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<p>The U.S. is currently in a period of transformation, with widespread shifts in most businesses. The alcohol industry stands out as it undergoes changes that are not only fundamental but also unique, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and shifting demographics. Here is a close look at the key factors affecting the industry. The [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The Big Apple Bites Back: Short Stories About Life in New York City. At long last, the release of my latest book is officially available for purchase in paperback on Amazon and select bookstores, with an eBook not far behind. Grab yourself a copy today and maybe another for last-minute holiday gifts. It&#8217;s not about [&hellip;]</p>

<p>I&#8217;ve been off the air for too long, but I have an excused absence — I&#8217;ve been working on my new book. It&#8217;s called The Big Apple Bites Back. It&#8217;s a collection of short stories about NYC, none of which are about the booze business. The manuscript is done, and now it&#8217;s time to go [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Move over Tequila and Mezcal This is the story of an Agave Spirit called Revel, made from 100% agave in Morelos, Mexico, and known as Revel Avila. More about this in a moment. In the alcohol industry, spirits and wines are protected by law, known as Denomination of Origin. What that means is that it [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Facts and Myths About Awards Every day, spirit brands seem to be crowing about the awards or accolades they have won. Whether meaningful or not, press releases and brand pitches abound with “we won this” or “we won that” to the point where I often wonder what difference it makes. At the same time, the [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The Story of a New Craft Spirit Company in Palm Springs In the past year or so, I’ve been off the air for several reasons — business and writing commitments, Covid, and most important, moving from NYC to Rancho Mirage CA. That’s in Coachella Valley, aka Greater Palm Springs, aka The Desert. Now I’m back [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The Shirley Temple Grows Up The internet, press, and TV are all abuzz with the Dirty Shirley. It’s described as the drink of the summer 2022. The NY Times was among the first to write about it. The Today Show recently went so far as to describe it as overtaking the Aperol Spritzer as the [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Move Over Bailey’s, Here Comes the Swan According to Impact Databank, Bailey’s Irish Cream is a 1.5 million 9-litre brand in the US and grew 6.5% from 2018 to 2019. But after you read the story about Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur, you might wonder if Coole Swan, with the right resources, might just make [&hellip;]</p>

<p>A Ginger Spiced Whiskey from Two Creative Entrepreneurs What I particularly enjoy about the craft spirit movement is that it attracts people with vision and who are willing to think outside the box. This is the story of two childhood friends who had an idea and the tenacity to make it happen, in no less [&hellip;]</p>

<p>One Woman’s Journey to Enter the US Booze Business The phrase and concept of The American Dream comes from James Truslow Adams  in his book, the Epic of America. This definition will set the stage for the story you are about to read: The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Making sense out of confusion Online purchasing of almost everything has been growing for years, including wine. But, spirits have only just begun to enter the direct shipment world with lots of obstacles and constraints. How come? My partner Rob Warren and I have spent the past year and a half researching and learning about [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Distillers are Making Hand Sanitizers and More The current pandemic is not the first time that the nation’s distilleries have answered the call to do their patriotic duty by using their facilities to help fight a war. In World war II, most distilleries were converted to produce industrial strength alcohol to make such products as [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Patriot, spy, hero, and the inspiration for a new brand I have known Steve Luttmann, the creator of Leblon Cachaça, for some time. As a spirit industry veteran, I always felt that Steve had a wonderful capacity to think outside the box and with his most recent effort demonstrates that, and much more. Not only [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The birth (pains) of a booze business On August 26, 2019, the “birth” announcement press release appeared describing the much-awaited launch of The Vale Fox Distillery: INTRODUCING TOD &amp; VIXEN’S DRY GIN 1651 BY THE VALE FOX DISTILLERY Debut Release Made in New York by British Master Distiller and Trio of World’s Top Bartenders It [&hellip;]</p>

<p>From Songs to Spirits I have become totally fascinated by, and admire, the spirits writers who have come to play an important role in the booze business. When I started in the industry, and for much of the 1990s, there were not as many as there are today and I believe the spirits industry is [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Would getting lung cancer, and getting rid of it while Tales was going on sound like him? Gaz and I have known each other and been friends since the 1990s. More recently, we have become business associates in matters pertaining to the role of bartenders in brand building and business development. Together we launched Worldwide [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Wood takes an innovative journey Who can argue that wood plays a vital role in the taste of your favorite whisk(e)y. In fact, in a Vinepair article it’s estimated that “wood is responsible for 60 to 75 percent of the taste of a finished whiskey.” More than that, wood is the star of whiskey making [&hellip;]</p>

<p>A Second Shot for Both Brands “Diageo sells portfolio of brands to Sazerac,” read the headline of the press release. It went on to say that among the brands acquired were Seagram’s VO and VO Gold. I found this fascinating on a number of levels. First, you might say that these brands have seen better [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The mystery is solved — sort of Ever wonder why it’s called a cocktail? I have, and I set out to learn the answer. So, I checked with Gary (Gaz) Regan, my friend and business associate and, a fountainhead of information about all sorts of booze business matters. He has written 18 books on the [&hellip;]</p>

<p>RNDC and LibDib join forces It was announced recently that Republic National Distributing Co (RNDC), and Liberation Distribution (LibDib) have formed a strategic alliance and will be working together. I consider this a huge development for the wine and spirits industries and I was anxious to learn what it means for the future. I very [&hellip;]</p>