advocacy efforts leading up to the recent announcement. The distillery has worked in close alignment for several years with advocates at Westland, Balcones and Copperworks distilleries to push for the designation.

Moore added: “Formally defining American Single Malt will enable retailers and ultimately consumers to recognize the growing category that might otherwise be lost in the broad array of spirits on the market.”

Producers anticipate that the designation will accelerate U.S. Trade association efforts for American Single Malts to be recognized as a category by other countries and expect growth in both export as well as competitors small and large.

In 2020, Virginia Distillery Company launched Courage & Conviction, its signature American Single Malt whisky, and in 2021 added three new whiskies to the Courage & Conviction lineup featuring individual bottlings of the core trio of casks – bourbon, sherry and cuvée – that make up Courage & Conviction. Last fall, the distillery released its inaugural cask strength whisky, Courage & Conviction Cuvée Single Cask and in 2022 began rolling out Courage & Conviction PX Sherry Single Cask and Courage & Conviction Bourbon Single Cask.

The Courage & Conviction line is the most awarded American Single Malt with more than 100 accolades earned over the last five years, including a 98-point rating – the highest awarded in 2022 – and #12 in the Top 100 in the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Best American Single Malt in the 2022 International Whisky Competition, and a best of class gold medal at the 2022 LA International Spirits Competition. The line was produced to meet the standards that the ASMWC proposed in anticipation for the category designation. Coinciding with the rollout of Courage & Conviction, the distillery launched a complete guide to American Single Malt whisky.

For more information about the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, visit https://www.americansinglemaltwhiskey.org/.

For more information about Virginia Distillery Company, visit https://vadistillery.com.About Virginia Distillery Company 

Staffed by a local Virginia team mentored by Scottish consultants with decades of experience, Virginia Distillery Company is the largest dedicated American Single Malt whisky distillery in the U.S. The distillery has a current annual production volume of 80,000 4.5L cases and growing. At full capacity, the distillery can produce over 8,000 casks yielding 350,000 4.5L cases annually. The distillery produces award-winning Courage & Conviction American Single Malt on-site using malted barley from North America and water from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the distillery offers the award-winning VHW series, made with 100% malted barley. Showcasing both Old and New World whisky-making, the line marries whisky made on-site in Virginia with whisky from Scotland. 

Knox and Dobson Introduces Superior Ready-To-Drink Bottled Cocktails 

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(Los Angeles, CA) – Knox & Dobson toasts to their new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails that are expertly designed to be shared with friends, so simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!

Knox & Dobson’s new bottled cocktail collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson President Rob Levy and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar) who heads Knox & Dobson’s formulation and product development. Featuring a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Rye Manhattan, Knox & Dobson uses the highest quality ingredients including hand-selected barrel aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters. From the award-winning design of the bottle, these superior bottled cocktails were solely created so expertly handcrafted cocktails could be shared and effortlessly enjoyed anywhere.

“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better, “ says Levy. “Pete was Head Barman at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and he was also behind the stick at Everson Royce Bar for several years, so his experience is invaluable, and his passion and creativity make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”

Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street is where Levy spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and 70’s hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends. Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go craft beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.

Each Knox & Dobson bottled cocktail is 200 milliliters and features two servings. Whether you are a classic Martini drinker (34% ABV), this is a take on the classic combining gin with dry vermouth to create a flavor profile of an aromatic gin martini that is slightly earthy and refreshing to drink. Lloyd Jones recommends serving this cocktail up or over ice, garnished with olives. Old Fashioned aficionados (38% ABV) can savor this cocktail which consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil and Angostura Bitters with tastes of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak. The Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV) – made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and Angostura bitters – has a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, along with bright and deep cherry notes. This is a whiskey cocktail that is meant to be sipped and savored. Finally, the Rye Manhattan (36% ABV) is made with straight aged rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The tantalizing pairing of the aged whiskey combined with the aromatic Italian-style vermouth creates a spice, citrus and charred oakwood profile that will have anyone asking for another round.

Who’s ready for happy hour? And, if your go-to cocktail isn’t on the menu just yet, don’t worry. The Knox & Dobson bar cart will be rolling this Summer with more cocktails on the way and no shortage of inspiration. Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice and each cocktail features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply chill, Open, Pour, and Enjoy!

Knox & Dobson is available for delivery anywhere Nationwide, so visit www.KnoxandDobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today. Knox & Dobson is now available at 15 Total Wine & More California stores – Brea, Daly City, Long Beach, Northridge, Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, Roseville, San Diego, San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, Temecula, Thousand Oaks, Tustin and soon to be in all 28 Total Wine & More California stores; Bristol Farms South Pasadena and soon to be in all 14 Bristol Farms California stores; Bar Keeper Los Angeles; Cypress Liquor Los Angeles; Everson Royce Bar Pasadena; Gerlach’s Pasadena; Highland Park Wine; K&L Wine Merchants in Los Angeles and San Francisco; and The Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. To see the full list of locations, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Find a Stockist.

