High-end whiskeys are tops in Impact’s “Hot Prospects” spirits awards, the Hot Prospect wines include some newcomers, and bourbon’s popularity is creating supply problems for bourbon makers. [level-members]
Brown goods dominate the Hot Prospects spirits awards, with 3 bourbons, 2 single-malt scotches, two Canadian whiskies and an Irish whiskey accounting for more than a third of the list. (To make the list, a brand has to post a minimum 15% growth in 2013 while also having shown steady growth in the two prior years. Sales volume must also be at least 50,000 cases for the year.
On the wine side, the brands Impact expects to lead the charge in the market include Hahn Winery, Trinchero’s Seaglass and Napa Cellars, Bronco’s Green Fin, Beam Suntory’s Skinnygirl, E&J Gallo’s Bridlewood and Carnivor, Terlato’s Seven Daughters, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers’ Line 39, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Delicato Family Vineyards’ Irony and Handcraft, The Wine Group’s Cocobon and King Estate Winery’s Acrobat.
Imported wines winning the award include Quintessential Wines’ Valentin Bianchi, New Age and Bodegas Muriel; TGIC Importers’ Bodegas Norton; Palm Bay International’s Lunetta Prosecco; Treasury Wine Estates’ Matua; Latitude Beverage Co.’s 90+ Cellars; Winebow’s Tilia, Constellation’s Diseño and Ruffino Prosecco, Zonin USA’s Primo Amore and the namesake brand of Gerard Bertrand.
Bourbon lovers seeking out age-statement whiskey are going to have a harder time finding it, and are going to pay more for it when they do find it. Bourbon’s increased popularity is leading to a shortage of product and forcing some distillers to drop their older bottlings as stores are run through. Distillers are also considering adding production.
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