| | | | | As we approach the final stretch of the year, our minds move towards celebration, merrymaking, and good spirits. | The spirits category is one BMF has established expertise in over the years, and we’re proud to represent both independent spirits brands as well as global titans in the drinks space. | Spirits are a rich territory and can be the source of collaborations amongst brands in adjacent spaces with no shortage of opportunities. From brand storytelling, craftsmanship, and the ability to change the way we feel, spirits – from both a marketing and consumer perspective – are fascinating. | In this issue, we’re celebrating and exploring all things spirits – from limited editions and collabs, to buzz-worthy brand activations. You’ll also hear from BMF client & beloved drinks industry expert, Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation, on the future of spirits.\\\ | | Bruce, Brian, Ed + The BMF Team | | The POV | | | Pulse Check: The Future Of Spirits BMF-client Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) share their thoughts on the future of the drinks category. Check it out here. ➔ |
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| | | The New + The NoteworthyEverything Worth Doing/Seeing/Getting/Booking | | | Photo via Rosewood Hong Kong | BMF Client, DarkSide, located inside the Rosewood Hong Kong, is a sophisticated cocktail parlor known for its exquisite selection of rare aged spirits, vintage cigars, and classic cocktails. It has recently added a newly redesigned cocktail menu inspired by Mahjong, the iconic tile-based game deeply ingrained in Hong Kong's culture. This menu draws inspiration from the craftsmanship and artistry of traditional hand-drawn Mahjong tiles, reimagining the game's bonus tiles and their associated Confucian plants and seasons as captivating base flavors. Make a reservation here! ➔ |
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| | | | Freeland Spirits, a BMF client, recently launched its first batch of 100% Oregon-grown and distilled Rye Whiskey, which has been aged for 4 years. The brand was inspired by a love for whiskey and a desire to showcase Oregon's terroir in their spirits. Jill Kuehler founded Freeland Spirits with this product in mind, making it the embodiment of Oregon's rich agricultural heritage and unwavering commitment to quality. Shop the craft spirit from this new female-owned and operated brand here. ➔ |
| | | BMF client, Stoli Chamoy, was recently featured on the TODAY Show in a segment showcasing Garvey Alexander's famous Bloody Mary cocktail recipe. The segment focused on drink recipes for the holiday season that are perfect for enjoying by the fireplace – from hot chocolate to an apple pie cocktail. The segment featured the famous Stoli Bloody Mary with a unique twist of wasabi, adding an exciting kick to the cocktail. Purchase the key ingredient here! ➔ |
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| | | | BMF client, Monkey 47, recently released their 2023 Distiller’s Cut – a special edition gin available for a limited time. This year Monkey 47 unveiled the special edition botanical of Acer Saccharum, AKA maple syrup. The 13th Distiller’s Cut bottle is filled with a spicy and elegant dry gin that features a delicate & sweet note of caramel against a background of exceptional density and complexity. It’s a remarkable tasting experience, and not only for those who appreciate the refined aroma of maple syrup. Read more on the 13th Distiller’s Cut here, Cheers! ➔ |
| | Photo via InANewYorkWeekend | A friend of the BMF family, @InANewYorkWeekend, has crafted the ultimate go-to guide for your next trip to the Big Apple. Whether you're seeking the best new bars for specialty cocktails or a neighborhood breakdown of all the top hotspots, your search ends here. 'In A New York Weekend' will collaborate with you to develop a customized plan ensuring that you visit all the finest bars and wineries in the city. Check them out for your very own personalized NYC itinerary here. ➔ |
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| | | | Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One champion and businessman, along with Casa Lumbre, co-founder and agave specialist, and Iván Saldaña, Master Distiller, created the world's first distilled non-alcoholic blue agave liquor. The team announced two expressions - Almave Ámbar Distilled Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit, created for sipping, and Almave Blanco Distilled Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit, created for mixing. Order a bottle here. ➔ |
| | Photo via American Cocktail Club | The pandemic brought about a need, and lasting appreciation, for DIY cocktail kits. The American Cocktail Club curates recipes in collaboration with an award winning mixologist, Bob Peters, to help customers create exclusive Michelin-star-quality cocktails in their own homes. With a subscription, you receive a kit every month with all the ingredients needed to make a sophisticated cocktail. Subscribe for a kit here! ➔ |
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| | | The FrequencyWhat We’re Listening To Now. | | | | Katy Perry, a friend of the BMF family, is playing the last show of her Las Vegas residency on November 4th. PLAY might be Katy's most outrageous production yet. Portraying a doll finding her way in the human world, she takes her fans through a joyful fantasy using the songs we know and love. When Katy wants to celebrate after the show, it’s with De Soi, a range of non-alcoholic apéritifs that she founded with Morgan McLachlan. De Soi is designed to ‘put the fun in functional’. Learn more about De Soi here and listen to all of Katy’s hits here. ➔ |
