StateWays Newsletter – 10/16/12

Stateways Features

Revamping a control state agency’s computer systems is a complicated process.

Top control state executives discuss the latest developments within their jurisdictions.

Stateways Product Watch

Vida Tequila is an ultra-premium tequila brand featuring three styles: anejo, reposado and blanco. The anejo is aged up to 24 months in French Oak barrels; the reposado is aged in American White Oak barrels for up to six months; and the blanco is double-distilled pure agave. All three come in individually hand-blown Mexican bottles and are available for a suggested retail price of $39.99 to $49.99 for a 750-ml. bottle.

Spicebox Whisky is a new spiced rye whisky aged in bourbon barrels for three to six years and developed by Michel Marcil. The nose has scents of vanilla and sweet spices, with some malty notes, and the finish has light white pepper, oak and more vanilla, according to Marcil. The 80-proof whisky is available for a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750-ml. bottle.

Smirnoff and Parrot Bay have introduced two new lines of frozen malt beverages, available in a variety of flavors: Parrot Bay’s Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri and Mango Daiquiri & Smirnoff’s Strawberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade and Blue Raspberry Lemonade Daiquiri. Both are 5% ABV malt beverages.

Stateways News

Absolut has launched Tune, a sparkling fusion of crisp white wine and premium vodka.

Amazon.com is planning to sell wine directly to consumers in Napa Valley, California. The company previously purchased and operated wineshopper.com, which shut down a few years ago due to sluggish sales.

The Ohio Supreme Court chose not to rule on whether the state’s arrangement with JobsOhio, the private agency Gov. Kasich has designated to take over the state’s liquor operations, is constitutional.

According to the recently released Beverage Information Group’s 2012 Beer Handbook, the overall beer industry lost 35.6 million 2.25 gallon cases – a 1.3% decline – to end the year at 2.787 billion cases.

Boutique distilleries have been popping up all over Tennessee since the legislature changed state law in 2009 to expand legal liquor production to 41 counties from three.

Industry Happenings

The Connecticut resort and casino hosted dozens of craft brewers at its first-ever beer festival. The event was held in three sessions over two days, with huge crowds sampling the beer and food and enjoying the live entertainment.