Eve's Wine 101

Tasting Alavida Malbec, a USDA-Certified Organic + Kosher Wine

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Have you ever had a Kosher wine? That’s also organic? And a Malbec from Argentina? I’ve had all of these – but not all in the same wine. So when I was offered this unique wine to try I jumped on it! I will share my tasting notes at the end of this article, but first let me share some of the details on this “dual status” wine with some sections I’ve put in bold I found interesting and want you to take notice of:

The debut 2021 vintage of Alavida Malbec (SRP $19), new from Origins Organic Import, is Argentina’s first USDA-certified organic and kosher wine. Alavida is one of few wines worldwide to achieve this unusual dual status. Alavida is also vegan, gluten-fee, and Ecocert-approved…

 The Alavida name is a riff on “A la vida!” Spanish for “To life!” itself a riff on the traditional Hebrew toast “L’chaim!” Origins Organic is owned by husband-and-wife team Labid al Ameri and Anne Bousquet. “Argentina is a nation rich in diversity, and our own multi-cultural family has been making certified organic wines in Argentina since 1997,” al Ameri observes.

 Of necessity, fruit for Alavida must be of exceptional quality, with good concentration, and balance of acidity (a natural preservative). Why? Because USDA regulations prohibit the addition of sulfites (SO2) in winemaking. Sulfites are commonly used as a form of preservative or to help conceal natural flaws. 

 The new wine hails from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley, an area identified with a growing number of the Mendoza region’s finest quality wines. Grapes grow at 4,000+ feet in the Andes foothills, where daily temperature swings of up to 60° F deliver more sugar (hot days) and more acid (cold nights). By omitting SO2, characteristics associated with the Uco Valley’s high-altitude, cool-climate terroir are heightened and enhanced. Purity of fruit, aroma, flavors, and freshness become even more apparent.

 The winemaking process for Alavida is almost identical to that used in making a non-kosher wine, with two exceptions. Ingredients such as yeast must be kosher, and the wine physically made by a Sabbath-observant Jewish team under the supervision of a rabbi. For Alavida that means double the number of people involved: a Jewish team member to handle grapes and wine, paired with a home team member standing alongside and directing. For Alavida, that entailed five duos! Winemaker Rodrigo Serrano gave the work orders; his Jewish counterparts executed them.

 Once the truck filled with grapes arrived at the winery, the Jewish team took the grapes from the truck, used the forklift, pressed the on/off button at the sorting table, and so on. Though the visiting team members were experienced winemakers, they had never worked at this quality level. At the end of each day, everything was locked by the rabbi. If winemaker Serrano wanted to take a sample, he could not do so. Indeed, if a non-Jewish person were to stumble and accidentally touch a tank, the wine is no longer kosher – representing a potential loss of 4,700 liters of wine! At the end of the process, the rabbi pronounced Alavida the best kosher wine he had ever tasted!

Alavida Kosher Malbec 2021 — Technical Data

100% Malbec

Alcohol: 14.5%

Acidity/pH: 5.77/3.68

Residual Sugar: 1.52

Alavida Kosher Malbec from Origins Organic Imports / SRP $19

Now available DC, DE, CA, CT, FL, IL, MD, ME, NJ, VT, and WA

Plus NY and OR, effective April 1.

Eve’s Tasting Notes

Starting off with a deep burgundy to purple in color, completely opaque, with just a slightly lighter edge that sparkles, inviting. On the nose I experienced aromas of plum, raspberry, dark chocolate, grilled mushroom, green peppercorn, earth, ash and coffee. The taste reminded me of dried red fruit, as well as ripe strawberry and red currant, bright and lively, with gripping tannins, no annoying acidity, a long finish and well balanced. Very interesting indeed. If I saw this in a shop I would buy it, a steal for $19.

 About Origins Organic Imports: Miami-based Origins Organic Imports is owned and run by husband-and-wife team Labid Ameri and Anne Bousquet, also the owners of Argentina’s leading producer and exporter of certified-organic wines. With Origins Organic, Ameri and Bousquet are dedicated to introducing U.S. consumers to a growing roster of well-priced, high-quality certified-organic offerings from around the world, in addition to those from their own estate.

