News Briefs for March 12, 2013

•Edrington Group’s Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky has released the second offering in its “Valhalla Series,” a 15-year-old, limited edition whisky called Loki. Retailing at around $249 a 750-ml., Loki is at 48.7% abv and comes in the same viking ship-inspired wooden box as its Valhalla series predecessor, Thor, which sold out. Loki, named for the mischievous Norse god, was aged in both Sherry casks and “heavily peated” casks, Edrington says, and “has a smoky punch, while retaining a light color.” Edrington’s Highland Park, Macallan and Famous Grouse Scotches are handled in the U.S. by Rémy Cointreau USA.

•Crimson Wine Group’s Chamisal Vineyards is releasing its Stainless Pinot Noir to select markets this month. The wine, which was previously available only in Chamisal’s Edna Valley tasting room, is a 2012 vintage retailing around $24 a bottle. 1,200 cases were produced. Crimson Wine’s other brands include Napa’s Pine Ridge, Sonoma’s Seghesio, Oregon’s Archery Summit and Washington’s Double Canyon. Crimson was spun off from New York investment firm Leucadia National in late February and is now a standalone, publicly traded company.

•The Tennessee Malt Beverage Association says it now supports the sale of wine in the state’s grocery stores, reversing its previous position, according to a report in the Associated Press. The group has thrown its support behind a bill now in the Tennessee legislature that will allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell wine. In return for their backing, the group wants a provision added to the bill that would allow grocery stores to sell higher-alcohol beers. The higher-alcohol beers currently are sold only in liquor stores in Tennessee.

Tagged : Crimson Wine Group, Edrington Group, Tennessee

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