•Suntory Holdings has announced the U.S. debut of the Maru-Hi variety pack, extending the brand following its January launch. The new 12-can case ($22) combines all four Maru-Hi sparkling cocktail flavors—Traditional Citrus, Strawberry, Pineapple, and Kiwi—all at 5% abv. The flavored malt beverages are a take on the Chu-hi cocktails served at Tokyo izakaya bars.

•Frédéric Panaïotis, chef de cave at Ruinart Champagne for nearly two decades, died on June 15. Panaïotis was 60 and lost his life in a freediving accident, according to sources. “Frédéric Panaïotis was a truly unique personality—highly rational and deeply sensitive at the same time,” said Frédéric Dufour, president at Ruinart Champagne since 2011, in a statement. “Passionate, curious, committed, a man of science and knowledge, guided by immense humility, he embodied the values of Ruinart.” Wine Spectator has more on Panaïotis’s life and career.