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Newport Craft Distilling Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of KEEL Vodka
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NEWPORT, R.I., June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Newport Craft Distilling is excited to announce the acquisition of KEEL Vodka, a beloved Rhode Island brand. This strategic move will see Keel Vodka join Newport Craft’s award-winning portfolio, which includes White Squall Vodka & Gin, Sea Fog Whiskeys, and Thomas Tew Rums.
Key Highlights:
A Rhode Island Story: KEEL Vodka, the first premium light spirit founded by Bill Dessel, Tom McGowan and Matt Light, known for its smooth taste and commitment to a balanced lifestyle, has made waves throughout New England and across the country. By joining Newport Craft, KEEL becomes part of a larger Rhode Island-based team, bringing the spirits of the Ocean State to consumers across the country.
Expanding the White Squall Line: KEEL Vodka’s acquisition bolsters Newport Craft’s Vodka offerings and is a perfect complement to the more traditional White Squall Vodka. The fusion of KEEL’s innovative heritage and Newport Craft’s production expertise enhances the offerings available to meet the needs of diverse consumer preferences.
Local Manufacturing and Job Creation: With this acquisition, Newport Craft and KEEL reaffirm their commitment to Rhode Island. Production of KEEL Vodka will return to Rhode Island as part of this transaction, increasing job opportunities in our community.
Heritage Meets Craftsmanship: KEEL Vodka, born of the waters around Aquidneck Island, will seamlessly integrate with Newport Craft’s artisanal approach. Together, they’ll continue to raise the bar for quality spirits.
“The KEEL team has found the perfect partner in Newport Craft to help take KEEL to the next level. It has always been a dream of ours to produce our product, that was conceived in Rhode Island, in our home state. With this transaction we can finally accomplish that dream. I am excited to get to work alongside the team at Newport Craft, in continuing to spread the KEEL story to new consumers looking to have a more balanced social life,” says Bill Dessel, Founder of KEEL Vodka.
“We’re thrilled to welcome KEEL Vodka into the Newport Craft family,” says Newport Craft CEO Brendan O’Donnell. “This acquisition represents a powerful synergy of passion, expertise, and a shared love for exceptional spirits. The combination of these brands will meaningfully enhance the efforts of both companies and we can’t wait to see what Bill and KEEL can do in partnership with Newport Craft.”
For more information, visit www.newportcraft.com.
About Newport Craft Distilling: Newport Craft Distilling, founded in 1999, has been a force in Rhode Island’s craft spirits scene. Their commitment to authenticity, ingredients, and innovation has garnered them a loyal following. Made from Sea and Spirit in Newport, RI.
About KEEL Vodka: KEEL Vodka, founded in 2011 by Bill Dessel, Tom McGowan and Matt Light in Newport RI, is the first premium light spirit. It is a product of unparalleled smoothness and drinkability so you can stay balanced and be present to enjoy the now and the later.
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SOURCE Heritage Restaurant Group
How a U.S. Couple Rescued a Small Champagne House and Created Stellar Bubbles
Cover Glass of Champagne Leclerc Briant
Soft light started to brighten the enchanting snow-covered slopes, causing them to shimmer with hints of sparkles that were seen throughout the entire majestic landscape. Even though children can imagine magical worlds in the most common places, this little girl living within this winter wonderland, who grew up on her family’s ski resort in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, didn’t have to imagine magic as she witnessed it every day. She understood the valuable lesson of working to create the ideal escape for her family’s guests who needed refuge from the daily grind of their lives.
Ski village
The girl, Denise Dupré, grew up wanting to find her own way, first going through the rigors of higher education by attending Dartmouth College and later Cornell University; despite studying hospitality management, she carved out an independent way by going into advertising. Fate had other plans for her though, as she was assigned to a major restaurant chain and it only intensified her passion for hospitality and her intense drive to give people “life-changing” moments created by places, food and wine. She then worked for a hotel consulting firm and taught hospitality management at prestigious universities such as Boston University and Harvard.
Denise Dupré and Mark Nunnelly
Denise Dupré married Mark Nunnelly, who is not only the former managing director of the private equity firm Bain Capital but also has the same passion for the unwavering dedication to hospitality that Denise had built her life on. He also shares her love for incredibly soulful wines that can transport one to a better world.
It is not surprising that if Denise and Mark were drawn to wines that could transport the drinker, they would adore Burgundy wines. That adoration led them to buy the Clos de la Commaraine estate in the Burgundy village of Pommard, with a historic monopole vineyard around nine acres. But they also have great affection for the bubbles of Champagne and were in a position to purchase a tiny, pioneering Champagne house, unknown to the U.S. as it was mainly consumed in France. It was in danger of being taken over by a large conglomerate company that would most probably disregard the name of the Champagne house – a family name that has made Champagne wines for over a century, since, in global marketing terms, it had very little worth.
But the house’s name, Champagne Leclerc Briant, has tremendous value to Denise, who understands what a family sacrifices to build a business whose sole purpose is to give life-altering experiences, assuring there is no compromise on quality. As she delved into the history of Leclerc Briant, she realized that the fourth generation of the estate, Bertrand Leclerc, had been employing organic practices since the 1960s, which was extremely rare in Champagne during that time, and even further, he produced single vintage, single vineyard bottlings of Champagne in the 1970s, another unorthodox choice. His son, Pascal Leclerc, was one of a few pioneers in the Champagne region to use biodynamic practices, starting in 1990.
