The Spirits Club’s Post

One notable trend in India’s alcoholic beverage market is the rising popularity of tequila and mezcal. Though relatively new to the market, demand for these spirits is growing steadily. Pranav Mehra, Director of MEHRA WINES INDIA, predicts significant growth in both value and volume for these two in the coming years.

One notable trend in India’s alcoholic beverage market is the rising popularity of tequila and mezcal. Though relatively new to the market, demand for these spirits is growing steadily. Pranav Mehra, Director of MEHRA WINES INDIA, predicts significant growth in both value and volume for these two in the coming years.

Tequila Don Julio Launches First-Ever, Limited-Edition Don Julio 1942 Expressions Tequila Don Julio, the leader in the luxury tequila market, has announced its first global cask sale, offering collectors the chance to own a limited-edition release of the iconic Don Julio 1942 with unique cask finishes. This historic event marks the debut of five new Don Julio 1942 expressions, available exclusively through an online auction in partnership with BlockBar. The auction, now live on BlockBar.com, features five exclusive cask finishes: Bourbon, Ruby Port, Orange Wine, Madeira Wine, and Crémant. Each cask has been carefully selected to enhance the distinct flavour profile of Tequila Don Julio 1942, offering rare tasting notes. The auction will close at 10 AM EST on June 20, 2024. Winners will be invited to a special event at the brand’s private distillery in Mexico, joining an exclusive cask owner community. Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Tequila and Mezcal Categories at Diageo, expressed excitement about the launch: "The culture surrounding agave-based spirits is exciting, constantly evolving, and this inaugural Tequila Don Julio 1942 global cask sale demonstrates our commitment to continue to push the boundaries of what a luxury tequila experience can be. We recognize that for many, luxury tequilas are considered an extension of one’s lifestyle, so we’re meeting the demand for prospective buyers and tastemakers to not only own an extremely rare, super luxe-tequila, but to own a piece of the Tequila Don Julio history and legacy”. Crafted at the La Primavera Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, each expression undergoes an extended finishing process in the specially chosen casks, resulting in unique flavour profiles: Crémant Cask Finish (Floral and citrus notes), Orange Wine Cask Finish (Tea and sweet spices), Ruby Port Cask Finish (Cinnamon and dark chocolate), Madeira Wine Cask Finish (Toffee and spices) and Ex-Bourbon Double Charred Cask Finish (Toasted oak and caramelized banana). Jamie Ritchie of BlockBar highlighted the significance of the partnership by stating that: “Tequila Don Julio is synonymous with quality and innovation, and this collaboration is a testament to that. With one full cask each of five bespoke 1942 finishes, we are excited to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit that define both Tequila Don Julio and BlockBar”. The starting bid for each cask is $35,000. Participants must be of legal drinking age and can join the auction by creating a BlockBar account before it closes. After the auction, the casks will remain at the distillery until bottling between December 2024 and March 2025. BlockBar’s platform, powered by blockchain technology, allows owners to sell or gift their cask NFTs, which will convert to 40 NFTs representing ownership of 40 cases of six 750ml bottles, available for redemption globally by June 2025.

Is Premium Wine Recession-Proof? Amid economic fluctuations, the wine industry navigates a nuanced landscape, revealing resilience in ultra-premium segments yet facing challenges in broader markets. An insightful dive into luxury wine's adaptability and consumer shifts. #WineEconomy #RecessionProof #PremiumWine #LuxuryGoods #MarketTrends #ConsumerInsights #WineIndustry #EconomicImpact #Adaptability #LuxuryMarket

