Liquor Industry News/Links

9-20-14

By: Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,QCE*

Liquor Industry Week In Review

UNDERSTANDING GRAPPA AND HOW TO FIND A GOOD ONE

If you've had Grappa before, your memory of it may not be all that pleasant.

http://vinepair.com/wine-blog/understanding-grappa-find-good-one/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=db67da2fae-September_14_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-db67da2fae-38937345&mc_cid=db67da2fae&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Why some bartenders and sommeliers rely on gross beverage descriptions

Many wine and beer experts look to standardized flavor wheels with off-putting descriptors to help them pinpoint tastes in complex beverages.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/09/10/why-some-bartenders-and-sommeliers-rely-on-gross-beverage-descriptions/

'JUMPING GENES' COULD LEAD TO NEW GRAPES

A New Zealand scientist is looking at a way to create new clones of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/09/jumping-genes-could-lead-to-new-grape-varieties/

Do You Have a 'Common Palate' for Wine?

Wine Folly Blog:

Despite our many differences, there is a style of wine that most drinkers prefer.

http://winefolly.com/update/common-palate/

Beck's US beer row intensifies as AB InBev fails to KO court case claiming German brewing deception

Anheuser-Busch lawyers have failed to KO a lawsuit brought by US consumers who claim the company misled them into buying Beck's by 'deceptive conduct' that suggested the beer was still brewed in Germany.

http://www.beveragedaily.com/Manufacturers/Beck-s-US-beer-row-intensifies-as-Anheuser-Busch-fails-to-KO-case/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=15-Sep-2014&c=62LAdFMV8ZWrkbO4bADefdofWS7W8fEh

Lettie Teague's Six Favorite New Wine Books

From edifying reference tomes to a non-fiction story of vinous intrigue, here are the finest wine books to pore over this fall

http://online.wsj.com/articles/lettie-teagues-six-favorite-new-wine-books-1410533031

How To Search Labels On All Alcoholic Beverages

Great reference site to type any beverage in and see its approved labels!

http://www.shipcompliant.com/solutions/labelvision

Is wine really healthy? The jury is out

Is red wine really good for you? And if it is, would eating grapes or drinking grape juice be good for your kids?

http://www.reviewjournal.com/life/fooddining/wine-really-healthy-jury-out

Sommelier certification has become a point of contention

Are we seeing a backlash against sommeliers?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/sommelier-certification-has-become-a-point-of-contention/2014/09/11/d597f5ba-379c-11e4-bdfb-de4104544a37_story.html

THE COST OF BECOMING AN EDUCATED WINE DRINKER

Whether you are hoping to become an MW soon or just starting your journey towards wine mastery, there are moderately priced ways to become a more educated wine drinker for all experience levels.

https://grapecollective.com/articles/the-cost-of-becoming-an-educated-wine-drinker

Interesting Product To Remove Sulfites in Wine

Just the Wine  uses a process similar to that used in the winemaking process to adjust the levels of free sulfites to the desired concentration. Just the Wine drops combine with the free sulfites.

http://www.justthewine.com

US SPENDS $3M ON DRUNK MONKEY PROJECT

A US government research body is spending US$3.2 million of taxpayers' money getting monkeys to drink excessive amounts of alcohol to test its effect on body tissue.

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/09/us-spends-3-2m-on-drunk-monkey-experiment/?article-source=newsletter&source=972&date=2014-09-15

New Patron

Patr�n Spirits Co. is extending its Patr�n Citr�nge orange liqueur line with the release of Citr�nge Lime. The ultra-premium liqueur (35%-abv) is available nationally in 750-ml. and 1-liter cork-finished bottles and is meant to tap into the Margarita occasion. Citr�nge Lime is created using Persian limes from the Mexican states of Veracruz, Michoac�n and Colima. The original Citr�nge was first introduced in 1992 and was up 1% last year in the U.S. market to 134,000 nine-liter cases. Patr�n's other liqueur offering XO Caf� was down 6% to 150,000 cases.

It's official: Americans like red wine better than white wine

If you prefer red wine to white, you're not alone.

Nice State by State look at Red vs White

FYI MA is a RED state.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/09/12/its-official-americans-like-red-wine-better-than-white-wine/

Ingredients on the wine label. Absolutely.

