DrinkedIn Trends

October 14, 2016

Devotion Vodka announced the introduction of nutritional information and certifications on bottles of its sugar- and gluten-free vodka. The new labeling includes the average analysis (standard drink size, alcohol by volume, number of units), while highlighting the no-added-sugar, gluten-free and Circle K Kosher certifications, the company says. “Today’s consumers are hyper-aware of what they eat and drink, and we wanted them to be able to more clearly see what goes into our vodkas,” Chief Executive Officer Drew Adelman said in a statement. “We’re already sugar free and gluten free, now we’re also Kosher and providing more transparency to our customers.” Additionally, the company added 50-ml and 1.75-liter size bottles.

Crater Lake Spirits, a brand of Bendistillery, added Crater Lake Northwest Berry Vodka to its vodka lineup. The Northwest Berry vodka is a limited-edition varietal that will be relaunched every year with a varying flavor profile, which will depend on the fruit available, the company says. A seasonal release, Crater Lake Northwest Berry Vodka is 70 proof and combines Crater Lake Vodka with a seasonal blend of berries sourced from small farms across the Northwest, it adds. The gluten-free, flavored vodka is packaged in 750-ml bottles that are available for a suggested retail price of $25 in Oregon and Washington.

Bendistillery, Bend, Ore.
Telephone: 541/318-2000
Internet: www.craterlakespirits.com
Distribution: Select markets

Boundary Waters Brands launched Joia Spirit, a line of ready-to-drink cocktails made with the company’s all-natural soda and vodka, it says. Joia Spirit is offered in three flavors: Sparkling Greyhound, a blend of grapefruit, chamomile, cardamom and vodka with a 6 percent alcohol by volume; Sparkling Moscow Mule, which combines ginger, apricot, lime and vodka at 7 percent alcohol by volume; and Sparkling Cosmopolitan, a blend of cranberry, pear, lime and vodka with a 7 percent alcohol by volume. The cocktails are packaged in 12-ounce slim cans, which are sold as singles and in four-packs for a suggested retail price of $2.99 and $11.99, respectively, in select markets.

Boundary Waters Brands, Minneapolis
Telephone: 612/308-2056
Internet: www.joialife.com
Distribution: Select markets

Happy National Vodka Day! It’s time to honor one of the most versatile spirits around, one that continues to be saddled with an ill-fitting definition and odd myths. It has also been duking it out with whiskey the past couple of years (stop picking on it, whiskey lovers – respect the classics).

The great thing about myths is that it gives you and your staff the opportunity to educate your guests while they enjoy a cocktail or two featuring the spirit, liqueur, beer or wine they’re enjoying at your bar. For instance, your guests may not know that some sources used to define vodka as “odorless” and “tasteless.” Those of us in the industry know this to be untrue, yet this incorrect definition still appears to be going strong.

Another myth is that vodka is made from distilled potatoes. Sure, there are potato vodkas out there, but there are also vodkas on the market made from grapes, and many vodkas are made from grains (such as wheat).

This leads us to another myth: All vodka is the same. Don’t say that around The Modern Mixologist, Toby Abou-Ganim, author of Vodka Distilled. Much like ‘90s rappers, the East and West have very different approaches to vodka distillation. You’ll also find that vodka can definitely display terroir, or the combination of environmental elements that influence a product.

Finally, you’ll probably encounter a few guests who will tell your bartenders that the more times vodka is distilled, the better. These people will also likely claim that running a bottom shelf vodka through a water filtration system will turn it into top shelf vodka. Um, no. Neither is true. Distill or filter vodka too much and you can lose its aromas and flavors.

Inspired by the cult TV series “Breaking Bad,” and in partnership with Sony Pictures Television, Blue Ice Vodka debuted a limited-edition line of Heisenberg vodkas that pay homage to some of the show’s most popular characters, including Jesse Pinkman and The Heisenberg, it says. Three special-edition bottles were created, and each bottle features distinct graphics and an infamous quote from the show. For example, “The One Who Knows,” “Tread Lightly” and “Say My Name.” The 750-ml bottles are available nationwide in stores and online for a suggested retail price of $27.

Relaunching with a focus on made-from-scratch spirits, Milton, Del.-based Dogfish Head Distilling Co. aimed to provide a premium experience that also disrupts the craft spirits space when it introduced the first selections in its new spirits line, featuring Dogfish Head Analog Vodka, Dogfish Head Compelling Gin and Dogfish Head Whole Leaf Gin, it says.

