cocktails

Koloa Rum and Las Vegas Raiders Partner to Launch Commemorative Bottle

January 12, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

KALAHEO, Kauai, Hawaii – In an extraordinary collaboration, Hawaii’s award-winning Koloa Rum Company has partnered with the Las Vegas Raiders in creating a limited-edition Kauai Reserve Five-Year Single-Barrel Aged Rum with commemorative bottle and box – honoring the 45th anniversary of the team’s historic first World Championship that resulted from a 32-14 win over Minnesota on January 9, 1977. Since 2021, Koloa Rum Company has been “The Official Ultra-Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders.”

On Saturday, Jan. 7, a presentation will be held at Allegiant Stadium during pre-game festivities as the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to take on Kansas City. The pre-game presentation will feature Christian Howard, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Las Vegas Raiders, alongside Bob Gunter, Koloa Rum Company president and CEO, and Frank Kibbish, regional sales manager of Koloa Rum Company. Together, they will unveil the official commemorative bottle to select Raiders Alumni who played in the championship game and to the thousands of fans in attendance.

Only 300 Single-Barrel bottles and boxes will be sold and are available exclusively in the state of Nevada. Members of the Raider Nation interested in toasting to the legacy of the Silver and Black can purchase the commemorative bottle and box for $159.99 at Lee’s Discount Liquor located at 4230 S. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89103 and several bars and restaurants such as Fuhu at Resorts World. A Commemorative Bottle Signing will take place on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 12-3 pm. at Lee’s Discount Liquor on Rainbow, featuring Raiders Alumni Mike Siani, Henry Lawrence, and Mike Rae.

“As the Official Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders, we’re honored to partner with this legendary organization in creating this special commemorative bottle, celebrating the 45th anniversary of their historic World Championship win,” said Bob Gunter, president and CEO of Koloa Rum Company. “This exciting collaboration marks our first commemorative product release – momentous for Koloa Rum Company – and we’re happy that we can bring The Spirit of Aloha to Raiders fans on the ninth island.”

“The Raiders thank the Koloa Rum Company for recognizing and honoring our first of three World Championship victories with this commemorative product release,” said Raiders President, Sandra Douglass Morgan. “We look forward to continuing to partner with Koloa to celebrate the rich history of the Silver and Black.”

The Kauai Reserve Single-Barrel Hawaiian Rum is artfully crafted in single batches and aged for five years. Koloa Rum is distilled from the finest Hawaiian cane sugar, then carefully aged in charred American white oak barrels at Koloa Rum Company’s distillery in Kalaheo on the island of Kauai. Bottled at cask strength, Koloa Rum Company ensures its Kauai Reserve Aged Rum is of the highest quality, distinctly different and uniquely Hawaiian.

About Koloa Rum Company
Established in 2009, Koloa Rum Company produces artisanal, single-batch Hawaiian rum and ready-to-drink cocktails at its distillery in Kalaheo, Kauai and operates the island’s first and only distilled spirits Tasting Room and Company Store. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes its premium Kauai White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut, Cacao and Coffee rums. Products are available for purchase online, at select retailers nationwide, and in Western Canada, Italy, Germany, Austria, France and Japan. For more information, visit https://koloarum.com

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Introduces Ready to Serve Cocktails: Bulleit Crafted Cocktails in Two Classic Recipes

March 8, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

NEW YORK – Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is proud to introduce a new premium line of whiskey-based ready-to-serve cocktails to its award-winning portfolio with Bulleit Crafted Cocktails. Bulleit Crafted Cocktails offer up timeless, perfectly crafted drinks, ready to pour straight from the bottle with the Bulleit Manhattan and Bulleit Old Fashioned.

With the help of some of the most celebrated and creative bartenders, Bulleit Crafted Cocktails were perfected through many rounds of refinement. The final product is an expression of collaboration that delivers a bar-quality cocktail experience, allowing everyone from cocktail enthusiasts and whiskey lovers to casual sippers to enjoy perfectly curated cocktails anywhere, no matter the occasion.

“It can take time to master a Manhattan or Old Fashioned,” said Adam Geissler, Bulleit Brand Ambassador. “Luckily bartenders are masters of their craft and have been skillfully making these cocktails with our whiskeys for years, so it was only right we had them help us create these products to help put bartender quality cocktails in the hands of people (21+) to enjoy without the time or fuss of cocktail preparation.”

With the rise of at-home entertainment over the past few years, from impromptu dinner parties to small watch parties or those “just because” moments, Bulleit Crafted Cocktails allow both casual and experienced hosts to enjoy the company of friends while serving a premium cocktail experience.

“As a brand rooted in bartender culture, we collaborated with a number of leading bartenders to perfect and refine two timeless whiskey cocktails, the Old Fashioned and Manhattan,” said Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Whiskies, Diageo. “With Bulleit Crafted Cocktails, consumers can pour and serve bar quality, crafted cocktails wherever they are. Whilst nothing can replace the full experience of enjoying a drink made by your local bartender, Bulleit Crafted Cocktails are as close as you can get.”

