News Briefs for April 4, 2019

•Stoli Group-owned Kentucky Owl is launching a new whiskey called Confiscated, the upscale brand’s first national release. The 48.2% abv sourced Bourbon is named for the barrels of Kentucky Owl the U.S. government seized ahead of Prohibition back during the brand’s initial run under C.M. Dedman, great-great-grandfather of current master blender Dixon Dedman. The whiskey, which retails for a suggested price of $125 a 750-ml. is rolling out now in all 50 states.

•Leonardo LoCascio Selections (LLS), a division of Winebow, is adding Italy’s Gianni & Eleonora Martini Premium Estates to its import portfolio. Gianni & Eleonora specializes in small-scale, high-end properties in Piedmont and the Veneto. Its lineup comprises Lo Zoccolaio in Barolo, La Toledana and La Doria in Gavi, and Elém in the Veneto. Gianni & Eleonora join an LLS portfolio that represents more than 60 wineries throughout Italy.

•Alameda, California-based Hangar 1, known for its eponymous vodka brand, is releasing Bentwing Brandy, its first non-vodka product. Taking its name from its location at the former Alameda Naval Air station, the distillery took inspiration from a WWII era aircraft for the name of this latest release. Bottled at 40% abv, Bentwing will retail nationwide for $30 a 750-ml. Hangar 1 is part of the Proximo Spirits portfolio. Its vodka range includes a core Straight expression and a line of flavored extensions that includes Mandarin Blossom, Makrut Lime, and Buddha’s Hand Citron.

•Wilson Daniels has promoted Shannon Coursey to senior vice president and national sales manager. Coursey first joined Wilson Daniels in 2015, serving as vice president of the Northeast Division. Before that, she held a managerial role at Vineyard Brands. Moving forward, Coursey will be responsible for managing Wilson Daniels’ national sales team and overseeing its network of distributors.

•John Meisler has been named vice president of sales at Serrallés USA. Meisler joined the company in 2009 and was previously sales director. Puerto Rico-based Serrallés said Meisler will replace John Eason, who has been with the company for 11 years and held the title of COO for the U.S. Eason is leaving to pursue other opportunities in the industry. Serrallés is known for its Don Q rum brand.

Tagged : Hangar 1 Distillery, Kentucky Owl, Leonardo LoCascio Selections, Serralles USA, Wilson Daniels

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