Basil Hayden Offers Subtle Smoke

Basil Hayden (Beam Suntory) challenges the notion that smoky spirits are harsh with its newest ultra-premium bourbon and limited time offering, Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. (SRP: $49.99)

“Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is reimagining how smoky spirits can taste,” says Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam Family distiller, explaining that Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is crafted differently from most other smoky spirits.

The steps to create this unique bourbon begins with toasting and lightly charring a secondary barrel. Afterward, hickory-smoked chips are delicately ignited at a constant feed to produce smoke, which is then pumped into the barrel, resulting in soft, charred notes. This six-month secondary aging process is said to provide a smoother, more subtle take on smoky spirits, and creates a  sophisticated, yet approachable introduction to both bourbon and Basil Hayden.

“Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is proof that bourbon can be complex and smoky, but doesn’t need to be harsh,” said Jonathan Marks, Senior Brand Director for Global Small Batch Bourbon at Beam Suntory. “We look forward to bringing new members into the Basil Hayden family with this bourbon that provides a subtle invitation to smoky spirits in a way that only Basil Hayden can.”

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Uncle Val’s Zested Gin Launches Cocktail Recipe Contest

3 Badge Beverage Corp. announced a nationwide search to find the best Uncle Val’s Zested Gin cocktail recipe, seeking a winning formula that embodies “A Zest for Life”.   Grand prize: a six-day, five-night trip to Tuscany this fall.

Handcrafted with a refreshing touch of natural citrus, Zested Gin (SRP $39/750ml; 45% ABV) is a smooth, sipping gin that is as perfect enjoyed on its own or in your favorite cocktails.

“This contest is a terrific way for aspiring mixologists and gin aficionados to put their passion and creativity to the test with an original Uncle Val’s Zested Gin cocktail recipe,” said August Sebastiani, president of 3 Badge Beverage. “Zested is inspired by my Zio Valerio Cecchetti, whose experiments infusing fresh produce and botanicals from his garden outside Lucca, Italy became legendary in my family.  I know he would be smiling thinking of all the people enjoying different takes on this exceptionally unique and smoothly delicious gin.” 

The contest runs until May 31, and the winner will be announced on World Gin Day (June 11), receiving a six-day, five-night trip to Tuscany, Italy as the prize (airfare and lodging included).  Submissions will be accepted through unclevalsgin.com/zested-cocktail-contest/ or on social media by tagging @unclevals and using #ZestedCreation and #UncleVals (must include both for consideration).

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California Wineries Celebrate Sustainability Commitment

With California wine marking the 11th annual Down to Earth Month, a celebration of the wine community’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the land, regions and wine industry for future generations, a Senate Concurrent Resolution would make the April event permanent.

Wine Institute notes the California wine industry is a world leader in sustainable winegrowing:

  • 80% of California wine (255 million cases) is made in 178 certified sustainable wineries.
  • 55% of California’s vineyard acreage is certified sustainable.
    • 2,402 Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing vineyards farm 204,857 acres, or 33% of California winegrape acres.
    • Another 22% of California winegrape acres are certified to other sustainability programs — including Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green, and Sustainability in Practice (SIP Certified®) — with some vineyards certifying to more than one program.

While sustainable practices may include elements of organic, Biodynamic© and regenerative farming, sustainability is broad in scope, encompassing energy and water efficiency, employee relations, community engagement and more.

“As the fourth largest wine-producing region, California has the most comprehensive and widely adopted sustainability programs in the world,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “April is the perfect time to support our member wineries across California, whether by visiting to taste and learn in-person or virtually.”

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Who & What —

Tequila Komos hires Liz Lister as national sales director.  She joins from Zonin 1821.

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What We’re Reading —

French Wine’s American Love Affair

Eastbound Westbound, A Winemakers’ Story from Bordeaux and California follows presenter Jeffrey Davies on a transatlantic journey, as he explores the deep vinous connection between France and America. To work through this bond, Davies interviews three winemaking families with estates both in Bordeaux and California. (Wine-Searcher.com)

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Eastside Distilling Narrows Net Loss, Sales Eased

Eastside Distilling Inc. reports a net loss for 2021 of $2.2 million, narrower than the year-earlier net loss of $9.9 million.

Net sales for 2021 decreased to $12.4 million from $14 million for the year ending December 31, 2020 primarily driven by a decrease in mobile canning revenue.  During 2021, craft brewers have begun to shift sales back to on-premise locations that utilize higher margin kegs.  Increased competition in aluminum canning and higher supply chain costs impacted the Company’s ability to achieve its sales and margins targets in its Craft C+B business.

During the fourth quarter, the Company delivered 8,388 cases of spirits, excluding Redneck Riviera. Of that total, Portland Potato Vodka represented over 4,700 cases as the brand did grow distribution outside of Oregon. The Company shipped 2,032 and 1,299 cases of Azuñia and Burnside, respectively. The Company took strategic price increases in the fourth quarter to offset higher cost of goods, which had an impact on sales. The Eastside brand launch was impacted by lack of brand awareness and did not offset legacy brand volume.

The Company’s spirits division reported lower sales from the prior year due to Azuñia supply chain constraints and a lack of attention from distribution partners resulting in a slower than planned expansion of distribution outside Oregon.  In addition, the Company reduced deep discounting, which resulted in lost chain account placements in California and other markets.

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