Liquor Industry News 08-13-26

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https://flipboard.com/@marklenzi/liquor-industry-news-08-13-26-ik2g928mz?from=share&utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=curator_share

Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s curated Flipboard collection Liquor Industry News (08-13-26)from The Wonderful World of Wine:

Key Stories & Headlines

1. Crown Royal Partners with Juicy Couture

• Source: The Spirits Business
• Summary: Diageo’s Crown Royal has teamed up with Y2K lifestyle brand Juicy Couture to release limited-edition bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits inspired by Crown Royal’s flavored whiskies (Regal Apple, Peach, and Blackberry).
• Key Detail: The collaboration supports diversity in the fashion industry through a $75,000 donation to RaiseFashion, funded by 100% of the net proceeds from tracksuit sales.

2. Old Elk Releases 10-Year-Old Whiskey Trio

• Source: The Spirits Business
• Summary: Following its acquisition by Ohio-based Middle West Spirits, Colorado whiskey maker Old Elk introduced three high-ABV 10-year-old expressions:
• Straight Bourbon (52.2% ABV): Unique high-barley recipe (51% corn, 34% malted barley, 15% rye).
• Straight Wheat Whiskey (51.5% ABV): 96% wheat and 4% malted barley.
• Wheated Bourbon (52.5% ABV): 51% corn, 46% wheat, and 3% malted barley.
• Pricing & Availability: All three bottles are priced at $69.99 (750ml) and distributed nationwide.

3. The "Frozen Pickle Wine" Viral Trend

• Source: Sporked
• Summary: An analysis of the latest internet drink trend: dropping frozen dill pickle slices into a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc as savory ice cubes.
• Takeaway: Evolving from frozen grapes and "spicy Sauvy B" (frozen jalapeño slices in white wine), the trend highlights how consumers embrace low-effort, high-novelty freezer hacks—even if food critics conclude that the brine clash is best kept separate from good wine.

4. How to Grow Wine Without Herbicides

• Source: Beyond Organic Wine (Substack)
• Summary: Examines sustainable and organic viticulture practices, detailing modern advances in vineyard tools, cover crops, and soil management aimed at eliminating chemical herbicides in favor of regenerative grape growing.