April 2024 136
CEO of Next Century Spirits Discusses Nue Vodka’s Untapped Potential and Portfolio Building Strategy
Established in 2018 by Joel Pawlak and Scott Bolin, the US-based company, Next Century Spirits, was initially involved in creating tailored formulations for businesses interested in joining the beverage market. The range covered diverse spirits including vodka, gin, whiskies, Tequila, rum, and Ready-To-Drink cocktails.
A number of its initial brands were developed in collaboration with celebrities, such as Bear Fight whisky with Seth MacFarlane, and vodka-based Ready-To-Drink Caddy Clubhouse Cocktails with golfer Greg Norman.
Over the past few years, the company has grown through strategic acquisitions, with the most recent acquisition being multiple brands from Texas-based Southwest Spirits & Wine. Next Century Spirits, headquartered in North Carolina, secured the majority of Southwest Spirits & Wine’s brands, inclusive of Nue vodka, The Other 49 Bourbon, George Ocean rum, and Calamity gin.
In an engaging discussion with Next Century Spirits CEO, Anthony Moniello, and Chairperson, Matthew Bronfman, Just Drinks explored the company’s approach to expanding their spirits portfolio, and their strategic approach to achieving rapid growth.
Next Century Spirits CEO Anthony Moniello: Nue vodka has set a new standard in the industry. We aimed at penetrating the vodka market to augment our overall business and currently, there seems to be two types of brands in this sphere. There are large, well-established companies that are grappling to retain their market share and maintain shelf space, and on the other end, there are unique disruptors who are growing at an impressive rate of 20% to 30%, albeit without a massive footprint when compared to the competitive set.
Nue Vodka is an emerging brand with an exciting potential in the given price range and category which aligns with our ambitions in this sector. Thus, it was a fantastic opportunity for us and one that we have been on the lookout for.
Also emerging is Henderson Whiskey, another notable brand with a solid growth trajectory. Current sales of Nue Vodka stand at about 220,000 cases. Henderson is just below 20,000, but it is gaining momentum in the value space. Considering a trend towards de-premiumisation in spirits that’s been prevalent for more than six months, we don’t foresee a downward shift anytime soon. As we evaluated the entire portfolio, it continuously became more enticing.
This acquisition not only catapults our growth but also presents us with some scale. While our innovative strategies and launched brands have been effective, we realized that we needed more scale. We needed to penetrate larger chains and expand into larger markets. This acquisition enables us to build upon the commercial value chain that comes with scale.
Moniello: Our primary interest lies in focusing on our base vodka and its range. The idea is to hold onto and understand our flavour strategy dynamics. The base continues to hold a large potential, but innovation is an essential component of this industry. Although our focus remains on the base vodka, the doors for innovation are never shut.
Chairperson of Next Century Spirits, Matthew Bronfman: Our future strategy involves the introduction of two new celebrity brands by 2025. This signifies our continued emphasis on celebrity partnership and not a diversion from it. We haven observed significant synergy in following this approach and we will continue to innovate and seek celebrity partnerships that can truly make an impact.
Moniello: Our production facility, located in North Carolina, spans almost 30,000-square-feet and is primarily used for production and bottling activities, along with a bit of barrel storage. In addition, we maintain two storage facilities; one for storing barrels and dry goods, and the other for housing finished goods.
The acquisition of Southwest Spirits & Wine is expected to pose a challenge when it comes to storage. The deal additionally brought about 330 barrels under our ownership, prompting us to seek short-term expansion opportunities in and around our current space.
Moniello: There is a lot that needs our attention domestically. Hence, our 2024 and 2025 strategy will be primarily focused on the US market. With this new deal, we have expanded our reach from a limited 38 states to all 50 states.
We do have plans for penetrating the international markets. In fact, some of the international markets we currently operate in reached out to us. Countries like Australia, Denmark, Canada, and a few others approached us proactively. While international markets are part of our long-term strategy, we realize we can only excel in a finite number of things. Right now, we are focusing on dominating the US, but we are determined to venture into global markets soon.
Bronfman: We envision ourselves to be amongst the top-ten whiskey suppliers globally. The real strength lies in our long-term vision. Our strategy is not to just buy a brand, get some short-term growth in a couple of years and sell out. That’s not what we aim.
