Summer distribution shakeups include new portfolio additions for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, a big whiskey name moving to a wine distributor, and the continued spirits glow-up for Reyes Beverage Group in California.
SGWS Adds Five Springs, Mutiny Island, Owen’s Mixers
Mutiny Island Vodka, breadfruit-based spirit brand born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has inked a national distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS), marking a major milestone in the brand’s U.S. expansion. The rollout kicks off in eight key markets and includes the original Mutiny Island Vodka and three Infusions expressions, with a new flavor set to launch later this summer. This comes on the heels of a breakout year for the brand, which has already secured partnerships with names like Caesars Entertainment, Applebee’s, Hard Rock Hotels, American Airlines lounges and more.
Five Springs Infused Bourbon is also expanding into six new markets through an agreement with the distributor, now entering New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.
Founded in 2024 by longtime spirits executive Lisa Sawyer Derman, Five Springs blends premium bourbon with fruits, botanicals, and other ingredients to create three expressions: Honey Sage, Blood Orange, and Vanilla Maple. With this expansion, Five Springs builds on momentum from its initial market rollout in Kentucky and New Jersey, with special-order availability in New York, North Carolina, Florida, and California.
On the non-alc front, Owen’s Craft Mixers will join SGWS across 23 markets in the U.S. beginning August 1st. In the on-premise channel, fewer than 20% of accounts currently carry a premium or super-premium mixer, highlighting significant runway for expansion, according to a press release. The deal supports “Southern Glazer’s broader strategy to grow its presence in the non-alcoholic beverage space,” read the release. With Molson Coors signing on Fever Tree recently, it appears other tiers are eyeing the premium mixer opportunity as well.
Chinola Hits Warmer Weather Climates With Breakthru, SGWS
Chinola Fresh Fruit Liqueurs – the low-ABV liqueurs made from fresh tropical fruit and neutral cane spirits – has hopped on the SGWS footprint in the Caribbean, Central America and travel retail through a new agreement with the distributor’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division. Chinola’s agreement marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s international growth, especially as it deepens its presence across major airport and cruise port retailers in the Dominican Republic and sets its sights on a broader travel retail Americas footprint, including strategic placement in cruise lines and duty-free shops.
On the mainland, Chinola announced it is going with Breakthru Beverage Group in California, marking the continuation of a collaboration in 14 states and Canada.
Wine Not? Uncle Nearest Signs With Classic Wines in CA
Classic Wines of California, the distribution arm of Bronco Wine Company, has brought in a big name to its small spirits portfolio: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in California.
The move follows an exodus of spirits brands from RNDC in California and nationally, and the subsequent planned withdrawal from the state by the distributor on September 1. The closure has left hundreds of suppliers scrambling for new wholesale suppliers.
“We’ve spent the last couple months listening. In doing so, we are confident we found the best partner for Uncle Nearest in Classic Wines of California – a team that not only understands the local market deeply, but – more importantly – shares our values of legacy, family, and authenticity,” said CEO Fawn Weaver in a release.
As Classic Wines signs on several new wine suppliers as well, the company has beefed up its roster and added Art Tongkao-on as vice president, who most recently served in senior leadership roles at SGWS.
Reyes Grows its Spirit Book
Reyes Beverage Group (RBG) has scooped up several more major spirit brands in California, with Four Roses Bourbon and Fuji Japanese Whisky the latest to join the total beverage distributor in the leadup to RNDC exiting the state.
In the last month, two other spirit companies have announced new partnerships with RGB in California as well: Kōloa Rum Company and Infinium Spirits, whose portfolios include Seagram’s Vodka, Templeton Rye, Tequila Corralejo, Zaya Rum, Torres Brandy and others. The new additions also join LALO Tequila and Fernet Branca USA.
Other news:
- Next Century Spirits’ Bear Fight Bourbon just picked up over 300 new points of distribution across a few chain partners including Total Wine & More and BevMo!
- Mountain Laurel Spirits, producer of Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, is expanding their relationship with Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits to include distribution throughout Colorado.