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
New Products & Packaging x Tom Bulleit, founder of the small batch Bulleit Bourbon, has extended the brand’s line with the introduction of Bulleit Rye, a straight rye whiskey consisting of a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Matured in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years, Bulleit Rye features a distinctive taste of spice, dried apricot and maple, the company says. From Diageo, the 90 proof spirit is available nationally at a sug- gested retail of $27.99 for a 750 ml bottle. x E&J Gallo has rolled out nationally a new line of tasty, fruit-forward varietal wines called The Naked Grape, all retailing for $9 per 750 ml bottle. The Naked Grape Cabernet, Sauvignon, made of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah, is full-bodied with aromas of dark fruit and blackberry; The Naked Grape Chardonnay, made from Chardonnay and Viognier, is light-bodied, with aromas of pineap- ple and peach; The Naked Grape Pinot Grigio is another light-bodied, crisp white, with aromas of pear, lemon and honey. It is made from Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Riesling. Finally, The Naked Grape Pinot Noir, made from Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Grenache and Alicante Bouchet, is medium-bodied with flavors of black cherry and blueberry. x The popular Belgian beer Stella Artois has debuted a unique 440 ml (14.9 ounce) aluminum can, featuring the silhouette of Stella Artois’ signature chalice glass. The new packaging is being sold nationwide in 4- and 10-pack configurations, with the 10-pack highlighting a space-saving, easy- to-open refrigerator pack called “Pour le Fridge” (French for “for the fridge”). x Pisco Portón has completed the first phase of its national launch program with the rollout into Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. The Brazilian brand hopes to be in 27 markets by the end of 64 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • May/June 2011 2011, supported by a wide array of marketing efforts. Unlike most other piscos, Pisco Portón is distilled using the Mosto Verde method, which prevents the grapes from fermenting completely, resulting in an extremely smooth, velvety and full-bodied flavor, the company says. Handcrafted in small batches, Pisco Portón rests for five to eight months in non-reactive containers called cubas de guardia before it is bottled. It is distilled to 86 proof (no water added) and never altered by aging in wood, according to the company. The new brand retails for $40-$50 (varies state by state) for a 750 ml bottle; 50 ml bottles will be introduced later in the year. x Twisted, from DFV Wines, expanded its lineup of to include 2010 Twisted Moscato, featuring citrus, orange blos- som and floral aromas with concentrated flavors of honey, nectarine, and tropical fruit, the company says. In addition to Moscato, Twisted includes five varietals of approachable California wines: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Twisted Moscato is available nation- wide for a suggested retail of $7.99 (750 ml bottle) and $11.99 (1.5 liters). x Becherovka Herbal Liqueur is the latest brand offered in the U.S. by Pernod Ricard USA. The number- one imported spirit from the Czech Republic, Becherovka was originally created in 1807 by blending more than 20 herbs and spices with oils, alcohol and mineral-rich water. The golden amber liqueur is 76 proof and offers a unique alternative to existing bitters, according to the company. The liqueur has a suggest- ed retail price of $23.99 for a 750 ml bottle.