TTB Accepts $130,000 to Settle Charges Against Minhas Micro Distillery

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The charges included failing to timely file federal excise tax returns, failure to pay timely federal excise tax, failure to properly account for distilled spirits and wine removed from bonded premises, and a number of other administrative violations.

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Fired SGWS Employee Sues, Alleges Wasn’t Paid for Overtime

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

David Silva, a former chain sales merchandiser for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, sued the giant wholesaler alleging he was required to work “off the clock” so his supervisor could meet a quota as well as other violations of California labor law.  Silva was fired aug. 8, 2020, according to his complaint.

Southern Glazer’s denied the allegations in a court filing and moved to have the case transferred to the U.S. District Court for Northern California, sayiang the parties are in different states.

A full-time employee, Silva earned $15.50 an hour plus occassional overtime and double time, received a $140 car allowance and ‘”regular incentive and bonus payments.”

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Natural Light Intros a Strawberry Lemonade Flavored Vodka

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

It’a 30% ABV, 96 calories, 6 grams of carbs and no protein.

“The interests and taste preferences of consumers are constantly changing. They are not always going to eat and drink the same thing all the time, and they like to explore new flavors,” Daniel Blake, group vp-marketing for Budweiser & Value at Anheuser-Busch, says, adding the product helps Anheuser-Busch “expand its portfolio to meet evolving consumer preferences and drinking occasions.”

Natural Light was introduced in 1977 as Anheuser-Busch’s first reduced-calorie light beer. It is currently the sixth best-selling beer in America, according to the company.

“As we look to meet the evolving needs and tastes of our fans, we will continue to push the envelope with product innovations,” Blake said. “With each innovation we get closer to our long-term strategic goal of becoming the preferred alcohol beverage brand for young LDAs (legal drinking age adults), not just the preferred beer brand for them.”

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Caldor Fire Skirts Wineries, Vineyards in Amador and El Dorado Counties

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The Caldor Fire has doubled in size and as of last night was only 16% contained.  It was reported to be threatening the Lake Tahoe resort area.

CalFire reports 40 structures have been damaged, 669 destroyed, including two at Miraflores Winery, a 5,000-case winery in Placerville. Five persons have been injured thus far.

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El Dorado Amber Ale Now Available All Year Round in Mid-Atlantic Market

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

El Dorado Amber Ale, produced by Guinness brewers at the Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, is now available year-round on shelves across select cities in Maryland, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware.

“We took the nostalgia of American Amber Ale – a driving force in the American beer revolution – and reimagined it for the modern beer drinker by drying out the body but maintaining its true-to-style malty, caramel and sweet characteristics,” said Head Brewer Sean Brennan. “This beer truly showcases the flavors and aromas that can be experienced from a specific hop.”

El Dorado Amber Ale joins Baltimore Blonde, the brewery’s flagship beer, as a permanent addition to the Guinness family.  It is available in six packs of 12-ounce cans for a suggested retail price of $10.99.

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IZO Spirits Raising Capital Through Crowdfunding

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Izo Spirits, producers of a full line of Mexican spirits, is seeking to raise $1.07 million of  additional capital through StartEngine, the largest equity crowdfunding platform in the U.S. When we checked last night, Izo had raised $140,812.  The company has a minimum goal of $10,000.

The company says its revenue has grown to $143,000 last year from $30,000 in 2019.   During the first five months of 2021, the company says, its sales and account have “more than doubled all of 2020.”  Izo currently produces 100,000 bottles and year and expects to double that amount.

Distribution already includes California, including select Southern California Costco locations, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania and will soon expand to Georgia, Minnesota and Montana.  Next week the company will ship is first 10 pallets to Costco stores in Mexico.

IZO Spirits said it plans to move to a state-of-the-art distillation facility in Durango, Mexico within three yearsto expand its capacity to meet the anticipated demand.  “As we grow to become one of the leading distributors of Mexican spirits in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, we hope to provide a ‘destination’ experience at our new facility, allowing the world to join in our vision of celebrating the great tradition and heritage of all of the Mexican spirits” the company says.

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