Rum Talk

Squeezing More Profit: On-Premise Operators Focus On Cost Efficiencies To Boost Margins

2012-01-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

Above photo is of Willy Shine from contemporarycocktailsinc.com

(by Shanken News Daily) Bars and restaurants are taking a closer look at cost efficiencies in the face of a tough economy, re-examining operations to get the most out of their businesses.

Willy Shine, who co-founded New York City-based Contemporary Cocktails Inc. with fellow mixologist Aisha Sharpe, has seen his share of missteps in his roughly 20 years of experience behind the bar. Shine has worked on drinks programs for venues including Pranna restaurant, 1534 bar and The Royalton New York hotel in New York City, as well as Tao Beach lounge in Las Vegas. “The most common issues are inventory control and managing a respectable cost-of-goods percentage every month,” he says.

Companies like Louisville, Kentucky-based Bevintel focus on these issues. “Bars and restaurants lose most of their money by over-ordering, over-pouring and not maintaining security on liquor,” says company CEO Dan Smith, who’s worked with Cheers in Boston and national chains like T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s and Marriott International. “We scan and analyze every bottle in the entire facility. We can tell venue owners exactly how much is being used, sold and purchased, so they can make accurate cost assessments. We usually find thousands of dollars in loss.”

For larger venues, Contemporary Cocktails uses hand-held inventory management system AccuBar, which measures and displays the amount of spirits and wines remaining in bottles while also ordering out-of-stock items by scanning bar codes on empty bottles. Clients have seen a 50%-80% reduction in labor hours spent maintaining inventory, AccuBar claims.

On inventory levels, Shine stresses ordering light and knowing a venue’s theme and demographic. “If it’s a high-volume tourist bar, you’ll probably want to carry more variety compared to a venue focused on cocktails,” he says. Bevintel’s Smith agrees that overstocking is a must-avoid. “Distributors will sometimes offer (volume) discounts on certain items, but is the bar using that product at a speed that makes sense?” he says. “If not, then clearly there’s money sitting on the shelves.”

Proper staff training is another key component of cost-efficiency. Having bar staff measure ingredients with jiggers can keep costs down while also improving quality. “With the increased prominence of cocktails, it’s important to portion a drink correctly and consistently maintain quality,” Smith says.

Bar organization also plays a huge role in cost-efficiency. “If a bar isn’t arranged as well as it could be and staff can’t quickly find bottles, they’ll be grabbing them, dropping them and breaking them,” Smith says. Contemporary Cocktails’ Shine agrees. “Venues lose the most money through glassware breakage, over-pouring and spillage,” he says. Setting up bar stations for efficiency and speed can remedy many of these issues. “A bartender shouldn’t have to take more than one or two steps to reach everything he or she needs,” Shine says. “Combine steps or batch certain cocktails at the service bar.”

Restaurateurs in particular need to keep an eye on beverage alcohol waste. “When a venue’s sales are 80% food and 20% bar, operators often ignore the bar,” Smith says. “We just worked with an accomplished restaurateur who has 12 to 15 restaurants, and we found $20,000 worth of loss on a weekly basis—that’s $1 million a year in alcohol losses.” Contemporary Cocktails’ Shine agrees that paying close attention to the bar sales is integral. “You make your money on the bar, so manage it,” he says. “Set it up to succeed.”

Valentine's Day Cocktails You'll Love By Cockspur

2012-01-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

Spirits Sales in Ohio Rose 5.3% to Reach a Record High of Nearly $800 Million Last Year

2012-01-20T19:15:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Spirits sales in Ohio rose 5.3% to reach a record high of nearly $800 million last year, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control. After declining for three of the past four years, total wholesale sales increased 4.7% to $244 million, exceeding last year’s total by $10.9 million. By volume, Ohio liquor sales grew 3.9% to 4.8 million nine-liter cases, led by top-selling brands Kamchatka vodka (169,000 cases), Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey (147,000 cases), Bacardi Superior Light rum (123,000 cases), Captain Morgan spiced rum (120,000 cases) and Absolut vodka (116,000 cases). The Ohio Division of Liquor Control currently runs 457 contract liquor agencies throughout the state.

Bacardi Limited Celebrates Its 150th Anniversary With Rare Bacardi Rum

2012-01-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Bacardi Limited will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its eponymous rum brand this year with a series of events and the release of a $2,000 limited-edition bottle of rare Bacardi rum. Eight former maestros de ron, all Bacardi family members, created Ron Bacardi de Maestros de Ron, Vintage, MMXII, a blend of rums aged in oak barrels for over 20 years. The luxury offering will be released in 500-ml. crystal decanters presented in leather cases. Some 400 bottles will be available for purchase in selected retail stores and international airports. The company’s anniversary will also include birthday parties thrown around the world, beginning in Germany on January 28, as well as airport displays and a global cocktail competition.

Southern Wine & Spirits Names Ryan Lawrence VP-National Accounts

2012-01-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Southern Wine & Spirits has named Ryan Lawrence to the newly created position of vice president, national accounts, leading the Southern team that manages its relationship with Walmart and Sam’s Club. Lawrence will report directly to George Fisher, senior vice president, national off-premise accounts. Lawrence previously served as director of category management at Campbell’s Soup and prior to that was director of strategic accounts for Constellation Brands, where he also focused on category management for Walmart and Sam’s Club.

Sidney Frank Importing Co. Names Southern Wine & Spirits Its Exclusive Wine and Spirits Distributor in Illinois Beginning March 1st

2012-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) New Rochelle, New York-based Sidney Frank Importing Co. has named Southern Wine & Spirits (SWS) as its exclusive wine and spirits distributor in Illinois beginning March 1. The move marks a switch from current distributor Wirtz Beverage Group in Illinois. Also March 1, Southern Wine & Spirits-Pacific Northwest Brokerage will become Sidney Frank’s exclusive spirits broker in the control states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming; its wine broker in Utah and Wyoming; and its wine distributor in Oregon. SWS is also gaining distribution of Sidney Frank’s brands in Washington state. It will begin handling the group’s spirits brands in the on-premise and wine both on- and off-premise in Washington March 1, and add spirits in the off-premise on June 1. Young’s Market Co. previously handled Sidney Frank’s brands in those states. Sidney Frank’s portfolio is led by Jägermeister, and also includes Gekkeikan sake, Michael Collins Irish whiskey and Bärenjäger honey liqueur.

SPECIAL REPORT: Impact Databank Reveals Top 25 Spirits Brands Of 2011

2012-01-18T06:03:00.001-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) The U.S. spirits market’s top 25 brands enjoyed solid overall growth in 2011, advancing by 2.5%—or more than 2 million cases—to 86.9 million cases, according to Impact Databank. However, that progress was almost totally driven by just two brands—Pinnacle and Svedka, which together added 1.8 million cases last year. Both Pinnacle and Svedka retail for around $13-$14 a 750-ml., putting them near the low end of imported vodka’s pricing spectrum. Low-priced domestic players Barton and Skol were also among the growth standouts in the top 25—advancing by 4% and 8%, respectively, and adding further evidence that competitively priced vodka remains the U.S. spirits market’s most dynamic segment.

Growth was sluggish for the market’s biggest brands. The top five—Smirnoff, Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Jack Daniel’s and Absolut—achieved aggregate growth of just 0.6%. Further down the list, there were some promising performances. Hennessy (+2.8%), Ketel One (+5.3%) and Malibu (+5.6%) experienced their biggest growth in at least five years. Meanwhile, Jim Beam’s 3.9% bump was its largest gain since 2000. (That growth didn’t include Beam extension Red Stag, which is estimated to have advanced by around 30% in 2011.)

While the top 25 brands comprise roughly 45% of total U.S. spirits volume, some of the best performers of 2011 didn’t crack the list. Two examples are Diageo’s Cîroc vodka and Pernod Ricard’s Jameson Irish whiskey. After doubling its sales to 685,000 cases in 2010, Cîroc is projected to have doubled again in 2011 as it surged past the million-case mark. Jameson jumped past the million-case threshold in 2010 when it advanced by 27%, and it accelerated its growth in 2011, with sales up 29% during the first half of the year. Both brands are poised to enter the top 25 rankings by year-end.

For a full report on the Top 25 Spirits Brands of 2011, see Impact’s January 1&15 issue.

Walgreens Unveils New Store Concept Featuring Sushi Bar, Upscale Wine, Spirits And Beer

2012-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Walgreens debuted a 27,000-square-foot, high-end flagship store in Chicago earlier this week. The new two-story unit has numerous upscale features including a made-to-order sushi bar, a smoothie station, a barista serving local coffee, a cigar humidor and an expanded selection of gourmet foods, wine, spirits and beer. The store stocks more than 700 wines, compared to 70 at an average Walgreens location. Wine prices range from $18-$24 a bottle, although the store also boasts a 2006 Penfolds Grange for $449.99. The spirits selection also is impressive, with prices as high as $2,000 for Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, and numerous beer offerings, including Walgreens’ private-label Big Flats 1901 beer and craft brews from Goose Island, Two Brothers Brewery and Great Lakes Brewing Co., among others.

Walgreens has been expanding the alcohol program at its roughly 7,800 stores throughout the United States. Up until the mid-1990s Walgreens was one of the country’s largest alcohol retailers, but it subsequently exited the business. In 2009, the company reinstated sales of wine, beer and spirits (where legal).

If this newest Chicago flagship proves successful, Walgreens will consider expanding the concept to selected neighborhoods throughout the U.S., although a company spokesperson said there are currently no specific expansion plans on the table.

Spec’s Deal For Sigel’s Is Off For Now

2012-01-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Tony Bandiera, owner of 10-store Dallas retail chain Sigel’s, has elected not to accept the recent takeover offer from fellow Texas retailer Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. A deal had been expected, but Sigel’s president John Rector told Shanken News Daily this morning, “After lengthy consideration, Tony decided he didn’t want to do the deal and it’s off the table for the time being.”

“I’ve been through this a couple times before with him,” says John Rydman, president and co-owner of Spec’s. “We’ve been talking since June of last year on this project, and a few years ago we were also pretty close to a deal. I thought we had a contract this time. But it’s tough with a family-owned business to make the decision to sell.”

Asked when he might try again to secure the deal that would provide a readymade platform in the Dallas area, including 10 stores with combined revenues of around $120 million and a central warehouse, Rydman said, “I’m willing if he’s willing.”

Houston-based Spec’s, which now has over 95 locations, opened its first store in the Dallas area last month, and its rapid expansion across the Lone Star State continues. “We’re getting ready to open up a store in Lubbock. Last week we opened one in Angleton (south of Houston),” Rydman said.

Skyy Spirits Is Renamed Campari America, Signs 18-State Deal With Southern Wine & Spirits

2012-01-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Skyy Spirits has changed its name to Campari America, to reflect its status as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Italy’s Gruppo Campari. The change covers Gruppo Campari’s operations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

“We’re very identified with Skyy vodka, but in reality it’s only part of a very large portfolio of almost 5 million cases,” Gerry Ruvo, chairman of Campari America, told Shanken News Daily. “We want people to understand we’re part of one of the top premium spirits marketers in the world, and that our parent company is making enormous investments in its brands in the U.S. and will continue to do so.”

Beyond Skyy—which rose 1.5% to 2.7 million cases in the U.S. in 2011, according to Impact Databank—the Campari America portfolio includes the Campari brand, as well as Wild Turkey Bourbon, Glen Grant single malt Scotch, Cabo Wabo and Espolon Tequilas and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, among other Gruppo Campari brands, as well as agency labels like the Bowmore and Glenrothes single malts and Flor de Caña rum.

“Consumers know us by our brands, but we thought it was important to let people across the trade—wholesalers and retailers—know we have a much wider footprint than just Skyy—and for the most part a company-owned footprint,” Ruvo said. Campari-owned brands represent over 90% of Skyy’s stable. Campari first invested in Skyy in 1998, eventually gaining full control in 2006.

Meanwhile, the newly christened Campari America renewed its alignment with top U.S. distributor Southern Wine & Spirits across 18 states, including existing markets Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Vermont, and one new market, Indiana.

Exclusive: Wine And Spirits Shakeup As LeDrew Joins Treasury, Rust Takes Over At Diageo’s Catalyst Unit

2012-01-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

Photo above is of Sandra LeDrew

(by Shanken News Daily) In a surprise move, Treasury Wine Estates has announced the appointment of Diageo executive Sandra LeDrew as managing director, Americas.

