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On September 18th, 2024, Empire Distributors, Inc. of Georgia customers and trade members were invited to our annual Trade Tasting for the Atlanta area! The 2024 Atlanta Beverage Showcase brought together many of Empire’s brands with retail & on-premise beverage buyers from across the Atlanta, GA area. Read on to get a recap at some of the suppliers & brands that attended the event and their featured items available in the Atlanta, Georgia market.
About SirDavis: Introducing SirDavis, an award-winning whisky – finished, blended, and bottled in Texas. Created by Beyonce and Moet Hennessy, SirDavis is on a mission to welcome the next generation of whisky drinkers to enjoy the sense of power that comes with experiencing exceptional whisky.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Sir Davis, Sherry Cask Finished Rye Whiskey
About Caymus: Since its founding in 1972, Caymus has become renowned as a consistent leader in the production of Napa Valley Cabernet. Caymus is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and remains 100% family-owned by the Wagners.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Caymus – Suisun Grand Durif, Caymus California, Caymus Napa 50th Anniversary and Caymus Suisun Walking Fool
About Bonanza: Bonanza is a California Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks to the simple pleasures of day-to-day life. Created by Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards, this wine is delicious, accessible and enjoyable over a meal. It’s made from the “bonanza” of our great state – vineyard sites that hold potential to produce good Cabernet but are often overlooked. Features flavors of luscious fruit, dark chocolate and silky tannins.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Bonanza Lot 7
About Sea Sun Vineyards: Sea Sun Wines are layered wines produced by Charlie Wagner from the singular beauty and character of the California coast, made to have broad appeal.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Sea Sun Pinot Noir
About Conundrum: More than 25 years ago, Conundrum was a bold experiment – today it’s still about doing things your own way and daring to explore. A perfect blend of California grapes make Conundrum the perfect wine, any time.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Conundrum White Blend
About Mer Soleil: Mer Soleil began in the late 1980s, with a journey to the central coast of California in search of ideal conditions to plant Chardonnay. Their first vineyards were in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a small but exceptional appellation about a 30-minute drive from Monterey. With morning fog, bright sunshine and howling gusts of afternoon wind, the region’s dramatic weather leads to an extended growing season, enabling Mer Soleil to make wines with distinctive aromas and flavors.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Mer Soleil Reserve – 30th Anniversary
About Emmolo Wine Co.: Created by Jenny Wagner, Emmolo’s wines offer a fresh take on California varietals, with a style not typically expected from their production.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot
About -196 Vodka Seltzer: -196, pronounced “Minus One Nine Six”, is a vodka seltzer that gets its name from the technology used to extract flavor from whole fruit. It starts with real, whole lemons that are frozen at -196 degrees Celsius, or -320 degrees Fahrenheit, using a proprietary Japanese process to lock in whole fruit flavor, then infused with premium vodka to bring forward a bold, fruit-forward flavor & aroma.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: -196 Grapefruit, -196 Lemon and -196 Variety Pack
About Hornitos: Bold, fresh and independent, Hornitos has never been much for rules. Our path has been uncharted and unconventional from the moment we were founded in 1950. That path led to a fresh-tasting, agave-forward tequila that brings the story of our Jalisco roots to your glass with every sip. Now, it leads onward toward new adventures and a fresh take on everything we do.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Hornitos Black Barrel, Hornitos Cucumber Habanero, Hornitos Limeshot, Hornitos Vanilla Honey
About Maker’s Mark: Maker’s Mark is the legacy of a family whose whisky-making saga spans several generations. Made with soft red winter wheat, Maker’s Mark is a full-flavored bourbon that is still handcrafted the way their founder intended.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Maker’s 46, Makers Mark 101, Makers Mark Cask Strength
About On the Rocks: On the Rocks premium cocktails delivers the bar wherever you are; just open, pour over ice, and enjoy. Whether your days take you to the pool, the ski slopes, or your own couch, our mixologist-crafted cocktails make for an effortless serve.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: On the Rocks Effen Cosmopolitan, On the Rocks Hornitos Margarita, On the Rocks Knob Creek Old Fashioned and On the Rocks Strawberry Daquiri
About The House of Suntory: Our quintessentially Japanese spirits are crafted with a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Hibiki Harmony Whiskey, Suntory AO World Whisky, Suntory Roku Gin, Suntory Vodka Haku and Suntory Whisky Toki
About Tres Generaciones: Explore our range of craft tequila, where the passion for Mexican tradition blends with modern craftsmanship. Each bottle tells a unique story, bringing the authentic spirit of Mexico directly to your palate.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Tres Generationes Anjeo, Tres Generationes Plata and Tres Generationes Repsosado
