Michael Jackson, better known as the Beer Hunter, passed away on Aug. 30. Jackson was known for his writings and support of great beer. He was a respected figure in the brewing industry and often appeared at industry events. The Brewer’s Association shared the news and offers readers the opportunity to remember Jackson in their own words on its Web site beertown.org.

Brown-Forman Wines and Sonoma-Cutrer also mourn the loss of Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir assistant winemaker Elliott Millett who died last month. Millett joined the company in 2002 and worked to launch the company’s first non-Chardonnay offering since 1981.

Nestlé Waters North America’s Contrex Natural Mineral Water is now available in the refrigerated section of all CVS stores nationwide, making this Contrex’s first national retailer. Contrex is sourced from the Vosges Region in Contrexéville, France, and is considered a good source of calcium. An 8-ounce serving contains 11.5 percent of the recommended daily intake for calcium, and a 1-liter bottle has almost 50 percent of the RDI for calcium.

Energy drink company Liquid Lightning, Pompton Lakes, N.J., has entered into an agreement with Canada Dry New York for distribution of Liquid Lightning products in the New York/New Jersey metro area. Liquid Lightning is available in Regular and Sugar-Free varieties, and this year, the company launched LL Boltz and LL Ice. Lightning Boltz is a condensed 2-ounce energy shot made with hoodia extract, and LL Ice is an energy ice pop.

United States Beverage, Stamford, Conn., has added Estrella Damm to its lineup of imported beers. The product is brewed in Barcelona, Spain.

“Estrella Damm embodies the spirit of Spain, and represents a vibrant lifestyle that fits within the character and variety of the USB line of beverages,” said Joseph Fisch, president and chief executive officer of USB, in a statement.

Numi Organic Tea, Oakland, Calif., plans to open a Tea Garden in Oakland’s Embarcadero Cove next month. The location is intended to be “an urban tea oasis where one can unwind, relax and be immersed in tea,” the company says. The menu will feature Numi’s full selection of loose tea as well as light snacks.

World Brews, Novato, Calif., has been appointed as the exclusive importer of Bavaria USA brands, including Bavaria, Hollandia, Dutch Crown and Dutch Windmill. World Brews will be responsible for sales, marketing and distribution of the products from the Netherlands throughout the United States.    

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, has renewed its contract with AirTran Airways for three years. AirTran Airways carries 16 Coca-Cola products, including Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Coca-Cola Zero, Minute Maid Lemonade, Dasani, Cherry Coke, Cherry Coke Zero and three types of Minute Maid juices.

Long Island Spirits Inc., Baiting Hollow, N.Y., has begun converting a scenic barn into the first craft distillery on Long Island. The first product will be LiV Vodka, which is slated for a December introduction. The company also will bottle LiV at the distillery. Marketing and distribution efforts will focus on the Hamptons and Montauk.

Whole Foods Market will carry O.N.E. Coconut Water in several of its stores across the United States as of next month, according to the Los Angeles-based maker of O.N.E. The coconut water will be available at Whole Foods in Tetra Pak packaging, and will sell for $5.59 to $5.79 for the 1-liter size, and $1.79 to $1.99 for the 11-ounce size.

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Chicago, has opened a new cafe in Los Angeles. In addition to the 998-square-foot retail coffee shop, the new location includes a roasting facility. The focus of the store is a commitment to the “seasonal” nature of coffee, playing up the specific time of year when each type of coffee is at its peak.

“Los Angeles really needed a boutique roaster,” said Intelligentsia Founder and President Doug Zell. “I was always amazed that a city that large and cosmopolitan wasn’t home to a boutique roaster.