Eve's Wine 101

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.

Registration opens for Vinexpo America and Drinks America 2023

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PORTLAND, Maine – Registration has kicked off for Vinexpo America and Drinks America following a successful 2022 debut for the two co-located events, which unite the global beverage alcohol industry. The leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s new exhibit Hall 3 in New York March 8-9, 2023. Next year’s program will build on the momentum of 2022, which drew more than 380 exhibitors representing the products of 30 countries. Planning for the co-located programs is well under way, and a new member of the Vinexpo America and Drinks America Advisory Board is in the mix. Robert Tobiassen, president of National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc., has joined the prestigious panel, now comprised of 13 esteemed executives from the beverage alcohol industry. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through March 7.

Where the Wine, Beer, and Spirits World Meets in North America

North America’s premier trade-only expos will provide U.S. and Canadian buyers and decision makers with access to new and established brands looking to enter and expand in the North American market, and the opportunity to discuss products and conduct business in one location. Vinexpo America focuses exclusively on wines from around the world and Drinks America features spirits, beer, sake, ready-to-drink, and related products and services. Attendees will have full access to both events. The event will feature two full days of educational conferences and master classes, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall strategically organized to foster business relationships. Exhibitors already confirmed for the 2023 show include Aquitaine Wine Company, Kazayak-Vin, Bodegas Tagua Tagua SPA, Retail Pak, Scentone, Casa Maestri, Charles Edge London, and Slim Chillers.

For younger wine and spirits producers with less than five years in the business, a New Wave exhibitor option is available to help them launch and boost sales. The show will welcome Brau from France and Wine Library from the United States as New Wave exhibitors this year and is still accepting applications.

By the Numbers: Attendees and Purchasing Power

Ninety-three percent of last year’s attendees were from North America, with 43 states represented. Top participating states included New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Illinois. Seventy-one percent had purchasing roles within the beverage alcohol space, and 68% purchased between $100,000 and $1.5 million annually.

Advisory Board Welcomes Robert Tobiassen

Robert Tobiassen, president of the National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc. (NABI), has joined the Vinexpo America and Drinks America advisory board. Since 1935 NABI has represented importers of distilled spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages on key regulatory and public policies at the federal, state, and international levels impacting trade and supply chain distribution in goods and accompanying services.

Tobiassen joins 12 other U.S.-based wine and spirits industry leaders who contribute to the planning and growth of Vinexpo America and Drinks America, including John Beaudette (MHW, Ltd.), Cheryl Durzy (LibDib), Valerie Gerard-Matsuura (Sopexa USA), Monique Huston (Winebow), Helen Mackey (Darden), Vela McClam Thomas (Lemae Group), Steve Melchiskey (USA Wine West, LLC), Brandy Rand (The IWSR), Brian Rosen (BevStrat LLC), Manilay Saito (Business France), Aaron Sherman (SevenFifty) and David Talbot (Ultimate Beverage Challenge).

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.vinexpoamerica.com.

About Vinexposium

Owned jointly by Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding, Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium offers an enhanced range of high-performance events, tailored to different market segments, with a portfolio of iconic and recognized events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, WOW! Meetings, Vinexpo America & Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, WBWE Asia, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai and WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.

About Diversified Communications

Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: renewable energy, healthcare, natural and organic, food and beverage, and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com

IRON CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO’S MORIMOTO ASIA NAPA NOW OPEN

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Napa, CA (Nov. 7, 2022) – Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, has officially opened Morimoto Asia Napa on Sunday, Nov. 6, offering Far East tastes and textures to the Napa region. Located at 790 Main Street in Napa, Calif., guests can experience an eclectic take on some of Chef Morimoto’s favorite Asian flavors, plus a diverse selection of beer, wine, whiskey, and sake. 


The menu showcases a vast variety of hot and cold appetizers, salads, soups, dim sum, and signature dishes, including Szechuan mapo tofu, orange chicken, and black pepper steak. The beverage menu offers signature cocktails, sake flights, wine, and draft beer. The 170-seat restaurant provides an intimate dining experience, with Chinese flavors highlighted throughout the location.