LeDrew is slated to begin her new role in early February. She will be based in Treasury’s Napa office and report to CEO David Dearie, who’s based in Melbourne, Australia. LeDrew’s responsibilities will include distributor and customer relations as well as national accounts covering the U.S. Canada, Mexico and South America. At the Napa office, she will work alongside Stephen Brauer, Treasury’s managing director, Beringer.

LeDrew, a long-serving Diageo executive, became president at Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E) in early 2009. Last September, Diageo tapped her to become president of Catalyst, a new business unit that’s focused on the company’s niche spirits brands. “After more than 20 years with Diageo, this was an extremely difficult decision,” LeDrew said. “But my passion has always been wine.”

“Sandra and I have worked together for many years and I have valued her experience, counsel and the significant contributions she has made to the business. Personally and professionally, I am very disappointed to see her leave and I know she will be missed,” said Larry Schwartz, president, Diageo USA. “I know this next chapter will be exciting for her. On behalf of everyone at Diageo, I wish Sandra all the best in her new venture.”

The Treasury Wine Estates portfolio includes Beringer, Lindemans, Penfolds, Rosemount, Wolf Blass, Greg Norman Estates, Wynns Coonawara, Little Penguin, Etude, Souverain, Chateau St. Jean, Castello di Gabbiano, Black Opal, Meridian, Colores del Sol, Emma Pearl and Sledgehammer, among others.

*Meanwhile, Diageo has named Stephen Rust as president of the Catalyst division, replacing LeDrew. Rust joined Diageo in 2005 as senior vice president for commercial strategy. He previously was executive vice president, national sales at Schieffelin & Somerset. Rust began his career at Paddington Corp. in 1988 as an on-premise representative. At Diageo, Rust has held a number of key roles including general manager southwest, senior vice president Diageo Reserve Brands Group and, most recently, senior vice president of joint ventures and strategic relationships. In that role, Rust manages ties with Sean Combs on Cîroc, the Nolet Family on Ketel One, Raphael Yacoby for Nuvo and Diageo’s partnership on Zacapa rum. He’s also in charge of Diageo’s non-alcoholic business including Stirrings, Smirnoff Bloody Mary and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.

The Catalyst portfolio includes Tanqueray Sterling, Pimms, Moon Mountain, Rökk, Myers’s, Rumple Minz, Goldschläger, Jeremiah Weed, Emmets, Parrot Bay, Stirrings Liqueurs, Old Parr, Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Caol Ila, Clynelish, The Singleton, Dimple, Oban, Talisker, George Dickel, Black Haus, Romana Sambuca, Yukon Jack, Zwack and Ursus. Catalyst currently totals 28 spirits brands with annual revenues of around $250 million. Diageo’s goal is to double Catalyst’s volume and sales revenue to 5.4 million cases and $500 million in the next three years.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Interview: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board CEO Joseph Conti

2012-01-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) When voters in Washington state approved a referendum to end state control of beverage alcohol sales late last year, all eyes turned to Pennsylvania, the largest control state in the United States by volume. Indeed, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is the largest purchaser of wine and spirits in the U.S. and has sales of $1.5 billion generated from 609 state-operated stores.

Currently, Pennsylvania is one of only two states (the other is Utah) that owns and operates wholesale and retail sales of wine and spirits. Unlike Washington, Pennsylvania doesn’t have binding referendums, so the route to privatization would simply be for a bill from the legislature to be signed by the governor. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has indicated he would sign such a bill. Shanken News Daily recently spoke with the PLCB’s CEO, Joseph Conti, about the likelihood of privatization and overall efforts to modernize sales of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania.

SND: What’s your view of privatization, and do you think the Pennsylvania legislature will move forward with the privatization bill?

Conti: House Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s House Bill 11 was amended before the House of Representatives adjourned for the holidays. It’s still part of an active legislative agenda. Rather than proposing 1,250 retail outlets in the original version of HB 11, the amended version offers the opportunity for 1,200 additional beer distributors to sell wine. There’s a proposed $50,000 upfront fee for a license and then a $15,000-a-year licensing fee.

SND: How significant is the consumer movement toward privatization in Pennsylvania?

Conti: In polls, 50%-60% of Pennsylvanians favor deregulation. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, there was much more public support—around 95%—for deregulation. So there’s not the enthusiasm we saw 20 or 30 years ago. That’s thanks to the PLCB’s various initiatives over the years.

SND: What’s the best argument for maintaining the status quo in Pennsylvania?

Conti: First, we are a significant asset that has $1.5 billion in sales and was able to generate $80 million in profit last year and cover all expenses for our operation. We also collect $400 million in taxes annually. So you have the benefits of a nice return for Pennsylvania taxpayers, and then you have the public safety issue. We think there’s a lot of merit in the controlled nature of wine and spirits sales.

SND: What are the latest developments in the modernization of the PLCB?

Conti: Beginning four years ago, the board conducted research to determine what consumers wanted in our stores. One thing that emerged from that was our center tables, which are a combination checkout with two to four registers, along with a manager’s office that’s visible to the public and a tasting bar at the end. That’s our new look. The store concept itself also has been revamped in terms of visuals—mainly by having fewer case stackings and displaying the bottles out of their cases. That has met with great consumer success, and we’ve seen nice increases in retail sales at our three or four prototypes. We’re now rolling this out across all 609 stores over the next two to five years. We also have a new website, finewinesandgoodspirits.com. We think we have a great future in e-commerce.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Spec’s Eyes Deal For Sigel’s As Part Of Expansion Into Dallas

2012-01-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Texas retailer Spec’s has made good on its stated intention to enter the Dallas market, opening its first store there last month. Now Spec’s is attempting a greater leap forward in the Dallas market with the potential acquisition of 10-store Sigel’s Beverages. John Rector, president of Sigel’s, told Shanken News Daily this morning that Spec’s had made an offer, which Sigel’s owner Tony Bandiera is currently considering.

In addition to the 10 retail locations which generate over $100 million in revenue, an acquisition of Sigel’s would give Spec’s a central warehouse in Dallas, Rector said, adding that Sigel’s has around 200 employees. The prospective purchase would present a challenge to top Dallas retailers Centennial Wine & Spirits—which boasts 40 stores in the North Texas area—and Goody Goody Liquors, which operates 19 locations. Houston-based Spec’s has significantly expanded its footprint across the Lone Star State over the past year, opening new outposts in San Antonio, El Paso and Killeen among others. It currently has 95 stores, generating revenues of around $500 million. Spec’s had no comment on the potential deal.

Economic Buzz: Rum Distillery Heading to Jeff Davis Parish

2011-12-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

(this article was written by Olivia Vidal with KPLC 7News which was posted on December 28, 2011- permission was granted to post this article)

JEFF DAVIS PARISH, LA (KPLC) -
A rum distillery is in the process of being built in Lacassine by a local company called Louisiana Spirits.

The company will use resources like sugar cane and other Louisiana product to make a Louisiana-made rum.

President of Louisiana Spirits Trey Litle said starting a distillery like this was a dream of his, along with his brother and friend.

"We really like the Lacassine area. We've been duck hunting for years there," Litle said. "And felt that being close to the sugar mill and being close to the sugar cane growing was a good thing."

Litle said he's been in the spirit business going on 10 years now.

"We'll be using Louisiana sugarcane and Louisiana product to make a true Louisiana rum," Litle said.

But putting his dream to reality wasn't easy.

Construction has begun on the facility, but the zoning for the commercial property right off the I-10 exit at Lacassine was zoned incorrectly.

It was zoned as an I-1, which means the commercial property can be used for light manufacturing. But the land needed to be an I-2 in order to have a distillery. An I-2allows the property to be used for more intense manufacturing, which would allow the rum distillery on the property.

The Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury had to approve this change and they did so at their meeting the night of Wednesday, December 28.

Executive Director for Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Marion Fox said now that the zoning change has been approved, the plans for the rum distillery can move forward.

"It's a go!" Fox said. She said this type of facility will help boost economic development as well as tourism.

"It's a Louisiana product and that means everybody wants to come to Louisiana to eat, and to listen to music and now to drink Louisiana rum," Fox said.

The rum distillery will provide up to 25 full time jobs at first. In January the Louisiana Spirit website will be up and running and the design plans will be released.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Moonlight Dinners at St. Nicholas Abbey in Barbados

2011-12-30T07:25:00.001-08:00

New Year's Eve 2011 at The Breadfruit

2011-12-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Interview: Wayne Chaplin of Southern Wine & Spirits

2011-12-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Southern Wine & Spirits is the nation’s largest spirits and wine distributor, with estimated revenues of more than $9 billion for calendar year 2011. The company now has operations in 34 states and Washington, D.C., and also has a distribution license for the state of Texas, although it has yet to make a move in the Lone Star state. It’s always a busy time at Southern—even if 2011 has been relatively quiet on the deal-making front, the company is constantly on the move. Shanken News Daily recently spoke with Wayne Chaplin, Southern’s president and COO, about the company’s performance in 2011 and the strategic issues that lie ahead.

SND: How has your business progressed in 2011?

Chaplin: Despite the challenging economy, wine and spirits is still a great business. It continues to outperform many other consumer product categories. When you look at brands over $2 million in sales through the grocery channel in Nielsen data, volumes in wine and spirits both are in the top 10 among consumer goods categories. As for Southern Wine & Spirits, our volume year-on-year is up by more than 5% for both wines and spirits. In dollar terms, our spirits business is up 6% and wine is up by more than 7%. Overall, we’re in a great position to exceed our revenue projection for 2011.

SND: In our last report on the U.S. wholesalers, we reported that you were projecting total revenues of $9.14 billion for 2011. Are you on target with that?

Chaplin: That’s conservative.

SND: How big is your national footprint now? How many states are you in?

Chaplin: Currently we’re operating in 35 markets—including 17 open markets and 18 control states. We’re the only broker in all control markets. In the Pacific Northwest, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Minnesota, we have joint ventures where we take the lead on sales and our partners leverage their distribution platform. In Texas and Nebraska, we’re licensed but don’t yet have an active operation in either market. We’re challenging the residency requirement in Missouri, and if successful we’ll seek the right opportunity to enter that market as well.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Railean Distillery Open House Event

2011-12-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 17 from 12-4
Eagle Point Distillery
341 5th Street, San Leon, Texas
(Just 4 blocks south of the intersection of FM 646 & FM 517)

Forget the shopping malls this holiday season, head on down to San Leon & the Railean Eagle Point Distillery. Come for the food, fun, and of course….samples of Railean Rum & Railean Blue Agave! Check out the new Railean merchandise (makes a great Holiday gift) and Railean herself (Master Distiller) will be available to sign bottles purchased from local liquor stores.

www.railean.com or 713-545-2742

Texas Retailer Sigel’s Reveals Female-Friendly Strategy

2011-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

(by Shanken News Daily) The buying power of women has soared, with most estimates showing that female shoppers account for more than 80% of all purchasing decisions. Beverage alcohol is very much in that mix, and many liquor retailers have responded by revamping their selling strategies. Tony Bandiera Jr., owner and CEO of the 13-unit Sigel’s Beverages L.P. in Dallas, Texas, has modeled all his stores with female shoppers in mind, and the effort has paid off. Last year, females accounted for 52% of Sigel’s customer base and a similar share of the retailer’s $120 million in annual sales. Shanken News Daily recently interviewed Bandiera, along with Sigel’s president of marketing John Rector, to discuss their strategies for appealing to female shoppers.

SND: Sigel’s is known for offering a vast product selection in every category. How does that tie in with appealing to the female shopper?

Bandiera: We do have a very large selection—one of the largest in the marketplace—because women like to see a lot of options and prefer to spend more time browsing than men. Women are more willing to sample new products and change brands, so many tasting events—except perhaps for whisk(e)y and a few other categories—skew heavily female. For instance, the shoppers at our liqueurs and cordials tasting festival are 75% female.

SND: What focus do you place on the shopping environment to garner female loyalty?

Bandiera: The presentation needs to be exceptional, and the stores need to be extremely neat. Men are going in with a purpose and don’t care what’s around them, but female shoppers are concerned about clutter. Our stores have a Neiman Marcus look: Our floor stacks don’t rise above five feet. Our interiors are aesthetically pleasing. It may seem counterintuitive to what you see in grocery stores, but we feel that women are anxious about tall sets of shelves that don’t allow a wide-open view of the store. They appreciate a clear view of what’s at the end of an aisle, from the beginning of that aisle. Wide aisles also are important. Shoppers should have spacious aisles so two people standing back-to-back won’t have to worry about bumping into each other. We also hire off-duty police to maintain a presence in stores and to direct traffic in parking lots during the high season. Our interiors are brightly lit and our parking lots are overlit. We’re not really worried about the safety of our customers per se, but there is a stigma attached to package stores, and we want to dispel that by making our customers feel comfortable shopping with us.

