Ogden's Own Distillery Releases Five Wives Vodka

Ogden's Own Distillery, announces the release of its latest creation: Five Wives Vodka.

Ogden's Own Distillery, makers of the award-winning Underground Herbal Spirit, is pleased to have its second product hitting the shelves today in the Utah market.

"This is a high-quality product at an affordable price," said Tim Smith of Ogden's Own Distillery. "Five Wives Vodka is the next step in creating a portfolio of products that pay homage to the heritage of the American West."

Five Wives Vodka is column distilled from a 50/50 blend of wheat and corn and filtered multiple times through active carbon. It is then blended with spring water from Ogden Canyon in Ogden, UT. 40% Alcohol by volume (80 proof).

Ogden's Own Distillery is a micro-distillery located in Ogden, UT. It is Ogden's first licensed distillery since the 1800's. Its first product, Underground, America's Herbal Spirit, captures the feeling of the rowdy, early days of Ogden. For more information see OgdensOwn.com.

About Underground Herbal Spirit: Underground has a kinship with some other recognizable products: Uzo, absinthe, Jagermeister-yet Underground has a distinct flavor of its own.

Weighing in at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof), Underground is an herbal bitter designed to be served as an ice-cold shot, but tastes smooth as a mixed shooter, on the rocks, and in any number of other blends.

Underground was awarded a prestigious "Double Gold" at the 2010 World Spirits Competition.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Morrissey Cover of Lou Reed Classic 'Satellite Of Love' Coming December 3rd

After Lou Reed died on October 27th, Morrissey revealed that a recording exists of the former Smiths frontman covering the Reed classic "Satellite of Love" at a 2011 Las Vegas concert, and that the song would be released as a single.

Now details have been announced regarding the release.

The single will be available for download on December 3rd.

Starting on January 28th, the song will also come on both picture-disc seven-inch and heavyweight 12-inch formats with extra tracks.

The vinyls will contain previously unreleased live versions of Morrissey's "All You Need Is Me," "Mama Lay Softly on the Riverbed," The Smiths' "Vicar in a Tutu" and a cover of Buzzcocks' "You Say You Don't Love Me" that he recorded in London's Hyde Park in 2008.

When he found out Reed had died, Morrissey remarked "He has been there all of my life. He will always be pressed to my heart. Thank God for those, like Lou, who move within their own laws, otherwise imagine how dull the world would be."

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Soraya Garre Brings a Touch of France to Hollywood

Despite the fact that her web series Oh la la, I Speak French! has become an important part of the online French learning community Soraya Garré discovered that having an accent repeatedly got in the way of her becoming a working actress in America. So, while a lot of foreign actors invest in dialogue coaches, Soraya decided to create the acting career she wanted. She explains: “I realized that if I celebrated being French instead of apologizing for it, it would allow me to stand out from the crowd in a crowded marketplace.” And her work definitely does.

Her award winning short, a romantic comedy, I’m Not an Accent, has been selected for the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival. Garré wrote the project, co-produced it with Celia Diane, and brought together a team of talented individuals to bring it to the screen. The comedy stars Ryan Daniel Dobson, with Sian Vilaire, Natalie Victoria and Danny Pardo in supporting roles.

I'm Not an Accent was directed by Dena Hysell, who explains why she fell in love with the script: "It is this very human story of someone trying to fit in, and not fitting in until she stops denying who she is." Soraya turned a personal story into one that actually speaks to a lot of people; she adds: “I knew that the story had to be told with humor and I knew it had to resonate on a much more universal level than just that of actors with accents in Hollywood." The result is a deliciously entertaining short with a simple but subtle message - being true to oneself is what truly matters.

Garré continues being true to herself with another project close to her heart, the educational web series, Oh la la, I Speak French! Turning tedious grammar lessons into comedic sketches, she has combined her many talents – teaching, writing, producing, directing and acting – to alluring effect. “I love acting, but - and this is an understatement! - it can get pretty self-absorbing if you let it! Education is a way for me to contribute and stay connected to a much wider community.”

Soraya, who also produces and records the French E!News show, is now finishing the script for the feature version of I’m Not an Accent. She recently took part in the Austin Film Festival, working with writers, and researching locations for her script. When asked what’s coming next, she says: “I plan to be making some appearances in American TV shows and feature films and to be shooting I’m Not an Accent in Texas in 2014.”

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Popularity of Some Flavored Vodkas Beginning to Taper Off

Restaurant Sciences LLC, an independent firm that closely tracks food and beverage product sales throughout the foodservice industry in North America, today reported that the sales of on-premise flavored vodkas fell 11.7 percent from Q3 2012 to Q3 2013. Analyzing more than 170 million drink orders, Restaurant Sciences learned that flavored vodkas lost nearly one percent of its on-premise spirits market share from Q3 2012 to Q3 2013.

"Flavored vodkas’ on-premise spirits market share peaked at 8.7 percent in Q3 2012," said Chuck Ellis, president and CEO of Restaurant Sciences LLC. "Since its peak, flavored vodkas have lost market share over the past 12 months to other flavored spirits, such as whiskey. A few select brands, such as Grey Goose Cherry Noir, up 11.6 percent, and Smirnoff Cranberry, up 19 percent, are still showing excellent growth. Despite the market softness in 2013, Restaurant Sciences has tracked the introduction of 46 new flavored vodkas since 2012."

Restaurant Sciences tracks more than 600 flavored vodka brands, with the Top 50 flavored vodkas accounting for 73 percent of sales. Among the larger brands, Absolut Citron, the flavored vodka category leader, saw a 1.8 percent year-over-year sales decline. While Grey Goose Cherry Noir flavored vodka is enjoying increased on-premise sales, all other Grey Goose flavored vodkas on-premise sales are off between eight to 20 percent. Other category leaders, such as Stolichnaya and Three Olives, are down more than 20 percent.

