Dewar’s Launches New 8 Year Old Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask Finish Scotch Whisky Innovation

Posted on July 27, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The innovation, named Dewar’s Japanese Smooth, “harmoniously brings together the best of two whisky-making cultures and traditions from Scotland and Japan in a single bottle,” the company says. This latest edition of the Dewar’s Cask Series features Dewar’s 8-year-old double-aged Scotch whisky which is then finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak casks for six months.

Dewar’s said the resulting whisky is unique and features subtle floral honey and heather notes along with complex sandalwood aromas on the nose followed by cinnamon spice on the palette – a result of the porous qualities of the rare 200-year old Mizunara oak tree variety, also known as the “water oak”, which is used for the Dewar’s cask finish.

“The guiding principles in the creation of this whisky were balance and smoothness. This Mizunara finish enhances the signature Dewar’s heathery floral honeyed notes whilst subtlety imparting complex woody notes of sandalwood and cinnamon spice. It is an indulgent and pleasurable whisky with a rare breadth and depth of complex and subtle flavors. The smooth yet full-bodied finish makes it perfect to enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in a classic Japanese style highball,” says Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for Dewar’s.

“We are thrilled to launch Dewar’s Japanese Smooth but unlike previous iterations of our Cask Series it will be a permanent addition to our award-winning range of whiskies. We believe this is too good a whisky to keep it to a ‘Limited Edition’ issue and thus far the world’s leading whisky connoisseurs would seem to concur” adds Brian Cox, vp-Dewar’s Scotch Whisky, North America.

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Glenmorangie Focuses on Mixability in Launching X by Glenmorangie

Posted on July 27, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

To help launch the new brand, Glenmorangie recruited designer Brandon Blackwood, pianist Chloe Flower, creative Alani Figueroa and R&B artist Tone Stith, who will celebrate “the multitude of unique flavor possibilities when mixing X by Glenmorangie and toast to the mix of things that makes each of us unique” in videos on NTwrk.

X by Glenmorangie has a sweeter, richer profile ideal for simple serves that require minimal ingredients, the company says. The versatility of the single malt allows for easy cocktail creation to seamlessly fit into all occasions, from BBQs and brunches to date nights and impromptu karaoke outings.

As part of the partnership, the four, known as the Glenmorangie Mix Makers, will collaborate on a limited edition, collectible barware kit that will be available through an exclusive drop on NTWRK this July, alongside an all-new video series on the platform and an ongoing event series throughout the Summer. By executing this product drop through NTWRK and tapping this group of creative icons spanning various industries, X by Glenmorangie will speak to a broad group of consumers in a compelling new way.

“People are more comfortable than ever mixing up their own cocktails, so we wanted to craft a single malt whisky that makes the space itself more inviting for newcomers and cocktail lovers to enjoy whisky wherever and however they please,” says Allison Varone, VP, Emerging Brands at Moët Hennessy. “Our Mix Maker partners will help illustrate how they mix up their craft and how X by Glenmorangie’s ethos resonates with them.”

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Sovi Wines Debuts Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

Posted on July 27, 2021 by Joel Whitaker
 Sovi Wine Co., a Sommelier-owned non-alcoholic wine company, launched today the first product in its wine collection – a fresh and authentic non-alcoholic rosé. Crafted with premium, sustainably grown grapes from California vineyards, Sovi Rosé is bubbly yet dry with aromas of pink grapefruit, cherry, and watermelon. Sovi Sparkling Rosé is now available for purchase online with shipment directly to your door.
“As wine lovers ourselves, we founded Sovi with a passionate, yet rebellious spirit to finally offer consumers a refreshing, non-alcoholic wine without compromising flavor or experience,” says Julia Littauer, Co-Founder of Sovi and former Sommelier. “Sovi is perfect for people who have a heart for wine and a craving for inclusion.”
From harvest to bottling, Sovi partners with winemakers using traditional methods, achieving the flavor, texture and balance you would expect from a traditional glass of wine. Sovi then uses a state-of-the-art technology to remove the alcohol from their wines, while preserving those delicate aromas and flavors that make each varietal unique. The process of crafting Sovi’s premium, non-alcoholic wine embodies all the history, the tradition, the ritual of making a classic bottle of infamous California wine, but without the alcohol.
“Our goal at Sovi is to grow an authentic non-alcoholic wine segment, establishing it as a core part of America’s drinking culture,” says Alex Littauer, Co-Founder of Sovi. “So whether you are the DD, the marathon runner, the early riser, the parent-afraid-of-a-hangover, or the water-between-wines friend, grab a glass and enjoy.”
Consumers can purchase a Sovi Sparkling Rosé 4-pack of 8oz cans for $24.00 to be delivered directly to their door.
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Who & What —

Posted on July 27, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

HIRED:  Lauren DeStefano as chief financial officer, Hotaling & Co.  She was the vp of Treasury Wine Estates.

