News Briefs for June 1, 2023

•California vintner and entrepreneur Bill Foley has now added distilling to his long list of business interests, as last week came news of his deal to acquire the shuttered Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Minden, Nevada. The property had been on the market since March of last year. Whisky Advocate takes a look at Foley’s move into spirits.

•Woodford Reserve released its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression Woodford Reserve Batch Proof. Part of Woodford’s Master’s Collection series, Batch Proof is bottled at 62.4% abv is available now in select U.S. and global markets for $130 a 750-ml., as well as in limited quantities at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. An Impact “Hot Brand,” Woodford Reserve grew 14% to just under 1.3 million cases in the U.S. last year.

•Crown Royal has announced a new partnership with musician Solange Knowles to launch the Canadian whisky’s latest limited time offering: Crown Royal Golden Apple Aged 23 Years. The 40% abv whisky blends Crown’s whiskies with golden delicious apple flavor and is packaged in a bespoke bottle with a suede-finished bag and collector’s box. Crown Royal Golden Apple Aged 23 Years will be available in limited quantities for a suggested price of $250 a 750-ml.

•Scotch whisky player Compass Box has appointed Judd Zusel to the new role of president, Americas, overseeing the U.S., Canada, and Latin American markets. Previously, as vice president and general manager for Incubation Brands for Bacardi in the Americas, Zusel led growth on brands such as Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Aberfeldy Single Malt, and Teeling Irish Whisky. He also held the role of vice president for Innovation and Marketing at Rémy Cointreau U.S., and additionally spent 10 years with Diageo.

Tagged : Brown-Forman, Compass Box, Crown Royal, Diagoe, Woodford Reserve

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