Despite having a background in private equity, I do not believe in the traditional short-term, five to seven years, schemas. We have always adopted a different approach.
Moniello: Our primary focus will be to capitalize on the potential that our existing brands possess, especially Nue vodka. We aim to exploit its untapped potential at a national level very aggressively.
Additionally, we initiated the Numbskull Whiskey brand in a handful of trial markets. This is a whiskey with chocolate-mint flavors, and to our surprise, it became our largest brand just four months into this year. Its demand is so high that we can hardly keep it in stock.
Currently, we are seeing huge potential for growth with the acquisition of Nue vodka and the skyrocketing demand for Numbskull, along with significant double and triple-digit growth across the remainder of our product portfolio.
We are currently in a strong position, having concentrated our efforts on our product portfolio. We have moved past the products that were not delivering results and are now focusing on those that are. The next step is to scale these offerings and ensure effective execution.
Moniello: We’re preparing for a capital-raising round. However, I’m not sure about the specifics I’m permitted to disclose. But I can mention that any future funds will support our rapid growth. It’s not about survival; we’re already a robust company, and this acquisition only strengthens that. Any future initiatives will focus on enhancing momentum.
We intend to navigate this strategically, but it’s worth noting that the current funding environment is challenging for many brands. Despite these difficulties, we’ve managed to thrive in a strained economy and a tough market for smaller entities. Hopefully, we are growing out of the “small company” category now.
Moniello: Our observations show people continue to engage with affordable luxuries like spirits. Even though there’s a noticeable trend towards de-premiumisation, this doesn’t indicate that they’re just settling for anything cheap. There’s still a demand for superior propositions—lifestyle brands that resonate with them, their peers, and the moments they want to celebrate. We must always keep this in mind.
Everyone’s raising prices and reacting to supply chain and we’re attempting to stay disciplined and accept thinning margins. This decision might make our CFO uncomfortable, but we’re aware that consumers are keen on identifying brands they connect with and cherish memorable experiences with them, regardless of whether they’re spirit brands or not.
Consumer confidence, particularly closer to elections, is always tricky to anticipate. However, we do know that consumers still remain engaged with brands. They’re slightly more aware of costs but they’re not rushing to the cheapest options. They continue to seek a brand that resonates with them. We should stay completely alert to such insights, react swiftly, and maintain constant communication with our consumers.
Moniello: It’s paramount to keep our focus on sustaining our growth when the moment arrives. One must be extremely disciplined to recognize this brand or this possibility requires our attention and we should capitalize on it.
We chose to design a portfolio company, driven by possessing a few highly successful brands to develop around. We’ve just procured one and we are steadily defining the next two. The emphasis is always on our final ambition – becoming a widely trusted multinational spirit supplier.
““Nue vodka is a powerhouse brand with untapped potential” – Next Century Spirits CEO talks portfolio building” was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.
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New Brewery Launching in Lynden: Serving Homemade Beer, Pizza and Wings from May 1st
A popular local brewery is opening a new location in Whatcom County, serving fresh beer, homemade pizzas, wings, salads and even dessert pizza.
District Brewing Co., a brewery and restaurant, first opened in 2020 in Mount Vernon serving pizzas named after well known movies such as “Top Gun,“ “Lilo & Stitch,” “Casablanca,” “Mamma Mia” and “Field of Dreams.” The in-house brewery also produces its own lagers, porters, IPAs, ales and hefeweizen, and its pub ale, “Buzz Lightbeer.”
The brewery’s Ferndale taproom opened in 2022, bringing Whatcom County a taste of the local brewery.
Now, District Brewing Co. is opening a new location in Lynden on Wednesday, May 1, according to a new release.
The brewery will have 24 taps featuring beer from the Mount Vernon brewery and other cider, kombucha, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options such as root beer and orange cream. The restaurant will serve pizzas, salads and appetizers.
District Brewing Co. is owned by Mark and Amy Shintaffer, who have local ties to Whatcom County. Mark Shintaffer graduated from Ferndale High School and lived in Everson for over 20 years.
The local entrepreneurs will feature local sports memorabilia in the Lynden restaurant.
“We’re going to be a fun place for families and friends to gather,” Mark Shintaffer wrote in the news release.
The new taproom and restaurant will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday at 6912 Hannegan Rd. in Lynden.