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Hervé Jestin
Pascal Leclerc passed away in 2010, and the transition was complicated with the next generation as considerable taxes were due and his children did not have the financial resources. Of course, they knew that a much bigger company would swoop in as they were desperate – so desperate that they would be forced to end their family’s legacy. But fate was on their side as Denise and Mark completely fell in love with Champagne Leclerc Briant, and they would do everything in their means to not only live up to the Leclerc legacy of generations before but allowed the estate to live up to its full potential, beyond the family’s wildest dreams. And so, Frédéric Zeimatt was brought on as general manager, having 20 years of experience at one of Champagne’s top houses, and Hervé Jestin became chief winemaker, a man described as “one of Champagne’s best winemakers” by wine critic and Champagne expert Peter Liem.
Champagne Leclerc Briant vineyards
Hervé Jestin’s theories about biodynamics can even seem mysterious to other winemakers who practice it as it is challenging to understand concretely how he is getting such brilliant results in the bottle. Pierre Baptiste Jestin, Hervé Jestin’s son, who is the director of operations at Champagne Leclerc Briant, talked about his father’s focus on “bioenergy” in terms of considering how it relates to biodynamic practices and the concept is to recognize that nature is perfect and people feel the power of that perfection when they are in nature. And so, Hervé Jestin’s aim, according to his son, is to “wake up a deep emotion” when the Champagne wines from Leclerc Briant are drunk because it evokes an all-consuming feeling that transports the drinker to the experience of being surrounded by such perfection. But there is no training manual for producing bioenergetic wine, and he has been on a mission to carve out a road that doesn’t exist.
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Champagne Leclerc Briant bottles being taken out of the sea
Significant work was being done in the vineyards of Leclerc Briant when it came to growing grapes containing a tremendous amount of bioenergy. Still, Hervé knew there needed to be a lot more work in the winery to increase this energy from Mother Nature. Despite biodynamic practices being mainly rooted in the vineyards, Hervé Jestin has spent over a quarter of a century working with biodynamic principles in the winery and he is considered to be a leading expert when it comes to using the practices in this way. For example, he has been aging Champagne Leclerc Briant bottles in the sea, below, around 200 feet deep, and since there is “a permanent water dynamization,” he claims, the energy in the bottle is 30% more than the same bottle that has been aging in their cellar. He also used a stainless steel barrel lined with gold to increase solar influence during the first fermentation. And there have been many experiments and many more to come.
Glass of Champagne Leclerc Briant
Denise Dupré has already laid down an impressive legacy with her incredible career but it was far from complete; if anything, it was a new beginning as she and her husband not only purchased two historic wine estates but she also founded Champagne Hospitality, a design and development venture dedicated to redefining luxury travel, incorporating sustainability and innovation as she understands that needs to be the future for European wine regions that do not have the hospitality infrastructure such as a Napa Valley. She has also ensured that each hotel and vineyard contributes to their local communities by uplifting the people and economy as well as protecting the environment.
And she couldn’t find a better chief winemaker than Hervé Jestin who has four decades of working with Champagne wines, the first half with a big house and the second half on his own as one of the most respected specialists of biodynamic winemaking working with a range of Champagne houses. But with Champagne Leclerc Briant, he has been able to reach for the stars as Denise and her husband always tell their team that their ideas are not big enough, that they shouldn’t be afraid to think beyond what they didn’t think is possible. And so, a historic Champagne house about to fade into obscurity is now one of the most exciting projects watched closely by Champagne experts and connoisseurs alike.
An excellent partnership between two extraordinary people who, instead of thinking that their time shaping the world has ended and stepping to the side, decided to come more front and center with their wealth of experience and knowledge. “Transformative power,” as Denise states, comes from the combination of passion, power, and perseverance, and the wines of Leclerc Briant are already starting to transform how consumers and experts view the multifaceted potential of Champagne.
NV Champagne Leclerc Briant
Champagne Leclerc Briant owns 24.7 acres of vineyards that are all organic and biodynamic. They are situated between the Premier Cru villages of Cumières, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil in the Vallée de la Marne, Villers-Allerand and Rilly la Montagne in Montagne de Reims, and the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil Sur Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Leclerc Briant also holds long-term contracts with another 19.7 acres of organically farmed vineyards.
NV Champagne Leclerc Briant, Réserve Brut: Even though they label this Champagne as a Non-Vintage Réserve Brut, it is entirely from the 2018 vintage with only 4.5 grams per liter of residual sugar (g/l rs), technically making it an Extra Brut as it has less than 6g/l rs making it drier than a typical Brut. But they want it to be positioned in the market as a Non-Vintage Brut since that is the most popular category. Hervé Jestin has chosen only a single vintage for all their selections since he wants the bioenergy from a particular moment in time to be captured from the vineyards. 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. An exquisite array of aromas with blood orange zest, strawberry tart mingled with hazelnuts and crushed limestone with gentle bubbles that caress the palate with a touch of creaminess.