For more information see RestaurantSciences.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Purity of Vodka Meets the Character of Dark Spirits

“Absolut Amber has been crafted for those who are not afraid to break rules and are looking to engage their senses in a deeper encounter with Absolut,” say Mathias Westphal, Global Brand Director The Absolut Company.

Designed to challenge the convention of any occasion, from a relaxing evening with friends to the warm-up act for a busy night, Absolut Amber elevates an ordinary social moment into something extraordinary.

Created by a unique method of exposing Absolut to a variety of different oak types to produce oak barrel-aged spirits which is blended with oak macerated spirits. Absolut Amber has a natural amber color with a mellow and oaky taste while retaining the quality and smoothness of its original form. The result is an exceptional drinking experience that transcends the traditional distinction between white and dark spirits.

The key factor to the character of Absolut Amber is the carefully selected blend of Swedish, American and Bourbon oak spirits combined with oak macerated spirits.

“While experimenting with resting Absolut in oak, we explored various methods of barrel-aging, types of oak, and ways to use macerations, before landing on the perfect blend,” says Master Blender Per Hermansson.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Eat Drink and Learn the History of Vodka

Culinary Historians of New York and Astor Center present:

"Vodka Goes Global" with Patricia Herlihy

Monday, December 2, 2013

Vodka has been the staple drink in Slavic lands for at least 600 years and is inextricably bound to their culture. Clear but powerful, this distilled beverage not only supplied an alcoholic drink for celebrations, but also fueled the Russian and Soviet economies. These days, vodka is blamed for Russia's soaring death rates. So why has North America embraced this fascinating and versatile drink? And why has vodka overtaken America's own native drink, bourbon? How has vodka gone global?

Vodka distillers have packaged and pitched their product, just as consumers have come to define themselves through their choice of brands, and this packaging and branding reveals as much about vodka as it does about our own world. However vodka is drunk, whether straight, infused, flavored, or mixed, the history of vodka is a story of an old spirit transformed into the perfect postmodern drink. Mysterious in its origin, beguiling in its allure, vodka is a rising star.

Patricia Herlihy, Professor Emerita of History and currently Adjunct Professor at the Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University, is a specialist in Russian and Ukrainian history. She is the author of The Alcoholic Empire: Vodka and Politics in Late Imperial Russia (Oxford University Press), Odessa: A History, 1794-1914 (Harvard University Press), and Vodka: A Global History (Reaktion Books, 2012).

Ticket price includes vodka tasting and food prepared from vodka-inspired recipes.

Location: Astor Center
399 Lafayette Street (at East 4th St))
New York, NY 10003

Time: 6:30 pm Check-in and reception | 7:00 pm Lecture

For more information click here.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Pinnacle And Cinnabon Join Forces To Develop An Industry-First Vodka Innovation

Pinnacle Vodka, one of the leading imported premium vodka brands, together with Cinnabon, Inc., the maker of World Famous Cinnamon Rolls, have introduced a first-ever irresistible indulgence with Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka. The latest creation from Beam Inc. fuses the mouthwatering flavors of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls with Pinnacle Vodka's award-winning vodka to deliver the ultimate indulgent experience.

"Cinnabon has built a brand on irresistible aroma and taste, and Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka delivers that amazing flavor in a premium first-to-market vodka," said Bill Newlands, President North America, Beam Inc. "We're thrilled to partner with such a powerhouse consumer brand as Cinnabon, and we're confident this great-tasting vodka innovation will delight our consumers and bring an exciting new twist to the flavored vodka category."

Like all Pinnacle Vodka flavors, Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka brings legal drinking age consumers a surprising, never-tried-before premium spirit they will enjoy. Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka offers lip-smacking indulgence that combines the decadent flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar and rich cream cheese frosting with hints of caramel to create a taste reminiscent of warm, freshly-baked cinnamon rolls. At 70-proof, the product is smooth, five-times distilled and can be served chilled, on the rocks or mixed in festive cocktails at any brunch or get-together.

"As a brand that continually seeks out new opportunities and channels for our fans to enjoy our world famous treats and flavors, collaborating with an industry leading brand like Pinnacle Vodka and backed by spirits leader Beam is very exciting," said Kat Cole, President of Cinnabon, Inc. "We're delighted to have our favorite cinnamon roll flavor captured so perfectly within this premium spirit."

To get an exclusive taste of Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka, the I Want Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka Tour will be traveling nationwide delivering special sampling, where legal, of the new innovation during various brunch and happy hour soirees. Simply follow Pinnacle Vodka's Facebook page for locations and details.

Pinnacle Cinnabon Vodka will be available in select markets on December 1, 2013 and nationwide on January 1, 2014 for a suggested retail price of $12.99 for a 750ml bottle.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Diddy and CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka Score NBA Partnership

CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today introduced a multiyear marketing agreement and unveiled "The Toast of the NBA" campaign. This announcement heralds a larger partnership entered into with the NBA by Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business and parent company of CIROC. As part of the agreement CIROC Ultra Premium, led by Sean "Diddy" Combs, will take the lead to drive responsible celebration with NBA fans nationwide.

"I've been a fan of the NBA all my life and am excited to build a greater relationship for CIROC Vodka with this growing entertainment platform," said Sean "Diddy" Combs, who oversees all branding and marketing for CIROC. "Life is filled with moments of celebration and nothing brings people together in celebration quite like sports. With CIROC I hope to elevate these moments and help champion social responsibility among fans."

Combs and CIROC Vodka will work closely with the NBA throughout the season on and off the court to elevate key NBA lifestyle events such as NBA All-Star and the NBA Playoffs with fun and engaging social media programming, consumer sweepstakes and activations that bring to life what Combs calls the 'Art of Celebration.' The NBA will also work with CIROC to produce a series of public service announcements. The videos will feature NBA talent and will air across multiple media platforms throughout the season.

"Our new partnership with Diageo and CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka will elevate celebratory moments around our game and champion responsible decision making," said Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships. "We look forward to working with a company like Diageo, which has a long history of finding fun and engaging ways to promote responsibility to adults around the world."

