Market Watch May 1, 2016

To anyone who thinks the off-premise isn’t as exciting as it could be, I say you need to get out more. The retail scene is becoming more interesting all the time. With in-store tasting rules now loosened nearly everywhere, progressive retailers are creating fun, festive, educational atmospheres in their stores. Our Beer Buzz column on page 82 visits retailers whose customers can peruse the aisles while sipping a glass of beer or wine. In some stores, the shopping carts even have cup holders. All across America, retail leaders like Total Wine & More, Binny’s, Spec’s, Wally’s and others are holding events, tastings and other activities that have turned their stores into lively venues. Wally’s in Los Angeles runs what it calls “bespoke events” off-site—not only wine dinners, but a host…

Constellation Acquires The Prisoner....Constellation Brands has agreed to purchase The Prisoner Wine Co. from Huneeus Vintners for roughly $285 million. The portfolio includes five labels, including The Prisoner, Saldo, Cuttings, Blindfold and Thorn. The transaction— which was expected at press time to close in April—doesn’t include vineyards or wineries. Dave Phinney launched The Prisoner in 1998 as a modern version of the California field blend, earning critical acclaim and a strong consumer following. In 2010, he sold The Prisoner (around $35 a 750-ml. bottle) to Huneeus Vintners after growing it to 85,000 cases. Huneeus has continued to develop the brand, which reached 170,000 cases last year. Luxco Purchases Veev, Plans Distillery....Luxco has agreed to acquire Veev Spirits from founders Courtney and Carter Reum for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes…

Iconic Whisky Whisky writer Cyrille Mald and spirits consultant Alexandre Vingtier have written a new guidebook for both whisk(e)y amateurs and connoisseurs. Launching this month from Hachette Book Group imprint Jacqui Small, “Iconic Whisky: Tasting Notes & Flavour Charts for 1,500 of the World’s Best Whiskies” highlights a vast range of whiskies and features an aroma wheel that illustrates nose, body, finish and strength. The 422-page hardcover ($29.99) also offers maps of whisk(e)y-producing regions, 3-D illustrations detailing the whisk(e)ymaking process, a glassware guide and a glossary of useful vocabulary. For more information, visit Quartoknows.com. Wineries Of The Sierra Foothills Wine writer Barbara Keck explores the history, terroir and winemakers of California’s Sierra Foothills region in her first book. Published earlier this year, “Wineries of the Sierra Foothills: Risk-Takers & Rule-Breakers”…

Vegas Bar Evokes Ultimate Man Cave Featuring myriad craft beers and whiskies, The Still aims to modernize the sports bar concept in Sin City. The 8,000-square-foot venue opened in March inside the Mirage Las Vegas, boasting more than 20 flat-screen televisions, a jukebox and a kitchen situated in a refurbished Airstream trailer. The Still focuses on beer and offers more than 50 labels ($7 to $12 a 16-ounce draft pour; $8 to $13 a bottle or can), from Guinness, Corona and Budweiser to New Holland Brewing’s Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel stout, Elysian Brewing Co.’s Mens Room Original red ale, and Golden Road Brewing’s Get Up Offa That brown ale. Beer is also featured in a selection of “Hop-Tails,” which include The 3 Wood ($16), mixing ginger-peach tea–infused Wild Turkey American…

• Miami cocktail company Bar Lab unveiled its newest project in March, debuting The Anderson in the city’s Upper Eastside. Located in the space that used to house Magnum nightclub, the 1980s-themed bar features classic and original cocktails and brown spirits, as well as high-end bar fare. • Tiki culture took over Washington, D.C., in March with the opening of Archipelago. Run by a team of veteran bartenders, the bar offers island-inspired drinks, food and décor. The menu includes traditional tiki drinks and new creations, as well as a handful of wines, canned beers, and small plates like jerk chicken sandwiches and ham and cheese sliders. • Already known for their cocktail bar Drink. Well in Austin, Texas, husband-and-wife team Michael and Jessica Sanders branched out in March with a…

Asian Restaurant Group Makes U.S. Debut In Chicago In March, Indonesia’s Imperial Group partnered with Chicago-based Hat’s Off Hospitality to open its first venue in the United States, debuting Imperial Lamian in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The upscale Chinese restaurant serves hand-pulled la mian noodles, inventive wok dishes, xiao long bao soup dumplings and dim sum. The menu includes specialties like beef brisket and la mian noodles served in bone marrow broth with Chinese rose wine and sesame seeds, dry-aged roasted barbecue duck, and wok-fried crispy dorade fish prepared with a Thai chili sauce (entrées are $12 to $35). Imperial Lamian’s beverage program highlights tea-infused spirits and cocktails ($12 to $15) like the Dynasty Tea Time, blending North Shore Sol Chamomile Citrus vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger liqueur and fresh…