New food and beverage product releases as well as restaurant/bar openings from around the industry.
Pernod Ricard Acquires Majority Stake in Skrewball
Pernod Ricard USA announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of a majority stake in Skrewball, the world’s first super-premium peanut butter flavored American whiskey. Founded in 2018, by Steven and Brittany Yeng, Skrewball was the first peanut butter-flavored whiskey that offers a smooth, nutty taste. The winning combination has since been established as a consumer favorite in the flavored whiskey category, with the brand surpassing the symbolic milestone of half a million nine-liter cases sold in 2022.
The partnership adds a complementary brand to Pernod Ricard’s comprehensive portfolio of iconic spirits and wine brands and a perfect opportunity to continue building on its longstanding consumer-centric and premiumization strategy.
Hendrick’s Gin Debuts Limited Edition Expression, FLORA ADORA
Hendrick’s Gin unveils FLORA ADORA, its newest limited release from Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Inspired by garden florals that entice precious pollinators, Hendrick’s FLORA ADORA is floral and refreshing.
Created at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace on the Ayrshire coast of Southwest Scotland, FLORA ADORA was inspired by the endless fascination Ms. Lesley Gracie has for butterflies, bees and other nectar-loving pollinators at play in her garden.
At the top, FLORA ADORA is budding with an enticing aroma of enchanting flowers and finishes with a fresh, herbal character. The juniper and coriander backbone is lengthened by lush green and wonderfully sweet floral characteristics.
Slutty Vegan Opens Second New York Location
Pinky Cole, the visionary, founder and CEO behind acclaimed burger joint Slutty Vegan, announced a second New York location for Slutty Vegan, which opened on March 7. Located at 300 West 135th Street, the restaurant serves a carry-out menu featuring creative takes on vegan burgers, sandwiches, and more made with plant-based meat and all donning racy names. The restaurant joins its New York sister location in Brooklyn.
Del Maguey has launched its newest expression, VIDA® Puebla
Del Maguey announces the launch of its newest expression, DEL MAGUEY VIDA® Puebla. This expression brings the heritage of DEL MAGUEY VIDA® Clásico, traditionally produced in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, to a new palenque located in Axocopan, Puebla.
Nuanced and artisanal, DEL MAGUEY VIDA® Puebla is an ideal introduction to the mezcal journey. It appeals in ease of drinking and its competitive price point, and it is savory and bright on the nose with notes of roasted agave softened by hints of citrus, white peach, and candied pine. As the palenque is located in Axocopan, DEL MAGUEY VIDA® Puebla is truly a taste of place, boasting a distinct minerality from the volcanic rock in the Puebla soil.
Monin Americas Releases New Spicy Agave Sweetener
Monin Americas announces the launch of its new Spicy Agave Sweetener, organic agave infused with a unique blend of Hatch and Guajillo chile peppers.
With consumers trending toward wellness, spice and elevated experiences, this exciting new product from Monin will help operators to differentiate their menu offerings, adding the perfect combination of sweet and spicy (swicy), with organic agave, to entice customers' taste buds and better-for-you preferences. Ideal for cocktails such as margaritas, mojitos, palomas and ranch waters, Monin Spicy Agave Sweetener is also a great addition to mocktails, lemonades, punch and iced teas.
Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon
Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon has officially debuted. The spirit evokes an inviting scent of toasted caramel and crème brûlée on the nose; elegant and exciting mix of heat and sweetness with ethereal notes of vanilla and toffee on the palate; and a sweet, gentle finish with delightful complexity, as well as browned butter and hints of banana. The bourbon is also a playful nod to culinary experimentation, the curiosity that drives chefs to bring flavors to life in new ways.
Rampur Distillery Unveils Sangam World Malt Whisky
Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies announces the release of their newest brand, Sangam World Malt Whisky, which combines Indian single malt with a diversity of the finest malt whiskies sourced from Europe and the New World. This eschews the usual practice of keeping products from far flung geographic whisky regions distinct. These meticulously selected world whiskies are carefully combined by Sangam’s Master Blender Anup Barik, to best showcase the unique and complex contributions of each locale. The name Sangam, derived from the Hindi word for "confluence," was chosen to evoke the image of two powerful rivers merging to form something greater than the sum of their parts.
On the nose, Sangam offers hints of soft fruit such as lychee, green apple, pear and apricot, followed by bright citrus notes and the floral tones of rose and heather. Aromas of honey, vanilla, and caramel toffee lead into a perfectly balanced palate. Delicate peat and saline characteristics are enrobed in a wine-like texture. The mild smoke gradually dissipates, revealing an interplay of baking spices, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long and satisfying.
Jennifer Lopez Launches Delola Spritzes & Cocktails
Jennifer Lopez is proud to announce the creation of THE HOUSE OF DELOLA LLC, a company she founded to launch unique, mixology-level ready-to-enjoy cocktails. Delola offers premium spirit-based, full-flavored, crafted cocktails that are made with natural botanicals, are gluten free and lower calorie than traditional cocktails, and are served in beautifully crafted glass bottles.
The first release, “Delola Spritz” is available in three original cocktails: Bella Berry Spritz made with berry, hibiscus and premium vodka; a full-bodied cocktail with notes of red berries, hibiscus and citrus. Paloma Rosa Spritz made with grapefruit, elderflower and premium tequila; an elevated Paloma with notes of ripe, luscious grapefruit, rich elderflower and a dash of salt. And L'Orange Spritz made with orange, passionfruit, and premium amaro.
Dad Water Coming This Summer
Fruit-infused vodka water Mom Water announced the upcoming launch of its newest offering, Dad Water. Hitting shelves this summer, Dad Water will be available in four, non-carbonated fruit-infused tequila water flavors. Dad Water features light and refreshing all-natural fruit flavors that pair well with tequila. Designed to drink like water, all Dad Water labels contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives and are naturally gluten-free. Each personality-driven can will be named after dads near and dear to the founder’s families. The brand ties together playful nostalgia with premium ingredients while paying tribute to dads everywhere.
Plan to Attend or Participate in the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-5174
Also, be sure to follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.