News Briefs for February 14, 2024

•Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is extending The Calling with a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from Paso’s Estrella District, the newcomer retails at $30 and spent 18 months in 100% French oak. It joins a variety of other Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Sauvignons in the portfolio of The Calling, which was founded by Deutsch Family CEO Peter Deutsch and broadcaster Jim Nantz, with the wines made by James MacPhail.

•E&J Gallo is shortening its name to simply ‘Gallo.’ “Gallo is a household name among consumers, and it’s how our distributors and customer partners know us,” said CMO Stephanie Gallo. “Our name has always been synonymous with wine, so this change simply opens the door for more people to appreciate that we are a leader in all categories of alcohol beverage.” While Gallo is the top wine marketer both in the U.S. and globally with worldwide volume of approximately 105 million cases, according to Impact Databank, it also now owns the largest spirits brand in the U.S., High Noon Sun Sips spirits-based hard seltzer.

•Blended Scotch whisky player Compass Box has named Jeff Popkin as president, Americas, overseeing the U.S., Canada, and Latin American markets. Based in Pompano Beach, FL, Popkin joins Compass Box from Stoli Group where he was vice president of sales. The industry veteran’s career also includes time as SVP of sales for Taub Family Selections/Pasternak, director of sales with Red Bull, as well as sales positions with Southern Glazer’s.

•Lobos 1707 Tequila and mezcal has launched “Best in Class,” a new ad campaign featuring an array of famous faces and investors, including brand backer LeBron James. The content will air on social and streaming platforms and features celebrities and Lobos investors and partners Issa Rae, Lindsey Vonn, and Anthony Davis, among others, speaking about how they enjoy drinking and serving the spirits. Lobos’ portfolio covers five releases, including four Tequilas and a mezcal, with the brand showcasing the effects of PX Sherry cask-finishing on agave spirits. Other notable investors in the brand include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Drake, and Paris Hilton, among others.

•Northern Ireland-based distillery Killowen is debuting several new whiskies in the U.S. They include Coconut Rum & Raisin Inspired 5-Year-Old Single Malt ($80/375ml), Barántúil White Cognac Cask Single Pot Still ($115/375ml), Signature Rum & Raisin 5-Year-Old Single Malt ($77/375ml), and Pangur Irish Poitín ($40/700ml). Imported by High Road Spirits, Killowen is known for cask-finished whiskies.

Tagged : Compass Box, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, E&J Gallo, Killowen, Lobos 1707, The Calling

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