Irish Whiskey At It's Best

Who can go to Ireland and not visit the Old Jameson Distillery? The distillery is located in Smithfield, Dublin and is open every day. A visit will take you on an exploration of some of the best Irish Whiskey ever created.

A little history from Jameson:  Back in 1780, John Jameson began making Jameson Irish Whiskey in the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin, which still remains Jameson’s spiritual home. Today, Jameson is created and crafted under the watchful eye of the Four Masters in the single Distillery in Midleton Co. Cork – where the heart of Jameson now lies.

No Visit to the south of Ireland can be complete without embarking on a fascinating tour of the Jameson Experience at the Old distillery, Midleton, which has been refurbished to its original splendor.

Upon walking into reception you instantly feel like you are in the heart of the distillation process. You see magnificent copper pots, wooden beams, and a see through floor that looks down into to a room that seems as it has stood still in time. The tour starts with a video showing the history of John Jameson then whisked away with a step by step process of the distilling process.

The tour ends with a drink of Jameson from the bar and if you are lucky, a whiskey tasting that leaves you graduating as a certified Jameson Whiskey Taster. As you can imagine, at the end of the visit, you need to stop by the souvenir shop. The crown of the tour was the hospitality. I was met by Margaret Treacy, a true master of her craft. She thanked us repeatedly for visiting and provided more insight into the Jameson world. The hospitality continued with a bottle of Ace’s Place labeled Distillery Reserve and a special pin worn by the Jameson Crew. We truly feel part of the group.

In summary, if you are making a trip to Ireland, do not pass up a chance to visit the Old Jameson Distillery. A true experience for everyone.

Dark As Night

Looking for the next great shot and drinking ritual to electrify the night? The good news is that it’s always “midnight” somewhere, and all there is to do is chill, pour, and shoot. Guaranteed to inspire epic nightlife moments, Kahlúa Midnight™, a 70 proof mix of rum and black coffee liqueur, makes its debut today in bars and retailers nationwide. This bold, yet slightly sweet creation is a delicious mixture of smooth rum mixed with strong black coffee. It is intended to be served chilled as a shot that can transform an otherwise unremarkable night into an unforgettable one. It embodies the spirit of the midnight hour, a time where a new day is dawning and possibilities seem endless.

“Kahlúa Midnight is a huge step forward for the brand. We wanted to create a strong product that not only tastes amazing but has the ability to elevate the social experience of a night out with friends,” said Michelle Sanders, Brand Director for Kahlúa. “Kahlúa Midnight succeeds on all fronts. It’s a 70 proof spirit that goes down easily, and the added boost from the black coffee flavor is sure to awaken the senses. This is a great new drink people will rally around.”

A twist on the beloved original Kahlúa, the number one coffee liqueur in the world, Kahlúa Midnight is bound to be the next crowd-pleasing, go-to shot among party goers everywhere. The taste is smooth, bold, and just a tad sweet, setting it apart from the standard sticky and sugary sweet coffee liqueurs on the market today.

With the growing consumer trend toward coffee-flavored products, coupled with the desire for a sweeter straight shot, Kahlúa sees an opportunity to promote its own simple approach with chilled Kahlúa Midnight followed by a fresh orange slice. Ideal for any occasion—whether a celebratory cheers or simply a night on the town, Kahlúa Midnight bursts with flavor.

Thanks to our friends at NC&B

What Is Your Vice?

We are taking this time to spotlight our friends at VICE UNLIMITED. VU was created because they saw a demand of the market and general public in South Africa. With a large number of premium products at high prices and low quality products at low prices, VU sought out to create a premium product at an affordable price.

VU started out small in 2011 but has now grown exponentially. They began in Durban and have now expanded to Jo’Burg, Pretoria, Gauteng, Mozambique and the United Kingdom. I think we are all agreeing that we are in anticipation to taste VU in the USA.

VU currently comes in 5 flavors: Caramel, Banana-Fudge, Bubble Gum, Cranberry, & Choc-Mint. Their flavoring elements are the best available in the world and are imported from Germany, Spain and the UK. All production goes through a triple-level distilling process to ensure a top notch smooth taste.

Many people ask why the name “Vice”? They reply, “Because Vice is sexy, it’s fun, it’s naughty…but nice. There’s the thrill of doing something that you know that you shouldn’t. And that’s why we’re in this…to give you that fun! That excitement! That thrill!

Vice…Indulge your desires!

Thanks to our friends at Vice Unlimited

Adults Can Enjoy

Adult Beverage Company, the nostalgia-inspired, innovative spirits company behind the successful Adult Chocolate Milk and Adult Limeade flavors, announced the launch of a new addition to its premium pour-and-serve portfolio: Adult Strawberry Milk®. Reminiscent of the classic and beloved strawberry-flavored milk, Adult Strawberry Milk combines the taste of ripe strawberries, sweet cream and premium vodka to create a unique taste sensation for discerning adult consumers.