Now that the league has tipped off an exciting new season, the makers of CIROC would like to remind fans around the world to celebrate responsibly. Whether you're watching the game from inside your local arena, at home or at a favorite bar or restaurant – if you are drinking, be sure to designate a driver, call a cab or take public transportation to get home safely.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Bar Refaeli Hosts MyCheck NYC Launch

MyCheck, the leading checkout app for restaurants and businesses, is celebrating the success of their New York City roll-out Thursday, November 21, 2013 at downtown hot spot VIP Room with music by DJ Jonny Famous. Cocktails will be provided by Svedka Vodka.

Hosting the event is Bar Refaeli, an investor of the company, best known for her appearance as the cover model of the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and as #1 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list of 2012 and recent GoDaddy Super Bowl XLVII commercial. Having fallen in love with the concept during its launch overseas, Bar is thrilled to be flying in from Israel on behalf of its success.

The brand has recently launched advertising campaigns including outdoor ads, online ads, and a Taxi TV commercial—featuring local comedian Fabrizio Goldstein, "The Fat Jew," and renowned DJ Jonny Famous—which has gained the attention of prominent influencers of the New York City nightlife scene. These influencers have already begun using the app at participating businesses.

MyCheck's long list of participating businesses in New York City is growing daily. Some of which include, but are not limited to, Michelin-starred restaurant Rouge Tomate—which targets a highly selective "foodie" crowd—Pera Mediterranean Brasserie—popular for Midtown corporate lunch —as well as the Aroma Espresso Bar chain's NY and NJ locations. The app is also accepted at spas, hair salons, nail salons, gyms, cigar shops, and more.

MyCheck has captured a broad spectrum of the hospitality sector in order to appeal to all New Yorkers, and is continuously proving to be more than just a trendy application, but rather an application that will permanently change the way consumers and restaurants interact.

More information on the app can be found at www.mycheckapp.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Waffle and Vodka Lovers Are Finally Heard

Love waffles?

Love vodka?

Then what could make more sense than to combine the two with waffle-flavored vodka?

This is no mere dream, oh waffle aficionado, for the good people at Georgi Vodka have created this very concoction. Originally crafted in honor of National Waffle Day, CEO Martin Silver declared that the four times distilled vodka "tastes just like waffles."

In addition to the vodka itself, the company has invented several waffle-inspired cocktails. One creation dubbed the "Waffle-Tini" comes with a mini waffle.

This brings new meaning to what Kurt Vonnegut called the Breakfast of Champions.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Devotion Vodka is First Vodka Brand Approved to Print Gluten-Free and No Added Sugar on Bottles

Driven by the continued growth of the gluten-free market, Devotion Spirits, Inc., maker of Devotion Vodka, the world’s first gluten-free, sugar-free and 100% Made in the USA flavored vodka family, has achieved a breakthrough milestone in the vodka/spirits category. The company today announced it is the first-ever vodka brand to be granted approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to have the words “Gluten-Free” printed on the bottle. Additionally, Devotion is the first and only vodka brand given permission to have “No Added Sugar” printed on the bottle.

Today, with gluten-free products representing a multi-billion dollar market, the ability to print “Gluten-Free” on the bottle is a major breakthrough for a small company like Devotion, which is battling the global brands for shelf space. The decision by the TTB not only helps meet the gluten-free demands of adult beverage consumers, but it adds immediate credibility to Devotion’s growth plans, as the company has also announced a full-brand roll-out to all 50 states starting in early 2014.

Available in five refreshing fruit flavors; Wild Cherry, Coconut, Blood Orange, Black and Blue and “The Perfect Cosmo,” along with the original, Devotion Vodka is quickly becoming a popular choice for guiltless specialty cocktails at home, and is the perfect alternative for adults who are more conscious about what they put in their body. Additionally, Devotion’s business continues to reach new heights, with current distribution at prominent National grocery retailers Whole Foods, Wegmans, Publix and Albertsons, major restaurant chains Applebee’s, Houlihan’s and Red Robin, and retail stores, restaurants and bars in several states.

“As the popularity of gluten-free and sugar-free products continues to surge, the ability to print ‘Gluten-Free’ on the bottle – a first in the vodka category – is a major point of differentiation for a small company competing with the marketing muscle of global brands,” said Drew Adelman, CEO, Devotion Vodka. “Approval from the TTB truly validates our product and our growth strategy.”

Devotion Vodka, which is 100% corn based, teamed up with Allen Flavors, the #1 Privately Owned Flavor Company and maker of Arizona Iced Tea, to develop a process of eliminating sugars as a flavoring agent in vodka. While many mass produced flavored vodkas available in the marketplace have been diluted by sugary flavoring agents, Devotion uses an essence process along with natural flavor compounds to ensure its flavored vodkas maintain sugar-free attributes. Devotion Vodka (SRP of $19.99) is available for purchase at retail stores, restaurants and bars in several states, with distribution expanding throughout the U.S. For more information and delicious drink recipes, visit DevotionVodka.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Bill Murray and Mikhail Baryshnikov Endorse Slovenia Vodka

Slovenia Vodka has not one, but two celebrity endorsements: actor and comedian Bill Murray and famed choreographer and ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. The vodka is made with buckwheat and water sourced directly from the Slovenian Alps and just launched in select markets around the country.

Internationally acclaimed comedian Bill Murray first gained national attention in the USA with his Emmy Award winning performances on Saturday Night Live; and then went on to appear in some of the funniest and best-known films of all time. He received Best Actor Golden Globes for Ghostbusters and The Royal Tenenbaums as well as a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for Lost in Translation. He has appeared in dozens of films, including his recent release, Moonrise Kingdom, and his Golden Globe nominated performance as President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park on Hudson released in December 2012.

