News Briefs for September 6, 2018

•Edrington has announced that it will handle sales, marketing, and distribution for Wyoming Whiskey, effective immediately. Wyoming Whiskey founder Brad Mead said the new strategic partnership will give Wyoming Whiskey the opportunity to expand its reach in the market through Edrington’s nationwide network while remaining focused on producing and aging whiskey. The Edrington Americas portfolio also includes The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Snow Leopard vodka, and Tequila Partida.

•MGP Ingredients has announced the launch of Series II, the second annual release from its Remus Repeal Reserve line of whiskies. Made in commemoration of Prohibition Repeal Day, Series II blends two Bourbon mash bills from 2007 and 2008, which have rye content of 21% and 36% respectively. Starting November 13, the 50% abv Series II ($85 a 750-ml.) will be available in limited quantities across Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The George Remus lineup also includes the flagship Straight Bourbon.

•WhistlePig Whiskey has released the latest offering from its special edition Boss Hog series. Made in a single barrel, The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve was finished in Calvados casks prior to being bottled at 59.5% abv. The resulting whiskey has limited availability, and is retail priced at $500 a 750-ml. The Spirit of Mauve follows The Black Prince, The Independent, and The Spirit of Mortimer offerings in the Vermont distiller’s The Boss Hog lineup.

•The Great Oregon Wine Company has acquired Willamette Valley winery Duck Pond Cellars for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes Duck Pond’s winemaking facility and tasting room along with 300 acres in the Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, and Umpqua Valley. Duck Pond is known for Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. With the acquisition, The Great Oregon Wine Company’s production capacity will rise to over 300,000 cases. Great Oregon is part of Colorado-based Integrated Beverage Group, whose other brands include Rascal, Replica, and Swing Set.

•Belvedere Vodka has partnered with Brooklyn-based artist Laolu Senbanjo on a limited edition bottle. Senbanjo’s design features flowing patterns, shapes, and swirls in black and white. Previously, artists like Beyoncé, Swizz Beats, Alicia Keys, and Tony Allen have tapped the Nigerian-born artist’s work for their projects. This month, the limited edition Belvedere bottle will be available in retail shops in 750-ml. and 1.75-liter sizes. A portion of proceeds from the release will go to support the (RED) organization and the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. Last year, the Moët-Hennessy-owned Belvedere brand slipped 10% to around 450,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Tagged : Belvedere, Duck Pond, Edrington, MGP Ingredients, Remus Repeal, The Great Oregon Wine Company, WhistlePig, Wyoming Whiskey

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