Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine
With a rich history spanning centuries, the Pécharmant region is renowned for producing some of the most distinctive wines in France. Nestled in the Dordogne Valley, Pécharmant’s unique terroir gives birth to robust red wines that are as enigmatic as the region itself. But amidst this wine-rich land, one name stands out – Château Beauportail. […]
Bulleit Unveils Its Oldest Rye Whiskey Yet: Introducing a 20-Year-Old Cask-Strength Release
Bulleit Distilling Company has announced the release of its oldest rye whiskey to date: the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey. Limited to just 1,776 bottles, this cask-strength offering boasts an impressive 137 proof. Crafted from a 95% rye mashbill and aged for two decades, this whiskey promises to deliver the rich spice and complexity that fans have come to expect from the Bulleit brand.
Historically, rye whiskey has played a significant role in American drinking culture. It was a dominant spirit before bourbon gained popularity. Its distinct flavor profile—spicy and robust—was enjoyed in colonial taverns across the northeastern U.S. However, following Prohibition, rye whiskey’s presence diminished until distilleries like Bulleit revived interest in this storied spirit in the early 21st century.
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the revival of rye whiskey serves as a reminder of the country’s deep-rooted distilling history. In the early 2010s, Bulleit contributed significantly to the resurgence of rye, introducing bartenders to a spicier, more structured whiskey for cocktails.
Nicole Austin, the director of liquid development at Bulleit’s parent company Diageo, meticulously selected the barrels for this whiskey to ensure they preserved the essence of rye even after lengthy aging. During her search, she focused on finding barrels that maintained the grain’s brightness and spice, avoiding excessive oak influence that could dull the whiskey’s character.
Tasting notes for the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey reveal a nose rich with fruit and cream layered over polished leather, clove, maple spice, and soft vanilla. On the palate, it is semisweet, with clove at its core surrounded by ripe fruit, leather, and warm spices, finishing with a lasting complexity shaped by its two decades in barrel.
Bulleit’s latest offering will be available starting in July at their distillery and select cities, with a suggested retail price of $299. This whiskey not only showcases the intricate flavors of rye but also acknowledges the historical importance of this spirit in American culture.
Mount Gay Introduces Its First Ever Age Stated Rums: Discover the Exceptional 15 and 25-Year-Old Expressions
Mount Gay Rum, renowned as the world’s oldest distillery founded in 1703, is introducing its first-ever age-stated products: the Exceptionally Aged 15 and 25 Year Rums. This marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has been producing rum for over 300 years without labeling any of its offerings with an age.
These inaugural releases, set to hit the market in limited quantities (with fewer than 5,000 bottles for each), are part of Mount Gay’s Exceptionally Aged Collection. Recent premium releases have been successful for the brand, especially the Single Estate Series and the Master Blender Collection, leading to the development of these new age-stated rums.
Crafted in St. Lucy, Barbados, both rums were completely distilled, aged, blended, and bottled at the distillery. They matured in 100% ex-bourbon barrels, with an emphasis on how the spirits evolve within that cask.
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Exceptionally Aged 15: This rum is distilled from a blend created by former Master Blender Jerry Edwards, matured under the watch of Allen Smith and current Master Blender Trudiann Branker, who curated the final blend in 2025. Bottled at 43% ABV and non-chill filtered, it presents flavors of caramelized orchard fruits, vanilla, and sticky toffee pudding with hints of plantains and grapefruit candy, finishing with crème caramel and black tea notes.
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Exceptionally Aged 25: Also distilled by Jerry Edwards in 1999, it is aged similarly under the stewardship of both Smith and Branker, culminating in a robust 47% ABV offering. Tasting notes reveal aromas of leather and dark caramel, with complex flavors such as brandy-soaked raisins, burnt orange, and a finish reminiscent of vintage high-rye bourbons.
The Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15 will be available globally, totaling 4,942 bottles at an MSRP of $90. The 25-year version will be limited to 2,376 bottles, priced at $199. Master Blender Branker emphasizes that these creations honor the distillery’s long heritage and the craftsmanship of the generations of blenders before her.
Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Wine Industry’s Divide Beyond Market Forces
Silicon Valley Bank’s 2026 Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) report has highlighted a notable divide in the wine industry. The data shows a stark contrast in performance between successful and struggling wineries, revealing that this disparity is driven by strategic outlook rather than market conditions.
In 2025, high-performing wineries achieved a remarkable 22% revenue growth, while their lower-performing counterparts experienced a 13% decline. The median winery found itself stagnant, with no growth at all. This widening gap raises the question of what differentiates thriving wineries from those that are struggling.
According to Rob McMillan, EVP and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division, the key difference lies in their focus. Successful wineries concentrate on outward relationships, customer engagement, and brand building, whereas struggling ones focus primarily on internal costs and operational efficiencies. This fundamental shift in mindset impacts all aspects of business strategies, including pricing, event coordination, and marketing.
Price strategies illustrate this gap further. High-performing wineries are more inclined to increase their prices, with a focus on maintaining perceived value, while lower-performing brands often resort to steep discounts, communicating a sense of decline to premium buyers. Regulatory shifts in tasting fees have compounded the problem for those in the lower tier, with many using price cuts as a compensatory strategy without a clear plan for brand positioning.
Another aspect of concern is the decreasing foot traffic in tasting rooms, which has seen a consistent decline of about 2% year over year. Lower-performing wineries tend to overspend on renovations in hopes of attracting visitors, yet this approach does not address the core issues. The once-reliable tasting room model for attracting customers is evolving as consumers shift their preferences.
Wine clubs, which represent a significant revenue stream, show stagnation with membership growth flatlining and attrition rates high. The challenge is compounded by demographic shifts, as older, more loyal members cycle out, and younger members show less loyalty. The profitability remains a critical issue; nearly half of wineries report not being profitable, even with rising bottle prices.
Looking ahead, the wine industry faces increased competition, with the number of U.S. wineries ballooning from about 7,500 in 2019 to 11,000 in 2026. As such, advertising and new customer engagement strategies are becoming essential.
McMillan predicts that the industry could experience no growth conditions by 2027 or 2028, following a potential consolidation phase. Innovative strategies, such as virtual tastings and direct engagement with customers beyond traditional tasting rooms, could lead the way forward.
In summary, the ongoing transformations in the wine industry reflect a need for wineries to adapt to contemporary consumer behaviors while diversifying their revenue strategies. This pivot is crucial for achieving not just survival, but thriving in an increasingly complex marketplace.
Read the full report here
Explore further insights from Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division
Learn about the latest trends in the wine industry
Breaking Tradition: How Wine Brands Are Adapting to Captivate a New Generation of Drinkers
Forget traditional pairings; today’s wine marketers are facing quirky challenges that defy convention. Questions like which vintage pairs with Shark Week or whether a bold cabernet suits an evening of humorously naming deceased rodents after exes illustrate the wine industry’s struggle to adapt to a younger demographic’s taste. Sales in the wine sector are declining, compelling brands to shed the "fuddy-duddy" image that has historically defined them.
Helen Kurtz from The Wine Group emphasizes a shift toward a more approachable image, focusing on gaining the favor of a generation accustomed to easy-drinking products. Their brands, like Cupcake Vineyards, aim for less seriousness while tapping into unconventional partnerships—like linking MD 20/20 with World Wrestling Entertainment or Fuel by Franzia with NASCAR.
This downturn isn’t isolated; overall alcohol consumption is declining, particularly amongst Gen Z who are leaning towards low- and no-alcohol options as well as alternative products like cannabis. Older generations, like Boomers, are also prioritizing healthier lifestyles, exerting downward pressure on traditional wine consumption.
Navigating the complexities of wine can be daunting for newcomers, especially younger drinkers. A significant barrier is wine’s often pretentious image, filled with esoteric descriptors and high price points. It’s reported that fewer than 33% of Gen-Z households own a corkscrew, showcasing a disconnect with the traditional wine consumption model. The industry is responding with simpler messaging and price points in the $8 to $20 range that emphasize drinkability.
Brands like Bogle’s Juggernaut Wines are innovating with bold labels featuring aggressive animals and engaging in non-traditional marketing venues like tough mudder races or even partnerships with Discovery’s Shark Week. This approach aims to resonate with consumers in meaningful contexts rather than expecting them to engage on traditional platforms.