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.

Day Chaser® Cocktails and Hendrick Motorsports Launch New Partnership With No. 48 Team

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CONCORD, N.C. (PRWEB) – Canned cocktail brand Day Chaser has joined Hendrick Motorsports as an official partner of Alex Bowman and the driver’s No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in the NASCAR Cup Series.

With a three-year agreement through 2024, Day Chaser will be featured on the fire suits of Bowman and his No. 48 crew members. The brand will also receive prominent placement on the team’s transporter and other equipment used throughout race weekends.

In addition to Bowman and his No. 48 Chevy, Day Chaser will have rights to use the full Hendrick Motorsports stable of race cars and stylized car numbers in its advertising and promotion.

“It’s thrilling to align Day Chaser with Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in NASCAR history,” said David Mandler of Northeast Drinks Group, parent company of Day Chaser. “The multi-year partnership allows us to build the Day Chaser brand alongside the best in the sport. We look forward to utilizing all the touchpoints Hendrick Motorsports has to offer via its deep relationships in the auto and racing worlds, including live events, advertising, and social media.

“We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Alex and the No. 48 team and look forward to a successful first season in 2022. We expect to see Day Chaser in victory lane a lot this year.”

Bowman, 28, is coming off a banner 2021 season in which he delivered a career-best four points-paying race wins and secured his fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series playoff appearance. The Tucson, Arizona, native opened the year with his second DAYTONA 500 pole position and went on to achieve personal bests in top-five finishes (eight) and top-10s (16).

“The opportunity to introduce a cool new brand like Day Chaser to Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR is awesome for me,” Bowman said. “The product tastes great and really fits my personality and lifestyle. Our team has a lot we want to accomplish this year, so the goal is to have plenty of post-race celebrations featuring Day Chaser.”

Part of the Vermont Cider Company’s portfolio of award-winning brands, Day Chaser is a refreshing spirit-based canned cocktail made with real fruit juice and sparkling water. The easy drinking beverage is perfect for those living an active lifestyle full of adventure. All Day Chasers are 100 calories and certified gluten free with only 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of sugar and no artificial ingredients.

“We’re pleased to welcome Day Chaser to our team,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “It’s a young and exciting brand that we’re able to pair with a young and exciting driver. Alex is a rising star in our sport and will be an excellent ambassador for Day Chaser. We look forward to growing this new relationship and developing a successful program together.”

ABOUT DAY CHASER® COCKTAILS:

Day Chaser is a ready-to-drink spirit-based canned cocktail made with real fruit juice and sparkling water. This easy drinking beverage is perfect for those living an active lifestyle full of adventure. All Day Chasers are 100 calories, certified gluten free, with only 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of sugar and no artificial ingredients. Day Chaser features the perfect balance of spirit, fruit flavors and carbonation. Day Chaser launched first with two vodka and sparkling water styles, with two more vodka and four tequila styles available in Spring 2022. For additional information, to purchase online and find Day Chaser near you, please visit DayChaser.com. Be sure to follow @DayChaser on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Day Chaser is part of the Vermont Cider Company’s portfolio of award-winning brands, based in Middlebury, Vermont, owned by Northeast Drinks Group.

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:

Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (280) and laps led (nearly 75,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 37 different seasons, including an active streak of 36 in a row (1986-2021). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Blue Run Spirits Unveils Award-Winning Fall Release

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GEORGETOWN, KY. (PRWEB) – Blue Run Spirits’ first Rye Whiskey – already a Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – is now available at select retailers in the U.S. and will be sold online at BlueRunSpirits.com beginning Monday, September 6 at 3 pm Eastern. Blue Run Kentucky Straight Golden Rye Whiskey is the fourth whiskey release since Blue Run launched in October of last year, having unveiled three award-winning, sold-out Bourbons in that time.

