News Briefs for March 8, 2023

•Beam Suntory has expanded its RTD offerings, launching a new line of Jim Beam branded flavored malt beverages through the company’s partnership with the Boston Beer Company. Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers come in four flavors—Strawberry Punch, Black Cherry Lemonade, Sweet Tea Lemonade, and Citrus Punch—all at 5% abv and 120 calories per 12-ounce serving. The RTDs are now available across the U.S. in 12-can variety packs, individual 6-packs, and single serving 24-ounce cans for around $17, $10, and $3.50, respectively.

•Pernod Ricard-owned Del Maguey has announced Vida Puebla, a new entry-level mezcal made in a new palenque in Axocopan, Puebla, Mexico. The 40% abv spirit is rolling out now in New York, California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Ohio, ahead of a national push that will begin in July. Vida Puebla carries a suggested price of $38 a 750-ml. Del Maguey is among the lead mezcal brands in the U.S., with 2022 depletions exceeding 100,000 cases.

•Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) has announced a national partnership with Lalo Spirits covering 39 markets. The company is known for its namesake Tequila, a 100% blue agave offering retailing at $50. Lalo was co-founded by Eduardo “Lalo” González, the grandson of “the father of premium Tequila,” Don Julio Gonzalez, along with David Carballido. RNDC plans to expand Lalo’s U.S. presence over the next few years.

•C. Mondavi & Family is launching a new line of wines called Aviana. Aviana is launching this spring with three labels: a French Cabernet Sauvignon, Spanish Verdejo, and Portuguese Red Blend, all $20 a bottle. Developed by the five great-granddaughters of company matriarch Rosa Mondavi, the brand is committed to giving back to support global female empowerment. The C. Mondavi & Family group of brands includes Charles Krug, Flat Top Hills, Valdo, and CK Mondavi and Family.

•Whisky Advocate has revealed the 20 highest hammer prices for single bottles of whisky at auction during February 2023, including a winning bid of $200,000 at Sotheby’s, New York for the Macallan Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition. The list has a combined value of $979,685, a 25% increase from January, and includes 10 bottles of single malt scotch from Macallan, Bowmore, and Springbank, plus 5 American, 3 Japanese, and 2 Irish whiskeys. Whisky Advocate has the full story.

•Molson Coors is adding a Peach flavor to its Simply Spiked line of flavored malt beverages. Available nationwide at the end of March, the 5% abv extension will be backed by a full media and advertising campaign. The new Peach entry will join Simply Spiked Signature Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade, and Blueberry Lemonade in the range.

Tagged : Aviana, Beam Suntory, Boston Beer, C Mondavi & Family, Del Maguey, Jim Beam, Lalo Spirits, Molson Coors, Pernod Ricard, RNDC, Simply Spiked, Whisky Advocate

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