NATURAL CRAVINGS

The craving for pure, natural ingredients is critical. Chosen fruits reflect trends found in energy drinks and similar potions. If the newest flavor recently unveiled by Absolut Vodka is any indication of what's new on the cocktail scene, then the pears have it. Also embracing this flavor trend are top chefs and mixologists who are increasingly experimenting with fresh pears and other fruits in infusions that satisfy the palates of cocktail-craving clientele.

Diageo is seeking to create a new alcoholic drinks category through the launch of Quinn's. Quinn's is described as a fruit ferment blended drink where everything, even the alcohol, is made from 100% fruit. Because of its composition, the company is marketing the product as a new type of alcoholic beverage that is a "natural evolution" of the ready-to-drink (RTD) category.



EXOTIC APPEAL

Adding imported brews to traditional portfolios fills a void allowing consumers to further define themselves by the brews they choose. Miller Brewing Company expanded its international brand portfolio by importing three of SABMiller's recently acquired South American brands. In January 2007, Miller will begin importing the No. 1 Colombian beer Aguila and leading Peruvian brands Cristal and Cusquena. Miller will also expand distribution of Tyskie, the leading Polish brand that is currently sold in Chicago and New York City.

Meanwhile Diageo made its first acquisition in China, after agreeing to buy a 43% stake in the parent company of Sichuan Swellfun Company.

And, according to Wikipedia, the mystery and illicit quality surrounding the popular view of absinthe has played into modern music, movies and television shows. These depictions vary in their authenticity, often applying dramatic license to depict the drink as everything from aphrodisiac to poison. A faux-absinthe liquor called Absente, made with southern wormwood (Artemisia abrotanum) instead of regular wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), is sold legally in the United States and does not contain thujone.


HOW'S YOUR PACKAGE?

We take bottling for granted, yet a little industrial design keeps the pot of innovation stirring. With its bong-shaped bottle, Bong Vodka, the Dutch booze LiquorSnob yelled about last September, is continuing its dedication to elevating art AND buzzes (the good kind) with a program called Spirit of the Brand. It gives artists a chance to get their names and work out there to be seen, and it gives you an opportunity to have your bong-shaped vodka decorated with some damn-cool art. Plus, they're looking for more artists, so if you have some art you think would look great on a bong...err, bottle...or other Bong Vodka paraphernalia this is your chance.

The past year has witnessed the launch of numerous premium vodkas onto the South American market, highlighting the growing popularity of vodka among consumers. Pernod Ricard has released Wyborowa Vodka in Brazil, a 40% ABV vodka made from wheat. The beverage is packaged in an unusual way, reflecting Brazil’s warm climate - it comes in a plastic thermic bag which keeps the liquid cool when brought out of the fridge/freezer.

Ironwine from Gargantas de Lata replaces the traditional glass bottle with a specially constructed can. Ironwine is tagged as the first wine to reach the market in 345ml aluminum cans, which contains an 'exclusive' lining that ensures the liquid never comes into contact with the aluminum. This helps preserve its natural flavors and aromas, illustrating how new packaging types can be marketed as enhancing a product's key characteristics.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA

Strategic product placement goes a long way in setting the stage for a spirit. Ikon True Russian Vodka made its screen debut in the movie Factotum starring Matt Dillon and Marisa Tomei. It is a gritty film based on the Bukowski novel.

R&D INDEED

Brewers are now recognizing that they need to go back to the drawing board on product development. Too bad, American auto manufacturers don’t follow suit. Last year, Anheuser-Busch formed a separate division, Long Tail Libations, to develop, test and market distilled spirits. Its first product, Jekyll & Hyde, a liqueur which consists of two bottles of different liqueurs that the consumer mixes into a single drink. Jekyll is red and berry-flavored, while Hyde is black and licorice-flavored. It is being test marketed in a handful of places. Over the past few years, the St. Louis-based brewer also has joined forces with Bacardi to produce flavored malt beverages, so-called malternatives, under the Bacardi Silver label.



SERIOUS PARTNERING

Anheuser-Busch worked closely with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) during the development of Redbridge to get a better understanding of the needs of consumers who are leading gluten-free or wheat-free lifestyles. Anheuser-Busch will make annual donations to the NFCA and sponsor their events such as cooking sprees.



ANTIDOTES

Gemini Alliance partnered with Rexam Beverage Can North America to help establish a new "restorative" beverage category. The company will introduce three completely unique drinks in Rexam 12oz. sleek cans. With a tagline of "The Drink You Drink After You Drink," the first Mr.Re restorative beverage to hit the market targets consumers looking to restore their body from the effects of drinking alcohol. Unlike other beverages that provide quick boosts of caffeine, the all-natural recipe behind Mr.Re actually restores the lost nutrients to the body. Mr.Re is low in calories and contains no preservatives, no caffeine, no high fructose corn syrup, and no sodium. The Russian recipe behind Mr.Re Restorative Beverages was first created in 1887, but Gemini Alliance is bringing it to mass market for the first time in the United States.



COMMUNITY BUILDING

For its third harvest, Crushpad has produced 15,000 cases of luxury-class wine for its rapidly growing client base. This represents over 400 distinct wines, making Crushpad the world's leader in wine brand creation. From September through November 2006, hundreds of new winemakers flew in from across the country to see their passion for wine turn into their own boutique wine.

According to GridSkipper, GoPhila.com just launched a BYO Google Map for Philly restaurants. Ho-hum news if a) it weren't very well done and b) didn't include the nearest liquor store listings as well, an element too often missing in these BYO mashups. Other neato features include a by neighborhood and by cuisine search and, as soon-to-be launched send to cell phone option.

Secret restaurants are the place where wine flows freely. WSJ reports: Sometimes attendees are told to bring their own, though at most events wine is provided. "It is a lot of liquor," says Debbie Keller, a 48-year-old tutor in Sacramento, Calif., who spent a recent evening at the Hidden Kitchen receiving parenting advice from the man sitting next to her. He had no children of his own, but after a few glasses, the mother of two thought it was "really great advice" by the time the tres leches cake was served.