News Briefs for February 3, 2021
February 3, 2021•Heaven Hill Brands is extending Black Velvet Canadian whisky with an Apple flavor. The 70-proof offering is rolling out in limited markets this month, retailing at $11 a 750-ml. Apple joins Toasted Caramel in Black Velvet’s flavored whisky lineup. Heaven Hill acquired Black Velvet from Constellation for $266 million in 2019.
•Prairie Organic, part of the Phillips Distilling portfolio, is introducing a Cucumber, Mint & Lime Flavored Gin. Made with organic corn and natural flavors, the newcomer is bottled at 45% abv and is rolling out nationally, retailing at $35 a 750-ml. The new flavored gin follows Prairie’s launch of three botanical vodkas last year, including Grapefruit, Hibiscus & Chamomile; Watermelon, Cucumber & Lime; and Apple, Pear & Ginger expressions.
•Don Papa rum is expanding distribution to several new markets, including Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Connecticut, Florida, and the District of Columbia. Including Don Papa 7 Year ($40) and Don Papa 10 Year ($69), the brand’s new markets build on a footprint that already included New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, and Massachusetts. The Philippine rum’s global volume increased 19% to nearly 200,000 cases last year. Zamora Co. USA imports Don Papa in the U.S.
•As part of its $20 million “Community Fund” launched last year to address the urgent needs of Black communities and businesses, Diageo is devoting $10 million to fund permanent endowments at more than two dozen Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs) across the U.S., enabling these institutions to provide much needed financial assistance to thousands of students. The initiative will also see Diageo establish “innovation hubs” at select HBCUs to promote experiential learning, and develop an internship platform to help drive diversity within the beverage alcohol industry.
•Glen Rock, New Jersey-based Opici Wines & Spirits has added a new sparkler to its LaLuca Prosecco line. A blend of 88% Glera and 12% Pinot Noir, LaLuca Prosecco Rosé DOC is retail priced at $14 a 750-ml., and joins a Prosecco DOC Treviso and Prosecco Superior Valdobbiadene DOCG in the LaLuca range. The new bubbly will be available at restaurants and fine wine stores nationwide.
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