A fresh take on a timeless classic, the Bulleit Old Fashioned Cocktail is a sweet blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, with the classic flavors of aromatic orange bitters and simple syrup, enhancing the hints of spice from the high-rye bourbon. The Bulleit Rye Manhattan was inspired by the simple belief that a spicier rye makes for a better Manhattan. The Straight Rye Whiskey packs a punch with subtle deep flavor, that’s balanced out by sweet vermouth and bitters which add a brilliant layer of complexity.

With these new offerings, Bulleit continues to deliver on its innovative spirit, providing whiskey fans and cocktail connoisseurs convenience without sacrificing quality. Taking inspiration from the brand’s iconic orange and green packaging, Bulleit Crafted Cocktails are encased in vibrant, design-forward bottles, complementing the bold and exciting flavors within.

While the liquid is already a bar quality serve thanks to our bartender collaborators, the crafting doesn’t have to stop with the pour. Bulleit encourages consumers (21+) to embrace their inner bartender by customizing their garnish choices. Whether you’re the lemon twist type or an exactly three cherries type, the possibilities are endless. Served neat, chilled or over ice – enjoy however you’d like.

To help launch Bulleit Crafted Cocktails, the brand is putting the ready to serve cocktails in the hands of those on the frontier by working with bartenders on a content series exploring unique ways to garnish, and by celebrating with cultural pioneers starting with those breaking the boundaries of film and television at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles.

Bulleit Crafted Cocktails are a permanent addition to the Bulleit portfolio and are available now nationwide. The Bulleit Manhattan and Bulleit Old Fashioned ready-to-serve cocktails are available in 375mL and 750mL bottles, contain 37.5% ABV and have a suggested retail price of $29.99 (750mL). To learn more about Bulleit Crafted Cocktails, visit https://www.bulleit.com/bulleitCraftedCocktails/.

No matter where or how you decide to enjoy Bulleit Crafted Cocktails, Bulleit reminds consumers 21+ to please remember to pour and serve responsibly.

ABOUT BULLEIT FRONTIER WHISKEY
Bulleit, founded in 1987, is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America. The brand attributes that growth to bartenders and cultural partners who have adopted it as their own. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy, yet distinctively smooth taste. The award-winning Kentucky whiskey most recently won a Double Gold medal for Bulleit 10 Year Old and Gold Medals for Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2017, Bulleit celebrated its 30th anniversary with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art distillery located in Shelbyville, KY. Constructed with a focus on sustainable practices including natural habitat protection, water conservation and local ingredient sourcing, BDC received the Highly Commended award for Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the 2020 Icons of Whisky Awards from Whisky Magazine. In 2019, a Visitor’s Centre at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville opened to share our modern, technological and sustainable approach to making great whiskey. In 2021, Diageo opened its first carbon neutral whiskey distillery in Lebanon, KY with Bulleit being the first and leading brand being produced at the site. supplementing existing production at the Bulleit Distilling Co. For more information, visit www.bulleit.com or follow @Bulleit on Instagram.

ABOUT DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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Hanalei Spirits Introduces New Variety Pack

September 7, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

This collection of Hanalei Spirits includes five unique handcrafted bottles including our premium Vodka, premium Rum and Dark Rum, Hanalei Spirits Sugarloaf Pineapple, and our delightful Lilikoicello. Taste the unique flavors of the Hawaiian Islands captured straight from our farm to bottle in these Kauai distilled spirits.

What’s inside:

(1) 50 ML Hanalei Spirits Vodka 40% ABV/80 Proof

(1) 50 ML Hanalei Spirits Rum 40% ABV/80 Proof

(1) 50 ML Dark Rum 40% ABV/80 Proof

(1) 50 ML Sugarloaf Pineapple Rum. 40% ABV/80 Proof

(1) 50 ML Lilikoicello 30% ABV/60 Proof

Our Hanalei Spirits Vodka is a smooth neutral spirit, made with sugar cane and the finest mineral-rich water in the world. Our Rum is a light bodied white rum made with sugar cane that allows the local delicate fruit juices to shine. Our pure tropical rain collects around Mount Waialeale at the center of our island. Being over 5 million years old and one of the wettest and most majestic places on earth, it offers the perfect base to our spirits. Our Dark Rum gets its deep rich color from its time spent in new charred white oak barrels where it picks up hints of vanilla and a subtle chocolate finish. The pineapple has long since been an iconic symbol of Hawai’i since the 1900s. The industry has changed on the island of Kaua’i from big industrial canneries to small certified organic farms specializing in White Sugarloaf Pineapple. The drive for higher quality, seasonally fresh local ingredients helps us to please your palate, crafting our Sugarloaf Pineapple Rum. Our Lilikoicello is crafted from Passion fruit or as we say here in Hawaii, liliko’i. It is widely considered one of the most delicious fruits in the world and has a tart, aromatic flavor. Each exotic liliko’i blossom is lovingly hand pollinated along the 15 ft sturdy wines. From the vine to the bottle, it is an owner’s favorite.

