Tabasco-brand Bloody Mary Mix has been enhanced with a stronger, bolder flavor. The Original flavor’s re-formulation includes celery, black pepper and Tabasco pepper pulp in its recipe. The emboldened Tabasco undergoes a promotional push nationwide in November and December. The Extra Spicy flavor formulation stays the same.
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The Macallan introduces its Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky Fine Oak line this month. The line has been aged in a combination of American and European oak casks, which previously held sherry or bourbon. Macallan Fine Oak is available in 10-, 15- and 21-year old versions, ranging from 40 to 43 percent ABV. Remy Amerique imports.
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Infinite Spirits debuts a new vodka and a liqueur. Shakers Rye Vodka, made from American rye from the glacial fields of northern Minnesota. They also offer Shakers Winter, a limited time, holiday release of only 3,000 bottles. Winter is sweetened and flavored with black raspberry and natural honey.
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Grand Marnier introduces Navan, its first product launch in nearly a century. Navan is a fusion of Cognac and black vanilla from Madagascar. The product is described as “transcultural” and fuses two disparate ingredients into a harmonious spirit. Schieffelin & Company distributes.
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Waterstone of Napa Valley adds a Carneros chardonnay to its line of under $20 wines. The two-year-old winery also produces cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir and others. The chardonnay reflects the cool climate and dense, shallow soils of the Carneros region and a mostly mild 2002 growing season.
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McCain Foods USA introduces OgVations, fried potato products made with pure canola oil and zero grams of trans fat. They are available in 3/8 inch straight and crinkle cuts. Also new are McCain Smiles, a potato product that has a creamy mashed potato inside and crispy, golden outside.
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Oakville’s Miner Family Vineyards releases its new signature wine, The Oracle. This is the family-run winery’s first Bordeaux-style red wine – a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, sourced from Napa Valley.
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MoonShot Beer, a light-bodied pilsner-style caffeinated beer, is available in MA and Atlanta, GA. The beer has 45 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of a half-cup of coffee. Created by Rhonda Kallman of New Century Brewing Company, the beer is contract-brewed in Utica, NY.
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Monin debuts two new syrups inspired by Asian flavors: lemongrass and lychee. Monin lemongrass, slightly sweet with a citrus nuance, can be used for a Lemongrass Mojito or in iced tea. The lychee flavor is melon-like and can enhance a Martini or add flavor as a marinade.
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Boston Beer Company has launched its Samuel Adams’ Octoberfest seasonal brew, available through the end of October. Introduced in 1988, Octoberfest is a traditional, German beer style with a rich, smooth character. The brew goes well with roasted meats, chili or burgers.
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American Mixers offers Dirty Sue “dirty Martini mix” — twice-filtered, bottled brine made from premium olives. The product, created by two L.A.-based bartenders, provides convenience as well as cleanliness for bar-keeps.
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Pernod Ricard USA introduces Wild Turkey Tribute, a limited-edition, 15-year-old, small batch bourbon. The bourbon commemorates Master Distiller Jimmy Russell’s 50 years of service at Wild Turkey’s distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY. About 5,500 bottles (750 ml) of Tribute were produced.
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Grolsch Amber Ale is available nationwide for the first time. The Dutch beer, which uses two varieties of European spring barley malt, is “highly drinkable” with a slightly bitter taste. U.S. Beverage markets and distributes.
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Valley of the Moon Winery and Vineyards in Glen Ellen, CA, release their 2001 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Syrah. The wine offers boysenberry and Queen Anne cherry aromas, accented by subtle vanilla and anise notes.
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Washington State’s Covey Run Winery launches limited-production chardonnay and merlot as part of its new Covey Run Reserve line of luxury wines. Also released in the new tier of Reserve wines is the 2002 Yakima Valley Semillon Ice Wine, made from 100% Semillon grapes that froze on the vine.
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Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves releases its 1995 Carneros Cuvee this month, a blend of 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay. The sparkling Spanish wine is bright and fresh-tasting, but is also smooth and creamy.
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Kobrand Corp. releases three wines from the Sequoia Grove Vineyards in Rutherford, CA. Sequoia’s 2002 chardonnay is produced at the Napa Valley Carneros district; the 2001 cabernet sauvignon and 2001 reserve cabernet sauvignon are also available.
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Zero Smoke eliminates tobacco smoke odor from clothes, hair and interiors. Available in a pump spray that fits into picket or purse, it is non-staining and unscented. A locking cap insures against leaks of the ultra-fine mist.
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SKYY Spirits launches SKYY Orange, a flavored vodka made with a medley of Brazilian and blood oranges. The new flavor is the company’s sixth and arrives just in time for the fall season. The product features bright orange logo on the signature cobalt blue SKYY bottle.
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Xellent Vodka is being launched in the U.S. by importer Spirit of Hartford, LLC and Dale DeGroff, renowned mixologist and author. The Swiss-made vodka is produced by family-owned Distillerie Willisau SA (DIWISA), of Lake Lucerne. DIWISA was formed in 2002 when new laws made it legal to distill grains there.
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Raynal & Cie, French brandy producers, introduces a 10-year old brandy. The 10-year-old Raynal is available in FL, MI, OR, TX, NJ, NY, and NC; plans are underway for a future national roll-out. The importer is Shaw-Ross International Importers in Miramar, FL.
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Fuller’s Brewery brings its Vintage Ale to the U.S. in November, in time for special occasion or holiday drinking. Only one batch of the pricey ale is produced annually at Fuller’s, the oldest brewery in London. Distinguished Brands International imports.
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Libbey introduces the Mini-Martini, a versatile mini-stem for Martinis, shooters, and other cocktails. The 3-ounce capacity glassware is ideal for use in the increasingly popular tasting or sampling of various flavor-infused drinks. The product can also be used for mini-appetizers or mini-desserts for diet-conscious customers.
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Follett Corp. introduces its Maestro remote icemaker, which can be placed up to 20 feet away from the beverage dispenser, allowing for greater customer area flexibility. It can be placed below a counter or behind a wall for heat and noise reductions. Follett also offers IceDevIce, a non-mechanical dispensing system, making bagging ice easier.
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Bunn debuts its “My Café” Commercial Grade Pod Brewer. Also launched, Bunn’s Infusion Tea and Coffee Brewer, which brews up to three beverage types in one footprint. The BrewWISE Multi-Hopper Grinder has been added to the BrewWISE system, and the new French Press Grinder is equipped with commercial grinding burrs, providing fine precision.
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Intaba Tea introduces Rooibos Tea from South Africa, also known as red tea. This tea is caffeine-free, has a natural sweetness and low tannin levels. Four flavors: traditional, lemongrass, fennel and honeybush.
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UniquePak Inc. of Chicago offers an organic green tea called Wuyi (say Woo Yee) Rock Tea, from the Wuyi Mountains, China. The tea is in concentrated liquid form and can be used in hot or cold water. Also available are decaffeinated and peach-flavored green tea.
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Niebaum-Coppola presents three Francis Coppola Diamond Series wines for 2002. The Silver Label Pinot Noir is sourced from northern Monterey Country and has large amounts of red cherry, toasted vanilla and allspice. The Blue Label Merlot and the Black Label Claret are also available.
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