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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by admin | Aug 21, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
First Blended White Rum Made Entirely in the Caribbean From Multiple Islands and Producers
Corona del Mar, CA (August 21, 2024) – Probitas, the award-winning white blended rum within the Altamar Brands portfolio of premium distilled spirits, has set a new gold standard for White Rum used in cocktails. Light white rums contributed to the explosion in popularity of cocktails like the daiquiri in the post Prohibition Era. Unlike the white rums of today, which are often made from neutral or near neutral spirit, the white rums of the past had appreciable flavor.
Probitas comes from two of the most iconic distilleries in two of the most respected islands in the Caribbean for rum making – Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica. This is the first time that a White Blended Rum has been made entirely in the Caribbean, from multiple islands and producers, with components selected by the rum makers themselves.
Probitas is a blend of three distinct rums, blended by Master Distiller and Master Blender Richard Seale of Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and marks the first time there has been a joint venture between Caribbean distilleries to produce a blended rum. The components include Unaged Pot Still Rum from Hampden Estate in Jamaica selected by Mr. Vivian Wisdom (Hampden’s Master Distiller at the time of blending), along with Unaged Coffey Still Rum and Two-year Aged Pot Still Rum from Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, both selected by Richard Seale.
Probitas Tasting Notes
- Aroma: ripe banana, pineapple, and toasted coconut, balanced with fresh custard and hints of vanilla, citrus, and baking spices
- Palate: full, complex, well-textured throughout. Caramelized pineapple, guava, marzipan, coconut, and more.
- Finish: clean with subtle sweet notes
Probitas White Blended Rum was distilled, matured, blended, and bottled in the Caribbean. No sugar, flavor, color, nor neutral/multi column spirit added. The expression was bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) and is available throughout the U.S. and online for the suggested retail price of $29.99.
For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/brands/probitas-rum/ and Probitas on Instagram.
About Altamar Brands LLC
Founded in 2005 by W. L. Lyons Brown, III, Altamar Brands is a small, entrepreneurial outfit founded to develop and import esoteric, artisanal spirits brands that offer unique and distinctive production stories in their respective categories. They include: Elvelo Tequila, Foursquare Rum, High n’ Wicked Whiskeys, Kubler Absinthe, Lagrimas del Valle Tequila, Probitas Rum, Right Gin, and R.L. Seale’s Barbados Rum.
For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/
With Cocktailing, Quality Bests Quantity.
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by admin | Aug 13, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels Embraces the Art of Fusion
Memphis, TN (August 13, 2024) – Blue Note Bourbon™, the award-winning whiskey portfolio which is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis, has launched a limited-release Honey Rye Cask.
The new expression began its journey by embracing the art of fusion. American oak barrels used for finishing were repurposed to produce a delicious, locally sourced, barrel-aged honey. The team then returned the whiskey, which was aged for a minimum of three years, to the honey-infused casks for another round of aging to create a distinct and harmonious profile. Crafted in Memphis, the new expression features a classic mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, which was bottled at 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV).
“Limited releases like our Honey Rye Cask allow our team to flex its creative muscles and shine a spotlight on special finishes,” said Logan Welk, President and Chief Operating Officer, B.R. Distilling Company. “Blue Note’s bold and spicy notes blended with the nuanced flavors of wildflower honey deliver an intricate balance of strength and sweetness.”
Honey Rye Cask Tasting Notes
- Nose: Very light apricot, vanilla, all spice, and oak
- Taste: Caramel, hints of apricot, oak, floral finish, all spice
- Finish: Soft and balanced, light texture, with lingering hints of wildflower and honey
Blue Note Honey Rye Whiskey is now available for purchase online at BlueNoteBourbon.com and Seelbachs.com as well as in the following markets: CT, FL, GA, KS, MA, MO, NJ, NY, RI, TN, and TX. The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $64.99.
Blue Note’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 Memphis 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.
Over the years, Blue Note has introduced several highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, 17-year, and Special Reserve. These expressions are in addition to the award-winning flagship Blue Note portfolio which includes Juke Joint ($34.99), Crossroads ($44.99), Uncut ($49.99) and Straight Rye Whiskey ($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.
Production Facility & Tasting Room
Blue Note’s 110,000 square foot production facilities, located on Royal Avenue just North of downtown Memphis, are open from Monday through Friday from 10am – 4:00pm and include a unique and intimate tasting room. Guided tours are available on Thursdays and Fridays for $10 plus tax & fees. Guests can add a Tasting Flight Experience for an additional $5. For more information and to book a guided, behind-the-scenes tour, visit www.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 17 U.S. states, including: AL, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NY, NJ, OK, 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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by admin | Jun 17, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
With Deep Respect for Tequila’s Traditions, Chef John des Rosiers Aims to Make Tequila Better with the U.S. Launch of His New Blanco and Reposado Tequilas
Chicago, IL (Jun 17, 2024) – Cambio Tequila, a new brand which explores the possibilities of barrel finishing respective to flavor and character more than any other tequila, today officially launched in the U.S., with its inaugural Blanco and Reposado expressions.