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About Knox & Dobson:

Knox & Dobson crafts premium, ready-to-drink cocktails expertly designed to be shared and enjoyed anywhere. Our multi-award-winning bottled cocktails are made with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste, featuring the highest quality ingredients including premium barrel-aged whiskies, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and authentic Angostura Bitters. Whether you’re a classic Martini drinker, Old Fashioned aficionado, Rye Manhattan enthusiast, or searching for the perfect Improved Whiskey Cocktail, serve Knox & Dobson’s bottled cocktails chilled or over ice and discover the pleasure of true craft cocktails created to simply open, pour, and enjoy. That’s something we can all toast to!

Knox & Dobson Awards:

Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) Gold Medal – Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned 2022

Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) Silver Medal – Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail 2022

Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) Bronze Medal – Knox & Dobson Martini 2022

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) Silver Medal – Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned 2022

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) Silver Medal – Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail 2022

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) Silver Medal – Knox & Dobson Gin Martini 2022

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) Bronze Medal – Knox & Dobson Rye Manhattan 2022

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) Silver Medal – Knox & Dobson Bottled Craft Cocktails. Designer: Knox & Dobson 2022

Photo Credit:  Jakob N. Layman

Social Media:  Follow Knox & Dobson on Facebook @KnoxandDobson and Instagram @knoxanddobson

Knox & Dobson

www.KnoxandDobson

Auberge du Soleil Celebrates Third-Annual “Rosé All May

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RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Signaling the first taste of summer, Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s quintessential adults-only getaway, unveils its third-annual, month-long “Rosé All May” celebration centered around the release of the hotel’s private label Rosé. Throughout the month of May, hotel guests are invited to join in the festivities by reserving a Rosé All May special offer that includes:

  • A two-night stay in a choice of luxurious accommodations (Sunday through Thursday)
  • An upgrade to the next available room category upon arrival (subject to availability)
  • In-room welcome bottle of Auberge du Soleil Rosé
  • Three-course prix fixe lunch on the hotel’s famed outdoor dining terrace, with each course paired with a select Rosé
  • Full breakfast served daily at the Michelin Star Restaurant
  • 10% off all services at the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa
  • Access to the complimentary Mercedes-Benz Guest Drive Program

“Nothing expresses the first taste of summer like a perfectly chilled glass of Rosé,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director of Auberge du Soleil. “Each year we look forward to celebrating the official opening of Rosé Season by showcasing everyone’s favorite summer beverage throughout the property. From complimentary daily Rosé tastings to Rosé-inspired spa services, Auberge du Soleil will be ‘in the pink’ the entire month of May.”

Photo Arizona Foothills Magazine

Special Rosé cocktails will be featured throughout the month as Auberge du Soleil partners with Haus, a local pioneer of farm-to-bottle apéritifs, to create refreshing low-ABV (alcohol by volume) beverages. Guests may enjoy Haus Spa Water featuring Haus Rose Rosé served over ice with cucumber and lemon while relaxing after a treatment at the Spa; a Rose Rosé Spritz while lounging poolside; or a refreshing Haus on the Rocks at The Bistro.

“We’re thrilled to work with the team at Auberge du Soleil, who share our values of quality, sustainability, and creativity,” said Helena Price Hambrecht, Haus Co-Founder and CEO. “We look forward to working together to bring a unique, rose-themed cocktail experience to Napa Valley.”

In addition, the following Rosé All May amenities will be available to all guests at the property throughout the month:

  • A selection of still and sparkling Rosés available at guest check-in
  • Welcome bottle of Auberge du Soleil Rosé delivered to each guest room upon arrival
  • La Vie en Rosé Body Treatment and Rejuvenating Rose Spring Facial featured at the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa
  • Complimentary afternoon Rosé tastings in the Courtyard each day of the month
  • An expanded list of still and sparkling Rosés served by the glass at The Bistro
  • Rosé Sangria served at the La Plage adult swimming pool and sun terrace

To reserve the Rosé All May guest stay experience book online or contact Auberge du Soleil Reservations directly at 1.800.348.5406. Dining reservations are available at OpenTable for The Restaurant and The Bistro.

About Auberge du Soleil
Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a Michelin Star Restaurant, and the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Nestled within a 33-acre hillside olive grove, the “Inn of the Sun” is celebrated for delivering passionate, intuitive service that embodies gracious Napa Valley hospitality. The 50 residential-style rooms, suites and private maisons set the stage for romance in the seclusion of the adults-only environment. The property is a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts and the flagship hotel for the Auberge Resorts Collection.
For more information visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow on Instagram or Facebook @AubergeduSoleil.

About Haus
Haus is the pioneer of the modern apéritif market, creating better-for-you, great tasting low-ABV beverages for every palate. Made with natural, responsibly sourced fruits, herbs, and botanicals, Haus is transparent about their processes and ingredients so you know exactly what’s in your glass. With about half the alcohol of hard liquor, Haus is for those who want to enjoy the social ritual of drinking without the undesired consequences. Haus is sold in select retail, bars, and restaurants across California with continued expansion to other states in 2022. Visit drink.haus and follow along @drinkhaus.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014. For more information please visit http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 22 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
For more information: aubergeresorts.com
Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge

About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.