SND: How can employees provide women with customer service and education without smacking of condescension?

Bandiera: When a female shopper walks into a store, she wants to have equal treatment; she doesn’t want to be treated any more or less than the typical male shopper. But we do have employees on hand to help women to their cars with oversized packages. The main idea is not to patronize female shoppers—they know what’s going on around them. I think people know when you’re genuine and when you’re talking down to them. We strive to make them feel well-received and well-respected.

SND: Do you use specific merchandising strategies to capture female business?

Rector: In terms of product displays, color is an important aspect of our store and a definite influence in how we set our shelves. We try to capture the eye of female shoppers.

Bandiera: If you position two similar-looking products side-by-side on store shelves, they become completely washed out. So you need to contrast two very different label colors and bottle styles on the shelves so they’re visible and appeal to female shoppers.

SND: How have you geared your product selection to appeal to women?

Rector: Not to any great degree. But if something is presented to us as female-centric, we usually will go with it. For instance, the response to the recent launch of the Skinnygirl Margarita was 97% female. Products like that have been very popular among female shoppers.

SND: Have you found that male shoppers are appreciative of female-geared retailing strategies?

Bandiera: Absolutely. Many of our male customers feel very comfortable shopping with us for that reason. Before we realized that our Elite store status concept had taken off, tons of male customers had given us compliments. I’m very flattered when a customer notices change of any sort—other than the price of our wines.

Cockspur Rum is Preparing a Caribbean Christmas with Silver Belle Rum Cocktail

2011-12-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) Opens Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store in Philadelphia

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on December 8, 2011) The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has opened its latest large-format Fine Wine & Good Spirits store in Philadelphia. Now the largest rebranded PLCB store in the state, the Philadelphia outpost is one of around 10 liquor stores that have recently been renovated under the PLCB’s new, customer-focused retail concept. In addition to an improved floor plan and more welcoming atmosphere, the new store features the concept’s signature center table, which offers staff assistance, a tasting bar and educational and promotional materials. The PLCB aims to redesign all its retail stores over the next five years.

Southern Wine & Spirits Names Stuart Gray VP-General Manager of Pacific Wine & Spirits (PWS) in California

2011-12-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on December 7, 2011) Southern Wine & Spirits has named Stuart Gray vice president-general manager of the company’s Pacific Wine & Spirits (PWS) selling division in California. The PWS Division in California represents the Diageo and Moët Hennessy portfolios across the state. Gray joined Pacific Wine & Spirits in Southern California in 2010, first as vice president-sales manager and then as vice president-trade development. Prior to that he was a veteran of E&J Gallo, beginning in 1992 and working his way up to national director of trade development. In his new role, Gray will report to Gerry Rivero, executive vice president and general manager of Coastal-Pacific Wine & Spirits’ corporate leadership team.

Nielsen: Prepared Cocktails, Flavored Vodkas, Irish Whiskey Still Drive Off-Premise Growth

2011-12-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on December 5, 2011) Total spirits sales grew 2.8% by volume in the 52-week period ending November 12, 2011 to 57.7 million cases, according to the latest figures from Nielsen. Off-premise growth was even faster on a dollar basis, up 3.5% to $8.37 billion over the same time period.

Vodka, rum, Bourbon and cordials/liqueurs continue to be the biggest sellers in Nielsen channels, but double-digit growth was recorded over the past 52 weeks by prepared cocktails, flavored vodkas and Irish whiskey. Skinnygirl Margarita and Malibu Cocktails led the increase in prepared cocktails, while Jameson continued to spearhead the growth of Irish whiskies. Pinnacle Whipped led the advance of flavored vodkas, and including the Cherry, Orange and Chocolate variants, the Pinnacle Whipped line is projected to sell close to one million cases total by year-end.

Ultra-premium spirits (average price of $35.43 a 750-ml.) comprised less than 5% of overall volume but were the fastest-growing price segment, up 10.3% by volume in the 52-week period. Premium-priced spirits ($18.22 a 750-ml. on average) grew 4.5% by volume, while mid-priced brands ($10.58 average) increased 2.6%. Value-priced spirits ($6.62 average) lagged the industry at just 1.1% growth, another sign that consumers might be trading up a bit in the off-premise, even in an uncertain economy.

Nielsen tracks alcohol sales in food/drug/liquor stores and other select channels that collectively account for 30% of the total U.S. spirits market by volume, as estimated by Impact.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) Allowing Wine and Liquor to be Purchased on its Website

2011-12-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on November 30, 2011) The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is now allowing wine and liquor purchased on its website to be shipped directly to home and business addresses. A shipping fee of $14 will be added to deliveries that include one to three bottles, with an additional dollar added for each bottle after that. Prior to this change in policy, consumers who made purchases on the PLCB website had to pick up their goods at a local PLCB store. The board had been hesitant to make the change because it feared easier access for underage drinkers. To address that concern, PLCB has partnered with UPS and will require a valid photo ID and signature upon delivery.

Sammy Hagar Unveils New Product, Sammy's Beach Bar Rum

2011-12-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on November 28, 2011) Rock musician and spirits entrepreneur Sammy Hagar has unveiled a new product, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, in partnership with Maui-based Haliimaile Distilling Company. The small-batch silver rum was officially introduced last week at the Hard Rock Café in Waikiki. It’s made from Hawaii-grown sugar cane matured for a full two years and is designed to be sipped as well as mixed in cocktails. Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum is currently only available for sale in Hawaii, but Hagar plans to extend distribution to the rest of the U.S. in early 2012. This is Hagar’s second venture into the spirits business, as he launched the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand before selling 80% of it to Italy’s Gruppo Campari for $80 million in 2008 and the remaining 20% for $11 million to the same company in August 2010.

Cockspur Rum Preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday

2011-12-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Pernod Ricard Appoints Jonas Tåhlin as VP Global Marketing for Absolut

2011-12-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

News Brief by Shanken News Daily posted on November 14, 2011)
Pernod Ricard has appointed Jonas Tåhlin as vice president global marketing for the Absolut Co. He replaces Anna Malmhake, who was appointed CEO of Irish Distillers earlier this year. Tåhlin will be based in Stockholm and have responsibility for global marketing of the Absolut vodka, Malibu rum and Kahlúa coffee liqueur brands. His previous posts at Pernod Ricard include vice president marketing, vodka at Pernod Ricard USA; regional director for the Americas; and zone director, West Europe. Previous to working at Pernod, Tåhlin served in various brand management positions at Procter & Gamble in the Nordic, Western Europe and Latin America regions.

High-End Spirits Continue To Drive Off-Premise Growth, IRI Numbers Show

2011-12-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on November 14, 2011) Entering the key holiday-selling season, the spirits industry is showing solid momentum. Spirits sales in food and drug stores were up 2.5% by volume in the 52 weeks ending October 30, 2011, according to Chicago-based SymphonyIRI Group. Off-premise growth was even better on a dollar basis, up 3.2% over the same time period. The data represent roughly 15% of the total U.S. spirits market, as estimated by Impact Databank.

High-end brands continue to drive the market, as super-premium, ultra-premium and luxury-priced spirits, with an average price of just under $20 per 750-ml. bottle, combined for 7.8% volume growth during the past 52 weeks, as well as a 6.8% increase by value. On the other hand, lower-priced segments ($8.60 per bottle on average), combined for just a 1.4% increase by both volume and value.

The fastest-growing spirit types over the past 52 weeks were all priced above the industry average, including Irish whiskey (+23.9% by volume), imported vodka (+15.4%), single malt Scotch (+9.8%) and Cognac (+8.6%), while declines continued for blended Scotch (-5.6%), non-Cognac brandy (-3.3%) and gin (-3.1%).

Among the 200 largest-selling brands ranked by dollar sales, triple-digit growth was recorded during the past 52 weeks by Pinnacle, Skinnygirl, Camarena, Tito’s, Malibu cocktails and The Kraken rum. Among the 25 largest-selling brands in food/drug stores, Jameson (+30.1%) and Svedka (+18.5%) had the fastest volume growth.

Serrallés USA Rolling Out New Aged White Rum, Caliche

2011-12-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on November 10, 2011) Serrallés USA is set to roll out a new aged white rum label, Caliche, this March. A joint project between sixth-generation rum distiller Roberto Serrallés of Distilería Serrallés and American nightlife entrepreneur Randee Gerber, Caliche will be priced within the $21.99-$24.99 range. Designed primarily for cocktail occasions, the 80-proof offering will receive an on-premise-focused launch in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago before expanding into additional markets. In addition to Caliche, Serrallés’s existing U.S. portfolio includes Impact “Hot Prospect” winner DonQ rum and the recently launched Blackbeard spiced rum brand.

Georgia Cities Approve Sunday Alcohol Sales

2011-12-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on November 9, 2011) Numerous Georgia cities, including Atlanta, Savannah and Valdosta, have approved Sunday alcohol sales in stores. Statewide, approximately 120 of Georgia’s 694 cities and counties voted on the legislation yesterday, with a majority of metro Atlanta’s 51 jurisdictions approving the measure, according to early poll results. At least two cities—Palmetto and Forest Park—have blocked the initiative so far. Prior to yesterday’s vote, Georgia had been one of three states—alongside Indiana and Connecticut—that prohibited Sunday alcohol sales statewide.

Celebrate Halloween the Red Rum Way

2011-12-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Pernod Ricard USA In Innovation Drive With Malibu Red, Jameson Black Barrel

2011-12-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 31, 2011) Pernod Ricard USA has unveiled two spirits innovations in recent days: Malibu Red, and Jameson Black Barrel. Malibu Red, slated to appear in the U.S. in early 2012, is a blend of coconut rum and silver Tequila. It was developed in collaboration with R&B singer and actor Ne-Yo, who will promote the new offering through a long-term partnership with Pernod. Malibu Red is 70-proof—higher than Malibu’s core 42-proof label. Its price hasn’t been released, but it will retail at a premium to the core brand’s $14 a 750-ml. Pernod expects Malibu Red to “expand Malibu usage year-round and into new occasions,” namely “nightclubs and high-energy accounts.” The company will back the new launch with TV, print, online and out-of-home ads, as well as exclusive multimedia content featuring Ne-Yo.

Malibu, which slid by around 70,000 cases in the U.S. market from 2007-2009, resumed growth last year (rising 1.9% to 1.64 million cases), and has seen continued revitalization so far this year, Pernod says. Global net sales for the brand were up 17% in the three months through September. (Malibu does about half of its global business in the U.S.)

Meanwhile, Pernod has introduced an upscale extension to its soaring Jameson Irish whiskey brand, Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel. Black Barrel is blended from small-batch grain whiskey, triple-distilled on one occasion each year, matured in flame-charred Bourbon oak casks, and finally blended with single pot still Irish whiskey to create the final product, which sells for roughly $35 a bottle. Jameson, which now sells over 1 million cases in the U.S. annually—or 71% of its global total—continues to see torrid growth at the super-premium price tier, with U.S. net sales rising 53% in the recently completed third quarter.

Cockspur Rum Preparing for Halloween

2011-12-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

Diageo Rolling Out New Dispensing System Across European Markets

2011-12-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 28, 2011) Diageo is rolling out a new dispensing system across European markets for a ready-to-serve cocktail range featuring several brands in its portfolio. The Rapak technology featuring a bag-in-a-box serving system will allow bars to offer cocktails at more accessible price points. It also aims for convenience, as the bags are easily exchanged and fitted into the dispensing system. The bag-in-a-box offers 67 servings per pack and is available in Smirnoff Mojito, Pampero Mojito and Cacique Mojito. The new system will be featured in 12,000 bars and restaurants across 11 countries in Europe by the end of the year.

Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) Speaks Out Against a Proposal in Cook County, Illinois

2011-12-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 27, 2011) The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) is speaking out against a proposal in Cook County, Illinois to raise spirits taxes by 25%, calling it a job-killing measure for the local hospitality industry. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has proposed an increase of the county excise tax on spirits to $2.50 per gallon, up from the current $2.00 per gallon. According to DISCUS, the hospitality industry in Chicago is still down 13,000 jobs from when the recession began. The city has had three tax hikes in recent years—two city tax increases in 2005 and 2008, and one state excise tax increase in 2009—which have nearly doubled spirits taxes.