Blue Run Kentucky Straight Golden Rye Whiskey is a small-batch whiskey coming from just 91 select barrels, bottled at a very approachable 95 proof. Each bottle, adorned with an oxidized version of the Blue Run’s signature viceroy butterfly emblem, can be individually identified through a green neck strip with gold accents indicating the bottle number and the date it was bottled. The Golden Rye name is derived from both the distinct color of the choice grains that were used in the creation process and the resulting golden-hued whiskey.

“As any bartender or whiskey maker will tell you, Rye Whiskey can be a tough horse to train,” said Mike Montgomery, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Run Spirits. “Our goal with our Golden Rye was to make it just as approachable as our Bourbons, but still maintain spicy elements that are the hallmark of Ryes. I think we were able to achieve the drinkability of Bourbon with the pronounced personality of Rye.”

This inaugural Rye Whiskey from Blue Run features a honey baked graham cracker aroma surrounded by sweet grains and wood sugar. The easygoing finish rests with honey and a dash of pear syrup, highlighted by touches of ginger that add just the right tingle.

Blue Run Kentucky Straight Golden Rye Whiskey follows Blue Run’s summer release, Blue Run 14-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon, which was awarded top honors at the prestigious 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition winning Best Small Batch Bourbon – 11 Years & Older, along with a Double Gold Medal. The company’s spring release, Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, was awarded Best Single Barrel Bourbon – 11 Years & Older, as well as a Double Gold Medal. Both bottlings sold out in minutes online.

Blue Run Kentucky Straight Golden Rye Whiskey is available for $99.99 SRP. It will be followed by a high-rye Bourbon in October. Additionally, Blue Run is contract distilling at Bardstown Bourbon Company this year, as they did at Castle & Key Distillery in 2020.

Blue Run Spirits can be purchased in Kentucky (RNDC); Georgia (Savannah); South Carolina and Tennessee (Advintage); Washington, D.C., Maryland and Delaware (Prestige-Ledroit); Illinois and Colorado (Breakthru); California and Florida (Park Street); and Canada (Evergreen) and online on http://www.bluerunspirits.com/shop.

Find Blue Run Spirits online at http://www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS
Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. The company’s founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind the U.S. launch of Espolòn Tequila and the Aperol Spritz; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder’s upbringing in Georgetown, KY, where Bourbon began in the Bluegrass State.

INTRODUCING HONKAKU SPIRITS’ SHOCHU PORTFOLIO

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

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

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

The Portfolio currently offers three product lines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please drink responsibly.

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

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

Introducing Basil Hayden Toast, A New Style Of Bourbon Marrying Innovation And History In Every Sip

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CLERMONT, Ky., /PRNewswire/ —  Basil Hayden® proudly announced the launch of Basil Hayden Toast, a super-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the newest addition to the award-winning Basil Hayden portfolio.1 Consisting of an entirely new mash bill, Basil Hayden Toast breaks away from preconceived notions of American Whiskey to deliver an inviting spirit for both familiar and new bourbon drinkers.

 

Expertly crafted by eighth generation Beam family distiller, Freddie Noe, Basil Hayden Toast represents a reimagining of Basil Hayden with the use of a toasted barrel. In lieu of traditional rye grain, Basil Hayden Toast is made using US-grown brown rice, which imparts a hint of sweetness and a touch less spice, while a secondary toasted barrel finish draws out notes of caramelized sugar and toasted wood. After aging, the toasted brown rice bourbon is blended back with more brown rice bourbon, which has been rested in level four char barrels, to achieve a final product with complex flavor grounded in sweet vanilla and rich roasted notes. In an ever-expanding and often intimidating bourbon market, the light, approachable palette of Basil Hayden Toast offers a fresh perspective.

“Basil Hayden Toast is truly a whiskey for fans of all taste and experience levels to share. When my grandfather Booker Noe first made Basil Hayden, his intention was always to create bourbon that opened people’s minds to what bourbon can be. Inspired by his mission, I’ve spent many years working to produce a new bourbon that speaks to this sense of discovery,” said Freddie Noe. “The unexpected addition of brown rice, as well as the toasted barrel finish of Basil Hayden Toast does just that. It delivers an intriguing avenue into the warm and memorable bourbon sipping occasion. I encourage you to raise a toast with friends to this exciting addition to the Basil Hayden family!”

