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/92548
New Products & Packaging x Absolut has begun releasing a unique line exten- sion: Absolut Tune, a sparkling fusion of a fruit- forward Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand and Absolut vodka. Packaged in a sparkling wine-shaped bottle, Absolut Tune is 14% ABV, and lends itself to being consumed chilled or in a variety of signature cocktails. The new blend has suggested retail price of $31.99. x Beam Inc has launched John DeKuyper & Sons Crave Chocolate Liqueurs featuring three flavors – Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Mint and Chocolate Chili. Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur is reminiscent of classic cherry cordials accompanied by hints of cocoa and bittersweet chocolate. The Mint Liqueur features chocolate and vanilla, then finishes with a cool pepper- mint taste. The Chili Liqueur features chocolate sweetness with a spicy finish. The new liqueurs are available for a suggested retail of $17.99 for a 750 ml. x VNC Cocktails, a new line of RTD cocktail mixes from New Zealand, have launched in the U.S., imported by Sidney Frank Importing. The 13.9% ABV flavors include Strawberry Daiquiri, Pacific Mai Tai, Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, and Passionfruit Caprioska. Each 100 ml serving contains less than 150 calories and contains no artificial preservatives, additives or colors, the company says. VNC Cocktails have a suggested retail price of $3.45 for a 200 ml mini shaker and $13.95 for a 1-liter bottle. x Clod du Bois Winery has debuted a new red blend: Clos du Bois Rouge, which combines cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, merlot, petite ver- dot, malbec and chardono into a tasty wine featuring rich red fruit, jammy notes and aromas of blackberry, plum and chocolate. The new wine is available nationally at a suggested retail price of $11.99. x Pernod Ricard USA has launched its first California still wine: Deadbolt, which is a blend of several red varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, merlot, zinfandel, syrah and other components, the company says. At first available only in limited distribution (California, Nevada, Illinois Massachusetts and Colorado), the new brand has a suggested retail price of $15.99. x The Balvenie has launched a new expression: The Balvenie 17 Year Old DoubleWood to commemorate Malt Master David Stewart's 50th anniver- sary. Available nationwide from William Grant & Sons, this is the first 17 Year Old expression to join The Balvenie's core range of single malts, alongside the 12 Year Old DoubleWood, 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask, 15 Year Old Single Barrel and 21 Year Old PortWood. The 17 Year Old features rich vanilla oak, honeyed sweetness and layers of spices, according to the company. It has a suggested retail price of $129.99. x Beam Inc. has added Courvoisier Gold to its portfolio. The line extension is made with blend of Moscato from the South of France and Courvoisier's signa- ture cognac. The 36-proof spirit features notes of Moscato grapes, pear, peach and florals with a touch of orange blossom, the company says. Courvoisier Gold is available nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $24.99 for a 750 ml bottle. Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2012 • 53