by admin | Oct 7, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
OTT Channel UNX NOW Provides Ninja Fans One Centralized Network for Watching Year-Round Professional Sport Competitions and Interacting With Top Ninja Athletes
Chicago, Ill. (October 7, 2019) – The future of ninja has arrived. Beginning today, UNX has launched UNX NOW, the first-ever centralized streaming network specifically designed for watching professional ninja sport competitions and interacting with top ninja athletes. Capitalizing on the immense worldwide popularity of the sport, from amateur competitive leagues to professional athletes on reality shows, the new over-the-top (OTT) channel means that millions of worldwide fans of ninja will no longer need to wait to see their favorite male and female athletes in action. UNX NOW will initially showcase daily content including the inaugural professional competition season, and a daily “UNX Fast Forward” show featuring family-friendly programming: athlete interviews, analysis of runs, home workouts and more.
To bring the vision to life, UNX CEO Jeff Piejak (who currently owns four brick and mortar Ultimate Ninjas locations in Metro Chicago and St. Louis), teamed up with top ninja athletes Ethan Swanson and Chris Digangi. Together, they shared a desire to elevate the sport of ninja which was strongly supported by the athletes themselves. The trio then enlisted Howard Bolter, a broadcast industry veteran who has launched broadcast, cable and OTT channels, to serve as UNX COO. Finally, to ensure the highest quality of sports production, UNX secured Hugh Arian, X Games executive producer and president of Echo Entertainment.
“For a long time, people have watched ninja sports in a finite reality format, while getting invested in the lives of these athletes,” stated Swanson. “We quickly realized that fans were craving a year-round, professional, merit-based competition format, which we’ll deliver using the latest technology and network quality programming.”
The inaugural season of UNX professional competitions will include 12 open qualifiers at gyms around the country for anyone age 13 and over, as well as three live-streamed and broadcast finals held between October 2019 and early February 2020. Throughout the season, which will culminate in a live championship on February 15, 2020, UNX will award $75,000 in prize money to top athletes: $18K per major plus $21K for the championship.
This new format, which puts the athlete as a competitor first, has attracted top talent including: American Ninja Warrior 2019 Champion Drew Drechsel; Daniel Gil; Jesse Labreck; and Jessie Graff, all of whom have signed on to compete in the inaugural season and be featured in the network’s entertainment programs.
“This is my life, my passion, and my profession,” said Drechsel. “I look forward to being seen as the athlete that I am and have trained so hard to become. It’s exciting to have the audience of ninja fans really get to know me and see what I’m able to do year-round on UNX NOW.”
Top ninja personalities Grant McCartney and Evan Dollard will serve as lead commentators on the live-streamed majors and championship event.
In November, UNX will also begin accepting pre-sale bar system orders for its new ultiFit @ Homeworkout system (projected delivery March 2020). Designed and led by American Ninja Warrior veterans including Jesse Labreck, the revolutionary workout helps to increase strength, agility and confidence by allowing users to access a variety of on-demand 20-minute workouts. ultiFit @ Home adheres to the principle of Progress over Perfection, guiding users towards their goals with each and every workout.The individual workouts are included in the UNXNOW.com monthly membership. The bar system and accessories are sold separately.
Subscriptions to UNX NOW are available for $5.99/month. Fans can also choose to pay-per-view the live-streamed majors and championship for $15.99.
For more information on UNX NOW and to sign up for a one-month free trial, visit www.unxnow.com. Follow the brand on Facebook (UNX), Instagram (@UNX.NOW) and Twitter (@UNX_NOW)
ABOUT UNX
UNX is the home for everything ninja. Created by ninjas, UNX features a professional ninja competition league as well as an interactive OTT channel with access to competitions, and a daily “UNX Fast Forward” show featuring athlete interviews, analysis of runs and home workouts. For more information, visit www.unxnow.com.
