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