Here's a round-up of news, promotions, and recent product releases around the bar and restaurant industry.
Five Nine Whiskey Announces Nationwide Expansion
Five Nine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the “Tools-Down Whiskey” by the Troll Co. lifestyle brand, is proud to announce a nationwide expansion in 2023. Five Nine launched in 2022 and is a high-rye whiskey made with 70% locally-grown Kentucky corn. Five Nine is named to honor creators, builders, fixers, and doers who don’t necessarily have a traditional nine-to-five workday, those who measure time by the grit on their hands, not the hands of the clock. It was created to celebrate small wins after a long day on a job, known as “Tools-Down” time.
The Return of Rampur Indian Single Malt Select Whiskey
Beginning this month, the restock of Rampur Indian Single Malt Select will take place in key cities across the U.S.
“This incarnation of Rampur Select embodies everything we loved about the original release, while succeeding in pushing the whisky beyond even our expectations,” remarked Sanjeev Banga, President of International Business at Radico Khaitan, Rampur’s parent company. “We at Radico Khaitan refer to this U.S.-only edition of Rampur Select as the Kohinoor of Single Malts, due to the brilliance and clarity of its flavor profile—rich, amber honey tones mingle with apples and apricots on the palate, all leading to a luxuriously long, delicately spiced finish.”
Rampur Select does not bear an age statement, but the location of maturation, in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, sees extreme shifts in temperature throughout the year, allowing the whisky a much deeper level of interaction with the wood than what one might see in more temperate climes. This provides an incredibly unique resting environment, essentially accelerating both the aging process and the rate of atmospheric loss, to almost three times what would be experienced in some more traditional whisky-producing regions of the world.
Woodford ReserveⓇ Extends Partnership with Churchill DownsⓇ
Woodford ReserveⓇ Kentucky Bourbon and Churchill DownsⓇ announced the renewal of their contract for five years, solidifying Woodford Reserve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky DerbyⓇ.
Woodford Reserve became the presenting sponsor of the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” in 2018, and has been the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” since 1999. The new agreement extends the partnership through 2027.
“We are proud to renew this partnership, as it unites together two of Kentucky's greatest attractions, bourbon and thoroughbreds,” said Lawson Whiting, President and CEO of Brown-Forman Corporation, owner of Woodford Reserve.
Blue Run Spirits Taps Black Bourbon Society Veteran to Develop and Lead Private Barrel Program
Blue Run Spirits announces Trey Wade has joined the whiskey company in the role of Chief Experience Curator for Blue Run’s soon-to-be-announced Private Barrel Program. Wade starts immediately, reporting to CEO and cofounder Mike Montgomery.
Wade, a well-known figure in the American whiskey industry, joins Blue Run having served as the Vice President of National Partnerships for the Black Bourbon Society for three years. An Executive Bourbon Steward, he has participated in more than 120 barrel selections and contributed to dozens of blending projects for well-known brands.
Wade will manage the curation of Blue Run’s first Private Barrel Program, developing an experience that is quintessentially Blue Run. The project will kick off in February, allowing select businesses, spirits societies and individuals to choose from a collection of carefully selected barrels, securing their own whiskey perfectly suited for them but with the distinct characteristics for which Blue Run is known.
John Cywinski Named CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts
Modern Restaurant Concepts, a leading fast casual restaurant platform comprising the QDOBA, Modern Market Eatery, and Lemonade brands, announced that veteran restaurant executive John Cywinski has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Prior to joining Modern Restaurant Concepts, Mr. Cywinski served as the President of Applebee’s Grill & Bar for six years, where he led a dramatic transformation and resurgence of the iconic $4.4B business. Before his role at Applebee’s, Mr. Cywinski also served as the President of KFC where he led the successful turnaround of the $4.5B U.S. business from 2010 to 2014 while at Yum! Brands.
The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley Introduces New Lime Zest
The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley introduces Lime Zest to complete its family of zests with Lemon Zest and Orange Zest. With the addition of Lime Zest, The Perfect Purée encompasses 41 products that help busy chefs maintain quality and consistency and save time in the kitchen. Their zests have crossed into the bar as well, adding a special zing to craft cocktails and zero-proof creations.
Lime Zest brings texture, mouthfeel and natural lime flavor from oil found in the rind to desserts, sauces and more. In cocktails, it lends more intense lime flavor than juice.
Diageo to acquire Don Papa Rum
Diageo announced it reached an agreement to acquire Don Papa Rum, a super-premium, dark rum from the Philippines. The upfront consideration is €260 million with a further potential consideration of up to €177.5 million through to 2028 subject to performance, reflecting the brand’s current growth potential.
The super-premium plus segment of the rum category is in the early stages of premiumisation, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% in Europe and 27% in the US between 2016-2021. Through the same period, Don Papa Rum consistently outperformed the market in Europe, delivering a 29% CAGR*.