About Belle Glos: Belle Glos showcases, under one label, the distinctive Pinot Noirs we produce from top growing areas in California. Each wine is crafted to distill the purest essence of the vineyard into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir. Winemaker Joseph Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced BELL GLOSS) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Belle Glos Balade, Belle Glos Chardonnay Glasir Holt Sta. Rita Hills and Belle Glos Pinot Noir Taylor Lane
About Elouan: Elouan is the result of California winemakers venturing up to Oregon, one of the world’s renowned Pinot Noir regions. The goal: to produce Pinot Noir with depth of flavor, vibrancy and suppleness. Elouan brings together fruit from three regions along Oregon’s coast: Willamette, Umpqua and Rogue Valleys, which harmonize beautifully when blended together.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Elouan Pinot Noir
About Quilt: Classic yet complex, romantic but not ostentatious, Quilt is Joe Wagner’s tribute to the character of Napa Valley and its rolling patchwork of vineyards. Each wine in the collection is crafted from vineyards hand-selected by Joe, a native of Napa Valley and fifth-generation winemaker.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Quilt Fume Blanc and Quilt Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
About Böen: Böen is an exploration in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, highlighting the unique attributes of California’s most sought-after winegrowing regions. Böen, with its ripe fruit flavors, bright acidity and hints of toasty oak, is the purest expression of Joe Wagner’s signature style.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Boen Russian River Pinot Noir
About Threadcount: Some wines are made for casual occasions that convey not a single place and time, but an ethos unto itself. This is where the idea of Threadcount was born.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Threadcount Red Blend, Threadcount Cabernet and Threadcount Sauvignon Blanc
About Bumbu Rum: In Barbados, where Original Bumbu is made, rum isn’t just another spirit. It’s the original rum island, where rum was first created some 400 years ago. At Bumbu Rum Company, rums are crafted from a blend of the finest sugarcane we can find, exceptionally balanced and smooth, without sacrificing the richness and complexity that makes our distilleries in Barbados and Panama the world’s best – even if we’re a little biased.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Bumbu “The Craft Rum”, Bumbu Rum Creme and Bumbu XO
About Luc Belaire: Luc Belaire is a family of sparkling wines from some of France’s finest winemaking regions. Established in 1898, sixth generation winemakers oversee production of each bottle of Luc Belaire, ensuring that the perfect balance is realized in each bottling, and creating the elegant, refreshing blend characteristic of our house.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Luc Belaire Bleu, Luc Belaire Brut Gold, Luc Belaire Luxe, Luc Belaire Luxe Rose and Luc Belaire Rose
About McQueen and the Violet Fog: McQueen and the Violet Fog is an extraordinary gin handcrafted in the hills of Jundiaí, Brazil, thousands of miles away from the traditional gin world. Twenty-one exotic botanicals used in the distillation process including many rarely found in gin like lemongrass, pomelo peel, orris root and jasmine flower.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: McQueen and the Violet Fog and Ultraviolet Edition
About Villon Cognac: Crafted in the heart of beautiful southwestern France, Villon represents a revolution of France’s oldest and most renowned spirits. Villon is exquisitely blended with a touch of VSOP cognac, fine spirits distilled from French wheat and rich natural flavors. The result is something altogether extraordinary.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Villon VSOP Cognac
About Astral Tequila: Astral Tequila is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave, slowly nurtured by the cyclical passing of warm daylight skies and cool luminous nights, where the sun and the stars meet. The Astral Blanco is complex yet smooth, with notes of crisp citrus, clover honey, and bright white pepper, with underlying agave and an abundance of tropical fruit.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Astral Anejo Tequila, Astral Blanco Tequila, Astral Margarita and Astral Reposado Tequila
About Aviation Gin: Aviation American Gin is a welcome departure from the traditional London Dry style, and the brand’s extreme mixability appeals to a much wider audience of food and cocktail enthusiasts. The product is naturally gluten-free and distilled in small batches in Portland, Oregon, using American grain spirit and an adventurous blend of spices from around the world.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Aviation Gin
About Baileys: From the world’s first cream liqueur to the world’s most loved spirit. Whether you’re baking, shaking or cocktail-making, Baileys is the perfect ingredient. From gooey Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake to classy Baileys Espresso Martini, Baileys recipes hit the sweet spot every time.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Bailey’s Chocolate and Bailey’s Original Irish Cream
About Casamigos: Longtime friends George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman love Casamigos. On the rocks, by the shot, at times, straight from the bottle. Tequila-filled nights with friends is how Casamigos was born. Our idea was to make the best-tasting, smoothest Tequila and Mezcal that didn’t have to be covered up with salt or lime.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Casamigos Anejo, Blanco and Cristalino, Casamigos Jalapeno and Mezcal
