by admin | Sep 10, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Distilled Spirits Industry Veteran Enlisted to Lead Next Chapter of Growth
Chicago, Ill. (September 10, 2024) – INSÓLITO Tequila, a super-premium, confirmed additive free brand, has appointed Shawn Thurman as Chief Growth Officer. Thurman will focus on strengthening distributor relationships, expanding chain businesses, and mentoring sales teams. He will also be part of the leadership team, reporting to Founder and CEO Pete Kelly.
A distilled spirits veteran with 45 years of industry experience, Thurman brings a wealth of expertise that will significantly strengthen INSÓLITO’s strategic direction and operational leadership. Starting his journey with Gallo Wine and Seagram’s Distillers, Shawn went on to spend 40 years in critical leadership roles at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. His trajectory saw him rise from State General Manager roles to becoming the National Executive Vice President of Sales, and ultimately guiding the company through its transformative merger in 2016 as Executive Vice President of National Accounts. His deep understanding of both the on-and-off-premise landscape and his extensive relationships within the industry are unparalleled. After retiring from Southern Glazer’s in December 2023, Shawn assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at WES Brands, leading the company through a critical growth phase before again retiring in August 2024.
“With his deep industry knowledge and leadership experience, we are incredibly fortunate to have Shawn on board, bringing his visionary approach and keen insight to our team,” said Kelly. “Since launching in 2020, INSÓLITO has emerged as an industry favorite among tequila lovers and experts alike. With Shawn’s support, we’re ready to embark on an exciting new chapter and together take the brand to the next level.”
Available in Blanco ($39.99), Reposado ($49.99), Añejo ($59.99), and Extra Añejo ($149.99) INSÓLITO tequila has a finish at 80 proof (40% ABV), and delivers smooth, approachable, sipping tequilas. Each remarkable expression offers varying body and flavor profiles to compliment the freshest cocktail ingredients. All expressions are available for purchase online at www.insolitotequila.com and in the following U.S. markets: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NM, ND, NV, NY, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI, as well as Australia and South Africa. For more information, visit www.insolitotequila.com or contact [email protected]. Please follow INSÓLITO on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @INSÓLITO
About INSÓLITO Tequila
INSÓLITO, which translates to rare, uncommon, and extraordinary, is a confirmed additive free, super-premium tequila made from 100% blue agave at NOM 1558 by Master Distiller Alberto Herrera. It’s produced at one of the highest distilleries in Mexico, 7,200 feet above sea level, in the town of Mazamitla, Mexico, which produces a flavor second to none. The company’s product line includes four expressions: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. The brand is a collaboration among brothers Octavio & Alberto Herrera; Midland, high-style country band; and Spirits Innovation Partners (SIP).
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by admin | Sep 4, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
World-Class Whiskey Brand Announces New Distribution Partners
Memphis, TN (September 4, 2024) – Blue Note Bourbon™, the award-winning whiskey portfolio which features big notes and a smooth structure, has expanded into several new U.S. markets as well as Alberta, Canada, its first non-U.S. market. As a result, the team has enlisted several new distributor partners:
“We’re excited to launch Blue Note Bourbon in several new U.S. markets alongside some outstanding distributor partners,” said Logan Welk, President and Chief Operating Officer, B.R. Distilling Company. “We’re also thrilled to align with Evergreen Beverage Canada in Alberta, as we enter the brand’s first non-U.S. market.”
“Opici is thrilled to partner with Blue Note and bring their exceptional products to our customers,” said Chad Lapp, Executive Vice President Commercial Planning & Strategy, Opici Family Distributing. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality and innovation, and we are excited to represent a brand that shares our values. We look forward to a successful journey together and believe this partnership will bring tremendous value to our customers and stakeholders.”
“The RNDC New York team is truly excited to launch our partnership with Big River Distilling across the state of New York,” said Matt Fraas, Executive Vice President, New York State, RNDC. “The team at Big River Distilling has crafted an exceptional portfolio, and we look forward to sharing the fruits of their hard work with the New York Community.”
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Blue Note Whiskey,” said Ed Gillooly, CEO & Owner at Baystate Wine & Spirits. “Their dedication to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing premium products to our customers. We believe this partnership will not only expand our offerings but also bring a new level of excellence to the whiskey market.”
“We’re very excited to bring the highly acclaimed Blue Note Whiskey into the State of Michigan,” said Auday Arabo, Esq., President & CEO at Benchmark Beverage Company. “Their dedication to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing premium products to our customers. We believe this partnership will not only expand our offerings but also bring a new level of excellence to the whiskey market.”
“We are thrilled to represent Blue Note in Canada,” said Trace Hanlon, CEO Evergreen Beverage Canada. “The team at B.R. Distilling and Blue Note whiskey does great service to both high quality craft sprits and whiskey lovers across Canada. We look forward to representing Blue Note with our network of government agencies, retailers, bars, and consumers across Canada.”
Founded in 2014, B.R. Distilling Company holds the oldest distillery license in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. Blue Note, launched in 2018, is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis. The brand’s whiskey portfolio is distilled in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company (parent company of Green River Distilling Company) and then aged just north of downtown where the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers collide. The long summers filled with infamous Memphis heat and cooler evenings forces the whiskey deep into the oak, creating an unmistakably rich flavor that’s bold yet smooth.
The award-winning flagship Blue Note portfolio includes Juke Joint ($34.99), Crossroads ($44.99), Uncut ($49.99), and Rye ($34.99). At the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Juke Joint and Crossroads were awarded Platinum medals, a rare honor meaning that each expression has received Double Gold medals for three consecutive years. The brand also has introduced several highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, 17-year, and Special Reserve.
Availability
Blue Note’s whiskey portfolio is currently distributed in 20 U.S. states and online at BlueNoteBourbon.com. Please follow Blue Note on Facebook and Instagram.
About B.R. Distilling Company
Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company is the oldest licensed distillery in Memphis, TN, and producer of world-famous Blue Note Bourbon. Currently, the company produces four flagship expressions, along with regular limited releases, which are distributed across 20 U.S. states, including: AL, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MS, MO, NY, NJ, OK, RI, SC, TN, and TX, and online at BlueNoteBourbon.com via Bevstack, which can be shipped to: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NC, NM, NV, NH, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA and WI. Please sip responsibly.
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