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by admin | Jul 30, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
Traverse City Whiskey Co. Opens ‘The Outpost’ In Greater Detroit On Woodward Avenue
“Whiskey of the North” Will Offer Diverse Portfolio of Award-Winning Whiskey Alongside Newly-Refurbished Como’s Restaurant
Detroit, MI (July 30, 2019) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), also known as the “Whiskey of the North,” has ventured slightly southeast within the state to open its first-ever Tasting Room in Metro Detroit. Named ‘The Outpost,’ the space is located alongside the already operating Como’s at 22812 Woodward Avenue at Nine Mile in historic Ferndale.The property was acquired by Peas and Carrots Restaurant Group, but the whiskey tasting room will operate as a separate entity.
TCWC has been eyeing The Motor City for some time, as a way to establish a footprint in a major metropolitan area that’s well-recognized for its food and beverage programs, and a stone’s throw from their home distillery in Traverse City, which houses the company’s original tasting room – ‘The Stillhouse.’ The brand plans to offer a “taste of up north” to their Detroit fan base, replicating a rustic vibe, signature whiskey cocktails and, most importantly, northern hospitality.
The company has hired an initial 16 staff members, all from Greater Detroit, to help open and operate the venue. Every person, from bartender to hostess, will undergo brand-specific training, including Whiskey 101 and Whiskey 201, that breaks down everything from the TCWC history to the specific mash bill of each whiskey expression.
Entry to ‘The Outpost’ can be accessed on the opposite side of the restaurant patio, off of Woodward Avenue, or through the rear of the building. In warmer months, a garage door that acts as the tasting room’s front window, can be lifted to give guests an open-air feel – like on the bay of Lake Michigan. Directly inside, and looking up, is a suspended custom-made chandelier constructed of whiskey barrel staves which matches other used whiskey barrels strategically placed throughout the tasting room.
Deeper within the space, thirsty guests can choose from among 16 barstools or 12 high-top tables, which fill the remaining Northern Michigan-themed space. Branded leather-bound stools, tinted light fixtures and a floor to ceiling back bar further detail ‘The Outpost.’ An interior door, not far from the tasting room’s merchandise corner, will connect the two spaces, but the atmosphere and ambiance of each property will be distinct and unique.
The brand’s full portfolio of whiskey bottles will be available to taste and purchase on-site, which include: Straight Bourbon XXX Whiskey, American Cherry Edition, North Coast Rye, Port Barrel Finish, Barrel Proof Bourbon and multiple exclusive releases that are only available in Traverse City and now at ‘The Outpost.’ Situated in the “Cherry Capital of the World,” the brand recently introduced all-natural Premium Cocktail Cherries to its lineup, which are currently available at Meijer locations nationally and online via Amazon. The cherries will be used to enhance the Tasting Room’s signature cocktails and sold alongside the whiskey by the jar.
Food will also be available from a condensed Como’s menu, made in the neighboring kitchen. The signature TCW Burger, coined ‘The Best Burger on the Block,’ is made of a double beef patty topped with American cheese, whiskey onion and whiskey aioli. Bar bites like White Cheddar Curds, served with smoky tomato sauce, and Whitefish Dip made with charred apple, mustard, scallion and celery are also available for order. Elevated items like the Cheese Board and Charcuterie Board, the latter of which includes a Cherry-Whiskey Compote, round out the menu providing assorted options for any palate.
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Thur: 11am – 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 11am – 9pm
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. isan independent and locally owned distilled spirits company based in Traverse City, Michigan, that’s dedicated to producing approachable premium to super-premium whiskey and bourbon. Known as “The Whiskey of the North,” the upstart company draws upon its early family roots 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 | Jun 4, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
The Sixth Annual Kentucky Bourbon Affair is an intimate five-day exploration into the Kentucky’s signature, and America’s only native, spirit.
This is the only whiskey event that was, and is, actually created and executed by the distilleries themselves. Bourbon lovers get to experience a one on one facetime with the legendary Bourbon Barons and get in-depth hands-on experience with the Master Distillers. The events range from small groups of six to 300 people.
Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association: “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is a classic, unforgettable Bourbon lover’s dream. Over 500 people will come from all over the world, many who have attending multiple years, to get a graduate course on Bourbon.”
