News Briefs for July 18, 2019

•Missouri is joining the ranks of Kentucky and Tennessee with a new measure that declares specific rules for its own style of whiskey—in this case, Bourbon. According to House Bill 266, signed on Thursday, July 11, any whiskey labeled as Missouri Bourbon must not only meet the federal standards for Bourbon, but also be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in the state; aged in oak barrels manufactured in the state; and—beginning January 1, 2020—made with corn exclusively grown in the state. The law goes into effect on August 28. Whisky Advocate has more.

•Pernod Ricard has launched a new vodka innovation, Absolut Juice. The 35% abv brand extension comes in two flavors—Apple and Strawberry—made by blending Absolut vodka with natural fruit flavors. To promote the new releases, Absolut has teamed up with singer Lizzo for a social media-centered activation that will culminate in a collaboration between the musician and brand. Absolut Juice is now available across the U.S., retailing at around $20 a 750-ml.

•Healdsburg, California-based Outlot Wines, part of the Accolade Wines portfolio, has added a new rosé to its range. A blend of Zinfandel and Merlot sourced from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, Outlot Rosé is rolling out nationwide at a retail price of $23 a 750-ml. The new offering joins a Cabernet Sauvignon, also sourced from Alexander Valley, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Sonoma County, in Outlot’s lineup.

•Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. has launched Way Up West, a new limited release barrel-finished brandy. The 5-year-old spirit is distilled from Muscat, Chenin Blanc, and French Colombard before aging for 30 months in ex-Bourbon barrels and 30 more months in American single malt whiskey barrels. Way Up West is now available at Copper & Kings’ distillery, in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as in select locations across the company’s distribution footprint, for a suggested price of $65 a 750-ml. Constellation Brands owns a minority stake in Copper & Kings.

•Jon Taffer, star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue show, is targeting the premium mixer segment with the launch of the Taffer’s Mixologist brand. Taffer’s Mixologist will initially target the off-premise with a “fast-follow” into the on-premise, according to co-founder Jay McGraw. The line includes Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Skinny Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Mojito, and Piña Colada. The range retails at $6 a 32-ounce bottle, with each bottle yielding nine to 13 servings.

Tagged : Absolut, Accolade Wines, Constellation Brands, Copper & Kings, Outlot Wines, Pernod Ricard, Taffer's Mixologist

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