From our ‘ohana to yours, Enjoy!

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The Award-Winning Lost Explorer Mezcal Brand Expands Distribution Presence in U.S.

June 2, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

OAXACA, Mexico – The Lost Explorer Mezcal, an award-winning, sustainably crafted and Oaxacan-cultivated mezcal, announces expanded distribution across the U.S. by partnering with Infuse Spirits Group. Infuse has built a strong distribution network spanning 34 states for their unique single-bottle infused vodkas and unapologetically non-traditional Broken Barrel Whiskey brands. As a part of the agreement, Infuse Spirits Group will lead U.S. sales for The Lost Explorer Mezcal, making inroads in 12 markets by the end of 2021.

Seth Benhaim, founder of Infuse Spirits Group says, “Working with The Lost Explorer Mezcal will open many doors for all brands involved. The undeniable popularity of Mezcal and the unique profile, quality and packaging of The Lost Explorer are perfect compliments to the vodka and whiskey brands we currently sell. There are so many great synergies between our two teams.”

Launched at the end of 2020, The Lost Explorer Mezcal most recently received Double Gold (Salmiana), Gold (Espadin) and Silver (Tobala) recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most established and influential spirits competition in the world. The brand was also named Taste Master, the prestigious accolade of the best of the best across the tequila and mezcal category, in a competition hosted by The Spirits Business.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Infuse Sprits Group to bring The Lost Explorer Mezcal to even more consumers across the country,” said The Lost Explorer Mezcal CEO Tanya Clarke. “As a new brand entering the growing Mezcal market and gaining recognition quickly, this partnership puts our sustainably-crafted and Oaxacan made Mezcal on the fast track for growth.”

In addition to its direct-to-consumer platform, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is now listed with a variety of e-commerce partners including Caskers.com, ReserveBar and Mercado de Mezcal. The Lost Explorer Mezcal is also available in high-end retailers, restaurants and bar locations throughout California, including Gracias Madre, The Peninsula Hotel, Old Town Tequila and Beverly Hills Liquor & Wine.

The Mezcal is now available in Mexico, the UK and US, and was created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali as a premier, earth-centric spirit. For more information on The Lost Explorer Mezcal, visit www.thelostexplorermezcal.com or follow their journey on Instagram @thelostexplorermezcal.

ABOUT THE LOST EXPLORER MEZCAL
Handcrafted from 100% agave cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca, Mexico, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is co-founded by David de Rothschild and Thor Björgólfsson, and created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali. It is a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprise, while protecting the ancient artisanal craft, heritage, and biodiversity of Mexico. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, the three uniquely profiled varietals – Espadín, Tobalá, and Salmiana – invite people to celebrate the earth and live curiously, exploring the diversity and wonder of the sacred agave.

ABOUT INFUSE SPIRITS GROUP
Infuse Spirits Group [ISG] is based in Los Angeles, California but produces its one-of-a-kind vodkas in North Las Vegas, Nevada and its small batch craft whiskeys in Owensboro, Kentucky. ISG is unlike any other spirits company in the industry, focusing its attention on the diversification and process behind spirits, rather than just the provenance of spirits. In addition to the six current vodka expressions, its Broken Barrel whiskey brands each feature a unique Oak Bill™, which like the “mash bill” describes the barrel stave composition that finishes each whiskey batch. All Broken Barrel whiskeys are finished with various broken cask staves, steeped into the whiskey. ISG’s portfolio is made with passion and purpose and is currently sold in 34 states throughout the U.S. ISG’s brands have received over 70 awards in the past seven years including (3) Double Gold Medals & Best-of-Show at the San Francisco & New York World Spirits Competition.

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Vermont Producers WhistlePig Rye Whiskey And Runamok Maple Team Up To Launch Barrel-Aged Products For Retail Market

May 13, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Fairfax, Vermont – Two award-winning Vermont producers, Runamok Maple and WhistlePig, have joined forces to launch a pair of handcrafted barrel-aged products this spring: WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup and WhistlePig Barrel-Aged Maple Bitters. Beginning May 15, the maple syrup will be available for general distribution, as well as for purchase at runamokmaple.com and whistlepigwhiskey.com, while the bitters will be used exclusively by WhistlePig for promotional purposes.

“The only thing more fitting than pairing maple with whiskey is pairing the Runamok Maple brand with the WhistlePig brand,” said Curt Alpeter, President and Partner at Runamok Maple. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about this partnership, and we think these two products are going to be a big hit among foodies and cocktail drinkers alike. We’re excited about the prospect of expanding our brand into restaurants and hospitality while helping WhistlePig enter the retail grocery market.”