2017 Champagne Leclerc Briant, Le Clos des Trois Clochers
2017 Champagne Leclerc Briant, Le Clos des Trois Clochers Single Vineyard, Brut Zéro: 100% Chardonnay with only 1g/l rs from the Le Clos des Trois Clochers vineyard located in the Premier Cru village of Villers Allerand. This vineyard is located in the red grape dominant area of Montagne de Reims, and so, a 100% Chardonnay, a.k.a. Blanc de Blancs, is very rare, and Hervé Jestin wanted to show the expression of this terroir, sense of place, through the Chardonnay grape. This is a wonderfully voluptuous wine with expansive, rich stone fruit flavors intermixed with baking spices and hints of croissant laced with an intense minerality that brings elegance to this richness with a fierce vibrancy along the highly expressive finish.
2018 Champagne Leclerc Briant, Les Monts Ferrés
2018 Champagne Leclerc Briant, Les Monts Ferrés Single Vineyard, Extra Brut: 100% Chardonnay with only 1.4g/l rs from the Les Monts Ferrés vineyard located in the Premier Cru village of Vertus. This 100% Chardonnay is from the cooler area of Côte des Blancs, which is known for mainly Chardonnay plantings, unlike Montagne de Reims. This vineyard is located in a particular area named the “Iron Hills” because the soil is chalky like much of the Champagne region but it contains a large amount of iron. Lots of tension and electric energy with lots of saline minerality with very fine notes of white flowers and lemon confit with a touch of pastry cream that has a great drive along the extraordinarily long and expressive finish with mouthwatering, racy acidity.
NV Champagne Leclerc Briant, Extra Brut Rosé
NV Champagne Leclerc Briant, Extra Brut Rosé: 93% Chardonnay from Chouilly and Montgueux and 7% Pinot Noir from Les Riceys in the Aube, entirely from the 2019 vintage with 3.5g/l rs. Bursting with so much delicious life as raspberry coulis, white cherries and orange blossom intermingled with almond cookies and a creamy body that turned the fine bubbles into silky ribbons with lively acidity and lots of vitality.
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Top Double IPAs to Try: World Beer Cup Winners Revealed
The best double IPAs were recently named at the World Beer Cup.
The world’s best double or imperial IPAs were crowned recently at the World Beer Cup. The competition is arguably craft beer’s most prestigious and is organized each year by the Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade organization that advocates for independent brewers.
Though brewers and some craft beer lovers have cooled in their enthusiasm for IPAs, they remain the bestselling craft beer style by a significant margin and the higher alcohol content double IPAs—sometimes described as “an IPA that’s been turned up to 11”—are a big part of that. At this year’s World Beer Cup the double/imperial IPA category had 138 entries. Out of all those beers only three were chosen as medalists. They are listed below and all, in what is an unusual sweep by a state, hail from sunny California. You can also read my story on the best Hazy IPAs from the World Beer Cup and the best German-style Pilsners, and follow my stories for more updates from the World Beer Cup and news about the world’s best beer in general.
This big bold and well-prepared imperial IPA features citra, citra cryo and mosaic hops. Per the brewery’s notes on the beer: “The brew team were all good lil Pallys the night before they brewed this one, got good sleep, ate their Wheaties, and watched this batch of hop saturated yum yum like a hawk. We were prepared this time! And I think it shows in how dope this one came out. Tasting notes? Think Navel Orange oils, yummo blueberry cereal, pineapple whips, and a linger of the freshest Maui Wowee.”
Beer fans in California can have beer shipped to their homes from Green Cheek Beer Co.’s website.
A chance to drink this beer is worth going down the rabbit hole. From the brewery: “The habit of rabit? No carrots here, Jack. This riddle of a double IPA is easily solved when a bright blend of berry and citrus leap out of the glass. Whiskers wiggle above a healthy heap of Mosaic and Simcoe for an evolving aroma experience.”
Coming in third place is this goblin-named gem of a beer that is made with strata, nelson, and mosaic notes. Tasting notes from the brewery are minimal, but per Untapped, it has notes of dank fruit, diesel, papaya, and pine, all descriptors that have my mouth watering.
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Celebrate Father’s Day with a Special Tasting of Rare Whiskeys at Sazerac House
Special Tasting of rare whiskey for your dad for Father’s Day at Sazerac House
Thea and Ramonium Distillery Collaborate for a Unique ‘Whiskey Revival’ Event
Mixing an engaging song from a local artist with a unique cocktail, alongside a strong sense of community spirit, leads to the creation of “Whiskey Revival.”
“Whiskey Revival” encompasses both a melody and a spirit, crafted from a partnership between Ramona musician Thea Tochihara from Thea The Band and the Ramona-based San Diego Sunshine Craft Spirits Co.
The foundations for this project were laid a few years prior when Tochihara started composing a song focused on whiskey.
During her creative process, she envisioned how exciting it would be to collaborate with a whiskey producer to create a signature whiskey that could accompany the song on her summer tour, she explained.
Her conditions for the drink were specific: it must be inspired by a song’s name, be a single malt whiskey, and feature her personal branding.
Upon conveying her vision to Eric and Cassie Goforth from Ramona Radio, they promptly arranged a discussion with Paul and Amanda Markham from San Diego Sunshine, who founded their distillery nine years prior.