Started in 2014 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Congress declaring Bourbon as America’s only native spirit in May 1964, this event has grown doubling the number of distillers involved and the events they put on.
This year’s 45 events feature behind-the-scenes tours, private barrel selections and specialty programs at the world’s most iconic distilleries and famous hotspots in Louisville and throughout Kentucky. 34 events are already sold out. For more information, please visit www.kybourbonaffair.com
by admin | May 11, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
New “Rock & Rye” Made with Straight American Whiskey and All-Natural Ingredients Aims to Disrupt The Flavored Whiskey Category
CHICAGO, IL (May 7, 2019) – Stolen Spirits, known for creating the world’s first smoked rum and award-winning 11 year-old single-grain whiskey, announced today the launch of Stolen X, the newest member of the Stolen family of craft spirits. Spirits Investment Partners, the group behind Stolen Spirits, expects Stolen X to be a disruptive challenger in the booming flavored whiskey category.
Based on a pre-prohibition spirit known as “Rock & Rye,” Stolen X is made with straight American rye whiskey, blended with organic raw honey and real orange peel. The aged rye whiskey and all-natural ingredients create a smooth and perfectly balanced flavor profile similar to that of an Old fashioned. At 80 proof, the whiskey stands proud with subtle notes of honey and citrus that bring a smooth finish. Stolen X is perfect as a shot or can be enjoyed over ice.
“Humans have been drinking horrible shots since the discovery of fermentation,” said Marc Bushala, CEO of Spirits Investment Partnership. “There has not been much evolution from the swill that we hoisted in college to what people are shooting today. I don’t really recall why we did shots of a certain herbaceous concoction that looks and tastes like shoe polish, but I remember that we drank a lot of it. The main difference with the popular shot brands today is the use of artificial flavors and sweeteners to make bad booze more palatable – we think that people will love great rye whiskey blended with all natural ingredients that actually tastes good.”
Stolen X is currently available at both on- and off-premise establishments in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $24.99. This summer, the brand plans to launch a One Liter ($29.99) and 100ml cans ($2.99).
“The Bottle itself is as distinctive as the liquid inside,” said Ryan Perry, Product Development and COO of Spirits Investments Partners. “The glossy black bottle with a big white ‘X’ captures the simplicity and purity of the product with all the bravado of the Stolen brand.”
Distributed in partnership with Breakthru Beverage Group, Young’s Market, RNDC and other top tier independent wholesalers, Stolen X is available in California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Texas. By 2020, the brand aims to be in more than 30 states.
“We are proud of our collaboration and the success we continue to experience as the distributor partner to Stolen in helping the team grow their portfolio over the past three years,” said Danny Wirtz, Vice Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group. “We are particularly excited about the path forward and their newest innovation, Stolen X, which has the taste profile and brand bravado to be a formidable challenger in the flavored whiskey category.”
For more information about Stolen Spirits and Stolen X, visit www.thisisstolen.com. Follow the brand on Facebook @ThisIsStolen and on Twitter and Instagram @thisisstolen
About Stolen Spirits
Stolen Spirits is a collection of unique spirits born in Auckland, New Zealand. The portfolio includes an exceptional 11-year-old single grain whiskey, a Jamaican pot stilled over-proof rum, and the world’s first smoked rum. The Stolen family shares the same essential DNA; high quality, distinctive and unconventional character.
About Spirits Investment Partners
Spirits Investment Partners (SIP) is a boutique innovation and brand development company focused in the spirits sector, comprised of a team of highly-seasoned distilled beverages professionals with expertise spanning branding to production, sales, marketing, and finance.
Stolen Skus: United States, Australia, New Zealand
Stolen Dark Rum | Stolen Gold Rum | Stolen Over-Proof Rum | Stolen Smoked Rum |Stolen White Rum | Stolen 11 Whiskey | Stolen X
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by admin | Apr 15, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
Award-winning expression offers a modern take on the classic spirit and features a disruptive blend of botanicals
Dripping Springs, TX ( April 15, 2019) – Treaty Oak Distilling, the vanguard distillery that has been at the leading-edge of the small spirits movement for over a decade, is proud to announce its Waterloo No.9 Gin was recently awarded a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This year’s event, one of the most influential competitions of its kind, featured nearly 3,000 spirits, the largest in its 19-year history.