In addition to being the newest permanent expression to join the Basil Hayden portfolio, Basil Hayden Toast marks the debut of a sophisticated, design-forward packaging update for the brand that elevates its most distinctive brand asset – the monogrammed belt. A nod to the metal hoops that encircle bourbon barrels, the belt holds both the physical bottle and liquid stories of Basil Hayden together. This new packaging will be featured across the portfolio, while leaving the liquid inside untouched. As a bourbon beloved for its warm and welcoming characteristics, the new Basil Hayden packaging better reflects the brand personality, inviting others to discover what bourbon can be and the many moments it’s made for.

“As one of the fastest growing super-premium bourbons on the market, Basil Hayden has been quick to respond to the increasing demand for elevated offerings in the bourbon category,” said Jonathan Marks, Senior Brand Director for Global Small Batch Bourbon at Beam Suntory. “The launch of Basil Hayden Toast is a testament to our expanding fan base and an exciting moment in our continued journey to redefine what it means to be a whiskey.”

To celebrate the launch of Toast, Basil Hayden is partnering with contemporary design studio and manufacturer, Fort Standard to help one lucky winner level up their entertaining space with a custom-made oak home bar crafted to show off the new toasted oak bourbon. For more information on how to enter for a chance to win, please follow @basilhaydens on Instagram.

Basil Hayden Toast is now available in the United States at a suggested retail price of $49.99/750mL. Enjoyed stirred into your favorite aperitif cocktail, neat or on the rocks, this 80-proof bourbon delivers an intriguing invitation into the warm, refined bourbon sipping occasion to both familiar and new friends.

About Basil Hayden®

Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts. Inspired by bourbons with high-rye mash bills, Booker set out to create a bourbon that would offer an approachable taste profile and defy preconceived bourbon perceptions.  Basil Hayden Bourbon welcomes new drinkers into whiskey and showcases new occasions to drink it. Beyond its flagship Basil Hayden Bourbon, the brand has pushed the boundaries of innovation in recent years. These intriguing offerings have included expressions such as Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Basil Hayden 10 Year, the limited time release of Basil Hayden 10 Year Rye Whiskey and Basil Hayden Toast.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Share Generously. Drink Responsibly. Basil Hayden® Toast, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2021 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.

1 Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, New York International Spirits Competition, Gold (2020)

 

Yellow Rose Distilling Unveils Harris County Whiskey

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Houston, PR Web – Yellow Rose Distilling, an award-winning distillery located in Houston, Texas, widely known as Houston’s first legal whiskey distillery, is pleased to announce the launch of Yellow Rose Harris County, a High Rye Bourbon. Named for the county in which the distillery is located, Harris County fits the characteristics of a high rye bourbon with 25% of the recipe coming from Texas-grown rye and uses all Texas grown corn and malted barley.

Making its debut across Texas, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida this month, via distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits, Harris County will retail for $44.99 per 750ml bottle.

Since launching its first whiskey in 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has established itself as one of the premier Texas whiskey companies, with its portfolio comprised of three original whiskey offerings, Premium American, Rye and the flagship Outlaw Bourbon, alongside several limited batches. Yellow Rose Distilling has been focused on finding new, innovative expressions and processes, ultimately bringing consumers the finest Texas whiskey in the world. Since 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has garnered some of the spirit industry’s highest accolades including ‘Best in Class’ for Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon at the American Distilling Institute and was recently awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, Yellow Rose Rye collected a series of awards from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020, with a 96 Point rating and named Top 100 Spirits of 2020.

“Harris County Bourbon represents an evolutionary step forward and an important milestone for Yellow Rose Distillery. While in the past we had our gaze set as a single distiller toiled to create whiskey as quickly as possible, today we think in terms of how a talented core group of distillers will work together as we endeavor to create the ideal whiskey. The blueprints of Harris County Bourbon reflect this as we set out to create the best possible High Rye Bourbon from our little Houston Texas Distillery,” says Michael Langan General Manager of Yellow Rose Distillery. “We selected Texas grown grains, settled on double pot distilling and a low entry proof to barrel. This allows us to highlight our region as well as the expertise of our team, while paying homage to pre-prohibition techniques that we feel allow us to balance the maturation of this whiskey within our dynamic local climate. Despite its low entry proof, we choose to bottle at 92 proof to maintain density of flavor and mouthfeel that was hard earned in our slow double pot distillation and 30 months in the Texas heat and humidity.”

