Chicago, Ill. – (April 24, 2017) – Chicago-based Argo Tea®, the largest tea café concept in the U.S., will go cashless in four of the company’s locations beginning today. In an attempt to make it easier than ever to order, pay and earn rewards, and to increase its speed of service. the premium tea brand will eliminate cash transactions from select cafes – three in Chicago and one in New York.

Argo Tea’s cashless cafés will allow baristas to take orders faster, so customers can avoid lines and receive their favorite custom-made drinks and food in less time. Cashless cafés will accept credit/debit cards and the Argo Tea app, which allows customers to pay with their phone to earn rewards. Customers will receive $5 off their first order when they download the app. For customers who value cash, Argo Tea is working to develop an in-store gift card kiosk that accepts cash.

Chicago Cashless Café locations:

• Loop (Franklin & Madison): 1 S. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60606
• University of Illinois at Chicago: 750 S. Halsted Suite 151, Chicago, IL 60607
• Merchandise Mart: 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654

New York Cashless Café location:

• Union Square: 75 University Pl, New York, NY 10003

Looking ahead, the brand is also exploring the possibilities of using the cashless concept for the three locations at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport cafés.

About Argo Tea

Since brewing its first cup of tea in 2003, Argo Tea has quickly become a household name and leading multi-channel, branded beverage company. Its ready-to-drink teas in Argo Tea’s iconic bottles are now available in over 45,000 outlets nationwide through partnerships with premier retailers that value its brand-defining commitment to quality, sustainability and healthy living. With nearly 50 Argo Tea cafés globally, it has established a brand building marketing platform that serves over 10 million cups of tea annually, fueling its innovation. Argo Tea’s menu includes all natural, tea based signature drinks, over 50 varieties of loose-leaf teas, premium coffee, fresh-baked pastries, specialty foods, and a selection of teaware and accessories.

For more information, please visit www.argotea.com and follow the brand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/argotea as well as Twitter and Instagram @argotea

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Award-Winning Line of Premium Expressions Made From 100% Blue Weber Agave at Hacienda Corralejo in Guanajuato, Mexico, Gaining Ground in the U.S.

Aliso Viejo, California (March 27, 2017) – Tequila Corralejo®, marketed by Infinium Spirits, may be the best-kept secret in the tequila industry. A beloved brand in its home country of Mexico, the award-winning line of premium tequila has been gaining traction in recent years, especially among both acculturated and unacculturated Hispanics in the US.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), Americans are consuming more tequila than ever before (+9.4 percent sales growth in 2015), and after, whiskey, it’s one of the fastest-growing categories.

“We’re encouraged by the buzz in the tequila category and the growth of Tequila Corralejo,” said Megan Lester, brand manager for Infinium Spirits. “Already a top 10 tequila brand in the US, according to Nielsen, we see significant opportunity for increased distribution and consumption, while staying true to the brand’s core values and time-honored traditions.”

Tequila Corralejo exemplifies Central Mexico’s rich culture, heritage and vibrant lifestyle. As one of the few tequilas produced in Guanajuato, Mexico, Corralejo’s deep roots and production methods are unique in the tequila industry, dating back to 1755 when Hacienda Corralejo became the first estate in Mexico to produce tequila as a commercial venture.

Tequila Corralejo is made with 100% Blue Weber agave, which is handpicked from only the finest agave fields in Guanajuato. The agave is slow cooked in stone clay ovens for 27 hours then rested for 12 hours before going to the mill. All of the tequilas go through a double distillation. The first distillation takes place in a continuous still, or column still. The second distillation takes place in an Alembic copper pot still imported from Tomelloso, Spain, and is what sets Corralejo apart from other tequilas. Corralejo employs the 400-year-old Charentais method of distillation, the same method perfected by the French in distilling cognac, which allows for exceptional retention of aroma and flavor. The result is a flavor in each of the brand’s three expressions that’s rich, natural, and unsurpassed in quality and personality.