Upon arrival, guests will be immersed in an upscale ambiance and cultural tastes throughout their dining experience. The restaurant features elaborate designs by BLANK Design, boasting two 9-foot terracotta warriors and dragons wrapped around the dining room pillars, tea drawer cabinets, and hints of Asian gate accents. 


Morimoto Asia Napa is open for dinner service nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will also offer Dim Sum brunch soon. Reservations are suggested via OpenTable.


This restaurant marks Chef Morimoto’s third restaurant in California, including Morimoto Napa, Chef’s contemporary Japanese and sushi concept down the street from Morimoto Asia, and the recently opened Momosan Santana Row. His first Morimoto Asia concept opened in Orlando in 2015, followed by Waikiki in 2018. 


For more information on Chef Morimoto, visit www.ironchefmorimoto.com. To learn more about Morimoto Asia Napa, visit www.morimotoasianapa.com.


About Iron Chef Masaharu MorimotoChef Masaharu Morimoto — known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America — has garnered critical and popular acclaim for his seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients.  In 2001, Chef Morimoto opened his first restaurant in Philadelphia, which was later followed by restaurants in New York, Napa, Honolulu, Mumbai, Mexico City, Tokyo, and Maui.  Morimoto Asia Orlando at Disney Springs opened in 2015, followed by Momosan NYC and Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand in 2016.  Morimoto Asia Waikiki, Momosan Waikiki, and Morimoto Doha opened in 2018.  Next came Momosan Seattle (2019), Momosan Wynwood (2020), Morimoto Taghazout Bay (2021), Sa’Moto Manhattan West NYC (2021), Momosan at Hub Hall in Boston (2021) and Momosan Santana Row (2022); bringing Chef Morimoto’s global restaurant count to 19. His first cookbook, Morimoto: The New Art of Japanese Cooking (2007), won two IACP awards (in the “Chef’s and Restaurants” category and the “First Book: The Julia Child Award”) and it was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award. His second cookbook, Mastering The Art of Japanese Cooking (2017), introduces readers to the healthy, flavorful, surprisingly simple dishes favored by Japanese home cooks. Chef Morimoto has a range of exclusive partnerships with renowned brands such as Global Grub, creating first-of-its-kind DIY cooking kits and The Spice House offering a line of curated spice blends into home kitchens nationwide as well as all of Chef’s famed Momosan restaurants. Follow Chef Morimoto via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or www.ironchefmorimoto.com.

Take your cocktail game to a new level

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Salteez – Starting at $14.95, also available on Amazon!

Meet Salteez–a super easy to use, peel and stick beer salt strip that’s ready to dress up your next tailgate party or holiday bbq!  Place them on any can, bottle, or cup to add a dash of salt or tangy flavor to your favorite libations. 

Salteez Highlights:

  • Add a burst of flavor to your favorite beer, margarita, cocktail, and more
  • Stickers are coated in edible beer salt
  • Wrap it vertical, horizontal, or all the way around 
  • More sanitary than licking salt off the side of your can or bottle
  • Portable design is perfect for potlucks, tailgating, bbqs, and more!
  • Available in Salt & Lime, Chili Lime, Pickle Salt, and Sweet & Sour Peach

Siligrams – Starting at $29.99, also available on Share A Sale & Skimlinks

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated corporate gift, a high brow addition to your cocktail cart, or the ultimate gift for the man who has everything, Siligrams are here to deliver. Their customizable silicone Ice Cube Trays are crafted just for you with your monogram, company logo, image, text and more!

Customizable Ice Cube Tray Highlights:

  • Custom molds can feature a logo, initials, or unique design
  • Customize each cube on your tray independently
  • No minimum order quantities- order 1,000 trays or just 1!
  • Design and order in minutes with a live preview on an easy-to-use website
  • Made to order in the USA means fast shipping and unparalleled quality
  • Available in multiple shapes and sizes to fit your glassware

Vinotemp Adds The New 36’ Double Door Wine Cooler And A Compact Stainless Steel Single Zone Wine Cooler to their Collection

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HENDERSON, NEV. (PRWEB) – Vinotemp®, the leading wine storage solutions and appliance provider, has announced the launch of their new 36’ Double Door Wine Cooler designed with a front vent for built-in or freestanding installation. The super modern exterior and spacious interior are the focus point of this beautifully designed wine refrigerator, that adds symmetry and balance to any space. The double doors create for double the space, fitting up to 180 bottles of wine. In addition to visual appeal, the dual doors allow you to control the temperature on each side separately, making it perfect for storing different varieties of wine or beer on one side and wine on the other – all at their ideal temperature!