About Lagavulin Distillery: Discover the definitive Islay malt—intensely flavoured, smoky, and rich. The windswept Isle of Islay imparts a profound strength of character into everything it nurtures, and it is here, cradled in a secluded bay, that the cherished Lagavulin whisky has been meticulously crafted for over two centuries.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Lagavulin 16yo
About Oban Distillery: Oban, part of Scotland’s Classic Malts, offers a matured single malt with fruity richness, peat smoke, spicy wood and a smooth finish.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Oban 14yo
About The Singleton: The Singleton Glendullan is a distinctive single malt with a rich history. Master Blender Keith Law draws on 36 years of experience to skillfully blend this whisky.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Singleton 18yr
About Talisker: Award-winning Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the only whisky of its kind on the Isle of Skye, is robust, spicy and subtly smoky.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Talisker 10yr
About J Vineyards: Discovered in 1986, J Vineyards & Winery grew out of Judy Jordan’s vision to start a winery specializing in sparkling wine. Jordan’s journey led her to Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, where she would later be recognized for her critically-acclaimed sparkling wines. With a knack for further exploration, Jordan branched out to varietal wines after she came to the realization that the Russian River Valley vineyards would also be ideal for growing other wine grapes.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: J Cuvée 20 Brut, J Vineyards California Chardonnay, J Vineyards Pinot Gris and J Vineyards Pinot Noir
About Louis M. Martini: Driven by the desire to craft exceptional wines, Louis Martini made the decision to settle in Napa Valley and source the best fruit possible. To this day, Martini’s passion for Napa Valley is reflected through his established legacy of craftsmanship.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Louis M. Martini Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
About Orin Swift Cellars: David Swift Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998 using Orin from his father’s middle name and Swift from his mother’s maiden name. With two tons of Zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the brand to what it is today.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert and Orin Swift Abstract
About Armand de Brignac: Armand de Brignac Champagne is a prestige Champagne brand created by the Cattier family. The family has a rich history as an elite Champagne house in the tiny village of Chigny les Roses as they have owned and cultivated family vineyards since 1763. Today, Patriarch Jean-Jacques Cattier oversees the Chateau’s wine production with strictly limited annual yields, ensuring that the family’s artisanal winemaking traditions are kept alive in each bottle.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Armand de Brignac Gold
About Cloudy Bay: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map with its captivating flavour. Our signature style is famous for its vibrant nose, mouthwatering palate and long finish. Stone fruit and citrus stand out, while minerality (think rain on river stones) provides balance. It’s a wine that ages gracefully for a decade or more – if you can wait that long.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
About Glenmorangie: In 1843, William Matheson founded the Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Inspired by the Distillery’s peaceful surroundings on the banks of the Dornoch Firth, he brought forth a pioneering single malt whisky wonderfully complex and exceptionally smooth. Ever since, we have pursued our craft with uncompromising dedication – endlessly creative in our quest for perfection.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Glenmorangie Original 12YR
About Château Minuty: Since 1936, Minuty has been a family story of passion and values on the Saint-Tropez peninsula. Nestled between land and sea in the heart of Provence, Château Minuty has been the wine estate of the Matton-Farnet family for more than 85 years over four generations and has been a Côtes de Provence Classified Growth since 1955.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Minuty M Rose
About Bodega Numanthia: Numanthia is our Estate’s signature, renowned as the reference for the Toro designation. It is a subtle blend of grapes from more than 100 parcels of the finest terroirs offering unique balance, elegance and power. Numanthia’s style depends on the selection of exceptional vines, aged between 50 and 100 years old, ungrafted and non-irrigated. Year after year, their low yields deliver grapes of extreme concentration with intense fruit and structure.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Numanthia Termes
About Ruinart: Exclusively made from Chardonnay, the signature grape variety of the Maison, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a delicate wine balancing freshness and roundness.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
About Veuve Clicquot: Champagne is a wine of legend. The entire history of the Veuve Clicquot House is marked by mythical wines, all of which respect the demand for quality that was the force that drove Madame Clicquot. True to this heritage, the House is proud of its motto: “Only one quality, the finest.”
