DrinkedIn Trends

If you are a huge fan of Italian food and find yourself in Brisbane this summer, then you are in for a treat. Whether you are a tourist visiting the area for a holiday or are local to Brisbane, there are many different Italian eateries to enjoy. From delicious pasta to some of the best pizza that has ever passed your lips, you will not be disappointed. So, with that in mind, we have put together this guide on the best Italian eateries in Brisbane that you need to not only know about but also visit - Bon Appetit!

Beccofino

If you have been unable to take a trip to Italy itself this year, then taking a trip to Beccofino is the next best thing. It is well-known throughout Brisbane and attracts both tourists and locals for its duck ragu. But don’t worry if you prefer a pizza as they also offer woodfired authentic pizzas that taste amazing. This is the perfect venue for a chilled afternoon meal with a glass of wine in hand. But also, be sure to try the tiramisu for dessert if you aren’t too full.  

Factory 51  

Situated in inner-city Coorparoo, this stylish and sophisticated restaurant not only looks great but also offers delicious cuisine. Factory 51 is well-known for its friendly staff, and can currently host up to 100 guests, which makes it very popular amongst events, such as weddings. Yes, we said it, you can get married in this Italian food haven. From homemade gnocchi to deliciously stuffed cannelloni, you will struggle to pick only one dish at Factory 51. Oh, and did we mention that they have an industrial-chic function room which is the perfect venue for a birthday celebration?  

Bucci

Bucci is the perfect combination of modern dining and delicious Italian cuisine and is located within Fortitude Valley. The main attraction at Bucci includes the seafood and pasta, but you will also find more modern twists on some of the classic Italian dishes we have all come to know and love. Though it is also important to mention that the signature cocktails at Bucci are always a welcome addition to a meal with family and friends.

Bar Alto

If you are looking for some entertainment and culture when wining and dining in Brisbane, then Bar Alto is a must-visit. This popular hotspot looks out on the Brisbane River and is in the Brisbane Powerhouse area. Bar Alto has recently been refurbished so it is now the ultimate dining and arts experience - well you are in the right neighbourhood for it! One of the most popular dishes on the menu includes the grilled wagyu striploin and their wine list is one of the most extensive in the area.

Bread & Butter Wines has announced its latest release, Bread & Butter Prosecco.

This is the first sparkling wine from the brand.

Bread & Butter Prosecco is an Italian DOC Prosecco. It is available now nationwide with a suggested retail price of $15.99 per 750-ml. bottle.

Bread & Butter Winemaker Linda Trotta worked with a 90-year-old, family-owned winery located in Fossalta di Piave near Venice, Italy, to craft this D.O.C. Extra Dry Prosecco, the company says. The result is notes of floral and ripe fruit, bright acidity and a complement of creamy mouthfeel and layers of soft bubbles, the company says.

Bread & Butter Prosecco is topped with gold foil and has a black and gold label.

Angels & Cowboys has released their second sparkling wine, Angels & Cowboys Brut NV, joining stablemate Brut Rosé NV, which came out in December 2020.

Following similar production protocols as its sibling wine, this Brut NV employs the traditional method of secondary fermentation, and also uses traditional Champagne grapes. Angels & Cowboys Brut NV is 56% pinot noir and 44% chardonnay, sourced from Northern California vineyards largely in Mendocino, Sonoma and Solano counties.

The wine contains 24% reserve wines sourced from a perpetual reserve (also known as réserve perpetuelle in Champagne). The reserve wines are approximately 50% chardonnay and 50% pinot noir, stored in tank, and range in age from about 4-10+ years. Angels & Cowboys Brut NV also aged on lees for 12 months, giving it a creamy mouthfeel, the company says.

The initial release is 5,000 9-L cases, with plans to expand the production of the Angels & Cowboys sparkling program later in the year.

“Our Brut Rosé NV was really well received, and we’ve doubled down in the $20+ sparkling wine category, which continues to grow at about 25% by value and volume,” says Founder Yoav Gilat.

Each year our Growth Brands Awards recognize the top products and suppliers in the beverage alcohol business. The Summer issue of Cheers highlights the fastest-growing and top-selling spirits and wine brands. Our Fall issue honors the 2021 Growth Brands Suppliers of the Year, and newest Hall of Famers.

In the video below, our beverage media team talks about the top trends that drove winners from the past year, while also delving into the 2021 Suppliers of the Year and Hall of Famers. Enjoy!

The 2021 Wine Growth Brands Awards from Cheers magazine celebrate the fastest-growing and top-selling wine brands from the past year. These were bottles that attracted the most consumer attention while also defining category trends.

The 2021 Wine Growth Brands Awards follow our 2021 Spirits Growth Brands Awards, posted last week.

As always, our lists include the most innovative new brands, emerging stars, comeback stories and tried-and-true staples.

