California to Require Responsible Beverage Certification for Servers

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

California is home to one of the most vociferous anti-alcohol group, Alcohol Justice.  So, it’s astounding to read that only now is California requiring responsible beverage service training for anyone who serves alcohol at 56,000 businesses across the street.  Everyone working on July 1 must be trained and certified by Aug. 31, and new hires will have 60 days in which to be trained and certified.

Posted in Alcohol Policy | Comments Off on California to Require Responsible Beverage Certification for Servers

Skrewball Whiskey Introduces Innovative 100ml Can Size

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Skrewball Whiskey, the original peanut butter whiskey, said it introduced an innovative 100ml can to its product lineup, which includes 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, 50ml and 1L glass bottles. Unlike RTD canned cocktails, this convenient and fun option offers two servings of the sweet and savory flavored whiskey with no mixers, perfect for sipping straight.

The canned spirits category has seen a boom in the last year – showcasing 123% growth – as consumers seek convenient and portable products to integrate into their lifestyles. In tandem with this growth, the flavored whiskey category continues to grow at four times the rate of unflavored whiskey. As a category creator and industry innovator, Skrewball Whiskey sought to merge these two areas of consumer demand with the introduction of their new 100ml can, the novel straight flavored whiskey offering in this format.

“Skrewball Whiskey was the first-to-market with peanut butter flavored whiskey and galvanized the recent growth of the flavored whiskey category, so we knew the next step was to offer a unique product that breaks the mold of what’s on the market already,” said Carl Carlson, president. “Industry trends continue to indicate that consumers are gravitating towards portable canned options, and we want to offer Skrewball Whiskey’s premium taste and versatility to our community in an offering that meets their needs and consumption occasions.”

Debuting just in time for the summer, Skrewball Whiskey’s 100ml size boasts the same smooth and nutty flavor consumers love from the brand in a refreshing and convenient format that can be sipped by the pool, at a backyard barbecue, on the beach or anywhere in between. Sold by the can, the new offering is best consumed chilled.

“As the 100ml can presents new lifestyle options, we’re excited to welcome more members to our Skrewball family,” said Brittany Merrill Yeng, co-founder of Skrewball Whiskey. “This new addition to our lineup is another step in the development of not only our company, but our community.”

Launched in San Diego in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Steven Yeng and Brittany Merrill Yeng, Skrewball Whiskey saw instant success locally. The brand partnered with Infinium Spirits in 2019 to grow on a national scale and was available in all 50 states by the end of the year, earning its recognition as one of the fastest growing brands. In 2021, the brand began international distribution to meet increasing consumer demand, with new availability in Canada and the Caribbean. The brand has also received several awards, most recently receiving a Double Gold in the 2021 SIP Awards, in addition to being named a 2020 Impact “Hot Brand” Award winner and “Best New Product” at the 2020 Market Watch Leader Awards.

Skrewball Whiskey’s 100ml can is 70 proof (35% ABV). The canned spirit will be available in select markets across California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Tennessee, with additional nationwide availability rolling out throughout the coming summer months.

Posted in Packaging | Tagged | Comments Off on Skrewball Whiskey Introduces Innovative 100ml Can Size

Michter’s Only 2022 Release of 10 Year Rye Scheduled for July

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

 Michter’s will ship its first and only 2022 bottling of 10 Year Rye this July even as it holds back 10 Year Bourbon until 2023.  “It may be the only release we do of a 10 Year whiskey this year, but it’s a really special one,” said Joseph J. Magliocco. “At Michter’s it’s about never compromising on quality rather than maximizing sales.” The suggested U.S. retail price per 750ml bottle of Michter’s 10 Year Rye is $185.

Michter’s 10 Year Rye is a single barrel product. It is a Kentucky style rye made from a fair amount of corn and barley to give balance and added complexity to the spice of its rye grain. “This year’s Michter’s 10 Year Rye continues to provide a consistent, rich and complex experience with beautiful spice and citrus surrounded by decadent chocolate, caramel and fruit. It is the exceptional balance of sweet and spice with a subtle hint of oak maturity that makes Michter’s so special to those who appreciate a Kentucky style rye.” observed Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Michter’s has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of exceptional quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes rye, bourbon, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. Currently all types of Michter’s are being allocated because demand exceeds supply.

Posted in Distribution | Tagged | Comments Off on Michter’s Only 2022 Release of 10 Year Rye Scheduled for July

What We’re Reading —

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Napa Winery Turns Wine to Water

A bottling line mishap left some red faces at a winery that sent samples to a competition.  (Wine-Searcher)

Posted in What We're Reading | Comments Off on What We’re Reading —

Who & What —

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Gamble Family Vineyards hires Phillippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky as winemakers, succeeding Jim Close.  In the coming years, Gamble plans to release a new AVA-specific tier of wines based on his sustainably farmed estate-vineyards in Oakville, Mt. Veeder and Rutherford. Additionally, Gamble’s flagship wine, Paramount, will be elevated further based on both farming, sourcing, and selection in the cellar.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Who & What —

Heaven Hill Brands Names Kate and Allan Latts Co-Presidents

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Kate Latts is the daughter of current President Max L. Shapira, who will be assuming the new role of Executive Chairman.  Allan Latts is her husband.  Their appointment signals transition of America’s largest independent, family 0wned-and-led distilled spirits supplier, to the third generation.

Kate Latts, Max’s daughter, and her husband, Allan Latts, joined Heaven Hill in 2001. After completing their undergraduate and MBA degrees at Duke University, Kate and Allan then joined Procter & Gamble with careers in marketing and finance, respectively. Today, Kate leads the company’s marketing and brand management functions as Chief Marketing Officer.  Allan serves as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations, the company’s corporate functions, strategy and the newly acquired Samson & Surrey division.

Since joining the company in 2001, Kate and Allan have been transformational leaders driving Heaven Hill’s accelerated growth. In their new roles as co-presidents, they will continue to pursue Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plans and corporate vision working collaboratively on all key decisions.  Max will transition day to day operational oversight of the business to Kate and Allan.

“Over the past twenty years, I have been proud to watch Kate and Allan grow and develop into roles of leadership and increased responsibility,” said Max L. Shapira. “They have added immeasurably to the company’s successes and built a foundation for future generations. They bring the passion for this business that has been a hallmark of our company for 85 plus years. I am highly confident the best is yet to come.”

Max joined the family enterprise in 1970 after a stint on Wall Street. He had the opportunity to work alongside his father, Ed Shapira, ultimately succeeding him in leadership of the company in 1986. Under Max’s leadership, Heaven Hill developed into a global company with an award-winning portfolio of brands across a broad range of product categories and is now one of the industry’s largest and most successful companies.

In his new role of Executive Chairman, he will provide partnership and counsel on the strategic direction of the business as well as actively leverage his extensive relationships and industry experience in support of the company’s long-term growth goals.

“Allan and I are proud to assume the leadership of Heaven Hill with full knowledge of our generational responsibility. My dad, grandfather and his brothers built a company with an enduring legacy of family and independence that is increasingly unique in distilled spirits,” said Kate Latts. “With the support of our incredible team, we are as committed as ever to preserving those qualities and ensuring our success for generations to come.”

Heaven Hill will immediately begin its search to identify a new Chief Marketing Officer, while the Chief Operating Officer position will not be backfilled.

Posted in News, Who and What | Tagged | Comments Off on Heaven Hill Brands Names Kate and Allan Latts Co-Presidents