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Veuve Clicquot Rich Blanc, Veuve Clicquot Rich Rose and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
About Whispering Angel: Taking the title of today’s worldwide preference for Provence Rosé, the Whispering Angel Rosé is made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino) grapes. On the palate is a rewarding taste profile that is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Whispering Angel Rose
About Woodinville: Discover Woodinville’s award-winning 100% grain-to-glass whiskeys, proudly handcrafted in the majestic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Woodinville Bourbon, Rye and Port Finish
About Absolut: Absolut Vodka is one of the most famous vodkas in the world. Launched in the US in 1979, it completely redefined the premium vodka landscape, becoming synonymous with art, culture and nightlife. By starting a revolution in cocktail creation and launching a range of flavored vodka never before seen on the market, Absolut became an icon in its own right.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Absolut Original and Absolut Vanilla
About Kahlua: Originating in Veracruz, Mexico in 1936, Kahlúa has become the number one selling rum and coffee liqueur in the world. Relying on two of the region’s finest ingredients—sugarcane and 100% Arabica coffee—the resulting flavor is as rich and distinct as the vibrant, multicultural region from which it comes.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Kahlua
About Martell: The oldest of the great Cognac houses with 300 years of passion and precision passed down through the Martell family. From generation to generation, a celebration of French Art de Vivre, treasuring the beauty and pleasure of every moment.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Martell VS
About Bartenura: Bartenura wines are made in Italy with love. Produced from the finest grapes Italy has to offer, Bartenura pairs perfectly with food and friends!
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Bartenura Dolce Noir, Bartenura Moscato, Bartenura Moscato Blueberry Cans, Bartenura Moscato Peach Cans and Bartenura Sparkling Rose
About Boondocks Whiskey: Boondocks Whiskey is brought to you by Whisky Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dave Scheurich. And while you may have never heard his name, Dave has helped create some of America’s most recognized whiskeys over the last 40 years.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Boondocks 6 YO Port Finish Bourbon, Boondocks Bottled in Bond Rye and Boondocks Straight Bourbon
About Goose Bay: Goose Bay’s approach to winemaking is rather simple. Goose Bay’s winemakers also don’t believe in building a winery business by constantly talking about how great they are. They are in the business because they love the life… the viticulture, the winemaking, the marketing and the people they work with and meet.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc
About Barkan Vineyards: Born at the end of the 19th century, Barkan Vineyards is a wine paradise. With a focus on quality grapes, the top-grade breeds were brought from all over the world and put in Barkan Vineyards in Israel. Barkan winemakers have gained world-wide renown and won prestigious awards due to the exceptional wine quality and the brave grape breed combinations.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Barkan Pinot Noir and Barkan Platinum
About Glencadam Whisky: Glencadam Distillery opened in 1825. Since then, little has changed and our award-winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky is still produced using the same traditional and handcrafted production methods as it has done for almost 200 years.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Glencadam 10 Year Single Malt Scotch
About Herzog Wine Cellars: Look closely at the Herzog label and you can see the drive, the passion, and the story of nine generations who brought our family to where it is today. From the courts of Kaiser Franz Joseph of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to a Europe torn by war, to the streets of New York City, to the vineyards of California, the Herzog story is one of a family’s enduring commitment to their Jewish identity and their belief in the promise of America.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Herzog Lineage Cabernet Sauvignon
About Baron Herzog: The Baron Herzog brand is known for outstanding variety and value. Baron Herzog wines offer something for every palate. They trace their winemaking origins back nine generations, to Phillip Herzog, who made wine in Slovakia for the Austro-Hungarian court more than a century ago.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc
About LVOV: LVOV Vodka takes its name from a town in Poland (now in Ukraine due to ever changing map lines of the region) and is crafted the same way for generations. Four times distilled and four times filtered through an activated carbon process and candle process to give clarity and refinement.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: LVOV Vodka
About Mexxo: Produced in Mexico, Mexxo Tequila is made from 100% blue agave and can be best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Mexxo Mezcal and Mexxo Tequila Blanco
About Psagot: Psagot Winery and its vineyards planted deep in the rocky soil of Benjamin in Israel is a continuation of wine production dating back thousands of years in an area that is optimal for its quality grapes.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Psagot Sinai
About Tomintoul Whisky: Established in 1965, Tomintoul Distillery is located near to the village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland and in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The area surrounding Tomintoul Distillery is one of astounding natural beauty. This natural environment combined with the fresh mountain air of the Cairngorms, the soft, pure water from the Ballantruan spring and the tall and mighty stills of Tomintoul, all contribute to creating our exceptionally smooth and well-balanced whisky.
Product(s) at Trade Tasting: Tomintoul Single Malt 10 Year
Reach out with any questions you may have to see just how responsive, knowledgeable and downright friendly an Empire Representative can be.
