Wonderland Distilling Intros 2nd Whiskey

Wonderland Distilling, Muskegon, Mich.,  is releasing a limited-edition, cask-strength whiskey. The distillery’s second product follows the successful launch of its first product, a blend of straight whiskeys. Created from individually- aged rye, corn and wheat whiskeys, the blend is expertly crafted by the Wonderland team for a truly unique, Michigan-inspired profile and taste.

Wonderland’s Cask Strength Blend of Straight Whiskeys starts with a strong, yet tempered aroma of brown sugar, butterscotch, caramel popcorn and pumpernickel toast. Hints of plum and dried fruits contrast perfectly with rye spice and white pepper to provide complexity. Heavy oak, toffee and bold vanilla dominate the medium-length finish. The whiskey is bottled at full cask strength, ranging from 117-123 proof, and less than 150 bottles from each batch will be released.

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RNDC to Rep Treasury Wine in 9 More States

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (TWE), said it entered a long-term distribution agreement with Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC).

The agreement will cover distribution in multiple markets, effective as early as July 1st, 2021 in  California, with other states including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Mississippi, Utah,  Wyoming, and Nebraska. Presently, RNDC distribute Treasury’s portfolio in Michigan, Georgia and  New Mexico.

Ben Dollard, TWE Americas President said “with our divestiture of commercial wine brands, we decided to re-evaluate our business needs to position our company for future growth. Over the past several years,  we have built meaningful relationships with key retailers. Our decision to partner with RNDC  presents us a terrific opportunity to cultivate our trade partnership, to fast track growth, execute our  plans, and build long-term value.”

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King Estate Winery Draws Protest for Vaccine Mandate

The Eugene, Ore., winery announced in early April it was requiring employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine by May 20.

The protesters are arguing that since the vaccine has only Emergency Use Authorization from the Food & Drug Administration employers cannot force employees to take the inoculation.  Legal experts generally say employers can require the vaccine, provide it allows for certain exemptions.

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F.X. Matt Brewing Completes $35 Million Expansion

The Utica, N.Y., brewery is set to expand production of hard seltzer, wine and spirits in can, soft drinks, etc.  Fred Matt says by year-end these types of products may comprise about half its output.

The company also said it is investing another $11 million to expand and improve its packaging lines.

“We will be the world’s most flexible brewery, or one of the most flexible,” he said. “We were the first to do hard seltzer (with Spiked Seltzer) so we have the knowledge and the experience and now the facilities and the capability.”

Matt Brewing also recently sold a 20% share of the family-owned company to Brooklyn Brewery of New York City, whose beers it has been making under contract for 35 years. Among other things, that allowed the brewery to undertake the expansion without adding debt, Matt said,

 

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Estrella Jalisco Sponsors Free Performance by LBGTQ Mariachi Band

Estrella Jalisco is partnering with the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi band, Mariachi Arcoiris, to offer free performances.

This program is part of Estrella Jalisco’s $1 million, 5-year commitment to bring brightness and color to communities by investing in celebrations of art and the people who make it.

According to a University of Chicago survey, more than one in five Latinx millennials identify as LGBTQ+, more than any other ethnic group. Yet, 61% of Latinx millennials polled said there remains “a lot” of discrimination against LGBTQ+ members in their community.

“Mariachi Arcoiris was founded as a way to create a safe space for professional LGBTQ+ musicians to honor their traditions, authentic selves and play great music. We couldn’t be more proud to partner with Estrella Jalisco, a brand that shares in our commitment to inclusivity,” explains Samaniego. “Together, we hope to inspire all generations to appreciate the beauty of this traditional music — and open the eyes of many to the artistry of this group of LGBTQ+ individuals.”

To illustrate Mariachi Arcoiris’s progressive spin on Mexican tradition, Estrella Jalisco released a short film featuring a multigenerational celebration with a surprise performance from the group. The footage captures Hispanic families’ reactions and features real conversations about machismo culture. It’s directed by Los Angeles-raised Enkrypt, who belongs to the LGBTQ+ community and grew up listening to mariachi.

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Herradura Sponsors Dash Radio’s Pili Montilla

Tequila Herradura said it is sponsoring Emmy Award-winning producer and host Pili Montilla and her program, “Truth and Tunes with Pili Montilla.” 

Montilla is a Puerto Rico-born bilingual TV host and producer who’s best known for creating, producing, and hosting “Té Para Tres con Pili Montilla,” the show that earned her Emmy win in 2015. She aims to share Latin culture, music, fashion, and arts with her fans, offering a space for Latin musicians to share their stories and music. Her platform educates and provides her fans with a deep dive into Latin culture and allows her to learn more about it herself.

She discovered Tequila Herradura–produced in the last true tequila-producing Hacienda on the planet–through her radio show and immediately took an interest in the brand, leading to their partnership.

 

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