The Vinotemp 36’ Double Door Wine Cooler properly stores up to 90 bottles of wine on each side and features 15 gliding metal shelves with a black wooden lip in each zone, great for adjusting shelves and incorporating different bottles like champagne or vodka.

  • Vinotemps Backlit™ Illuminating Design

This cooler includes a white interior backlit design, that provides the best lighting to view your collection.

  • Customizable Temperature Control on Each Side

An adjustable 26-degree temperature range (39-65°F) allows users to select a proper, customized storage climate and serving temperature for beer, wine, champagne and more. Each side is equipped with its own easy-to-use, all glass touch screen control panel to set the right temperature for any drink.

  • Adjustable Shelving

The adjustable, pull-out shelving makes it easy to access the 180 bottle of wine this refrigerator can store. Each of the shelves has a black front that is high enough to cover most of the bottom half of each bottle. This arrangement gives the unique impression that the bottles are “floating” within the storage unit and is exclusive to Vinotemp.

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HENDERSON, NEV. (PRWEB) – Vinotemp®, the leading wine storage solutions and appliance provider, today announced the launch of their new 24-Bottle Wall-Mounted Single-Zone Wine Cooler, a perfectly designed compact wine storage solution that can fit in any room. This wine cooler contains stylish black wooden pull out shelves and soft interior LED lighting illuminates the cooler’s contents,
making it easy to read labels and locate your favorite bottle of wine. The dual-pane tempered glass provides extra insulation that maintains wine at ideal temperatures.

  • Digital Display

The push button temperature control panel with digital read-out at the top interior makes setting and monitoring the temperature of your wine cooler a breeze!

  • Designed to Match Your Style and Space

Recessed, built-in installation and black glass or stainless steel trim make this appliance a seamless addition to efficient and stylish spaces.

  • Customizable Temperature Control

An adjustable 26-degree temperature range (41-64°F) allows users to select a proper, customized storage climate and serving temperature.

To learn more about Vinotemp’s newest offering, and other appliances and wine storage solutions, visit vinotemp.com.

Best High-Altitude Fall/Late Summer Festivals

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For those looking to elevate their summer/fall festival adventures – go up. High-altitude mountain festivals means iconic views, cooler temperatures and oftentimes less crowds (though you have to watch your alcohol consumption at high elevations!).

We put together a list of our favorite late summer/fall food/beverage and movie festivals that are over 8,000 feet of elevation –

Vail Wine Classic (8,150’, August 11-13): The Vail Wine Classic includes “Vail Uncorked Dinner Series” featuring five-course dinners at Vail’s top restaurants, a Somm-led “Argentine Experiences Hike” that culminates with a three-course paired lunch, a seminar about RIEDEL’s’s varietal-specific glassware, and much more. Vail Wine Classic brings master winemakers and wine enthusiasts together for an immersive three-day tasting event that includes all-inclusive tastings of diverse and distinctive wines from around the world and a-la-carte events.

Breckenridge Wine Classic (9,600’, Sept. 15-17): In addition to the iconic Grand Tasting sessions that feature hundreds of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and epicurean purveyors, the Breckenridge Wine Classic’s innovative lineup includes a “Winemaker for a Day” experience, “Wine & Wildflower Hike,” and exquisite paired dinners with some of the country’s best vintners at five standout Breckenridge restaurants, including one at the ski resort.

Vail Oktoberfest (8,150’, Sept 9-11 + Sept. 16-18): The beloved Vail Oktoberfest is a Bavarian extravaganza of competitions, costume contests, German delicacies, flowing German beer, traditional music and dance, children’s entertainment and more. This free, family-friendly event was named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. by USA Today.

Telluride Film Festiva l (8,750’, Sept. 2-5) – Each Labor Day weekend, the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado triples in size. Swells of passionate film enthusiasts flood the town for four days of total cinematic immersion, embarking on a viewing odyssey, blissfully spending entire days in flickering dark rooms.