Massachusetts State Senate Passed an Amendment Allowing State Restaurants and Bars to Offer Happy Hour Drink Deals

2011-12-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

(this news brief was posted by Shanken News Daily on October 27, 2011) The Massachusetts State Senate passed an amendment this month to a casino bill that would allow state restaurants and bars to offer happy hour drink deals, a practice outlawed in Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. The casino bill calls for construction of three casinos with the permission to serve discounted or free alcoholic beverages to patrons. The bill has yet to reach Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s desk, as the Massachusetts House of Representative still must reconcile differences with the Senate.

Diageo Sales Up 9% In First Quarter

2011-10-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo PLC posted an organic net sales increase of 9% in the three months through September, its fiscal first quarter, with all of its global operating regions showing growth of 5% or higher. Sales at the drinks giant’s North America unit were up 5% despite a 2% volume decline, as its U.S. product mix shifted to higher-priced items versus the same period last year (last year’s Q1 included the U.S. launch of accessibly-positioned Rökk vodka). Diageo said business in the wine category “remained weak” and that beer sales—where it recently unveiled a new offering, Guinness Black Lager—were roughly flat.

Meanwhile, results were solid across the rest of Diageo’s global business, with Europe rebounding to post 6% sales growth on the back of strong performances in Russia, Germany and the Nordic markets and an improvement in Spain, which at this time last year was in the midst of destocking. Latin America, boosted by a similar rebound in Venezuela, soared 30%, while Africa rose 9% (although South Africa struggled due to trading down activity). Johnnie Walker continued its standout performance in Asia Pacific, leading to a 14% sales increase for Diageo in that region, despite a slight slowdown in the Chinese economy during the period.

Diageo CEO Paul Walsh said the “fragile global economy” and a projected £35 million ($55m) negative exchange rate effect on operating profit over the course of the fiscal year pose hurdles. But he added that Diageo “continues to expect that net sales growth for the first half will improve on that delivered in fiscal 2011.” Pernod Ricard, Diageo’s closest rival across the global spirits market, unveils its first-quarter numbers tomorrow.

2011-10-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Patrón Spirits has partnered with local player Aspri Spirits to enter India’s spirits market with its flaghip Tequila brand, as well as Ultimat vodka and Pyrat rum. Aspri, whose portfolio also includes Gruppo Campari and Distell brands among others, will distribute Patrón’s offerings in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, focusing on top restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and premium retail locations.

Ultra-Premiums Are Fastest Growing Spirits Segment, According To Latest Nielsen Numbers

2011-10-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Total spirits sales grew 3.2% by volume in the 52-week period ending September 17, 2011 to 57.6 million cases, according to the latest figures from Nielsen. Growth was even faster in dollars, up 3.8% to $8.35 billion. Ultra-premium spirits (average price of $35.38 a 750-ml. bottle) comprised less than 5% of overall volume but represented the fastest-growing segment in the 52-week period, up 11.7% by volume. Value-priced spirits (averaging $6.61 a bottle) showed the slowest growth, up 1.7%.

The 1.75-liter bottle was the biggest-selling size in Nielsen channels, but 750-ml. bottles showed the best growth—another sign that the market is continuing to premiumize even in an uncertain economy.

Based on the most recent four- and 13-week Nielsen periods, prepared cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits type by both volume and dollar sales. Skinnygirl Margarita led the growth charge during the key summer-selling season.

The fastest-growing spirits types by volume in the 52-week period were Irish whiskey (+21.5%), prepared cocktails (+15.2%), Cognac (+9.6%) and Tequila (+5.1%). Flavored vodkas (+17.1%) outperformed regular vodkas (+2.7%), and flavored rums (+4.5%) outperformed regular rums (-1.9%). Other declining types include gin (-1.9%), Scotch whisky (-1.1%) and non-Cognac brandy (-2.4%).

The Nielsen channels include food stores, drugstores, liquor stores and other select channels and account for 30% of the total U.S. spirits market by volume, as estimated by Impact.

Diageo Will Be Presenting Sponsor For Two ESPN Television Segments

2011-10-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo will be presenting sponsor for two ESPN television segments—“Around the Horn” and “Pardon the Interruption” and their corresponding programs on Spanish-language ESPN Deportes—beginning this month through September 2012, reports AdAge. The sponsorship will be highlighted on the programs as “Happy Hour.” Diageo will use the television time to spotlight its products, starting with Guinness Black Lager on ESPN and Captain Morgan Rum on Deportes. ESPN will also create a place on its website to feature clips from the two programs, also sponsored by Diageo. The company already sponsored “Pardon the Interruption” before it decided to make itself more noticeable on air. AdAge reports that Diageo spent around $21.7 million on ESPN’s platforms in 2010.

Texas Titan: Twin Liquors Now Up To 67 Units As In-State Expansion Continues Apace

2011-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Austin-based Twin Liquors is one of Texas’s beverage alcohol retail giants. The 67-unit chain is run by the brother and sister team of David and Margaret Jabour, who serve as president and executive vice president of the 78-year-old business, which was founded by their grandfather and uncle shortly after Prohibition’s repeal. As third-generation owners, the Jabours take a long-term view, focusing on industry relationships and educating customers. Revenues aren’t made public, but reliable industry sources put Twin Liquors among the top three beverage alcohol retailers in Texas with annual sales of more than $200 million, behind only Houston-based Spec’s and Dallas-based Centennial. Shanken News Daily recently spoke to David and Margaret about trends in Texas, as well as their new interactive marketplace store concept.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Pernod Ricard USA Names Southern Wine & Spirits of Minnesota Its Exclusive Wine and Spirits Distributor

2011-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Pernod Ricard USA has named Southern Wine & Spirits of Minnesota its exclusive wine distributor and preferred spirits distributor across the state (Pernod says it will also continue to work with other spirits distributors in the state). Pernod’s wine business was previously aligned with Wirtz Beverage Group in Minnesota. Southern now acts as the distributor for Pernod products in 27 states across the U.S. market. Southern entered Minnesota in 2010 via a joint venture with J.J. Taylor, one of the top U.S. beer wholesalers.

Beam Inc. Begins Trading on New York Stock Exchange

2011-10-05T11:51:00.001-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Former Fortune Brands division Beam Inc. began trading as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange October 4, 2011, completing its transformation into a stand-alone global spirits entity. Fortune Brands announced last April that it would operate as Beam Inc., following a decision to sell off its home and security and golf units to focus solely on spirits. Beam Inc. is the world’s fifth-largest spirits marketer, with a global volume of 33.5 million cases and annual sales of around $2.7 billion in 2010.

The Global Spirits Industry’s Top Players: Taking Stock After Years Of Consolidation

2011-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Analyzing the effect of consolidation after a decade and a half of deal-making, Shanken News Daily sister publication Impact has ranked the world’s top spirits companies—and compared today’s numbers with those in 1995.

The biggest mover in the consolidation game has been Pernod Ricard, which was in the top 10 in 1995 but with a low profile. Much of Pernod’s 24-million-case business (compared to 97 million cases today) was in France, where its Ricard and Pastis 51 brands dominated. Back then, the world’s top two spirits companies were IDV (GrandMet) and United Distillers (Guinness), followed by Seagram and Allied Domecq, which was born in 1994 after the merger between Allied Lyons and Pedro Domecq.

Guinness and GrandMet merged in 1997 to form Diageo, creating a spirits portfolio of unparalleled power, led by Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, and Baileys. While the Diageo deal reshaped the global spirits landscape, it foreshadowed three mega-deals that would transform the business even further. Pernod Ricard was involved in all of them. In 2001, Diageo and Pernod Ricard acquired Seagram’s spirits and wine business, several months after Seagram announced it would exit the business to focus on entertainment. The Seagram deal fortified Diageo’s already-formidable lineup, adding powerhouses like Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. But it remade Pernod Ricard, energizing its portfolio with big-name brands like Chivas Regal and Martell. Four years later Allied Domecq went on the block, and Pernod was there again, collaborating with Fortune Brands, whose Jim Beam Brands unit was aiming to diversify. That deal added Ballantine’s, Beefeater, Malibu and Kahlúa to the Pernod portfolio, while Beam got Sauza, Courvoisier, Canadian Club and Maker’s Mark, among others. In 2008, one of the industry’s crown jewels—Absolut vodka—was put on the block. Seeing Absolut as the missing piece in the portfolio, Pernod again paid up—this time without a partner, acquiring V&S for approximately $9 billion.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Owsley Brown II Dies At 69

2011-09-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Owsley Brown II, former chairman and CEO of Brown-Forman, died late Monday after a brief illness. He was 69. A great-grandson of Brown-Forman’s founder, Brown entered the family business in 1968, was appointed CEO in 1993, and, two years later, was named chairman. Under his leadership, the company was able to significantly expand the international presence of many of its brands—particularly Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort and Finlandia—as well as modernize its marketing approach. Brown retired from the role of CEO in 2005, withdrew as chairman in 2007, and left B-F’s board of directors in 2008.
In addition to his corporate roles, Brown was recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He served as fund chairman and president of the Greater Louisville Fund for the Arts, as well as a board member of several organizations, including the Actors Theatre of Louisville, River Fields, Inc., the J.B. Speed Art Museum, the Kentucky Center and The Partnership for Creative Economies. Brown is survived by his wife Christy, his three children Owsley III (Victoire), Brooke Barzun (Matthew) and Augusta Holland (Gill), and nine grandchildren. “Owsley was a personal friend to so many of us across the world, and we are all shocked and saddened by his premature death,” said Brown-Forman chief executive officer Paul Varga.

Brugal 1888 Rum Launch Event

2011-09-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

(from Socially Superlative) On Wednesday evening, September 21st, 2011, a select few guests were invited to attend the launch of Brugal 1888, the newest release from the World’s Most Refined Rum. Brugal 1888 is a luxury rum from the Dominican Republic and is also the #3 rum in the world in terms of volume. Guests were able to taste and enjoy various cocktails mixed by several mixologists using Brugal 1888.

The private invite was held at Ink48 Hotel at Press Lounge located on the rooftop of the hotel. Unfortunately, it happened to be raining that night, but that did not stop the event one bit as guests mingled outside enjoying the New York skyline and listening to the beats from the DJ who provided music for the event. Guests were also treated to an array of hors d’oeuvres and a special buffet set aside of various cheeses, salads, and jumbo cocktail shrimp.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Impact’s “Hot Prospects” Rank U.S. Market’s Most Promising Wine And Spirits Brands

2011-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Shanken News Daily sister publication Impact Newsletter has chosen its latest crop of “Hot Prospects”—the U.S. market’s most promising wine and spirits growth brands. The winners must have annual depletions of at least 50,000 cases and no more than 200,000 cases, while having achieved at least 15% growth in 2010 and solid progress in the two years prior to that.

A total of 72 brands are on this year’s list, 28 of which sold more than 100,000 cases. Several are likely to pass the 200,000-case threshold and enter Impact “Hot Brand” territory by year-end—including Beam Inc.’s Red Stag, Kendall-Jackson’s Murphy-Goode and Royal Wine Corp.’s Bartenura.

In addition to Red Stag, spirits Hot Prospects over the 100,000-case mark include DonQ rum (Serrallés USA), RonDiaz (Crosby Lake Spirits), Wild Turkey American Honey liqueur (Skyy Spirits), Russian Standard Original vodka (Russian Standard USA), Familia Camarena Tequila (Gallo), Pearl vodka (Luxco), Milagro Tequila (William Grant & Sons USA), Ruskova vodka (AnSon Imports) and Hendrick’s gin (William Grant & Sons USA). A further 11 spirits Hot Prospects winners were at less than 100,000 cases.

In wine, Hot Prospects at more than 100,000 cases include Bandit (Rebel Wine Co./Trinchero), Pacific Rim (Banfi), Noble Vines (DFV Wines), Redtree (Cecchetti Wine Co.), Little Black Dress (Excelsior Wine Co.), Middle Sister (Canopy Management), Newman’s Own (Rebel Wine Co./Trinchero), HobNob (WJ Deutsch & Sons), Cantine Riondo (Riondo USA), Don Miguel Gascon (Gallo), Down Under Cellars (Bronco), Matua Valley (Treasury Wine Estates Americas), Catena (Winebow), New Age (Quintessential Wines), Fünf (Schmitt Söhne) and Lunetta Prosecco (Palm Bay International). Some 33 wine brands under 100,000 cases also achieved Hot Prospect status.