Alice Feiring view on wine labels

http://www.alicefeiring.com/blog/2014/09/ingredients-on-the-wine-label-absolutely-.html

New Southern Comfort Flavor

Brown-Forman's Southern Comfort liqueur brand has launched Gingerbread Spice, a new seasonal entry. Featuring a blend of gingerbread, vanilla and cinnamon notes, Southern Comfort Gingerbread Spice is intended to be served warm, either neat or in cocktails. The 15%-abv entry will be available nationwide through the holiday season, priced at $11.99 a 750-ml. Southern Comfort, which sells roughly two-thirds of its 1.8-million-case volume in the U.S., experienced a 7% decline in net sales during Brown-Forman's first quarter, ended July 31.

RI Foolproof Brewery News

Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based Foolproof Brewing Company is moving into the Vermont market later this month through an exclusive statewide distribution agreement with craft and specialty wholesaler G.housen. The brewery's four year-round offerings-American golden ale Barstool, porter Raincloud, Backyahd IPA and LFU farmhouse ale-will be available on draft and in 12-ounce cans across the state. Specialty beers, which include Revery Russian imperial stout and King of the Yahd imperial IPA, will be available on draft, 22-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans for King of the Yahd. Foolproof has been expanding steadily throughout New England since its launch in January 2013 and is currently available in its home state, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

ROCK BAND QUEEN TO RELEASE OWN VODKA BRAND

The vodka, named Killer Queen, will be released later this month to celebrate the band's 1974 hit single of the same name

http://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2014/09/rock-band-queen-to-release-own-vodka-brand/?article-source=newsletter&source=258&date=2014-09-16

Visit Virginia's Monticello wine region

Did you know? Virginia is the fifth-largest wine producing state with more than 200 wineries.

http://www.usatoday.com/experience/food-and-wine/tours-and-trails/visit-virginias-monticello-wine-region/2763879/

How To Pronounce 22 Tricky Types of Wine

http://youtu.be/s_mNNbXzd0o

Beer giants brewing up a deal

If Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and SABMiller combine, it would create a massive beer conglomerate featuring some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including Budweiser and Miller.

http://money.cnn.com/2014/09/16/news/companies/beer-sabmiller-ab-inbev/index.html

You Can Drink At Any College, But These 6 Universities Actually Offer A Degree

Here are 5 other colleges offering students courses and programs in the name of booze:

http://www.blisstree.com/2014/09/16/food/major-in-beer-college/

How to Make Grenadine at Home in 3 Easy Steps

To most, grenadine brings to mind those clear bottles of screaming chemical red mix in the liquor aisle at the grocery store.

http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/gutcheck/2014/09/diy_grenadine_in_3_easy_steps.php

Thatchers cider aims to conquer US taste buds

Thatchers cider will be available to consumers in the US for the first time, following the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with Scotland-based craft brewer Innis & Gunn.

http://www.thedrinksreport.com/news/2014/15625-thatchers-cider-aims-to-conquer-us-taste-buds.html?utm_source=TDR_Newsletter_September_16&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TDR_Newsletter

Is Being Sustainable Worth It for Wineries?

New research finds wineries think sustainability pays, even if it's unclear that consumers value it

http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/50566

New Program Offers Confidence to Consumers and Trade for Fault-Free Wine

http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/09/16/6328467_entwine-launches-100-percent-consumer.html?sp=/100/773/385/&rh=1#storylink=cpy

Top Ten Hard Ciders to Drink this Fall

Fall is on the way and that means it's almost time to put away your short shorts, frolic in the leaves and imbibe your favorite hard cider.

http://www.chilledmagazine.com/Top_Tens-detail/top-ten-hard-ciders-to-drink-this-fall/

U.S. Winery Count Passes 8,000

Wines Vines Analytics reports Oregon wineries grow fastest

http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=138773 

'Miracle' recovery in Bordeaux wine thanks to autumn heatwave

Late sunshine brings promise of exceptional vintages in Bordeaux this year, erasing fears of a poor harvest

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11099555/Miracle-recovery-in-Bordeaux-wine-thanks-to-autumn-heatwave.html

Bottle Bill Expansion Vote In November

MA Voters please consider voting NO and keep recycling at the curbside.

http://comprehensiverecyclingworks.com

PINNACLE VODKA LAUNCHES CRANAPPLE FLAVOUR

Beam Suntory has expanded its portfolio of Pinnacle flavoured vodkas with the launch of CranApple in time for autumn.

http://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2014/09/pinnacle-vodka-launches-cranapple-flavour/?article-source=newsletter&source=259&date=2014-09-17

WINERY FINED $115K OVER VOLUNTEERS TO CLOSE

A Californian winery has been forced out of business after it was fined $155,000 for using volunteer labor.