Waterloo No. 9, the first gin to be introduced in the state of Texas, is crafted in the New Western style, allowing the locally sourced botanicals to shine. The expression draws inspiration from a traditional dry gin by utilizing ingredients such as juniper, coriander, and anise. But, its perhaps best defined by its unique floral and citrus qualities, like ginger, grapefruit zest, lavender, the latter two of which are sourced from the Texas valley, thanks to a partnership with Dr. Mani Skaria, founder of U.S. Citrus, who developed a proprietary USDA certified micro-budding citrus propagation technique.The Waterloo name pays homage to the original name for the city of Austin. No.9 refers to the ninth expression the team selected from among 100 recipes. A gin as big as Texas, No.9 also previously won the coveted “Gin Masters Award” in London from among more than 300 entries.
“We strive to make spirits that purposefully break from convention in order to create something new, or even curious. Our gins will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this spirit,” said Daniel Barnes, founder of Treaty Oak Distilling. “We’re proud to be the most awarded distillery in Texas and thrilled to receive such a high honor from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”
The award-winning Waterloo Gin portfolio also includes Waterloo Antique Gin and Waterloo Old Yaupon. The longest aged gin on the market, Antique is barreled on-site before aging under the Texas sun in first use American White Oak barrels for 24 months. Distilled with local botanicals and Texas spring water, it flaunts a sweet floral and vanilla nose, and then reveals dark, herbal flavor notes, presenting hints of nutmeg and leather, before a sweet-spicy cinnamon finish. The newest addition to the gin portfolio is Waterloo Old Yaupon, a unique take on an Old Tom Gin, meaning an 18thcentury London Dry. Pale-yellow in appearance, this 90-proof gem features botanicals such as Yaupon Holly, Juniper, Kaffir Lime, Anise, which are then back-sweetened with Wildflower Honey.
The trio of gins are born of both science and experience, created in custom made pot and column stills with Treaty Oak’s proprietary distillation process. Comprised of distillers, sommeliers, botanists and architects, the crew draws inspiration from the past, but also the world around them. They meticulously select the best ingredients and adhere to stringent aging processes and distilling methods to ensure the highest-quality products. Each gin is distilled in Dripping Springs, using limestone-filtered Texas spring water.
Packaging
The brand recently introduced a fresh new look for the full Waterloo Gin portfolio,courtesy of creative powerhouse Crispin Porter+Bogusky, with assistance from Treaty Oak Creative Director, Rachael Barnes. The new bottles showcase a sleek new shape, with disruptive paint strokes in blue (Waterloo No.9), black (Waterloo Antique) and green (Waterloo Old Yaupon) over a delicate juniper stem wrapped in oak leaves.
Availability
Waterloo No.9 ($24.99) and Waterloo Antique Gins ($29.99) are now available in 750ml bottles at both on- and off-premise establishments in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas. Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin ($24.99) can be found in select retailers. Retail prices may vary by market. For more information, please visit www.waterloogin.com
The Distillery
Located on a 28-acre ranch at 16604 Fitzhugh Road in Dripping Springs, Texas (approximately 25 miles south of Austin), Treaty Oak is open to the public Thursday (Alice’s Restaurant only) and Friday from 4-9pm, Saturday from 12-9, and Sunday from 12-6pm. The distillery offers tours on Saturdays from 1-6pm, which provides a behind the scenes look into the distilling process and history of Treaty Oak. Admission for a 30-minute tour is $15 and includes a spirit tasting and a rotating seasonal cocktail. Reserve your spot here: www.treatyoakdistilling.com/tours. Walk-ins are accepted (subject to availability). For private tours, call (512) 599-0335. The facility also houses Alice’s Restaurant, a full kitchen and bar featuring Texas-centric food and beverage; The Cocktail Lab, where science meets the art of cocktailing; Rick House Bar, which is also available to rent for special events; a visitor center; The Bottle Shop, where guests can purchase brand gear and limited-edition whiskey expressions only available at the distillery; and family-friendly entertainment, including live music, yard games and a kids play area.
