Market Watch October 2017

It’s been two decades since the U.S. spirits market emerged from its long slump and began its modern bull run—led first by vodka, and today spearheaded by whisk(e)y. From the start of this growth streak, innovation has been the driver. But Scotch whisky has a reputation for being hidebound, traditional and unimaginative. That’s not a fair impression, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Scotland’s distilleries are brimming with creativity, and no other spirit offers such variety. Most impor-tantly, the innovation isn’t simply about flavor extensions: Today’s new Scotch expressions are testing the creativity of distillers and consumers alike. Whether it’s experimentation with new finishes or delving into the warehouses to create something new from old stock, the variations are plentiful and fascinating. That’s particularly true of single malt…

Diageo Revamps Captain Morgan….Diageo has given its Captain Morgan rum brand a facelift with a new bottle design that’s hitting shelves this fall. The new look includes updates to the embossing, cap and label. The Captain Morgan character is now depicted stand-ing on a branded barrel, and the label has been augmented with a “cigar band” delineating the particular Captain Morgan variant. The repackaging is intended to give Captain Morgan a more modern, upscale look. According to Impact Databank, the rum brand grew 3 percent to 5.8 million cases in the U.S. in 2016. In Diageo’s fiscal year, ended in June, Captain Morgan grew in both organic net sales and volume by 4 percent in North America. Gallo Buys Germain- Robin….E. & J. Gallo has purchased California craft brandy distiller…

Named for the venerable Irish playwright and located in the former headquar-ters of New York City’s Bureau of Prohibition, the Victorian-themed bar Oscar Wilde opened in August in Manhattan’s NoMad district. The nearly 6,000-square-foot venue boasts one of the longest bars the city and has an impressive drinks menu that includes more than 300 whiskies and 32 beers on tap, as well as Victorian and Prohibition-era cocktails ($14) inspired by the mob, who reportedly used the space to listen in on government affairs. Signature cocktails include the Oscar Wilde’s Potent Elixir, made with Prunier V.S. Cognac, Plymouth gin, Scrappy’s Lavender bitters, Combier Crème de Cassis liqueur and house-made Guinness syrup, topped with Perrier-Jouët Champagne. The bar’s whiskey selection includes rarities like the BenRiach 25-year-old Authen-ticus Peated single malt whisky ($10…

Located near the iconic Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles, Ever Bar opened in August in the Kimpton Everly Hotel. The eclectic venue honors L.A.’s music scene, and its cocktail list spans forgotten and reimagined classics to upscale and modern drinks. The menu separates drinks into musical categories like The Hits, featuring popular classics, and Riffs, which includes high-end contemporary offerings (cocktails are $14 to $18). Standouts include the Bone, Thighs and Harmony, a take on the Millionaire made with St. George shochu, Grand Marnier liqueur, pomegranate juice, duck confit bone broth and fresh sage. Ever Bar’s wine ($8 to $24 a glass; $38 to $498 a 750-ml.) and beer ($7 to $12 a draft pour or bottle) lists celebrate California produc-ers, and the bar offers upscale snacks like Wagyu…

Evoking an old-school rock ’n’ roll bar, Corduroy brings a high-energy vibe to Las Vegas’ Fremont East Entertainment District. The neighborhood spot opened in August with a 1970s-style décor, classic and modern cocktails—including Moscow Mules on tap—vintage canned beers, and snacks ranging from corn dogs to pot pies to Hot Pockets. Chicago’s Ace Hotel opened this summer in the Fulton Market District, and its rooftop bar Waydown debuted in August. The venue, which aims to provide an unpretentious old-school vibe, has indoor and outdoor spaces, a menu of upscale bar bites and a variety of signature cocktails, as well as live music and DJs. Located in a hidden spot on an alley off of Front Street in New York City’s seaport, Cannon’s Walk opened in late July. The dimly lit…

Celebrating his return to classic French cuisine, chef and partner Jason Paskewitz unveiled Pearl Brasserie in August in Chicago’s Loop district. The venue serves tradi-tional French brasserie favorites that incorporate modern updates, as well as European-inspired cocktails and myriad French wines. Pearl’s dinner menu includes oysters, foie gras and escargot starters, along with larger dishes like Mussels Marinieres, sautéed calves’ liver and Côte de Boeuf (entrées are $16 to $34). The cocktail menu lists more than 30 classics like the Gimlet, Americano and French 75, and boasts several signa-ture originals, such as the Koi Pond, made with Tromba Blanco Tequila, Veev Açai liqueur, white grape juice and fresh ginger (cocktails are $16). The menu also includes several sipping spirits ($6 to $55 a 1½-ounce pour) and beers ($2.50 to $16…