"Adult Strawberry Milk represents the playfulness and continued innovation of Adult Beverage Company as we seek to develop and bring to market nostalgic cocktails with a 'twist' for adult consumers nationwide," says Nikki Halbur, co-founder of Adult Beverage Company. "It's important that we remain dedicated to creating fun memorable flavors that are sure to become classic favorites once again."

Adult Strawberry Milk offers consumers the ease of a pour-and-serve beverage that can be enjoyed simply over ice, as well as the versatility of a delicious and creative addition to cocktails. Rosy pink in appearance with the aroma of strawberry ice cream, Adult Strawberry Milk is the ultimate fresh take on a classic that is "Berry Much like You Remember It™." Adult Beverage Company is the versatile "wherever, whenever, however" spirit brand, but always encourages consumers to drink responsibly.

Adult Strawberry Milk does not require refrigeration and is packaged in Adult Beverage Company's signature, retro-chic glass bottle with a swing-top closure. The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle of Adult Strawberry Milk is $17.99.

To celebrate the launch of Adult Strawberry Milk, the Adult Beverage Company mixologists have created an exclusive series of custom cocktails that highlight Adult Strawberry Milk's flavors and can be enjoyed celebrating a special occasion with friends at home, or as an anytime treat.

Thanks to our friends at NC&B

 

Perfect Pint

Swirling clouds tumble as the storm begins to calm, settle, breathe in the moment, then break through the smooth, light head to the bittersweet reward. Unmistakably Guinness beer, stout, or draught, from the first velvet sip to the last, lingering drop. And every deep-dark satisfying mouthful in between. Pure beauty. Pure Guinness.

 

A recent trip to the Guinness Brewery in Ireland explains why Guinness never tastes as good as it does in the Emerald Isle.

 

There is six steps for the Guinness Experience or Perfect Pint.

 

Step One: The Glass

Take a dry clean tulip pint glass. The tulip glass is designed to allow the proper flow of nitrogen and CO2.

 

Step Two: The Angle

Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle. Make sure the end of the tap does not touch the glass. If this step is skipped, you will ruin the flow and change the taste of the beer.

 

Step Three: The Pour

Pull the tap all the way down. This releases the perfect amount of gasses and liquid. When the glass is three-fourths of the way full, push the tap back to the off position.

 

Step Four: The Settle

Put the glass on the counter and let it settle. Wait approximately two minutes without touching the glass. You want everything to balance to create a creamy head.

 

Step Five: The Top Up

Now that the glass has settled, hold up to the tap and push the tap away from you. This allows only the flow of Guinness without the gasses. You do not want to further agitate the liquid. Keep pouring until you reach a domed effect. Do not over pour or let spillage.

 

Step Six: The Presentation

Present your perfect pint to your guest or enjoy yourself.

Sweet Blue

Blue Nectar Spirits Company announced its Blue Nectar Tequila (Blue Nectar) is now available in the Lone Star State. Having launched in October 2011 in both the Michigan and Colorado markets, the award-winning tequila will now be sold in spirits retailers, bars and restaurants throughout South Texas. "Texas is the second largest tequila market (by volume) in the country, so it was a natural next step for Blue Nectar,"said Nikhil Bahadur, co-founder of Blue Nectar Spirits Company. "It's amazing to see how far we've come since we launched last October and we're excited about introducing the product to a new consumer," he added. Since it hit the market more than a year ago, Blue Nectar has already racked up several awards for both taste and packaging design, including 2011 and 2012 wins at the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards, a Silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a packaging design award from the Mexican Association for Containers and Packaging (AMEE). "We've certainly had a busy and incredibly exciting year," said Bahadur. "Our team has been working tirelessly to grow the brand from a grassroots perspective and on a larger, national scale as well. Our expansion into Texas is just another illustration of that growth," he said. Tequila has a longstanding history in Texas that dates back to the late nineteenth century. Given the state is home to a vast number of aficionados and discerning drinkers, Blue Nectar will continue to look for creative ways to engage its new audience. In the Texas market, the company will partner with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the second largest beverage alcohol distributor of premium wine and spirits in the U.S. Thanks to our friends at NC&B