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| | | The DestinationNow Departing... | | | | New Orleans is synonymous with drinking. Not only is it home to the globally recognized drink authority Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, but it’s also home to some of the best dining and drinks experiences in the world. Let’s raise a Hurricane to the home of the Sazerac, Gin Fizz, French 75, and the best of New Orleans. Check out our refreshed travel guide here with contributions from our friends at Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. ➔ |
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| | | The SublimeCreators, Innovators, And Cool $#!+ You Should Know About. | | | | BMF Client, Crown Royal, has partnered with multidisciplinary artist, Solange Knowles’ Saint Heron to introduce their latest limited-time offering, Crown Royal Golden Apple Aged 23 Years. This new luxury flavored whisky challenges conventional perceptions of prestige, promising a unique and innovative experience. "Crown Royal represents the same values of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation that we create at Saint Heron” Knowles says. Get your limited edition bottle here. ➔ |
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| | Molly Baz, a celebrity chef, is kicking the dirty martini up a notch in her new cookbook, ‘More Is More’, with a recipe called Martini Thrice. This recipe features not one garnish but three – a twist of lemon zest, an olive and a pickle of your choosing. Find the recipe here. ➔ | |
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| | | Diageo, a legend in the drinks industry, has named Canadian Jacob Martin the 2023 World Class Global Bartender of the Year after he competed with over 10,000 participants to win the title. He continues to excel in the industry as a bar manager at Bar Banane in Toronto. Be sure to visit the bar and try his cocktails for yourself! Find details here. ➔ | |
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| | Blake Lively is now catering to the ‘ready-to-drink’ market with the creation of Betty Booze – the company offers the actress’ beloved cocktail recipes in a ready to go expression. The three flavors – Sparkling Tequila with Lime Shiso, Sparkling Tequila with Oak Smoked Lemonade, and Sparkling Bourbon with Apple Ginger Sour Cherry – promise gourmet ingredients and a refreshing effect. Try them for yourself here. ➔ | |
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| | | A California based company, deeply rooted in sustainability, is here to change the alcohol landscape. Flying Embers recently secured an investment of 20 million dollars, led by industry leader Beam Suntory, for their hard kombucha. While no-ABV kombucha is the patron sip of the wellness crowd, hard kombucha fills a surprisingly large void in the market. This investment in Flying Embers indicates a new exciting trend in the ready to drink industry. Learn more about the company here. ➔ | Photo via Beverage Dynamics |
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| | Gläce Luxury Ice is the world’s leading premium drink-ice brand. Their manufacturing process creates a zero-taste profile ice with scant impurities which, unlike traditional ice products, allows the consumer to maximize the beverage experience. Their special design provides minimum dilution and maximum cooling, thereby enhancing enjoyment at the point of consumption. Forgo dilution and impurities here. ➔ | Photo via Gläce Luxury Ice |
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| | | Photo via People Magazine | Kendall Jenner took her tequila brand, 818, on the road for a Midwestern college tour. The reality TV star stopped by Ohio State University, Indiana University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Michigan. Partying alongside her fans, Kendall got behind the bar to serve up cocktails and shots of the famous tequila. The model ended the unique marketing trip by gifting 818 merchandise to the school's partygoers. Check out the tequila here. ➔ |
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| | | The Week in ReviewICYMI... | | TravelSober Tourism Is A Growing Trend—Here’s How It Can Transform Your Trip ➔ How To Successfully Pack Alcohol In Your Suitcase ➔ Disney Cruise Drink Packages: How To Save On Beer, Wine, Cocktails And Coffee ➔ World’s Best Cities For Street Food And Cocktails ➔
EntertainmentA Complete Guide To The Best Celebrity-Backed Alcohol Brands ➔ ‘Blake Lively's Alcohol Free Drink Will Be The Official Training Sponsor Of Wrexham AFC ➔ F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton Just Launched A Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit To Rival Tequila ➔ Festive Halloween Drink Recipes For Adults And Kids ➔
Technology7 Alcohol Delivery Services That Will Save You A Trip To The Store ➔ Designing A More Sustainable Packaging System For The Spirits Industry ➔ Alcohol Brands Are Ditching Glass For Paper To Cut Packaging-Related Emissions ➔ A New Breakthrough In Liquor Tech Could Be The Key To Avoiding Hangovers Altogether ➔
EventsHong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2023 ➔ It’s A Sober Event That Doesn’t Feel Like One: Inside L.A.’s Booze-Free Dance Party Movement ➔ The Best ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ Parties And Events In The D.C. Area ➔ Vogue Club Cocktail Reception Celebrating The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Winners ➔
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