Growth Brands: Wines That Shine

To say that 2020 was a rough year would be a massive understatement, but it was particularly rocky for people in the wine industry. Not only did they have to contend with the pandemic overall, with the business shutdowns and the decimation of the on-premise sales, they also endured several serious wildfires on the West Coast of the U.S., and got caught up in tariff wars.

Nonetheless, the turmoil brought on by Covid-19 actually seemed to improve wine sales. The Beverage Information and Insights Group projects that wine volume increased about 1% in 2020, vs. falling nearly 1% in 2019.

Launched in 1992, Skyy Vodka has announced updated branding for 2021 — along with a new vodka recipe.

In formulating this refresh, Skyy acted upon an opportunity to enhance its liquid for a new generation of vodka drinkers who gravitate towards soda water as their go-to mixer, the company says.

That same pursuit led Skyy to explore naturally occurring elements found in the coastal waters surrounding San Francisco. These minerals impart a “subtle salinity and minerality to the liquid,” the company says, intended to enhance the mouthfeel and fresh taste of the vodka and soda.

To achieve the final product, SKYY brought together a collective chemists, professional bartenders and a water sommelier. The result is a liquid that is fresh and clean on the nose with a hint of fruit and toasted grain, coupled with a clean, smooth taste on the palate, the company says, all designed to pair with soda water and a grapefruit twist, SKYY’s signature pour.

“In the vodka world, filtration reigns supreme. But we think that what defines a premium liquid experience isn’t what you take out of it, it’s what you put into it,” says Andrea Sengara, vice president of marketing of Campari America. “Inspired by the pure, clean and refreshing essence of the Pacific, SKYY Vodka is proud to return to its roots by challenging category norms to stand out in a sea of sameness.”

Opici Wines & Spirits has introduced Hubert’s Favorite One True Zin.

This organic Italian zinfandel (Primitivo) is named in honor of the company’s late founder, Hubert Opici.

Hubert had an appreciation for California and Italian winemaking, and an affinity for zinfandel, the company says. Certified organic, non-GMO and vegan, this wine is from the Salento region within Puglia.

One True Zin has notes of plum, cherry, marmalade and spice, the company reports. Stylistically, this zinfandel merges old world and new world to create an easy-drinking red that pairs perfectly with steak, burgers and barbeque.

“My grandfather will always be an inspiration and a driving force behind what we do,” says Don Opici, managing director of Opici Wines & Spirits. “He emphasized the importance of quality and value, and One True Zin perfectly embodies that sentiment. Our family is thrilled to launch this project to further honor his legacy.”

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has signed a national alignment agreement with 818 Tequila, the brand founded by Kendall Jenner.

The main pillars of 818 are to promote environmental sustainability and support community initiatives that give back to the people of Jalisco, the company says, while protecting the land they rely on for their livelihoods. This includes using recycled agave fibers to create building materials to provide housing for local families in need.

“I’m incredibly proud of the product we have created with our team in Mexico and am honored that they have joined us on this journey,” says Jenner. “Their mentorship and support are important as we build 818 into one of the world’s leading tequila brands. That’s why I am so thrilled to work with Southern Glazer’s and their outstanding sales teams to help introduce these tequilas to both off and on-premise customers. I’m excited for more people to be able to try it in the coming months.”

Southern Glazer’s will launch distribution of 818 in Kendall Jenner’s home state of California, and then continue to roll the brand out across the U.S. throughout the summer and in the months to come.

The 818 portfolio includes three variations, with company-provided tasting notes:

Heaven’s Door Whiskey, the brand owned by Bob Dylan, has unveiled a limited-edition 10-year-old bourbon finished in Redbreast Irish whiskey casks.

This first-ever collaboration for both brands was the idea of master blenders Ryan Perry of Heaven’s Door and Billy Leighton of Redbreast Irish Whiskey. Hence, the release’s apt name: The Master Blenders’ Edition.

The Master Blenders’ Edition features Heaven’s Door 10-year straight bourbon finished in Redbreast’s signature single pot still casks for 15 months, extracting flavor from single pot Irish whiskey and former Spanish sherry.

The end result is a taste profile with prominent notes of nuts, spice and leather, the company reports, as well as the influence of sherry, citrus, dark fruit and a subtle sweetness of Yellow Man from the Redbreast casks.

The Master Blenders’ Edition comes in Heaven’s Door’s signature bottle, featuring a new gate design created by Dylan in his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio, as well as Redbreast’s iconic Robin.

California pioneer Sonoma-Cutrer, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, has announced the Sonoma-Cutrer 40th Anniversary Chardonnay as part of its annual Winemaker’s Release series.

Arriving in market beginning in May, this commemorative bottling celebrates the winery’s 40-year milestone in winemaking, and represents a final collaboration between its founding and current winemakers.

