Liquor Industry News 02-12-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
The following stories are featured in the February 12, 2026, edition of Mark Lenzi's "Liquor Industry News" on Flipboard:
Industry & Culture
- Jimmy Buffett’s True Drink of Choice: While synonymous with the Margarita, this story explores how Jimmy Buffett’s actual go-to drink was different, looking back at the legacy of his tropical escapism.
- Fred Minnick’s New Memoir: Noted whiskey expert Fred Minnick has released a deeply personal book titled Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life, which blends his professional expertise with a narrative of personal revelation.
Wine & Beer News
- Australian Winery Disaster: A devastating bushfire in Victoria, Australia (the Longwood fire), destroyed 300 acres of vines at a local winery, leaving the owner and the landscape scorched.
- The Importance of Rinsing Beer Glasses: An industry explainer on why reputable breweries rinse glasses before pouring. It details the concept of "beer clean" and how residual oils or detergents can ruin the head and flavor of a beer.
Cocktails & Recipes
- Valentine’s Day Cocktails: A collection of visually striking and festive recipes for the holiday, including raspberry Linzer cookie shots and other bubbly or tart drinks.
- Simple Two-Ingredient Scotch Cocktail: A feature on a classic Scotch-based drink (likely the Rusty Nail or Rob Roy) that emphasizes how high-quality simplicity can outperform complex recipes.
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. Whiskey Diploma Journeyman Whiskey Taster from Whiskey University
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 02-21-26