• Corralejo Silver – Made from 100% Blue Weber agave and bottled unaged. 80proof. Gold Medal 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Corralejo Reposado – Made from 100% Blue Weber agave and aged four months in barrels consisting of three types of oak – French, American and Encino oak. 80-proof. Double Gold Medal 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Corralejo Añejo – Made from 100% Blue Weber agave and aged for 12 months in charred, American oak barrels. 80-proof. Gold Medal 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Managing Director Don Leonardo Rodríguez Moreno, a 25-year industry veteran, is key to maintaining the artistry and craftsmanship for which Tequila Corralejo has become known.

“We make Tequila Corralejo using a process that provides an authentic and unique flavor profile,” said Moreno. “We are the only tequila using the Charentais distillation method commonly associated with cognac production and have used the same time-honored recipe for 23 years.”

The tall, colorful bottles inspired Corralejo’s brand messaging: Those With Pride Stand Tall. All of Corralejo’s bottles are produced at a glass factory also owned by Moreno, a few miles away from the distillery. In fact, the brand is one of a handful of tequila companies granted the right to produce tequila outside of Jalisco.

Hacienda Corralejo

The distillery is located on the grounds of Hacienda Corralejo, the birthplace of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, about 70 miles outside of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Availability & Price

Tequila Corralejo is available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise establishments across the United States. The suggested retail prices, which vary by market are: Silver ($21.99), Reposado ($25.99) and Añejo ($32.99). Both the Silver and Reposado expressions are also available in 1.75L bottles for $42.99 and $46.99, respectively.

For more information, please visit http://tequilacorralejo.mx/

About Infinium Spirits

Infinium Spirits is a family-owned spirits company known for igniting brands and accelerating performance. Founded in 2005 and based in Aliso Viejo, California, Infinium Spirits specializes in the import, sales, and marketing of its distinctive portfolio of brands.

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Chicago, Ill. – (Feb. 13, 2017) – Argo Tea®, the premium tea brand known for its all-natural tea-based signature drinks and loose-leaf teas, today announced its newest loose-leaf lineup, the Wellness Collection. Made with tea and ingredients with a purpose, the five premium blends are designed to help restore health so consumers feel their best. The collection includes the following teas, each of which has unique tasting notes and blends:

• DETOX – cleansing blend of green tea, herbs and spices
• EMPOWER – strengthening blend of hibiscus flowers, apple and elderberries
• ENERGIZED – invigorating blend of assam black tea, cocoa and cinnamon
• RELAX – calming blend of rooibos, chamomile blossoms and orange petals
• RENEW – refreshing blend of fruits, herbs and aloe vera

Argo Tea proudly sources the best ingredients from around the world, including handpicked, loose-leaf teas. The caffeine levels range from high to caffeine-free depending on the intended health benefit of the tea, and each blend is made with real pieces of fruit, flowers, and other all-natural ingredients.

“We created this new collection to support wellness of body and mind,” said Kari Ginal, Vice President of Marketing, Argo Tea. “We have a tea to support you in so many of life’s moments – whether you feel the onset of a cold, need to wind down after a tough day or get pumped up for a big occasion.”

Studies show that these all-natural ingredients play a large role in the health benefits offered in each tea. Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol, which makes up the core base of Detox.[1] Yerba mate provides an energy boost with no “crash” and chamomile has been used for centuries to treat chest colds and upset stomachs – both found in the Energize and Relax teas.[2]

The Wellness Collection is now available online at www.argotea.com and in Argo Tea cafés. The retail price for each loose-leaf bottle is $15.95, ranging in net weight based on each blend: Energize (5.6 oz., brews 85 cups), Detox (3.2 oz., brews 50 cups), Empower (4.4 oz., brews 70 cups), Renew (2.1 oz., brews 30 cups) and Relax (3.2 oz., brews 50 cups).

The Wellness Collection is also featured in a line of new signature drinks available at Argo Tea cafes nationwide. These limited time specials pair wellness teas with innovative functional ingredients like Säpp Birch Water, tapped from birch trees in the mountains of eastern Europe. These limited time specials are available through March 20, 2017, at participating Argo Tea cafés.

