by admin | Jun 20, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
20-Year Consumer Goods Veteran Enlisted to Drive Sales Strategy, Organizational Development, and Brand Growth
Miami Beach, FL (June 20, 2023) – Cool Cat, a refreshing line of low-calorie sparkling cocktails making wine more approachable and inclusive for the next generation of wine drinkers, has appointed Brian Smith as its new Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he will be responsible for leading all commercial functions, including sales and distribution strategy, national accounts, trade development, and field marketing.
Most recently, Brian led the Sales team at Canteen Spirits where he was responsible for delivering volume and distribution growth via optimizing route to market and to help build a plan to launch Cantina Margarita in select states. Prior to that, he spent seven years with Pabst Brewing Company as Chief Sales Officer, where he led a 170-person high performing team, and Executive Vice President of National Accounts, managing all selling efforts with the largest on- and off-premise retailers. Brian brings the ability to structure a customer-focused team while recruiting and developing top talent. He is a culture champion that has tremendous passion for instilling high standards and values throughout the sales team.
Brian also served as Vice President, Key Accounts, for Mark Anthony Brands, earning a promotion after three years to Sr. Vice President, Sales. In this position, he was responsible for overall sales strategy and execution, while building a top-selling sales organization. Brian began his career in the beer business, spending nine years with Coors Brewing before leaving to become General Manager of Gold Coast Beverage, where he oversaw a team of over 200 people selling a broad portfolio of beer brands.
“Brian joins Cool Cat at a critical time and will be essential in driving our sales strategy and future brand growth,” said Founder & CEO Rocco Venneri. “After only three years in business, Cool Cat is making its mark as a leading RTD in the wine category among several top national accounts, but there’s much more work to be done. Brian’s extensive industry knowledge, relationships, and overall approach will be a big asset to our team.”
“I believe in the power and potential of the Cool Cat brand and meeting with the team confirmed my desire to be here, said Smith. “Wine drinkers have long been underserved in the RTD space, but soon Cool Cat will be their delicious choice!”
Brian earned a BS in Economics & History from Florida State University, where he now serves as a guest lecturer – a role he also relishes at the Dedman School of Hospitality. In 2011, Brian attended the Global Institute of Leadership Development (GILD). Additionally, in 2017, he was elected as a Board Member and now serves as Treasurer for Beat the Streets Chicago, a not-for-profit organization which strives to provide life enhancing opportunities though the power of wrestling for the underserved in Chicago’s most desperate neighborhood.
Brian currently resides in San Antonio, TX with his wife Adrienne and their daughters, Campbell & Mallory.
A Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Cool Cat naturally flavored sparkling cocktails – available in Original (Elderflower Mint Lime) Citrus, Berry, and Grapefruit flavors – feature a base of California white wine, cane sugar, and are naturally gluten free. At 6.9% ABV they are a better alternative to many other alcoholic beverages, containing just 140 calories and two grams of sugar per 12-ounce can.
All four sparkling cocktails are available for purchase online at drinkcoolcat.com, Drizly, Gopuff, and in select on-and off-premise locations in 24 U.S. states. To find a store near you, visit All Store Locator.
For more information, follow the brand @drinkcoolcat on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Spotify, or visit www.drinkcoolcat.com.
About Cool Cat
Cool Cat is a minority founded, owned, and operated beverage lifestyle company established in 2018 in Chelsea, NYC. Launched in April 2020, Cool Cat Sparkling Cocktails are currently distributed online and select retailers in 24 U.S. states. Discover the brand online at drinkcoolcat.com or on Instagram and Facebook @drinkcoolcat.
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by admin | Jun 6, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
State of the Art Bottling and Packaging Facility and Newly Acquired Rickhouse Available for Growing Craft Brands
Louisville, KY (June 6, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged cask strength whiskey since 2013, is excited to announce the inaugural offering of its contract bottling services and barrel storage, in Jeffersontown, and Shively, Kentucky, respectively.
Originally built in 1940 by the historic Yellowstone Distillery, the newly acquired 18,000-barrel rickhouse features 42 ricks and five levels and offers a multitude of locations throughout to provide unique character to each cask. Just minutes from downtown Louisville, this prime spot for the maturation of barrel inventory is strategically located near a variety of blending, bottling, and packaging services, including the new state of the art BCS facility. This 31,000 sq ft facility can process the most demanding bottling and packaging needs with ease and is available for growing craft brands needing a partner to bottle, package, and stage.
“Our contract bottling expertise and barrel storage are now available for craft distillers, which saves time and energy, and allows them to focus on growing their brand,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Our rickhouse exudes the original craftsmanship on which the reputation of Kentucky Bourbon was built and provides a historic touch for aging whiskey.”