They Newest Cherry

The House of Marnier-Lapostolle is proud to announce the release of Grand Marnier Cherry: a limited edition expression that will debut for the 2012 holiday season. From world renowned French producers of Grand Marnier, Grand Marnier Cherry extends the brand’s commitment to innovation and marks the launch of an entirely new series of marques that will continue to explore the world’s most elegant flavors. Grand Marnier Cherry is blended with the same, premium quality cognacs used to craft the original Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge. This unique new expression, inclusive of the orange spirit the brand is best known for, also blends the essence of natural European Griottes cherries. To ensure world-class quality, the Grand Marnier spirits are synonymous with, the 100% natural Griottes cherries are hand selected from one of Europe’s finest producers. Each and every step of the spirit-making process is strictly controlled, from painstaking selection to delivery and maceration of the fruit in neutral alcohol for three to four weeks to extract the peak of flavor and aromas. The result is an elegant and delicious spirit distinguished by the natural essence of cherry and orange. Grand Marnier Cherry’s rich, deep red and all natural color is warmed by just a touch of an amber tone imparted from the cognac. Thanks to our friends at NC&B

One Night By The Fire

The Three Olives flavorists spent this past winter locked in our London laboratory, driven by one goal: to discover the newest, tastiest, "I-can't-believe-this-hasn't-been-done-before" Three Olives flavor. Experimentation was so intense that at one point a battle nearly broke out between senior flavorist Graham, who wanted something savory, and Marsha, who craved sweet. But it was Wilson, the flavorist behind Loopy, who fused all the flavors together into a product so spectacular they can hardly believe their glass! They are ecstatic to announce to you, devoted fans, their latest creation: Introducing Three Olives S'mores! A mouth-watering blend of imported English vodka with the delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker. Three Olives S'mores will hit the US market nationally in July 2012. You can be the first to raise the heat with this exclusive, delicious S'mores cocktail recipe, "The Campfire Martini!" Rim a martini glass in chocolate syrup and dip in crushed graham crackers. Pour 3 oz. Three Olives S'mores Vodka into a shaker filled with ice. Stir and strain the vodka into martini glass. Garnish with three toasted marshmallows on a skewer. Thanks to our friends at Three Olives

Try Dunking This In Coffee

It is now well known that in 1938, the Salvation Army declared the first Friday in June as National Donut Day. 360 Vodka did not disappoint by introducing the decadent 360 Glazed Donut. Just one whiff of its pungent deliciousness and you know that smell is unmistakable. 360 has a vast collection of twelve different flavors. Adding the 360 Glazed Donut is just another notch in the belt. Of course known as the Earth Friendly Distilling Company, this bottle follows suit. Expect to see more “Donuts” on the shelves starting July 1st. Finally, another vodka suited for breakfast.

Hard Luck Good Luck

From the east side of Detroit comes your grandmothers treat. Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodka is a real taste of the old country. Starting out as a vodka infusion at a lounge in Grosse Point Park, Hard Luck has grown into a nationwide sensation. Hard Luck brings you the old fashioned sweets in adult form. Flavors include red fish, root beer barrel, orange dream, and lemon drop. All flavors are 70 proof and distilled from grain. Don’t be surprised if you see Hard Luck at a retailer near you.

Bold Cherry

In June of 2012 Southern Comfort will expand its family of brands and launch a Bold Black Cherry. Southern Comfort’s new Bold Black Cherry is a mixture of Southern Comfort with whiskey and cherry flavors. "The launch of Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry continues the brand's innovation with new flavors which began with Southern Comfort Lime in 2010 and continued with Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper last fall," said Mark Bacon, VP, Managing Director, Southern Comfort. "We feel Bold Black Cherry will recruit new consumers into the Southern Comfort franchise who enjoy a distinctive flavor profile in their cocktails." Infused with natural cherry to deliver an authentic taste that's smooth and invigorating, Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry has been designed to appeal to a broad age range and meet consumer demand for great tasting flavors that are unique. The brand is confident the new expression will continue to increase relevancy amongst younger drinkers, offering a bolder drink that's ideal for high energy occasions. Thanks to our friends at NC&B

All You Can Eat Pancakes

Burnett’s Maple Syrup Vodka is the newest innovation in the Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Franchise. With a total of 28 flavors, the Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio is one of the largest in the industry. The Maple Syrup flavor is yet another in a line of flavors offered by Burnett’s and reflects consumer interest in a growing array of flavor styles. The new flavor puts the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 28 – Blue Raspberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Maple Syrup, Mango, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream. The Burnett’s website, www.burnettsvodka.com, provides information and drink recipes for all the flavors. Burnett’s Maple Syrup Flavored Vodka is available in 1.75 L, 1.0 L, 750 ml and 50 ml sizes, bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof). Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. The entire line includes the regular 80 proof vodka, an array of flavored vodkas, gin, rums and 100 proof varieties. Thanks to our friends from NC&B

Sunshine On Your Shoulders

Malibu, a Caribbean Rum with coconut liqueur, is adding a splash of sunshine to its family of tropical-flavored rums to welcome the summer. The brand announces the launch of Malibu Sunshine, a new permanent addition that marries the brand’s signature smooth coconut flavor with a hint of sun-kissed lemon-lime citrus fruit.