About Argo Tea

Since brewing its first cup of tea in 2003, Argo Tea has quickly become a household name and leading multi-channel, branded beverage company. Its ready-to-drink teas in Argo Tea’s iconic bottles are now available in over 40,000 outlets nationwide through partnerships with premier retailers that value its brand-defining commitment to quality, sustainability and healthy living. With nearly 50 Argo Tea cafés globally, it has established a brand building marketing platform that serves over 10 million cups of tea annually fueling its innovation. Argo Tea’s menu includes all natural-tea based signature drinks, over thirty varieties of loose-leaf teas, premium coffee, fresh-baked pastries, specialty foods, and a selection of tea ware and accessories.

For more information, please visit www.argotea.com and follow the brand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/argotea as well as Twitter and Instagram @argotea

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[1] Bsc, Kris Gunners. “10 Proven Benefits of Green Tea.” Authority Nutrition. Authority Nutrition, 18 Aug. 2016. Web. 21 Nov. 2016.

[2] MS, RD, Alina Peter. “8 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate (Backed by Science).” Authority Nutrition. Authority Nutrition, 07 Nov. 2016. Web. 21 Nov. 2016.

America’s Largest New Distillery Also Breaks Ground on Expansion Project in Response to Massive Demand for Custom, Authentic, Kentucky Whiskey Products

Bardstown, KY (January 30, 2017) – The Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo) announced today that Western Spirits Beverage Company, the makers of Bird Dog Whiskey, Lexington Bourbon and Calumet Farm Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, is the first to announce that it has joined BBCo’s Collaborative Distilling Program. Western Spirits will work together with BBCo to produce custom whiskey for its brand portfolio. The partners will begin their first distillation this month.

The partnership affords Western Spirits the opportunity to work with Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller Steve Nally and The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s first-class distilling team to produce their high-quality bourbon for many years to come.

“We are so excited about the opportunity to partner with the great team at The Bardstown Bourbon Company,” said Tim Livesay, President of Western Spirits. “With their vision for a Napa Valley type experience, a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery and Steve Nally’s hall-of-fame bourbon making experience, we are enthusiastic about making The Bardstown Bourbon Company the home of Western Spirits’ bourbon portfolio.”

“Western Spirits has an exciting and growing portfolio of brands,“ said David Mandell, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company. “We are eager to begin producing fantastic bourbon for Western Spirits Beverage Company.”

Due to the success of its sold out Collaborative Distilling Program, The Bardstown Bourbon Company recently broke ground on a distillery expansion project. The distillery’s current 1.5 million proof gallon capacity will be expanded to 3 million proof gallons, which will enable BBCo to provide more capacity for current customers as well as take on new customers in 3^rd quarter 2017. BBCo can ultimately be expanded to more than 6 million proof gallons within the current design, by adding additional equipment.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company plans to open its visitors and events center to the public by Summer 2017. The center will contain one of the largest collections of whiskey in the state of Kentucky. The state-of-the-art whiskey distillery will also include a transparent educational experience and high-end tours and tastings, event space, and eventually, a restaurant and boutique hotel.

ABOUT THE BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY

The Bardstown Bourbon Company is a celebration of the art of making whiskey. No secrets, mythical stories, or fabricated legends, the Bardstown Bourbon Company celebrates the craft of making great whiskey and the Bardstown community that brings bourbon to the world. BBCo started commercial production in September 2016 and is producing whiskey, bourbon, and rye for its own brands as well as for its Collaborative Distilling Program partners.

Located in the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” BBCo’s $25 million destination experience includes a first-of-its-kind Napa Valley style campus featuring a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery, unique and transparent educational experience, integrated visitors center, event space, whiskey library and bar, and eventually a restaurant and boutique hotel.

To learn more about The Bardstown Bourbon Company visit:

www.bardstownbourbon.com

www.facebook.com/bardstownbourboncompany

Tweets by btownbourbon

ABOUT WESTERN SPIRITS BEVERAGE COMPANY

Established in 2008, Western Spirits Beverage Company was founded to focus on a vision to build unique, innovative spirits brands. From unprecedented infusions to creating standout brands, Western Spirits prides itself on its commitment to create great tasting spirits in the ever-changing spirits universe.   Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Spirits has continued to grow through aggressive brand expansion and a robust sales force backing distribution within all 50 states.

