News Briefs for March 28, 2023
March 28, 2023•Beam Suntory has announced the latest release in the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, BEP. The 2023 limited release is bottled at cask strength—ranging from 54% to 57% abv—and was matured with the addition of ten new oak staves. The whiskey’s name is an acronym for “barrel entry proof” and is meant to highlight Maker’s Mark’s traditional barrel entry proof of 110. This is the fifth and final release in the Wood Finishing Series and is rolling out now for a suggested price of $70 a 750-ml.
•Importer Empson USA has acquired a stake in Sardinia-based Jankara Winery. Established by the Spanu family in 2006, Jankara specializes in Vermentino and Cannonau. Empson will import Jankara’s Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG, ‘755’ Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, ‘Lu Nieddu’ Colli del Limbara IGT, and Cannonau di Sardegna DOC. Jankara joins offerings from Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and the U.S. in the Empson portfolio.
•Miami-based importer Mack & Schuhle is extending its Art of Earth organic wine range with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon offerings. Both are from Mendoza, Argentina and retail at $12 a bottle. The newcomers join Pinot Grigio Sicilia IGT, Montepulciano DOC, Malbec Mendoza, Sangria, and Riesling Rheinhessen QBA in the Art of Earth portfolio.
•Breakthru Beverage has promoted Chris Todd to executive vice president of Arizona. Todd succeeds Gary Lederer who will retire May 1. Todd comes to this new leadership position with decades of industry experience, including nearly 30 years with Breakthru and its predecessor companies. Most recently he was vice president of sales for the company’s Heritage division, managing a team of 145 people, generating nearly $170 million in revenue. Prior to joining the distribution tier, Todd spent 10 years at Brown-Forman.
•Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has named Ashleigh Sabold Lettiere as vice president, independent region. Sabold Lettiere will be responsible for Ste. Michelle’s sales teams in New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, which makes up nearly 25% of the company’s national volume. Sabold Lettiere joins the company from Treasury Wine Estates, where she spent a decade, culminating in her most recent role as division president for the northeast.
•Diageo has launched Cîroc Honey Melon, the latest limited time offering from the vodka brand. The 35% abv spirit is infused with honey and melon flavors and comes in an opaque emerald-colored bottle. The vodka launch is backed by “No Reservations Needed,” an ad campaign reimagining and diversifying the country club lifestyle. Cîroc Honey Melon is rolling out and now will hit shelves in April for a suggested price of $30 a 750-ml. while supplies last. Last year, Cîroc was at 1.37 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
•Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Sugarlands Distilling Co. has expanded its line of Appalachian Sippin’ Creams with a new Peanut Butter flavored release. The 20% abv liqueur is the sixth year-round release in the line following Banana Pudding, Butter Pecan, Dark Chocolate Coffee, Electric Orange, and Strawberry Dream, as well as the occasional limited offering like an Eggo waffle flavored eggnog and seasonal releases like Pumpkin Spice Latte. Peanut Butter Appalachian Sippin’ Cream is now available at Sugarlands’ distillery with retail placement coming soon.
Subscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning.Tagged : Art of Earth, Beam Suntory, Breakthru, Cîroc, Diageo, Empson USA, Jankara Winery, Mack & Schuhle, Maker's Mark, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Sugarlands