Bill was the cover story in the January 2013 issue of GQ, in an article entitled, “That’s Right! Bill Freakin’ Murray, This Guy Could Be President.” It’s a sentiment shared by his fans worldwide. The internet has countless “Bill Murray Sightings” and “Bill Murray Stories” owing to his well deserved reputation for showing up in unexpected places, unannounced, with a tap on the shoulder, a “guess who,” and a quick “no one will ever believe you” before disappearing.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Experience Russia, China, India and More By Rail with Vodkatrain

Experience the Trans Mongolian Railway and the Silk Road across Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakstan, Uzbekistan and India at ground level, travelling with the locals, experiencing the cities with a local Honcho, eating out and getting around at local prices.

Vodkatrain takes the traditional ideas of group travel (regimented meal times, enforced sightseeing and following strange people holding umbrellas aloft) and gives them a hearty kick up the backside. We prefer to think of it as a collection of young (we run the classic 18-35 age bracket), like-minded individuals who happen to be following the same itinerary. We hope you'll enjoy the company of your fellow travellers, but we make no guarantees!

Vodkatrain sets itself apart from others because there is no 'Tour Leader' or 'Road Crew' to lead the way, but a local Honcho at each city stop. With no set activities you can choose to do your own thing, or hang out with the Honcho and do the group thing. They don't take you to their cousin's brother's uncle's carpet shop, just the places you ask to see or the ones they'd love to show you.

En-route you simply travel on trains between cities as any local or foreign traveller would, and meet a new Honcho at each city stop. You have the benefit of being with a small group (max 15) but none of the restrictions that a tour, with its fixed daytime schedule, might bring, and none of the hassles of making hotel and sightseeing/activity arrangements. It's a nifty combination of backpacking and small group travel at budget do-it-yourself prices, with some priceless info from our local legends thrown in!

Vodkatrain is your support network - providing accommodation, transport, transfers en-route and local Honchos to help you get the most out of your stay. You decide what you want to see, you decide what you want to eat, you decide what you want to experience and you pay the much cheaper local price for everything you do. Whatever your destination it's an unforgettable hassle free journey, with company (and a company) you can have fun with.

To learn more, see vodkatrain.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Relive Good Times with Mixhibit, the First Collaborative Video Storytelling App

Today The Smirnoff Co., maker of the world's number one vodka, announces the global launch of the Mixhibit app, the groundbreaking new tool that blends users' best moments captured on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter into a one-of-a-kind video. Available now at the iTunes Store and Google Play and rolling out to more than 25 markets this fall, the Mixhibit app is the first app to enable collaborative storytelling by pulling content from both users and their friends' social networks, creating an easy way for people to relive shared experiences.

"We understand the importance of connecting physical experiences to the digital realm," said Michelle Klein, Vice President of Smirnoff global marketing. "Mixhibit is a tool enabling people to relive their experiences on social media, in a real time, unique and simple way."

Mixhibit was created in partnership with digital agency Profero. The development team turned to Smirnoff's community, including 10 million Facebook fans, to beta test Mixhibit starting in March 2013. Over the past several months, the company brought the app to various events and elicited feedback online and through partnering music artists to gain insight into what people wanted from the Mixhibit experience. The end result is an easy to use and innovative new app co-created with the Smirnoff community.

"Mixhibit is a fantastic way to connect with my fans," said Paul van Dyk, renowned global DJ and Mixhibit App beta tester. "It's no longer just a picture or a post – I'm telling a story through these videos in a cool, easy way; one that my friends and fans are interested in watching."

In a digital age where good times rarely happen without a phone in hand, the Mixhibit app provides a seamless way for people to "show and tell." The creation process is put into the hands of users of legal drinking age, as they select photos and status updates and choose, based on mood or genre, a track from the app's library, which will include more than 10,000 songs, to create their video. Given the option to pull from their friends' social streams, for the first time users can incorporate different perspectives into their Mixhibit videos to tell a collective group story.

Whether connecting with friends or their favorite artists, the Mixhibit app is a platform to tell and share stories, supporting the brand's mission to bridge offline and online spaces. Following the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project and Smirnoff Midnight Circus, the Mixhibit app is the brand's newest way to bring people together to responsibly celebrate good times with friends.

The Smirnoff Co. will continue turning to fans for feedback to inform future updates, ensuring the Mixhibit app continues to deliver an experience people are involved in creating and excited to participate in.

The Mixhibit app can be downloaded at the iTunes Store and Google Play.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Austin Cocktails Brings Craftsmanship to Low Calorie Cocktail Genre

This fall, Austin Cocktails, an ultra premium, ready-to-serve, low calorie cocktail line, comes to Austin and fills a void in the cocktail market by bringing craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients to the ready-to-serve alcohol category. The company enters the market at a time when beer and wine sales across the industry continue to plateau or decline amidst rapid growth in spirits and mixed cocktails. Austin Cocktails reflect a broadening demand for natural flavors, no refined sugars, and low calorie drinks that provide an alternative to low calorie, premium beer or wine.

The family-owned line of artisanal, low-calorie beverages blends six-times distilled, premium vodka, fresh herbs, all natural fruit juices and organic agave nectar into innovative and balanced drinks that are light, intricate and made up of ingredients sourced from all over the world. Four varieties of meticulously developed Austin Cocktails – the Cucumber Vodka Mojito, Paradise Found, Tea Twister and Vodkarita – can be found in Austin-area stores and other select locations in Texas. The beverage line also was released in San Francisco and the Bay Area in summer 2013.

Austin Cocktails founders, sisters and Texas-natives, Jill Burns and Kelly Gasink, spent two years developing the cocktail line, leveraging their knowledge of where big drink companies cut corners and small businesses innovate. While most beverage companies develop products in one to three months and use one or two ingredient suppliers, Burns and Gasink tasted hundreds of flavors and ingredients from all over the world to find the ideal combination of natural ingredients and fresh flavors for the Austin Cocktails line. Austin Cocktails feature artisanal blends that deliver the experience of crafted cocktails and the freshness of a farmer’s market within a bottle while eliminating all refined sugars and non-natural substitutes from the recipes.

