News Briefs for May 10, 2024

•Sazerac has launched the Spritz, a new spirits-based RTD brand. The line launches with three vodka-based releases—Traditional (orange and herbal liqueur), Limone (limoncello and other citrus), and Hugo (elderflower and mint)—all at 6% abv. The line comes in 4-packs of 375-ml. bottles with each bottle containing two 80 calorie servings. The Spritz is rolling out now in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, and Washington, ahead of a national push planned for September, for a suggested price of $15 a 4-pack.

•M. Chapoutier, imported by Sera Wine Imports, has released Rouge Clair, a new red wine designed to be chilled or served over ice. The 12.5% abv Vin de France is made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and vinified at lower temperatures, which the company says creates a less tannic and more fruit forward red wine. The new release joins M. Chapoutier’s substantial portfolio of Rhone wines, cover reds, whites, and rosés. Rogue Clair has a suggested price of $18 and will initially be available in New York, Florida, Washington, D.C., California, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

•Fallon, Nevada’s Frey Ranch Distillery has released 100% Wheat Whiskey Single Barrel. The whiskey is made from winter wheat grown at Frey Ranch, and the bottled whiskey comes in between 58.4% and 67.2% abv, depending on the barrel. The released barrels have aged between six and seven years and carries a retail price of $114 through Frey Ranch’s website. This week, Frey Ranch also announced a national distribution alignment with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

•Goslings has expanded its line of mixers, launching a trio of new tonic waters. The mixers—original, tropical, and citrus—come in 6-packs of 7.5-ounce cans retailing for $7. All three are now available in select markets across the U.S. The tonic waters join Goslings ginger beer and diet ginger beer in the brand’s mixer portfolio, in addition to the brand’s line of Caribbean rums and its spirits-based RTDs. Goslings is part of the Pernod Ricard-owned Castle Brands.

•Blanco, Texas’ Milam & Greene has announced a new Bottled in Bond Bourbon. The 50% abv whiskey is the first bonded release from the brand and is made using the distiller’s flagship mash bill of 70% corn, 22% malted rye, and 8% malted barley, and was distilled in Kentucky in the fall of 2019. For the initial batch, Milam & Greene’s team selected 72 barrels for release. The whiskey carries a suggested price of $65 a 750-ml. and is rolling out now to select retailers across the U.S.

•Bardstown, Kentucky’s 15 Stars has announced its latest release, a Bourbon finished in Vino de Naranja barrels. The 51.4% abv whiskey is made from two 8-year-old Bourbons finished together in one Vino de Naranja barrel. The limited release is available through the brand’s website for $139 through June 16.

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