Runamok Maple has been barrel-aging its pure, organic Vermont maple syrup for several years, but the new partnership with WhistlePig will see the maple producer age its syrup in the same Vermont oak barrels that the distillery uses for its classic Rye Whiskey. The WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup features beautiful notes of toffee and rye spice, making it a classic sweetener for cocktails as well as the perfect topper for desserts and breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes.

The WhistlePig Barrel-Aged Maple Bitters are made with a base of WhistlePig’s 15-year-aged Estate Oak Rye and Runamok Maple’s organic maple syrup. A unique blend of herbs and spices gets added to the base to create a beautiful version of bitters that will elevate a wide variety of cocktails with just a few drops.

“The use of maple syrup in cocktails continues to grow at a strong pace, and we’ve been working to find a nationally recognized brand partner that was equally obsessive about the quality of its products and could supply countrywide.” said Jeff Kozak, CEO of WhistlePig Rye Whiskey. “We found both of those attributes in Runamok Maple, and we’re thrilled with the first two products that have been released as part of this partnership.”

WhistlePig is the top distiller in the ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskey category in North America. The brand is known as one of the true innovators in the emerging field of North American whiskey.

Based in Fairfax, Vermont, and owned by husband and wife team Eric and Laura Sorkin, Runamok Maple is known for its growing collection of pure, infused, barrel-aged, and smoked maple syrups. Earlier this year, the brand expanded their product line to include a new collection of maple-based cocktail syrups and bitters. Runamok Maple’s products are available in select specialty food shops and markets across all 50 states, as well as online at runamokmaple.com and amazon.com.

About Runamok Maple
Runamok Maple, a Vermont-based company owned by husband and wife team Eric and Laura Sorkin, produces organic maple syrup from its sugarbush located on the slopes of Mount Mansfield. Since 2016, Runamok Maple has been showcasing the versatility of maple with its unique line of pure, barrel-aged, smoked, and infused maple syrups – and most recently its collection of maple cocktail syrups and cocktail bitters. With over 1,000 acres of land in northern Vermont, the team at Runamok Maple manages 100,000 taps and works with over a dozen local maple producers to bring their pure maple syrup to consumers near and far. Boasting over a dozen varieties, including flavors like Bourbon Barrel-Aged, Smoked with Pecan Wood, and Cinnamon + Vanilla Infused, Runamok Maple is available for purchase on runamokmaple.com as well as in select specialty food shops across the U.S. and Amazon.com.

About WhistlePig Rye Whiskey
Founded in 2007, WhistlePig has become the #1 distiller in the ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskey category in North America, featuring the bold and often untapped flavor of Rye. WhistlePig is leading a surge of innovation in the emerging field of North American whiskey. As the most decorated Rye whiskey – having received the coveted ‘Best in Show Whiskey’ title from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, WhistlePig is widely viewed as the world’s finest Rye. With the opening of its distillery on its 500-acre Vermont farm in the fall of 2015, WhistlePig has also become one of the leading farm-to-bottle Rye whiskeys in the world.

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Set Your Out-Of-Office and “Cut Out” This Summer With Cutwater Spirits & Cameo

May 7, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

SAN DIEGO, California – Award-winning San Diego-based distillery Cutwater Spirits launches its “Cut Out With Cameo” campaign featuring everyone’s favorite group of office-mates: Brian Baumgartner, Oscar Nuñez, Leslie David Baker and Melora Hardin. Through a partnership with direct-to-fan celebrity app Cameo, Cutwater is officially kicking off summer (aka “Tequila Season”) by encouraging everyone to set those out-of-offices and reunite with loved ones by “Cutting Out” with a Margarita in hand. To launch the campaign, Cutwater, Cameo and the former castmates released a video on Instagram.

This summer, 100 winners will receive a #CutOut message from one of the sitcom stars to invite friends and family to reconnect over a Cutwater Margarita when it’s safe to do so. One lucky grand prize winner will also win $5,000 toward a post-pandemic reunion trip. To enter, tell us who you’d like to invite to “Cut Out” this summer for a chance to win a personalized Cameo from one of the four sitcom stars. Entries are open starting today and will close on Memorial Day (May 31st). Participants are encouraged to share their reunions by tagging @CutwaterSpirits and #CutOutWithCutwater. The campaign is part of Cutwater’s “Tequila Season” initiative and features the brand’s popular margarita RTDs.

“Tequila Season” is a summer promotion which is all about enjoying yourself and taking a moment to “Cut Out” from the daily routine – preferably with friends and a great Cutwater tequila-based RTD in hand. Building on its best-selling canned classic margarita, Cutwater Spirits just introduced three new margarita options made with real tequila: Mango, Strawberry, and Peach. Another new release that’s perfect for hot summer days is Cutwater’s Frozen Margarita Pops, available in a mixed 12-pack with Lime, Strawberry, Mango and Pineapple flavors.