As a part of craft brewer Dogfish Head Brewing Co., the distillery knew the importance of maintaining its brand’s identity when it came to the packaging design for the new spirits line. However, it also had high aspirations for the line. “We refer to this bottle design as ‘elegantly off-centered,’ an unexpected and whimsical design but done in a very elegant matter,” says James Montero, distillery manager at Dogfish Head.

While Dogfish Head handled the creative concept portion of the packaging design process, it turned to Horsham, Pa.-based Saxco International LLC to bring its concept into fruition. The company served as a single point of contact and assumed responsibility for the technical execution of the design, according to Saxco’s Rob Belke, vice president of sales and marketing, and Eric Guli, project manager of supply chain.

At the time of the launch, Christian Maute, Saxco’s Mid-Atlantic sales manager, said in a statement, “Our role was to help create an attractive and colorful new package that would also deliver a bold and distinctive shelf appearance and bring the project to fruition within the required timeline and budget parameters.”

Closely working with the distillery’s marketing and design team, Saxco helped to create a high-quality, private mold square-shaped flint 750-ml bottle with flat shoulders and a premium, thick glass base.

Swiss Vodka Inc. introduced Elation Vodka in select markets across the United States. The hemp-flavored spirit is distilled from grain and offers aromas of cannabis buds and blossoms, oregano pepper, leather and wood with a dry-yet-fruity, medium-to-full body, the company says. It also features a tingling, layered, medium-long juniper-coriander jelly, herb scone, lemon pepper and custard, and chalk finish, it says. U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved, Elation Vodka contains no THC or medicinal properties and is legal in all 50 states, it adds. The 40 percent alcohol-by-volume gin-like vodka has a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a 750-ml bottle.

Swiss Vodka Inc., Oakland, Calif.
Telephone: 440/665-3694
Internet: www.elationvodka.com
Distribution: National

Maybe it’s because the recipe is easy to remember. Or that it’s full of flavor yet completely approachable. Or that drinking it out of a copper mug just makes it feel special. Whatever the reason, the Moscow Mule has endured. This year marks the 75th since a few industry players combined vodka, ginger beer and lime in that distinctive mug, and the current cocktail revival makes it a perfect time to look back at the genesis of it all.

In 1941, John Martin of Smirnoff Vodka met with Jack Morgan, the owner of The Cock ‘n Bull Pub in Santa Monica, California. Morgan also happened to have a stock of ginger beer, and the two men collaborated to spark sales of their respective products, which were both pretty unpopular at the time. They mixed the two, added a squirt of lime, and christened it the Moscow Mule. Throughout the rest of the decade, they launched a marketing campaign to create buzz about the drink, with Martin traveling around the country with an instant camera (a new invention at the time) to capture photos of bartenders holding mugs with the libation.

Tales of the Cocktail named 2016 “The Year of the Mule,” and featured the drink at its cocktail competition held during the yearly conference. At Tales, Smirnoff also hosted an immersive dinner to bring the story of the creation of the Moscow Mule to life. Held at the Little Gem Saloon in New Orleans – which for the evening became a pop up of the Cock ‘n Bull Pub – actors and actresses portrayed the key players, and the decor, music and ambiance transported everyone back to 1941. “By attending the dinner, guests had the chance to experience a small but vital piece of cocktail history,” says Jay Sethi, vice president of marketing for Smirnoff Vodka. “We hope our dinner was truly a highlight of Tales of the Cocktail, providing them a historical lens into the evolution of cocktail culture as they experienced modern cocktail culture in other Tales of the Cocktail events.”

Also at Tales was JJ Resnick, founder of the recently relaunched Moscow Copper Co., which crafts artisanal copper mugs inspired by the original. In 1941, immigrant Sophie Berezinski brought over with her 2,000 copper mugs from her father’s factory in Moscow. She had a hard time selling the mugs around her adopted home of Los Angeles, and headed one day to the Cock ‘n Bull. There she met Martin and Morgan, with whom she forged a partnership to promote the cocktail and the vessel in which it’s served. Today, Moscow Copper Co. uses Berezinski’s original molds to create full-sized and shot glass-sized recreations of the mugs.

And what about it? Does the mug really change the experience of drinking a Moscow Mule? Resnick answers with an unequivocal, resounding “yes.” “It is a scientific fact that a chemical reaction takes place when the vodka and ginger beer hit the surface of the copper, which magnifies the carbonation and showcases the clear spirit,” he explains. “The bright and shiny copper mugs set this cocktail aside from all the others served in high balls and martini glasses... You can taste the difference.”