The Ferndale location of the District’s is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at 2000 Main St.
The Mount Vernon location and brewery of the District’s is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at 520 S. Main St.
Keegan Swenson and Alexis Skarda Conquer Whiskey Off-Road Race
On April 28th, the Whiskey Off-Road Classic drew some of the fastest marathon cross-country racers in the country to Prescott Arizona.
Santa Cruz teammates Alexis Skarda and Keegan Swenson took the wins in their respective pro categories.
The women’s finish was electric, an all-out sprint between Skarda and Hannah Otto.
A post shared by Whiskey Off-Road (@whiskeyoffroad)
In the men’s race, Keegan Swenson, a mere week after dominating the field at the Sea Otter Fuego XL, turned heads as he inched past Cole Paton.
A post shared by Keegan Swenson (@keegels99)
Review the results at this Epic Rides.
1 | Alexis Skarda | 03:44:21 | Grand Junction, CO
Hannah Otto | 03:44:23 | Millcreek, UT
Erin Osborne | 03:47:58 | Prescott, AZ
Deanna Mayles | 03:48:39 | Colorado Springs, CO
Michaela Thompson | 03:55:15 | Durango, CO
6 | Katerina Nash | 03:56:12 | Truckee, CA
7 | Samara Sheppard | 03:58:02 | Wollongong, NSW
8 | Ellen Campbell | 03:58:38 | Durango, CO
9 | Amy Chandos | 03:58:42 | Flagstaff, AZ
10 | Ellie Krafft | 04:02:10 | Prescott Valley, AZ
1 | Keegan Swenson | 03:06:45 | Midway, UT
2 | Cole Paton | 03:07:29 | Cashmere, WA
3 | Alex Wild | 03:08:46 | San Jose, CA
4 | Cameron Jones | 03:09:25 | Nelson, TAS
5 | Sean Fincham | 03:11:28 | Squamish, BC
6 | Taylor Lideen | 03:11:29 | Bella Vista, AR
7 | Finn Gullickson | 03:11:57 | Colorado Springs, CO
Brian Matter | 03:17:24 | Prescott, AZ
Caleb Swartz | 03:17:24 | Missoula, MT
Jerry Dufour | 03:17:24 | Boulder, CO
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Mother’s Day Special: Get 50% Off on this Functional Wine Tote Bag – A Thoughtful Gift You Can Actually Use
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Mother’s Day is in two weeks, and you’re probably already panicking about what to get. No need to worry, though, gift giving is easier than you think.
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If you’re looking for a thoughtful and funny Mother’s Day gift that wine-loving moms can get a lot of use out of, get a wine purse. And we’re not just talking about a purse that’s large enough to carry a bottle of wine; the Porto Vino Wine Tote Bag is akin to a wine flask and a purse rolled into one.
The tote bag holds up to two, 1.5-liter bottles of wine, which comes secured in a removable pouch, plus there’s a discrete drink dispenser on the purse complete with a hidden spout.
$22.50 $44.99 50% off
The insulated handbag features a main compartment, two side pockets and durable straps. The bag is available in eight colors, including Aubergine, blue, burgundy, gray, pink, blue, black and striped.
Shopping for Mother’s Day deals? Save up to 50% off when you purchase the wine purse in select colors.
For events such as Mother’s Day, birthdays, concerts, bachelorette parties and more, the Wine Purse is an affordable present idea. The purse can be used for occasions like picnics, parties, lunches or Mother’s Day brunch.
The wine purse from Porto Vino has 4.7 stars at Amazon with more than 1,800 customer reviews. The bag is also for sale at Walmart.
An Amazon customer who had gifted this item was very pleased with it, as they shared in their review from earlier this year, “I purchased this as a gift and had such remarkable feedback from it, I purchased it again! It really does work, and is a perfect tote for every day, even if you don’t use it for your wine!”
One other happy customer who bought the purse for their mother last year mentioned, “I got this for my mom for Mother’s Day. She loved it and thought it was so funny. We also do use it a bunch lol it looks just like the picture.”
For more gift ideas, check out the best flowers and plants for Mother’s Day and Stanley’s Mother’s Day collection.
