News Briefs for June 5, 2023

•Clermont, Kentucky-based James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced the launch of Hardin’s Creek The Kentucky Series, a three-part release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskies. Each expression within The Kentucky Series is a 17-year-old Bourbon made with the same mashbill but aged at three different company campuses: Clermont, Frankfort, and Boston. Named for these three locations, all are 55% abv and retail for $170 a 750-ml. Clermont was released in limited quantities June 1, to be followed by Frankfort on August 1 and Boston on September 1. Launched in 2022, Hardin’s Creek is a showcase of the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s rarest and most unique whiskies.

•Hercules Mulligan, the line of bottled RTD cocktails, has expanded its distribution footprint, with the line now available in 41 states across the U.S. The brand has expanded its distribution through a combination of smaller, locally focused distributors, and larger national and regional distributors like RNDC, Martignetti, and Empire. The Hercules Mulligan line currently consists of Eyr & Rye (Irish whiskey, rye, cherry bitters) and Rum & Rye (made with the namesake spirits, ginger, and bitters) both bottled at 43% abv. The expansion follows a period of strong growth, with Hercules Mulligan saying it has more than doubled in size year-over-year.

•Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker has signed SB 89 into law, legalizing cocktails-to-go and delivery until August 2028. Before the new law was signed, Illinois was only set to allow cocktails-to-go through next spring. Currently 20 states and Washington, D.C. have permanently legalized cocktails-to-go with 14 more allowing it on a temporary basis.

•The Jackson family, of Santa Rosa-based Jackson Family Wines, partnered with real estate developer Ensemble Investments to acquire Vintners Resort. Located in Sonoma County and established in 1984, Vintners Resort is a luxury resort on a working vineyard. The acquisition includes the entire 92-acre estate property, including Vintners Resort and Spa, conference and event spaces, John Ash & Co. restaurant, River Vine restaurant, gardens, orchards, and vineyards. The acquisition closed on May 31; terms were not disclosed.

Tagged : Beam Suntory, Hardin's Creek, Hercules Mulligan, Jackson Family Wines, james be beam

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