It turned out that the Markhams were already in the process of adding a single malt whiskey to their product range.
“We were on track already; all that was missing was her branding,” Amanda Markham commented.
Markham describes Whiskey Revival’s taste as “a great oak-y vanilla.”
“‘Whiskey Revival’ delivers the perfect musical blend that goes down smooth; with its raw blues, outlaw country grit and simple, yet polished soul-folk lyrics,” said Tochihara, in her promotion of the song and beverage combo.
The song is delivered in Tochihara’s “Cosmic American” style, which she describes as “a blend of country/folk honest lyrics, emotive shades of soul/blues and textures of Indie rock.”
“Ramona locals are familiar with it, since I play it around town,” she said. “I find people are pulled toward the song, and a lot of people think it is a cover.”
With the lines, “Here I go again seeking answers in the bottle/I can smell ’em on my breath with the whiskey and regret/Ain’t it sweet, oh so sweet/Well pull up your bar stools and gather round/I’m bringing a new kind of church to town,” the song is steadily building its audience with every show.
Several special activities are anticipated in conjunction with the release of “Whiskey Revival.”
The “Whiskey Revival” single is set to debut on Ramona Radio on July 1. By July 5, the track will be available on streaming platforms globally.
The drink, Whiskey Revival, will be released on June 21 at San Diego Sunshine and a number of local liquor outlets.
A pre-listening VIP barbecue and whiskey pairing, planned for the same day, is already sold out.
“But people will still be able to come by the distillery, buy bottles and sample it in the tasting room,” Markham said.
A QR code on bottles of Whiskey Revival will also allow access to the song.
“We are very excited about the release of Whiskey Revival,” Markham said. “We haven’t really put on an event since COVID. It will be fun to get back out into the community, especially with this collaboration.”
For specific details on either release, see Thea The Band’s social media sites.
A promo for the drink and video, shot on location at San Diego Sunshine distillery, will be released the second week in June; a full video will be released this fall.
In the promo, Tochihara has a hawk on her arm.
“Posing with Ruby, the red-tailed hawk, was a dream come true,” she said. “Hawks have been my spirit animal for many years.”
Ruby is one of three red-tailed hawks residing at Critter Encounters, a wildlife sanctuary and educational company based in Ramona that specializes in live animal experiences.
Tochihara mentioned that Andrea Burgan, who leads Critter Encounters, provided her a brief training on managing hawks inside a distillery’s bathroom before she started working with Ruby.
Whiskey Revival bottles feature a hawk illustration.
Thea The Band is scheduled to perform at the Kickoff Party on July 6, with the venue yet to be determined, and again on July 26 at the Ramona Country Fair. They will also tour Oregon, Washington, and California in the same month.
Tochihara expressed her desire to make the whiskey available at her venues during her summer tour.
San Diego Sunshine is located at 432 Maple St., #6. For inquiries, call 619-820-3379 or visit: https://www.sandiegosunshine.com/.
England vs. Serbia Match: Beer Ban Imposed to Prevent Violence, Fans Encouraged to Opt for German Shandy
Fears over Serbian ‘ultras hooligans targeting boozed-up England fans at The Three Lions’ first Euros match on Sunday, June 16, at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, have prompted authorities to take measures.
Full-strength beer will be prohibited during England’s first Euros match against Serbia, with fans being served weaker German shandy, according to reports.
This decision was made as German authorities, hosting the major football tournament, are concerned about potential clashes between England fans and violent Serbian ‘Ultras’. German police are apprehensive that Serbian hooligans are planning to confront the drink-fueled England supporters, leading to the ban on strong lager at the match. An estimated 40,000 England supporters and 8,000 Serbs are expected at the game, the latter joined by others from Germany’s Serbian communities.
The security level for the match on Sunday, June 16, at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, has been elevated from ‘high’ to ‘very high’, with concerns that 500 hardcore pro-Vladimir Putin supporters may also attend, as per reports.
READ MORE: DWP crackdowns leave 1.6 million claimants of one key benefit £2,000 out of pocket
In response, local authorities have opted to serve a weaker beer at the 62,000-seat stadium during the Three Lions’ premier game. Instead of offering the 4.8 per cent alcohol Bitburger Premium, attendees will now be able to purchase a blend of lager and citrus soda known as ‘Radler-style’, which contains only 2.5 per cent alcohol. Additionally, there is a limit; fans can purchase no more than two pints of this beer at one time.
Bitburger, a renowned German brand, offers two lighter alternatives: the 2.8 per cent Bitburger Light and the 2.5 percent Radler lemonade shandy. It remains unclear which of these options will be made available.
Complicating matters further, UEFA has prohibited division among fans within the stadium, leading to mixed seating for rival supporters. Moreover, it has been reported that German police have identified plans by organized Serbia ultras groups to converge on the match targeting slightly intoxicated English fans.
Gelsenkirchen police spokesperson Stephan Knipp mentioned to The Sun: “It is just the England game which will have the low-strength beer. The other games at the stadium will have 4.8 per cent.”
It’s your call! Which country possesses the most formidable team at Euro 2024? Weigh in on the discussion in the comments section.