New Survey Shows Many Craft Beer Drinkers Want Brews Shipped Directly to Their Doorsteps, But 75% of States Prohibit Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping

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BOSTON (PRWEB) – The interest and enthusiasm for direct-to-consumer (DtC) beer shipping has not waned in 2022, even as the past year has brought some relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted in partnership with the Brewers Association, the second annual Sovos ShipCompliant Beer DtC Shipping Report revealed that many craft beer drinkers do not differentiate between beer and other household goods in terms of what they’d like to have conveniently shipped to their homes.

As part of the Sovos ShipCompliant Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping Report, The Harris Poll conducted an online consumer survey on behalf of Sovos ShipCompliant among over 500 regular craft beer drinkers, defined as those who drink craft beer at least once per month. The ShipCompliant/Harris Poll consumer survey found that among the products regular craft beer drinkers would like to be able to purchase and have shipped DtC, beer (54%) is just as popular as wine (49%) and several everyday use items such as clothing (58%), self-care products (57%), paper products (56%), cleaning products (56%) and food (53%). This stands in stark contrast to the fact that interstate direct-to-consumer beer shipping is only legal in 11 states and D.C., while wine can be shipped DtC to 47 states and D.C. Additionally, the survey found that more than 9 in 10 regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer via DtC shipping (92%) say if they could do so, they would make those beer purchases once a month or more often.

“In 2021, we discovered that the desire for DtC beer shipping skyrocketed due to the limitations on people accessing their favorite beverages in person,” said Larry Cormier, vice president and general manager, Sovos ShipCompliant. “In 2022, we took our research a step further to find out that 68% of regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer DtC say they would be willing to spend $50 or more a month – highlighting a lost opportunity for the craft brewing industry because the desire for DtC beer can’t be met in the current regulatory landscape.”

Other notable findings in the new report outlined consumer preferences and intent, including:

  • Increased permissions for DtC beer shipping could mean a substantial boost in brewery sales, with three-quarters of regular craft beer drinkers (75%) saying they would purchase more craft beer if they were able to have it shipped directly to their home versus having to go to a retail location to purchase it.
  • Among regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer DtC, an overwhelming majority (92%) say if they could do so, they would make these purchases once a month or more often, and nearly a third (32%) say they would do so weekly or more often.
  • When asked how much they would be willing to spend on DtC beer purchases each month, roughly two-thirds of regular craft beer drinkers who would like to purchase beer DtC (68%) say they would spend $50 or more, and more than two-in-five (45%) say they would spend $100 or more monthly.
  • College grads are particularly interested in purchasing beer via DtC. Craft beer drinkers with a college degree or higher are more likely than those with a high school diploma or less to say they would like to be able to purchase beer and have it shipped directly to their homes/someone else’s home via a third-party carrier (58% vs. 43%).
  • Among regular craft beer drinkers, adults ages 21-54 are significantly more likely than those ages 55+ to say they plan to purchase beer via DtC shipping in 2022 (73% vs. 45%) and those with children under 18 living in the household are more likely than those without to say they plan to purchase beer via DtC shipping in 2022 (79% vs. 57%).

Market potential for beer surpasses current sales
“Results from this year’s report give us an indication of just how much money is being left on the table for producers and states that forbid DtC beer shipping,” said Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association. “Based on the findings, it’s clear that expanding DtC shipping would meet consumer demand and boost craft brewery sales.”

DtC beer shipping provides a niche to build brands and sell higher value-added products than those they are growing in traditional distribution, making it an increasingly important tool for small and independent craft breweries to use in driving growth. From the perspective of the Brewers Association, the report shows that the DtC market is poised to grow in the coming years, if the regulatory landscape shifts to support that growth. Beer direct-to-consumer interstate shipping is currently only available to 14.8% of the 21+ U.S. population, versus 96.7% of the 21+ population for wine. Simple parity in shipping availability would grow the potential consumer market 6.5X for beer.

To further understand the regular craft beer drinkers’ desire for DtC beer shipping, as well as to gain insights on potential future behaviors surrounding it, download the full Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping Report at dtcbeerreport.com.

