StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105459
The venerable Canadian Club added a flavored whisky to its fabled portfolio with Dock No. 57 Blackberry Whisky. As a result, the brand has expanded into eight states, with more to follow as interest grows. Berrueco believes that the premium label isn't what's fueling the growth. "They are drawn to finding new flavors—which is often found in the small batch, hand-crafted offerings, where flavors are more complex through a variety of grain bills, longer maturation and innovative finishes such as Sherry, port or Maplewood," he explains. Of course, Brown-Forman's high-volume Canadian, Canadian Mist, also debuted a line extension two years ago, with Canadian Mist Black Diamond, as a higher-end alternative to the popular original brand. More Flavor lavored whisky continues to be a growing category in the spirits market, and our experience and success with Canadian whiskies makes this a natural endeavor for us," says Ronald Dodge, Hood River Distillers president and CEO. Take "F Hood River Distillers' SinFire Cinnamon Whisky, which became available nationwide in February 2012. The rich whisky notes are balanced by the sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor. The label targets men and women who are 21 to 40 years old, and each 750 ml bottle retails for $16.99. "With the development of SinFire Cinnamon Whisky, our goal is to offer our distributors and off-premise partners a great-tasting, flavored whisky, at a great value." While 2011 saw the rerelease of the spiced whisky Revel Stoke, 2012 saw the introduction of Spicebox Canadian Spiced Rye Whisky. Here's an 80 proof whisky containing notes of rye, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper. The vintage Black Velvet also launched a flavored label pays tribute to Canadian version last year whisky's history, and each 750 with its Toasted ml bottle retails for $19.99. Caramel. Only in Canada Canadian whiskies have a rich heritage as American imports, but several of the best products can't be found in large quantities without traveling across the border. Forty Creek Distillery. This distillery's Barrel Select and Double Barrel are more readily available in the U.S. But the limited-release Port Wood Reserve and the Copper Pot Reserve, the flavor-amplified new release that won a 2012 Wizards of Whisky silver medal, are harder to come by. The Port Wood Reserve could be found in small quantities until the supply ran out—only 6,600 bottles of the sixth special release were available—and Copper Pot is unique to the province of Ontario. Highwood Distillers. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede, this distillery released a one-time batch, 6,000 30 bottles, of the Highwood 25-YearOld Calgary Stampede whisky. But its release was limited to Alberta. Alberta Distillers Limited. Labeled by the Vancouver Sun as Canada's most underrated producer, this distillery recently introduced the smallbatch Dark Horse, a pot-distilled 91 percent rye whisky with flavors of vanilla, smoke, spices and dried fruits. However, Alberta Distillers produced the new-in-2011 Masterson's Rye, which is exclusive to 35 Maple Street out of Sonoma, Calif. Still Waters Distillery. In April, Ontario's first grain-to-glass craft distillery released their exclusive LCBO Vintages product. Their Special 1+11 Blend combines fourto six-year-old whiskies sourced from other producers with up to 10% from their production. Canadian Club. Beam Global is trying a new Canadian Club release in Canada first: ready-to-drink cans. C.C. Mixed & Ready, available in mixes of Ginger Ale and Cola, is expected to serve as an alternate to beer and capture consumer interest especially among those new to the whisky world. Gibson's Finest. Owned by William Grant & Sons and produced in Ontario, this brand and its iterations—Sterling, 12 Year Old and Rare—are readily available in Canada but are not exported state side. But plans may be in the works to bring at least one extension to the U.S. Wiser's. This Corby Distillers Limited whisky introduced a spiced vanilla variety in 2012. StateWays I www.stateways.com I January/February 2013