Wine & Spirits

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According to new research, Champagne does “go straight to your head,” in a manner of speaking.

In the mid-1800s, Alexander Walker used his experience in blending teas to create some of the first blended Scotch whiskies in the world. As a result, he transformed the grocery business of his father, John Walker, into a global whisky business. First called Old Highland Whisky, he later renamed the brand Johnnie Walker in honor of his father, the company says.

With many consumers lacking the tools or know-how to reproduce some of their favorite on-premise cocktails, beverage manufacturers have found a way to deliver that same enjoyment to consumers in their own homes.

Sweet wine varietals and indulgent flavored vodkas remain popular in the wine and spirits categories, according to experts.

Glazer’s Inc., Dallas, consolidated its fine wine divisions under the new name of D&E Fine Wine Group. Previously known by several different names including Domaines & Estates, Family & Estates, In Vie, and 55 Degrees, the company is unifying these brands to build a new identity, it says. In addition, Glazer’s designed a new logo to portray the fine wine group’s new image, it notes.

In August, The House of Marnier Lapostolle North America will debut GM Titanium, which blends Grand Marnier cognac with orange essence, Asian Calamansi citrus and spices, the company says.

New York-based Pernod Ricard USA announced a reorganization and expansion of its spirits marketing team, effective July 1. The revamped group is designed to further enhance the existing momentum behind the company’s key spirits brands while capitalizing on key growth drivers such as innovation, multicultural marketing and digital media, the company says.

Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi launched a line of wines from Tenuta dell’Ammiraglia, the latest edition to the Tuscan wine estates under the tutelage of the Frescobaldi family.

Phusion Projects LLC launched Loko Rita flavored malt beverages in Margarita and Peach Margarita flavors.

Pernod Ricard USA’s Malibu brand entered the confectionery-flavored spirits segment with Malibu Sundae and Malibu Swirl.