•Kendall-Jackson has partnered with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. The multi-year deal will see Kendall-Jackson become the namesake of the new Cellar 82 by Kendall-Jackson venue at The Kings’ Golden 1 Center. The name is a nod to Kendall-Jackson’s founding year of 1982. The brand’s wines will be featured in branded bar carts throughout the arena and will also gain exposure through exclusive in-game wine experiences, VIP events, and promotions. With annual volume of 3 million cases, according to Impact Databank, Kendall-Jackson ranks as the fifth-largest table wine by retail value in the U.S. market’s above-$10 segment at over $500 million.

•A new report from the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Sovos Ship Compliant asserts that a rising majority of regular craft spirits drinkers back direct-to-consumer shipping for the category. Currently nine states and D.C. allow interstate direct shipping of spirits. According to the ACSA survey, nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) and the majority of regular craft spirits drinkers (81%) want to see laws changed to allow for DTC shipping in more states. 92% of such drinkers say that if they purchase and enjoy a brand through DTC they’re likely to then look for that brand in traditional retail, the report adds. Finally, more than four in five regular craft spirits drinkers (82%) say they would be more likely to try new craft spirit brands if they were able to purchase via DTC, marking an increase from 74% two years ago.

•Four Roses and New Belgium Brewing are bringing back their collaborative Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale. The brew starts as New Belgium’s high-rye base ale, and is matured in stainless steel vessels containing charred oak from Four Roses Bourbon barrels and toasted wood spirals from Minnesota. Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale is available at New Belgium Brewery’s liquid centers in Fort Collins and Asheville, and at select retailers across the country. New Belgium, owned by Japan’s Kirin, earned Impact “Hot Brand” awards this year for Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, Voodoo Ranger Juice Force, and Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force, which combined for nearly 10 million (2.25-gallon) cases in the U.S. last year.

•On the Rocks premixed cocktails, part of the Suntory Global Spirits portfolio, is introducing a limited-edition Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour expression. The 20% abv cocktail blends Old Overholt rye with lemon, caramelized pear, and a custom spice mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, allspice, and rosemary. It’s rolling out now to select markets nationwide. On the Rocks jumped 11% to 738,000 9-liter cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.