Consumer Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Sovos ShipCompliant in January 2022 among 1,951 adults ages 21+, among whom 562 are regular craft beer drinkers, defined as those who drink craft beer at least once per month. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Sovos ShipCompliant at helloship@sovos.com.

About Sovos ShipCompliant
Sovos ShipCompliant has been the leader in automated alcohol beverage compliance tools for more than 15 years, providing a full suite of cloud-based solutions to wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, distributors and retailers to ensure they meet all federal and state regulations for direct-to-consumer and three-tier distribution. ShipCompliant’s solutions reduce risk, lessen the burden of compliance, accelerate bringing products to market and enable revenue growth. With 60+ partner integrations, Sovos ShipCompliant leads a robust ecosystem of technology partnerships, enabling powerful complementary solutions. For more information, visit https://www.sovos.com/shipcompliant/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. For more information, visit BrewersAssociation.org.

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.

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.

Officially Introducing El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market!

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(Los Angeles, CA) – El Granjero Cantina is L.A.’s newest most colorful cantina featuring a top-notch culinary team delivering a delectably delicious fun and fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine influenced by Southern California farmers market ingredients. With its lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and great patio for people watching, El Granjero (pronounced gran-heh-roh) Cantina is the perfect one-stop spot offering up Tacos, Dorados, Vegan Tacos, Salads, Bowls, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tequila, Mezcal, Top Shelf Margaritas, Sangria, Specialty Cocktails, Cerveza, Mocktails and much more for Los Angeles locals and pleasure travelers alike to all enjoy!

Photo Credit:  Michael Brown

Located in the former Ulysses Village space on the Market Plaza at The Original Farmers Market, El Granjero Cantina originally opened in late June 2021 and is the brainchild of EGC Founder and Owner John Moshay who has a deep connection to the cultural traditions of Mexico. Moshay, also Co-Owner of Fritzi Coop inside The Original Farmers Market with Fritzi Coop Partner Chef | Owner Neal Frazer (Redbird | Vibiana), put together a dream team of young culinary talent starting with General Manager Grace Etchegoyen who spent time on the floor at Pizzeria Mozza, and was General Manager at Fritzi DTLA, PYT, and Redbird earning her hospitality stripes by first becoming Event Manager, then Assistant General Manager, and then General Manager while working alongside her celebrated father Chef | Owner Neal Fraser and stepmother, Co-Owner & Operator of Redbird | Vibiana Amy Knoll Fraser. Next, Moshay sought out Executive Chef Jenni Sklar (Lucques, Sqirl, Son of a Gun, and Whoa Nelly Catering) to create El Granjero Cantina’s modern Mexican menu and oversee the kitchen, and finally, Moshay reached out to Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea (Bar Director, Redbird | Vibiana) to create El Granjero Cantina’s innovative agave-forward bar program.

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar’s ingredient driven menu embraces regional Mexican flavors using seasonal and fresh ingredients showcasing a selection of Antojitos (Snacks) including Guacamole, Fiesta Nachos, Papas Fritas and Pork Belly, and the Ensaladas (Salad) spotlight Chef Sklar’s signature Caesar Salad prepared with romaine lettuce, cured egg yolk, sunflower seeds, and breadcrumbs, or Kale Salad made with avocado, griddled cheese, house pickles, corn, and black bean salsa. The Oaxacan Quesadillas are house favorites featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion, and cheese, or the Queso prepared with cheese, black bean puree, salsa negra, and escabeche relish served with lettuce. Chef Sklar’s Tacos do not disappoint and there are two for every guest to enjoy featuring a sublime selection including Avocado, Beef, Carnitas, Chicken or Crispy Fish. The Dorados (Golden Tacos) are lightly fried to perfection and offer up three delicious options, Chili Braised Beef & Cheese, Tomatillo Chicken & Cheese, and Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese. The Los Tazones (Bowls) include the California fresh Crispy Avocado Bowl prepared with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn, black bean salsa, and pickled red onions, along with a Chicken Bowl, Beef Bowl, Carnitas Bowl, Seared Fish Bowl, or Keto Bowl comprised of your choice of protein with cauliflower rice, griddled cheese, cabbage slaw, marinated kale, and crema. Chef Sklar’s Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas are a family favorite and her Carnitas and Chili Beef Burritos are packed with flavor. As, with any proper Mexican meal, Chef Sklar’s Acompanantes (Sides) are the perfect addition to each dish featuring fresh Avocado, Blistered Jalapeno, Cauliflower Rice, Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Black Beans, Black Bean Puree, and Herb Rice. “We make everything in-house from our pickles to our salsas, carnitas, and our tortillas,” states Sklar. El Granjero Cantina’s tortillas are extremely special as Sklar spent months looking for the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca (dry corn flour) to create a unique texture that resembles a flour tortilla. Says Sklar, “Our Tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and fantastic flavor. The density reminds me of a tamale and every tortilla is handmade to order every time.”