Brand competitors, distributors and retailers will be watching closely to see whether these Hot Prospects can maintain momentum over the course of the next several years to become big-volume brands. A complete list and a report on the 2010 Hot Prospect winners will be published in Impact’s October 1&15 issue.

Indie Spirits Entrepreneurs Gather in Chicago on September 28th, 2011

2011-09-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Over 100 Indie Spirits and Over 60 Exhibitors at Inaugural Chicago Indie Spirits Expo

Distilled events is proud to announce the first Chicago Independent Spirits Expo. Since its inception, the Independent Spirits Expo has showcased an eclectic group of limited production, high quality spirits in a casual informative setting. In addition to giving attendees the opportunity to sample an amazing variety of unique and genre-redefining spirits, the Expo offers attendees a rare opportunity to meet the distillers, owners, importers, and entrepreneurs responsible for bringing these terrific products to market. The Expo’s guests include consumers, members of the trade and the press.

The Indy Sprits Expo’s director, Dave Schmier, says: “The goal of the expo has always been to provide a forum where the small entrepreneur can showcase their spirits.” The selection of spirits at The Indy Spirits Expo will cover a full spectrum of the best and the newest brands in the marketplace: from a variety of vodkas and gins to cognacs and absinthes.

With the growing micro-distillery movement in the US, domestically crafted products are strongly represented by brands from across the country as well as the burgeoning mid-west distilling movement. The Independent Spirits Expo has been a tool for small brand owners to expand their audiences for the past five years. This is the first time the Expo has been presented in Chicago and local producer Marty Duffy using his extensive work in the local spirits world to bring together many new distillers and Independent spirits brands along with the bar and restaurant trade in order to make the Chicago Independent Spirits Expo a key event in the local spirits scene.

Additionally, the Chicago Indie Spirits Expo features a pre-show industry roundtable discussion. The roundtable is sponsored by The Beverage Testing Institute, The American Spirits Exchange, Phoenix Packaging and media partners Food Industry News and The Tasting Panel.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Introducing Seven Fathoms ~ Handcrafted, Small Batch, Premium Rum from the Cayman Islands

2011-09-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Experience the Depths of Seven Fathoms Rum™ ~ A Wave of Artisan Innovation
Seven Fathoms Premium Rum is a handcrafted, artisanal premium rum that is distilled locally in small batches exclusively in the Cayman Islands. Unlike any other rum, Seven Fathoms is matured under water at a depth of seven fathoms (42 feet). This unique and innovative maturing technique creates superior characteristics and complexity. Seven Fathoms is a distinctive spirit made by meticulously aging the rum underwater in the pristine Caribbean seas giving Seven Fathoms a depth of flavor and smoothness that is incomparable. Seven Fathoms 80 proof rum, is limited production premium rum, created in individually numbered batches.

Seven Fathoms is handcrafted by Master Distillers Nelson Dilbert and Walker Romanica at the Cayman Island Distilleries adjacent to the cruise terminal in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Seven Fathoms is distilled using a Christian Carl copper pot still. The company uses locally grown organic sugar cane, which is grown on a farm at the East End of the island. Once distilled, the rum is pumped into used Jim Beam barrels and then taken out to a secret location offshore of Grand Cayman. Here, the rum is placed for aging at a depth of 42 feet, or seven fathoms, under the water. The gentle motion of the waves and the alternating pressure of the water during the rising and ebbing tides helps push the rum deep into the pores of the oak barrels, extracting all of the rich oak and bourbon flavors from the wood, creating a complex rum with extraordinary depth of character and flavor.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Pernod Ricard USA will Introduce Malibu Rum Winter, a Limited Edition to be Available from October through December at $13.99 a Bottle

2011-09-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Continuing the seasonal spirits extension theme it’s employed with Beefeater gin (Beefeater summer and winter-themed special editions appeared last year), Pernod Ricard USA will introduce Malibu Rum Winter, a limited edition to be available from October through December at $13.99 a bottle. Malibu Winter is a blend of Caribbean rum with real coconut flakes suspended in the liquid which, when consumed, dissolve slowly in the mouth. Brand manager Sheila Senhouse says Malibu Winter will “attract current and new consumers to the brand by offering a unique drinking experience during this non-traditional Malibu consumption season.” After sliding by 65,000 cases in the U.S. from 2007 through 2009, Malibu righted the ship in 2010, increasing 1.9% to 1.635 million cases, according to Impact Databank.

BarHappy Officially Launches Its Website and iPhone App

2011-09-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

(By Shanken News Daily) BarHappy — a free resource to help consumers find food, drink and other entertainment deals in their city—has officially launched its website, www.barhappy.com, and iPhone mobile app. BarHappy’s database comprises more than 15,000 venues across 18 cities, including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. The interface allows users to search across many criteria, such as the kind of deals they’re looking for, the neighborhood and the venue type. Businesses keep up with their own profile pages in real time so deals and information are current, and registered users can earn rewards by giving them ratings.

Bacardi USA Introducing the “OakHeart Challenge”

2011-09-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Bacardi USA is introducing the “OakHeart Challenge,” a series of simultaneous nationwide bar events designed to support the launch of Bacardi OakHeart, on September 15. Through the program, Bacardi aims to get more than 25,000 consumers to sample the new extension on the same day, at the same time. Bars in several key markets, including Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin, will be hosting OakHeart Challenge events. Rolled out in the U.S. earlier this month, Bacardi OakHeart is a 70-proof, spiced blend of Bacardi Superior and Gold priced at around $12.99-$15.99 a 750-ml that aims to take on rival Diageo’s Captain Morgan in the spiced rum segment.

Mount Gay Goes Nautical

2011-09-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

(Photo above: Mount Gay Rum honors their sailing legacy with the launch of a nautical themed limited edition bottle to be sold at duty free shops in select countries)

(by The Rum Connection) Mount Gay Rum has been associated with the sailing community for over three centuries. This year, to honor the brand’s commitment to the world of sailing and the rich history from which it stems, Mount Gay has created the “Nautical Limited Edition” representing the beginning of a nautical series featuring maritime signal flags.

This collectable bottle of Mount Gay Eclipse Rum features the nautical flag design of the letter “M” and is designed to be enjoyed on board or wherever rum lovers celebrate the sailing legacy of the brand.

The Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Nautical Limited Edition “M” design is released this month in various global travel retail locations such as in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany and the UK, and also on board Brittany Ferries and P&O, priced at parity with the standard Mount Gay Eclipse Rum.

This limited edition will also be exhibited at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes 19th to 23rd September (Marine Village Foyer 1A).

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Rum Is the Answer, What Was the Question?

2011-09-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

(Photo above: Yo ho ho and 111 bottles of rum. Soaking in the sights at the Rum Bar in Phoenix)

(by Dawson Fearnow with Phoenix New Times) You'd think if you owned a bar exclusively dedicated to rum, you'd be happy to hear that the world's oldest spirit was suddenly très-trendy. Well, not so much if you're Dwayne Allen, co-owner of the Rum Bar in downtown Phoenix. In fact, this generally-genial Jamaican native was downright perturbed at the suggestion that this sugar cane-based spirit is being called trendy.

"Rum is in our blood, my friend," Allen tells me when I phone. "It's been around long before other such alcohols and spirits and is synonymous with the island lifestyle. There's nothing trendy about what we are doing at the Rum Bar," he says in his distinctly friendly-yet-deadly-serious tone. "You'd better get down here and let me show you what rum's all about."
So let's set sail to this rum-soaked tropical paradise in the heart of the urban jungle. Just be sure to leave behind your images of hangovers past, fueled by popsicle-colored daiquiris and cheap dark or spiced rums, which are often made from lower quality Grade C molasses and have "terrible flavor," according to Allen. (We're looking at you, Captain Morgan.)

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Bottoms Up: Three Favorite Phoenix Rum Cocktails

2011-09-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

(Photo above: The Dark & Stormy cocktail at J&G Steakhouse is the perfect late-summer cooler)

(by Dawson Fearnow with Phoenix New Times) Crisp, citrus-y and mixed liberally with ice, a nice tropical tipple is the perfect late-summer cooler. Here are three Valley bars serving up great rum cocktails.

1. The Dark & Stormy at the J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician

J&G's serves up a delectable Dark & Stormy made with Goslings Black Seal Rum, John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Stewart's Ginger Beer and fresh lime juice.

2. The Mai-Tai at Hula's Modern Tiki This classic Mai-Tai is made with Appleton Estate special gold rum, pineapple juice, orange Curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice.

Suck down your third cocktail after the jump.

3. Rustyfarian at Citizen Public House

The Rustyfarian is an award-winning cocktail crafted with Zacapa dark rum, Drambuie, a medley of orange, lemon and lime juices--all garnished with lemon-lime zest.

Beam To Start Trading As Standalone October 4

2011-09-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Fortune Brands’ board has approved final plans to spin off the company’s home and security products business by October 3, allowing it to begin operating as a pure-play spirits company trading publicly under the name Beam Inc. on October 4. Fortune Brands will receive a cash dividend of $500 million from the home and security unit prior to the spin-off, which remains subject to SEC and New York Stock Exchange approvals.

The separation of Beam from Fortune’s other former businesses has led to speculation that Beam brands like Jim Beam, Sauza, Courvoisier, Maker’s Mark and others could become acquisition targets, but Beam, which has ramped up its marketing spend by double-digits over the past year and a half—resulting in record sales in the three months through June, and a 14% increase to $1.38 billion in the first half of 2011—appears intent on remaining an independent player.

Binny’s Beverage Depot Of Chicago Continues Aggressive Expansion

2011-09-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily)Binny’s Beverage Depot owner Michael Binstein plans to open two new stores this year in the greater Chicago market. In the last four years alone, he has expanded his beverage alcohol retail business from 19 to 25 stores, and now ranks as the leading independent retailer in Illinois. Binstein recently spoke with Shanken News Daily about his business, which will surpass $250 million in revenues in its fiscal year ending July 31.

SND: In the last four years, you’ve expanded from 19 stores to 25 stores, mostly through acquisition during a very difficult economy. Has your investment paid off?

Binstein: The honest answer is that the investment is paying off. Time is the ultimate test, and one needs a certain amount of humility. But there’s not a single acquisition, store opening or expansion of our model that I would take back.

SND: How has Binny’s been affected by the downturn in the economy?

Binstein: The best time to run into a market is when everyone is running for the exit doors. I think we’re contrarians by nature. Our most dramatic growth has occurred since the Cassandras and the pundits sounded the death knell for our economy in general and our industry in particular. Then there’s the fact that when you sign 99-year leases, which we do as a matter of practice when we can’t buy our own property, you’d better be prepared to ride out the business cycles that will always be a part of life. You can’t be a summer soldier and be in business. We monitor certain things every day, and one of them is customer count. The number of people actually walking through our front doors has been showing double-digit growth. Market share is healthy and growing. Sales have been helping growth, but all things considered, I think customer count is the single most important vital sign for all three tiers of our industry—not just for retail and not just for Binny’s.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. Appoints Debora Boyda as General Manager of the Mixables Category Business Team

2011-08-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. has appointed Debora Boyda as general manager of the Mixables Category Business Team, which includes the company’s vodka, rum, Tequila and premix cocktail business. She succeeds and will report to Pryce Greenow, who has been promoted to vice president, group general manager at Beam. Before joining Beam, Boyda served as co-founder and president of Interplay Ideas, a Chicago-based strategic innovation consultancy. Previously, she served as vice president of marketing at Miller Brewing Co., and prior to that, spent nearly 20 years in key positions at ad agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather and Leo Burnett Worldwide, Inc. Beam’s Mixables division is led by Sauza Tequila and Cruzan rum, while the recently acquired Skinnygirl cocktail line continues to enjoy rapid growth.

Diageo Rides Premium Progress To 3% U.S. Sales Growth For FY

2011-08-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Despite continuing economic headwinds, Diageo rode improved operating margin driven by cost cuts and a marketing push behind its key brands to solid sales growth in the U.S. market in its fiscal full year, ended June 30. U.S. net spirits sales for the global drinks giant came in up 4% on an organic basis, led by a strong performance at the premium end by brands like Cîroc, Crown Royal Black, Buchanan’s and the silver and super-premium variants of Jose Cuervo.