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Why It’s Time to Swap Your Bourbon for Critically-Acclaimed Rum
Foursquare Rum/2011 expression
Collectible rum deserves consideration among bourbon and whisky lovers. Rum is beginning to make waves the way small batch tequila did many moons ago—and the hottest rums in the market now are arguably the expressions from Altamar Brand’s Foursquare Distilling. Brandon Cummins, Altamar’s director of education, has witnessed the product’s skyrocketing popularity. “The first three releases we had, 2015 and 2016, took nearly three years to sell through and now we are selling an entire release before the container touches customs. It’s all pre-sold before it lands.”
The critical acclaim is there too. Foursquare’s wins include the 2021 IWSC Outstanding Spirits Producer, and ISC Rum Producer of the Year six years running. Yet, admits Cummins, consumers need to be aware of what they are buying with regard to rum; “Collectible rum has had challenges taking off in the US market because there is so much obfuscation in the category.”
By obfuscation he means muddled information about additives and sugar content, among other things. “I am astonished by how many rums still have sugar, added flavor or coloring—many brands that have a perceived really high value have added sugar and color.” Foursquare makes a point of calling out that their rums have nothing added –no sugar, additives or coloring—but, notes Cummins, “It’s a challenge for us when consumer standards have been set by expressions we would recognize as liqueur. If I add 30g of sugar to a product it will be delicious,” and very different tasting to a rum with nothing added. Right now, says Cummins, “Rum liqueur is effectively being sold right next to high-end craft rum. Yet, they are two very different things.”
Foursquare’s offerings, aged and blended in Barbados, stand tangentially from whiskies and bourbons, making them a favoured alternative for fans of the latter. “We notice numerous whiskey collectors exploring our rum palette,” explains Cummons, adding his father-in-law as an example who was convinced from being a single malt aficionado into pairing cigars with Foursquare rum. Today, he has transformed into a fervent advocate for their rums.
The trademark flavor profile of Foursquare rums displays layers of toasted coconut, bountiful fruits such as dark cherries and plums, with a burnt citrus or orange peel hint. “With varying degrees of funk and notes of caramelized banana,” outlines Cummins.
The newly launched Foursquare Mark XXIV “2011” is a wonderful addition.
Single Blended Rum, aged for 12 years, this masterpiece combines first, second and third fill Ex-Bourbon barrels, bottled at 60% ABV. It is pure with no added color, sugars or additives, and is unfiltered. The entire process, right from distillation to packaging, happens on an island in Barbados. It retails at $119.
Man with 12th OWI Arrest: Open Vodka Bottle in Car, Admits to Being ‘Pretty Drunk’
Jon Miner (Photo courtesy: Wisconsin Department of Corrections)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Jon Miner conceded that he was “considerably intoxicated” and took a concluding gulp of vodka in the presence of a police officer before he was apprehended for his 12th offence of drunk driving.
Based on a roadside sobriety test, his blood alcohol content was found to be .267, as per the details in a criminal complaint lodged on Monday.
Miner, a 58-year-old resident of Tomah, attended his preliminary court hearing on Monday afternoon. The charges against him include 10 or more counts of OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), operating despite license revocation, and failure to install an ignition interlock device. His bond has been set at a cash payment of $13,000. The date for the preliminary hearing has not been fixed as of now.
As per the filed complaint, an enforcement officer stopped Miner for speeding at 85 mph in a 70 mph zone on the Interstate 41 on a Saturday night. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noticed an opened vodka bottle and detected a strong smell of alcohol from within the car, despite both driver and passenger windows being rolled down.
Miner mentioned that he was returning from Tomah. Upon querying further, his response was, “It doesn’t matter, I am drunk”. When the officer probed about the level of his intoxication, Miner responded, “Pretty drunk”. On pointing out the vodka bottle, Miner confessed to drinking while driving and admitted that he was consuming vodka as he drove past the officer on Interstate 41. The officer instructed Miner to get out of his car, to which he complied. But before leaving the car, Miner quickly grabbed the vodka bottle and took another gulp, as mentioned in the complaint.
A preliminary breath test revealed a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .267, over three times the standard legal limit. However, given his previous convictions, Miner’s permissible BAC level was .02.
Three traffic citations were also issued against Miner: inhaling nitrous oxide, operating a vehicle without insurance, and speeding (11-15mph above the limit). June 5 court dates are set for those.