Additionally, a prohibition on alcohol consumption has recently been imposed on England supporters in the city, particularly at Heinrich-Konig-Platz, restricting drinking before the 8pm match commencement.
Mr Knipp elaborated further: “Fans are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages at the city’s main square, Heinrich-Konig-Platz. An England fan found with beer in the square will be required to discard it or it will be confiscated. However, they will not be arrested on the spot. While the square will serve as a fan zone for other matches in the city, it is excluded for England matches. Fans are, however, allowed to consume alcohol at local bars and at a designated fan zone for England supporters located at the racecourse.”
Another police source mentioned to the newspaper that the beer available at the arena will have the same alcohol content as ‘Radler’ beer, a combination of beer and lemonade, akin to a shandy.
Previously, England fans have faced aggressive confrontations, notably in 2016 when organized Russian hooligan groups severely injured several English fans in Marseille, France. There were claims that these hooligans were state-backed.
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Small Island, Big Win: World’s Best Rum Title Awarded to a Lesser-Known Producer
With its roots in the Caribbean, rum for many people has become synonymous with tropical locales and delicious dark liquor cocktails. Unsurprisingly, at this year’s International Wine & Spirits Competition, the region boasted most of the highest-rated rums among the several hundred tasted by experts. One country in particular holds the crown.
Barbados is the undisputed champion when it comes to rum at this year’s IWSC. Of the 20 best-rated rums tasted by experts, the country produces more than half of the choices, with eight of them being from R.L. Seale’s Foursquare distillery on the island.
The competition’s No. 1 rum in the world with 99 points is R.L. Seale’s Foursquare 14-Year-Old Equipoise Rum. At 61 percent ABV, it isn’t your typical rum and can likely be sipped in small amounts rather than combined with mixers. It also has a unique flavor profile, according to the more than 100 distillers, blenders, and other industry professionals gathered for the competition.
“Enticing aromas of leather and olive oil greet the senses, leading to a tantalizing blend of citrus peel, cinnamon, oak, dark chocolate, and nutmeg. Plummy, spiced fruit dances on the palate upon a soft, sweet mouthfeel. A dry, tangy finish lingers, revealing layers of caramel, banana bread, and tobacco. Luxurious and long-lasting,” they gushed.
Coincidentally, the first-ever record of rum in history was on the island of Barbados. Other countries in the top 20 responsible for great rum include fellow Caribbean nation Martinique and the Southeast Asian countries of Thailand and Cambodia.
Related: The World’s Best Gin Has an Interesting Flavor Profile
Read up on the 20 best-rated rums from this year’s IWSC and find something you like.
R. L. Seale Foursquare 14-Year-Old Equipoise Rum (Barbados, 99 points)
Taiwan Tabacco & Liquor Corp. Nantou Winery Craft Cask-Strength Single Batch Rum (Taiwan, 98 points)
Mt. Uncle Distillery FNQ Iridium x Agave Cask 10-Year-Old Rum (Australia, 98 points)
R. L. Seale Foursquare 2011 Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
R. L. Seale Foursquare Covenant Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
Equiano Ominira 11-Year-Old Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
Sangsom Distillery Phraya Deep-Matured Gold Rum (Thailand, 98 points)
St. Nicholas Abbey 12-Year-Old Cask-Strength Rum (Barbados 98 points)
St. Nicholas Abbey 8-Year-Old Cask-Strength Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
R. L. Seale Doorly’s 14-Year-Old Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
R. L .Seale Foursquare 14-Year-Old Mystique Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
R. L. Seale Foursquare Absolutio Rum (Barbados, 98 points)
Desert Diamond Distillery Gold Miner 12-Year-Old Barrel Reserve (Platinum Wax) (Arizona, USA, 98 points)
Rones del Caribe Roble Viejo 12-Year-Old Ultra Añejo Rum (Venezuela, 98 points)
R. L. Seale Foursquare 15-Year-Old Nicholls & Perks Rum (Barbados, 97 points)
Samai Distillery Kampot Pepper Rum (Cambodia, 97 points)
Distillerie Neisson Le Rhum Argicole Blanc (Martinique, 97 points)
Héritiers Madkaud Renaissance Rum (Martinique, 97 points)
Destilerias Aldea Ron Aldea Familia 2006 Rum (Canary Islands, Spain, 97 points)
R. L. Seale Foursquare Triple Entente Rum (Barbados, 96 points)
Craft Vodka Market Poised to Hit $9.46 Billion by 2033: Expanding Distribution Networks Fueling Growth in Craft Spirits Sector
The global craft vodka market is anticipated to grow from USD 4 billion to USD 9.46 billion in 10 years. The market will experience rapid growth due to the increasing awareness about craft vodka, given the rapid rise of social media during the forecast period.
Newark, June 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 4 billion in 2023 global craft vodka market will reach USD 9.46 billion in 2033. Small-scale, independently owned distilleries produce craft vodka. Vodka originated in Eastern Europe, specifically Russia and Poland, where it was made from grains or potatoes. Craft vodka evolved in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, captivating consumers who prefer artisanal, locally manufactured spirits. The production of craft vodka involves a meticulous process that includes high-quality ingredients, fermentation, distillation, filtration, diluting, and bottling. Distillers often emphasize locally sourced, organic ingredients alongside small-batch production techniques. This results in a spirit with a diverse flavor profile. Craft vodka companies also focus on distinctive packaging and branding strategies to stand out. Some notable craft vodka brands include Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hangar 1 Vodka, Reyka Vodka, Chase Vodka, and Belvedere Vodka.