John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe and India, commented, “We are excited by the opportunity to bring Don Papa into the Diageo portfolio to complement our existing rums. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to acquire high growth brands with attractive margins that support premiumisation, and enables us to participate in the fast growing super-premium plus segment.”
Empirical Announces U.S. Expansion
Empirical, a flavor company revolutionizing spirits with its free-form approach, announced its U.S. expansion with the opening of its first-ever distillery in North America. Located in North Bushwick, Brooklyn, the new distillery is slated to open mid-summer and also serves as Empirical’s new headquarters.
The 5,000-sq.-ft. distillery, located in North Bushwick, is a full production facility, encompassing fermentation and distillation operations, bottling and canning lines, an R&D center and a tasting room.
Distilled Spirits Council Announces New Senior Leadership Team
Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), announced the association’s new Senior Leadership Team:
- Courtney Armour, Chief Legal Officer, DISCUS & Responsibility.org
- Kendra Carroll, Chief People Officer, DISCUS & Responsibility.org
- Joe Donadoni, Chief Member Services & Business Development
- Sarah Fitzmaurice, Chief of Staff
- Lisa Hawkins, Chief Communications & Public Affairs
- Christine LoCascio, Chief, Policy & Strategy
- Denzel McGuire, Chief, Federal & State Government Relations
Joseph Cartron, Creator of Flavors Since 1882, Announces First International Cocktail Contest
Joseph Cartron, the established namesake liqueur house which quickly became famous for its Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne, is proud to announce its first international cocktail contest, “Unexpected Cartron Tour.” The contest, which kicked off January 15th, asks professional bartenders to utilize any of Cartron’s liqueurs, crèmes, eaux-de-vie, and vermouths, along with a “surprising element” in their cocktail. Finalists will be invited to present their drinks in front of an “unexpected” judging panel in Nuits-Saint-Georges in July 2023.
Between January 15th and March 6th, entries should be submitted via the registration form on unexpectedcartrontour.com. Winners will be announced and invited to attend the international final in France in mid-July 2023.
Delmonico’s, Closed Since the Start of the Pandemic in 2020, to Reopen
Beginning this month, the beloved NYC steakhouse will undergo an extensive redesign and renovation after closing its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
Under the direction of Dennis Turcinovic, owner and operator of Delmonico’s Restaurant Group, the restaurant’s new look will welcome diners to the Financial District with an experience-driven, modern design that pays homage to its 186-year legacy. Turcinovic has been involved with the renowned restaurant since 1999 and is an industry veteran with more than 25 years’ experience in hospitality.
European-based design house, WAVE Design Studios, will head Delmonico’s redesign under the close direction of CEO and principal designer, Sandro Užila. The restaurant will feature five private dining areas that can accommodate seating up to 500.
Santos Spirits Changes Distributors
Santo Spirits, which is owned by chef Guy Fieri and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar, announced a distributor shift for the Santo line of premium agave spirits. The brand will now be distributed by General Beverage in Wisconsin, which is replacing BreakThru Beverage. In addition, as part of its new national accounts on-premise push, Santo Spirits announced their tequilas (Blanco and Reposado) and unique Mezquila blend will now be available through Carnival Cruise Line, HMS Host, Mera Concessionaires Mexico and South America, and Florida’s popular regional chain Rocco’s Tacos.
Narragansett Beer Announces Milestone Year
Narragansett Beer, the iconic New England staple, pushed ahead in 2022 with innovative brews, a new brewery, and dedication to premium craft styles made with heritage and tradition in mind. Narragansett experienced record momentum throughout last year and is seeing a strong start to 2023, setting them up for continued growth.
In 2022, Narragansett pushed forward and returned to its pre-pandemic volume of over 100,000 barrels with a total depletion volume growth of 5%, driven across a wide geography and led by key markets of New York, Virginia, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Ohio, and ‘Gansett’s home market of Rhode Island. On-premise accounts led channel growth with a 23% increase, and draft lines surpassed pre-pandemic levels as a promising sign that neighbors across the country are all in on ‘Gansett.
Adding to its development, Narragansett also completed its first full year of operations at its 18,000 square foot waterfront brewery and taproom in Providence, Rhode Island, welcoming over 100,000 visitors. Head Brewer Lee Lord and the brew team also created over 30 innovative craft beers ranging from New England Double IPAs to lagers, porters, sours and more, inspiring guests to return to check out their latest brews or pick up new fan-favorites.
Plan to Attend or Participate in the Vibe Conference, Feb. 27 – March 1, 2023
To learn more about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the on-premise beverage community, plan to attend the Vibe Conference, Feb. 27 to March 1, 2023 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Visit VibeConference.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the Vibe Conference, contact:
Fadi Alsayegh Sales & Sponsorships Email: [email protected] Phone: 917-258-5174
Donna Bruns Sales & Sponsorships Email: [email protected] Phone: 936-522-6932
Charlie Forman Sales & Sponsorships Email: [email protected] Phone: 845-262-1041
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