“Citrus is the most-requested summertime flavor with the lemon-lime combination topping the charts,” said Lisa McCann, brand director of Malibu, Pernod Ricard USA. “Malibu Sunshine ... is a natural compliment to summer cocktails, mixing perfectly with summer fruit juices and lemon-lime sodas to enhance the summer state of mind.”

Malibu is supporting the launch of Sunshine with an aggressive digital and social media marketing plan. Online, a custom-built tab on the Malibu Market Facebook page will build awareness and interest in new Malibu Sunshine and drive consumers to download the Malibu Sun Lens app, a summer fun app that adds a unique Sunshine filter to any photo. Additionally, Malibu is collaborating with famous photographer and filmmaker Cass Bird to create the Malibu Sun Project, a film that tells the story of the sunniest summer. The Sun Project campaign invites consumers to become part of the story by replacing brief sequences of the film with their sundrenched images

Thanks to our friends at NC&B

No Living In A Pineapple

Seagram's Gin announces the introduction of the latest Twisted Gin flavor to join its popular portfolio of flavored gins. Seagram's Pineapple Twisted Gin will launch in retail stores and on-premise accounts in June as summer swings into high gear and adult consumers yearn for tropical-inspired cocktails. Seagram's Pineapple Twisted Gin is the latest product innovation to join Seagram’s Gin Grape Twisted, Raspberry Twisted, Apple Twisted, Lime Twisted and Orange Twisted Gin flavors.

“The introduction of Seagram’s Pineapple Twisted Gin further solidifies Seagram’s position as the true leader and innovator in the flavored gin segment,” says Mara Washington, senior brand manager, Seagram’s, Pernod Ricard USA. “The combination of the sweet, juicy pineapple flavor and the delicious taste of Seagram’s Gin results in a distinct gin that creates uniquely refreshing cocktails and reflects our commitment to providing consumers (LDA+) with new, exciting drinking experiences.”

Seagram’s Gin will host sampling events (where legal) to generate trial in select accounts throughout the country.

Thanks to our friends at NC&B

Kran-Tastic

ABSOLUT will be treating consumers to a delicious new flavor this spring with the launch of ABSOLUT Cherrykran. The new vodka from ABSOLUT offers the rich character of sun-ripe cherries, followed by notes of fresh white cranberry and sweet plum. ABSOLUT Cherrykran will be available in bars, nightclubs and retail nationwide beginning May 1.

"ABSOLUT Cherrykran is something brand new in the vodka segment," says Maxime Kouchnir, vice president of marketing for ABSOLUT. "With ABSOLUT Cherrykran, we've created a unique, modern flavor that brings together the richness of cherries, a smooth hint of white cranberries and the sweetness of plum in a sophisticated spirit that's ideal for mixing."

The taste is fresh, fruity and smooth, with notes of ripe berries and natural sweetness. It has a warm feel with a long, slightly sweet finish. ABSOLUT Cherrykran is made with all-natural ingredients and contains no sugar.

The bottle design for ABSOLUT Cherrykran is bright and poetic. "Our goal with the design," says Global Design Director Anna Kamjou, "was to convey richness and beauty, and to evoke the effervescent magic of springtime cherry blossoms."

Thanks to our friends at NC&B

Hot and Sticki

This spring, Stolichnaya Premium vodka celebrates 50 years of pioneering the flavored-vodka category by introducing Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki. Remixes on Pertsovka (Pepper) and Okhotnichya (Honey and Herb), the first flavored vodkas ever commercially produced by Stolichnaya in 1962, Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki offer a perfect balance of sweet and heat.

Stoli Hot offers the warm, fiery sensation of jalapeño peppers with significant mouth-heat. It is spicy on the palate yet has a delicate smoky quality. By contrast, Stoli Sticki is inspired by the candied, warm palate of the finest honey and has the added complexity of discernible floral notes that complement the subtle sweetness of its flavor profile.

The brand developed unique packaging for the new flavors with a glistening honeycomb adorning the bottle neck and cap of Stoli Sticki and flames that blaze up the side of Stoli Hot’s bottle neck and cap. On the label, Stoli Sticki features a dipper dripping with golden honey while Stoli Hot has a label illustrated with crimson and deep green jalapeño peppers. In a departure from the tradition of naming flavors after their taste profile, “Hot” and “Sticki” are fun and contemporary riffs that represent the mood of each flavor.

In addition to Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki, the Stolichnaya Flavored Premium vodka portfolio currently includes Chocolat Razberi, White Pomegranik Ohranj, Blueberi, Razberi, Vanil, Citros, Cranberi, Peachik, Strasberi, Gala Applik and Wild Cherri.

Both Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki take a premium cocktail to the next level by adding an exceptional layer of flavor resulting in a truly sophisticated and nuanced drink. The flavors are delicious as a straight shot, combined for a sweet and spicy shooter, or as part of a great cocktail.

Thanks to our friends at NC&B