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Wine & Spirits

Jack Daniel’s Launches First Super Premium Whiskey Line Extension in 25 Years

The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey as the first two permanent expressions in the brand’s new Bonded Series. The Bonded Series honors the whiskey making excellence of the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery and will be a permanent extension in the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands.

Both Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash are Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof (50% abv), with packaging inspired by the original design of the 1895 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey bottle. As stipulated by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, a bonded whiskey must be distilled by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof.

“The Jack Daniel Distillery has been making exceptional American whiskey to the highest standards for generations, before and after the Bottled in Bond Act, dating back to the days of Mr. Jack himself,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s master distiller. “Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash are a nod to our heritage with a touch of innovation and craftsmanship. These whiskeys are another opportunity for both our friends and new drinkers to explore and discover everything Jack Daniel’s has to offer.”

Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash will be available across the United States \in May with international markets to follow later in 2022. It will initially be available in 700mL bottles for suggested retail prices of $29.99 and $32.99 respectively. They will be available for pre-sale through ReserveBar beginning May 3, including a limited edition Jack Daniel’s gift item while supplies last.

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Stoli Promotion to Benefit World Central Kitchen for Ukraine Relief

Stoli® Group to Release Limited-Edition Bottle in Support of the Ukrainian People

Stoli Group has launched a limited-edition bottle of Stoli Vodka to benefit Ukraine. Proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization founded by Chef José Andrés that provides fresh, nutritious meals to refugees fleeing Ukraine and those who are staying in cities impacted by the war.

“As Ukrainians continue to suffer unimaginable losses, we are doing our small part to show unequivocal support,” said Damian McKinney, global CEO. “This Stoli Vodka bottle will not only provide financial resources to Ukraine, but is also a symbol of solidarity.”

Drawing from the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, the geometric graphic pattern that adorns Stoli  Vodka’s Ukraine limited-edition design is inspired by the communities around the world that have come together to support the people of Ukraine. This special limited-edition will be launched globally as one of the key pillars in reaching the goal of raising $1MM for WCK by Aug. 24 – to celebrate Independence Day of Ukraine.

“World Central Kitchen is grateful for Stoli support and commitment to our mission. They share our belief that a plate of food is more than just nourishment; its hope and a sign that someone cares,” said Jason Collis, WCK’s vice president of relief. “We appreciate Stoli’s quick movement to action and continued support, which will help us to serve meals as long as we are needed.”

WCK has served more than 6 million meals across UkrainePolandMoldovaHungaryRomaniaSlovakia and Spain. Working with local restaurants, caterers, and food trucks to provide nourishing meals at border crossings, shelters, and other refugee communities, WCK serves more than 300,000 meals daily in the region. The limited-edition bottle follows a previous financial commitment to WCK from Stoli.

In addition to the limited-edition bottle, Stoli Group is launching a charitable cocktail program called Cocktails for Ukraine, which encourages bars and restaurants to donate $1 for every Stoli cocktail sold to WCK. Consumers will also have the opportunity to make a direct donation to WCK by scanning the QR code on the menu that links to the Stoli Group fundraising page for WCK – here.

The limited-edition in support of the Ukrainian people will be available for purchase in select stores in the United States and select countries around the world including the United Kingdom, SpainItalyPolandLatvia and Czech Republic.

Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in SpainItalyArgentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com.

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San Diego Co. Wine Sales Up 19%, Exceed $44M

The San Diego County Vintners Association, a trade organization dedicated to supporting the winemaking community in San Diego County, released the 2022 San Diego County Economic Impact of Wineries report  that shows county wineries realized about $44.1 million in gross sales last year, a 19 percent increase from 2020 but not yet reaching the local winery industry’s all-time-high of sales in 2019 ($46.2 million). The number of active wineries in San Diego County also rose to 160 in 2021.

About 1,370 acres of vines were harvested in the region last year, producing 3,073 tons of wine grapes with a production value of $5.2 million. These figures are down from pre-pandemic 2019 when San Diego County vineyards harvested 3,596 tons of wine grapes, generating a $5.58 million production value, with a sales price of $1,552 per ton, a record amount achieved in the region. About 81% of growers surveyed reported excellent to good harvest quality, the strongest seen since 2016.

The top three varietals produced in the county last year retain their rankings from prior years – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, respectively, with Grenache and Merlot tied for fourth, and Chardonnay and Petite Syrah tied for fifth. This is the first time that a white wine varietal has appeared in the top five for regional varietals.

“Our wine industry continues to make great strides, especially in North County. I was a big supporter of keeping wineries open during the pandemic to keep these small businesses afloat. Local wineries are thriving despite the last few years of uncertainty, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and providing an important cultural industry in the county. It’s impressive,” said San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond.

Written by Vince Vasquez, independent economic analyst and executive director of the Policycraft Institute, the report relies on winery survey data, economic modeling software, California ABC licenses, and County records to calculate the economic health of the San Diego County wine industry.

“San Diego County is blessed to have outstanding wineries and dedicated vintners making a positive impact on our local economy. I am proud to represent many fantastic wineries in my district, whose exquisite grapes and exceptional service continue to put San Diego County on the map in the wine-making industry. By offering beautiful vineyards and delicious wines for all to enjoy, San Diego County’s wineries not only strengthen our economy, they build community,” said San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.

The 160 active wineries in San Diego County today represent a 6 percent year-over-year increase. This figure is nearly twice the total number of wineries in neighboring Riverside County (87).

“San Diego County’s wine industry continues to make important contributions to our economy, history and culture. Our 200-year history of harvesting local grapes has promoted new job creation, amazing food, and entertainment venues as well as cultural amenities. As a member of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, I am excited to advocate on behalf of our vibrant grape growing industry!” said California Assembly Member Marie Waldron.

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