News Briefs for July 29, 2025

•Luxco, the branded division of MGP, has appointed Breakthru Beverage Group as its distributor in the California market. The deal will see Breakthru handle Luxco labels including Penelope, Remus, Rebel, Ezra Brooks, Blood Oath, and Yellowstone Bourbons and El Mayor and Exotico Tequilas across the Golden State. “Luxco’s diverse portfolio aligns well with the emerging trends we’re seeing across California, especially in the on-premise channel,” said John Sladek, executive vice president of Breakthru California. “Consumer response to brands such as Penelope and Yellowstone has been strong.” MGP’s branded spirits portfolio saw sales dip 5% to $241 million last year, despite increases in its premium brands.

•Winemaker Paul Hobbs and his daughter Agustina have unveiled a new collaboration, ALH, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville AVA. The wine is made from select vineyard blocks from the southern section within the Nathan Coombs Estate. The new entry is named for Agustina L. Hobbs’ initials, with the father-daughter winemaking team saying the project aims to “unite tradition and innovation to reimagine Napa Cabernet for a new generation.” ALH will release at $75 a bottle and be available in restaurants and select wine shops, as well as online. The August launch will initially focus on six key U.S. markets.

•Desert Door Texas Sotol is expanding distribution via a partnership with RNDC, aiming to be in 46 states plus Washington D.C. by the end of 2025. Currently available in 20 states, Desert Door’s tiered expansion plan will see it enter 11 additional markets by September, with three—Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana—launching this month. A distant cousin of the agave plant, sotol grows wild across West Texas, and Desert Door uses wild-harvested plants for its product. The company has an 8,000-square-foot distillery and tasting room in Driftwood, Texas.

Tagged : ALH, Desert Door, Luxco, MGP

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