“Cut Out With Cameo” is an extension of the brand’s larger “Cut Out With Cutwater” campaign, which launched in February via a regional TV commercial and digital series starring actress Emily Hampshire. The campaign continued in April supported by a partnership with San Diego Padres player Wil Myers and a sweepstakes for MLB fans.

*CUT OUT WITH CUTWATER X CAMEO SWEEPSTAKES. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins 12:00pm EST on 5/6/21 & ends at 11:59 EST on 5/31/21. See Official Rules at on.cameo.com/cutwater for prizes & details. Msg & data rates may apply. Void where prohibited.

About Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Spirits, the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S., is a San Diego-based distillery known for its award-winning lineup of over 20 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of bottled spirits that span nearly every spirits category including tequila, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and liqueur. Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney began distilling as a side project under Ballast Point Brewing. He started canning cocktails because he wanted to make drinks he could enjoy while doing the things he likes to do (mostly fishing and hiking). In 2017, Cutwater Spirits was established as a separate entity from the brewery and now operates from a 50,000 square foot distillery and production facility, which includes a world-class tasting room and restaurant. To date, Cutwater has earned over 1,000 awards across its portfolio of products and is distributed in 45 states.

About Cameo
Cameo is the leading marketplace connecting fans directly with tens of thousands of pop culture personalities in the form of customized video messages, live video calls and direct messages. Founded in March 2017 by Steven Galanis, Devon Townsend, and Martin Blencowe, Cameo’s mission is to create the most personalized and authentic fan connections on earth.

In just over four years, Cameo has fulfilled more than 2 million magical moments ranging from birthday and good luck messages to prom invitations, marriage proposals and direct fan interactions. In 2020 alone, the company fulfilled more Cameos than throughout its 4-year history, with Cameos delivered on every continent in the world.

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Dogfish Head Distilling Launches Ready-to-Drink Canned Cocktails

February 24, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Milton, Delaware – One of America’s earliest craft distilleries, Dogfish Head Distilling Co. announces the coast-to-coast* launch of its scratch-made, ready-to-drink Canned Cocktails. The distillery’s lineup of Canned Cocktails includes three off-centered recipes –Blueberry Shrub Vodka Soda, Strawberry & Honeyberry Vodka Lemonade and Cherry Bergamot Whiskey Sour. Each recipe was crafted using Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s house-made spirits combined with all-natural, high-quality culinary ingredients to create a liquid masterpiece that tastes as if it was poured straight from a bartender’s shaker tin. Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s scratch-made Canned Cocktails begin hitting shelves in 4pk/355ml slim cans this week.

“A lot of folks don’t realize it, but Dogfish Head has been distilling spirits for about two decades, and we actually released our first ready-to-drink bottled cocktail back in 2017,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer. “Just like our award-winning spirits, our Canned Cocktails were born from blissfully inefficient recipes, the overactive imaginations of our uber talented co-workers, and a distinct distilling process centered around innovation and boundless creativity. While our spirits have been available to those throughout the Mid-Atlantic for some time, our Canned Cocktails are the first opportunity for off-centered people nationwide to drink in and explore the goodness that isDogfish Head Distilling Co.”

Each of Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s scratch-made Canned Cocktails was artfully crafted and thoughtfully blended for maximum goodness. These flavor-forward, culinary-inspired recipes, compounded by each drink’s unique back story, provide strong points of differentiation in the exploding Canned Cocktail category, which is trending up +46%**.

Blueberry Shrub Vodka Soda (7.0% ABV) – Inspired by the James Beard Award-nominated bar program at Dogfish Head’s geographically-enamored seafood restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine, in Rehoboth, Delaware, this scratch-made Canned Cocktail begins with Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s vodka distilled with blueberries. It is then macerated with lightly sweetened balsamic and red wine vinegar to create a blueberry shrub vodka and is blended with soda water. The ensuing deep, burgundy-colored libation is juicy and subtly sweet from the blueberries, with a slightly sour and complex fruity character from the vinegar. *L.A. Spirits Awards “Best-In-Show” winner in the ready-to-drink category.*

Strawberry & Honeyberry Vodka Lemonade (7.0% ABV) – Inspired by Sam’s visits to his friend’s honeyberry farm in coastal Maine, this scratch-made Canned Cocktail features Dogfish Head Distilling Co. vodka distilled with honeyberries, macerated with strawberries and blended with a house-made lemonade. Light coral in color with a fresh-squeezed lemonade haze, it exudes the well-balanced tartness of fresh-squeezed lemon combined with a sweet berry taste.