Diageo’s U.S. spirits volume held steady over period, as Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Captain Morgan, Ketel One and Tanqueray were all either flat or down across the group’s North American region, resulting in a loss of share in vodka and rum. But those results were offset by torrid growth for Cîroc, which more than doubled in size, and Buchanan’s, which grew 37% by volume. Guinness’s 3% volume gain drove a 1% rise in Diageo’s North American beer volume overall, while its wine (-4%) and RTD (-3%) businesses struggled. (Diageo has moved to restructure its U.S. wine business of late, most recently selling Edna Valley Vineyard to E&J Gallo in June.) Total organic net sales growth for Diageo NA came in up 3% to £3.3 billion ($4.7b).

“While overall consumer confidence remains subdued we have seen some recovery and, importantly for our business, this recovery has been stronger in the premium, and especially the super-premium, segments,” said Ivan Menezes, president, Diageo North America. Menezes credited a 7% rise in marketing spend, mostly behind key brands like Cîroc, Ketel One, Smirnoff and the Cuervo silver variants with buttressing sales.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

With DonQ On The Rise, Serrallés USA Eyes Wider Portfolio

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Up to now, Puerto Rican rum maker Destilería Serrallés has derived the lion’s share of its business from its contract production of Diageo’s Captain Morgan. But with the Captain’s production being moved entirely to the U.S. Virgin Islands by next year, Serrallés is set to lose around 70% of its volume. Accordingly, the company is now shifting gears and investing to drive sales of its own rum brand, DonQ, in the U.S. market through its Serrallés USA unit. With that effort proceeding, Serrallés is also now eyeing partnerships and new brand introductions to broaden its U.S. portfolio.
A well-known brand in its domestic market of Puerto Rico, the DonQ rum range has made impressive progress since entering the U.S. market just three years ago. The brand rose 61% by volume in each of the past two years to reach 190,000 cases in 2010, according to Impact Databank. The DonQ line-up includes Cristal, Gold and Anejo offerings ($12.99-$15.99 a 750-ml.), an ultra-premium Gran Anejo ($59.99) and a range of flavored rums ($13.99) featuring Limón, Coco, Mojito and the newly introduced Pasión (passion fruit).
For 2011, Serrallés expects DonQ to hit more than 210,000 cases, and has set a longer-term goal of reaching 1 million cases, according to John Eason, vice president, national sales manager for Serrallés USA. “The time is really ripe for a firm number-two player in the silver popular rum category,” he says, noting the relative lack of meaningful competition in the segment compared with other spirits categories. “In rum, and silver rum in particular, it’s always been Bacardi. We definitely think there’s an opportunity to make a challenge and take some share in the category.”

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Castle Brands Inc. Announces a 21% Increase in Net Sales

2011-08-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) New York-based Castle Brands Inc. has announced a 21% increase in net sales to $7.4 million for its fiscal 2012 first quarter, ended June 30. Bolstered by Gosling’s Rum, Pallini Limoncello and Boru vodka’s U.S. growth, group volume rose 19% to more than 70,000 cases. Net losses for the quarter, however, grew 21.7% to just under $2.1 million, as operating losses fell slightly, from $1.7 million to $1.3 million. Castle Brands president and CEO Richard Lampden said the company would continue to streamline operations and reduce overhead and distribution costs, with the “full benefits of these cost savings efforts to be recognized in the current fiscal year.”

Diageo Launching Campaign for Its Captain Morgan Brand

2011-08-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo is launching a new multi-media promotional campaign for its Captain Morgan brand starting this month and ending in October. “The Captain’s Island” campaign will run mostly through the brand’s Facebook page, giving fans a chance to win a trip to a Caribbean island and $15,000. Actress Mena Suvari will help promote the campaign, which will also include television and Internet ads across 13 different markets—the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. This campaign follows on the heels of the “To Life, Love and Loot” ad effort announced by the brand in May, featuring commercials filmed by movie director Tom Hooper.

Southern Wine & Spirits Appoints Kirt Clemens As Senior Vice-President For Its North American Spirits & Wine Brokerage Division (NASW)

2011-08-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Southern Wine & Spirits has appointed Kirt Clemens svp, eastern region, for its North American Spirits & Wine Brokerage division (NASW), effective August 1. Clemens was previously vice president-general sales manager for Southern’s Mid-Atlantic division, based in Raleigh, a position he held for five years. In his new role he’ll report to NASW evp-general manager Robert Swartz. NASW is the Southern Wine & Spirits division handling Diageo and Moët Hennessy brands across the 18 control states.

After Record Second Quarter, Beam Says It Will Step Up Brand Investment

2011-08-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Beam Global Spirits & Wine enjoyed record sales of $703 million, up 11%, in the three months through June, and says it intends to continue aggressively upping its spend behind key brands in the second half of 2011. For the first half of the year, Beam’s net sales increased by 14% to $1.38 billion, while operating income before charges rose 12% to $299 million.
“Our investments in innovation and brand building are paying off, and we’re further stepping up our brand investment as a result,” said Bruce Carbonari, chairman and CEO of Beam parent Fortune Brands. “Jim Beam accelerated its momentum in the quarter, Maker’s Mark continued its double-digit growth, and Skinnygirl (acquired in March) has become the fastest-growing spirits brand in America.” Carbonari said profits are expected to lag behind sales growth in the third quarter as Beam’s promotional spend continues to rise by double-digits, before “normalizing to a relatively constant run rate as a percentage of sales” in the fourth quarter.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Pernod Ricard Suffers Another Setback in its Duel with Bacardi Ltd. Over the U.S. Trademark to Havana Club Rum

2011-08-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Pernod Ricard has suffered another setback in its duel with Bacardi Ltd. over the U.S. trademark to Havana Club rum. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit today upheld a 2010 decision by a U.S. District Court in Delaware that found no significant risk of consumer confusion as to whether Bacardi’s Puerto Rico-produced Havana Club brand—sold in the U.S. in small quantities—is made in Cuba. “No reasonable interpretation of the label as a whole could lead to the conclusion that it is false or misleading,” said U.S. Circuit Judge Kent Jordan. Pernod says it will now “consider its options” in the ongoing trademark battle. Pernod general counsel Ian FitzSimons said, “It’s important to note that this decision does not grant any right in the ‘Havana Club’ trademark to Bacardi. We’re determined to continue to fight for fair competition in the United States market where ownership of the ‘Havana Club’ trademark dates back to 1976.”

Pernod Ricard names Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne managing director of Havana Club International

2011-08-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Pernod Ricard has named Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne managing director of Havana Club International, effective December 1. Currently serving as Pernod’s audit and business development director, Cottin-Bizonne will replace Marc Beuve-Mery and report directly to Thierry Billot, Pernod’s managing director, brands. Beuve-Mery, a longtime Pernod executive, will take up a new role within the company, to be announced later.

Texas Retail Giant Spec’s To Move Into Dallas Market By Year End

2011-07-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Houston, Texas-based retailer Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods is planning to enter the Dallas market by year-end, according to a report in The Dallas Morning News. The paper quoted Spec’s vice president of marketing Lisa Rydman Key, who said the company is planning two to three Dallas stores for its initial entry and is currently in lease negotiations. Rydman Key added that Spec’s hopes to have at least one of those locations open by the end of 2011.

The move into Dallas will pit Spec’s—which does $500 million in annual sales—against the area’s current top retailer, Centennial Wine & Spirits, which is projecting $250 million in 2011 revenue and is also expanding. With formerly dry areas around Dallas—such as Trophy Club near Fort Worth and Lowry Crossing in Collin County—recently voting to go wet, the region is developing as a new battleground for beverage alcohol retailers. Kroger and 7-Eleven have upped their beverage alcohol activities in the market, and Trader Joe’s is also reportedly exploring a Dallas location.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Florida’s ABC Fine Wine And Spirits Adapts To Changing Landscape In Securing Future Growth

2011-07-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Orlando, Florida-based ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is the largest independent beverage alcohol retailer in the state. The 150-unit company dominated the Florida market until six years ago, when competition intensified from multi-state players like Total Wine & More and the Publix supermarket chain. But ABC has since adapted to the new retail landscape with aggressive pricing and a massive modernization plan that includes a new store design concept. Thirty ABC units will have been updated by this year’s holiday season. According to reliable industry sources, total revenues of the privately held ABC reached approximately $475 million last year. Shanken News Daily recently interviewed Charles Bailes, who is ABC’s chairman and CEO, and his brother Jess, who is executive vice president, to get an update on progress.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Edwin H. Nielsen, great-grandson of Bacardi founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, passed away

2011-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Edwin H. Nielsen, the great-grandson of Bacardi founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, passed away July 24 in Spain at the age of 93. Nielsen became vice president of Bacardi Imports, U.S. in 1963 and was later promoted to president. He’s credited with expanding the company into international markets and helping Bacardi become the largest-selling rum in the world. Nielsen became a director when Bacardi Ltd. was formed from five operating companies in 1992, and he retired from Bacardi in 2001.

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum appoints Brown-Forman exclusive distributor in Mexico

2011-07-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

(by The Gleaner) J. Wray & Nephew Limited has announced that it has appointed Brown-Forman as the exclusive distributor of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and Appleton Jamaica Rum brands in , as of July 1.

In making the announcement, Paul Henriques, managing director of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, noted that the company was excited to forge this new partnership with Brown-Forman, while expressing his gratitude to Casa Cuervo, the outgoing distributor for Appleton Jamaica Rum in Mexico.

"We are very excited at the prospect of working with the Brown-Forman team as we continue to build the Appleton Jamaica Rum brand in Mexico. Brown-Forman is an industry leader in Mexico, and Appleton Jamaica Rum is an excellent fit for its portfolio. Appleton has been well established in Mexico for many years, and we are confident that together we will continue to build on this strong foundation and take it to great heights.

"At the same time, I would like to thank the team at Casa Cuervo, our distributor in Mexico for over 20 years."

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Blackwell Rum Names Its Exclusive U.S. Importer

2011-07-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Jamaica’s Blackwell Fine Jamaican rum has named Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) its exclusive U.S. importer. Joining DSWE’s Classic & Vintage Portfolio, Blackwell will begin rolling out in major U.S. markets this summer, retailing at $29.99 a 750-ml. In New York and New Jersey, DSWE’s Merchants wholesale division will distribute the brand. Distilled by J. Wray & Nephew at Appleton Estate, Blackwell Rum is the brainchild of music producer Chris Blackwell and advertising exec Richard Kirshenbaum, who has worked with major drinks brands including Hennessy, Dom Perignon, Grand Marnier and Guinness.

Serralles In Tough Fight Over Puerto Rico Rum Rebates

2011-07-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Diageo’s decision to move production of Captain Morgan from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) continues to send ripples through the Caribbean rum industry. Diageo was enticed by the USVI’s offer to return much higher tax rebates than the company was receiving in Puerto Rico. The Diageo USVI distillery is now operational and is slated to handle all of Captain Morgan’s output by next year. In all, Puerto Rico lost 9 million cases of Captain Morgan annual production in the deal.

Puerto Rico has since reached new incentive agreements to keep Bacardi, as well as smaller player Club Caribe, on the island for the next 20 years. But one holdout is Destileria Serralles, Captain Morgan’s former Puerto Rican producer, which lost 70% of its volume when the Captain set sail for USVI. Thus far, negotiations between Serralles and Puerto Rico on a new incentive pact haven’t borne fruit.

Serralles complains that it’s being offered a far less favorable tax rebate than Bacardi, mainly because Puerto Rico is making a distinction between branded and bulk rum. Bacardi will receive 46% of tax revenue on its branded rum production (similar to Diageo’s deal with USVI) while Serralles is being offered only 25% on its bulk production. Serralles’ branded business is led by DonQ, but bulk production constitutes most of its business. Bacardi rum’s U.S. volume is 9.4 million cases, nearly all of which is produced in Puerto Rico. Bacardi’s Castillo rum brand, which depleted 940,000 cases in the U.S. last year, is also produced in Puerto Rico.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Portland bar news: Rum Club debuts Tuesday; Kask opens Friday (tonight)

2011-07-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

(By Michael Russell, The Oregonian) When you own a bar as well received for both its cocktails and food as Beaker & Flask, what do you do next?

If you're owner Kevin Ludwig, you open a bar that's just a bar. Low light. Classic cocktails. Simple food; dishes that complement what you're drinking without stealing the spotlight.

Ludwig and partner Mike Shea (a former bar manager at the Doug Fir and Ludwig's best friend) have done just that. Their Rum Club is set to open Tuesday in a little wedge of a space at the top of the same block of Sandy Boulevard as Beaker & Flask.

"Rum Club is based on a bar we grew up in back in Pittsburgh, Penn., that Mike and I used to go to," Ludwig says. "It's going to be open during the day and it's going to be kind of dark."