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/09/winery-fined-115k-over-volunteers-to-close/?article-source=newsletter&source=974&date=2014-09-17

JACKSON FORMS NEW LUXURY DIVISION

Jackson Family Wines has set up the West Burgundy Wine Group, a new division for its top end Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-focused estates.

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/09/jackson-forms-new-luxury-division/?article-source=newsletter&source=974&date=2014-09-17

New Absolut Art Bottle

Pernod Ricard is furthering Absolut vodka's connection to the art world with next month's release of an Andy Warhol Edition bottle. The limited edition bottle celebrates the legendary pop artist, who collaborated with the brand on a painting in the 1980s that is now featured on the new bottle's packaging. To support the release, Absolut is working with three contemporary artists on an interactive nightlife event as part of the Nights by Absolut program as well as running The Andy Warhol Art Exchange by Absolut, a forum where users can exchange original works of art. The exchange runs from October to December. A portion of the proceeds from the Andy Warhol Edition bottle will go to the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Updated Wine Aroma Wheel with 100+ Flavors

Nanoscience makes your wine better

Researchers at Aarhus University, Denmark, have now developed a nanosensor that can mimic what happens in your mouth when you drink wine.

http://phys.org/news/2014-09-nanoscience-wine.html#jCp 

If you're asthmatic, wine may pose a risk

Which means the number genuinely affected by sulphites probably represents about 1 per cent (some say up to 10 per cent) of the population.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/10441464/If-you-re-asthmatic-wine-may-pose-a-risk

How to Be Smart About Wine

4 Rules I love #3!!!

http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/50563

What exactly is Old Vine Zin??

Great Sonoma County Article

http://www.sonomawinegrape.org/sites/default/files/SCWG_Old_Vine_Zin_0.pdf

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN APERITIF AND A DIGESTIF

So what exactly is the difference between an ap�ritif and a digestif

http://vinepair.com/wine-blog/difference-aperitif-digestif/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=47037a98c8-The_Drop_9_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-47037a98c8-38937345&mc_cid=47037a98c8&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

How Being a 'Big Dreamer' Landed Giuliana Rancic Her Own Wine Line

The "Fashion Police" and "E! News" star was beyond elated to reveal the news of her new single-serve wine line that will be available in Walmart next month.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/big-dreamer-landed-giuliana-rancic-wine-line/story?id=25576633

New Black Stallion Wine

Black Stallion Estate Winery is proud to announce the inaugural release of Transcendent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a luxury showcase of the winery's site-specific winemaking philosophy.

A blend of 89 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 11 percent Merlot from Napa

Is Climate Change Ruining Wine Corks

A recent study says yes. What do industry insiders think? Climate change has the wine closure conversation heating up.

http://wineoh.tv/wine-corks-screw-caps-climate-change-video

New streaming radio show that aims to break new ground in conversations about wine.

Bottle Talk with Rick & Paul

http://www.rickandpaulwine.com

A Wine Region Flourishes in Central Washington

All about Lake Chelan AVA in central Washington State

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/travel/a-wine-region-flourishes-in-central-washington.html?_r=0

BEER LABELS SHOW COLOUR OF BREW INSIDE

A Spanish designer has come up with an innovative way to package beer, with its label simply depicting the colour of the brew inside.

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/09/beer-labels-show-colour-of-brew-inside/?article-source=newsletter&source=976&date=2014-09-19

2014 Voted GOLD Medal BEST Liquor Store In 15 Town Region

AND Town Of Franklin!!

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Our Latest Specials

http://www.franklinliquors.com/SPECIALS.htm

Certified Specialist Of Wine CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

First In MA With The Tittle Of

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School 

Quini Certified Educator- QCE