Venture Capitalist Chris Hollod on Why He is Investing in the ‘Alternative Alcohol’ Space

Chris Hollod wants to be known as one of the most active angel investors in the alcohol space. After about a decade of making investments with billionaire Ron Burkle and actor Ashton Kutcher, Hollod, a Los Angeles-based venture capitalist, struck out on his own in 2019 and has shifted his focus from investing in tech companies such as Airbnb, Uber, Spotify and Warby Parker, to investing in consumer packaged good companies, specifically “alternative alcohol” companies.

New Spirits Gallery: Whiskey, Scotch & Brandy

In this gallery, we review a handful of notable new releases in whiskey, scotch and brandy, including a new limited run expression from Wolves, the latest from Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door label, plus the launch of The Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey.

Brew Dr. Shuts Down Townshend’s Distillery

The Oregon-based company announced in an Instagram post last week that it will close down its Townshend’s Distillery business on December 23. The distillery produced a variety of premium spirits made from the alcohol byproduct leftover from its kombucha brewing. However, the announcement noted that the closing of the distillery was not “goodbye,” but merely a “see you later” as the company explores options to reopen under a new model.

New Spirits Gallery: Rum, Liqueurs and RTD Cocktails

In this gallery, we highlight a handful of notable new releases in the ready-to-drink cocktail category from Stolen Spirits, Tip Top Proper Cocktails, Boyd & Blair and others, as well as new liqueurs from Mr. Black and Baltimore Spirits Co. and the latest in Mount Gay's Master Blender Collection.

Spirits News Roundup: Bacardi Acquires Stillhouse; Pernod Ricard CEO Defends Brand

In this Spirits News Roundup, Bacardi completes its acquisition of craft distillery Stillhouse following the dismissal of a lawsuit by the brand against it, while Glen Moray names its next lead whiskey creator. Elsewhere, Pernod Ricard's CEO responds to public testimony by ex-employees slamming the company's drinking culture.

Spirits Gallery: Fall’s New Gins and Tequilas

In this gallery, we highlight a handful of notable new spirits releases in the categories, including two Extra Añejo tequilas (including PATRON's limited edition, oldest-ever release), Bently Heritage's take on new world gin and the debut of zero-alcohol Monday Gin.  

Gallery: Bourbon, Scotch Releases Highlight Fall’s New Whiskeys

In this gallery, we take a look at some of the new whiskey releases from the past weeks and months, with highlights including Bardstown Bourbon's collaboration with Goodwood Brewing, the latest limited release from Freddie Noe and the newest expression from Glen Moray.

Cocktail Crate Acquired by Traverse City Whiskey

New York-based premium mixer brand Cocktail Crate has been acquired by craft distillery Traverse City Whiskey Co., the company announced yesterday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Gallery: New Mid-Summer Spirits

In this month’s spirits gallery, we highlight a handful of the notable new releases from mid-summer, including a special collaboration between Remy Martin and French metalsmith Steaven Richard, a new limited edition single malt from Laphroaig and several new canned RTD cocktail products.

Gallery: Summer Heats Up With New Spirits

In this month's spirits gallery, we highlight a handful of the notable new releases from the past month, including a blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons from Bardstown Bourbon Co., the debut of bespoke California whiskey maker Wolves, and the U.S. debut of British-inspired rum Admiral Rodney.

Gallery: The New Spirits of Early Summer

In this gallery, we highlight a handful of notable new spirit ranges and limited releases, including two new expressions from Woodford Reserve, a Great Lakes-inspired vodka from New Holland Spirits, and Australian distiller Starward's debut U.S. release.

Gallery: April’s New Spirits

In this slideshow gallery, we highlight a handful of the notable debuts across liquor categories, including the launch of Roe & Co., a premium Irish whiskey, and flavored vodkas from Stoli, Effen and Ciroc.

Gallery: Spring Brings New Spirits

With spring finally coming into season, your liquor cabinet may be in need of a refresh. In this gallery, we highlight a selection of notable new releases for the season, including a new premium tequila from DeLeon and a collaboration from OH MY! Teakoe Tea and Mythology Distillery.

BevNET Magazine Feature: A Look at Whiskey, Brandy, Gin and Other Spirits

Anytime someone mentions the American spirits market, it’s more than likely that the first thing that comes to mind is whiskey. However, other categories have been aggressively inserting themselves into the conversation and whiskey, increasingly, has been ceding some of the spotlight.