Rum Club's focus will be on classic cocktails -- Ludwig is mining old Trader Vic's recipes for inspiration, but says the bar won't be Tiki-themed. "We'll have interesting classics that you haven't seen before, but we don't want to compete with Beaker," he says.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Rum cake at Anthony’s Pizza and Grill to be featured on Food Network

2011-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

(By Amy Friedenberger , For the Mirror)Australian chef and frequent television host Curtis Stone tried Joyelle Scavone's rum cakes last year, but apparently they are still on his mind.

He even thinks they are one of the best things he's ever eaten.

Stone will tout Scavone's ScRUMptious gourmet rum cakes as his pick for "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on an upcoming segment of the show on the Food Network. The network was in Altoona on Monday, shooting footage at Scavone's husband's restaurant, Anthony's Pizza and Grill, on Fourth Street in Altoona.

Each episode of "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," going into its sixth season, includes eight selections from culinary hosts and chefs that focus on a theme, such as guilty pleasures or burgers.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Bacardi Names New President For North America As Esposito Retires

2011-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

(by Shanken News Daily) Bacardi Ltd. has named Robert Furniss-Roe as president of Bacardi North America, succeeding John Esposito, who is retiring. Furniss-Roe most recently was regional president of Latin America and vice president of global sales. He will be based in the company’s Americas headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.

Since joining Bacardi in 1989, Furniss-Roe has held numerous marketing and management positions around the world, including in the U.S. market. Bacardi cited a number of Furniss-Roe’s achievements in his 20-plus years at the company, including driving strong growth in Russia, developing new markets such as India and heading up global marketing for several of Bacardi’s top brands.

Furniss-Roe’s previous titles at Bacardi include chief of staff at Bacardi Ltd., vice president of corporate responsibility, interim regional president of Europe, area director for Russia/CIS/Poland, vice president of global marketing and area director for Asia-Pacific, as well as senior marketing roles in Asia, France and the United States. Prior to joining Bacardi, Furniss-Roe held marketing positions with Dunhill and L’Oreal. “Robert possesses an extraordinary mix of industry knowledge, deep understanding of our company and entrepreneurial spirit in both global and regional marketplaces that will have tremendous impact in the North America region,” said Bacardi Ltd. president and CEO Séamus McBride.

With John Esposito’s retirement, the drinks industry loses one of leading figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Few executives can boast the diversity of his experience. In more than three decades in the business, Esposito has worked as a retailer, distributor and supplier—serving with distinction at all three tiers of the industry.

Esposito literally grew up in the drinks business, hailing from a family of New York City liquor retailers. His first job was managing the family business. In 1977 he joined the Seagram Co. Ltd. and rose to become vice president and national sales manager of the Seagram Wine Co. In 1989, Esposito moved to W.A. Taylor & Co., the Miami-based unit of the old Allied Domecq, becoming vice president and director of sales. From there he entered the distribution tier as president of Charmer Sunbelt’s Florida unit, Premier Beverage Co.

In 1992, Esposito joined Schieffelin & Somerset (the former U.S. marketing joint venture between Diageo and LVMH) as senior vice president of national sales. Seven years later, he was named president and CEO. When Schieffelin & Somerset was dissolved in 2004 and became Moët Hennessy USA, Esposito was named president and CEO of the newly formed company. During this long period, he drove the portfolio—including Hennessy, Grand Marnier, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot—to unprecedented heights. Hennessy, for example, saw its volume triple from 1995 to 2005, rising from 745,000 cases to 2.1 million cases.

Esposito became president and chief executive of Bacardi USA in May 2006, as the parent company sought an executive with upscale brand marketing experience to drive a newly revitalized portfolio that included Grey Goose vodka, acquired two years previously. Under Esposito’s leadership, Grey Goose has retained leadership of its segment, even in the face of a tough on-premise scene of recent years. Innovation dramatically increased elsewhere at Bacardi, with the flagship rum brand’s flavor portfolio expanding dramatically. Bombay Sapphire, meanwhile, continues to spearhead gin’s role in the cocktail renaissance as it steams toward the million-case mark, while other brands including Dewar’s, Cazadores and Disaronno remain key players in their respective categories. Overall, Esposito played a major part in moving Bacardi into the modern drinks age, nurturing a balanced portfolio of rum, vodka, Scotch, Tequila and other products. At both Bacardi and Moet Hennessy, he helped spearhead the U.S. market’s premium spirits renaissance—which began nearly two decades ago and continues today.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Brazilian sugar cane distilled rum to hit American shores

2011-07-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

(by DBR Staff Writer) Cross Planet, an international trade company based in the US, has plans to introduce premium Brazilian sugar cane distilled rum, Cachaca Poesia, in the US markets by August.

The rum has been available in Brazil since 2007 and has reportedly won 'Best Cachaca' in the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxellas.Poesia, produced in the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has cane brake, carefully cut without being burnt up as the key ingredient.

The spirit is said to be distilled in pure copper containers and stored in neutral wooden barrels which eliminates contaminating agents and results in a highly refined taste that pleases the most discerning palate.Cross Planet chief administrative officer Noelle Adams said the company is very excited to bring the high quality product to market in the US.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Milagro Cantina is hosting an Eastside Bartenders Association "Rum and Sun" Event

2011-07-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

Milagro Cantina is hosting an Eastside Bartenders Association event, "Rum and Sun," on its patio, 2-4 p.m. It's free, but RSVP at eastsideba@gmail.com.

Milagro boasts a great bar and lounge space decorated with a metal "tequila tree." Colored glass lanterns of various sizes hang throughout the restaurant, including a glass pinata in the private dining area. Dishes are regional Mexican fare served in small plates, tacos and large entrees. There are traditional and ginger-caramel margaritas. Don't confuse "traditional" with "standard," though, because these libations are delicious and strong, nothing like the sugar water served in some other establishments. Summer crowds will love the vast outdoor seating available.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Nevada distiller plans to combine whiskey and rum to produce "rumskey"

2011-07-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

(By Conor Shine) George Racz’s distilling background is limited. His grandfather made fruit brandy on a small copper still in Transylvania when Racz was a child, and since then he has taken classes at another craft distillery in Washington.

The lack of experience has freed Racz to explore new and innovative recipes for his spirits. His seven-grain whiskey is made with more ingredients than any other whiskey in the country and he has plans to make a whiskey using 10 grains.

His latest idea, a distilled combination of rum and whiskey he calls "rumskey," would also be a first in the spirits business.

"Although we are the first distillery here in Nevada, we had to differentiate ourselves from other companies," distillery co-founder Katalin Racz said. "There is no point in making it the same as others."

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

New rum distillery to open in central Puerto Rico

2011-07-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

(By Danica Coto) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A new rum distillery will open in a former pharmaceutical plant in central Puerto Rico, helping to offset the loss of Captain Morgan rum from the island, economic officials said Wednesday.

The Club Caribe LLC distillery is scheduled to open in early 2012 in the mountain town of Cidra and will produce 2 million gallons of rum its first year as part of a 20-year deal, said senior vice president Alberto Rivera.

The local company is affiliated to Cc1, a Puerto Rican company that distributes Coca-Cola products in the U.S. territory.

Club Caribe expects to employ 25 people and invest $10 million in machinery and equipment as it moves into the old GlaxoSmithKline factory.

"We're going to have a significant production of rum on a global level," said Jose Perez-Riera, Puerto Rico's economic development secretary.

The distillery eventually will produce up to 10 million gallons of rum, both to sell in bulk and as private labels including Club Caribe, a white rum; Black Roberts, a spiced rum; and Carlos Rum, a gold rum, Rivera said.

The company will target the U.S. mainland market.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Pink Pigeon Spiced Rum Lands in the UK

2011-07-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

(By Alan Lodge, the drinks business) The Indian Ocean Rum Company and Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits have announced the UK launch of Pink Pigeon, the first super premium, spiced rum from the Island of Mauritius.

Distilled five times, Pink Pigeon– which db first revealed was in production earlier this year – is blended with hand-pollinated and hand-picked natural vanilla from Madagascar and Reunion Islands.

Alain Chatel, master blender, said: "My family have been producing the finest spirits for 200 years in both Reunion and Mauritius. I am very proud of what we have achieved with this Rum and am delighted to sign my name to every bottle."

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

M&C creates feature film to promote rum brand Havana Club

2011-07-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

(By Ben Bold) M&C Saatchi Paris and its client Havana Club have created a feature film called '7 Days in Havana' about life in the Cuban capital city in 2011.

The film, which was co-financed by the Havana Club-owner Pernod Ricard, was shot in Havana during the spring.

Each of the seven parts was directed by big names from the film world, including actor Benicio Del Toro and directors Gaspar Noé and Laurent Cantet. Each film depicts a day of the week in Havana.

M&C Saatchi, which was responsible for producing the rum brand's 'Nothing compares to Havana' campaign, conceived the film in collaboration with production companies Fullhouse and Morena Films.

Distributor Wild Bunch International used this year's Cannes film festival to promote the 100-minute feature and managed to sign distribution deals. The film is currently entering post-production.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Bacardi Introduces Hand-Shaken Daiquiri

2011-07-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

According to PRNewswire, Bacardi has introduced a new addition to its ready-to-serve portfolio, the Bacardi Classic Cocktails Hand Shaken Daiquiri. This pre-mixed cocktail minimizes preparation without sacrificing taste, simply "open and pour" to enjoy the ultimate daiquiri.

The Bacardi Classic Cocktails Hand Shaken Daiquiri is a contemporary rendition of the original Hand Shaken Daiquiri by Bacardi, a timeless classic in the world of cocktails. To create the perfect balance of flavors, this drink is prepared with Bacardi Superior Rum, tangy lime juice and sugar. The result is a perfectly balanced spirit that offers a consistent and reliable taste with each pour—garnish with a lime wedge for a cool cocktail that everyone will love.

To celebrate the launch, the brand has joined with actress, model and entrepreneur, Brooke Burke, to bring consumers fun and festive tips for home entertaining.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Red Rum's Red & Blue Hawaiian

2011-07-04T07:38:00.001-07:00

Watermelon Rum Punch Recipe

2011-07-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

(By Ashlie Hughes) If you are looking for a unique summer drink to serve at your next outdoor feast, then look no further–watermelon punch, with or without rum, is a perfect addition to any party.

When I first saw the recipe in the cookbook "1,000 Mexican Recipes" by Marge Poore, I couldn't wait to try it. Made with fresh fruit juices and served from a hollowed-out watermelon, could it get any better? Not only is the concoction refreshing, but the presentation itself is quite charming.

Watermelon Rum Punch (adapted from "1,000 Mexican Recipes")

Ingredients:

•1 watermelon
•1/2 cup simple syrup (or agave nectar)
•2 cups pineapple juice
•1 cup fresh orange juice
•1/2 cup fresh lime juice (I prefer using key limes)
•1 1/2 cups rum, or more!

Get the directions, along with the complete story HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Jamaica: Our friend, Demon Rum

2011-06-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

Pirates Gold “Rums of the Caribbean” Festival returns to Jamaica in the second staging of the successful Rums and Spirit Expo. This year’s event, at Montego Bay’s Rose Hall Great House on July 22, will highlight the history of rum making in the region and the pirates who made the rums famous. Various rum brands and rum based products in the region as well as international markets will be showcased.

Details: For information about travel to Jamaica, go to http://www.visitjamaica.com/ or call 305-665-0557

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/26/2277607/jamaica-our-friend-demon-rum.html#ixzz1QNg2pi8Y

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Angostura® unveils new super premium repack for 1919 and 1824

2011-06-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

Angostura, the world’s most awarded rum, has unveiled their new super premium repack for Angostura 1919 and Angostura 1824 at this year’s Vinexpo. Both super premium rums have undergone a facelift to reveal elegant, new look bottles, labelling and packaging.

Speaking about the new repack Wayne Yip Choy, Angostura CEO commented:

"We are delighted with our new look Angostura 1919 and Angostura 1824 super premium rums. We’ve created a sophisticated bottle that discreetly plays on all that is wonderful about Trinidad and Tobago and our international range of rums. It was important to us to create a sense of range alignment with our international rum range and we believe that the changes will not only excite our consumers and customers, but gives them a little something extra."