“The ingredients that resonated with us the most were the ones that were natural and tasted as if they came straight out of the garden or fresh off the vine and delivered all facets of the ingredient,” Burns said. “Finding natural cucumber flavors that incorporate the earthiness of the rind, not just the juicy inside or mint leaves that retain their leafy green notes, but not stripped of their beautiful essential oils. This type of discrimination and craftsmanship sets us apart from others in the ready-to-serve genre.”

At $14.99 for a wine-sized bottle that includes over six cocktails, the ready-to-serve craft cocktail line has made light, artisanal cocktails a reality for those looking for a quick, delicious and easy alternative to the light beer or wine often served at home or at dinner parties. Austin Cocktails have been the drink of choice at events ranging from the high-profile San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Dinner at the Four Seasons, Hamptons Designer Showcase, and Napa Valley Film Festival, to tailgates, concerts and other hip events in Austin and West Texas. “The people who are drinking these cocktails would not traditionally buy ready-to-serve cocktails, and it shows that we are offering something in the category that hasn't been seen until now,” said Gasink. “With innovations in flavors and sugars, we believe the time is right to reinvigorate the RTS category.”

Since entering the market, Austin Cocktails has received the support of a number of high-profile beverage experts. Industry great and 20-year beverage veteran Bob Lachky, former Chief Creative Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Industry of Anheuser-Busch, joined the Austin Cocktails advisory board. Bump Williams, one of the beer, wine and spirits industry’s most respected trend experts and legendary beverage alcohol authority, also is a member of the Austin Cocktails advisory board.

Though just coming to market, Austin Cocktails already has been well received at industry events. At the Beverly Hills World Spirits Competition in July, Austin Cocktails won two gold and two bronze awards for taste, and a bronze medal for packaging. In Texas, Austin Cocktails is represented by Republic National Distributing Company.

Learn more at: austincocktails.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Ocean Vodka Launches New Craft Distillery on Maui

For more than seven years, the Smith Family has worked diligently to bring their special Ocean Vodka from the Island of Maui to the far reaches of the world. The opening of a new craft distillery for public tours and tastings on their 80-acre organic farm is a dream come true for the family’s mission: to create a superior, organic, value-added agricultural product from Hawaii that supports the local economy, competes globally on quality, operates with environmental responsibility and raises awareness for oceanic conservation.

More than five thousand visitors from around the world have toured the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Craft Distillery in Kula since the April Grand Opening, and the reviews have been excellent. Located a short drive from Maui’s Kahului International Airport, Ocean Vodka is produced about 1,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, with breathtaking panoramic views of the North and South Shores of Maui, the West Maui Mountains and 10,000 ft. Mount Haleakala. Ocean Vodka is the only spirit in the world distilled from organically farmed sugar cane, blended with deep ocean mineral water and powered by the sun. Certified USDA Organic and 100% gluten-free, Ocean Vodka uses a proprietary column distillation process to produce an ultra-clean, award-winning spirit. This pure refined spirit is blended with deep ocean mineral water, sourced from a depth of 3,000 feet off the Kona Coast of the Big Island, to make Ocean Vodka. Minerals Calcium, magnesium and potassium, which naturally occur in ocean water, give Ocean Vodka a unique, mineral-rich flavor found in no other vodka. These minerals create a pleasant, distinctive taste and enhance flavors when Ocean Vodka is mixed with fresh juices.

Tours of the Ocean Vodka Farm and Craft Distillery include: sustainable and organic farming practices through abundant fields of organic sugar cane; a local history of Hawaii sugar cane farming with species identification; Organic spirits distillation with state-of-the-art equipment, including a 60-foot tall column still; and Green manufacturing processes in a 6,000 square foot solar-powered bottling center. The Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery utilizes solar panels to power 100% of the operations of the distillery and facility. The sugar cane is organically farmed on rich, volcanic soils without the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides, and mature sugar cane stalks are hand-harvested for processing. The Martini Garden, a garden designed specifically for martini lovers, highlights fresh, local ingredients such as Kula lavender, local citrus, passion fruit, pineapple and strawberries.

“Our farm experience gives people an opportunity to learn about organic farming and sustainable production from a business that is expanding internationally,” says CEO Shay Smith. “Our tours add a special agritourism dimension to the traditional Hawaii vacation. People come to Maui from all over the world and discover the refreshing taste of Ocean Vodka. We are proud to be producing one of the most unique and highest quality vodkas in the world.”

Since inception in 2005, Ocean Vodka has given a portion of proceeds to oceanic preservation and conservation causes, such as Oceana and Surfrider Foundation. The suggested retail price for Ocean Vodka is $32.99. For more information about Ocean Vodka, please contact Don Freytag at don@oceanvodka.com or call 502-599-4607. The suggested retail price for Ocean Vodka is $32.99. For more information on Ocean Vodka, please contact Don Freytag at don@oceanvodka.com or call 502-599-4607.

The Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Craft Distillery is easily reached from Maui’s international Kahului Airport as well as the island’s world-famous resorts. To schedule a tour, please email Shonna Pinheiro at Shonna@OceanVodka.com or call 808-877-0009 or 866-77-OCEAN (866-776-2326). For more information, visit www.oceanvodka.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Absolut Vodka Announces the Redesign of Its Flavor Range

ABSOLUT® is proud to announce striking new designs for its range of flavored vodkas. True to the brand’s creative heritage, the vibrant new designs bypass design conventions to artistically express the core essence of each flavor.

“Our new design depicts the product’s flavor essence through something that is core to ABSOLUT’s DNA: contemporary art. We're breaking the convention that literal fruit imagery must be used to communicate what’s inside the bottle,” says Afdhel Aziz, Brand Director for ABSOLUT, Pernod Ricard USA. “This is an incredibly dramatic change for ABSOLUT and a great transformation for our flavor range. As the pioneer of the flavored vodka segment, we are thrilled to share our new packaging with the world.”

