Keeping Up With Jones
November 1, 2004
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Keeping Up With Jones
hey’ve done it again. Just when
you think the creative folks at Jones Soda
couldn’t possibly top last year’s Turkey & Gravy Soda introduction,
they did. And not only did they unveil one new flavor inspired by a Thanksgiving
feast, but five flavors in a holiday pack “just like mom used to make.”
One could really get carried away with flavors such as Mashed Potatoes &
Butter Soda, Green Bean Casserole Soda, Cranberry Soda, and Fruitcake Soda,
in addition to Turkey & Gravy Soda. For all intents and purposes, this is
a full meal deal (excuse the McDonald’s tie in.)
With messaging on the package that reads “New!
Utensils included!”, I had to check to see what kind of spread they
had packaged in glass bottles. For those who saw the Turkey & Gravy
Soda, you know it didn’t come, to be polite, pre-strained. Rest
assured, the new flavors require only an open mouth, and a straw comes
standard in the variety pack box.
Considering the growing trend to come up with seasonal
soft drink products, Jones Soda is really onto something by expanding this
holiday line. While I don’t think the new sodas are destined to
become household favorites, consumed right along with holiday faire,
it’s smart marketing that really causes buzz. Last year, it seemed as
though Turkey & Gravy Soda appeared in more media outlets than Britney
Spears.
What are we in for next year? Maybe a little sweet
potato concoction or breadpudding potion? Or maybe the company tries its
hand at other holiday favorites such as corned beef and cabbage or Christmas cookie? I’ll leave it up to the experts.
True spirit
For sports fans who show their team spirit on
everything from clothing to cars, Allied Domecq has created game- inspired
cocktails. The Ref, a Stoli, Kahlua Especial and Espresso drink; The Red
Flag is a blend of Beefeater, Lemon, Chambord and powdered sugar; The Bench
Warmer is a cocktail featuring Stoli Razberi, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice
and triple sec; and the Cheerleader features Sauza Gold, Cointreau and the
juices of lemon, lime and orange. Additionally, female fans will cheer for
the Beer-tini, which is a blend of Stoli Ohranj, orange juice, beer and
orange wedges.
Beer contest brewing
More than 150 beers from dozens of brewers and
distributors around the country will compete to become “Best of The
Fest” — or best all-around brew — at the Orlando Beer
Festival this month. The winner will have its beer featured on tap at
Universal CityWalk. Beer Festival guests also will have the chance to
select their favorite beer as part of a "Tasters Choice" contest.
Water power
According to Skae Beverage
International LLC, Orangeburg, N.Y., the U.S.
women’s soccer team requested that Iceland Spring water be delivered
to Athens in the months leading up the Olympics to stay hydrated during
training and practices. The team won a gold medal in the final round,
beating Brazil 2-to-1.
Betting bourbon
Knob Creek Distillery, Clermont, Ky., recently tested
card sharks’ skills in a Texas Hold’em poker event. The Knob
Creek Poker Classic hosted Texas Hold’em tournaments at bars and
restaurants throughout Chicago and invited poker enthusiasts to get in on
the action. In addition to local sports reporters, some lucky players had
the chance to sit
at the main table and test their skills against local
celebrities. While money wasn't wagered, participants were able to
“raise” money for charity. At the conclusion of the Charity
Poker Classic, Knob Creek made a donation to the Prostate Cancer
Foundation.
Sweet donation
Sweet Leaf Tea made a $4,000 in-kind donation to Austin
City Limits Music Festival this year. The festival, featuring musical acts
such as Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello and the Impostors, attracted 150,000
fans. An Austin City Limits Music Festival sponsor since 2002, Sweet Leaf
Tea also contributed product to the event.
