News Briefs for March 20, 2023

•Ohza, the RTD cocktail brand launched in partnership with actor and musician Joe Jonas, is expanding distribution to Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia as it unveils a number of new retail placements. They include a 20-state placement with Walmart, as well as placement in Costco, Circle K, Winco, Savemart, and Albertsons/Safeway. That builds on Ohza’s existing presence in retailers like Total Wine, Bevmo, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market. Ohza includes canned Mimosas as well as Fizzy Red and White Sangrias.

•Johnson Brothers Service Distributing of Virginia announced the launch of its spirits brokerage business in the state. Johnson Brothers Service Distributing of Virginia was formed in May 2022 after Johnson Brothers acquired Service Distributing, Inc. It’s one of the largest wine wholesalers in the state, and now adds spirits brokerage, with its initial offerings including the Prestige Beverage Group portfolio as well as the Zing Zang spirits and mixer range.

•Owensboro, Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co., part of Bardstown Bourbon Company, has expanded its distribution footprint, adding 21 new states. In addition, Green River has added two new whiskies to its portfolio. The first, Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, is bottled at 45% abv and serves as a complement to the flagship high-rye Bourbon. The new wheater retails for around $35 a bottle and will launch in all 25 states in Green River’s footprint. The other new whiskey is a single barrel Bourbon bottled at 59.5% abv. Green River Full Proof Single Barrel ($60) will be available through select retailers and on-premise locations across the U.S.

•Lady Bird Mixer Co., a new line of cocktail mixers from Austin, Texas, has announced an April launch. The brand will debut with four offerings—Van Zandt Club Soda, Classic Tonic Water, Key Lime Ginger Beer, and Ruby Red Grapefruit Soda—all inspired by Texas. Four-packs of 8.5-ounce bottles will be available in retailers across Texas, including Spec’s, Twin Liquors, and Goody Goody, among others, through RNDC beginning in April. Each four-pack carries a suggested price of $8.

Tagged : Bardstown Bourbon, Green River Distilling, Johnson Brothers, Lady Bird Mixer Co., ohza

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