. . . AN IPA JUST DOMINATED
India Pale Ale had a banner year in 2O12 with no signs of slowing down in 2O13. According to market research group GuestMetrics, based on its database of POS sales in restaurants and bars, the IPA style displayed the strongest growth and market share gains of all the various types... Read More
CHAMPAGNE HEIST
Apparently, even thieves have Champagne tastes. More than three and a half thousand bottles of Champagne worth €3OO,OOO (US $388,OOO) have been stolen from acclaimed grower Jacques Selosse in an extremely well-organized heist. The Avize-based domain lost well over 5% of its average annual production in the raid. Stolen bottles... Read More
GROWLERS OF WINE
Over the last few years, the beer growler concept has become extremely popular. So if it’s good for beer drinkers, why not wine lovers? Well in Oregon it now is. The state Senate recently voted unanimously to let wineries, restaurants, grocery stores and wine shops dispense wine in consumer-supplied growlers... Read More
SENSATIONAL SOMMELIER
This is a man who knows wine. Paolo Basso has beaten off competition from 53 other hopefuls to be named Best Sommelier in the World. The 47-year-old Swiss-Italian was crowned champion at the 14th finals held by the Association de la Sommelerie Internationale in Japan. The global contest takes place... Read More
OBITUARY: Jim Barrett 86
The founder of Napa Valley’s infamous Chateau Montelena passed away on March 14. Barrett founded the Calistoga winery in 1972, and shot almost immediately to world renown when critics famously favored his 1973 Chardonnay over four white Burgundies at the 1976 Paris Tasting – is often credited with elevating the... Read More
OBITUARY: Henri Krug 75
The former president of Maison Krug Champagne, died on Thursday, March 7. He was the fifth generation to oversee the production of the legendary Champagne, along with his younger brother Rémi. During his tenure as company president from 1975 to 2OO2, Henri finessed the Grande Cuvée, and launched Krug Clos... Read More
BEER GOGGLES DEBUNKED?
At one time or another, most of us have been victim to “beer goggles” – the phenomenon that a few drinks can make you see even plain faces as more attractive than they are. But a brain expert is now claiming that it’s all just a myth. Dr. Amanda Ellison’s... Read More
BEER BELLY MYTH BUSTED?
Does drinking beer give you a beer belly? It certainly seems that way. But a new study claims that the phenomenon is just a myth. Nutritionist Dr. Kathryn O’Sullivan recently authored the study, titled “Beer & Calories; A Scientific Review”, on behalf of the beer industry. She found that there’s... Read More
TOP HONORS FOR HORIZON
Horizon Beverage Group’s various operating divisions took home an avalanche of awards at Bacardi’s 3rd Annual Founders Awards Ceremony in Miami this February. The New Hampshire division won Brand Awards for its performance on Dewar’s, Flavored Rums and Martini & Rossi, along with the President’s Award for best broker/wholesaler in... Read More
MAKER’S MARK MAKES GOOD
Three percent may not seem like much but when it comes to the iconic Maker’s Mark and its famous 9O proof status, 3% is a big deal. Earlier in February the bourbon company announced that it would be cutting the ABV in its bourbon by 3% to keep pace with... Read More