Discovering Knox and Dobson Ready To Drink Premium Cocktails

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A few weeks ago I attended the Masters of Taste preview in the locker room of the Pasadena Rose Bowl. The participants that evening were a sampling from the main event and it’s safe to say that that event, held April 3 and also written about in this blog, were all masters of their craft in dining, desserts and beverages. As this is a wine and spirits blog, it’s only apropos that I share the one boozy item that stood out. You’ll be surprised to learn that it was a classy bottled cocktail – newly minted from a company called Knox and Dobson – with the most amazing flavors and the same ABV as any cocktail you would order in a fine bar.

At the preview I just inhaled samples of two of the four the company had created. This was their recent social media post about the pre-event, “Our first event at the Masters of Taste Media Preview serving our Knox & Dobson Martini, Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail and Rye Manhattan cocktails CRAFT ON DRAFT!” (From Eve: the idea that you can get a cocktail on draft instead of batched sounded incredible, and they were.  Some busy bartenders make their more popular cocktails in advance, and keep them in glass or plastic in the well of the bar to serve as needed.)

I did speak with Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones for a moment (they were slammed at this pre-event) and learned that they came up with the idea while working at the popular Raymond 1886 in Pasadena. Imagine a pre-made cocktail made by mixologists that you know know their trade well.

Being Eve…well that teaser tasting just wasn’t enough. My visible salivation required that they send me home with samples for full review. This is what happened next.

Each pretty black bottled cocktail serves two drinks. I had four different bottled cocktails, and being the good sport I am known to be, I shared all of them with my husband. Below are the cocktails and what we thought of each:

Per their recommendation, I kept them in the refrigerator (they also suggested that you can store in the freezer) before serving.

Martini

“Aromatic gin martini, hint of dry vermouth, citrus, slightly earthy, juniper forward and refreshing.”

EB: I’m a Gin Martini girl. With that said I usually add a little Lillet Blanc (White Bordeaux wine with quinine and other botanicals) and/or an orange peel when I make one at home. Not wanting to change a thing, I tried the K and D as it was made, and it was pretty perfect. Crisp, definitely earthy with savory Umami notes as well – and I could imagine it as a perfect pairing with sushi. Interesting.

Old Fashioned

“Straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil and Angostura Bitters. Enjoy the taste of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove and American oak.”

EB: Lively spices, toasted oak and dried citrus fruit on the nose and palate – so much more than in your average Old Fashioned! Had to wonder how they did that. Really tickled my taste buds on the first sip. Looks like I need to buy orange oil, it may have been what gave the cocktail a slight orange glow too. Maybe the orange oil brings out the spice. Very tasty stuff.

Improved Whiskey Cocktail

“Made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and Angostura bitters. This cocktail has a spiced flavor profile and is combined with American oak, citrus, along with bright and deep cherry notes.”

EB: Sweet, smoky, spicy and citrusy on the nose. (My favorite combination in a brown spirit cocktail!) Lots of cinnamon and sweet charred oak on the palate, the drink is very much spice-driven. The citrus elements joined the spice, dancing across my tongue, and together they held on for a long finish, making all of the notes come together for a home run.

Rye Manhattan

“Rye Manhattan cocktail with straight aged rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. Combined with aged whiskey, the aromatic Italian-style Vermouth makes for a terrific flavor profile with spices, citrus and charred oak wood.”

EB: Lots of fresh orange on the nose, the bitters and warm oak that I just wanted to cozy up to! The spice comes out forward on the palate; the oak is strong as well, then the juicy orange rounds everything out nicely!

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$15 a bottle retail and $10 wholesale. Get yours here: https://shop.knoxanddobson.com/

More info here:

https://www.facebook.com/KnoxandDobson/

https://www.instagram.com/knoxanddobson/

https://www.knoxanddobson.com/

 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in 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 Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Island Brands USA Unveils Three New Flavors of Island Active Beer

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (PRWEB) – Island Brands USA, a family of superpremium beers enjoyed by active, socially conscious consumers, is adding to its product lineup next month when it releases the all-new Get Active Pack. The year-round variety packs include Island Active Mango, Island Active Lime, and Island Active Watermelon, the newest all-natural, premium light beers from Island Brands. These crushable flavor extensions of Island Active, the No. 1 fastest-growing beer in the Southeast U.S., clock in at 4.2% ABV with just 88 calories, 2.6g carbs, and no GMO or preservatives.

Get Active Packs will be available beginning March 4 in select markets where Island Brands products are sold. The packs, containing each of the new Island Active beer varieties, will be on shelves at major retailers across the nation by the end of March.

“We’re super excited to bring these crisp, clean, better-for-you beers with just the right hint of refreshing flavor to our fans in time for spring, warm weather, and being outdoors again,” Island Brands CEO and co-founder Scott Hansen said.

“Our loyal customers who have helped Island Active become one of the most popular beers in the Southeast told us they wanted a greater variety of flavors, and we listened. We can’t wait for everyone to reach for a Get Active Pack.”

Island Brands has successfully launched product extensions of its flagship Island Coastal Lager with Island Lemonada and Island Southern Peach. The Get Active Pack is the first expansion of the Island Active brand and is innovative in its marriage of premium, low-calorie beer in fresh, all-natural flavors.