From Red Carpets to Red Wine, Celebrities Shake Up the Liquor Industry: In glitzy Hollywood, where fame and fortune intertwine, celebrities have long been synonymous with luxury, excess, and occasional scandal. But lately, they’re adding a new twist to their repertoire: spirits. Yes, you read that right—your favorite A-listers are now moonlighting as vintners, distillers, and mixologists. But is this a genuine passion project or just another way to cash in on their star power? The Allure of the Label: Picture it: a sleek bottle adorned with a signature that screams “I’m famous!” Whether it’s George Clooney’s tequila, Ryan Reynolds’ gin, or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s ultra-premium liquors, these libations arrive with a built-in aura of exclusivity. But let’s not forget that behind every autograph lies a carefully crafted marketing strategy. Are these spirits truly exceptional, or are we paying for the privilege of sipping from a celebrity-branded chalice? The Art of Distillation (and Distraction): Celebrities, like fine spirits, can mature with age. As their acting careers wane or their music hits fade, they seek new avenues to stay relevant. Enter the liquor industry—a playground where creativity meets commerce. But can a Grammy-winning artist also master the art of crafting a smooth bourbon? Perhaps. For every success story, there’s a cautionary tale of a celebrity-backed flop. Remember Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka? No? Exactly. The Celebrity Sommelier: Imagine a red carpet transformed into a vineyard. Celebrities, armed with wine glasses and tasting notes, pontificate about terroir, tannins, and oak aging. But let’s not confuse photogenic enthusiasm with expertise. Sure, they can swirl a glass with panache, but can they distinguish a Malbec from a Merlot in a blind tasting? The Hangover of Expectations: When a celebrity endorses a product, expectations soar. We anticipate a transcendent experience—the liquid equivalent of an Oscar-worthy performance. But what if the tequila tastes merely “meh”? No one wants a subpar cocktail from their favorite heartthrob. Celebrities in the liquor industry are like blockbuster movies: some hit the bullseye, while others fizzle out. So, next time you sip that Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin or toast with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, remember this: fame may open doors, but it doesn’t guarantee a five-star rating on your taste buds. See our past article Jobs to be Done: The Case of Liquor https://lnkd.in/efpmhyMj See our past article True Innovation or Marketing Gimmick: A Deeper Look at Pink Gin https://lnkd.in/ey5FmekZ See our new working paper on using Jobs to be Done in consumer industries https://lnkd.in/e88My7sy

Luxury wine is intoxicating. A luxury wine brand needs luxury look identity. DEGRIS is a wine shop and bar which serve expensive wines to the high classes. #logo #logodesigner #dayone #logodesignchallenge #identity #branding #brandidentity #wine #intoxicating #bar What's your honest comment on this logo?

Cognac in the US in 2024 makes me think of Bordeaux early 2010s. There was a time when Bordeaux was popular. US Somms were going to Bordeaux, were tasting Bordeaux, had Bordeaux by the glass, were putting some on the list and cared about the overall appellation. Or so it seemed. Somewhere in the 2010s, one started to feel that the appellation itself might not have been doing so hot for a while but it wasn't apparent because of the brand power of and noise made by the top Grand Cru wineries. What was referred to as the "Bordeaux market" was a lot less solid than one thought. Those top estates had true brand power but the rest of the appellation had lost its allure. Turns out Cheval had been selling "Cheval", not "Bordeaux". 15 years later, Bordeaux as an appellation has lost its appeal but a few cool winemakers who make good wines & happen to be located in the region have developed a following. I think that Cognac in the US is in a dire spot: - there are very little "cognac based" cocktails on drink menu and even less people ordering them when they exist. - the neat Cognac drinker seems extinct - the market for non-mega-brands is made of a very limited amount of enthusiasts, most of which coming from a whiskey background. In a word, "Cognac" has lost it's cool factor. Sure Cognac still retains a strong image but it has grown disconnected from who the drinker is and what she is looking for. Is there a future for a "Cognac category" in the US? maybe be, but it will be extremely hard to get messages to sound relatable to the potential consumer. Now i believe there is definitely spots to be taken by those good artisanal makers/distillers/brand owners who would be astute enough to understand how to communicate with the US drinkers, start doing it yesterday & become relatable. Real-talk, understanding of the US (drinking) culture & true story-telling from the people making great quality stuff, genuine brand-building done by the brand itself can lead to the emergence of true artisanal Cognac players in the US.