After interpreting each flavor’s essence, designers worked to elevate these impressions into premium, contemporary and progressive art. The design for ABSOLUT Pears started with the fruit’s symbolic association with longevity and purity, and arrived at an abstract pear shape resembling the symbol for eternity. For ABSOLUT Raspberri, the emotion of love and passion is intensified through the abstract expressionist technique of throwing paint. The same artistic process was repeated across the entire flavor portfolio.

Bringing an artistic approach to the redesign of its flavor range is in line with ABSOLUT’s deep roots in the art world. Since 1985, when the ABSOLUT Vodka bottle appeared in the first art ad, ABSOLUT has been making art part of its consumers’ experience.

“This is an exciting time for ABSOLUT,” says Jonas Tåhlin, VP Global Marketing at The ABSOLUT Company. “While most flavored vodkas look more or less the same, we are bringing a full range of innovative designs to market. Artistic, modern and unlike anything else around, we believe they will reinforce our position as creative leader.”

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Devotion Vodka CEO Drew Adelman Named Mixologist for Celebrity Taste Makers TV Show

Devotion Spirits, Inc., maker of Devotion Vodka, the world’s first gluten-free, sugar-free and 100% Made in the USA flavored vodka family, today announced that CEO Drew Adelman will appear as the weekly “master mixologist” on Celebrity Taste Makers, a weekly TV show that airs on PIX 11 in New York and New Jersey at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Adelman joins two-time Emmy nominated host Lisa Mateo for a new cocktail segment, “The Shakedown,” to create “smart” sugar-free and gluten-free martinis and cocktails.

Adelman’s “The Shakedown” segment will debut on Saturday, October 5, and he will serve as the mixologist for all Shakedown segments throughout the season. The first show, which was shot at Indulge at Pier Village in Long Branch, N.J., will incorporate how to make the “Perfect Cosmo.” As part of the segment, Adelman will demonstrate the intricacies of making some classic cocktails, while introducing some exciting new creations that incorporate Devotion Vodka’s line-up of six refreshing flavors. In fact, many of the cocktails created will complement meals featured on Celebrity Taste Makers.

Adelman’s participation on Celebrity Taste Makers coincides with Devotion Vodka’s launch of “Cosmos Against Cancer…Devoted to a Cure,” a month-long charity campaign in support of the fight to eradicate breast cancer. Devotion will donate proceeds from every bottle of its “Perfect Cosmo” flavored vodka sold (both on-premise and off-premise) throughout the month of October to the Pink & Bloom Foundation, a 501c3 organization committed to raising funds for cancer research and advocacy programs.

Today, with gluten-free products being one of the strongest growth categories in the food and beverage industry, and as the demand for sugar-free alternatives continues to rise, Devotion Vodka offers a premium, lower calorie flavored vodka option. Geared toward image-conscious men and women who live active lifestyles, viewers will experience how they can indulge in Devotion’s new smooth-tasting flavored vodkas.

Devotion Vodka, which is 100% corn based, teamed up with Allen Flavors, the #1 Privately Owned Flavor Company and maker of Arizona Iced Tea, to develop a process of eliminating sugars as a flavoring agent in vodka. Many mass produced flavored vodkas available in the marketplace have been diluted by sugary flavoring agents. In lieu of sugar, Devotion uses an essence process along with natural flavor compounds to ensure its flavored vodkas maintain sugar-free attributes. Devotion Vodka (SRP of $19.99) is available for purchase at retail stores, restaurants and bars in several states, with distribution expanding throughout the U.S. For more information and delicious drink recipes, visit www.devotionvodka.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Double Cross Vodka Partners with Four Seasons

Double Cross Vodka has partnered with Four Seasons to bring guests and local patrons truly remarkable culinary and cocktail experiences. The program includes a unique branded Four Seasons Food Truck, celebrity-hosted tasting dinners and monthly tastings featuring signature Double Cross cocktails and tasty food samples.

“As a leader in the ultra-premium vodka segment, we seek to partner with other best-in-class brands,” said Double Cross CEO and Founder Dr. Malcolm M. Lloyd. “Four Seasons is known world-wide for their incredible guest experiences and beautiful properties. We are honored to partner with them on these projects.”

The Food Truck hit the road this fall and toured eight destinations, traveling more than 1,000 miles across New Mexico, Arizona and California. Culinary and mixology teams from Four Seasons properties along the way created special menus and cocktails like the Double Ruby, The Duplicity and the Hibiscus Julip reflecting the locale.

“We are constantly seeking out innovative experiences for our guests and local patrons to enjoy,” said Christopher B. Hunsberger, Executive Vice President, Global Product and Innovation. “By partnering with Double Cross Vodka, we are finding new ways to deliver on quality and fun and to express the intrinsic value in our respective brands.”

The celebrity dinner concept kicked off late this summer at Four Seasons Hotel Denver with an evening hosted by LPGA star Cristie Kerr. The night included signature Double Cross cocktails and a full tasting dinner. Also started this summer was a series of martini nights at the Bristol Lounge in Four Seasons Hotel Boston. The first included a collaboration between Four Seasons Chef Brooke Vosika and Double Cross Culinary Ambassador Chef Ming Tsai. Each month, two new Double Cross cocktails are created by the talented Bristol bar staff and are served at a sampling night and then featured for the month on their cocktail menu.

About Double Cross Vodka

Double Cross Vodka is small-batch distilled in the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia. Seven-times distilled and seven-times filtered, each batch is made with estate-grown winter wheat and pure mountain spring water drawn from aquifers located 200 feet below ground level. It received a rare 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and was the first vodka to ever win gold medals for both taste and bottle design at the World Spirits Competition. In 2012 Double Cross received a prestigious “Rising Star” award from the Beverage Information Group.

Double Cross Vodka is available throughout the United States and in Ontario, Canada. You can find the brand in more than 5,000 locations including these national chains in the U.S.: Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Mastro’s Steakhouse, The Palm, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, David Burke restaurants, Scarpetta, Hakkasan and The Disney properties. In the U.S. it retails for $39.99 for a 750 ml bottle, and contains 40 percent alcohol by volume. Double Cross Vodka is the flagship brand of Old Nassau Imports (ONI). Learn more at doublecrossvodka.com.

