News Briefs for August 9, 2011
August 9, 2011•Jose Cuervo has updated its U.S. packaging for its Especial Gold and Especial Silver editions, with the new look set to roll out nationwide this month. Featuring a revamped label and neck design, newly added embossing and brightly colored caps, the update emphasizes the brand’s Mexican heritage and tradition. In addition to a 750-ml. priced at $17.99, the new Especial Gold and Silver packaging will be available in 50-ml., 200-ml., 375-ml., 1-liter and 1.75-liter sizes.
•Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Co.) has added two new variants to its clear, un-aged whiskey portfolio: White Dog Wheated Mash and White Dog Rye Mash. Bottled after distillation at barrel proof, White Dog Wheated is 114-proof, and is traditionally aged to produce W.L. Weller or Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, while the 125-proof White Dog Rye is typically used to make Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey. Priced at $15.99 a 375-ml., the additions join White Dog Mash #1—which is used to make Buffalo Trace’s flagship Bourbon—in the Sazerac white whiskey range.
•Wirtz Beverage Illinois (WBI) has formed a new division designed to align outstate sales and operations from Rockford, Peoria and Bellville. Known as the Heartland Division, the unit will employ a staff of 120 and is expected to account for one-third of WBI’s sales revenues. WBI exec Jeff Roth has been appointed to the newly created role of vice president of sales for Heartland, reporting directly to WBI senior vice president Julian Burzynski. Prior to joining the company in March, Roth previously worked with E&J Gallo and also served as director of sales for Empire Merchants’ on-premise wine division. Wirtz is Illinois’ leading wine and spirits wholesaler with state revenues of over $1 billion.
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