News Briefs for July 18, 2013
July 18, 2013•ThaiBev’s International Beverage USA has launched a new rum range—BlackMask Spiced Pacific rum—in the U.S. market. Priced at $13.99 a 750-ml., BlackMask’s flagship entry is billed as an oak-aged premium rum blended with spices and natural flavors. Alongside the core spiced offering, the BlackMask lineup also includes Island Coconut, Tropical Chai and Black Premo extensions. The brand, which is initially rolling out in Southern California, will be available at select retail outlets, including Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Emilio’s Beverage Warehouse and Total Wine & More.
•Winery Exchange has entered into an exclusive, multi-year agreement with St. Helena, California-based JT Wines for sales and distribution of JT’s Flasq wines. Packaged in quick-chilling, 100% recyclable 375-ml. aluminum bottles, Flasq’s lineup includes Merlot and Chardonnay. They are currently available at Cost Plus World Market stores across the country, as well as at select Total Wine & More, Vino Volo and Whole Foods Markets locations, priced around $4.99-$6.99 a bottle.
•Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee has signed legislation to allow adult consumers to sample spirits at liquor stores in “controlled pre-planned tasting events.” The legislation, which went into effect immediately following governor Chafee’s July 16 signature, permits up to two 1/4-ounce samples of no more than two products at each event. Rhode Island is the 11th state since 2009 to legalize spirits tastings. In total, 38 states currently allow spirits tastings in the U.S. market.
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