Liquor Industry News 01-31-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
The following liquor industry news stories were posted to the Flipboard magazine on January 31, 2026:
- Champagne and Chocolate Pairings: An exploration of the evolving (and sometimes debated) art of pairing chocolate with Champagne, noting that it has become a popular subject in the industry.
- Isiah Thomas Launches Kosher Champagne: NBA legend and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has entered the kosher wine market, debuting a new Champagne line created in partnership with a historic French producer.
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail Expansion: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has officially added 10 new stops, including distillery experiences and satellite tasting rooms, bringing the total number of locations to 68.
- Luxury Bourbon Recommendations: A guide highlighting specific bourbon whiskeys priced over $300 that are considered "worth the splurge" for serious collectors and enthusiasts.
- German Winter Beer Traditions: A look at a centuries-old German beer drink recommended as an ideal warm beverage for the winter season, contrasting with the American preference for cold beer.
- Blind Tasting Tips from Sommeliers: Six professional sommeliers shared their top advice for blind tasting wine, a practice that is becoming increasingly democratized and popular in wine bars.
CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM
Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors, is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits( CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School. French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild. Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association. Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), AFNA™ Wine Certified. Beer Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, California Sustainable Ambassador, Associates Degree from Whiskey University, Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave & Thief
Franklin Liquors is a family-owned vintage 1978. https://www.franklinliquors.com/
Founder of the Franklin Wine Club https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/
Liquor Industry News 03-22-26