In addition to portfolio expansions and new distribution territories in 2022, Island Brands also is furthering its mission to give back in meaningful ways. The company recently joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate at least 1% of its annual sales directly to approved environmental nonprofits worldwide. For the latest updates, follow Island Brands on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and other social media platforms.

ABOUT ISLAND BRANDS USA
Based in Charleston, S.C., Island Brands is the first company to effectively build and scale a non-craft beer business in the 21st century. Its superpremium, American-made beers are currently available in seven Southeastern states, with expanding international distribution and fleetwide service across Carnival Cruise Lines. Founded in 2016, the innovative company has a growing portfolio of clean, better-for-you beers that cater to active, socially conscious consumers. Part of the company’s mission is to give back in meaningful ways, including pledging a portion of its annual sales to environmental charities through 1% for the Planet. Island Brands is proudly American-owned, and its products are always all-natural, GMO-free, and contain zero artificial flavors. For more information, visit islandbrandsusa.com.

New Discoveries at the Restaurant and Bar Show 2022

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Formerly NightClub and Bar Show (NCB), the pinnacle of conventions for those in the food and beverage industry, with 2022 brings a change in name: Bar and Restaurant Expo! Some of the highlights of the convention included the Conference, Expo, Nightlife, the World Tea Academy and of course Exhibits. The first few years I attended, before I retired Eve Bushman Consulting, I attended classes with amazing information on staff retention, preventing theft, troubleshooting and a challenging future. The last two years I’ve focused on the expo convention floor alone, searching out new products to share with readers. This year’s event, held last month at the Las Vegas Convention Center we discovered these the first night:

The “Welcome Kickoff Party”, open to all attendees of the Restaurant and Bar Expo, was at Sahara’s Azilo Pool where we sampled some of the beverages we would also have at the show. Our favorites included: Kurvball Original BBQ Whiskey that reminded me of chocolate-covered bacon at the county fair, Fireball cinnamon whiskey – for the first time – and on a shotski, bottled ready-to-drink XXI Espresso Martinis with a low ABV, Eddie got his hands on a canned Ciroc sparkling with Pina Colada flavors, my favorite low ABV canned cocktails by Chaco Flaco, Ignite Vodka was creamy and well balanced, and everything from Middle West Spirits especially their Dark Pumpernickel Rye – America’s first! Sahara did some food pairings too! Photos of that first night can be seen here.

At The Show

Did you think the pre-event party for the Bar and Restaurant Expo looked like fun? Well…shout outs to the incredible Meltdown Ice Press that will make the perfect sphere without a mess, Ignite Beverage Vodka made from corn that is super smooth, Saltwater Woody Grapefruit Rum was perfect all on its own, Middlewest Straight Aged Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel stole the show again, Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries that aren’t the overly sweet cocktail cherries you are used to, Bulleit canned Manhattan cocktails, Beatties Distilleries sweet potato vodka and Kurvball BBQ Whiskey…to name a few! If you just want the story in photos click here, many more details are below:

Meltdown Ice Press: Met with Program Manager Tim Seese and Co-President Brian Steere as they mesmerized us with their perfect ice press. The one we currently own sends water all over our counter when we use it, not the Meltdown Ice Press as it has a handy basin to collect the excess water during the pressing and also only takes a minute. They have a single cube maker called VAMOOSE for the press, so having both = you are good to go with perfect “clarity and purity”.

Ignite Beverage Vodka: I liked this creamy, slightly sweet and well-balanced vodka distilled from corn. The company also had a line of tequilas that was very popular at the Expo.Saltwater Woody Grapefruit Rum: This American made rum, with real fruit juice, uses diluted saltwater to cut the proof. Makes for a rum that does have some salinity which is great for us that don’t want a cloyingly sweet spirit.

Saltwater Woody Rums, photo credit Ed Bushman

Middlewest Straight Aged Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel Rye: Middlewest had a great lineup of brown spirits – all “with ties to the Ohio River valley”, vodka and gin. This pumpernickel rye whisky was remarkably tasty. From their website, “Handcrafted from scratch, this signature spirit is made in small batches and barrel aged for over three years in new white American oak casks. It’s America’s first Dark Rye Pumpernickel Whiskey…”

Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries: From Oregon Cherry Growers I discovered this Royal Harvest brand of Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries. There is the original Maraschino, the shiny red one used in most bars. Then there is the Luxardo dark cherry used in upscale bars. I challenge bars to try this Bordeaux Maraschino – it’s less sweet than the others, darker and frankly simply better tasting. Eddie will be doing a reduction sauce for steak with it too!

Bulleit canned Manhattan cocktails: With nice flavorings and 37.5 ABV, look for this at your local Total Wine store.

Beatties Distilleries sweet potato vodka: Want your plain clear vodka to come with a little bit of flavor? This slightly sweet potato vodka is the ticket.

Kurvball BBQ Whiskey: Tasting this truly was like having a piece of chocolate-covered bacon at the county fair. Later I sampled it in an Old Fashioned and a Bloody Mary, both were outstanding. This would make for a unique tasting, and conversation, at any bar.