Cherry Bergamot Whiskey Sour (7.0% ABV) – Developed to accentuate the nuances of Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s malt whiskey, this ready-to-drink Canned Cocktail takes whiskey distilled with tart cherries and highly-fragrant, citrusy bergamot oranges, and blends it with a house-made sour mix. Light amber in color, it is chock full of oak and vanilla whiskey flavors balanced by notes of citrus and dark cherries with a hint of honey, lemon and bergamot.“Dogfish Head Distilling Co. has always been focused on building our recipes around enticing combinations of natural culinary ingredients in their rawest forms; never adding flavorings or bringing in bulk-spirits for re-distillation,” said James Montero, Dogfish Head’s Innovation Manager for Beyond Beer. “This commitment has allowed us to produce a wide array of award-winning vodkas, gins, rums, whiskeys and more, and has helped us build a loyal cadre of spirits drinkers. I’m proud to share that that same level of rigorous care was used when creating the recipes for our ready-to-drink Canned Cocktails.”

With quality and authenticity at the core of its DNA, Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spent hundreds of hours honing its Canned Cocktail recipes, using a number of stringent R&D processes to inform its quest for excellence. From conducting quality control analyses and tasting panels to garnering feedback from guests at Dogfish Head’s coastal Delaware restaurants and taproom, the development of these Canned Cocktails was recognized and rewarded in late 2020. “We knew we weren’t going to officially release these tasty cocktails until early 2021, but we just couldn’t contain our excitement any longer,” said Sam. “So, we submitted a preliminary sample of our Blueberry Shrub Vodka Soda to the L.A. Spirits Awards and it ended up winning “Best-In-Show” in the ready-to-drink category. What an awesome way to kick-off the New Year and celebrate the soon-to-be launch of our latest endeavor!”

For more about Dogfish Head Distilling Co. and its NEW lineup of scratch-made, ready-to-drinkCanned Cocktails, please visit www.dogfish.com/distillery.

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery:
Dogfish Head has proudly focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened as the smallest American craft brewery nearly 25 years ago.Dogfish Head has grown into a top-20 craft brewery and won numerous awards throughout the years, includingWine Enthusiast’s 2015 Brewery of the Year and the James Beard Foundation Award for 2017 Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. A Delaware-based brand with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery, Chesapeake & Maine, a geographically-enamored seafood restaurant, Dogfish Inn, a beer-themed inn on the harbor, and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring theTasting Room & Kitchen and Dogfish Head Distilling Co., Dogfish Head is a supporter of the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, the definitive icon for American craft breweries to identify themselves to be independently-owned and carry the torch of transparency, brewing innovation and the freedom of choice originally forged by brewing community pioneers. Dogfish Head currently sells beer in all 50 states and Washington D.C. For more information, visit www.dogfish.com.

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MGP Announces Plans to Expand Distribution for Green Hat Gin

February 17, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Washington D.C. – MGP has announced plans to roll-out Green Hat Gin to their current distribution partners in the first half of 2021. This gin is Washington, D.C.’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition. Crafted with a unique blend of botanicals in copper pot stills, Green Hat is offered in four styles: Green Hat Original Batch Gin, Green Hat Navy Strength Gin, Green Hat Citrus Floral Gin and Summer Cup Cordial.

Green Hat Gins are the latest addition to the portfolio of award-winning brands at MGP, and their first proprietary gin brand. MGP acquired New Columbia Distillers in March 2020, encompassing the Green Hat distillery, retail tasting room, bar and gin garden, all located in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

“This will be a very exciting season for our team as we build the Green Hat brand and grow our distribution footprint,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP. “We are receiving outstanding feedback from our trade partners about the quality of Green Hat and look forward to sharing our brand story with gin lovers across the country.”

Green Hat Original Batch Gin is the inaugural recipe, made for those that appreciate a juniper-forward blend balanced with original botanicals. This super-premium gin contains classic aromas of juniper, citrus and herbs that linger on the palate with anise notes and a crisp finish. Green Hat offers three additional expressions: a higher-proof Navy Strength Gin with notes of candied lemon, grapefruit, lavender and clover; Citrus Floral Gin, a bright lemon, orange, and cherry blossom style; and Summer Cup Cordial, a fruit and herb cordial with cheerful bursts of citrus, rosehips, cucumber, black tea, verbena and lavender.

This gin is inspired by George Cassiday, the infamous “Man in the Green Hat.” Instantly recognizable in his green felt fedora, Cassiday was a mysterious bootlegger who kept Congress well-stocked during Prohibition from his private offices in the House and Senate. Legend has it that he recorded more than 25 deliveries per day in his Black Book over the course of a decade, making him very popular indeed on both sides of the Hill. Cassiday is credited with helping to bring Prohibition to an end with a series of scathing front-page articles, even at the demise of his own good fortune. A man of his word, he destroyed the Black Book on the eve of Repeal and has been synonymous with the D.C. spirits scene ever since.

