PRODUCTS and PACKAGING
Canadian Mist, from Brown-Forman, has rolled out its new package design nationwide, the result of extensive consumer research and part of the brand’s re-positioning as “today’s light, casual taste.” Instead of the black and red colors formerly used, the current design includes rich royal blue coloring, gold label, a clear glass bottle rather than the amber-hued, and an updated version of the crest. Brown-Forman produces and markets.
The Famous Grouse, from Remy Cointreau USA, introduced two new blended malt whiskies this month — the Famous Grouse 12 Year Old and the 18 Year Old. The whiskies blend traditional single malt ingredients together, exclusive of grain whisky, to produce a range of malts that showcase the essence of the Famous Grouse brand. The 12 Year Old is 80 proof and retails for about $35, while the 18 Year Old is 86 proof and retails for about $55.
Jon, Mark and Robbo’s (JMR) Easy Drinking Whisky Company launched three whiskies that exemplify the tastes of founders Jon and Mark Geary, and David “Robbo” Robertson, a former master distiller at The Macallan. They say the Scotch Malt Whiskies (40% ABV) seek to “simplify whisky” and are named, The Rich, Spicy One, The Smokey Peaty One and The Smooth Sweeter One. Remy Cointreau USA is the importer.
Three Olives Vodka, from White Rock Distilleries, extends its line of flavored vodkas with Berry, available nationwide by the fall. The vodka combines raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries to create its berry flavor. Distilled in England, Three Olives is available in 1.75 liter, 1 liter, 750 ml, 375 ml and 50 ml packages. The 70 proof flavored vodka retails for $19.99 for a 750 ml.
Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum has unveiled a new look for Appleton V/X and Appleton Extra to highlight the premium credentials of the range of rums. The focus of the upgrade was on the cartouche and label, while small refinements were also made to the stel cap. Th e signature propriet ary bottle, a hallmark of the Appleton Estate brand, remains the same. The 750 ml bottle of Appleton V/X has a suggested retail price of $16.99, while the ultra-premium Appleton Extra retails for $29.99.
Terlato Wine Group introduced a new luxury wine brand, Terlato Vineyards, with three new California wines. The portfolio consists of the 2004 Pinot Grigio Russian River Valley ($24), 2003 Syrah Dry Creek Valley ($35) and 2003 Angels’ Peak Napa Valley Bordeaux blend ($48). The Terlato Wine Group is a family-owned business, and its flagship com pany is Paterno Wines International.
Mionetto introduced a new red sparkling wine to its successful sparkling brand portfolio: IL Rosso. IL Rosso is a blend of marzemino, merlot and cabernet grapes and has a suggested retail price is $11 per 750 ml and $7 per 375 ml bottle.
Ca’ Montini, from A.V. Imports, has extended its portfolio with a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Prosecco, adding to its existing varietals, pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, from Umbria, is from one of the longest bloom-to-bloom harvests in recent years. The Prosecco has clean, fresh flavors of ripe peaches and apples.
Termed an ultra-premium Brazilian rum, Água Luca has been introduced to the New York, Los Angeles and Miami markets by Atlanta-based Excelsior Imports, LLC. Água Luca (also known as a chacaca in Brazil) is similar to more traditional rums, but rather than utilizing molasses in the distillation process it’s derived from the fermented juice of sugar cane and filtered 12 times to produce a smooth and lively finish, the compa ny says. It has a suggested retail of $30 for 750 ml.
Everglo, an emerald-hued spirit from Amsterdam, has launched in the U.S. Everglo’s unique formula combines triple-distilled vodka with premium tequila – and adds caffeine and ginseng as well. The spirit mixes well with ginger ale or soda as well as other spirits. Wingard is the importer.
Boutinot Wine Estates, Inc. launched Lazy Lizard wines in the U.S., “friendly” varietals from the Cote du Rhone that retail for $7.99 per 750 ml. And Boutinot also released Big Mamma’s Red and White Italian wines to the U.S., flavorful varietals from Southern Italy that pair well with pasta or pizza.
The Crossings has released Sauvignon Blanc 2004 ($16.99) and Pinot Noir 2004 ($19.99) from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. The Sauvignon Blanc is said to have a complex palate with white currant, melon and stone fruit. The Pinot Noir is said to have a palate of ripe berry and plum fruit. The Crossings wines are imported by W.J. Deutsch and Sons Ltd.
Jacob’s Creek wines, produced by Orlando Wyndhaam and imported from Australia by Pernod Ricard USA, is launching its Heritage Range in key U.S. markets this month. The Heritage Range consists of two superpremium wines, the 2002 Steingarten Riesling ($27.99) and the 1998 Centenary Hill Barossa Shiraz ($32.99).
Foppiano Vineyards has released a new line of wines called Riverside By Foppiano. The company’s motto for the wines is “Don’t lay me in the cellar– drink me now!” Sporting a screw cap, Riverside By Foppiano features a 2004 California Chardonnay ($7.49 suggested retail; 14.5% ABV), a non-vintage California White Zinfandel ($5.99; 10.5% ABV) and a 2002 California Cabernet ($7.49; 13.5% ABV), which is a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot and 8% cabernet franc.