About Treaty Oak Distilling
Treaty Oak Distilling is a collective of distillers, sommeliers, botanists and architects based in Dripping Springs, Texas who are in pursuit of making the best spirits. They look to film, music, cultural exchange and beyond to push and fuel a path forward. Inspired by the world around them, they have crafted an unbound lineup of spirits: Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon, Red Handed Bourbon, Red Handed Rye Whiskey, Waterloo No.9 Gin, Waterloo Antique Gin and Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin. Connect with Treaty Oak Distilling on Facebook and Instagram. Drink responsibly.
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by admin | Apr 15, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
Award-Winning Portfolio of Flavors Now Available in Nearly 15 U.S. Markets
Austin, TX (April 1, 2019) – Mighty Swell Spritzer Co., the low calorie, low sugar spiked beverage, recently added Cherry Lime to its portfolio. The new flavor utilizes naturally derived ingredients to deliver the taste of juicy red cherries with a hint of zesty lime. It’s the latest line extension in a series first introduced in 2016, which also includes Watermelon Mint, Grapefruit, and Peach.
“Mighty Swell Spiked Spritzers were born of a desire to create a premium tasting, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage that fits consumers active lifestyles and thirst for flavor,” said John Beal, General Manager for Mighty Swell Spritzer Co.“ The newest addition to our lineup embodies the spirit of the brand by offering a deliciously light effervescent taste with 5% ABV. We’re aiming to become a household name and the number three hard seltzer in the U.S. by 2021.”
As a company developed and headquartered in the heart of Austin, TX, the city’s vibe has continued to inspire Mighty Swell to strike the perfect balance between living an active lifestyle and relaxing in the sun with an ice-cold Mighty Swell in-hand. Perfect right out of the can, over ice or as a base for your favorite signature cocktail, each 12-ounce can contains 5% ABV (cold-brewed sugar alcohol), 110 calories and 4 grams of sugar.
Mighty Swell is now available in a wide range of retail locations throughout the following U.S. markets: CO, CT, FL, GA, MA, NC, NJ, NY, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA and WI. To search for the nearest store by zip code, please visit: https://mightyswell.com/where-to-buy
See below for little more about each individual flavor:
- Cherry Lime – Juicy red cherries with a hint of zesty lime. Instantly refreshing! Flavor notes: slightly sweet cherry, fresh squeezed lime, brightly effervescent
- Grapefruit – Ruby red grapefruit with citrus zip and a crisp, fruity finish. Flavor notes: balance of sweet and tart, well-rounded, never bitter, orange-like juiciness
- Peach – Fruit forward with light citrus and orange blossom. Flavor notes: fresh peach jam, hints of citrus, slightly floral
- Watermelon Mint – Sweet, refreshing watermelon meets the coolness of mint. Flavor notes: crisp, bright mint, fruity juicy melon, balanced sweetness
Mighty Swell offers individual flavors sold in 6-packs for the suggested retail price of $9.99. In addition, the variety 12-pack features all four flavors for $15.99.
All Mighty Swell products are gluten-free, use vegan-friendly ingredients, and are proudly made in the USA. They utilize a clean ingredient deck and therefore do not contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, added sugars, sodium benzoate, or food dyes.
Tastings.com also recently awarded the brand a Gold Medal for its new packaging design at the 2018 World Beer Championships.
For more information, please visit www.mightyswell.com and follow the brand on Facebook (@mightyswellspritzers) and Instagram (@mightyswell)
About Mighty Swell Spritzer Co.
Austin, Texas-based Mighty Swell Spritzer Co. is on a mission to rescue people from the bland and artificial with light and brightly effervescent, fruit forward spiked spritzers made with naturally derived ingredients. The company’s product line includes four refreshing flavors: Cherry Lime, Watermelon Mint, Grapefruit and Peach. Mighty Swell Spiked Spritzers are available in 12-ounce cans at finer retail shops in CO, CT, FL, GA, MA, NC, NJ, NY, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA and WI.
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