To learn more about Western Spirits Beverage Company brands, please visit:

www.westernspirits.com

www.birddogwhiskey.com

www.calumetbourbon.com

http://www.lexington-bourbon.com/

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Comprehensive Shopping Experience Puts Attendees Face-to-Face with Local and Regional Home Improvement & Remodeling Experts, January 27-29

Chicago (Jan. 11, 2017) – The Ideal Home Show Chicago (IHSC), presented by Life Storage, returns to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) for its third installment, from January 27-29, 2017. The experiential marketplace – the only home show in the city of Chicago – is perfect for new and existing homeowners looking to upgrade, remodel or renovate their homes.

The three-day showcase will feature vendors from Chicagoland and beyond eager to demonstrate their new products, and to offer advice, insight and inspiration on remodeling, design, home improvement and spring outdoor projects. Guests will meet local and regional experts offering innovative products, inspiring ideas, helpful tips and exclusive deals.

In 2016, homeowners who completed home remodeling projects rose 12% from the previous year, driven primarily by new owners looking to upgrade and customize their homes, and people preparing to put their homes on the market.[i]

“Winter is the perfect time of year for existing and future home owners to start thinking ahead to their spring and summer renewal projects,” said Jessica Boweak, the IHSC’s manager. “We’re excited to welcome more than 40 new home experts to the third annual Ideal Home Show at Navy Pier. Attendees will get to shop, compare and save, as well as take advantage of seminars and specials they won’t find anywhere else.”

2017’s Ideal Home Show Chicago will feature vendors specializing in bedroom, office, outdoor, energy efficiency and more. Since kitchen and bathroom remodeling remain the top trends for people upgrading their homes, attendees will find experts in cabinetry, appliances, windows and flooring, including Dovetail Kitchens, offering custom solutions in kitchen and bath remodeling, Renewal by Andersen, replacement windows and doors, Phenix Brick, indoor and outdoor brick staining, Premium Cabinets and Countertops, and Power Home Remodeling, specializing in energy-efficient home remodeling.

Highlights include:

• WGN Radio’s Lou Manfredini, aka “Mr. Fix It,” will broadcast live from Navy Pier Saturday, Jan. 28 from 7-10 a.m.
• Ethan Allen, the leader in furniture and home accessories, will create interactive office, bedroom and dining displays, and offer free design assistance through its “Ask a Designer” program
• Mission 2 Organize, Chicago’s urban organizing and concierge business, will present unique solutions to help attendees get organized Friday and Saturday at 1 pm

• VizX Designs, Naperville’s 3D landscape design firm, will provide outdoor living tips and create a walk-through backyard display
• Paramont EO and Crest Lighting, in partnership with GE, will discuss the energy efficiency of LED lighting, and heated flooring from Nuheat
  • The first 300 attendees each day will receive a free LED light bulb, courtesy of Paramont EO and Crest Lighting
• Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance will help attendees manage energy use and costs
• NHL Network Analyst and former Chicago Blackhawk Jamal Mayers and Blackhawks Defenseman Brian Campbell will sign autographs Saturday, Jan. 28 from 12-2 pm and Sunday, Jan. 29 from 12-2 pm, respectively, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen
• Local musician Laura Joy will perform Friday, Jan. 27 from 5-8 pm
• Chicago’s Indige Face and Waxed Hands will be at the show each day offering complimentary face painting and creating memorable keepsakes for children
• Charity partner, Habitat for Humanity, will have an interactive craft booth, creating coasters out of tile
• Local food trucks, including Da Pizza Dude, Pork Chop and Taquero Fusion will be dishing out customer favorites all weekend

Tickets are $10 at the door, $7 online, $4 for Seniors 65+ with a valid ID at the show box office. Children 12 and under are free with an adult. The hours for the Ideal Home Show Chicago are:

• Friday, January 27, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, January 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Show will take place at Navy Pier in Festival Hall B, with parking conveniently located beneath the showroom. New SpotHero users can save $5 using code IDEALHOME17. Commuters can earn $5 off their first 10 rides from Lyft when they download the app and enter code 50BONUS.

For more information, including a full stage schedule, visit idealhomeshowchicago.com. Follow Ideal Home Show Chicago for show updates and helpful home tips on Facebook and Twitter, and engage using hashtag #idealhomeshows.

