NO ROLL BACK FOR ALCOHOL SALES TAX
In a frustrating move, the House has rejected Republican-led efforts to lift the state’s new sales tax on alcohol sold in stores as well as an amendment to repeal last year’s increase in the sales tax, which raised the rate from 5 percent to 6.25 percent. The proposed tax cuts... Read More
MAKER’S MARK SEALS IT UP
It turns out that you can trademark wax. Not only is the Maker’s Mark red wax seal iconic, it’s now the company’s exclusive property. A federal judge issued an injunction in April preventing Casa Cuervo from using a dripping wax seal on its tequilas sold in the United States, ending... Read More
C&C MAKES A SALE TO WILLIAM GRANT
C&C, the Irish maker and distributor of alcoholic drinks, has sold its spirits and liqueurs brands to William Grant for €3OO million (US $46O million). Among the brands involved are: Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, Carolans Cream Liqueur, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, and the whiskey liqueur Irish Mist. They are exported to... Read More
FOREIGN MARKETS A BOON FOR PERNOD RICARD
If the Asian market is any indication, things could be looking up for the spirits industry. Drinks company Pernod Ricard has raised its forecast for full-year earnings after reporting better-than-expected sales in its third quarter, thanks to strong demand for premium Cognac in China and an improvement in US demand.... Read More
CRYSTAL HEAD HITS THE 1,OOO,OOO BOTTLE MARK
Dan Akroyd certainly has reason to celebrate. His Crystal Head Vodka brand recently produced its on one-millionth bottle. Created by Aykroyd and American landscape artist and portraitist John Alexander, this vodka is quadruple-distilled and triple-filtered through Herkimer diamond crystals. Made from water from a deep aquifer in Newfoundland, Canada, it... Read More
Louis Jadot 2OO8 Great Burgundy Vintage Barrel Tasting Seminar
On March 11, Marc Dupin of Maison Louis Jadot hosted members of the trade for the “Louis Jadot 2OO8 Great Burgundy Vintage Barrel Tasting Seminar” at the Indigo Hotel in Newton. The 2OO8 Louis Jadot wines are considered to be truly exceptional examples of the vintage. From left... Read More
Best Bartenders in the World
Team USA was named “Best Bartenders in the World” and crowned the champions of the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup that took place in late March in New Zealand. From thousands of bartenders around the world, the Team USA trio of (left to right) Todd Thrasher of Washington, DC, Mark... Read More
First Annual Athenee Importers Road Show
The first annual Athenee Importers Road Show was held on March 8 at The Liberty Hotel in Boston featuring Athenee Importers & Distributers. The well-attended tasting showcased over 5O wines from 1O different Greek producers. Athenee’s portfolio is distributed in Massachusetts by Boston Wine Company. From left to right:Yoko Sawyer,... Read More
JIM BEAM BOURBON
is running a new venture with ESPN to launch “The Next Round – Served Up By Jim Beam”, a web series hosted by ESPN personality and award-winning journalist Scoop Jackson and featuring famous guests discussing the news with a focus on sports and pop culture. Each episode will feature Jackson... Read More
GOSLING’S RUM
is now the “Official Rum of the Boston Red Sox”. Gosling’s rums, the dark Black Seal and a new Gold Rum, will be available wherever spirits are sold at Fenway Park, including all luxury suites at the facility. Additionally, the Boardroom meeting facility in the EMC Club will be named... Read More

