News Briefs for September 20, 2018

•Highland Park single malt Scotch has launched Valknut, the second release in its Viking Legends series. The 46.8%-abv non-age-statement whisky was matured in Sherry-seasoned American oak. Some of the barley used in Valknut was grown in the Orkney Islands, the home of Highland Park. Valknut ($80) is now available in select retail locations across the U.S. Last year, the Edrington-owned brand was up 21.3% to 23,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

•St. Helena, California-based Grounded Wine Co. is releasing a new wine label, Public Radio. Retailing at $25 a 750-ml., Public Radio is a blend of two-thirds Grenache with smaller amounts of Syrah and Petite Sirah. It joins Napa Cabernet blend Steady State ($65), Washington state-sourced red blend Collusion ($22), and Paso Robles Grenache-based rosé Space Age ($20) in the Grounded portfolio. Public Radio will be distributed by Vintage Wine Estates to select retailers nationwide. Grounded is led by winemaker Josh Phelps.

•Mast-Jägermeister U.S. has partnered with the NHL to make Jägermeister the official shot of major league hockey. The partnership allows Jägermeister to release team-branded bottles, have on-ice ads, and to craft stadium experiences around the brand. In addition, the brand will expand its local sponsorship program to include the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Washington Capitals alongside the Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers, which return for another year of local sponsorship. In 2017, Jägermeister depleted 1.66 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

•Champagne Billecart-Salmon is launching Bicentenary Cuvée, a new limited release celebrating its 200th anniversary. The Extra Brut Champagne is made from 92% Pinot Noir sourced from the 2000, 2003, 2008, and 2012 vintages, and vinified in oak and stainless steel. The wine is sourced from eight Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. 1,818 magnums are available worldwide. Retailing at $2,000, Champagne Billecart-Salmon Bicentenary Cuvée is rolling out to specialty wine retailers.

Tagged : Billecart-Salmon, Edrington, Grounded Wine Co., Highland Park, Jagermeister, Vintage Wine Estates

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