Communication style is another battleground. Younger consumers are dismissive of the elaborate marketing language typically associated with wine, opting instead for straightforward and relatable phrases. Brands like Bread & Butter Wines emphasize candor with taglines like “Don’t overthink it,” appealing to a new generation seeking ease and enjoyment in their wine experience.
As the industry attempts to bridge the generational divide, the goal is clear: to move away from the elitist connotations of drinking wine and create an inviting atmosphere. Strategies that leverage pop culture and direct messaging are emerging as vital components for capturing the attention of younger drinkers in the evolving beverage landscape.
Celebrating Legacy: The Family-Owned Midwest Beer That’s Thrived for Over 150 Years
A lot of people cook to recreate dishes from their past, dealing with culinary nostalgia that arises from products or flavors that were once commonplace. This is precisely how August Schell, an immigrant from Germany, came to establish a brewing empire long ago when he yearned for the taste of his homeland’s beer. Founded in 1860, August Schell Brewing Company, based in Minnesota, has not only withstood the test of time but remains a family-owned operation over 150 years later.
In its inaugural year, the modest brewery, established alongside brewmaster Jacob Bernhardt, produced approximately 200 barrels of beer using ice from nearby rivers and underground caves during a pre-refrigeration era. By 1866, Schell had fully taken over the venture, initiating a legacy that continues today under the guidance of his great-great-grandchildren.
Throughout its history, the brewery has faced numerous challenges, including the Civil War and the Prohibition period, both of which significantly impacted operations. During Prohibition, the brewery adapted by producing non-alcoholic beverages and low-alcohol beer alternatives to survive.
As of now, Schell’s flagship product remains the Deer Brand Beer, a nod to pre-Prohibition brewing customs, accompanied by a selection of other styles, including a German-style Pilsner and seasonal offerings. The current generation of Schneider family brewers—Jace, Kyle, and Franz—face the pressing challenge of evolving market demands, often contending with consumers’ desires for novelty over classic brews, as noted by previous owner Jodi Marti.
Schell’s efforts have also included expanding its portfolio through the acquisition of Grain Belt Beer, a brand established in 1890 that was struggling in a competitive landscape. This acquisition revitalized Grain Belt, drawing in loyal customers and enhancing the overall reputation of Schell’s.
Despite accolades from beer enthusiasts—notably being referred to as the second oldest continuously running brewery in the country—Schell’s has encountered criticism from trade groups like the Brewers Association. An issue arose around classifications of "craft beer," sparking debate about what constitutes traditional versus non-traditional methods in brewing, but the enduring quality and dedication of Schell’s offerings have remained steadfast.
For those who appreciate history as much as quality craft beer, August Schell Brewing Company stands as a testament to resilience and dedication to the craft, embodying both personal and community narratives shaped by generations of brewing heritage.
For more insights on the brewing community and Schell’s legacy, check out Beer Dabbler and Forbes.
2023’s Best American Whiskey Finalists at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
The Tasting Alliance has announced the Batch 1 finalists for the Best of Class American Whiskey at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The competition highlights standout products across various whiskey categories, including Rye, Tennessee, American Blended, and American Single Malt whiskeys. Each finalist has been awarded a Double Gold Medal based on their exceptional quality, scoring between 97 and 99 points out of 100.
About the Competition
The SFWSC is an esteemed global event where industry professionals gather to evaluate a wide range of distilled spirits through blind tastings. This methodology ensures that judges assess the essence of each liquid without bias related to branding or packaging.
Finalists Highlight
Here are some of the Best of Class finalists in their respective categories:
Rye Whiskey
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Baltimore Spirits Company
- Product: Epoch Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey 6 Year Old Cask Strength
- Tasting Notes: Bold, oak-forward with a lively flavor and a minty finish.
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O.K.I.
- Product: Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Dominated by oak and clove with a sweet rye spice backbone.
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WhistlePig
- Product: Boss Hog Collection – Boss XII Feather & Flame Rye Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Warm with brown butter notes and a savory finish.
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James B. Beam Distilling Co.
- Product: Old Overholt 12 Year Old Extra Aged Cask Strength
- Tasting Notes: Oak-forward with layers of gingerbread, stone fruit and cinnamon.