“The addition of Harris County rounds out the Yellow Rose portfolio perfectly. While most high rye bourbons are typically described as having a spicy character, we wanted more than spice alone, it needed to have an underlying sweetness with the typical vanilla, caramel, coconut notes. We are using all Texas grown and malted grains. We have the power of the Southeast Texas climate during maturation, and, in that regard, Harris County is not an imitation, nor can it be imitated,” says Houston Farris, Head Distiller at Yellow Rose Distillery.

In addition to Harris County making its debut, and due to increasing sales and increased brand awareness of all the Yellow Rose Marques, the distillery has been expanded. As a result of the expansion, the Yellow Rose Distillery has undergone a major refurbishment of its visitor and experience center. Features include a brand-new bar, lounge, presentation and tasting rooms well as a new 1,200 sq ft. outdoor deck.

On the nose of Harris County, you’ll find notes of brown sugar, cherry, fruit-wood smoke, toasted pecan, and tobacco. Upon tasting, brown sugar and cinnamon engulfs, followed by warm pecan pie, balancing the spice profile, paired with toasted coconut, black tea, and peanuts. Finishing with sweetness throughout, combined with a pop of cinnamon candy.

Yellow Rose Harris County is available in 750ml, bottled at 92 proof (46% Alc/Vol), with a suggested retail price of $44.99 per bottle. Like all Yellow Rose offerings, Harris County will be sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States.

About Yellow Rose Distillery

We’re proud to bring you the finest whiskey from the first legal distillery in the City of Houston since Prohibition. This isn’t one of those distilleries with rolling hill and fields – we craft our whiskey in the heart of the city, where the art of making fine whiskey is married with the spirit of the city it’s born in. The idea for Yellow Rose Whiskey was born one night among friends more than 10 years ago. In the years since, Yellow Rose Distillery has challenged traditions, won awards, and put the city of Houston, Texas, on the global whiskey map. Fittingly, our name Yellow Rose pays homage to a legendary character, Emily West, The Yellow Rose of Texas, known for her bravery and independent nature. Yellow Rose Distilling’s core portfolio currently includes Premium American, Rye, Harris County, Outlaw Bourbon and several limited-edition offerings. For additional information please visit https://yellowrosedistilling.com/

Internationally Award-Winning RUM Co. of Fiji Wins Top Consumer and Bartender Awards

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Internationally award-winning RUM Co. of Fiji, the only rum distillery in the Fiji Islands, is proud to announce that it has been recognized at the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards with its premium rum ranges, Bati and Ratu. Across the acclaimed competitions—judged by consumers and the trade—RUM Co. of Fiji won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards, four Gold Medals and three Silver Medals.

Made from the molasses from hand-cut Fijian sugar cane grown in rich volcanic soil, RUM Co. of Fiji’s rums express the island’s unique position as “Paradise on Earth.” The sugar cane in Fiji has been grown and harvested since 1863 by generations of independent farmers, and the distillery uses only the purest local water to produce its exquisite rums, filtering them through coconut-shell carbon for a softer, rounded mouthfeel. Maturation accelerates in Fiji’s Southern Hemisphere climate, so that RUM Co. of Fiji can achieve complex flavor profiles at younger ages. Master Distiller & Blender Liam Costello works with both pot and column stills, blending different distillates to create the two ranges: premium 2-year-old Bati and super-premium Ratu, aged 5 to 8 years.

Heath Baker, Head of International Sales – RUM Co. of Fiji, noted that the accolades by trade and consumers are a turning point in the USA for the brand. “These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum,” he said. “We have built an excellent base in our home markets of Australia and the Pacific, and we see North America as our greatest long-term opportunity to embed this vision.”