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Off-Prem Sales Ease Over July 4 Weekend: Nielsen IQ

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Off-premise alcohol sales declined for the 2021 July 4th holiday compared to 2020, which was expected given the shift back to on-premise establishments along with the tough comps from last year, Nielsen IQ said.   While off-premise alcohol sales declined 4.8% compared to July 4, 2020, sales remain above the norm for off-premise, with dollar sales up 11% compared to July 4th 2019.

Spirits experienced the least declines, down 2.7% compared to last year, but up 25% compared to two years ago. Beer/FMB/cider was down 5.1% (up 7% vs 2019). However, core beer (excluding FMBs and seltzer) experienced the strongest declines in beverage alcohol, down 7% (-2.9% vs 2019). Wine declined by 6.1% compared to last 4th of July, but is up 10% in off-premise channels compared to the 2019 July 4th holiday.

Ready-to-drink alcohol segments won the July 4 holiday. Spirit RTDs led growth, up 67% compared to the 2020 holiday (+428% vs 2019) and wine cocktails were up 40% (201% vs 2019). Hard seltzer growth was slower, but still surpassed 2020 sales nonetheless, up 9% (+189% vs 2019). Hard tea and kombucha also increased in sales compared to last year, up 7.2% (35% vs 2019) and 17.4% (193% vs 2019) respectively.

The top 5 spirit RTD brands (ranked by dollars) in NielsenIQ off-premise channels were High Noon, Cutwater, On The Rocks, Monaco, and Crown Royal. Combined, these five brands represent nearly two-thirds  (65%) of total spirit RTD dollars in NielsenIQ off-premise channels for the July 4 holiday. Price for the total segment is also up slightly (+2.6%) compared to last year, although the average price for most of the top brands is down compared to last year.

For hard seltzers, the segment has a very different mix of players compared to just a few years ago. In 2019, the top 10 hard seltzer brands (ranked by dollars) in NielsenIQ off-premise channels were: White Claw, Truly, Bon V!v, Smirnoff,  Henry’s, High Noon, Golden Road Fruit Cart, Wild Basin, Press, and Arctic Chill.

Only four of those 10 brands from 2019 were also part of the top 10 for the 2021 July 4th holiday. The 2021 July 4th seltzer top 10 brands were: White Claw, Truly, Bud Light, High Noon, Corona, Vizzy, Mich Ultra, Topo Chico, Mike’s Hard, and Smirnoff.

Beer/FMB/Cider/Seltzer

For the biggest beer holiday of the year, the category had lackluster performance in the off-premise channels this year, with dollar sales down 5.1% compared to last year, and up 7% compared to 2019, which was driven in great part by beyond beer segments.

Core beer (excludes FMBs, cider, and seltzers) declined by 2.9% compared to 2019, with premium light and below premium experiencing the greatest losses, down 9.2% and 13.9% vs 2019 respectively.. Other segments declining in off-premise channels compared to 2019 include cider (-7.9%), flavored malt beverages (-3.6%) and craft (-1.9%).

There were, however, some bright pockets of growth in the category, with seltzers experiencing the largest gains in actual dollars compared to any other segment. Seltzers reached the segment’s highest share ever in the category, accounting for nearly 13% of category dollars. The segment had $280 million in sales in NielsenIQ off-premise channels for the July 4th holiday. That’s more than sales for all red table wine sold in those same channels for the July 4th holiday.

Other segments in the category contributing to growth include Mexican imports (+6.3% vs 2020 and 9.4% vs  2019), and non-alcoholic beer (+29% vs 2020 and +70% vs 2019). Both of these segments experienced slight share gains compared to 2019, with Mexican imports up 0.4 share points and non-alcoholic up 0.2 points, now accounting for 0.6% of total beer dollars.

Spirits

Aside from ready-to-drink cocktails, the only other categories in spirits to grow compared to last year’s July 4 holiday were tequila (+6.5% vs 2020 and +76% vs 2019), Scotch (+3% vs 2020 and 25% vs 2019) and Japanese whisky (+7.6% vs 2020and 61% vs 2019). As the largest contributor to overall dollar growth in off-premise spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails gained 2 share points compared to last year, and accounted for nearly 5% of spirit dollars for the July 4th holiday. Tequila also gained significant share, up 1.2 share points from 2020, now accounting for nearly 14% of spirits dollars in off-premise channels.

The high end of spirits continues to drive growth, with the ultra premium price tier up 12% compared to last year and +94% compared to 2019. Remember that during the pandemic, premiumization in alcohol experienced accelerated growth rates in off-premise channels. While premiumization most definitely continues in spirits, it is slowing compared to the accelerated rates from last year. For the July 4th holiday 2020, the high end of spirits (super premium and ultra price tiers) gained 4.3 share points compared to 2019. For 2021, the high end continues to gain share, but at a slower rate, now up 1.8 share points compared to last year.