Belvedere Vodka added a new varietal to its lineup of flavored vodkas: Peach Nectar. With notes of vanilla, ripe peach flesh and baked apricot, the 40 percent alcohol-by-volume vodka is a full-bodied spirit and the palate moves between peach and apricot with a hint of marzipan and freshly baked almond pastry, the company says. The spirit finishes with notes of ripe peaches, hints of almond and apricot, it adds. Available nationwide online at reservebar.com, Belvedere Peach Nectar is packaged in a 750-ml bottle and retails for $39.

Belvedere Vodka, New York
Telephone: 212/251-8200
Internet: www.belvederevodka.com
Distribution: Online

Bardstown, KY - Burnett’s Vodka is partnering with chart-topping band Panic! At The Disco for their 2016 summer tour. The brand will be the “Official Vodka” at 19 stops on the tour.
As the Official Vodka of the Panic! At The Disco summer tour, Burnett’s will partner on promoted behind-the-scenes videos, event signage, wrapped tour bus, signature tour cocktails and barware, all supported by social media throughout the tour. Burnett’s is also hosting a VIP experience for the Los Angeles, Calif. show on August 6 for one winner and three friends. The contest is live at www.morefuntour.com - fans can sign up now for a chance to meet the band.

Panic!’s fifth studio album, Death of a Bachelor, debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 upon its January 2016 release and is certified GOLD. The Frank Sinatra-inspired album has spawned Billboard Hot 100 hits “Victorious,” “Hallelujah,” and “Emperor’s New Clothes.”
“With big personality and eclectic style, the partnership between Panic! At the Disco, front man Brendon Urie and Burnett’s Vodka promises a more fun concert experience,” said Senior Brand Manager Reid Hafer. “We are excited to partner with Panic! At The Disco on the success of their new album and nationwide summer tour.”

Burnett’s Vodka is one of the top-selling vodkas in the nation and the 12th largest selling distilled spirits brand in the US. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has consistently won Beverage Information Group’s “Growth Brand” and Impact’s “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. In 2015, Burnett’s Vodka was named to Beverage Information Group’s inaugural “Growth Brands Hall of Fame.” The entire line includes the Classic Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation's largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world's second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett's Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

As a child, I spent many happy afternoons and evenings watching the Chicago White Sox play at “old” Comiskey Park at 35th and Shields. Typically, our family of six sat in the left-field bleachers, and I vividly remember cheering on Harold Baines, Ron Kittle and the other “good guys in black” while drinking a cold soda and munching on peanuts and hot dogs.

Although the White Sox now play at U.S. Cellular Field and the concessions, including beverages, have gotten more sophisticated, baseball remains an all-American pastime. To capture the affinity of baseball connoisseurs, more beverage companies are showcasing their alcohol and non-alcohol brands both inside and outside of baseball stadiums across the United States.

During a recent game, I noticed concession stands and vending carts selling beer, wine, Margaritas and other cocktails. This is in sharp contrast to 25 years ago when beer, soda and coffee typically were the only available options.

Some beverage brands also have teamed up with the MLB to offer limited-edition products. For example, Cline Family Cellars released a new San Francisco Giants Pinot Gris that features the team’s logo on its 750-ml bottle.

For the second year in a row, Kansas City, Mo.-based
360 Vodka released a limited-edition commemorative bottle in honor of the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals. It is the third MLB licensed vodka, the company says. The vodka also is available in signature cocktails at Kauffman Stadium and other local establishments.

Stoli® Vodka challenges social drinking stigmas in new #DrinkWhatYouWant summer campaign aimed to encourage men to be confident in what they drink

NEW YORK - In today's world, cocktail choice is often driven by superficial stigmas and stereotypes that personify one's manliness. This summer, Stoli is encouraging millennial men to #DrinkWhatYouWant. The Stoli #DrinkWhatYouWant campaign seeks to create a movement that celebrates men who challenge the status quo and are confident enough to drink what they want.

In support of the campaign, Stoli conducted a #DrinkWhatYouWant survey of 1,475 legal drinking age American consumers. According to the #DrinkWhatYouWant survey, 74 percent of millennial men claim to like flavored cocktails; however, 63 percent claim to avoid them in public due to fear of scrutiny amongst their peers. The survey findings also uncovered that:

"As a bartender for the past 20 years, I see guys come in my bar all the time who are locked in to order 'manly drinks' like bourbon and beer, but their eyes and hesitant actions clearly show that they really want something that is flavorful, delicious and refreshing," said Jeffrey Morgenthaler, award-winning mixologist and co-author of The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique. "If you're worried about whether your drink is masculine enough, you're being absolutely ridiculous. I always tell guys: there's no such thing as a manly cocktail – drink what you like – which is why this campaign is so intriguing to me."