The SIP Awards are the only internationally recognized spirits competition that sees consumers become the judges, while the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry.

In the SIP Awards:

  • Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum “Best of Class” Award
  • Bati 2-Year Spiced Rum also won an exclusive Platinum “Best of Class” Award, while – – Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum and Bati 2-Year White Rum both won Platinum Awards; and
  • Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum and Bati 2-Year Dark Rum both took home Gold Medals.

In the Bartender Spirits Awards:

  • Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu Spiced Rum and Bati White Rum each received a – – Gold Medal, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price; and
  • Ratu Dark Rum, Bati Spiced Rum and Bati Dark Rum all won Silver Medals

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager – RUM Co. of Fiji, said, “RUM Co. of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum-producing nation.”

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages, echoed the pride in receiving these awards as a fantastic acknowledgement of the hard work and passion from the team in Fiji. “This is again wonderful recognition for all our people involved in the making of these exceptional rums. These wins serve to amplify Paradise Beverages’ vision of proudly sharing and exporting local Fijian beverages to the world,” he said.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. The suggested prices for each spirit are as follows: Ratu Signature: $38.99, Ratu Dark and Spiced: $34.99 and Bati (all expressions): $18.99.

About RUM Co. of Fiji

RUM Co. of Fiji is built on an ethos of authenticity, craftsmanship and passion and draws its inspiration – and its identity – from Fijian heritage and culture. The rums are a story of balance and harmony, a coming together of the land’s unique elements and the hands that work with them, crafted in Lautoka, Fiji, by award-winning Master Distiller & Blender Liam F. Costello, together with RUM Co. of Fiji’s passionate and dedicated distillery team. Since launching in 1980, RUM Co. of Fiji has won more than 130 international awards across several prestigious competitions, including the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition, 2020 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. RUM Co. of Fiji is owned by Fiji’s leading beverages manufacturer, Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited, which is part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. For more information on RUM Co. of Fiji, visit http://www.rumcooffiji.com or follow @rumcooffiji on Facebook or Instagram.

About Broken Shed Vodka

Broken Shed Vodka is based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Distilled, crafted and bottled in New Zealand ever since its inception in 2009, its vodka draws upon the country’s natural aquifer and spring waters, without any hint of gluten, additives, sugars or GMOs. Since entering the U.S. market in June 2012, Broken Shed Vodka has won a legion of loyal fans, and an impressive collection of awards. Broken Shed Vodka started in a ‘broken’ down old shed on Lake Wanaka where the formula was originally crafted and produced. Broken Shed Vodka is proud of the strong and experienced sales team they have built. The brand approaches the market with innovative strategies and well-defined focus in all of their markets. Due to this, Broken Shed is able to offer newly-launched spirits brands strong partnership and collaborations, which expand distribution, increase offerings to trade and provide customers access to world-class premium spirits. Learn more about Broken Shed Vodka at http://www.brokenshed.com.

Broken Shed Vodka, 40% ABV, Distilled from Whey. Imported to the USA by Broken Shed Imports, Manhasset, NY. Broken Shed Vodka is produced by Broken Shed Limited, Wanaka, New Zealand. Drink Responsibly. © 2021

Tia Maria Expands Portfolio With The Launch Of Award-Winning Tia Maria Matcha Cream Liqueur

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – World-famous Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is excited to announce the launch of Tia Maria Matcha in the U.S. Market. Already creating buzz in the trade, Tia Maria Matcha was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Created with natural Japanese green matcha tea extract, Tia Maria Matcha is a uniquely fresh yet indulgent liqueur. The green matcha tea extract provides a natural caffeine and floral twist on the creamy liqueur.

“With the launch of Tia Maria Matcha, we are bringing our consumers a truly unique product while infusing excitement into the brand. Matcha is extremely popular in coffee shops and it is known around the world for its earthy notes and natural caffeine, so pairing it with our premium Tia Maria flavor was a complimentary fit.” said Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President Brand & Trade Marketing at Disaronno International LLC.

