Cheers Features
By Richard Brandes
Total U.S. distilled spirits sales volume in 2013 rose to an estimated 210.6 million 9-liter cases, notching a 2.4% gain vs. 2012. That represents a sales volume bump of nearly 5 million 9-liter cases over 2012. The same holds true in the wine segment: Total U.S. wine sales volume increased by an estimated 2.2% in 2013, to about 326.0 million 9-liter cases. This represents a sales volume gain of more than 6.8 million 9-liter cases vs. 2012 totals. Our special report reveals the wines and spirits Established Growth, Fast Track, Rising Star and Comeback Brands for 2014.
· Another Round: Six More St. Patrick’s Day Drinks
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day libations, beer is beautiful, Guinness is great, whiskey is wonderful and cider is super. But a fresh and funky cocktail is also a great way to for celebrate the Emerald Isle and honor St. Pat. Here are six more in addition to the four we posted last week; if you missed our first round of holiday cocktails, you can find them here.
Cheers Drink Recipes
2 oz. Redbreast Irish whiskey
½ oz. Apricot Eau de Vie
½ oz. Carpano Antica Formula
¼ oz. Apricot liqueur
1 dash Mole bitters
2 dashes Orange bitters
Combine ingredients in mixing glass with ice, stir and strain. Garnish with a cherry.
The mixologists at Bar 54 in New York’s Hyatt Times Square created this recipe.
1 ½ oz. Vodka
6 oz. Carrot juice
6 oz. Orange juice
1 tsp. Fresh ginger, peeled and grated
Squeeze of lemon juice
2 tablespoons A&B American Style pepper sauce
For best results, mix the orange juice, carrot juice and fresh grated ginger and let sit in the refrigerator overnight to let the flavors relax. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Add pepper sauce and vodka and stir. Garnish with something fresh and bitter, such as parsley or celery.
Recipe courtesy of A&B American Style pepper sauce.
Cheers Breaking News
· Common Mistakes People Make With Sake
Consumers have become much more sophisticated about sake in recent years. Here are a few best practices for serving the fermented rice beverage.
· What I’m Drinking Now: Celeste Fierro, The One Group
Celeste Fierro, vice president for The One Group, which includes STK in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta, and Asellina in New York and Atlanta, shares her favorite drink of the moment.
· Still Time to Register for ProWein 2014
E-tix are available on the ProWein site (ProWein.com) for discounted advance registration of only €55 for a three-day pass, €30 for a one day pass. Each includes entry to the show plus free public transportation within Düsseldorf during the period.
· Wild Turkey Celebrates 60 Years of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell
Break out the bourbon: Wild Turkey’s master distiller Jimmy Russell celebrates 60 years of service with the distillery this year.
Thanks to some industry innovators, the neutral spirit vodka is expressing itself with surprising and flavorful results.
Cheers Product Watch
· Screech Honey, Spiced Rum Flavors
Screech Rum has released new Honey Rum and Spiced Rum flavors. Screech Honey is a Jamaican rum, infused with natural honey flavors, while Screech Spiced is imported from Guyana and blends 4-8 year Demerara rum and natural spices. Distributed by M.S. Walker, the rums sell for a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
Hahn Family Wines has new packaging and positioning for its SLH Estate Wines. The label now highlights the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation for both the 2012 SLH pinot noir and 2012 SLH chardonnay, and Hahn’s emblematic rooster has been changed from red to a gold foil.
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