Throughout the summer, Stoli will be encouraging millennial men across America to #DrinkWhatYouWant by celebrating individual authenticity and confidence through an integrated multimedia campaign that includes:

Svedka Vodka released its new limited-edition Stars & Stripes bottle. The limited-edition packaging is available in 1.5-liter bottles. The 40 percent alcohol-by-volume vodka is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $19.99. “We look forward every year to releasing a new Limited-Edition Party bottle for the summer season. This year’s limited-edition red, white and blue bottle of 80-proof vodka is a perfect compliment for summer entertaining, whether it be a BBQ, rooftop party or poolside bash,” said Vicky Arcos, brand director spirits at Constellation Brands US, in a statement.

“Pineapple is one of the fastest growing flavor segments within vodka, which made it a natural choice as the first ‘cooling’ flavored vodka for Fris.” said Jessica Hochberg, Brand Manager of Vodkas. “Consumers continue to look for new and exciting cocktail experiences and FrÏs has responded with the distinct and refreshing flavor of pineapple just in time for summer enjoyment.”

FrÏs Vodka is crafted at chilled temperatures to remove impurities for a crisp smooth vodka. The liquid is distilled four times and freeze filtered at subzero temperatures delivering a flawless, clean and soft finish. The launch of FrÏs Pineapple comes on the heels of the debut of the brand’s contemporary new packaging and updated liquid. FrÏs sleek, sophisticated new light blue bottle and frosted label combine to more clearly communicate the brand’s ice cold, freeze filtered positioning.

To raise awareness and drive sales of FrÏs Pineapple, 50ml hitchhiker bottles of FrÏs Pineapple will accompany 1.75ml bottles of FrÏs Original in select markets. Eye-catching, in-store POS materials, including case cards, one case bins and shelf talkers will be available to build awareness and drive trial of both FrÏs Original and FrÏs Pineapple in launch markets.

FrÏs Pineapple (30% abv) will be available in 750ml and 50ml bottles beginning May 2016. The 750ml will retail for a suggested price of $9.99.

Tiller Farms introduced its newest flavored vodka: Peach. The five-time distilled premium vodka contains real fruit and is 26 percent alcohol by volume. Like the other Tiller Farms vodka, the Peach variety is packaged in 750-ml re-sealable mason jar-style bottles. Available in select markets, a bottle retails between $25.49-$29.99.

Tiller Farms Holdings, Beach Park, Ill.
Telephone: 224/572-7814
Internet: www.tillerfarms.com
Distribution: Select markets
 

Biagio Cru & Estate Wines announced that it now imports Miodula Honey Vodka. Created from a 13th century recipe, the vodka is a blend of rich honeydew honey, vanilla, spring water and Polish vodka, the company says. Aged for 11 months in oak, the flavored vodka is packaged in a presidential bottle in honor of the Polish President, who offers the honey vodka as a diplomatic gift. Availableat various retailers nationwide, Miodula Honey Vodka retails for $24.99.

Biagio Cru & Estate Wines, New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Telephone: 516/299-4344
Internet: www.biagiocru.com
Distribution: National
 

Wynn Imports Inc. released Empire Spirits 1972 – Private Club Vodka. Private Club Vodka is four-times distilled from premium, 100 percent American corn, and offers a bold, smooth taste, it adds. The premium vodka is packaged in a 1-liter bottle the retails between $18.99-19.99 nationwide.

Empire Spirits 1972 – Private Club Vodka
Wynn Imports Inc., New York
Telephone: 646/912-1620
Internet: www.privateclubvodka.com
Distribution: National
 

Skyy Vodka, a brand of Campari America, announced two new flavors joining its Infusions line this spring: Honeycrisp Apple and Tropical Mango. Skyy used Honeycrisp apples to create a vodka with a crisp and balanced sweet-tart flavor, it says. Skyy Infusions Tropical Mango offers sweet, ripe and tropical fruit aromas, and distinctive mango taste for a long, smooth finish, it adds. Skyy Infusions Honeycrisp Apple and Tropical Mango are both 35 percent alcohol by volume, and are packaged in 50- and 750-ml bottles retailing for $1.99 and $13.99, respectively, as well as 1- and 1.75-liter bottles that retail for$16.99 and $19.99, respectively.

Skyy Honeycrisp Apple and Tropical Mango
Campari America, San Francisco
Telephone: 415/315-8000
Internet: www.skyy.com
Distribution: National