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 92 properties in 38 countries, and more than 60 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Pinnacle Vodka Brings Back Pumpkin Pie Flavor In Time For Fall

Pinnacle® Vodka, the fast-growing, award-winning premium vodka brand in the Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) spirits portfolio and third largest imported vodka brand in the United States, has introduced its latest flavor innovations just in time for the fall and winter sipping season— Caramel Apple, Peachberry Cobbler, Pecan Pie and Salted Caramel, along with limited edition delight Peppermint Bark. The newest flavor innovations join Pinnacle Vodka's portfolio of more than 30 flavors, led by the brand's flagship Unflavored Vodka which was recently awarded the Vodka Trophy for being the highest rated vodka in a blind taste test at the highly regarded 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).

"Pinnacle Vodka is dedicated to developing unique, indulgent flavors that create an element of fun and nostalgia for our adult consumers," said Jason Dolenga, Senior Brand Director Vodka, Beam Inc. "Offering an innovative twist on classic fall and winter desserts, our new flavors bring the festivity to the season."

Each of Pinnacle Vodka's latest flavor creations is five times distilled and offer a smooth, premium taste at 70-proof. Whether served chilled, on the rocks or mixed in festive cocktails, Pinnacle Vodka's newest innovations are the perfect accessory or gift at any Halloween, Thanksgiving, or winter holiday party.

Pinnacle Peppermint Bark joins Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie, which made its successful debut last fall, as a limited release addition to the vodka portfolio while supplies last. Peppermint Bark has a delicious mint flavor that blends white and dark chocolate creamy notes with a refreshing peppermint finish. Pumpkin Pie, returning for the second year, offers the rich taste of pumpkin blended with the smooth, spicy flavor of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a delectable dollop of whipped cream.

Pinnacle Caramel Apple creates a taste reminiscent of freshly picked tart green apples covered in buttery caramel, leaving a crisp, smooth finish on the palate.

Pinnacle Peachberry Cobbler delights taste buds with fruity notes of freshly baked peach cobbler, hints of berry and buttery pie crust garnished with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla.

Pinnacle Pecan Pie evokes a taste of sweet, nutty pie crust with mouthwatering flavors of maple syrup, pecans, caramelized sugar and vanilla.

Pinnacle Salted Caramel offers a salty yet sweet, creamy caramel combination.

For a festive and indulgent holiday experience, try one of the below cocktail recipes. To keep the party going, visit the Pinnacle Vodka Facebook recipe page for a full list of cocktail recipes mixed with the new innovations:

Apple Harvest
1 ½ parts Pinnacle® Caramel Apple Vodka
2 parts cranberry apple cider
¼ part fresh lemon
¼ part maple syrup
Serve in a highball glass with champagne floater. Garnish with sliced red apples.


Autumn Ale
1 part Pinnacle® Salted Caramel Vodka
3 parts Ginger Ale
Build in order over ice in a highball glass. Optional Lemon wedge or twist garnish.


Wintry Delight
2 parts Pinnacle® Pecan Pie Vodka
1 part DeKuyper® Buttershots® Schnapps
1 part Half & Half
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a half‐moon orange wheel on the rim.

Minty Mistletoe
1 ½ parts Pinnacle® Peppermint Bark Vodka
¼ part DeKuyper® Creme de Cocoa Dark Liqueur
1 ½ parts black coffee
½ part heavy cream
Stir ingredients in mug. Top with whipped cream or marshmallow and garnish with crumbled peppermint bark.

Caramel Apple, Peachberry Cobbler, Pecan Pie, Peppermint Bark, Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Pie are all available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $12.99 for a 750ml bottle. These new flavor introductions follow the launch of Rainbow Sherbet and Strawberry Shortcake earlier this year. To find a store or recipe, please visit www.pinnaclevodka.com, "LIKE" Pinnacle Vodka on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @PinnacleVodka.

Offering consumers a premium liquid at an affordable price point, the Pinnacle Vodka line features its award-winning Unflavored variant, its biggest selling single offering in the line, and more than 30 delicious flavors, including the Pinnacle line of Whipped® vodkas. Pinnacle's flagship Unflavored vodka recently beat out more than 100 vodkas from all over the world to take home the Vodka Trophy and earn the only Gold Outstanding award in the category at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Poland's Biggest Vodka Producer Eyes Bulgaria's Market

Vodka maker Stock Spirits, the British-based firm, which is the biggest vodka producer in Poland and the Czech Republic, plans to enter the Bulgarian market.

Stock Spirits, whose drinks range from high-end Polish vodka Czysta de Luxe to fruit-flavored liqueurs and Spanish brandies, is also considering expansion in Ukraine and Serbia.

The company was established in 2007 when Oaktree merged Czech business stock with its Polish counterpart Polmos Lublin, which the private equity group had acquired a year earlier.

Bulgaria has a total of 85 registered manufacturers of alcohol, and 49 of the companies are allowed to produce vodka, shows a report of the Ministry of Economy, published earlier this year.

Vodka was the best-selling alcoholic drink in the country in 2012, when sales totaled 9.6 million liters.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Breeders’ Cup Form Marketing Partnership for World Championships

The Breeders’ Cup, the most prestigious international event in Thoroughbred racing and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, a Made in U.S.A. Certified vodka brand,, have joined forces in a new marketing partnership for this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, it was announced today.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 races and purses and awards totaling $27 million, will be held on Friday, November 1 and Saturday November 2 at Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Calif., outside Los Angeles. The Breeders’ Cup, which will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group, with the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic shown live and in primetime on NBC, is an annual gathering of stars from the worlds of Hollywood entertainment, business, sports and celebrities from all walks of life, and held for the next two years at Santa Anita Park, one of America’s most iconic sports venues.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, an Austin-based company, is one of the fastest growing micro distilleries in the United States. The handcrafted spirit earned a unanimous Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it was awarded a score of 95 by Wine Enthusiast for its impeccable purity and clean taste. Tito's Handmade Vodka is the personal recipe of founder and master distiller, Tito Beveridge.

