News Briefs for February 8, 2023

•Beam Suntory’s Bowmore has released Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, the latest release in the ongoing partnership between the Islay malt and luxury car maker Aston Martin. The 51.5% abv offering blends American oak and Sherry butt matured whiskies distilled in 1997 and 2000 and is the fourth release in the partnership between the two brands. Bowmore Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is now available in the U.S. for a suggested price of $450 a bottle.

•Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey has announced Irish Apple, the first flavored offshoot for the brand. The 35% abv flavored whiskey is now available in 50-ml., 750-ml., and 1-liter bottles with the 750-ml. retailing for a suggested price of $25. The release continues Proper No. Twelve’s support of first responders with $5 from each case of Irish Apple sold donated to charities around the world. Founded by MMA fighter Conor McGregor, Ken Austin, and Audie Attar, Proper No. Twelve is now majority owned by Proximo Spirits.

•Paul Hobbs is introducing a new Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast AVA. The 2021 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, West Sonoma Coast retails at $80. It joins Paul Hobbs Winery’s appellation tier of wines, which includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville in the Napa Valley. The new wine will be made available to DTC, national, and export markets.

•Napa Valley winery Merryvale is introducing a commemorative bottling, Profile XVI, as part of its 40th anniversary celebration this year. This is a ‘montage’ blending of Profile wines from across the wine’s 36 vintages. Merryvale’s owners the Schlatter family own just over 42 acres, including The Profile Estate, a 25-acre hillside vineyard overlooking St. Helena, and two sites encompassing 17 acres on Mt. Veeder. More vineyard acquisitions in cooler climate AVAs for future Chardonnay and Pinot Noir programs are likely in the next few years. Merryvale has a sales and marketing partnership with Pacific Highway Wines.

•Breakthru Beverage Group has appointed Sam David as executive vice president, Canada. Previously vice president of finance in Canada, he will now oversee and lead all aspects of Breakthru’s Canadian business, from day-to-day sales and operations to long-term strategic plans and growth opportunities, according to the company. As part of Breakthru’s new corporate leadership structure, David will work closely with Breakthru COO Julian Burzynski and the supplier business development, corporate strategy, and commercial excellence teams to execute on key initiatives, the company added.

•Chicago, Illinois-based Crafthouse Cocktails has launched two new spirits-based RTDs: a Gin & Tonic and Vodka Soda. The brand’s Gin & Tonic comes in at 10% abv and is made with a London Dry gin and lime, as well as tonic. The 7.5% abv vodka soda is made with its namesake ingredients, alongside added lemon. The two newcomers are now available Colorado, New York, Wisconsin, and California for a suggested price of $6 a 375-ml. can with delivery available to 18 states and Washington, D.C. through Crafthouse’s website.

Tagged : Beam Suntory, Bowmore, Breakthru, Crafthouse Cocktails, Merryvale, Paul Hobbs, Proper No. Twelve, Proximo

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2021 DATA AND 2022 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2022 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.