Our latest distribution roundup finds Green River going after bartenders in new markets and Alpine Distilling chasing Tennessee’s culinary scene, while Howie’s Spiked Alc-A-Chino signs a deal with Live Nation. Plus, news from Good Days and Costa Tequila.
Green River Makes A Play For The Cocktail
Historic Kentucky distillery Green River has introduced a new bourbon geared toward becoming an on-premise staple, and it’s hitting nine markets this month. The portfolio extension offers the lowest price point in its lineup, offering a new value proposition at the bar. Green River 1885 is aged a minimum of four years, comes in at 42.5% ABV, and is offered exclusively in 1L packaging for a suggested retail price of $21.99.
“Bartender bottles have been the same offerings for the better part of a decade,” said Ron Miles, sales operations manager for Bardstown Bourbon Co/Green River. “Green River is a brand surging in popularity among both bourbon fans and the cocktail community, and bringing the quality of juice at a cocktail friendly price point is receiving a lot of excitement.”
He added that the new SKU is an “incredible shot/beer combo.” To get the product out the sales team is focused on bartenders and will be planning industry nights, Green River bar takeovers, cocktails and shot/beer combos with its partners.
In 2022, Bardstown Bourbon acquired its Kentucky-based peer Green River Distilling Co, and recently added new sales leadership as it expands the intensity and distribution behind the Bardstown Brands, led by Origins and the Green River labels. Since the purchase, the brand has launched three new everyday products, and has expanded both within the U.S. and Australia, with nationwide U.S. distribution slated for the coming years.
Green River 1885 will initially be available in nine markets including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia.
Alpine Distilling Heads to Tennessee
Park City, Utah-based Alpine Distilling is headed into Tennessee. Starting this month, Alpine Distilling’s premium lineup of gin and other spirits will be available in Chattanooga and Nashville, marking the brand’s 12th state where it is available for retail purchase.
“We chose Tennessee for a few reasons, one of which is the great culinary scene,” said Sara Sergent, master distiller and co-owner of Alpine Distilling.
She added that their botanical spirits portfolio lends itself to “great cocktails and inventive menus.”
The company is working with Tennessee Crown Distribution, which will support the launch with demos, events, and feet-on-the-ground sales calls, said Sergent.
Tennessee is apparently a hot summer market for clear spirits, as Upstate Vodka, a craft vodka made entirely from New York State apples, also announced a significant partnership with Tennessee Crown last month.
ALC-A-CHINO Creates Buzz At Live Nation
Howie’s Spiked Alc-A-Chino, a line of canned spiked coffee drinks, is launching a three-year partnership with Live Nation in New Hampshire.
The partnership includes an on-site branded coffee shop experience in which the coffee house will be serving the ready-to-drink spiked lattes.
“The vision of a ‘Spirited Coffee House’ inside the venue is something Live Nation has had in the pipeline for a couple of years,” said Greg Howard, president of Howie’s Spiked.
In addition to onsite product sampling, there will also be brand ambassadors with merchandise as well as corn hole games and areas to relax, listen to music and enjoy the buzz.
The company’s plan is to build on the success of the Alc-a-Chino Spirited Coffee at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, New Hampshire and bring the experience to other venues with a “similar vibe and audience” according to Howard.
The company plans to deliver Alc-A-Chino to consumers on Long Island beginning Sept 2 in conjunction with distribution partner Clare Rose. Distribution of the brand’s new non-dairy oat milk line will expand across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania this fall.
Other News:
- New RTD GoodDays has made headway into over 100 retail and on-premise venues in its home state of Georgia. The brand comes from industry veterans Jason Miller and Matt Beacham, of rehydration beverage, BIOLYTE.
- Costa Tequila has teamed up with Ben E. Keith distribution in the Lone Star State.