PR%F Awards: Running into Executive Director Michele D. Tell at the PR%F booth was a surprise as I’ve been following the PR%F awards on Instagram for some time. Learned that all of their judges are buyers, which makes it extra attractive to spirit and wine brands. Don’t miss flipping through their magazine too.

Honorable Mentions

Soul Premium Cachaca had interesting Umami notes, which made it quite savory, and not a relative of the creamy rum drink that has a similar sounding name.

City Lights Shine is a moonshine made in Las Vegas. They had both the plain and fruit flavors. This is their interesting story, “CLS’s roots come straight out of NASCAR. Our distiller was a NASCAR Official who made the best Moonshine in the South. His partner was a NASCAR driver for over 20 years. Both at the end of their racing journey, decided to partner up and make the best of two worlds collide! What better place than the greatest city in America, Las Vegas, to show the world the best ‘Shine in America.”

The presentation alone of the “gravity infuser” by Stundenglass, a “chilled, water filtered smoke for delicate infusions” will surprise anyone. Make the smoke, then use over a cocktail or a charcuterie plate.

Mixed-Up Mule Canned Cocktail was a very tasty Mule. This description is from their Instagram, “Fresh, wild and delicious flavors made with booze, juice, and agave nectar, that’s it.”

One booth, with bottled spirits labeled under the name Blank Collective, is a graphic design and branding company that will make a private label spirit for you. They do the “development, procurement and productions services under one roof” which I thought was pretty cool.

All Vendors:

  • 1  4wardPay
  • 2  7shifts Restaurant Employee Scheduling
  • 3  Aardvark Straws / Hoffmaster
  • 4  AC RadioCom
  • 5  Accel Entertainment
  • 6  Ace Mystery Shopping
  • 7  Adentro
  • 8  ADJ Products
  • 9  Air Comm Radio
  • 10  American Beverage Marketers
  • 11  ANUBIS by FACESCAN
  • 12  Arryved POS
  • 13  Artic Cold Tap
  • 14  Associated Agencies Inc
  • 15  ATM Headquarters
  • 16  ATM Merchant Services
  • 17  Atmosphere TV
  • 18  Autofry
  • 19  Backbar Solutions
  • 20  Bar Business Magazine
  • 21  BarChefs.com
  • 22  Barfly® Mixology Gear
  • 23  Bar-I
  • 24  Barn Furniture Mart
  • 25  BarPay
  • 26  BarTrack
  • 27  Barventory
  • 28  Bbot
  • 29  BeatBox Beverages
  • 30  Beattie’s Distillers
  • 31  Beer Tubes
  • 32  Ben’s Friends
  • 33  Berg Company
  • 34  Bet Booth Inc.
  • 35  Billboard Uniforms
  • 36  Bissell Commercial
  • 37  Black Box
  • 38  Blank Collective by Endless West
  • 39  Boiron Americas Inc
  • 40  Book Tech Labs
  • 41  Boundless Beverages
  • 42  Cangshan Cutlery Company
  • 43  Casa Maestri
  • 44  Chaco Flaco
  • 45  ChargerGoGo
  • 46  Choya Umeshu USA INC
  • 47  Citrus America, Inc.
  • 48  City Shine

