News Briefs for February 24, 2023

•Diageo has announced Don Julio Rosado, a new cask finished Tequila from the luxury brand. The Reposado Tequila is matured for at least four months in Ruby Port casks before bottling at 40% abv. Don Julio Rosado is now available on ReserveBar for $126 a bottle. Last year, Don Julio crossed two million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

•Chile’s firefighting efforts continue, nearly three weeks after hundreds of fires erupted in several Southern provinces, burning more than one million acres, destroying more than 2,100 homes and businesses, and killing at least 25 people. According to officials, dozens of uncontrolled fires are still burning in and around Concepción province, which lies 350 miles south of Santiago. The majority are ablaze in the Ñuble and Bío Bío regions within the Itata Valley, home to some of the country’s oldest vineyards. Additional fires are spreading north into parts of Maule and south into Araucanía. Wine Spectator has the full story.

•Austin’s Canteen Spirits has launched a new line of Margarita-inspired hard seltzers in retailers across Texas. The Cantina Margarita line kicks off with three flavors—original, strawberry, and mango—all at 6% abv and brewed from a sugarcane base. This makes the Cantina Margarita line distinct from the company’s other spirits-based seltzers and more in line with brands like Truly’s or White Claw’s flagship offerings. The new release is available in 12-pack variety packs in independent and chain retailers across the Lone Star State for around $17.

•Las Vegas, Nevada’s Beach Whiskey has entered the RTD market with four new spirits-based canned cocktails. The line, which comes in at 5% abv, comes in four flavors: Watermelon Peach, Mango Lemonade, Pineapple Coconut, and Strawberry Lemonade. The cocktails are available in four-packs of 355-ml. cans for a suggested price of $14 in national retailers like GoPuff, Save Mart, Ridley’s, and Jackson’s, among others. Beach Whiskey is owned by Darco Spirits, along with American Harvest Vodka.

•Stoli Group extended its support for World Central Kitchen and its work providing food and relief in Ukraine. Stoli will continue to sell its Stoli Limited Edition Ukraine bottle throughout 2023, proceeds from which go to World Central Kitchen. The special bottle is now in every major market and additional regional fundraising events will be announced in the coming weeks. “We had hoped that by now there would be a different story to tell and Ukrainians would have been fully liberated,” said Stoli Group CEO Damian McKinney. “It is an obligation and an honor to do what we can to provide comfort, and we are proud to support WCK.” The Jose Andres-founded organization has served 193 million meals in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began a year ago.

Tagged : Beach Whiskey, Canteen Spirits, Diageo, Don Julio, Stoli Group, World Central Kitchen

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