Consumer trends began to merge with new products introduced in June, led by Skrewball flavored whiskey’s introduction of a sippable 100ml canned offering. Celebrities also continued to drive product introductions with Carmelo Anthony unveiling a new wine and the gang from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia ” launching an Irish whiskey to raise proceeds for local bars. Below is Park Street’s full product release recap for June 2022.

Tequila Ocho Unveils Limited-Edition Puntas Expression

Samson & Surrey’s Tequila Ocho added a limited-edition expression, “Puntas”, to its premium tequila line. The product is an overproof version of the brand’s plata tequila, containing 50.5% ABV. The “puntas” are a cut from the very end of the agave heads and the very beginning of the heart, traditionally saved by the distiller as a special treat. The new offering will be available in 750mL formats for a standard retail price of $59.99 per bottle.

“This expression marks the first time Tequila Ocho has released a “puntas” commercially, making it a must for spirits collectors, as well as for bartenders, who will be able to offer their guests something new and unique. I find that this tequila drinks beautifully neat, while also elevating cocktails to a level above when used as the base in a mixed drink” said Tequila Ocho Global Brand Ambassador Jesse Estes. (Source)

New Amsterdam Vodka Enters the Ready-to-Drink Arena with New Product Line – Wildcard

E&J Gallo’s New Amsterdam Vodka ventured into the ready to drink space with its release of Wildcard. The vodka based hard beverages will be available in three different flavors: Original Hard Lemonade, Classic Hard Punch and Lemon Hard Tea. Coming in at 8% ABV, the 12 oz new RTD’s will feature in flavor specific 4-packs across the U.S. market.

“New Amsterdam Vodka is already a fan favorite, bringing a new generation to the vodka category due to its smooth taste and convenience. The launch of Wildcard is a way to reach more consumers plus long-time New Amsterdam fans that are eager to try something flavorful and convenient this summer” said Brandon Lieb, Vice President of Spirit of Gallo. (Source)

NBA’s Carmelo Anthony Unveils Wine Label

NBA star Carmelo Another became the latest celebrity to enter the wine space with the unveiling of his new brand VII(N) The Seventh Estate. In collaboration with third-generation Rhône winemaker Stéphane Usseglio, Anthony has debuted his new product: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Oath of Fidelity 2017. The offering is a blend of 90 percent Grenache and 10 percent Mourvèdre. The wine is aged for two years in concrete and oak barrels after being fermented in concrete vats.

“When Carmelo came in June 2019, we spent a while visiting the vineyard together, understanding the different terroirs of Châteauneuf, and then sitting in the cellars and working on the blend. It was actually very interesting to taste the different grapes and terroirs together and to have this exchange with Melo and build the wine with two noses and four hands. We exchanged a lot of thoughts and ideas, and Melo was extremely hands-on throughout the whole process” noted Usseglio. (Source)

The Kraken Canned Cocktails

Proximo Spirit’s Kraken entered the U.S. ready-to-drink space with the release of three spiced rum canned cocktails. The new RTD line will feature three varieties: Kraken & Cola, Kraken & Ginger Beer, and Kraken Rum Punch. Along with these summer edition flavors, the brand will be launching additional variants early next year. The new products will feature in four-pack formats as well as variety single-serve tray packs across 17 U.S. states for a standard retail price of $12.99.

“As the demand for ready-to-drink beverages continues to boom and category growth rises, we’re eager and thrilled to introduce a new and convenient way for consumers to enjoy their favorite rum cocktails in three carefully curated flavors,” said Lander Otegui, senior vice-president of marketing at Proximo Spirits. (Source)

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Gang Giveback With Launch Of Four Walls Whiskey

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” stars Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Charlie Day launched Four Walls Whiskey to celebrate their record-breaking 15th season. The whiskey will feature two limited-edition offerings: a rare Irish whiskey with premium commemorative packaging and a blended Irish and Straight Pennsylvania Rye. All proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Hospitality Assistance Response.

