Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/793596
contents March 2017 Vol. 75 No. 2 8 / the tasting panel / march 2017 PHOTO: DASROC 86 s p e c i a l f e a t u r e s 89 LUCK OF THE IRISH We Explore the Whiskies Enjoying Success in this Especially Hot Category march 2017 / the tasting panel / 89 CATEGORY REPORT CATEGORY Luck WE EXPLORE THE WHISKIES ENJOYING SUCCESS IN THIS ESPECIALLY HOT CATEGORY by Emily Coleman W hen producers in our industry talk about opportunities in the marketplace, they almost always start by mentioning emerging markets, and it always seems to begin with China. While these options do present exciting fresh endeavors, it encourages the brands to undervalue the trends happening right here in the U.S. As American consumers and their palates evolve, certain spirit categories are seeing a resurgence in popu- larity and sales. Irish whiskey is one such category. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), during 2016 in the U.S., Irish whiskey experienced a 19.8 percent jump in sales, translating to $795 million. The companies already in this space are reaping the benefits, and new brands are looking to get a slice of this expanding pie. As more resources comes into the cat- egory, more money is being invested back into the distilling facilities and the product, which means better whiskey across the board. It's an exciting time to be both an Irish whiskey brand and a connoisseur, but the number of offerings popping up can make one's head spin. To help you navigate the choices, we chose some expressions— some classic, some brand new—that will have your customers saying, "Sláinte!" of the Irish c o v e r s t o r y 60 100 YEARS IN THE BOOKS! The Riboli Family Looks Forward to the Next 100 Years u p f r o n t 5 A CAKE ADORNED WITH ROSES Layer Cake Adds a Central Coast Rosé to the Lineup f e a t u r e s 46 BALANCING STONES TY KU Sake Rolls out New Packaging 48 CLASSIC BEAUTY Suntory Whisky Toki Takes Las Vegas through "Time" 68 THE AUDACITY OF HOPES END The Newest Wine Project from Angove Family Winemakers Harkens Back to South Australia's Rich History—and the Power of Hope 86 TIME WILL TELL 6 Degree Tequila Strikes Just the Right Chord across the Country