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Art of the Spirits
- Product: Mogadishu Hazmat Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Savory with notes of baked apple and balanced spicing.
Tennessee Whiskey
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Uncle Nearest
- Product: 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Sweet with spiced caramel and a warm finish.
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Jack Daniel’s
- Product: Batch 2 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Rich in burnt caramel and cacao with a smoky touch.
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Leiper’s Fork Distillery
- Product: Bottled-In-Bond Tennessee Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Features maple syrup sweetness balanced with black pepper spice.
American Blended Whiskey
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High Bank Distillery
- Product: Whiskey War Double Double Oaked American Blended Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Playful notes of bubblegum and honey.
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High Bank Distillery
- Product: Whiskey War American Blended Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Gentle honey flavor with a bright, balanced character.
American Single Malt Whiskey
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Dark Arts Whiskey House
- Product: American Single Malt Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Rich in butterscotch and molasses depth.
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Lost Woods
- Product: 110 American Single Malt Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Decadent with flavors of dates and clove.
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Stranahan’s
- Product: Original American Single Malt Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Clean with rustic notes and brown sugar sweetness.
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Stranahan’s
- Product: Mountain Angel 12 Year Old American Single Malt Whiskey
- Tasting Notes: Nutty with a complex finish.
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The Notch Nantucket Single Malt Whisky
- Product: 15 Year Old
- Tasting Notes: Bright and lively, balancing fresh woods with fruity notes.
The winners for each category will be revealed during the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala in November. For more details on the SFWSC, visit the official Tasting Alliance website.
Top Tips for Beginners to Identify Quality Rum
Rum has long been a key component in tropical beverages, particularly from the Caribbean, but selecting quality rum can initially be challenging due to the variety available, including light, gold, dark, and spiced rums. Tasting Table sought the advice of Katie Stryjewski, a cocktail blogger and author, for guidance on identifying good rum, especially for beginners.
Stryjewski cautions against overly sweet and artificially flavored rums, which often contain additives. She also highlights that rum labeled as "gold" can be a red flag; this color might derive from caramel coloring added for appearance rather than indicating aging in oak casks. When choosing a rum, Stryjewski recommends looking for an age statement and the place of origin, as these factors typically suggest adherence to higher production standards. Rums distilled in regions like Jamaica, Barbados, and Puerto Rico often meet stricter guidelines that could indicate better quality.
Another essential indicator is price; higher costs often correlate with quality, unlike tequila, which has seen a celebrity-driven surge in popularity, making premium rums less common in affordable price ranges.
There is no singular flavor profile for quality rum, as preferences can vary widely. Light rum tends to have a more subtle flavor, while dark rum can be bold and complex. Jamaican rum often features a unique flavor termed ‘hogo’—a complex taste reminiscent of overripe fruit and various spices. Rhum agricole offers a lighter, more vegetal taste.
For beginners, Stryjewski suggests starting with Appleton Estate Reserve or Bacardi Reserva Ocho, each priced around $30. These choices feature familiar notes of oak, spice, and vanilla, making them accessible for those not used to sipping spirits straight. If looking for aged rums, Kaniche XO and Plantation OFTD are also recommended.
In summary, when selecting quality rum, pay attention to the label, the price, and explore a range of flavors to discover what suits your palate best. For more details, you can read the full article on Tasting Table here.
Sip & Savor: Why This Well-Aged, High-Proof Rye Whiskey is a Must-Try for Your Next Manhattan
Another entry in the realm of celebrity-affiliated spirits has emerged, this time featuring the iconic James Dean. Although he passed away decades ago, a new rye whiskey—named Lasso Motel x James Dean 13-Year Rye Whiskey—has been introduced in collaboration with the James Dean Estate. Distilled at MGP in Indiana, this rye whiskey boasts a mashbill of 95% rye grain and 5% malted barley, making it a compelling choice for both sipping and cocktails.
The whiskey, aged for thirteen years and bottled at a robust 112 proof, delivers a complex flavor profile. Initial tasting notes reveal oak, vanilla, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, followed by hints of ripe pear, dried orange, and maple syrup. The finish is characterized by a warming sensation, accented by lingering flavors of caramel and Red Hots.
