BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND NEWS: Pernod-Ricard has announced that Absolut Wild Tea is scheduled for 2010 release and ‘Absolut San Francisco Vodka’ will be the next flavor blend in the Absolut City Series. Thee success of the limited release of Absolut Boston inspired the distillation of their latest flavor Absolut Wild Tea which will launch later this year.

We’ve added video options…and audio too to our www.BeverageUnderground.com main page plus we got your weekly 239 Buzz. We know about the latest shake-ups and starts up in Southwest Florida. Sign up for weekly email blasts. Every Saturday at 10 am listen to Beverage Underground Radio and read on the rest of the story

From Tampa Bay to Beyond Marco Island is the Best Bet and Best Deal for Florida Visitors.

While the BP Oil Disaster continues to affect the entire economy of the hospitality and tourism business from Louisiana to the Florida Keys the forecast for Southwest Florida indicates that it may be the safest place in Florida to vacation and convention in the entire State.

FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND…The summer winds bring lots of news…follow the people, places and promotions online, on-air and in print.

Call to Action! Hospitality Industry Professionals must spread the word that SWFL is the Best Place to Visit…NOW!

Jim Koch, president of Boston Beer and founder of Sam Adams knows that whatever happens… his brews will always be considered ‘craft beers’. “If we’re not a craft brewer,” said Koch, “what else are we? “A craft beer you would not drink,” he said, “after you just mowed the lawn on a hot day.”We’re certainly not Budweiser.” Sam Adams, is on the verge of outgrowing its coveted craft status

Brown-Forman Prepares for International Launch of’New Look’ Chambord and Introduction of Chambord VODKA
The now iconic spherical bottle with gold plastic lettered cording around the middle was classy even elegant in the 80′s… but it’s time for a change is overdue

The label and package are outstanding but blüfeld Riesling is far more than just another eye-catching blue bottle. blüfeld is the latest release from the legendary Mosel Region of Germany and the 2009 vintage is being called ‘one of history’s great vintages’. Rieslings continue to gain popularity as more people discover the wide range of Riesling styles.

Hospitality Industry Professionals Cope with Short Shifts, Shorter Tips and the Threat of Closings

Recent closings have left many qualified Hospitality Industry Professionals without work and there are several months of off-season still to endure. “The numbers just didn’t work, we cut prices and offered crazy specials…

Laird & Company received license #1 as the United States first distillery and that created the first ‘recorded sale’ of Applejack. There is plenty of proof that America’s oldest ‘strong drink’ may have assisted in the fight to gain that Independence that we celebrate every July.

The long holiday is upon us and the options for beverages in every category are loaded with imports from across the globe. But in every economy… there are plenty of All-American products that should be considered when filling the coolers, planning the parties and ordering the cocktails.

The Grillroom’ in Coconut Point Mall ‘and Uno Chicago Grill in Naples both closed their doors this week leaving employees in the dark and without jobs heading into the long hot summer. There was no indication that either restaurant was closing

Starbucks has decided to launch their first “Olive Way’ concept store this fall in Seattle. The prototype store will be the chain’s only location that sells beer and wine in the U.S. and will also launch their new ‘coffee theater’ concept.

Monday June 28 was a day for cruising and getting away from it all on the Key West Express for a Beverage Underground ‘In the Biz’ Cruise. Taste of Florida Mixes sponsored the trip that created a meet & greet party with other Hospitality Industry Professionals for a great day visiting the legendary bars and sights of Key West.

Spike Lee helps Absolut Vodka capture new interest with great new flavor! ABSOLUT BROOKLYN®, the latest limited-edition, city-inspired vodka to be added to the ABSOLUT® flavor portfolio is a delicious tribute to Red Apple and a tasty hint of Ginger…

Coca-Cola is reaching back for the retro look of 1979 to reintroduce Mello-Yello. The marketing campaign has begun in an effort to capture some of the 630 million cases of Pepsi-Cola’s Mountain Dew that was sold last year in the citrus soda segment.

The Grillroom @ Coconut Point Hosts Fund Raiser with Reserve Wines and Gourmet Dinner.
Clos Du Bois Reserve Wines were paired with a wonderful dinner on Thursday June 24 as Southern Wine & Spirits, Constellation Brands and The Grillroom helped raise $5,200 for Autism Speaks and Eden Florida.

The People, the Products and Promotions that shape the Buyer’s Decisions and Consumer’s purchases….

It’s slow in spots…and downright dead in others… but there is always plenty of change, hope and this year even more

The Foster’s Wine Group has announced a consolidation in distributors that results in Southern Wine & Spirits representing the entire Foster portfolio in the State of Florida.