Tia Maria Matcha encourages consumers to slow down from busy schedules and “take your matcha time.” Reinforced with the hashtag #takeyourmatchatime. Tia Maria Matcha proposes a new ritual by mixing two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of matcha powder in a dish and rimming the glass of their Tia Maria Matcha serve. With an ABV of 17%, it is an ideal drink of choice for any occasion whether served over ice or used as a rich ingredient in cocktails like the Matcha-Tini.

“Tia Maria continues to strive to meet a younger consumer audience and we’re looking forward to introducing the concept of a mindful Matcha ritual through Tia Maria Matcha,” said Ignacio Llaneza. Tia Maria Matcha has a standard retail price of $24.99 and will be available nationwide in 750ml bottles.

The perfect Tia Maria Matcha serves include:
Tia Maria Matcha Ritual
Method:

  • Mix two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of matcha powder in a dish
  • Chill your glass for 10 minutes or wait until you have moisture on the glass
  • Dip the glass rim into the mix of matcha powder and sugar
  • Fill the glass with ice and add Tia Maria Matcha

Matcha-Tini
Ingredients:

  • 40 ml Tia Maria Matcha
  • 40 ml Vodka

Method:

  • Create your perfect green matcha rim on half of a coupe or martini glass
  • Pour Tia Maria Matcha and vodka into a cocktail shaker. Top up the shaker with ice.
  • Shake the ingredients together. Pour in the contents of the shaker using a strainer and sieve into the glass.

About Tia Maria
Tia Maria dates back to the mid-17th century, when a beautiful young Spanish aristocrat fled the turmoil colonial war brought to the island of Jamaica. Her maid saved one family treasure, a small jewelry box with black pearl earrings and an ancient manuscript with the recipe for a mysterious liqueur. The recipe was named after the courageous woman. Tia Maria was born. The recipe lay dormant for many years before being rediscovered in the 1940s by Dr. Kenneth Leigh Evans, who began to produce and market it. From this day forward Tia Maria has been a favorite for coffee liqueurs lovers the world over and it was even used in the very first Espresso Martini recipe over forty years ago. Their newest launch, Tia Maria Matcha, which earned a gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, aims to refresh the brand image of Tia Maria giving new excitement to the brand and targeting the contemporary drinkers with their premium cream liqueur and natural matcha tea extract.

Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits Releases Absinthia Verte

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OAKLAND, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits (@Absinthia_Absinthe), a woman-owned artisan spirits company, has released Absinthia Verte, the follow-up to its inaugural and Gold Medal-winning Absinthia Blanche.

“As an unregulated category, there are a lot of ‘crapsinthes’ on the market that use artificial ingredients and dyes to achieve the end product. Absinthia absinthes are carefully crafted according to a vintage Swiss recipe using all-natural ingredients and no sugar,” said J.
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Absinthia Vermut, founder and creator of Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits.  “We start with a neutral spirit made from biodynamic grapes from California, and distilled that with organic herbs – fresh wormwood (artemesia absinthium), star anise, fennel seed, and coriander seed – from an organic farm in Oregon. The result is an aromatic, brilliantly clear and modern take on absinthe, launched in 2018 as Absinthia Blanche.”

To create the beautiful peridot green of the Verte, Absinthia distills the Blanche with organic artemisia pontica, anise hyssop, and lemon balm. The Verte has a natural sweetness and earthier flavor than the Blanche. It is delicious neat, on the rocks, with a splash of cold water, or in a cocktail.

“I started with the release of the Blanche because out of the still, it was delicious,” said Vermut. “Also, we knew if we released a blanche and a verte at the same time, most absinthe drinkers would gravitate to the better known verte. The blanche is so delicious that we wanted to make sure our customers tried it first – and they did.”

Absinthia Blanche has received several awards, including a Gold Medal from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018.