Wine

For the two weeks ending July 10, nearly all segments of wine are down compared to 2020; however, nearly all segments are up compared to 2019, with the total wine category up 10% compared to July 4th 2019. Segments that continue to grow, even when compared to 2020 sales, include sparkling wine (+1.4% vs 2020 and +29% vs 2019), French champagne (+6.9% vs 2020 and +71% vs 2019), wine-based cocktails (+40% vs 2020 and +201% vs 2019), and non-alcoholic wine (+38% vs 202 and +77% vs 2019).

Compared to 2019, growth rates of domestic table wine (+3.7% vs 2019) continue to outpace growth of imported table wine (+2.6%). Domestic table wine growth is led by wines from Oregon, which have grown 19% in dollars over the past two years. California wines were also contributors to growth, up 4.2% in off-premise channels compared to 2019. Leaders among imported wines include New Zealand (+13.5% vs 2019) and Italian (+11.1% vs 2019).

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Control States Volume Up 8.6% in July

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Control States spirits case sales grew 8.6% in July over the same period last year despite of an imposing 13.1% comp, National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association reports. The monthly growth rate was elevated by over-the-top month-over-same-month-last-year sales increases reported by the control state Titans, Michigan (25.2%) and Pennsylvania (18.2%).

Montgomery County Maryland (10.2%), Maine (7.7%), Michigan (25.2%), New Hampshire (14.1%), Oregon (5.8%), Pennsylvania (18%), and Utah (6.4%) reported monthly growth rates for June exceeding their 12-month trends.

The growth rates for Alabama (5.4%), Iowa (3.6%), Idaho (2.3%), Mississippi (-15.6%), Montana (9.7%), North Carolina (5.6%), Ohio (1.3%), Virginia (3.7%), Vermont (2.9%), West Virginia (-2.2%), and Wyoming (8.1%) fell short of their 12-month trends. Control state rolling-twelve-month-volume growth, 8.3%, slipped from May’s reported 8.7%. Spirits’ volumes are growing 7.7% year-to-date compared to 6.2% a year ago.

June’s 3-year CAGR of rolling-twelve-month 9-liter case volumes, 5.6%, is the highest recorded three-year growth period in the control states during the 21st century. Three-year CAGRs calculated for the past six rolling-twelve-month periods (4.8%, 4.9%, 4.8%, 5.2%, 5.2%, 5.6%) are strikingly higher than those calculated for their year-ago counterparts (3.1%, 3.2%, 3.5%, 3.5%, 3.4%, 3.5%). The 21-year control state CAGR of 3.1% demonstrates that the last six 3-year growth periods are significantly above the average.

Control state spirits shelf dollars were up 13.7% during June while trending at 15.6% during the past twelve months. Montgomery County Maryland (18.8%), Maine (14.5%), Michigan (26.3%), New Hampshire (29.7%), Oregon (9.8%), Utah (9.7%), and Vermont (8.7%) reported growth rates exceeding their 12-month trends. Alabama (7.2%), Iowa (7.5%), Idaho (7.1%), Mississippi (-13.8%), Montana (18.1%), North Carolina (11.8%), Ohio (7.5%), Pennsylvania (20.7%), Virginia (10.6%), West Virginia (-0.5%), and Wyoming (10.3%) grew shelf dollars at rates below their 12-month trends. Shelf dollars in the control states are up 15.1% year-to-date compared to 10.0% last year.

Premiumization continues to drive Price/Mix in the control states. During June 2021, the median and weighted average prices of 750 ML spirits volumes sold in those control states that set the retail price point continued to be reported at historically high levels. During June the median price was $24.95, and the weighted average price was $17.66. During last year’s June, these prices were $23.99 and $16.82, respectively.

Price/Mix for June is 5.1%, down from May’s reported 5.9%.

Cocktails, with 3% share of the nine-liter case control states spirits market, was June’s fastest growing category with 33.4% reported and a twelve-month trend of 39.8%. Irish Whiskey, with 2% share, grew during June at 26.8% and 13.7% during the past 12 months. Tequila, with 9% share, grew at 23.8% during June and 28.9% during the past twelve months. Vodka, with 32% share, grew during the same periods at 5.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Cordials (15.7% during June, 13.2% during past twelve months), Gin (4.8%, 2.0%), Irish Whiskey (26.8%, 13.7%), Rum (5.1%, 3.8%), Scotch (9.3%, 4.0%), and Vodka (5.9%, 2.5%) grew at rates above their 12-month trends, while Brandy/Cognac (-6.1%, 12.2%), Canadian Whiskey (3.1%, 5.9%), Cocktails (33.4%, 39.8%), Domestic Whiskey (9.5%, 9.9%), and Tequila (23.8%, 28.9%) grew at rates below their twelve-month trends.

 June’s nine-liter wine case sales growth rate was -3.5%. Pennsylvania (reporting -5.8% nine-liter-case growth for wines), New Hampshire (2.5%), Mississippi (-8.3%), Utah (-1.6%), Montgomery County Maryland (-1.4%), and Wyoming (2.8%) are the control states that are the sole wholesalers of wines and spirits within their geographical boundaries. Rolling-twelve-month wine volume growth in these six control states is 0.6%, slipping from May’s reported 1.3%.

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