News Briefs for December 16, 2020

•Brown-Forman has appointed Pabst Brewing Company to supply, distribute, and sell Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails across the U.S. The long-term partnership, effective April 1, 2021, will give Pabst the exclusive sales and distribution rights to the current eight-flavor lineup of flavored malt beverages, plus any future Jack Daniel’s FMBs. Pabst will also take over the distribution and sales of Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails in domestic military markets. The deal excludes the current spirits-based RTDs marketed in 14 markets under the Jack Daniel’s brand. Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails were up 17% to 1.4 million (2.25-gallon) cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

•Sparkling wine producer Riondo has added a rosé Prosecco to its lineup. The inaugural vintage is a blend of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Noir that underwent a cold maceration followed by a primary fermentation at a controlled temperature and a secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Riondo Prosecco Rosé DOC will be available across the U.S. starting January 1, imported by Terlato. An Impact “Hot Brand,” Riondo was up 10% to 212,000 cases in the U.S. last year.

•Precept Wine has launched A.G. Perino Dry and Sweet Vermouths. Retailing at $10 a 750-ml., A.G. Perino is made by winemaker Hal Landvoigt and uses premium wines and natural flavors to produce vermouth in a classic Italian style. Both the sweet and dry varieties are recommended to be served on the rocks or in a variety of cocktails. The vermouth category was up 35% in dollar terms in Nielsen channels over the 26 weeks through November 28.

•Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company has announced three releases—including two new editions of its “Series” labels and the return of a previous collaboration. Bardstown’s Fusion Series 4 ($60 a 750-ml.) is a blend of 13-, 4-, and 3-year old whiskies bottled at 47.45% abv, and its Discovery Series 4 ($130) is a blend of 15-, 13-, and 10-year old whiskies bottled at 57.5% abv. The third release is the Phifer Pavitt Collaborative Series ($125), a 50% abv Tennessee Bourbon aged 10 years and finished 18 months in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. All three releases will be available across Bardstown’s distribution footprint.

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