Tulleeho Alcobev Newsletter #23 - March, 2008
What's in a name? -
Ouzo
Ouzo is an anise-flavored liqueur that is widely consumed in Greece. It is similar to French pastis, or Italian Sambuca and Turkish Raki, but a little sweeter and smoother. It can be drunk either straight or mixed with water.
A popular derivation of the name is from the Italian "uso Massalia" - for use in Marseilles - stamped on selected silkworm cocoons exported from Tyrnavos in the 19th century. According to anecdote, this designation came to stand for "superior quality", which the spirit distilled as ouzo was thought to possess.
International News
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Bombay Sapphire links with Baccarat, Garrard and Karim Rashid
Bombay Sapphire, the Bacardi-owned premium gin brand, has linked with luxury brands, Baccarat and Garrard plus designer Karim Rashid, to create five hand made crystal bottles each decorated with sapphires and diamonds.
More here
Spain creates new wine appellation
Spanish authorities have created two new wine appellations, DO Arlanza and DO Tierra del Vino de Zamora.
More in Drinks International
Diageo buys Rosenblum Cellars
Diageo, the world's largest drinks company, has paid $105 million for Rosenblum Cellars, the Alameda-based winery which is known for its Zinfandel and Rhône varietal wines.
US says Indian tariffs discriminate against wine. WTO disagrees.
The World Trade Organization has rejected a US complaint that Indian import duties unfairly discriminate against products such as wine and spirits.
Dom Pérignon Champagne bar opens in Harrods
A luxury Dom Pérignon Champagne bar has opened in Harrods, offering the most expensive wine by the glass in the country. So the next time you're in London shopping with royalty, you can also sip some Dom!
Grolsch bottle gets global makeover
Grolsch is planning the global launch of a "contemporary" green version of its swing-top beer bottle. More at Just-Drinks
Japanese Wine now allowed in EU
A Japanese white wine called Shizen, produced with the help of Bordeaux consultant Denis Dubourdieu by the Asagiri Wine Company, has been approved for import to the EU. It's made from Koshu grape and marks the first time a Japanese wine has been legally allowed to be imported into the EU.
Diageo unveils Jose Cuervo’s 2008 vintage Tequila
Diageo has unveiled the 13th edition of its Jose Cuervo International Reserva de la Familia vintage Tequila in the US.
And....
Diageo dumps bid for Absolut, sets up vodka JV with Ketel One
Diageo Plc has abandoned plans to acquire Sweden's Absolut vodka and has instead formed a $900 million joint venture with the owners of the Ketel One vodka brand.
More details here
And finally...
Diageo lands global deal for Zacapa
Diageo has signed a deal to distribute and market Guatemalan rum brand, Zacapa, globally.
Black Tower Launches Sparkler in a can
German Wine brand comes into the party scene with their latest launch - sparkling wine in a can, Black Tower Fizz.
Indian News
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Icons of Whisky Awards announced in India
Regional Icons from India for the coveted Icons of Whisky Awards, the world's highest accolade in spirits industry, were announced at a gala event at The ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Amongst the chosen winners were:
Lifetime Achievement Award - Vijay Mallya
Innovator of the Year- Moet Hennessy
Distiller of the Year - Pernod Ricard India (Pvt) Ltd
McDowell's Caesar in Karnataka
United Spirits Limited (USL) has opened its markets further to offer McDowell's Caesar's Genuine Grape Brandy, a premium category brandy in Karnataka. Caesar's Brandy will be available in a premium, flask-shaped green bottle for Rs 286 for 750 ml, Rs 143 for 375 ml and Rs 70 for 180 ml.
USL launch of Whyte and Mackay brands
United Spirits formally launches their Whyte and Mackay brand portfolio in India. The company expects to double its share in the Indian market in the next 2 years to 24 per cent. They also plan to launch Vladivar vodka and Glavya liqueur.
Jack Daniel's Mash Rock Finals
The 2nd Jack Daniel's Legendary Mash Rock Awards 2008 were held on 2nd February at Ministry of Sound, Delhi, The winning Indian rock group will participate in the final international in Tennessee in April 2008.
UB to sell Indian wines in France
The UB group is finally planning to sell Indian wines to the French, venturing into the world's wine capital with products made from the grapes of Baramati and Nashik.
India Wine Challenge 2008 Being Launched
The second edition of IWC was launched on February 27 at the Agni Bar, Hotel Park by Robert Joseph, Chairman of the IWC and founder of the International Wine Challenge.
Manufacturing norms for country liquor on the anvil
Country liquor, the cheapest form of alcoholic beverages, could soon give consumers a different kind of kick.In a first of its kind development, manufacturers of country liquor will soon have to adhere to standards almost similar to that of branded spirits. Read the Economic Times story
United Spirits to reintroduce lower-priced liquor brands
The largest liquor company in India by market share, United Spirits Ltd (USL), plans to reintroduce some of the lower-priced liquor brands it had stopped two years ago such as Kerala Malted Whisky, Vin, Majestic and the United series.
Peroni Nastro Azzuro Launched in Delhi
SABMiller India – India's second largest brewer and subsidiary of SABMiller Plc, has launched Peroni Nastro Azzurro - the world's No. 1 premium Italian beer in Delhi in February. Peroni Nastro Azzurro will now be available at select nightclubs, lounges and restaurants in Delhi.