State records show his last OWI conviction was for a November 2019 traffic stop in Jackson County. He was released in January after serving a five-year prison sentence. According to court records, Miner’s driver’s license was revoked for two years, as well.
He has 11 prior convictions for operating while intoxicated offenses, for incidents on March 1, 1997; Feb. 7, 1998; Aug. 27, 1999; Sept. 25, 1999; Oct. 1, 1999; Feb. 5, 2001; Aug. 1, 2002; Nov. 27, 2004; Aug. 5, 2011; May 5, 2013; and Nov. 5, 2019.
Unveiling the Sailor’s Award-Winning Rum Crafted in Massachusetts
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At Rumson’s Rum headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts, another round of spirits is being prepared for everyone’s delight.
Diamond of the Season” Wine Auction: A Grand Success Benefitting 17 Local Charities
Among all the wine auctions nationwide, the unique ‘party auction’ takes place right in the Panhandle. For additional News, Weather, and Sports updates from Panama City, Florida, visit: www.mypanhandle.com
Discover Farmingdale’s New Brewery: A Must-Visit for NJ Beer Enthusiasts
The craft beer industry in New Jersey has seen a significant boom over the past ten years. Today, breweries serve as a fantastic spot to unwind and try the local brews.
A newly opened brewery in Farmingdale offers the ideal environment for such an experience.
Having hosted their grand opening in December, Tall Oaks Farm and Brewery might be newcomers to the game, but their bustling clientele and friendly staff certainly doesn’t give that impression.
Visitors have the options of sampling their beer in a homely tasting room or taking their drinks outside to the outdoor section of the premises.
There are fire pits that you can reserve to sit around and chat with friends. If you’re still chilly even with the fire, they offer blankets to keep you warm.
How cute is that?!
We’re not just brewing beer; we’re crafting and cultivating a unique experience for you.
Tall Oaks is not only kid-friendly (when I was there, there was a birthday party for a baby in their outdoor pavilion), it’s also dog friendly, as long as your pup remains leashed and in the outdoor area.
Join us on this journey as we redefine standards and bring a fresh perspective to the world of craft beer in our beautiful state of New Jersey.
🍺 Monday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
🍺 Tuesday: Closed
🍺 Wednesday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
🍺 Thursday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
🍺 Friday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
🍺 Saturday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
🍺 Sunday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
You can check out their current beer menu here.
Gallery Credit: Charlotte Barnett
Gallery Credit: Meg Dowdy
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5’s Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie’s own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram.
Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.
Introducing BSB Whiskey: Jamie Foxx’s Flavorful and Fun New Blend
Notable actor and musician Jamie Foxx is capturing attention in the spirits market with his new venture, BSB Whiskey. This exceptionally smooth mix, enriched with the enticing aromas of cinnamon and brown sugar, promises a distinctively unmatched taste experience.
The official debut of BSB Whiskey took place this month at the General Admission sports bar. The event coincided with the thrilling first round of the NBA playoffs. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of specialty cocktails, food, games, and one-of-a-kind merchandise, making it a memorable experience for whiskey aficionados and party-goers alike.
The distinctive flavors of BSB Whiskey set it apart. The aromatic spice of cinnamon merges beautifully with the comforting sweetness of brown sugar, forming a unique blend that teases the taste buds with each sip. However, with a potent 70-proof content, this whiskey commands respect.
During the launch event, guests had the chance to taste BSB Whiskey in a variety of cocktail recipes impeccably prepared by mixologists. From traditional whiskey cocktails like the BSB Espresso Martini with a twist to unique mixtures like the BSB cinnamon roll, which incorporated Bailey’s Irish cream displaying the versatility of BSB, there was something to delight every taste preference.
In addition to the delectable drinks, guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere with engaging games and entertainment. The General Admission sports bar provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating the union of sports, music, and fine spirits, mirroring Jamie Foxx’s multifaceted career.
Moreover, the event was not just about indulging in exceptional whiskey but also a chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the BSB brand experience. Exclusive merchandise, including branded apparel and accessories, allowed fans to take home a piece of the BSB lifestyle.
BSB is poised to become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. Cheers to Jamie Foxx and the irresistible allure of BSB Whiskey!
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Jamie Foxx Acquires BSB Whiskey
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