In this latest round of distribution news, we check in with caffeinated cocktails Bold Move Beverages and NightOwl Martini, newcomer Lodestar Whiskey, and flavored tequila Madam Paleta.
With Aim To Own Coffee and Alcohol, NightOwl Martini Hits Two New New States
After making its debut last year in New York, Florida and New Jersey, NightOwl’s canned espresso martinis have increased availability across the Garden State and are launching across Connecticut and Nashville, Tennessee. The brand has aligned with distributors Allied Beverage Group (NJ), Brescome Barton (CT) and BountyBev (TN).
In Connecticut, the brand will be landing in all 13 BevMax stores in the market, Total Wine & More and Stew Leonards. In Tennessee, the brand has demand from high-volume on-premise retailers, according to co-founder Charlie Grace.
“We have some key relationships and an understanding of these particular markets so they were immediately attractive to us,” he said. “Combine that with being able to ink deals with several amazing regional distributor partners, we believe we’re well poised to be successful across these states, and look forward to future state expansion later this year.
The brand, which offers tequila and vodka SKUs, will support each of these markets with a marketing campaign focused on regional press, event sponsorships, targeted digital advertising, sampling events and point of sale merchandising. Grace was recently on stage at the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America Access Live Brand Battle where he shared his goal to “own the coffee and alcohol space,” as well as make an imprint in the Northeast.
Bold Move Beverages Lands in Total Wine & More
Whiskey and cold brew “Cold Brooze” cocktail landed at five Total Wine & More locations
across Texas right in time for the holidays, leading the startup to its best sales month on record.
The Austin-based company was one of the first independent whiskey and cold brew brands, balancing the beverage at 6% ABV and 120 milligrams of caffeine as to be more of a coffee replacement for consumers in a young, socially vibrant city.
Since 2022 Bold Move has been pushing into the rest of Texas while still working to raise a seed round. In the meantime, founder Jacob Guss has brought on a new brand ambassador as well Judson Kauffman, co-founder of sotol Desert Door, as a member to his advisory board. In 2023, Guss said he prioritized getting on the shelves of liquor stores, but will be pursuing a more balanced approach into the on-premise over the next year.
Madam Paleta Pushes Into Texas
After making progress in its pilot market of College Station, Texas, flavored-infused tequila Madam Paleta is launching statewide with RNDC.
The female-founded and focused brand debuted late last year with the goal of creating an approachable and quality tequila infused with natural flavors inspired by Mexican paletas (popsicles).
Launching with Grapefruit, Pineapple and Tamarind expressions, the tequila taken a 20% share of the entire blanco tequila category, and over 92% of the flavor infused tequila category, in its pilot market during its first month (September), according to the founders. Madam Paleta has also secured partnerships with female sports league Athletes Unlimited, and Texas A&M University (TAMU) Athletics where their partnership assets focus on female sports. Their first influencer, Kennedy Smith, is also a former TAMU hurdler.
The founders plan to continue their neighborhood-by-neighborhood and on-premise growth strategy as it expands into the state, and as of December has partnered with ReserveBar for e-commerce sales.
Lodestar Whiskey Makes Debut in CA
The first release from Diageo-backed drinks accelerator Distill Ventures in a while, Lodestar Whiskey is available in select retail and boutique locations in California and online across the U.S. beginning this month. The unconventional blend of straight high rye bourbon and American single malt is positioned as versatile enough for a cocktail or as a sipper.
Lodestar, which is part of DV’s Pre-Accelerator Program (aimed at unlocking funding for underrepresented founders) comes from cousins and entertainment industry veterans Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder. After soft launching in the brand’s hometown of Los Angeles, Lodestar Whiskey is now available in several on-premise accounts including the Surfrider Hotel in Malibu, and off-premise boutique retailers such as Ester’s Wine Shop and Road Runner LA.
Other notable news:
- Dirty Shirley announced today a partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Wine and Spirits, bringing the adult Shirley Temple to twelve new markets in 2024, according to the founder on LinkedIn.
- Building on three market launches in late 2023, Brody’s Craft Cocktails announced expansion plans this month with distributor Great Lakes Wine & Spirits in Michigan.
- Agave spirits brand Nosotros Tequila and Mezcal and Breakthru Beverage Group have partnered for distribution in Florida, marking the brand’s extension into its seventh state.
- Surface Brands’ flagship spirit, La Tierra de Acre Mezcal, will now be distributed by Breakthru Beverage Group in California.