Founder and CEO Chef John des Rosiers, a 30-year veteran of the world’s finest kitchens and bars, believed that there was a missed opportunity in the tequila category. A classically trained Chef, John began working at some of the Midwest’s best restaurants – before opening several of his own unique concepts – and was fortunate to be part of a team that built and managed a 1,500-bottle wine list, which drove his interest in all types of spirits along with a desire to create a tequila brand. John’s Somm’s palate combined with his natural creativity allowed him to bring a completely different viewpoint to the spirit and how it’s aged in unique finishing barrels. With the belief that tequila is the only spirit in the world that retains a sense of place (terroir) through its entire process, he created Cambio with deep respect for tequila’s traditions, while finding opportunities to improve the spirit that honors the older heritage of slow, handmade craftsmanship.
“Cambio, meaning change is what drives us—the relentless pursuit to improve, build and evolve,” said Chef des Rosiers. “Our tequila is the culmination of this dedication and a rejection of ‘good’ enough’ and ‘that’s how it has always been done’. Every choice we made with Cambio was designed show the true potential of the spirit.”
The Process & Distillery
Tequila Cambio uses a 10-step process called “Método Refinado,” or refined method, which starts with hand selecting 100% Blue Weber Agave directly from farms in the high elevation Highlands of Jalisco. The piñas are then cooked whole in stone ovens using a “slow and low” technique which brings forth maximum quality and flavor. Next, a traditional tahona wheel is used to gently squeeze the agave juice from the plant by hand. During fermentation, the team uses extremely low temperatures and yeast more commonly used in wine, to bring out greater floral and aromatic agave notes before the liquid is double distilled in copper pot stills. During aging, a variety of premium unexpected barrel types are used to finish the tequila, adding unprecedented complexity and nuance to the liquid. No other brand shares this level of commitment to exploring the unique qualities barrel-finishing can bring to tequila. Throughout every step of the production process, the team uses sustainable practices. Cambio Tequila has also been confirmed additive-free, a certification which must be renewed annually by Tequila Matchmaker.
Cambio partnered with ZB Distillery (NOM 1605) to deliver exceptional quality and attention to detail. After a comprehensive search, only Distillery Empresa Ejidal Tequilers de Amatitá was eager to explore Cambio’s innovative distilling techniques and longer production times.
They also committed to the unprecedented practice of exploring secondary barrel finishes for each of Cambio’s products and provided a separate building designed for a 100% natural artisanal process. ZB has been instrumental in allowing Cambio to modify their distillery, and experiment, test, and verify results with their modern laboratory.
The Tequila
- Cambio Tequila Blanco is made with a higher set of standards, going beyond traditional expectations every step of the way. First, whole Blue Weber Agave piñas are roasted slow and low for superior flavors, then the rich juice is extracted from the pulp using only a traditional Tahona stone wheel. The fermentation process utilizes extremely low temperatures and wine yeasts that yield a wider variety of nuances, and the fermentation tanks are carefully lined with American white oak and Mexican pine and temperature controlled—a step few others have ever even considered. The slower distillation allows for more nuance and control over the spirit’s flavor. Finally, the tequila spends time in used French oak wine barrels, giving the finished spirit a level of complexity and character unlike any other Blanco. No other tequila benefits from this singular attention to every detail, a result which tequila lovers will savor with every sip.
- Tasting Notes: Fruity and rich with notes of butterscotch, honey-roasted agave, orange peel, guava, and peach with a slight mineral undertone. Soft and pleasant on the palate with a clean, lingering finish—even at 92 proof (46% ABV).
- Cambio Tequila Reposado is aged for one month in Burgundy and Bordeaux barrels, and then for an additional five months in French oak Chardonnay casks. This extended barrel aging and use of multiple casks gives the tequila distinct warm caramel notes, with a pleasant hint of spice from the Chardonnay casks. This variation of barrel finishing is unprecedented in the world of tequila, elevating the expression beyond what’s expected and raising the bar for all other Reposados. With a commitment to non-traditional yeasts and longer cooking, fermenting, and distilling practices, Cambio is unlike any other Reposado available today. The company’s goal isn’t to make more tequila, just to make it better.
- Tasting notes: Mellow and rich with notes of warm caramel and spice, as well as honey-roasted agave, orange peel, guava, and a pleasant mineral undertone. Sumptuous on the palate with a pleasingly rich and lingering finish. 92 proof (46% ABV).
Availability
Cambio Blanco and Reposado Tequilas are sold online and in select on- and off-premise retail locations in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas for the suggested retail price of $49.99 and $59.99, respectively. For more information, please visit www.cambiotequila.com. Please follow Cambio Tequila on Facebook, Instagram and twitter.
About Cambio Tequila
Cambio means change, and it’s what drives this tequila—the relentless pursuit to improve, build and evolve. Founded by classically trained Chef and Sommelier John des Rosiers, Cambio is a distillation of classic tequila tradition filtered through the culinary science and restless craftsmanship of a 30-year veteran’s experience in the world’s finest kitchens and bars. Cambio deeply respects tequila’s traditions while finding opportunities for improvement that honor the older heritage of slow, hand-made craftsmanship. More than any other tequila, Cambio relentlessly pursues the possibilities of what barrel-finishing can bring to a spirit’s flavor and character. There is always a better way, regardless of the extra work, cost, or time, and Cambio constantly strives for perfection from their tequila—because that’s the change you deserve.
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