Green Hat Original Batch Gin retails for a suggested $29.99 per 750-ml bottle (83 proof/41.5% ABV). Green Hat Navy Strength Gin retails for a suggested $32.99 per 750-ml bottle (114.2 proof/57.1% ABV). Green Hat Citrus Floral Gin retails for a suggested $29.99 per 750-ml bottle (90 proof/45% ABV). Green Hat Summer Cup Cordial retails for a suggested $29.99 per 750-ml bottle (66 proof/33% ABV). Green Hat is currently available in Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. and will be rolling out to other MGP markets through the first half of 2021.

About Green Hat Gin
Green Hat Distillery (1832 Fenwick St. NE) was founded in 2011 in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Housed in an historic warehouse, Green Hat was the first distillery licensed in D.C. after Prohibition, and offers on-site production as well as a tasting room, bar and gin garden. A premium distilled gin crafted with a unique blend of botanicals, Green Hat is available in Original Batch Gin (SRP: $29.99/750-ml), Navy Strength Gin (SRP: $32.99/750-ml), Citrus Floral Gin (SRP: $29.99/750-ml) and Summer Cup Cordial (SRP: $29.99/750-ml). This gin is inspired by George Cassiday, the infamous “Man in the Green Hat.” Known for his green felt fedora, the mysterious bootlegger operated out of offices in the House and Senate buildings to supply congressmen throughout Prohibition. Green Hat was named “#5 Best U.S. Craft Gin Distillery” by USA Today. Connect with us – Click Here. Enjoy Yours Responsibly.

About MGP
Founded in 1941, MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science backed by a long history of experience. The company’s proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high-quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled in Washington, D.C., and distilled and matured at the company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

MGP Brands proprietary spirits include: TILL American Wheat Vodka, George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Remus Repeal Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey, Rossville Union Barrel Proof Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey, Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey, Tanner’s Creek Blended Bourbon Whiskey and Green Hat Gin. All brands are wholly-owned by MGP Ingredients, a leading distiller with operations in Atchison, Kansas, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and Washington, D.C.

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Cutwater Spirits Unveils “Cut Out” Campaign Ads During The Big Game Plus Social Media Series Starring Emily Hampshire

January 29, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Cut Out with Cutwater Spirits (PRNewsfoto/Cutwater Spirits)

This week, Cutwater Spirits, the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S., releases its “Cut Out With Cutwater” ad campaign with a TV commercial airing on game day, digital takeovers, and a social media series featuring actress Emily Hampshire, renowned for her role as Stevie Budd on Schitt’s Creek and “longtime Cut Out enthusiast.”

Approachable with a distinctly SoCal aesthetic, the campaign is all about cutting away from the daily routine and draws from the core values that have inspired Cutwater since the brand’s very beginning. As a former brewer familiar with the canned format, Cutwater Spirits’ Co-Founder and Master Distiller, Yuseff Cherney came up with the idea to take his award-winning spirits and create high-quality canned cocktails so they could be enjoyed anywhere. He and Co-Founder Earl Kight have since pioneered the category by breaking from convention and carving out their own path to bring this unique vision to life. The Cut Out campaign serves as a nod to Yuseff and Earl’s tenacity, adventurous spirit, and love for spending time outdoors. A manifesto reminding consumers to embrace the simple idea of taking a moment to unplug; and that with Cutwater, enjoying a great tasting cocktail is as easy as cracking open a can.

“Cutwater Spirits started as a passion project. We began canning cocktails so that people could enjoy a high-quality mixed drink with ease and convenience. From there, the idea took off,” says Cherney. “Since the beginning, we’ve focused on one thing – creating great tasting cocktails for any occasion – whether that’s fishing on the Pacific or relaxing in your own backyard.”

The new 30-second “Cut Out” spot is Cutwater’s first-ever ad to run during the biggest football game of the year, and is now airing on TV channels including ESPN and CBS Sports, as well as social media. On Sunday February 7th, the ad will air in key regional markets on the west coast including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Seattle. There will be an accompanying national rollout on YouTube the following day (2/8).

Cutwater is also partnering with actress and comedian Emily Hampshire of Schitt’s Creek, a self-proclaimed “longtime cut out enthusiast” in a lighthearted social media campaign which kicks off on Instagram and Twitter today. While the TV commercial comes to life with lively outdoor “Cut Out” occasions, Emily will highlight her own hilarious at-home interpretations of the theme.

“Many of us no longer have that physical divide between home life and work life, so it’s hard to feel entitled to cut out… let alone know how to do it!” shares Hampshire. “As a long-time cut out enthusiast, I’m here to educate and inspire. Cutting out is not self-care. It’s caring enough about yourself to not feel guilty about all the selfcare exercise and meditating you’re not doing. Cutting out is selfcare without all those hashtag goals. Listen, most of the time, I don’t even know what day it is. But I’m okay with that, because cutting out doesn’t judge you for mixing weekends with weekdays. Cutting out is living in the moment, like watching other people hike while cracking open a canned White Russian that tastes like dessert. You’re welcome.”