The trend of premiumisation continues to gain momentum, reshaping consumer preferences and market dynamics alike. Premiumisation is not just about higher price tags but a broader shift towards quality, exclusivity, and storytelling. The global wine industry is also witnessing key trends that align with this premiumisation wave. This trend is evident in the resilience of premium bottle resale prices, even amidst fluctuating economic landscapes. Structural volume declines in mature markets are juxtaposed with a growing engagement among younger consumers who are willing to spend more for ‘less but better’ quality. The low-alcohol wine space and ecommerce are burgeoning sectors that reflect this premiumisation trend. Premiumisation surged during the Covid pandemic, and indicators suggest that this trend will continue as consumers increasingly view beverages as worth the extra expenditure. The spirits sector, in particular, has embraced premiumisation, fostering a sensible, moderate relationship with alcohol by focusing on quality over quantity. For a deeper read about the trend: https://lnkd.in/escfA9zE If you are a distributor, retailer, or hospitality professional, tell us what does this trend mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! At #ProWine Singapore 2024 taking place from April 23 - 26. We bring producers, exhibitors, and buyers together in one of Singapore’s largest wine and spirits trade shows. Register for entry and masterclasses at https://lnkd.in/d3GK77GS #ProWineSG2024 #ProWineSingapore #industry #winebusiness #winetradefair #tradefair #wine #spirits #exhibitors #discoverybar #exhibition #wineretail #winedistributor #wineimporter #WineIndustry #EmergingMarkets #GlobalTrends #SpiritsIndustry #Champagne #Asia #MarketInsights #DrinkTrends2024 #WineAndSpirits

🥃 The Evolution of Tequila: From Margaritas to a Luxury Sip 🌵by GUSTAVO A. VILLEGAS Over the past decades, tequila has transformed from a party staple into a sophisticated spirit worthy of savoring, much like a fine wine or whiskey. This journey from the sticky bar tops to luxury glassware reflects not only changing consumer tastes but also the rich history and craftsmanship behind one of Mexico's most iconic exports. Did you know that Americans are now spending more on agave spirits than on domestically produced whiskey, with tequila set to overtake vodka as the best-selling spirit? This growth is not just about numbers; it's about appreciation for a spirit that's as complex as it is culturally significant. The story of tequila is a tale of tradition, innovation, and, unfortunately, some misconceptions. From its early days of being smuggled over the border during Prohibition to its rise to fame in pop culture, tequila's path is intertwined with that of Mexican and American histories alike. Yet, the true essence of tequila—its artisanal production, the labor-intensive cultivation of agave, and its deep roots in Mexican culture—often remains overshadowed by celebrity endorsements and marketing gimmicks. As we witness a "third wave" of tequila, spearheaded by purists and innovators alike, there's a growing emphasis on sustainability, craftsmanship, and authentic appreciation of agave spirits. Bars and distillers are now focusing on well-made, sustainable products that honor the spirit's rich heritage and complex flavors. This evolution poses an exciting opportunity for us to rediscover tequila: to appreciate its flavors, understand its production, and recognize its place in cultural traditions. It's time to move beyond the stereotypes and embrace tequila for all its complexities and contributions to the world of spirits. As professionals in the beverage industry, or simply as enthusiasts of fine spirits, let's raise our glasses to the remarkable journey of tequila. Here's to exploring its depths, celebrating its heritage, and ensuring its sustainable future. 🌿 What's your tequila experience? Have you explored beyond the popular brands to discover artisanal and sustainable options? Share your stories and favorites in the comments below! #Tequila #AgaveSpirits #SustainableSpirits #CulturalHeritage #BeverageIndustry Reference: Raptopoulos, L. (2022, Nov 19). In search of the real tequila: Fuelled by its branding as a wild party drink, tequila is set to become the best-selling spirit in the US. Lilah Raptopoulos on America's love affair with the Mexican tipple — and the true believers trying to restore its lost glories Real tequila [Usa Region]. Financial Times