News Briefs for February 10, 2015
February 10, 2015•Diageo is launching its second annual collector’s edition of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ram ($258 a 750-ml.) is now in limited release at retailers across the country. The styling of the new edition nods at traditional Chinese ceramic artistry: when four bottles with their signature Johnnie Walker labels are placed side by side, a single image unfolds, evoking a Chinese scroll painting. The bottle’s artwork illustrates three rams standing in distinguished positions, a traditional reference to the Book of Changes signifying a New Year of great fortune, according to the company.
•Sidney Frank Importing’s Jägermeister liqueur brand has unveiled a new campaign targeted toward Hispanic-Americans. Titled “Sin Igual,” which translates to “Like No Other,” the initiative stars randomly selected Latinos, who were photographed by Mexican-American photographer Stefan Ruiz without styling, makeup or a formal studio setup. According to the company, the campaign seeks to highlight Jägermeister’s “authentic and iconic spirit,” as well as the cultural diversity of the brand’s consumers. Jägermeister’s Sin Igual push will be focused largely in the key market of Houston—where nearly half the population is Hispanic—featuring out-of-home billboard, social media and experiential components.
•Novato, California’s Pacific Wine Group has introduced Baron Cooper Wines, a new collection of California-sourced varietals and blends. The brand makes its debut with seven entries, including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and both a red and white blend. Prices range between $14.99-$32.99, with a portion of Baron Cooper’s sales going to animal welfare group Best Friends Animal Society (the brand is named after a dog adopted by Pacific Wine owners the Habishi family). Baron Cooper joins brands such as Ardente, Black Coyote, Erba Mountainside Vineyards, Michael Pozzan Winery and St. Amant, among others, in Pacific Wine’s existing California portfolio.
•Hiro Sake has named Premier Beverage Co. its new Florida distributor. Under the agreement, Premier will distribute the Japanese sake brand’s Junmai (Hiro Red) and Junmai Ginjo (Hiro Blue) labels in both 720-ml. and 330-ml. formats, priced at $29.99 and $39.99 a 720-ml., respectively. First launched in the Florida market in 2013, Hiro had previously been handled in the state by Southern Wine & Spirits. The brand is currently sold in 18 states, imported by Manhasset, New York-based Hiro Sake USA.
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Subscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning.Tagged : Ardente, Baron Cooper Wines, Best Friends Animal Society, Black Coyote, Diageo, Erba Mountainside Vineyards, Hiro Sake, Jagermeister, Johnnie Walker, Michael Pozzan Winery, Pacific Wine Group, Premier Beverage Co., Sidney Frank Importing, Southern Wine & Spirits, St. Amant