To create this year’s Winemaker’s Release, Directors’ of Winemaking Bill Bonetti (1981-1990), Terry Adams (1991-2010) and Mick Schroeter (2010-Present) worked with Chardonnay Winemaker Cara Morrison (2005-Present) to blend a chardonnay.

“The 40th Anniversary Winemaker’s Release showcases Sonoma-Cutrer’s Chardonnay style of crisp acidity balanced by ripe fruit and oak complexity,” says Morrison. “Collaborating so closely with Bill, Terry and Mick was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a privilege to dedicate this beautiful wine to our visionary founding winemaker Bill Bonetti, who passed away peacefully just a few months after blending, and to continue to carry on his vision.”

In selecting fruit for this wine, winemakers chose grapes from three closely spaced blocks of Sonoma-Cutrer’s estate vineyards — Les Pierres, The Cutrer, and Vine Hill. In the cellar, Grand Cru winemaking techniques were used, including minimal settling, bâttonage and sur lie aging for 10 months. The wine was fermented and aged in new and used French oak sourced from the Orleans Forest in central France.

National Paloma Day is May 22, though we think any day is a good one for the refreshing tequila cocktail. While we tend to prefer the classic version—tequila, fresh lime juice and grapefruit soda from Mexico—there are plenty of tasty variations. Here are six Paloma recipes that we like.

Paloma Spritz
(shown atop)
1 oz. Tequila Blanco Pueblo Viejo 
1 oz. Mezcal Espadin
1 ½ oz. Grapefruit juice
½ oz. Lime
¾ oz. Simple syrup
2 oz. Sparkling Rosé Lucien Albrecht
1 pinch salt

Shake the mezcal, tequila, grapefruit, lime juice, and simple syrup. Strain it and carefully pour into a wine glass or Collins glass. Add a pinch of salt then top it off with the sparkling wine. Garnish with a full grapefruit moon.

The mixologists at Madre,which has three locations in the Los Angeles area, created this recipe.

Piña Paloma
2 oz. 1800 Silver tequila
4 oz. Jarritos Pineapple soda
½ oz. Fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz. Fresh lime juice 

As the vodka category continues to shift towards all-natural ingredients and “healthier for you” products, Belvedere Vodka has launched Belvedere Organic Infusions.

The new range includes Lemon & Basil with a touch of elderflower, Pear & Ginger with a drop of Linden Honey, and Blackberry & Lemongrass with a hint of sage.

Each contains 100% organic real fruits and botanicals, the company says, while Belvedere’s organic Polish rye is 100% traceable.

Similarly, for Belvedere Organic Infusions, Belvedere sought out 100%-certified organic fruits, spices and botanicals for flavor extraction.

Belvedere Organic Infusions launch May 18 in Florida, Texas and New Jersey; the in-store date for New York and California is in June, with Ohio following in July.

2 oz. Don Papa 7 rum
4 Watermelon balls
3 Basil leaves
¾ oz. Simple syrup
¾ oz. Lime juice

In a mixing tin, muddle 2 watermelon balls, 2 basil leaves, rum, simple syrup and lime juice. Add ice and shake. Strain into rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with remaining watermelon balls and basil leaf

Mixologist Tomas Delos Reyes created this recipe.

Carolans Irish Cream, a brand owned by Heaven Hill, has launched Carolans Cold Brew.

This new product mixes cold brew coffee with original Carolans Irish Cream.

Carolans Cold Brew is 34 proof, with a rich, coffee taste and notes of chocolate, the company reports. Sip it on its own, over ice, mixed in coffee or in a cocktail.

“Crafted from the Original Carolans Irish Cream base, the cold brew flavor delivers a new depth of flavor experience that will delight existing fans and newcomers alike,” says Hannah Venhoff, Heaven Hill Brands group product director. “As the second largest Irish Cream, we are consistently seeking to amplify Carolans through consumer relevant innovation that builds upon a strong portfolio and offers consumers new opportunities to make new memories with Carolans.”

Carolans Cold Brew has support in trade media and retail point-of-sale with a tagline encouraging consumers to “Pour. Sip. Chill.”

Sports bar chain Buffalo Wild Wings has expanded its partnership Buffalo Trace Distillery to include a Single Barrel Select Bourbon at restaurants in more states. Buffalo Wild Wings began carrying Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Select Bourbon as a limited-time offer at its locations in Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Nevada and California in August 2020; Buffalo Private Reserve is now available in 16 states.

Buffalo Wild Wings customers in Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia can now enjoy the Buffalo Private Reserve. The bourbon’s caramel and dark fruit notes and oaky, sweet flavor pair well with the restaurant concept’s smoky sauces. Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at the Frankfort, KY-based Buffalo Trace, selected each barrel for the bourbon series.