“I am constantly impressed with Jenni’s cooking as she knows the perfect way to balance every dish with acid, salt and texture,” states Etchegoyen. “She is excited by Mexican food, and it definitely shows. It was important to her to make everything from scratch, and I love the vegan items she created for our menu. She put extra time and attention into preparing them to make sure they were thought through, exciting and delicious.”

BAR: El Granjero Cantina’s bar program, created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea, honors traditional agave-based spirits from Mexico with a specially curated list of Tequilas y Mezcal showcasing a special selection of Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Anejo Tequila, and Mezcal, while also featuring fun and frothy Frozen Margaritas, Cocktails on Tap, and collection of Classic Margaritas and Specialty Cocktails such as the EGC Old Fashioned comprised if reposado tequila, mezcal, Meletti Amaro, and orange, Lifesaver made with mezcal, Fiero, lime and pineapple syrup, and Rasp-Hib Cocktail prepared with guests choice of tequila, Italicus, hibiscus tea, lime and soda to name just a few. In addition, El Granjero Cantina also offers select Beer, Wine, house-made Sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages such as El Granjero Cantina’s handmade Horchata and freshly carbonated Agua Frescas.

“I am really proud that we squeeze fresh lime juice for all of our cocktails as this is something that is very important to us, and it really helps us produce the best quality beverages we can provide,” says Etchegoyen. “Tobin introduced us to the Spinzall which clarifies juice to give a perfect texture and color. We clarify our cucumber juice and raspberry hibiscus for our house-made Agua Frescas, and I am in awe of how Tobin took classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned and the Mai Tai, and he put a tequila twist on them. They are well balanced and it’s a fun way to lean into agave-based spirits. We truly have something for everyone – a red Sangria for easy drinking, a frozen strawberry margarita for those hot days on the patio, and the option to have your very own version of the perfect margarita with a choice of over 30 different tequilas, mezcal, and/or spicy tinctures.”

El Granjero Cantina was designed by Amy Knoll Fraser who wanted to take full advantage of the existing architecture of the space and exposed joist of the ceiling. Fraser drew inspiration from many trips to Mexico City and she wanted the space to feel like a lively bustling cantina where the energy from the street outside gives back to the restaurant inside, spilling into each other. She saw the space as casual, but cosmopolitan and created a subtle division between the two with tall folding panel doors and dangling light fixtures meant to evoke lightning bugs in a jar creating a warmth that immediately attracts guests into the space. Fraser created bold pops of color throughout the restaurant which inspired the stripes running down the back bar and interior side wall and the bold and bright mural on the outside walls based on a traditional Mexican Otomi embroidery with a nod to Matisse cut outs. The chair design was created by Hee Welling inspired by refrigerator racks, and all the woodwork throughout the space was thoughtfully designed in hickory by John Moshay’s son designer Ned Moshay making this project a full family affair.

El Granjero Cantina is open every Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. El Granjero Cantina offers Happy Hour “All Day” every Monday and Tuesday, and every Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information about El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market or to make reservations, please call 323.879.9324 directly or visit www.CantinaLA.com.

Social Media:  Follow El Granjero Cantina on Facebook @ElGranjeroCantina and Instagram @elgranjerocantina

El Granjero Cantina

The Original Farmers Market

6333 W. 3rd Street, Stall 750

Los Angeles, CA 90036

T: 323.933.9211

www.CantinaLA.com