As part of the series, Emily will announce Cutwater’s Ultimate Backyard Sweepstakes with prizes to help winners “Cut Out” from the daily grind. The winning packages include a glamping Yurt (16′), premium fire pit, cabana chairs, Cutwater cooler filled with a supply of Cutwater Spirits’ award-winning canned cocktails and more. To enter, consumers can interact with the brand via Twitter and/or Instagram during the big game, following, liking and tagging @CutwaterSpirits, and using #CutOutWithCutwater and #sweepstakes*.

The Cut Out campaign will run as Cutwater Spirits continues to innovate in 2021, offering new forms and flavors for enjoying an excellent cocktail anywhere. New releases include the expansion of tequila-based ready-to-drink offerings with a new fruit-forward margarita lineup and a series of frozen tequila pops. Follow @CutwaterSpirits to stay up to date!

*ULTIMATE BACKYARD SWEEPSTAKES. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins 8:00 am PST on 1/28/21 & ends at 7:30 p.m. PST on 2/7/21. See Official Rules at www.cutwaterspirits.com/ultimate-backyard-sweepstakes-official-rules for prizes & details. Msg & data rates may apply. Void where prohibited.

About Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Spirits, the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S., is a San Diego-based distillery known for its award-winning lineup of 20 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of bottled spirits that span nearly every spirits category including tequila, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and liqueur. Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney began distilling as a side project under Ballast Point Brewing. He started canning cocktails because he wanted to make drinks he could enjoy while doing the things he likes to do (mostly fishing and hiking). In 2017, Cutwater Spirits was established as a separate entity from the brewery and now operates from a 50,000 square foot distillery and production facility, which includes a world-class tasting room and restaurant. To date, Cutwater has earned over 1,000 awards across its portfolio of products and is distributed in 45 states. Learn more at www.cutwaterspirits.com.

About Anheuser-Busch
For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has been woven into the cultural fabric of the United States, carrying on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate 23 breweries, 14 distributorships and 23 agricultural and packaging facilities, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America’s most recognizable beer brands, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois, as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry- leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.Anehuser-Busch.com.

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Ole Smoky Introduces Moonshine-Based Canned Cocktails

July 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Nashville, Tennessee – Old Smoky Distillery, the most visited distillery in the world and #1 moonshine brand in the U.S., is introducing its newest line of products – refreshing, delicious and convenient canned cocktails you can enjoy at home, on the beach or lake, or hanging out with friends.

The ready-to-drink cocktails are “made with a kick,” featuring Ole Smoky’s famous moonshine. Four tasty flavors Apple Pie Ginger, Blackberry Lemonade, Mountain ‘Rita, and Mountain Mule are rolling out across Tennessee at liquor stores, local marinas, and at Ole Smoky’s Nashville Distillery, 6th & Peabody at 423 6th Ave South. All flavors are packaged in 12oz cans and sold in packs of four.

“We are thrilled to release these new moonshine canned cocktails in Tennessee. As the #1 moonshine brand in the country, we continue to create high quality, great tasting, craft spirits,” said Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “Our new Ole Smoky Canned Cocktails are made with our authentic Tennessee moonshine, allowing customers to indulge in high quality cocktail experiences while enjoying the convenience of a can.”

Ole Smoky Cocktails flavors contain 9% alcohol by volume and were created based on the best-selling Ole Smoky cocktails served at Ole Smoky’s Nashville distillery, 6th & Peabody, and in bars and restaurants where Ole Smoky is served. Flavors include:

Apple Pie Ginger
Spice up your evening with a little all-American goodness. Our Apple Pie Ginger combines the taste of baked apple pie with zesty ginger and results in a spicy, fruity cocktail that’s ready to go! No mixing required.

Blackberry Lemonade
Summer may have been invented for Blackberry Lemonade cocktails, and ours is easier than ever to enjoy. Pop the top on our Blackberry Lemonade and enjoy juicy, dark berry flavors mixed with a ripe, citrus finish that has a kick.

Mountain ‘Rita
Our Mountain ‘Rita is made with authentic Tennessee moonshine. Upon first sip, you will taste the fresh, citrusy flavors mixed in with all the salty, tart magic of a great margarita. Bring on the sunset!

Mountain Mule
Nothing kicks up a cookout or day on the water like our Mountain Mule. Easy to pour, hard to put down, enjoy the freshness of citrus with a spicy kick of ginger heat. All the great taste of a mule, all in one place.

For more information, please visit olesmoky.com and follow Ole Smoky on social media @olesmoky.

About Ole Smoky® Distillery
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky’s roots can be traced to the Smoky Mountains’ earliest settlers, families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit.

Ole Smoky distilleries are the most visited in the world. In 2019 alone, more than 4.5 million people visited Ole Smoky’s four famed Tennessee distilleries: The Holler, The Barrelhouse, The Barn and 6th & Peabody in Nashville.

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