Technology, Packaging Innovations Win With DISCUS

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Technology that can help distilleries convert distilling byproducts, including spent grains, into renewable energy and two new packaging applications were the winners in the Distilled Spirits Council‘s Innovation Showcase during the group’s annual conference in New Orleans.

SoMax Circular Solutions was the grand winner with its presentation on hydrothermal carbonization that eliminates the cost of disposing of distilling byproducts while improving the environment.

The second-place winner was Bacardi, represented by Bacardi Senior Packaging Developer Adrien Fletcher, for the spirits company’s development and execution of new packaging that eliminates all single-use plastic in its secondary packaging, including plastic windows, thermoforms and neckers. This is part of the company’s commitment of removing 100% of all single-use plastic from its gift packs and point-of-sale materials by the end of 2023.

Third place was awarded to Tapi Group for its new bottle closure that includes a bio-compostable case containing a seed inside that consumers can plant, giving the topper a second life.  The innovation engages the consumer in advancing sustainability and features a wide variety of seeds that can be planted indoors or outside.

More than 30 firms submitted projects ranging from spirits packaging, technology, supply chain, sustainability, marketing, structure, responsibility and product development.

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O’Shaughnessy Distilling Intros Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

The liquid is a blend of the finest Irish and Bourbon whiskeys sourced and brought together to create something entirely new, accentuating the bold and flavorful notes of American whiskey with the smooth and rich character of Irish whiskey. Initially debuting in Minneapolis in April, Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon is now available on ReserveBar.com (SRP $54.99) and at select retailers (SRP $44.99). For more information, please visit KeepersHeartWhiskey.com.

Keeper’s Heart is the first whiskey to blend the best of Irish and American whiskey traditions. The flagship offering, which debuted in 2021, is a blend of Irish Triple Pot distilled whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey and American Rye. This new release, a permanent addition to the line, is a blend of Triple Pot distilled whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey and Bourbon, providing a unique new spin on the American whiskey classic and innovative flavor profile.

O’Shaughnessy Distilling’s 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distillery is in Minneapolis.

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How a Brewery Plans to Become a Community Focal Point

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, Collinsville, Ill., has begun construction of a 10,000-square-foot mixed-use outdoor gathering space.  The brewery and restaurant occupy space once occupied by the Collinsville Herald newspaper and operate under the Old Herald brand.  The distilling operation is called Ardent Spirits.  The $1 million project, which is  being called Herald Square, will also include an entertainment pavilion, and ice cream shop called “Cold Herald,” and a restroom building.

“We think our path to growth is through building a destination and being a good community partner,” said Deerik Raiser, who with his wife, is behind the project.

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Une Femme Wines Launches New Wine Exclusive to Delta Air Lines

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Une Femme Wines, the fastest growing sparkling wine brand in the country is launching an exclusive new wine on board all domestic Delta Air Lines flights starting July 15.

The Betty, a classic Blanc de Blancs, will be served on board in 250 mL cans. The canned sparkling white wine will be available exclusively for Delta Air Lines fliers starting this summer.

The Betty is described as a light and versatile Blanc de Blancs representative of the very best in contemporary California winemaking. The grapes are sourced from sustainable vineyards across the Central Valley of California, and its 100% stainless steel fermentation keeps its profile clean and lively. The Betty delivers aromatic notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and Meyer lemon peel on the nose.

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Liviri Debuts Year-Round Wine Shipping Boxes

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

The new boxes are the latest addition to Liviri’s line of protective, reusable, insulted boxes that enable year-round wine shipments regardless of weather and eliminate single-use shipping.

Precision padding keeps bottles secure and separated while reusable coolant inserts and industry-leading insulation create a safe, temperature-stable environment inside the box. Clips with tamper-evident features provide added security during transportation, and easy access for consumers upon arrival.

Premium insulated panels along with reusable ice packs help ensure four days of thermal protection, almost tripling the performance of status quo cardboard and single-use foam packaging. Liviri Vino3 wine shipping boxes can be reused for up to two years of small-parcel network shipping. The box, inserts and ice packs eliminate waste and are recyclable at the end of life.

Liviri Vino3 wine shipping boxes offer an optional insert that can accommodate two magnum bottles. The inserts protect and accommodate Bordeaux, Riesling, Burgundy and sparkling-style bottles. Additionally, Liviri Vino3 wine shipping boxes are compatible with other temperature-sensitive alcohol shipments, including craft beer bombers. Liviri Vino shipping boxes are also available in four- and six-bottle configurations.

“Liviri Vino3 wine shipping boxes offer fulfillment houses and wineries a way to deliver magnums and smaller shipments of wine, with the same durability and thermal performance they have come to love in our Vino4 and Vino6 boxes,” said Chuck Kukic, general manager for Liviri. “There has been high demand for these configurations, and Vino3 rounds out our portfolio for year-round premium wine shipment.”

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Molson Coors Recalls Some Coors Light and Keystone Light Cans

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

When is a recall not a recall?  When it doesn’t involve a safety issue.

That’s the spin Molson Coors is putting on the recall of some cans of Coors Light and Keystone Light. Following posting of some videos on social media purportedly showing “slime” being poured from Coors Light and Keystone Light cans, Molson Coors chose to voluntarily withdraw those packs from the market.  “While we have chosen to voluntaril withdraw those packs, there are no food health risks associated with the product,” a spokesman said, adding:

“The issue was with one can line that exclusively produces 12-ounce tall cans.  It impacted only a small percentage of cans produced on the line and has since been resolved.”  The recall product was produced at the Trenton (Ohio) brewery.

A spokesperson told Food & Wine the recall wasn’t a recall because the beers don’t pose any safety threats.

Comment: Molson Coors stumbled on this one.  Alan Simpson, the former Wyoming senator, used to say a charge unanswered is a charge admitted.  Molson Coors didn’t answer the charges here.  Was it “slime” that poured from cans?  We’re sure Molson Coors has tested some product, otherwise how could it say no food safety issue was involved?  It would have done itself a favor to put out a press release that emphasized how rare it is for any major brewer to have a consistency problem.  It should have said it did the test, and that’s how it knew there wasn’t a safety issue.  And if the viscosity of the liquid wasn’t equal to “slime,” it should have said so.

There’s a temptation to believe that if one ignores bad news, it won’t gain traction.  What usually happens instead is that a one-day story becomes a multi-day story.

Molson Coors Beverages Co. closed at $51.36, up 1.44% in New York Stock Exchange trading Tuesday.

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