49  Clover

  • 50  Coldsell Coolers
  • 51  Control Play
  • 52  Cool-A-Zone
  • 53  CoolooBar
  • 54  CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees
  • 55  Craft Standard
  • 56  CRU Franchising Company
  • 57  Daisy Corsets
  • 58  D-Color Printing Co
  • 59  DEHY Garnish
  • 60  Demitri’s Gourmet Mixes
  • 61  Devault Enterprises, Inc.
  • 62  Diageo
  • 63  Digital Signage Experience
  • 64  DJ Trivia & DJ Bingo
  • 65  Drinique
  • 66  East West Embroidery
  • 67  Easy Tomorrow
  • 68  Edwards Technologies
  • 69  El Oro del Agave
  • 70  El Yucateco Hot Sauces
  • 71  ELMECO
  • 72  ELO Touch Solutions
  • 73  Emuamericas, llc
  • 74  Enovation Brands Inc.
  • 75  ERC Specialists
  • 76  Essexx Collection Inc
  • 77  Excel Dryer
  • 78  FETCO
  • 79  Flip Tray Co LLC
  • 80  Focus POS Systems
  • 81  Food and Beverage Magazine
  • 82  Frosty Factory of America
  • 83  Frylow
  • 84  Funovation
  • 85  G&G Closed Circuit Events
  • 86  GC Pro
  • 87  Ghost Ice
  • 88  Ghost Tequila
  • 89  Grandstand
  • 90  Gravity Beverage
  • 91  Greenprint
  • 92  Grosfillex
  • 93  GuestQueue
  • 94  Happy Boy Distributor, Inc.
  • 95  Heartland
  • 96  Heineken Corporation
  • 97  Holsag (Mity Inc)
  • 98  Homia
  • 99  Hormel Foodservice
  • 100  Hoshizaki America, Inc. / Lancer
  • 101  Howler Head Kentucky Banana Bourbon (Wooler Brands)
  • 102  Hypemakerz
  • 103  iCashout
  • 104  Ice-O-Matic
  • 105  Idiosyncratic Marketing
  • 106  IDScan.net
  • 107  Ignite
  • 108  IGPM Distribution
  • 109  Illuminated Trees
  • 110  Industry Codes
  • 111  Jackson Warewashing Systems
  • 112  JetChill-Theatrical Molecular Mixology & Gastronomy
  • 113  Joe Hand Promotions Inc
  • 114  Jumbo Stuffed Tater Kegs
  • 115  KBEAN
  • 116  King of Sparklers
  • 117  Kold Draft
  • 118  Koloa Rum Company
  • 119  Koolmax Monitoring Technology and Soda Gun Jetter
  • 120  Last Call Trivia
  • 121  Leslie
  • 122  LineLeap
  • 123  LIQS
  • 124  Liquid Ice Energy Drink
  • 125  LloydPans
  • 126  LMD LLC
  • 127  Lola Soap
  • 128  Luxury Electronics
  • 129  Manitowoc Ice
  • 130  Marqii
  • 131  Matador Foods
  • 132  McGrath Events + A/V Services
  • 133  me&u
  • 134  MEGA-LITE
  • 135  Meltdown
  • 136  Melvin Brewing
  • 137  Mexcor International Wine & Spirits
  • 138  Middle West Spirits
  • 139  Middleby Corporation
  • 140  Middleton Mixology
  • 141  Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzers
  • 142  MistAmerica
  • 143  Mixed-Up Mules by Little Toad Creek Distillery
  • 144  Mobile Training
  • 145  Moyer Diebel
  • 146  Mr. Black Industry
  • 147  NASA Searchlights
  • 148  Navori
  • 149  NEFT V odka
  • 150  Nightcap
  • 151  Nightclub Security Consultants
  • 152  North American Beverage Company
  • 153  Nouveau Creations
  • 154  NuCO2
  • 155  Ole Smoky Distillery
  • 156  Open Water
  • 157  Orange Door
  • 158  Ovation Up
  • 159  Ovention Inc
  • 160  Pacific Coast Producers
  • 161  Partender
  • 162  PatronScan
  • 163  PayFacto
  • 164  Perlick Corporation
  • 165  phade by Wincup
  • 166  Pizcadores
  • 167  PlantSwitch
  • 168  Plate IQ
  • 169  PMQ Pizza Magazine
  • 170  Polycade
  • 171  Precision Pours Inc.
  • 172  Price Chopper Wristbands
  • 173  Provi
  • 174  QubicaAMF Bowling
  • 175  RD USA
  • 176  Reachify
  • 177  Red Top Farms Powered by Premier Proteins
  • 178  Redfern Enterprises Inc
  • 179  Religion Tequila

 

  • 189  Restaurant Technologies
  • 190  RevoSpin
  • 191  RFALV Services
  • 192  Richtech Robotics
  • 193  Ripples
  • 194  Robot Coupe
  • 195  Rockless Table
  • 196  Roxi Spice
  • 197  RX Music
  • 198  Saltwater Woody Rum
  • 199  SAVI x LG
  • 200  Sayersbrook Bison Ranch
  • 201  Sazerac
  • 202  Scotsman
  • 203  SevenRooms
  • 204  Shift4
  • 205  Shot Caller
  • 206  Siempre Tequila
  • 207  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
  • 208  Singa Karaoke
  • 209  Sip Shine
  • 210  Skechers USA Inc.
  • 211  Skybox Sports Network
  • 212  SlingStir
  • 213  Smart Bar USA
  • 214  SmartTab POS
  • 215  Sound Stage Systems
  • 216  SoundTube Entertainment
  • 217  Sovereign Brands, LLC
  • 218  Specifi Global
  • 219  Spectrio
  • 220  Spiked Boozy Sorbets
  • 221  SpotOn
  • 222  Sprockets
  • 223  StarMed Benefits
  • 224  Strategic Tax Planning
  • 225  Stündenglass
  • 226  Sunday App
  • 227  Sunkist Foodservice Equipment
  • 228  Sweet Mesquite Bakery
  • 229  Tagrisk Insurance Services
  • 230  Tailgating Specialties
  • 231  Tar Foods
  • 232  Ten of Twelve, LLC
  • 233  The Cawley Company
  • 234  The Fan’s Place
  • 235  The Foghat Cocktail Smoker
  • 236  The Kurvball Whiskey Company
  • 237  The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley
  • 238  Tiki Farm
  • 239  TiNDLE
  • 240  T-Mobile
  • 241  Toast
  • 242  Topo Chico
  • 243  Total Touch Point of Sale
  • 244  Trident Beverage/ Lazy Bay
  • 245  True Brands
  • 246  True Manufacturing Co. Inc.
  • 247  Tubeaux
  • 248  U R Stickers/Marketing Ideas Group
  • 249  Uber Eats
  • 250  Ultimate Bars
  • 251  United Standard POS
  • 252  UrthPact
  • 253  US BeerSAVER Systems INC
  • 254  US Bowling Corporation
  • 255  Userve Inc.
  • 256  Valley Dynamo
  • 257  Virtual Dining Concepts-MrBeast Burger
  • 258  VITO Fryfilter
  • 259  VividLite Wireless LED Lighting
  • 260  White Claw Hard Seltzer
  • 261  Wonkyware
  • 262  Wristband Resources
  • 263  Wynn
  • 264  WyreStorm
  • 265  XXI Martinis
  • 266  ZLight Technology