Pusser's Rum Wins Trademark Battle, But Loses The War As Bartenders Boycott

2011-06-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last year, we wrote about the absolutely ridiculous claim by a rum distillery in the British Virgin Islands, named Pusser's, that a bar in New York City, named Painkiller, cease using the name and cease serving a drink by that name. At issue? Pusser's apparently has the US trademark on "Painkiller," as a rum drink that's made with Pusser's Rum. That the drink itself was apparently created ten years before it included Pusser's rum is apparently unimportant. Either way, the legal fight was apparently too much, and Painkiller the bar has agreed to drop the name, and rebrand as PKNY. But here's where things got interesting. While the company may have won that battle, it may be losing the larger war, as tons of bartenders are pissed off about the whole fight, and are unlikely to use Pusser's rum for anything:

"What followed could only be considered a very bad week for Pusser's. While the lawsuit was settled in their favor, this small brand found itself a pariah among many bartenders and fans of PKNY. Within hours of the news, several Facebook groups were launched, calling for boycotts of Pusser's rum and an end to trademarked cocktail recipes (these pages had hundreds of supporters within a few days); and bartenders around the country began conducting their own forms of civil disobedience, serving and in some cases advertising Painkillers that are notably not made with Pussers, and posting photos of the menus online as a challenge to Pusser's to sue every bar that ignored the trademarked recipe. "

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Rum Cake Factory in North Miami Beach adds New Orleans specialties

2011-06-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

(By Linda Bladholm) The Rum Cake Factory recently moved from Miami Lakes to North Miami Beach and added specialties of New Orleans and hickory-smoked meats made in house. The rum cakes have had a following for years, and are based on a family recipe of owner Larry Robinson.

Robinson grew up in Natchitoches in north-central Louisiana, the youngest of 10 siblings, and helped his mother bake cakes. He came to Miami in 1985 as a defensive back with the Dolphins, then played for the Jets. After an injury, he retired and started a catering company.

Robinson met his Cuban-American wife, Elena, on a flight to Miami, and they have been married 22 years. She is the face of the company, working the register and doing the books. Louisiana native Roosevelt Lewis handles the cooking.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Spiced Rum on the Rebound

2011-06-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

(By Kara Newman) Just a few years ago, to be offered a choice of spiced rums for your cocktail was unthinkable.

But now, floated by a rum renaissance and the explosion of tiki culture, a number of new spiced rums have been introduced—and fresh cocktails are being created to showcase the expanded range.

"Spiced rum is not a fad," declares rum expert, importer and advocate Ed Hamilton. "The tradition of adding fruit and spice to rum is almost as old as Caribbean rum itself."

However, the island tradition was typically for spiced rums made at home, or sold at local rum shops. Only a handful were brought to the U.S., most notably Captain Morgan, which was introduced to the U.S. in 1983 and is credited with creating the spiced rum category. Indeed, "Captain & Coke" remains one of the most popular mixed drink calls at bars across the country.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Rising High-Proof Rum Category Spurs New Entrants

2011-06-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

(Shanken News) Within the rum category, one of the hotter segments lately has been higher-proof dark and spiced rums. The high-proof segment’s recent dynamism is epitomized by Impact “Hot Brand” Sailor Jerry—a 92-proof spiced offering which rose by 59% to 635,000 cases in 2010. Sailor Jerry’s success has led to a rising tide of new entrants, in the form of line extensions or new brand propositions altogether.

New this spring are two higher-proof extensions of existing brands: Malibu Black from Pernod Ricard USA and Mount Gay Black Eclipse from Remy Cointreau USA. The Mount Gay extension is at 100-proof and retails at around $25, about a 30% premium to the core brand. “We wanted to come up with a different, bolder expression of Mount Gay whose strong taste profile would appeal to younger consumers while staying true to the Mount Gay brand to keep rum connoisseurs engaged,” says Mount Gay international brand director Daniel Cabaleiro.

Malibu Black is also targeted at the LDA-to-29-year-old demographic, with a particular focus on males, according to brand manager Sheila Senhouse. At 70-proof, Malibu Black, which sells for around $16 a bottle, isn’t among the highest-proof rums out there, but it’s a significant step up from Malibu’s core 42-proof brand.

Other new entries to the higher-proof rum segment include Proximo’s Kraken (94-proof, $20), Heaven Hill’s Blackheart (93-proof, $16), Serralles USA’s Blackbeard (86-proof, $15) and White Rock’s Spiced Jack 94 (94-proof, $16). Of those, Kraken, which sold 75,000 cases last year (its first year on the market), according to Impact Databank, has so far been the standout. Others, like Spiced Jack at 20,000 cases, are also off to good starts in what’s becoming a hotly contested category.

“It’s a bit of a following game,” says Brittany Blevins, rum brand manager at Heaven Hill. “Sailor Jerry’s high proof became hugely successful and others took note. That interest comes from consumers who want something edgy, and the taste profile of spiced rum lends itself to that.” Blevins adds that Blackheart, released early last year, came out 40% ahead of its volume projections in its first year on the market.

All this new activity has put pressure on spiced rum leader Captain Morgan, which at 6.2 million cases has dominated the category for years. The Captain’s 100-proof offering, rolled out in 2008 at around $19 a bottle, got off to a strong start and “continues to carve out a niche,” according to global brand director Russell Jones. “It’s been in the market for three years now, and for the first couple of years it was in the list of top innovations in the U.S.,” he says, noting that the midwest and whiskey belt are strong areas for the 100-proof variant in the U.S. market.

Other spirits categories are taking a page from rum’s book. Phillips Distilling recently re-released its Revel Stoke Canadian whisky brand, marketing it as a “spiced whisky,” which, at 90-proof and about $17 a bottle, will compete with all high-proof players. Given the success of Sailor Jerry and others, it appears the high-proof rum segment is fast becoming the hot spot for most top brands in the rum category and beyond.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Tennessee Retailers Able To Hold Tastings

2011-06-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

(Source: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States) Tennessee governor Bill Haslam has signed a bill which allows retailers in the state to offer complimentary spirits tastings. Tennessee is the 35th state to allow off-premise tastings and follows recently passed liquor sampling laws in Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia and California.

Under an amendment to Senate Bill 1224, a retail licensee may offer complimentary samples of the products it sells for tasting events held on the premises of the retail licensee. Such tastings, the amendment stipulates, are for sales, education and promotional purposes. The bill passed the State Legislature on May 21 and was signed by Gov. Haslam on June 10.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Sapporo to Ally With Bacardi Japan for Selling Wine, Rum

2011-06-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

(By Naoko Fujimura) Sapporo Holdings Ltd. (2501), Japan’s fourth-largest brewer, will ally with Bacardi Japan Ltd. to sell spirits including Dewar’s scotch, targeting 10 billion yen ($124 million) in annual sales of western-style liquor by 2016.

Sapporo will be the exclusive Bacardi distributor in the country from Oct. 1, the Tokyo-based company said in a statement. The agreement covers 29 brands including Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, cognac, tequila and sparkling wine.

"We want to make western liquor one of our profit pillars, as beer now is," Norifumi Sumiyoshi, Sapporo wine and spirits division head, told reporters in Tokyo today.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Essex Rum Challenge Regatta Coming to Old Saybrook on July 30

2011-06-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

(By Special to the Press) ESSEX -- The Essex Yacht Club’s annual Essex Rum Challenge Regatta returns to the waters of Long Island Sound off Old Saybrook on Saturday, July 30. Sponsored by Gosling’s Rum, it is an East Coast Sailing Association sanctioned event and one of the five qualifying races for the Long Sand Shoal Cup. In addition to PHRF classes, both Spinnaker and Non Spinnaker classes will be established. The Racing Rules of Sailing for 2009-2012 including US Sailing Prescriptions will govern the race.

Click HERE for the complete story. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Diageo to take controlling stake in Zacapa rum

2011-06-10T04:12:00.000-07:00

Global drinks giant Diageo has reached an agreement with Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala to take a 50% controlling stake in the Guatemalan Zacapa rum brand.

In 2008 Diageo entered into a three year distribution agreement for Zacapa rum with the option to take an equity stake in Zacapa at the end of the term.

A statement from Diageo said: "We have now reached an agreement and, subject to the usual closing conditions, Diageo will take a 50% controlling stake in Zacapa.

"No details of the transaction are being released but we can confirm that it meets Diageo's investment criterion and is economic profit positive in year three."

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Luxco sells rum portfolio rights to Heaven Hill Distilleries

2011-06-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

(DBR) US-based Luxco, a producer, bottler, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products, has sold the rights of Admiral Nelson’s family of rums to Heaven Hill Distilleries.

The Admiral Nelson family of rums include the flagship Admiral Nelson Spiced Rum, Admiral Nelson's 101 Proof Spiced Rum, Coconut, Raspberry, Vanilla and Cherry flavor.

Luxco's portfolio of products feature Pearl Vodka, Juarez Tequila and Arrow Cordials and the company has reported $220m in sales, reports bizournals.com. .

Luxco said the Admiral Nelson brand is the beverages industry's growing spiced rum and the largest selling spiced rum in the US with $40m sales last year.

Heaven Hill Distilleries is a family-owned producer and marketer of distilled spirits products in the US.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed by the companies.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Red Stripe to bottle Smirnoff, Gold Label rum in Kingston

2011-05-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

By McPherse Thompson, Business Reporter, The Gleaner, Jamaica. Red Stripe Jamaica has invested US$1.8 million (J$153 million) in a new spirits bottling line as the vodka market opens up domestically, allowing it to produce onsite under two labels owned by parent Diageo, and in the process shed some of its carrying costs.

The line, to be unveiled during a tour of the Spanish Town Road, Kingston plant today, has a production capacity of 3,600 bottles per hour or 60 bottles per minute of Smirnoff Vodka 21, Smirnoff Apple and Cranberry, as well as Gold Label rum which had hitherto been imported or manufactured under arrangements with other companies.

Installation of the new line will allow expansion of Red Stripe's spirits-production capacity, as well as improve quality control and reduce energy costs, the company said Wednesday.

Red Stripe, the operating name for Desnoes and Geddes Limited as well as the brewery's flagship beer, said the spirits plant would realise a minimum of US$1.2 million per annum for the company.

For the complete story, click HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Bundaberg sees the white with new rum

2011-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

By Claire Ward. If Bundaberg Rum require any further evidence there is a market for a white version of their famous rum, they only need look out the window.

Nine days out from the launch of the new Bundaberg Five white rum, and campers have already begun assembling at the distillery gate.

Three men arrived yesterday, with another three joining the line today with a view to securing the first of 10,000 numbered bottles.

For the complete story, click HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

Cuban grandfathers roll up with rum and cigars

2011-05-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

(By Jacqueline Williams). They smoke cigars, drink rum and sing and dance to their hearts content. That's the secret to the men who are the the heart of the long run of the show, The Grandfathers of Cuban Music.

The grandfathers themselves singer Reynaldo Creagh, 94, guitarist Maracaibo, 86, and pianist Maestro Rubalcaba, 85 are in Australia paying homage to the original spirit of the music of Cuba. On tour with a group of 12 in The Bar at Buena Vista The Grandfathers of Cuban Music, the three have been working together for years and are now considered the Cuban masters of music.

The production's youngest member, Leonel Gamboa, said the show was a passport to another time Havana in the 1940s and 1950s to a bar where original Cuban music and dance was rife.

For the complete story, click HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

"Bacardi Together" Campaign Launched Today

2011-05-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Bacardi today announced the launch of a new marketing campaign called “Bacardi Together”. The effort includes a 30-second television commercial entitled “Inventions,” which shows how many things have been invented to help bring people together, including Bacardi.

Created by Young and Rubicam and director Johnny Green, “Inventions” was filmed in locations across Argentina and features the music track “NYC moves to the sound of LA” by the band Funeral Party. The TV commercial will run in prime time on national cable networks throughout the summer, including sports and entertainment outlets such as ESPN, SPIKE, Comedy Central, FX, TBS and TNT.

It’s part of an integrated effort that also includes out-of-home, public relations, experiential marketing, digital advertising and a “Like It Live, Like It Together” program on Facebook.

Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

St. Louis bartender's rum drink wins competition

2011-05-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

BY EVAN S. BENN. T.J. Vytlacil, a bartender at Clayton's DeMun Oyster Bar, won part of a national cocktail competition last weekend in New York. His "Love Burns" rum drink earned him first place in the fruit-forward category, good for $1,000 and a trip to Puerto Rico.

Vytlacil's cocktail -- a citrusy mix of lemon juice, lemon bitters and anejo rum, topped with Champagne and garnished with a gelatinized grapefruit wedge -- also was named the top drink at a St. Louis qualifying event in April.

For the complete story click HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.