California Wineries Sweating Over Water

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

That’s the conclusion reached from early returns in Silicon Valley Bank’s annual winery conditions survey.

“Water is clearly a worry with 42% of responders expressing concern they may have a serious problem in 2022, while 51% are on edge but believe they should be fine. That leaves only about 7% feeling confident about water supply going into next year which tells us for these responders – water is a real concern, says Rob McMillan, SVB evp and founder of its wine division.

The survey needs winery participation to be of great value.  Wineries can participate here.

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Kentucky Coffee Whiskey Launches

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Atomic Brands just launched Kentucky Coffee, a 66 proof (33% ABV) whiskey that retails for $19.99 and is looking for distributors to expand its reach beyond Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio.

Bottled and distilled in Kentucky, the new spirits brand was inspired by America’s original adventurers – the cowboys, who sipped on ‘cowboy coffee’ during the day and switched to strong whiskey, otherwise known as ‘firewater,’ in the evening, celebrating camaraderie and the simple moments around the smoldering campfire.

Conceptualized in 2017, Kentucky Coffee was born from co-founder and Atomic Brands CEO Don Deubler Jr.’s desire to find a standalone spirit that embodied the bold flavors of the two beloved icons – coffee and whiskey. Deubler sought to craft a premium flavored whiskey that celebrated the sense of discovery in the restless cowboy spirit without compromising on taste or quality ingredients.

“Kentucky Coffee unites the best of two consumer favorites: coffee and whiskey. It creates an unmatched, timeless taste that takes you back to simple and special moments around the campfire with loved ones,” said Don Deubler Jr., co-founder and CEO of Kentucky Coffee. “We’ve seen an incredible response to this bold flavor right out of the gate, and we’re excited to invite new consumers to discover this exciting flavor combination and create stories and adventures of their own.”

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Johnnie Walker Launches New Keep Walking Campaign

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Leading the way is a TV and digital ad featuring an energetic and vibrant ‘Anthem’ that seeks to get people back on their feet and moving again – as they start to socialise with confidence.

The new Anthem is an infectious, feel good mash-up of famous songs all about walking that has been created to put a spring in people’s step as they head back into the world once again. The mash-up includes samples of songs including Run DMC and Aerosmith’s Walk this Way, Loretta Lynn’s version of the iconic These Boots Are Made for Walking and Lou Reed’s 1970s’ classic Walk on the Wild Side.

Alongside the Anthem, Johnnie Walker will unveil epic city takeovers, projecting inspiring quotes from cultural trailblazers, over city skylines and cultural hotspots around the world. The quotes from the likes of Grace Jones, Mark Twain and Ayrton Senna will be seen across New York City, Mexico City, Cape Town, Tokyo and Bangkok amongst others.

Julie Bramham, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, said: “Johnnie Walker has always been defiantly optimistic and a beacon of progress – that’s what Keep Walking is all about.

“Keep Walking is two little words that say so much about positivity, possibility and resilience. After everything we’ve all been through in the past few years, we can’t imagine a time in recent history when those sentiments could be more relevant.”

The campaign will also see a series of local partnerships that will drive tangible actions that ‘walk the walk’. In 20+ countries around the world change-makers and artists like DJ Alok (Brazil), CL (Korea) and Alfonso Herrera (Mexico) will join forces with Johnnie Walker to help reinvigorate social spaces like bars, clubs and venues as the world begins to reopen.

The campaign launch comes just weeks after Johnnie Walker opened the doors to its new landmark visitor attraction, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, giving people a unique and immersive way to experience whisky and socialize together again in the brand’s homeland.

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St. Supéry Estate to Celebrate ‘Everyday Heroes’

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

In addition to highlighting stories of everyday heroes on the winery’s website and social media platforms, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery will feature local volunteers at the winery in its art gallery with the #InJoyEverydayHero Art Exhibit, curated by Virgie Giles Foundation founders, Topher Delaney and Calvin Chin. This inspirational exhibition of 25 large-scale black-and-white photographs by eight professional visual artists and photojournalists captures each hero in the fields of food security, mental health, animal rescue, youth mentorship and more.

“During the 2020 wildfires, unasked, our neighbors showed up with bulldozers and shovels to cut firebreaks. We lost 98% of our crop but they halted the fire’s progression. We are celebrating these everyday heroes and those around the world who just show up to help,” says Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery.

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Bardstown Bourbon Founder Joins Stoli Group

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Stoli Group hired David Mandell as president of Kentucky Owl Real Estate Co.  He will be responsible for leading construction and development of the 400-plus-acre Kentucky Owl Distillery & Park in Bardstown, Ky.

Mandell joins Stoli Group after co-founding Bardstown Bourbon Co. where he created, launched and managed the company’s Napa Valley bourbon distillery destination experience in Bardstown. Mandell led the development and operation of what is now one of the largest and most sophisticated whiskey distilleries in the United States, producing custom rye, whiskey and bourbon for prominent brands including Kentucky Owl Wiseman Bourbon.

Mandell was also responsible for the development and launch of the company’s bourbon brands, full-service restaurant and bar, and visitors center. Mandell is currently chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Board of Directors and a shareholder of Bardstown Bourbon.

Stoli purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during Prohibition and remained dormant until a descendent revived the brand in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received rave reviews.

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Yakima Chief Hops Accepting Orders for Pink Boots Blend

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Yakima Chief Hops’ annual Pink Boots Blend is now available for pre-order by brewers.

The Pink Boots Blend is an annual hop blend and part of YCH’s pursuit of promoting inclusivity in the industry. YCH is a 100% farmer-owned global hop supplier.  Each year, women in the beer profession across the globe collaborate with YCH on a new blend recipe through an extensive virtual selection process.

This year, the selection included women from 37 different Pink Boots Society (PBS) chapters across five different countries. PBS is an international nonprofit with a mission to assist, inspire, and encourage women in the fermented and alcoholic beverage industry.

The blend is then released for presale to commercial brewers and a portion of the sales proceeds are contributed to the PBS scholarship fund. This helps provide educational opportunities to women in the industry with the goal of assisting with career advancement and leadership skills. To date, more than $381,000 has been contributed.

This year, YCH and PBS have reached an important milestone with the 5th anniversary of the Pink Boots Blend, which will reach brew kettles worldwide in early 2022. This occasion is made even more special with the upcoming 15th anniversary of the Pink Boots Society next year. In celebration, they have set a goal of selling 50,000 pounds and reaching an overall total blend contribution of $500,000.

The Pink Boots Blend is an annual hop blend and part of YCH’s pursuit of promoting inclusivity in the industry. Each year, women in the beer profession across the globe collaborate with YCH on a new blend recipe through an extensive virtual selection process. This year, the selection included women from 37 different PBS chapters across five different countries.

The blend is then released for presale to commercial brewers and a portion of the sales proceeds are contributed to the PBS scholarship fund. This helps provide educational opportunities to women in the industry with the goal of assisting with career advancement and leadership skills. To date, more than $381,000 has been contributed.

This year, YCH and PBS have reached an important milestone with the 5th anniversary of the Pink Boots Blend, which will reach brew kettles worldwide  early next year. This occasion is made even more special with the upcoming 15th anniversary of the Pink Boots Society. In celebration, they have set a goal of selling 50,000 pounds and reaching an overall total blend contribution of $500,000.

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