National

Inspired Innovation: As Consumers Again Embrace Premiums, Diageo Answers the Call With A New Wave of Luxury Goods

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

With consumers ready and willing to trade up again, Diageo has ramped up attention to the premium and super premium arenas, says Olivia McNeal, the company’s Vice President of Technical Innovation. “Diageo continues to be very focused on delivering premium brands to consumers,” she explains, adding that while the economy is far from perfect, “people ... read more>

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Wine Buzz: December 2011 Edition

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

WHERE THE TURF MEETS TERROIR Earlier this season, the New York Jets beat the San Diego Chargers, but whose wine rules? The J-E-T-S partnered with Napa Valley’s Marco DiGuilio, producing Jets Uncorked 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $27.99), 2010 Chardonnay ($19.99) and 2009 red blend ($19.99); distribution by Winebow ensures a full-out market blitz as well. ... read more>

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New Jersey Wine Sale Law Faces Uncertainty in Assembly

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Although the state Senate approved legislation that would open New Jersey to both in-state and out-of-state winemakers to direct shipments to consumers and open markets for their products, the Assembly needs to act within the next three weeks for the measure to go to the governor’s desk. And local Assemblyman Gary Chiusano said, “There’s probably ... read more>

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The Find: December 2011 Edition

Monday, December 19th, 2011

HENNESSY LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT The high-end spirits realm just got stretched in a brand-new direction. Hennessy Privilège NyX—the second in the brand’s “Privilège Collection”—sports a daring translucent platinum glass bottle with metallic purple trim inspired by a starry night. Logos etched in luminescent ink adorning the label, collar and cork are visible only ... read more>

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Season’s Menu: December 2011 Edition

Monday, December 19th, 2011

SOBIESKI SLEIGH 2 oz. Sobieski Vanilla Vodka½ oz. Irish cream liqueurSplash of pomegranate juice Serve over ice and garnish with a stick of cinnamon. STANDARD STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE-TINI 1½ oz. Russian Standard Vodka4-6 strawberries3 tsp. sugarJuice of half a limeCrushed ice Shake ingredients together well with ice and then strain into a martini glass. Garnish ... read more>

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Pernod Optimistic Over Year-End Sales in U.S.

Friday, December 16th, 2011

French spirits group Pernod Ricard is optimistic over sales prospects for the end of the year in the United States, a recovering market where it aims to take market share. The world’s second-biggest spirits group behind Britain’s Diageo may also further raise prices in some of its drink categories in the U.S. but has no ... read more>

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Bar Tools: The Bartender’s Best Friends Behind the Stick

Friday, December 9th, 2011

We asked the country’s busiest bartenders to give us their must-have bar tools—easy to use, sturdy enough to withstand the weekend slam, and functionally superior to the basics. Here are some of their favorite items so you can pour, measure, muddle, stir, shake, strain and squeeze with ease. click image to enlarge 1. Koriko ... read more>

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Volt: A Celebrity Bar

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Greg Voss, Frederick, MD Leave it to Top Chef to make charming Frederick, MD, a culinary hotspot. Volt, the restaurant from Season #6 finalist Bryan Voltaggio, has been known for its inventive modern American cuisine since it opened, but the popular TV show has certainly spiked interest among the daytripping foodie set. While Voltaggio’s cooking ... read more>

Tags: bar, culinary, gin, mixology, seasonal
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New Products & Promotions: December 2011 Edition

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

WARM UP WITH KAHLÚA CINNAMON SPICE A new offering from Kahlúa captures the American fondness for cinnamon—Kahlúa Cinnamon Spice is a variation on the classic taste fans of Kahlúa know and appreciate. This new portfolio addition is inspired by the traditional Mexican Café de Olla, which is a blend of coffee, cinnamon and brown ... read more>

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A Sparkling Trio: With New Year’s Coming Into View, It’s a Good Time to Focus on Cava, Prosecco and Champagne

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

It happens every year. Despite heroic efforts by sparkling wine marketers to promote their bubbly wares as year ‘round beverages, it is the jingle of sleigh bells that get Americans to pay attention, and far be it from the industry to ignore this habitual seasonal demand. Indeed, the holidays bring out the bubblies in force—at ... read more>

Tags: Cava, Champagne, prosecco
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