Absinthia Facts:

  • Farm to glass authentic absinthe from a vintage Swiss recipe
  • Twice distilled in California in a copper pot from biodynamic grapes and fresh herbs
  • 110 proof (55% ABV)
  • Blanche SRP $44.99 (375ml)
  • Verte SRP $44.99 (375ml)

About Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits:
Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits is a WBENC-certified woman-owned artisan craft beverage business based in Oakland, California. The passion of founder J. Absinthia Vermut, the company began hand crafting absinthe according to an authentic Swiss recipe in 2017. Distilled in a copper pot from biodynamic grapes, grown in California, and fresh organic herbs – wormwood, anise, fennel, and coriander – from Oregon, Absinthia Blanche was awarded a Gold Medal in 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Absinthe Verte was launched in 2021. Absinthia’s absinthes are distributed in key markets and available online. For more information, visit www.absinthia.com.

Follow Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits on Social Media: @Absinthia_Absinthe #Absinthia #GreenFairy

Swilled Dog Hard Cider Releases Sangria

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UPPER TRACT, W.Va., /PRNewswire/ — Swilled Dog (@SwilledDog), the fastest growing craft beverage company in West Virginia, has released its Spring/Summer seasonal cider – Sangria.

A delicious blend of fresh cherries, tart apples, lemons and limes, Swilled Dog Sangria is a semi- sweet, gluten-free, and unfiltered cider that transports cider lovers to their favorite beach with each sip.
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“Since our founding in 2016, our goal has always been to transform the bounty of West Virginia’s natural ingredients into fun, flavorful and refreshing ciders,” said Brooke Glover, President and Co-Founder, Swilled Dog. “Warm weather is on the way, and we are thrilled with this latest edition to our seasonal cider offerings. With ripe cherries and tart apples blending together with fresh fruit flavors, each sip of Swilled Dog Sangria recalls a day at the beach and you can almost feel the sand between your toes.”

The seasonal craft cider is uniquely made with a carefully selected blend of apples, and finished with lemons, lime and cherries and no added sugar. The addition of the cherry helps create a slightly ruby color, reminiscent of traditional sangrias. Fresh and zesty lemons and limes complement the tartness of the apples, making Swilled Dog Sangria less sweet than wine-based sangrias and infinitely more refreshing.

Swilled Dog Sangria (6.9% ABV) will be available on tap and in 6-pack 12-ounce cans in local stores, bars and restaurants in West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Each can of Swilled Dog Sangria contains 180 calories, 11 grams of sugar, 14g carbohydrates, 0g fat, 0g protein and no added sugar.

Swilled Dog Sangria is the latest seasonal release to join a year-round portfolio of hand-crafted hard ciders: Walk the Dog, Pineapple, Wild Berry, Caramel Apple and WV Scrumpy. Swilled Dog ciders are always unfiltered and made from all-natural ingredients.

Apart from crafting delicious ciders that bring friends together, Swilled Dog also celebrates time spent giving back to the community; at least one percent of annual sales benefit animal causes. In addition, 100% of the annual sales of WV Scrumpy are donated. During 2020, Swilled Dog supported organizations such as the Walking Miracles Family Foundation, Clearwater Maine Aquarium, On Eagles’ Wings, and Military Working Dogs Team Support Association.

In addition, Glover was recently elected Vice President, Board of Directors of the American Cider Association (formerly USACM). This is her second term as a member of the ACA Board and she also serves on the Marketing (Chair) and Legislative Committees. During her tenure on the ACA Board, Glover plans to help push regulatory change for the growing industry on a national level and provide actionable support to the Cider industry’s efforts to be inclusive and welcoming to all consumers.

ABOUT SWILLED DOG

Swilled Dog is a majority woman-owned, leading craft beverage producer providing the Southeast with quality, approachable beverages that are flavorful and refreshing. Our hard cider, ready-to-drink cocktails, premium, small batch spirits, and infusions are handcrafted to bring friends and family together for a better today and tomorrow.
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While crafting delicious beverages, we also aim to make a significant impact for our favorite animal causes. Swilled Dog offers a unique tasting experience in Upper Tract, WV, and our products can be found throughout our expanding six-state footprint (WV, VA, IN, KY, OH, and FL). For more information, visit http://www.swilleddog.com/.

Follow Swilled Dog on Social: @SwilledDog, #SwilledDog, #GetSwilled