The Bar & Restaurant Expo announced the winners of the 2022 Industry Excellence Awards during a special awards ceremony. The Industry Excellence Awards, sponsored by sunday, recognize, celebrate, and support the people who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

The award recipients were selected by a panel of expert judges based on their talent, integrity and commitment to equality, sustainability, community, and culture across the industry. The Industry Excellence Awards are dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the companies and individuals who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

2022 Winners of the Industry Excellence Awards:

  • Bartender of the Year- Josh Davis, Brown & Balanced, IL
    • A bartender of exemplary performance, skill, and dedication, both behind the bar and beyond it. This person has worked tirelessly to improve their bar program, their bar culture, and the industry at large, serving as a positive example for other beverage professionals.
  • Chef of the Year- Rhonda McCullar, Uchi Dallas, TX
    • A chef who has dedicated themselves to culinary excellence, as well as sustainable, ethical practices and inclusive culture. This individual sets high personal and professional standards for food professionals across the industry, behind the pass and beyond it.
  • Cocktail Bar of the Year- well, Austin, TX
    • A cocktail bar that consistently demonstrates exceptional hospitality, creativity, training, culture and service. The Cocktail Bar of the Year has a unique identity and has established itself as a leader within the category.
  • Community Leadership Awards- Jeremy and Natalee Price, Taste of Tuscany Ristorante, CA
    • This award is open to anyone in F&B who has demonstrated outstanding contributions and dedication to bettering their local community, and by extension, the F&B community at large.
  • Innovator of the Year- Christie Lawler, The WITI Group, TXAND Lindsey Johnson, Lush Life Productions, NY
    • This award is open to anyone in F&B who tirelessly moves the industry forward, pushing existing boundaries and establishing new foundations for the industry to build upon that are both equitable and sustainable.
  • LGBTQ Venue of the Year- Downtown Olly’s, Indianapolis, IN
    • This bar or restaurant consistently delivers exceptional hospitality, creativity and service, while championing the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ Venue of the year fully epitomizes what it means to be an LGBTQ Venue and has a demonstrated history of supporting the queer community.
  • Most Original Concept- Cosmic Gorilla, Cincinnati, OH
    • A new or rebranded bar or restaurant that breaks the mold of convention, creating an exciting, new standard likely to make a significant impact in years to come. (Must have launched or re-branded in 2021)
  • Operator of the Year- Barbara Sibley, La Palpa / Holiday Cocktail Bar, NY
    • A bar/restaurant owner dedicated to exemplary hospitality, creative entrepreneurship, ethical business practices and the betterment of the industry at large. This person serves as a role model, paving the way for a better future for F&B.
  • Restaurant of the Year- Lumi, San Diego, CA
    • A restaurant that consistently demonstrates exceptional hospitality, creativity, culture and service. This venue boasts a unique atmosphere, thoughtful F&B offerings, and a training program. The Restaurant of the Year has established itself as a leader in the community and has made a significant impact within the industry.
  • Sports Bar of the Year- Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book, Las Vegas, NV
    • A place that embodies the spirit of the category, including excellence across design, F&B offerings, training, events and community engagement. The Sports Bar of the Year has a unique brand identity and has established itself as a leader within the category.

The winners were presented with a beautiful custom award and a VIP Ticket to attend the Expo in 2023. Winners are also eligible to become part of the judging panel moving forward.

For more information about the 2022 Bar & Restaurant Expo, visit barandrestaurantexpo.com. Bar and Restaurant Expo will return to Las Vegas on March 27-29, 2023.

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.  Follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in 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 Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Flying Dogs Beer: Non-traditional optics of pink beer in clear bottles make the brewery’s latest high ABV release pop

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FREDERICK, MD. (PRWEB) – Maryland’s Flying Dog Brewery is coming out swinging in 2022 with the release of Super Hook Fruit Punch Sour, an amped up imperial that looks as good as it tastes. Super Hook’s deep pink liquid, that offers high pucker and low bitterness, is on full display in new clear glass bottles wrapped in original Ralph Steadman artwork.

Super Hook marks the first line extension of the brewery’s popular Vicious Hook Fruit Punch Sour, originally released in 2020 as a Brewhouse Rarity, Flying Dog’s annual series of innovative beers developed internally by staff. Flying Dog has doubled down on Vicious Hook’s fruit punch promise to create a higher-octane sour exploding with juicy, tropical fruit flavors. Super Hook has all the delicious pucker of Vicious Hook, now with more power behind the punch at 10% ABV.