Get a Free Sample Research Report: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/14380
Key Insight of the Global Craft Vodka Market
North America will dominate the market during the forecast period.
The regulatory environment in North America is favorably set up for small-scale distilleries. Legislative modifications and regulatory reforms have cleared the path for craft producers to step into the market and compete with bigger, well-established companies. Craft distillers in North America are also renowned for their innovation and creativity, which has fueled the growth and diversification of the region’s artisan vodka sector. Moreover, the vast and varied North American market offers many opportunities for artisan vodka brands to reach a broader audience. A robust infrastructure to support the artisan spirits industry, including distribution networks, further aids the success of craft distillers.
In 2023, the flavoured craft vodka segment dominated the market, with a share of 76% and revenues reaching 3.04 billion.
The product type is categorized into flavoured craft vodka and unflavoured craft vodka. In 2023, flavoured craft vodka led the market with the highest share of 76% and generated revenues amounting to 3.04 billion.
In 2023, the offline channels segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 67% and revenue of 2.68 billion.
The distribution channel segment is divided into offline and online channels. In 2023, the offline channels segment dominated the market, holding a market share of 67% and generating revenue of 2.68 billion.
Report Scope and Segmentation –
Report Coverage
Overview
Projected Duration
2024-2033
Expected Compound Annual Growth Rate
9%
2033 Value Projection
USD 9.46 Billion
Market Size in 2023
USD 4 Billion
Historical Data
2020-2022
No. of Pages
Report Coverage
Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends
Segments Covered
by Type, Distribution Channel, End-users, Regions
Regions Covered
The market is analyzed by regions including Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, North America, and Middle East & Africa. Additionally, these regions are scrutinized at the country level.
Craft Vodka Market Growth Drivers
The increasing awareness and visibility of craft vodka brands and products due to the rise of social media
Advancement in market
The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative announced that Blackleaf Organic Vodka and Mission Craft Cocktails have been accepted for its Business Incubation Programme. This programme provides mentorship and business support to BIPOC and underrepresented spirits entrepreneurs. The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, which includes the Leadership Acceleration Programme, the Business Incubation Programme, and the Nearest Green School of Distilling, aims to increase diversity in the American spirits business.
Market Dynamics</();
Driver: the demand for premium products is increasing with rising disposable income.
Support for local artisans boosts the popularity of small-scale manufacturers that prioritize craftsmanship and superior quality. Craft vodka represents a front-runner in the alcohol and spirits industry. Its varied flavor profiles capture the attention of consumers exploring distinctive tasting experiences. Craft distilleries innovate with different ingredients and methods, creating a range of flavors that cater to growing consumer expectations. Support for small businesses significantly influences the craft vodka market. The focus on personalization and customization attracts customers, driving up demand for handcrafted vodka. Engagements with local artisans, exclusive launches, and inventive packaging all enhance the uniqueness and luxury appeal of the product. These factors collectively amplify the popularity of artisanal vodka.
Restraints: Cost challenges.
The expenditure for production includes major upfront investments in equipment, ingredients, and facilities. Craft distilleries require specialized apparatus for mashing, fermentation, and bottling, which are costly. Additionally, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients add to the production expenses, with price fluctuations having a significant impact. Craft vodka typically costs more than conventional brands due to premium ingredients, small-scale production, and handcrafted quality, rendering it unaffordable for numerous consumers. Consequently, the elevated costs associated with craft vodka could hinder market growth.
Opportunities: The rise of social media has increased the exposure and visibility of craft vodka businesses and products.
Social media platforms have revolutionized the way craft vodka brands connect with their audience, enabling them to reach wider audiences and foster direct relationships with customers. Utilizing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, craft vodka creators engage with their audience through creative marketing strategies and compelling narratives. A major advantage of using social media for craft vodka brands is the ability to create genuine and engaging content that resonates with consumers. Moreover, these platforms offer craft vodka producers a medium to showcase their unique brand personalities and identities. Using eye-catching imagery, video content, and graphics, craft vodka brands can differentiate themselves in a competitive arena. Consequently, the advent of social media has transformed the marketing approaches of craft vodka businesses, allowing for more direct, personal, and impactful communication with consumers, ultimately aiding in market growth over the forecast period.
Challenges: Regulatory hurdles.
The regulatory landscape for alcohol production, labeling, and distribution is fraught with challenges that require meticulous compliance. Craft vodka distillers must secure the necessary permits and licenses from relevant authorities to ensure their operations are legal. These permits often come with stringent guidelines on production practices, record-keeping, and labeling. Furthermore, each state has its own specific regulations that govern the production and distribution of alcohol. Craft vodka producers must adeptly navigate these varying state laws, which differ extensively in terms of permits, taxes, and sales regulations. The regulatory environment is not only complex and overlapping but also diverse, making it a challenging, time-consuming, and expensive ordeal for craft distillers. Thus, the intricate maze of regulations poses significant challenges to the market’s growth due to the high costs and efforts involved in compliance.
Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/craft-vodka-market-14380
Some of the major players operating in the global craft vodka market are:
• Beam Suntory Inc.
• Blisswater Industries Private Limited
• Diageo plc-The Smirnoff Co.
• Fifth Generation, Inc.- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Heaven Hill Brands
• Khortytsa
• Pyat Ozer
• Sazerac Company
• St. George Spirits
• William Grant & Sons Limited
Key Segments covered in the market:
By Type
• Flavoured Craft Vodka
• Unflavoured Craft Vodka
By Distribution Channel
• Offline Channels
• Online Channels
By Region
• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)
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About the report:
The analysis is performed on several levels including value (USD Billion). This comprehensive analysis covers global, regional, and national segments, examining over 30 countries for each segment. The research includes an evaluation of key drivers, opportunities, barriers, and challenges to provide a deep understanding of the market. Analytical models such as Porter’s five forces, attractiveness assessments, product reviews, supply and demand scrutiny, distribution, marketing channels, and a competitor positioning grid are part of the study.
About The Brainy Insights:
The Brainy Insights is a conducting market research firm dedicated to delivering actionable insights via data analytics to enhance business strategies. Our advanced forecasting and estimation model guarantees top-quality results in a compact timeframe. Offering both customized reports specific to client needs and syndicated reports, our portfolio spans across various categories and sub-categories in different domains.
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Modesto Monastery Wins Top Prize for Exceptional Wine: Insights from a Local Columnist
New Clairvaux Vineyards, situated in the small town of Vina, is the premier Trappist-Cistercian Monastery in America to cultivate and produce its own wine. Teaming up with the local Sunseri family, they planted vineyards in 2000, with the inaugural wine debuting in 2003.
This year, at the California State Fair Wine Competition, New Clairvaux Vineyard was honored with a Golden Bear award for their 2023 James Block Moschofiero, which scored 99 points and received Double Gold, Best of Show White. They achieved the same Best of Show White last year, plus their initial Golden Bear with another Greek variety, Assyrtiko.
A second Golden Bear was awarded to their 202 corresponding to their 2023 Poor Souls Block Barbera Rose, which won Best of Show Pink, along with 99 points and Double Gold. Additionally, the vineyard claimed four more Double Gold medals with 99 point scores each. Due to these consistently high scores, New Clairvaux Vineyards was named “Golden State Winery of the Year” receiving their third Golden Bear award.
The other three Best of Show/Golden Bear awards were picked up by: Best Sparkling Wine going to NV Extra Dry Korbel; Best of Show Red by San Simeon 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon; and Best of Show Dessert by the Rancho de Philo Triple Cream Sherry. In sum, out of nearly 2,000 wines entered, three of the six most prestigious awards went to the Trappist-Cistercian Monastery at Vina in Tehama County. A toast to New Clairvaux Vineyards! The winery welcomes visitors daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. without the need for an appointment. For more details, visit www.newclairvauxvineyard.com.
The Navigator and I have been proud members of ZAP, which means Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, for over 30 years. As part of this group, we actively support the preservation and celebration of Zinfandel, an essential part of our wine culture. Through our membership, ZAP can continue its valuable work in Zinfandel research, education, and the conservation of historic vineyards. Each member receives a one-year Passport to Zinfandel granting complementary tastings at numerous ZAP wineries and discounts on event tickets. We stay informed with regular updates about activities and educational content on Zinfandel. Don’t miss out on the Summer Zinfandel Celebration taking place on July 13 at Peachy Canyon Winery in Paso Robles. Memberships start at only $50 annually. Consider joining before the ZinEx Celebration in San Francisco this January, an event that highlights the remarkable qualities of Zinfandel – it’s what initially inspired us to join in the 1990s. With your support, Zinfandel continues to thrive as a globally recognized wine across all major Californian viticultural areas. For more details, visit www.zinfandel.org.
Living remotely limits our access to a wide variety of wines, often restricted to what’s available on our local supermarket’s wine shelves. Here are some exceptional values and award-winning wines from the 2024 California State Fair. Look out for SEAGLASS’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2022 Sauvignon Blanc. Another notable mention is the Best of Show NV Korbel Extra Dry Sparkling. Bogle Family Vineyard also impresses with their 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2021 Pinot Noir. You should consider seeking out the 2021 Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon, and Coppola’s 2021 Claret and 2022 Pinot Noir. Stay tuned for more top picks in the next Wine Line. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? You can reach me at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
Sipping Whiskey With Laughs: A Night Out With Comedian Brad Williams
Comedian Brad Williams
In his latest comedy special ‘Starfish’ — now streaming free on Youtube — comedian Brad Williams explores new themes, sharing insights on his personal life including marriage and fatherhood, and offers his unique take on topics like craft beer controversies and the humorous potential of politically charged product ads. I had the pleasure of speaking with Williams at the Comedy Cellar in New York, where topics ranged from whiskey to spending time with Robin Williams, and how he appreciates the quiet moments in his shows as much as the laughter.
You’re a whiskey fan?
