News Briefs for May 12, 2023

•Brown-Forman’s Sonoma-Cutrer has announced the retirement of Michael Schroeter, the winery’s director of winemaking, and the appointment of Cara Morrison to succeed him. Schroeter’s retirement comes after 13 years as Sonoma-Cutrer’s direct of winemaking and caps a career that included time with Penfolds in Australia and Geyser Peak in California. Prior to her promotion, Morrison served as Sonoma-Cutrer’s Chardonnay winemaker. She brings decades of experience to her new role and is the first woman named director of winemaking for Sonoma-Cutrer. In addition to Morrison’s promotion, the company has named Zidanelia Arcidiacono senior winemaker, responsible for overseeing both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production.

•Tequila brand Híjole! has been named the official Tequila of the New York Mets and will be featured at bars throughout Citi Field beginning this baseball season. The partnership will see the 40% abv Blanco Tequila served in signature cocktails like the Mets Mule, the Line Drive Lemonade, and Híjole! Margarita, among neat and on the rocks serves. In addition to placement in Citi Field’s existing bars, Híjole! will be featured at two dedicated bars, the Porch Presented by Híjole! and another dedicated bar behind section 311. Beyond the new partnership with the Mets, Híjole! is partners with the Denver Broncos, the New Jersey Devils, and the San Antonio Spurs.

•Sonoma, California-based Ace Cider is launching a new product. Joining its High Imperial line is Ace High Imperial Pineapple, an 8% abv version of Ace Pineapple. Packaged in 12-ounce aluminum cans, it joins Apple, Berry, and Peach in the Imperial line-up. Ace High Imperial Pineapple is hitting retail shelves nationwide now, priced at $12 a 6-pack. Ace Cider was founded in 1993 and was acquired by Vintage Wine Estates in 2021. Ace Cider was up 16% in 2022 to 1.3 million cases, according to Impact Databank.

•Chicago, Illinois-based non-alcoholic spirits brand Ritual Zero Proof is launching Aperitif Alternative, its take on an Italian aperitivo substitute. Joining a line-up that includes gin, whiskey, Tequila, and rum alternatives, Aperitif Alternative is made with botanicals, herbed citrus, and spice notes to combine the bitterness of an Italian aperitivo with the sweetness of a French vermouth. It will be available for purchase through Ritual’s website beginning Monday. Ritual is backed by Diageo’s Distill Ventures and was up 337% to 4,250 cases in NIQ channels for the 52 weeks ending January 28, 2023.

Tagged : Ace Cider, Brown-Forman, Diageo, Distill Ventures, Hijole, Ritual Zero Proof, Sonoma-Cutrer

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