Innovation Driving Growth For Sonoma’s 3 Badge

Sonoma-based 3 Badge Beverage is expanding its Mexican spirits portfolio with Quechol Sotol. Quechol is made in small batches from indigenous Dasylirion plants sourced from the Chihuahuan desert in Durango. Unlike the agave plant, Dasylirion is closer to an evergreen plant in the asparagus family. Quechol will initially include two expressions, Wheeleri Sotol ($60, 45.5% abv) and Texanum Sotol ($60, 46.3% abv). “We specifically see that our industry niche is defined by innovation,” said 3 Badge president August Sebastiani. “As we’ve pushed forward with new projects, they’ve been welcomed with solid support from all tiers of the market.”

In addition to Quechol, 3 Badge’s recent launches have included Kirk & Sweeney Burning Mast rum, finished in red pepper barrels for two weeks, as well as Uncle Val’s Zested gin, featuring bergamot orange among its botanicals. On the wine side, 3 Badge bolstered its Guinigi brand with upscale offerings including a Barolo DOCG ($60), a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG ($60), a Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG ($28), and a Toscana IGT Rosso ($48). Kirk & Sweeney was up 36% to 22,000 cases last year, while Uncle Val’s advanced 3.5% to 17,000 cases. Pasote Tequila and Bozal Mezcal as well as Tree Fort and Cedar + Salmon wines were all up markedly from small bases.—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : 3 Badge Beverage, Guinigi, Kirk & Sweeney, Quechol Sotol

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