For more information, please email [email protected]
Follow Barrell Craft Spirits on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | May 22, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Barrell Craft Spirits® and Stellum™ Spirits Win Seven Double Platinum and Three Platinum Medals
Louisville, KY (May 22, 2023) – Stellum™ Spirits Rye Fibonacci Blend #1 was named “Best Blend of Straight Rye” and awarded a Double Platinum medal at the 2023 ASCOT awards. Overall, Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS) and Stellum™ Spirits took home seven Double Platinum medals and three Platinum medals. The competition is led by Fred Minnick, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, spirits journalist, professional taster, and speaker. He is recognized for his discerning palate and expertise on a variety of spirits. Judging is blind and involves a prestigious panel of nationally recognized distilled spirits judges, each selected for their distinct and trusted palate.
As the original independent blender of unique aged cask strength whiskey since 2013, BCS was thrilled with this year’s results, which recognizes products from various parts of its portfolio, including its signature bourbon batches and limited releases. The team was especially pleased that, as a Best in Category winner, Stellum Rye Fibonacci Blend #1 will advance to a blind taste-off for the title of “Best in Show” against all other Best in Category winners on Thursday, June 1, via The Spirits Network.
“We hold the judges of this esteemed spirits competition in very high regard,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Winning 10 Double Platinum and Platinum medals – with an opportunity to also achieve ‘Best in Show’ – truly validates our commitment to continually push the boundaries of blending and to elevate barrels of whiskey into something greater than the sum of their parts.”
The full list of BCS and Stellum Spirits awards includes:
- Best In Category “Best Blend of Straight Rye”
- Stellum Fibonacci Rye #1, featuring six separate rye blends which were combined in accordance with the sequence. (57.56% ABV) $99.
- Double Platinum Medal Winners
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 033, a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys (a marriage of high-rye and high-corn barrels ranging from 5-9-years) distilled and aged in KY, IN and TN. (58.3% ABV) $90.
- Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Bourbon GXA1, incorporates 5, 7, 9 and 14-year bourbons, showing a pronounced sweet and earthy Kentucky Bourbon influence. (59.97% ABV) $109.
- Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Bourbon CSX8 has a component age statement of 5, 7, 10, and 17-year bourbons. It shows a pronounced sweet and earthy Kentucky Bourbon influence. (57.05% ABV) $109.
- Stellum Black Red Fox Sparrow features a stimulating fusion of eastern spices and fruit. (58.66% ABV) $99.
- Stellum Black Hunter’s Moon, an oak driven bourbon marked by a high rye spice and a robust woodiness. (76% ABV) $99.
- Stellum Black Equinox Blend #1, created by slowly layering in rare sets of bourbon barrels until the evening of the Vernal Equinox, when the blend was completed in honor of the changing seasons. (58.63% ABV) $99.
- Platinum Medal Winners
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 032, a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys (5, 6, 7, and 10-year-old barrels) distilled and aged in TN, KY, and IN, and bottled at cask strength. (57.67% ABV) $90.
- BCS Private Release Whiskey finished in a St. Agrestis Brooklyn Amaro Cask DJA2 (61.61% ABV) $109.
- BCS Private Release Whiskey finished in a Ruby Port Barrel DJX2(61.95% ABV) $109.
Collectively, BCS has won eight Double Platinum and eight Platinum medals at the ASCOT Awards, while Stellum Spirits has won five Double Platinum medals.
For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | May 2, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Amongst Thousands of Entries, TCWC’s Barrel Proof Bourbon Once Again Selected as a Top Three Finalist For “Best Small Batch Bourbon,” Which it Won in 2019
Traverse City, MI (May 2, 2023) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), a true small batch distillery handcrafting a portfolio of premium whiskies and bourbons in Up North Michigan, announced that three of its signature products – Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey and Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon – were awarded Double Gold medals at the prestigious 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Additionally, TCWC’s Barrel Proof Bourbon was named a Finalist for “Best Small Batch Bourbon,” an award which it won in 2019.
TCWC’s Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey has quickly become a must have for premium bourbon lovers. It has a truly exhilarating taste, like hugging a bear, but way less dangerous. It contains a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley that was aged for 10 years and bottled at 120.2 proof (60.1% ABV). The bourbon presents a deep, oaky body with sweet and nutty flavors of burnt caramel and dark chocolate, a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, and a long finish. SRP $80.
The company’s Barrel Proof Rye is the newest addition to the company’s already impressive lineup. Imagine a red-bearded pirate crying tears of joy after seeing land for the first time in 10 years. That’s the feeling whiskey lovers can expect when drinking it. The expression has a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The expression was aged for six years and bottled at 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV). The whiskey showcases a classic rye spice alongside a rich oak flavor, an effervescent aroma of baking spices, notes of allspice, black peppercorns and sage, and a warm buttery finish. SRP $80.
The Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon tastes like a classy Cinco de Mayo party in your mouth. It is part of TCWC’s new “Finishing Series” that features a unique high-rye bourbon whiskey with a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley. The whiskey was aged for five years in new American Oak barrels and then rested in Pedro Ximenez sherry wine casks for nearly 12 months and bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). It exemplifies notes of caramel, sassafras, cinnamon, raisins, and vanilla bean, with a mild finish of toasted rye bread and tobacco. SRP $60.
“It’s an absolute thrill to have our signature Barrel Proof Bourbon and Rye whiskeys receive Double Gold, and an honor to be a finalist for ‘Best Small Batch Bourbon’ for the second time,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-founder, TCWC. “We’re also thrilled that our Sherry Barrel Finished whiskey, one of our newest products, also earned Double Gold.”
TCWC draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800s, sourcing their grains from the Midwest. The distilling team, led by Chris Fredrickson, strives to make quality products, inspired by patented distilling techniques invented by Fredrickson’s great grandfather that were approved by the US PTO during the prohibition era.
TCWC products are available in 750ml bottles at both on- and off-premise establishments in the following markets: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin. Retail prices may vary by market.
For more information, please visit www.tcwhiskey.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @tcwhiskey
About Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a family-owned distilled spirits company that is known for crafting premium whiskeys that are unmistakably Up North. The harsh winters and hot summers of Traverse City, Michigan, produce exceptional whiskeys forged by the elements. Up North whiskey is said to be both strong and delicate, like a lumberjack with an understanding gaze. TCWC’s early family roots are in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800’s, sourcing all grains from the Midwest.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
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by admin | May 1, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
RTD Lifestyle Company Significantly Increases U.S. Retail Footprint
Miami Beach, FL (May 2, 2023) – Cool Cat, a refreshing line of low-calorie sparkling cocktails seeking to make wine more approachable and inclusive for the next generation of wine drinkers, has significantly increased its distribution footprint across the U.S. After only three years in business, Cool Cat is making its mark as a leading RTD in the Wine Category with leading national accounts including Total Wine & More, Kroger, Harris Teeter, GoPuff and BevMo! to name a few, in 1,000+ stores across 24 states.
Although total U.S. wine sales increased in 2022, a recent study[1] suggests the wine industry should focus on being more innovative and recruiting new, multi-cultural wine consumers. Currently, only 25% of 20–29-year-olds (Gen Z and younger Millennials) drink wine, 70% of which are White-non-Hispanic vs. Hispanic (13%), Black (12%), and Asian (4%). The Cool Cat team has been pleased to see many retailers increasingly emphasizing minority-founded companies.
“We work closely with accounts to ensure Cool Cat is highlighted as a minority founded company, when possible,” said Cool Cat co-founder and CEO Rocco Venneri. “We have been fortunate to find supportive partners who stand behind us and allocate resources to help minority brands like ours succeed. We will always be guided with diversity and inclusivity in-mind and hope this helps to inspire other minority founded and owned companies.”
The good news is that the wine cocktail category – which includes wine spritzers – is exploding (especially RTD single serving sizes that offer convenience, new flavors, and styles), up +48.5% in value and +35.5% in volume in 2021, a trend which was expected to continue in 2022[2].
A Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Cool Cat naturally flavored sparkling cocktails – available in Original (Elderflower Mint Lime) Citrus, Berry, and Grapefruit flavors – feature a base of California white wine, cane sugar, and are naturally gluten free. At 6.9% ABV they are a better alternative to many other alcoholic beverages, containing just 140 calories and two grams of sugar per 12-ounce can.
Cool Cat tastes great out of the can, poured over ice or used as a mixer in cocktails. It’s portable, recyclable and park, beach, and festival friendly. At $15.99 per 4-pack of 12oz cans (355ml), the brand provides more bang for the buck than a traditional bottle of wine.
All four sparkling cocktails are available for purchase online at drinkcoolcat.com, Drizly, Gopuff, and in select on-and off-premise locations in 24 U.S. states. To find a store near you, visit All Store Locator.
For more information, follow the brand @drinkcoolcat on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Spotify, or visit www.drinkcoolcat.com.
About Cool Cat
Cool Cat is a minority founded, owned, and operated beverage lifestyle company established in 2018 in Chelsea, NYC. Launched in April 2020, Cool Cat Sparkling Cocktails are currently distributed online and select retailers in 24 U.S. states. Discover the brand online at drinkcoolcat.com or on Instagram and Facebook @drinkcoolcat.
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[1] Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates 2022 report
[2] NielsenIQ
