Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/30945
Advertorial ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE — a Deliciously Tempting Cocktail Experience ABSOLUT® VODKA carries on its legacy of innovation and creativity with the debut of ABSOLUT® ORIENT APPLE, a tempting combination of the finest Swedish Vodka and an exotic blend of all-natural green, red, and yellow apple and fresh ginger. The thirteenth distinct and innovative flavor to join the iconic brand’s portfolio, ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE represents the new generation of flavored vodka and continues the ABSOLUT legacy of leading the way by creating exceptional cocktail experiences. ABSOLUT enhances mixers because it has a natural smoothness, well-rounded taste profile and optimal viscosity (due to the pristine Swedish water used in the brand’s production). The result is a higher standard that brings uniqueness and vibrancy to every cocktail. World-famous for its iconic bottle, the new ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE packaging reinforces the brand’s stellar reputation as a leader in the field of artistic design. The sophisticated yet playful design by London’s Johanna Basford depicts a golden apple with the floral etchings of master engraver Christopher Wormells. The etchings carved into the iconic bottle make the ethereal and mysterious apple appear to be floating inside the bottle. ABSOLUT revolutionized the flavored vodka market in the mid-1980s and continues to set the standard with exciting new flavors that have strong consumer appeal. ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE is the latest example of ABSOLUT innovation and ingenuity. For Tempting ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE Cocktail recipes, please visit absolutdrinks.com. FYI Competition Heats Up For Best Spirits N ow in its second year, the Ultimate Beverage Challenge oversees three judging competitions: the ultimate spirits, wine and cocktail events. The first of 2011, evaluating spirits, was held during the first week of March. Judging took place at the Astor Center, an expansive event and educational space with a demonstration kitchen, lecture halls and private dining areas located above Astor Wines & Spirits in Manhattan. Jennifer Smith, the general manager of the Astor Center, describes the rela- tionship between the UBC and the Astor event space as an incredible partnership. “Their methodology and integrity are in perfect alignment with the approach we bring to educating consumers, both the guests upstairs at the center and the cus- tomers downstairs in the store,” she says. “The judges are world-class experts, and being able to use their expertise to con- textualize the products we sell is a great benefit.” The Astor website features the Chairman’s Trophy winners for each spirits category, allowing a path-to-pur- chase from the UBC website. Astor Wines & Spirits also places shelf-talkers with each accolade winner to draw customers to the winners. The UBC was founded by F. Paul Pacult, the publisher and editor of Spirit Journal, along with David Talbot and Sue Woodley. The events judge each brand using a 100-point scale, and award a single winner in each category with The Chairman’s Trophy. In addition to the spirits chal- lenge, UBC also judges cocktails and wines. The judging events culminate with an Ultimate Blast gala, taking place this year on October 14 in New York City. Astor Wines & Spirits displays special UBC shelf talkers to help promote the brands that come out on top in the spirits competition. Among the winners of the trophies for the Ultimate Spirits Challenge held in March were: Unflavored vodka: Finlandia Classic Vodka; Flavored vodka: Ketel One Citroen Flavored Vodka; Gin: Beefeater London Dry Gin; Rum: Dos Maderas PX 5+5 Rum; Bourbon: George T. Stagg 17 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon; Rye: Sazerac Straight 18 Years Old Rye Whiskey; Blended Irish Whiskey: Michael Collins; Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Tyrconnell Madeira Finish 10 Years Old Single Malt; Canadian Whisky: Canadian Mist Black Diamond; Brandy: Cardenal Mendoza Brandy de Jerez 17 Years Old.