“Our team in the brewhouse had fun amping up the Vicious Hook line to create something that both looks and tastes really unique,” said Ben Clark, Brewmaster at Flying Dog Brewery. “This is a really approachable beer with an ABV you don’t often see in the kettle sour category.”

This versatile and easy to drink sour will stand out on store shelves thanks to its distinctive deep pink color. Consumers will catch a glimpse of this hue through the beer’s new clear glass bottles, a rarity in the craft beer world. Flying Dog’s R&D team and expert brewers developed special processes with innovative techniques to ensure Super Hook stays delicious in the clear glass format.

Super Hook’s optics emphasize how blurred the lines have become between beer, wine and spirits with the advent of products like seltzers, canned cocktails and flavored malt beverages. In addition to appealing to consumers who favor sour ales, currently the 3rd fastest growing craft style in the United States (according to data sourced from Information Resources, Inc.), Super Hook’s taste and style are universally appealing to consumers of these categories looking for a delicious, fun adult beverage.

“The flavor profile of Super Hook has appeal across the beverage category, but the visual intrigue of the beer is what makes it stand apart and ultimately why we were excited to launch this innovative brand,” said Ben Savage, Chief Marketing Officer at Flying Dog Brewery. “The unique presentation of pink beer in clear bottles will pop on store shelves and pique the curiosity of even the most traditional craft beer consumer.”

Plastered across the colorful bottle are two new Ralph Steadman characters that bring the beer’s one-two punch of sweet and tart to life. These visceral illustrations will be the consistent aesthetic of the Vicious Hook line, appearing on additional products to be released later this year.

Super Hook Fruit Punch Sour, launched by Flying Dog with the campaign mantra “Beer, Now in Full Color” to emphasize the vibrant and energetic brand, will be sold year-round in 6-packs of 12oz bottles and should start appearing on store shelves by mid-January. Consumers are encouraged to visit the brewery’s Beer Finder to locate inventory near them: flyingdog.com/beer-finder.

About Flying Dog Brewery:
As one of the fastest-growing regional craft breweries in the United States, Flying Dog has been brewing world-class beer that pushes the confines of traditional styles for 30 years. Flying Dog attracts everyone from craft beer connoisseurs to those just catching the wave with up to 20 styles available at any given time. Introduced to Flying Dog by the Gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson, artist Ralph Steadman has produced original art for Flying Dog’s labels since 1995. Recent accolades for Flying Dog include its Pale Ale ranked as the #1 American Pale Ale in the U.S. by The New York Times. For more information, visit http://www.flyingdog.com.

Cosmopolitan Magazine Names MYX Light Wines the Best Celebrity Wine

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NEW YORK, NY – Cosmopolitan Magazine has named MYX Light  the Best Celeb-Owned Wine, featured in the November 2021 issue, “The Only Awards You’ll Care About This Season Are the Cosmo Wine Awards.”

According to Cosmopolitan editors, “The flavor of MYX Light is gentle, sweet, and, dare I say…fun?! Plus the can is petite, cute, and pairs well as an accessory for any Friday-night outfit, on or off the red carpet.” https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a37793128/cosmo-wine-awards-2021

“We are delighted to receive the recognition and award from COSMOPOLITAN Magazine, for Best Celebrity-Owned wine. Their audience is exactly right for MYX Light wines.” says Peter Reaske, CEO of MYX Fusion Beverages.

MYX Beverage LLC, (with investor Nicki Minaj), introduced a new, lower-calorie wine in portable single-serve cans this summer, after many years of success with low alcohol MYX Fusion Moscato and Sangria.

“The MYX Fusions team collaborated with the winemaker in Italy to produce these amazing wines.  They represent a milestone in winemaking, using age-old methods of early harvest and creative innovation. MYX Light offers consumers what they are demanding—two high-quality wines with great flavor, fewer calories, and less guilt, all packaged in convenient 4-packs of cans,” adds Reaske.

MYX Fusion Light Rose and Light Chardonnay in portable cans are ideal for holiday entertaining, with delicious and refreshing wines that are easy on the waistline. Serve them at holiday parties and dinners, or gift them as stocking stuffers for wine-loving friends and family.

MYX Light Chardonnay is a slightly dry wine with fresh, crisp notes of apple, Romagna pear, and lemon.  MYX Light Rosé is delightfully refreshing and made from Barbera grapes showcasing hints of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus.

  • 75 calories per serving (5oz serving)
  • 125 calories per 250ml can
  • 13g total carbs per 250ml can
  • 5% alcohol by volume
  • Sold in 4-packs of 250ml cans
  • Imported from Italy
  • Gluten-free, Kosher OU-certified
  • $12.00 per 4-pack SRP

About MYX Beverage LLC

MYX Beverage LLC was formed in 2013 in New York. The company is comprised of strategic partners committed to taking the growing wine industry by storm. Get in the Myx and follow MYX everywhere at @MYXFusions and https://www.facebook.com/myxfusions. MYX Fusion Beverages are certified OU- Kosher.

BEST CELEB-OWNED

“The flavor is gentle, sweet, and, dare I say…fun?! Plus the can is petite, cute, and pairs well as an accessory for any Friday-night outfit, on or off the red carpet.”

MYX Light Chardonnay, $12