Lucas Bols to Acquire Tequila Partida

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Lucas Bols said it agreed to acquire Tequila Partida from from founder Gary Shansby and Edrington USA, Inc. Tequila Partida is the world’s highest rated ultra-premium tequila brand. Terms weren’t disclosed.
The acquisition strengthens Lucas Bols’ brand portfolio and can seamlessly be added onto the Lucas Bols USA distribution platform, with select other markets around the world to follow in due course.  It is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

“We are delighted to welcome the Tequila Partida brand to our portfolio,” said Huub van Doorne, CEO, Lucas Bols. “Personally, I am very excited to work with a tequila brand again, the spirits category I know well from the time I worked in Mexico.

“We look forward to the opportunity to further build this fantastic brand. Complementing our portfolio with the ultra-premium Tequila Partida brand provides Lucas Bols with the opportunity to tap into one of the hottest  segments in spirits. We see ample opportunities to grow this brand, not only in its home markets the United States and Mexico, but also in select other
markets around the world. We have a strong track record of successfully adding brands to our platform
and growing them from there, as evidenced by Passoã, Nuvo and Pallini.

“With our strong distribution capabilities in the United States I am confident we can grow Tequila Partida beyond pre-COVID-19 levels. We are inspired by how Gary Shansby and his team set up the brand in 2005 and developed it
from there, and we will continue their journey in the same spirit.”

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Beam Suntory and Suntory Holdings Contribute $1 Million to Support Kentucky Recovery

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Beam Suntory and parent company Suntory Holdings pledged $1 million to organizations providing relief and recovery in the wake of the powerful tornados that devastated communities in western Kentucky and several other states.

The donation will be divided equally between the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has been established by Gov. Beshear to assist those impacted by the tornados, and the American Red Cross’s disaster relief fund.

In addition, Beam Suntory is matching personal donations by U.S. employees to relief organizations, some employees are using paid Beam Suntory Cares Days to volunteer their time to support the recovery, and the company has donated single-barrel bourbon from Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek to a charity auction organized by the Kentucky Distillers Association.

“The quick response to this heartbreaking tragedy by first responders, relief organizations, government agencies and neighbors helping neighbors has been inspiring,” said Beam Suntory CEO Albert Baladi. “While our facilities and teams were spared the worst of this catastrophe, we stand with our neighbors and offer this support on behalf of the more than 1,200 people of Beam Suntory in Kentucky.”

“Our sincerest sympathies go out to all who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. Kentucky is the heart and soul of our company, and Suntory Group is committed to supporting Kentucky communities as they recover from this crisis in the spirit of our fundamental value of giving back to society,” said Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings.

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Spain’s Rías Baixas Reports Record U.S. Sales

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Rías Baixas a Spanish wine region, reports exports to the U.S. grew 13% by volume to reach 2.6 million liters, and 16.8% by value to $17.3 million in total sales. 

The U.S. continues to be the leading global export market for the Albariño wines of Rías Baixas, representing 27.5% of total share by volume. This all-time high in U.S. sales was accomplished from Aug. 31, 2020 to Sept. 1, 2021.

The results are particularly noteworthy given the lasting impact of U.S. tariffs over the past year, as well as challenges in the hospitality sector related to COVID and supply chain delays, officials say.

For the past ten years, D.O. Rías Baixas has consistently outperformed the Spanish wine category (as measured by volume and value growth), supported by a successful U.S. marketing and trade education campaign to position Rías Baixas as world-class white wines in the same league as France, New Zealand and other regions.

The U.S. results reflect an overall positive global trend for D.O. Rías Baixas.  Over the period 8/31/20 to 9/1/21, worldwide exports of Rías Baixas grew 12% in volume to 9.3 million liters (or 12.4 million/750-ml bottles) and 14% in value to reach $59 million, an outstanding global sales result for the region. Perceptions of quality (as measured by increased value) are also very favorable as wineries reported an increase of 3% in the average price per liter as compared to the previous year of reporting (2019/20).

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Maker’s Mark to Reimburse Checked Baggage Fees

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Maker’s Mark is offering to cover the checked bag fees of those packing a bottle of bourbon to bring home. The program, which aims to ease some of the hassle, cost and inconvenience of holiday travel for America’s bourbon loving spirits drinkers, runs through Dec. 31.

Travelers 21+ can upload an eligible checked-baggage receipt at https://whiskyflights.makersmark.com/ for the chance to have Maker’s Mark reimburse their checked-baggage fee, with up to $50,000 of fees covered by the brand during the promotion period.

“As a family-led brand since our inception in 1953, we’ve always believed that the perfect holiday moment starts with you, your loved ones and a bottle of bourbon to share, and we wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of that quality time,” said Rob Samuels, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Grandson of the Founders at Maker’s Mark. “We know you can’t bring a bottle of Maker’s Mark Bourbon in your carry-on luggage, so we’re encouraging folks to check a bag on their next holiday-bound flight so they can bring a little spirit home to share. We’ll pick up that pesky fee for some lucky travelers.”

By taking care of the extra baggage of the 2021 festivities, Maker’s Mark aims to help travelers come prepared with bourbon in tow, so they can focus on more important things this holiday – like safely and joyfully coming together with loved ones after months apart to toast the moment. Whether the rest of the suitcase is filled with homemade treats, a new kitchen gadget for mom or dad or outfits for every occasion, your chance to get your bag fee covered by Maker’s Mark is simple:

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Tipsy Brand Enters Nashville Through Best Brand

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

For the first time, Tipsy Brand‘s flagship product, Just the Tipsy, a Bubbly Rosé served in an unmistakable 750ml penis shaped bottle, will be available in a retail store.  The Napa winery signed Best Brands Inc. to distribute it in Music City.  “Nashville continues to be a top destination for bachelorette parties,” Tipsy says, adding: “This deal has the potential to make a major impact on wine sales in the region.”

“We created Just the Tipsy to bring some levity to your typical wine-drinking experience, whether that’s at a bachelorette party, a birthday, or a lively night in,” said Founder and CEO Matthew Shore. “Our new Bubbly Rosé and its unique, ready-to-pop bottle is an unbeatable way to bring some fun, make people laugh, throw around a few good innuendos and it doesn’t hurt that the wine itself is light, delicious, and easy to drink.”

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A. Smith Bowman Offers Rum-Finished Bourbon

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces the latest release in its Abraham Bowman series of experimental whiskey, the Abraham Bowman Rum Finished Bourbon.  SRP: $69.99.

The bourbon in this release aged for nine years in American White Oak before finishing in rum casks for an additional six years. This release may just be the oldest rum cask finished bourbon ever produced, the distillery says.

The 15-year-old bourbon has an intense reddish-brown hue. Master Distiller Brian Prewitt describes it as bright and lively, noting the aroma begins with notes of well-aged bourbon. “The aroma of vanilla, caramel, and candied nuts give way to leather and coconut. Finally fading to the notes brought in from the long rum finish, aromas of molasses, brown sugar, and candied fruit. Sweet flavors of toffee and toasted sugar with vanilla. This bourbon has a viscous mouthfeel and pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the palate. The immense complexity of the spirit continues to offer new and enticing aromas and flavors with each subsequent taste.

“Our Abraham Bowman series allows us the flexibility to experiment and discover unique new expressions, permitting us to gain new insights along the way,” said Prewitt. “The age on this rum-finished release is unparalleled and resulted in one of our favorite finishes to date.”

The Abraham Bowman Rum Finished Bourbon is part of a series of limited-edition whiskies, named after Abraham Bowman, the commander of the 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. Each edition of the Abraham line is a different expression and a new release is offered a few times a year.

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