Store pick, or restaurant pick, single barrels remain one of the hottest trends in whiskey, even as the pandemic made sampling barrels more difficult.  Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris told Cheers earlier this year that even on-premise accounts have continued to purchase the single barrel selects from the company.

Ole Smoky Distillery now has five of their whiskey offerings available in mini 550-ml. bottles.

Those flavors are Salty Caramel Whiskey, Mango Habanero Whiskey, Peanut Butter Whiskey, Peach Whiskey and Salty Watermelon Whiskey.

The minis are now available across the U.S. in liquor stores, and anywhere consumers typically purchase spirits.

Ole Smoky’s Whiskey Line launched nationally in the fall of 2017, and has since expanded to 17 flavors.

“We are pleased to introduce new whiskey minis featuring our fan-favorites, including our number-one selling whiskey, Salty Caramel, followed closely by our most recent release, Peanut Butter Whiskey,” says Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “These small bottles are perfect for traveling, gifting, trying a new flavor, or offering customers a one-shot bottle of our award-winning whiskey line.”

The Louisville-based independent bottler Barrell Craft Spirits has announced the releases of Barrell Bourbon Batch 029.

This is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys, from barrels aged 6, 7, 9, 10, 14 and 16 years.

The base of Barrell Bourbon Batch 029 is an herbal and viscous mix of Indiana bourbons, the company reports. The blend then expanded with 6- and 7-year-old rye-grain Kentucky bourbon, chosen for its cinnamon spice note, plus floral 9- and 10-year-old wheated bourbon. Finally, a small amount of Tennessee bourbon aged 6, 14, and 16 years went into this blend for a fruity nose and a long, oxidative finish.Advertisement00:31 / 03:01

Like all of the company’s products, Barrell Bourbon Batch 029 is cask strength at 115.88 proof.

This bourbon exhibits an initial burst of fruit — pear and papaya — on the nose, according to distillery-provided tasting notes, followed by lime cordial on the palate. There’s an procession through rye-driven mulling spices and rich oaky lactones. Ultimately, Barrell Bourbon Batch 029 settles into an array of dessert notes, including treacle tart, milk chocolate and Boal madeira.

The 2021 Spirits Growth Brands Awards from Cheers magazine recognizes the fastest-growing and top-selling spirits brands from the past year. These products dominated consumer interest and tapped into the leading beverage alcohol trends.

As always, our lists include the most innovative new brands, emerging stars, comeback stories and tried-and-true staples.

Altogether, these superstar spirits paint a picture of what defined the beverage alcohol category in the last year. Next week, we will post the 2021 Wine Growth Brands Awards winners.

Growth Brands Winners Adapt with Covid-19

All great brands must adapt at some point. Many of our winners successfully did so this last year in the face of the sudden Covid-19 crisis.

“We have adapted many existing programs to stay relevant during Covid-19,” says Lisa Hunter, U.S. brand director for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Established Growth Brand winner. “For instance, Neighborhood Flavors used to be all about festivals and events, and this year we are switching it up to be a local mural campaign that still celebrates neighborhoods, but in a safe, socially distanced way.”

The Campari Group has created a new Rare Division to will focus on Campari Group’s super-premium and above offering.  The New York-based incubator division will be led by Julka Villa, who will retain her role as global strategic marketing spirits managing director, and will operate distinct from Campari America under the direct aegis of the Group CMO. 

Rare aims to unlock and accelerate the growth potential  of a select range of super-premium and above brands and individual expressions in the U.S. market, by creating a bespoke business and brand building model. The division will pilot across an ensemble of brands including Champagne, Cognac, rum, bourbon, single malt Scotch and white spirits. Rare will kick-off in June with the relaunch of the Cognac brand Bisquit & Dubouché, and later in the year, the group’s first French Champagne acquisition, Lallier fine Champagne.

The program will launch in the U.S. beginning with a select number of states where the premium plus and super-premium business is concentrated. In the first year, the Rare division will concentrate on California, Texas, and Florida to develop a specific company approach on brand equity building and route-to-market for other markets to adopt and implement in the future. 

The latest release from Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky is Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish.

This new expression ages the single malt in former Guinness casks from the Open Gate Brewery in Maryland.

Following up the past collaboration with the actor best known for his role on the TV show Parks and Recreation, Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish displays the image of Nick Offerman on the label. Offerman took park in the production of the whisky, including helping select beer casks for aging, the company says.

This 11-year-old Lagavulin single malt finished for four months in ex-Guinness beer barrels. The result is peat and charred wood notes of the Lagavulin with the roasted coffee, dark chocolate and sweet caramel notes from the Guinness casks, the company reports, complemented with dashes of red berries and green apple.

Available nationwide this month, Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish is 46% ABV. The suggested retail price is $79.99 per 750-ml. bottle.