Lasso Motel, founded by Devin Odell in 2024, has been steadily building its portfolio with a focus on high-quality sourced spirits. Their offerings already include a celebrated 18-year-old American straight whiskey. While the partnership with Dean adds a storied element to the brand, the quality and enjoyment of the whiskey remain paramount.
Despite the whiskey’s $150 price point, it stands out as a noteworthy option for cocktails like the Manhattan. This 13-year rye is a testament to the tradition of fine whiskey-making—proving that whether or not a celebrity name is attached, quality is what truly matters in the world of spirits.
Score: 91
- 100: Worth trading your firstborn for
- 95 – 99: In the Pantheon: A trophy for the cabinet
- 90 – 94: Great: An excited nod from friends when you pour them a dram
- 85 – 89: Very Good: Delicious enough to buy but not quite special enough for the secondary market
- 80 – 84: Good: More of your everyday drinker, solid and reliable
- Below 80: It’s Alright: Probably not worth your time or theirs
For those interested in exploring more about this release, you can read the full review here.
Coors Unveils Its Most Ambitious Whiskey Release Yet!
Coors Whiskey Co. has unveiled its latest creation, the Blended American Malt Whiskey, which marks a significant milestone for the brand. Available in a limited run of just 1,200 individually numbered bottles, this whiskey will be exclusive to Colorado and Illinois, priced at $79.99, just in time for Father’s Day.
This new blend leverages Coors’ proprietary malt, pointing to the company’s deep-rooted heritage in malting that dates back to 1878. The whiskey is bottled at 110.5 proof, distilled from 8-year-old whiskeys, and offers a complex flavor profile. Tasting notes include fruity aromas of plum and cinnamon raisin bread, with hints of Granny Smith apple. The palate features flavors of pear, salted melon, and dark chocolate-covered cherry, concluding with a spicy oak finish.
The whiskey has already garnered critical acclaim, scoring 98 points and receiving a Gold Outstanding award at the 2026 International Wine & Spirits Awards, alongside Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards for both taste and label design. The label prominently showcases an illustration of the historic Coors Malt House with a copper cork, reflecting the brand’s heritage.
Coors has tried its hand at the whiskey market previously, having launched Five Trail Blended American Whiskey in 2021 and acquiring Blue Run Spirits in 2023, though not without challenges, including a significant financial write-down on the latter. This new release appears to be a strategic move, focusing on Coors’ strengths in malting rather than pursuing trendy acquisitions.
Currently, only 1,200 bottles are being distributed, suggesting that this release is more of a proof of concept than a full-scale launch. However, if its flavor matches the accolades, there is potential for Coors to significantly expand its whiskey offerings and delight fans with a complete pairing for the classic boilermaker.
East Bay Fine Wine Importer Makes Exciting Move to Marin County
European Wine Resource Inc., a fine-wine importer based in the Bay Area, is relocating its main operations from Point Richmond to a new facility in Novato, Marin County. Co-owner and CEO Michael Scianamblo Jr. noted that this move not only connects him back to his roots in Marin but also aims to improve customer service for their widespread clientele across Northern California.
For the last 20 years, the company has been nestled in Point Richmond, operating out of a 5,300-square-foot facility with an additional 5,000 square feet dedicated to temperature-controlled storage. The new site in Novato is larger at 5,655 square feet and is strategically located near the intersection of Highways 101 and 37, which simplifies access for customers, many of whom prefer to pick up their wine orders directly due to the unique handling requirements of this product.
Scianamblo described the challenges of recent years, which include navigating tariffs and shipping delays that pressure the company’s margins. Although a 15% tariff may be manageable, he expressed concern about proposed higher tariffs, particularly a threatened 100% tariff on French wines, which could severely disrupt import operations. His business model relies on maintaining physical inventory, often valued at several million dollars, providing a buffer against economic trade uncertainties.
The company’s sales approached single-digit millions annually, and it has evolved its operations since launching in 2006, including a successful period as Amazon’s largest international wine seller. The firm prides itself on a strict "cold chain" importing process, ensuring that all wines arrive via refrigerated containers to maintain their quality.
As the wine industry adapts to post-pandemic realities and shifts in trade policies, Scianamblo remains passionate about his work, embracing the daily challenges that come with operating a unique business in a fluctuating environment.