StateWays Newsletter 7/15/2012

Stateways Features

The rum business is a multi-faceted one, with spiced, flavored and higher-end brands on the rise.

In the last couple of years, the Idaho State Liquor Division has dealt with both external and internal change.

Stateways Product Watch

Lillet Rose is the latest new product from William Grant & Sons. The new expression is created from a blend of red and white Grand Cru Bordeaux wines used to produce Lillet Blanc and Rouge.

Double Decker is a new brand available from Wente Family Estates. The new wine line features three wines: a red blend, pinot grigio and zinfandel. All three Double Decker varietals are available for a suggested retail price of $9.99 per bottle.

Crown Royal XR’s latest release in the company’s Extra Rare Whisky Series is a blend from the LaSalle Distillery. This second release of XR includes a small reserve of the final batch of whiskies saved from the distillery, which was closed in 1993.

Stateways News

Customers had complained that it was too difficult to add state taxes to the bottle prices on shelves. Previously, state stores included the taxes in their prices, but the new private retailers had displayed before-tax prices until recently.

What makes a wine organic? Sustainable? Biodynamic? There are so many socially or environmentally responsible definitions out there, it’s difficult sometimes to sort them all out.

The liquor commission is launching a state-wide experiential marketing tour for consumers. The campaign starts July 1, and the goal is to deliver cool stuff and hot savings directly to customers, according to the commission.

National Pina Colada Day is July 10th, and DonQ is celebrating with the “on Ted Rocks” and “Hunter’s Pina Colada,” along with a number of other rum-based creations celebrating the company’s history.

Winners receive complimentary registration to the 2013 Cheers Beverage Conference in Dallas.   There’s still time! Let us know what is impressive about your drinks operation by entering the Cheers Beverage Excellence Awards by August 15, 2012. 

Industry Happenings

Jackie Patterson of William Grant Serves a Cocktail