by admin | Jan 30, 2026 | IN THE NEWS
Award-Winning Independent Blender Adapts its Strategy to Meet Future Market Needs and to Further its Growth
Louisville, KY (January 30, 2026) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today announced the sale of its blending facility in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, to American Craft Bottling. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
“We regularly refine our commercial strategy to stay ahead of evolving industry trends to support long-term growth,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “While the economic environment has presented challenges across the spirits industry, it has sharpened our focus and reinforced the importance of proactive decision-making.
BCS will consolidate all blending operations at its original Gilmore facility, which offers enough capacity to support current and future needs. The company will also invest in new equipment and technology to expand its operations without disrupting ongoing work.
“We’re grateful to our loyal fans and whiskey enthusiasts who have continued to support us with each release,” said Beatrice. “We plan to continue bringing you the most innovative, creative, and complex products our industry has to offer in 2026 and beyond.”
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes and a liberated approach to blending guides every product release.
The award-winning line of BCS releases are sold in 49 US states, Puerto Rico, the UK, South Korea, the Ukraine, and Australia. Follow Barrell Craft Spirits on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike. Our cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases have quickly become an influencing force in American whiskey, winning awards from the world’s most prestigious distilled spirits publications and competitions.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | Jan 7, 2026 | IN THE NEWS
100% Additive-Free Small-Batch Tequila Partners with Trusted Wholesale Distributor of Beer, Wine, & Spirits
New York, NY (January 7, 2026) – Marcado 28, a small-batch tequila from Chefs Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, Master Tequilero Bruno Barba, and Spirits That Rock LLC, has selected Constantine Wines as its distributor to manage the premium brand’s expansion into Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, DC.
Born from the legendary Romo family that invented Reposado and elevated by the palate of Michelin-starred chef Michael Voltaggio, Marcado 28 Blanco and Reposado tequilas honor 10 generations of distilling expertise and time-honored, traditional techniques — slow-roasting agave and crafting tequila from three all-natural ingredients: water, 100% blue Weber agave from the Tequila Valleys of Jalisco, Mexico, and yeast.
“We offer a carefully selected and extensive beverage portfolio of products that exceed expectations in every category to Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC,” said Gus Kalaris, Founder & Owner, Constantine Wines. “Marcado 28 is an authentic premium tequila that masterfully unites tradition and innovation.”
“Gus and his team at Constantine Wines are among the best in the business,” said Phil Hurst, Founder, CEO, PLH Wine & Spirits. “Their industry knowledge, relationships, and passion for premium spirits will serve us well as we launch Marcado 28 Tequila into these three key northeastern states.”
Marcado 28 Blanco is the purest form of Tequila; clear, unaged and unaltered, while Marcado 28 Reposado acquires a rich golden hue that whispers tales of time and tradition after aging for eight months in American oak barrels. Both expressions received high praise from Wine Enthusiast magazine, which rated the Blanco ($50) and Reposado ($60) with 94 and 93 points, respectively.
For more information, including where to buy, please visit https://marcado28.com/ and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram
About Marcado 28
Marcado 28 Tequila is a partnership among Chefs Michael & Bryan Voltaggio, Master Tequilero Bruno Barba, and Spirits That Rock, LLC. Distilled in Jalisco, the award-winning Blanco and Reposado expressions are crafted from 100% blue Weber agave, hand-selected from family-owned farms cultivated and slow-cooked in stainless steel ovens. The process is managed by Barba – a descendent of the Romo family, known for their agave cultivation and distilling expertise for 10 generations. Marcado 28 is 100% additive-free tequila with only three ingredients: water, blue Weber agave, and yeast.
About Constantine Wines
With a globally inspired portfolio of wines & spirits, Constantine Wines focuses on providing our clients excellent and fair pricing by coordinating with the best suppliers and producers who focus on products that exceed expectations in every category. For more information, please visit https://www.constantinewines.com/
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