“We were shooting Season 15 when bars were shutting down all across America. So we decided to source some really great whiskeys and create something as a tribute to the bar and kick it off by giving back,” adds Rob McElhenney. (Source)

FEW Spirits and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Collaborate on Motor Oil Whiskey

FEW Spirits collaborated with its Founder and Master Distiller Paul Hletko and modern rock icons Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to introduce Motor Oil Whiskey. The whiskey is a new, limited-release product intended to honor the 21st anniversary of the band’s seminal debut album, B.R.M.C. Every bottle is a blend of FEW Bourbon finished in rum barrels, FEW Bourbon finished in vermouth barrels, and a mesquite-smoked wheat whiskey.

“I’ve been a fan of Black Rebel since the debut album came out,” said Hletko. “When we heard they were looking for a distillery to work with, you better believe we jumped at that chance.” (Source)

Target Unveils New Private Label Adult Beverage Line

Target introduced its own line of private label pre-mixed cocktails called Casa Cantina. The line will include three varieties — Classic Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, and Piña Colada — and will be available at all Target locations that offer wine.

The line adds to Target’s portfolio of alcoholic beverages, which includes multiple varieties of private label wines. The introduction comes after Target disclosed a plan earlier this month to pare down inventory and increase its focus on frequency categories like food and beverage. (Source)

Skrewball Whiskey Now Available in 100ml Can Size

Skrewball Whiskey introduced an innovative 100ml can to its product lineup. The product intends to merge consumer demand for flavored whiskey and ready-to-drink canned offerings. The two-serving can works well for consumers looking to sip the sweet and savory peanut butter whiskey with no mixers.

“Skrewball Whiskey was the first-to-market with peanut butter flavored whiskey and galvanized the recent growth of the flavored whiskey category, so we knew the next step was to offer a unique product that breaks the mold of what’s on the market already,” said Carl Carlson, President of Skrewball Whiskey. “Industry trends continue to indicate that consumers are gravitating towards portable canned options, and we want to offer Skrewball Whiskey’s premium taste and versatility to our community in an offering that meets their needs and consumption occasions.” (Source)

Japan’s Sake Hundred Enters U.S. Market

First founded in Japan in 2018 by sake connoisseur and founder of Japan’s Saketimes, Ryuji Ikoma, Sake Hundred is now the newest sake entrant in the U.S. market. The new brand hopes to reshape the American consumer’s perspective of sake and expose drinkers to the most outstanding examples of Japan’s national drink.

“Our collection of sakes will take drinkers through a journey of both culture and taste, two elements that are closely intertwined in sake making. You can taste the personality of the sake brewer in our sake, just as you can taste the terroir of fine wine,” noted Ikoma. (Source)

Glenfiddich Launches The Orchard Experiment Apple Spirit Cask Finished Whisky

Glenfiddich announced the fifth iteration in its Experimental Series with the release of The Orchard Experiment. The new single malt whiskey is made in collaboration with The Somerset Cider Brandy Company and is finished in Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks. The new offering will debut in 750 mL formats for a standard retail price of $52.00.

Matilda Temperley of The Somerset Cider Brandy Company noted, “With this collaboration, we’re back doing the same but challenging innovation even further. This is a really exciting marriage of Old English and Scottish craft distillates and we can’t wait for people to taste the incredible flavors of The Orchard Experiment.” (Source)

Playboy Unveils 17-Year-Old Bourbon, Rare Hare 1953

Iconic “lifestyle” magazine Playboy launched its very own portfolio of ultra-premium spirits, starting with a 17-year-old bourbon named Rare Hare 1953, a tribute to the year the magazine was founded. The new offering is a 17-year Kentucky bourbon finished in XXO Cognac casks. The spirits line will be a joint venture with Spirit Investment Partners (SIP).

“Playboy is excited to enter into the $500 billion-plus global spirits category in collaboration with SIP and artisan distillers from around the world,” said Jared Dougherty, President of Strategic Partnerships at PLBY Group. “We are curating a truly exceptional collection of rare and unique spirits. Each product is produced with extraordinary craftsmanship and sophistication, from the beautiful bottle to the spirits inside.” (Source)

New Alcohol Beverages, Products & Brands Launched in June 2022