News Briefs for September 30, 2025

•Back in July, Rochester, New York-based craft distiller Black Button shut down after 13 years of operation. The announcement came just a few years after a major expansion—fueled in part by an earlier investment from High West owner Constellation Brands—which saw the distillery move into an expansive production and retail space. But Black Button was unable to maintain sufficient momentum, and founder Jason Barrett made the difficult decision to cease production, citing financial difficulties and a downturn in the market. With bankruptcy on the horizon, it seemed uncertain whether Black Button would be able to bounce back. But now Black Button is getting a lifeline, thanks to the recent acquisition by Blackstar Company LLC, a group founded by industry veterans. Whisky Advocate has the full story.

•Scotch whisky maker Compass Box is introducing Brûlée Royale Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. Launching in October, the new entry includes single malt aged in special American white oak barrels, including malts such as Clynelish and Benrinnes along with Speyburn and Ardbeg, with its taste profile intended to mimic creme brûlée. Bottled at 49% abv, the limited edition retails at $160 a 750-ml. Earlier this year, Compass Box named Nishat Gupte as CEO. He joined Compass Box from Betty Booze and Betty Buzz, the canned cocktail and mixer brand founded by actress Blake Lively, where he served as CEO.

•Widow Jane, part of the Heaven Hill portfolio, is debuting the 2025 edition of The Vaults, its annual bottling exploring different woods’ influence on Bourbon. This year’s release is a blend of Bourbons aged at least 15 years and finished in casks made from oak harvested from the ancient forests surrounding Amfilochia, a mountainous city on the Mediterranean coast of Greece. Bottled at 49.5% abv, it retails at $250 a 750-ml. and is available nationally by allocation. Widow Jane grew 10% to 43,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

•Colorado-based importer Grapejuice Group has been named the exclusive U.S. importer for Bodegas DiamAndes, located in Argentina’s Uco Valley of Mendoza. Bodegas DiamAndes is owned by the Bonnie family, whose holdings also include Château Malartic Lagravière (Grand Cru Classé de Graves) and Château Gazin Rocquencourt. Véronique Bonnie, co-owner of Bonnie Family Estates, said the appointment of Grapejuice Group would expand DiamAndes’ reach and deepen the company’s trade relationships across the U.S. market.

Tagged : Black Button, Bodegas DiamAndes, Compass Box, Grapejuice Group, Heaven Hill, Widow Jane

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2025 ESTIMATES AND 2030 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2025 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.