Inventory for December 10th, 2017
Pals! It’s that time of year! This week Jim Beam released the first ‘smart’ bourbon decanter (it’s only smart for six months though, after that it turns back into a pumpkin), Bacardi’s General Counsel Marlene Gordon joins the Advisory Board for Women of the Vine & Spirits, Beam Suntory and De Kuyper finalize their distribution deal, and Laphroaig unveils latest their Cairdeas bottling. Cheers!
When the weather is frightful and all you want to do is curl up by the fireplace (even if you never have, and never will, own one of those) make yourself a cocktail. This week’s drink comes courtesy of Damon Boelte of Brooklyn’s Grand Army. His whisky-chartreuse cocktail is everything you want in a drink: strong, a bit sweet, some spice, and a hint of bitterness. Get the recipe here.
Jim Beam’s “Smart” Bourbon Decanter
Smart as in electronic, that is. Just last week, Jim Beam released the world’s first smart decanter that is responsive to verbal commands. “Jim” – voiced by master distiller Fred Noe – will even pour you a glass of whiskey. In a statement, Noe said, “at Jim Beam, we’re in the business of evolving the way people drink delicious bourbon. For decades, we produced unique limited-edition decanters that are now collectors’ items. And now, we’re introducing a smart decanter that lets fans enjoy their bourbon on demand with friends and family.” The decanter needs 3G wireless technology to work, which weirdly enough runs out after six months. After which it’s just a regular decanter. Come on! If you’re going to do this, do it right. It was available for $34.90 but JB currently seems to be out of stock.
Bacardi General Counsel Marlene Gordon Joins Advisory Board for Women of the Vine & Spirits
Bacardi announced earlier this week that their general counsel for Bacardi North America, Marlene Gordon will be joining Women of the Vine & Spirits as an Advisory Board member. “In this role, Gordon will contribute her experience and insight to the organization’s efforts to support and advance opportunities for women in the alcohol beverage industry.” WoV&S works to advocate for the industry support of talent development and gender-diverse teams. Gordon says, “I am pleased to join the Advisory Board as the mission of Women of the Vine & Spirits is completely aligned with the Bacardi mission to train, develop and inspire a pipeline of high-performing women and propel them into leadership positions. I look forward to working closely with Deborah and the rest of the board to create more leadership opportunities for women in our industry.”
Beam Suntory and De Kuyper Ink Distribution Deal
The Spirits Business reports that “As of 1 January 2018, De Kuyper will market Beam Suntory’s key brands, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Sauza Tequila, in the Netherlands.” Beam Suntory’s managing director of Western Europe, Manfred Jus says “De Kuyper Royal Distillers is our partner of choice in the Netherlands. It is a very professional and dynamic family-owned company with a clear and compelling vision plus longstanding experience in beverages. The team is very passionate about our brands and capable of bringing them to the next level.” The Dutch distillers are hoping that the long-term distribution agreement with Beam Suntory will help them ‘own the cocktail’. “The news follows the company’s acquisition of Cherry Heering liqueur and the launch of a premium Cuban coffee liqueur Bébo.”
Laphroaig unveils latest Cairdeas Bottling
This news got buried at the end of November, but the “Islay single malt Laphroaig has introduced Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year Old – the latest in a series of annual bottlings reserved for members of the distillery’s Friends of Laphroaig collective.” The expression was created by the distillery manager John Campbell, Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year Old was distilled in 2002 and matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. “It is described as offering ‘sweet vanilla and subtle spice’ on the nose, reminiscent of ‘fresh nutmeg and toasted almonds’, with ‘gentle, warming peat smoke’ on the palate.” Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year Old, bottled at 43% ABV, is available now exclusively to Friends of Laphroaig from the distillery and online, priced at £80 a bottle.
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