As a part of the agreement, Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be the preferred vodka at the Breeders’ Cup and the featured brand at the high end luxury locations at Santa Anita, including the Trophy Lounge, Chandelier Room and the Marquee Suites on the track apron. Tito’s Handmade Vodka will also be served exclusively at the Taste of the World reception, hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, on Friday evening November 1 at the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, and at the Finish Line Party on Saturday evening at the Langham hotel. Tito’s Handmade Vodka will also be the exclusive vodka at all Breeders’ Cup official hospitality locations.

Tito has also crafted the official drink of the Breeders’ Cup, The Classic. The ingredients are as follows:

1.5oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka

.5oz St. Germaine

1.5oz Fresh grapefruit juice

Top with Club Soda

Served on the rocks

“When it comes to partnering with top brands on the cutting edge of ‘what’s now’ in sports, entertainment and lifestyle, there are few that can match Tito’s,” said Drew Sheinman, Breeders’ Cup Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. “We are extremely excited that Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and a great promoter and entrepreneur in Tito Beveridge himself, will be a part of the Breeders’ Cup experience and a terrific leveraged asset in our business building relationships. Our event is a perfect complement to the fun, excitement and excellence exemplified by Tito’s.

"We are so excited to be a part of the Breeders' Cup, the most prestigious day in international horse racing. It's an honor for a homegrown spirit like ours to be invited to be a part of the best of the best, and we are really looking forward to showcasing our signature cocktail to what we hope will be many new fans,” said Tito Beveridge.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Polish Supermodel Joanna Krupa A Fan of Sobieski Vodka

As demonstrated in the picture above, Polish supermodel Joanna Krupa is a big fan of Sobieski vodka. And what could be more fitting?

Not only was Krupa born in Warsaw, Poland but she is married to nightclub owner Romain Zago.

Sobieski Vodka is produced in Poland from rye (Dankowski Rye). It is named after Jan III Sobieski, a 17th-century Polish king and military leader. Sobieski has been distilled since 1864. It comes in variety of flavours such as: Original (Red label), Peach, Mandarin, Vanilla, Melon, etc. The red label flavour has 40% ABV.

In the Fall of 2007, Sobieski Vodka was ranked as the #1 vodka by the Beverage Tasting Institute, based on a blind tasting of 108 different vodkas. Proof66.com, which aggregates ratings from the Beverage Testing Institute and other spirit ratings organizations, places Sobieski in the top 90th percentile of all vodkas.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Absolut Vodka Pays Homage To The Windy City

Just like the city of its namesake, ABSOLUT® CHICAGO is a true modern classic. Fused with olive and rosemary flavor, ABSOLUT® CHICAGO is perfect for many of the city’s favorite cocktails, including martinis, bloody marys and lemonade simple serve. ABSOLUT® Chicago is packaged in a specially-designed bottle, whose design was crowdsourced through a partnership with the Chicago-based design community, Threadless.

Over 170 designs were submitted and over 156,000 votes cast for the unique canvas on the limited-edition bottle. Ross Bruggink, 26, describes his winning design as a “stylized cityscape incorporating architectural and iconic elements of Chicago.”

“ABSOLUT® CHICAGO is a product of creativity and collaboration,” said Maxime Kouchnir, Vice President, Vodkas, Pernod Ricard USA. “By putting the bottle design in the hands of artists, ABSOLUT® CHICAGO inspired hundreds of people to express their creativity through an unexpected canvas.”

ABSOLUT® CHICAGO is the seventh flavor in the US brand’s city-inspired flavor portfolio, which launched in 2007 with the introduction of ABSOLUT® NEW ORLEANS, a flavor reminiscent of the Big Easy. Each year since, ABSOLUT has introduced the following US limited-edition flavors – ABSOLUT® LOS ANGELES in 2008, ABSOLUT® BOSTON in 2009, ABSOLUT® BROOKLYN in 2010, and ABSOLUT® SF in 2011 and ABSOLUT® MIAMI in 2012.

ABSOLUT® CHICAGO is now available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $19.99. For more information about this new modern classic, visit www.absolut.com/chicago.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Vodka and Whisky Conquer Brazilian Spirits Market

Vodka and whisky are slowly conquering the hearts of Brazilian drinkers, leading them away from traditional spirits cachaça and brandy, and the trend looks set to continue.

Whisky is expected to grow by 1.2m nine-litre cases between 2013 and 2018, while vodka will grow by 2.6m cases, according to the recently released IWSR Forecast Report 2013-2018. At the same time, brandy and cachaça will lose nearly 4.7m cases between them. Overall, the spirits market will remain fairly flat over the forecast period, thanks to additional growth from tequila, rum and liqueurs.

Over the last five years (2008-2012) consumption of cachaça in Brazil has fallen by 12.5m cases, while brandy has declined by nearly 1.3m. Vodka has grown by 3m cases in the same period, reaching a total of 8.5m cases in 2012. Whisky has also grown strongly, adding 1.5m cases to the market since 2008.

Brandy (referred to locally as conhaque) is failing to attract new consumers and a narrowing price gap between conhaque and imported spirits is making trading up easier. Whisky, in particular Scotch whisky, remains the ultimate status signal for Brazil’s aspirational middle class.

Vodka is becoming increasingly fashionable in clubs and bars. The famous caipirinha is losing its grip as the caiprioska cocktail, made with vodka, is fast becoming the drink of choice, to the extent that when ordering a caipirinha, the traditional cachaça cocktail, barmen are asking whether to pour one with cachaça or vodka.

Local cachaça volumes will certainly continue their downward trend over the next five years, but the emergence of its developing premium-and-above segments will aid a recovery of sorts in value terms. Furthermore, producers are hoping to take advantage of the marketing opportunities of the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympic Games to promote the spirit around the world.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.