About Ideal Home Show Chicago

Ideal Home Show Chicago offers consumers a comprehensive, face-to-face shopping opportunity, connecting new and existing home owners with companies offering home improvement, remodeling and décor, and outdoor living products, services and expert advice, to help them create the ideal home and life year round.

About Navy Pier

Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top attended leisure destination in the Midwest, stretching more than 6 city blocks and welcoming more than 8 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. Navy Pier, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization, maintains and oversees Navy Pier and its redevelopment into a bolder, greener and more contemporary urban space. For more information, visit www.navypier.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.

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[i] Home Advisor Annual Report, 2016, http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/report/

Premium Loose-Leaf Teas Sourced From the World’s Premier Tea Growing Regions Now Available in Cafés and Online

Chicago, Ill. – (Dec. 14, 2016) – Argo Tea®, the premium tea brand known for its all-natural tea-based signature drinks and loose-leaf teas, today introduced its most premium offering: the Garden Direct Collection. The new line features 24 single estate teas that are sourced from the world’s premier tea growing regions. Each reflects the character and subtleties of the unique terroir and climate from the garden in which it was grown.

With a variety of flavors and levels of caffeine, ranging from popular pure teas like First Flush Darjeeling (Ambootia Tea Garden, India) to undiscovered teas like Hong Cha (Fang District, Thailand) or Sejak (Jeju Island, South Korea), the range of the collection provides unique offerings for all types of tea enthusiasts. All Garden Direct varietals are available for purchase online at www.argotea.com and in the majority of Argo Tea’s Chicago and New York City area cafés. The following eight Garden Direct teas, which exemplify the diversity within the collection, are available in the rest of Argo Tea cafés nationwide:

• English Breakfast – Everything you could want in an English Breakfast tea and more: full-bodied, subtle malt and a hint of smoke
• Genmaicha – Stunningly beautiful, this Japanese favorite is the perfect balance of fresh vegetal Sencha and nutty undertones from the toasted rice
• Nilgiri – Sweet notes of honey and dried fruit give this tea wonderful balance, complemented by its lush amber cup
• Sencha – Lightly steamed to preserve the character of the leaves, this tea typifies the light grassy flavor you’d expect from the best senchas
• Pai Mu Tan – Picked from the tiniest buds in early Spring, this white tea presents delicate fruit and floral notes that will delight the palate
• Armenian Mint – Delicious and refreshing, Armenian Mint tea revitalizes the mind, body and soul, naturally without caffeine
• Chamomile Blossoms – Grown in the Nile Delta at low altitude, this classic herbal tea exhibits a light, floral sweetness that is perfectly balanced by earthy undertones
• Rooibos – Grown only in South Africa, this flavorful and full-bodied tea is caffeine-free and has strong notes of honey and fruit

This innovative collection was made possible because of the solid, long-standing relationships among Argo Tea and the various tea growers in each region.

“We literally traveled to all ends of the earth to source the best single estate teas for our Garden Direct Collection,” said Arsen Avakian, founder and CEO, Argo Tea. “Our partners not only make some of the best teas but also share in our commitment to making an impact on their communities. We’re proud to work with these world-renowned growers and are passionate about sharing these exceptional pure teas with enthusiasts everywhere.”

The collection’s rich gold and brown labels reflect the premium quality of each tea within the Collection. Each bottle features a design inspired by regional art, flowers and iconic patterns of the specific country where the tea was grown. The suggested retail price for each loose-leaf bottle varies from $10.95 to $39.95.

About Argo Tea

Since brewing its first cup of tea in 2003, Argo Tea has quickly become a household name and leading multi-channel, branded beverage company. Its ready-to-drink teas in Argo Tea’s iconic bottles are now available in over 30,000 outlets nationwide through partnerships with premier retailers that value its brand-defining commitment to quality, sustainability and healthy living. With nearly 50 Argo Tea cafés globally, it has established a brand building marketing platform that serves over 10 million cups of tea annually fueling its innovation. Argo Tea’s menu includes all natural-tea based signature drinks, over thirty varieties of loose-leaf teas, premium coffee, fresh-baked pastries, specialty foods, and a selection of tea ware and accessories.

For more information, please visit www.argotea.com and follow the brand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/argotea as well as Twitter and Instagram @argotea

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