I have a fondness for whiskey, especially scotch. Previously, I was more of a ‘frat house’ drinker — let’s do shots of tequila! — until my wife introduced me to the world of quality scotch, which is smoky and peaty. I previously thought I disliked scotch, but I soon realized that I only disliked poorly made scotch. Additionally, I am part owner of a brewery in San Diego known as Thorn Street Brewery. (Laughs) The location is as straightforward as the name suggests.
What was your first drink?
The initial beverage that made me ill was titled ’99 Bananas.’ The sweetness is deceptive, akin to ingesting candy, which led to an unfortunate college experience where I ended my night in a bathtub, thankfully devoid of water. Additionally, being of shorter stature, a bathtub provides ample space for stretching out (laughs).
What was your first ‘favorite’ cocktail?
Originally, my preferred mix was Jack and Coke. However, I’ve since developed a fondness for a drink known as ‘Gold Rush.’ It is a delightful concoction of whiskey, lemon, honey syrup, and ginger. Highly recommended.
Comedian Brad Williams
Tell me about the new special ‘Starfish.’
Look, there will always be dwarf jokes. I’m a little person. I don’t know how to write jokes from the perspective of a six foot guy. But on this special I dive into a lot of different topics and I’m really happy to leave my comfort zone. I’m at the stage of life where I’m a father and I’ve been married a few years now. I want to give something new. As a comic I love the laughs. I live off of those. But the moments that really get me excited are the silences.
What’s great about the silences?
Because if the audience is quiet and that’s what I planned — I’ve got ’em. There’s a moment where I reveal something about my daughter and the audience goes quiet. I can tug at your heartstrings a little bit knowing that I have a joke to bring you back.
I want you to feel everything when you come to my show. I want you to feel joy and laughter. But I also want you to think a little bit. And I want you to be sad. Then I want to bring it back and always have you leave happy. There was a famous speech by Jim Valvano at the ESPY Awards where he said something like ‘if you can laugh, cry and think on the same day — that’s a hell of a day.’ And I want to make people do that — but in just an hour.
Do you find it hard to work out the material for your specials in clubs while people are taping with their phones?
I call people out. Hey dude, I’m working on stuff. Let’s put the phone down. There’s a joke in my special that I’m the most proud of — about the Bud Light transgender spokesperson controversy. When I first told the joke it was horrible. And then I got it to a point where it was getting laughs, but those weren’t the kind of laughs I wanted. They were aggressive. So I keep tooling with it. And I finally got the joke to a point where it’s the right laughter. The message reflects my personal beliefs. Nailed it. And you need to be allowed that process.
Comedians more than most artists must embrace the possibility of failure to truly succeed. To finely tune what is both funny and stirring, one must occasionally cross boundaries only to realize they’ve gone too far, then dial back. Comedy cannot be rehearsed alone with just a mirror; it does not provide feedback. Instead, it demands the presence of a live audience to gauge the reaction.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 26: Comedian Brad Williams of Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil performed during the premiere at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on May 26, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What surprised you about doing standup that you didn’t know beforehand?
Comedy holds pleasant surprises, among which is its equalizing effect, regardless of a comedian’s fame or fortune. Even someone as renowned as Jerry Seinfeld follows the same backstage routines as any other comic, walking through the kitchen to reach the stage and using the same modest greenroom. This aspect of comedy is a powerful equalizer and inherent humbler.
Ever shared a drink with one of your idols?
As a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos, I once had a memorable opportunity. The John Elway car dealerships were hosting a Christmas event and invited me to perform. I immediately accepted. Following my performance, Elway led a standing ovation. He always treated me kindly, but his appreciation deepened after seeing me perform. Post-show, we grabbed drinks together; Dewars and soda were his choice. He later invited me to a Broncos game. Despite my wife being nearly due with our child, she encouraged me to go, understanding what it meant to me to see the game with Elway.
How about with one of your comedy idols?
It was an incredible evening. Though I couldn’t share a drink with him since he was abstaining, I received possibly the greatest compliment of my career. After performing at a small club in northern California, I encountered Robin Williams backstage. He rushed up to me, exclaiming with enthusiasm about my performance. He compared me to “Prozac with a head,” a remark I cherish enough to consider for my epitaph.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Comedian Brad Williams performs on stage during Moontower Comedy Festival at The Paramount Theatre on April 19, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images)
Did you get to spend some time with him?
The next night. He’s doing a show at the same theater because he lives up there and that’s where he would go to work stuff out. After the show I go back to the greenroom and there is Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, myself and Mort Sahl all talking comedy. It was the greatest night ever.
People think of backstage at a music concert but not a comedy the show.
You have so much adrenaline going after the show — no matter how many times you do this you still want to hang out. So there are the late night diniers and the late night bars where all the comics go after work. That’s where we say all the things we can’t say on stage because we’ll get canceled or booed or attacked or whatever. And we’re all trying to make each other laugh. And when comics are trying to make each other laugh that’s the good stuff!.
One of the most intimidating places in the world of comedy is right behind me. (Pointing) That’s the comic’s table at the Comedy Cellar. I’ve been doing this 20 years. And whenever I sit at that table, I’m terrified (laughs).
Brad Williams will be on tour all summer throughout the United States. Click here for dates.
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