Notorious Beam Team

From the Londonist:

"If a few months from now you’re sipping a cocktail at one of London’s trendier cocktail bars and you notice a few squishy gold flecked bubbly pearls floating around in your glass, don’t be alarmed; that’s just Cointreau Caviar. Yes, Londonist has seen (and sipped) the future of booze, and it’s ridiculously over the top, rather tasty and derived from a scientific molecular mixology process.

Last night saw Cointreau’s London launch of what it has dubbed Cointreau Caviar: solid iridescent pearls of Cointreau liqueur with edible flakes of 24-carat gold inside. The pearls have the look and consistency of, well, caviar and add a nice little burst of ‘ooh’ to a drink. The process to make the Cointreau Caviar involves a simple laboratory-style technique and a few natural ingredients … and turns bartenders into mad scientists. As of yet, no London spots are serving what Cointreau calls an “innovative and startlingly transformation set to create a whole new wave of cocktail culture,” a claim Londonist finds a bit difficult to swallow. However, our sources suggest that come summer, a few drinking establishments of note will be adding these morsels to their line up. We hope to keep you posted. Cointreau reckons their caviar can be added to a range of cocktails such as cosmopolitans or used to enhance even the bubbliest glass of champagne. Hey, why not?"

Photography by Chris Osburn.

Interesting commentary on the effects of economic downturn and the Absolut issue from Wine and Spirits Daily.

"How is the economy affecting Fortune Brands’ spirits portfolio? That’s the million dollar question. Most of the spirits companies (other than Brown-Forman) have been reluctant to admit that the U.S. economy has taken much of a toll. The general consensus is that consumers view spirits as an “affordable luxury.” Sure, there might be a slowdown in value spirits brands, but premium and super-premiums continue to grow. In an age of premiumization and trading up, spirits companies are generally more concerned with their premium and up brands anyways. Most spirits companies also seem to think they will have no problem bouncing back from a slowdown and that the dawning recession is merely temporary. Declines in the on-premise are perhaps the biggest thorn for distillers, but most claim it’s not a significant change.

“What we have seen a little bit is a little less consumption at bars and restaurants and more people buying at their local liquor store, but it's not that significant,” Fortune ceo Bruce Carbonari told WSJ earlier this month.

In the first quarter, spirits sales were flat in the U.S., but Fortune says some of that was a result of larger-than-usual seasonal reductions in distributor inventories.

"While our reported spirits sales were relatively flat, shipments of spirits were adversely impacted in the U.S. by larger-than-usual seasonal reductions in distributor inventories that don't reflect the health of our brands in the marketplace," Carbonari said in a statment. "Had distributor inventory movements been consistent with the prior year, our worldwide spirits sales would have been solidly higher.”

Spirits sales increased at the premium end of the portfolio, reflecting favorable mix shift and Fortune’s continued focus on growing premiums. On a depletions basis, Fortune’s global premium brands grew in the U.S. and demonstrated strong growth in the U.K., Spain and Germany, as well as in Russia, India and China."

...

First quarter depletions for Jim Beam were off in the first quarter, but Fortune is still expecting another strong year for Beam. The next generation of Jim Beam’s market campaign will rollout in the second quarter.

Sauza had lower shipments overall in the quarter due to inventory movements and tough comps. Depletions were strong in the U.S., however, and super-premium Sauza Hornitos continued to see strong growth.

Courvoisier increased double digit net sales on strong increases in the U.S. Maker’s Mark also experienced strong depletions overall.

WEAKENING ECONOMY. There was a lot of economy talk in today’s conference call. Overall, Fortune maintains that the economy has not had a large impact on spirits sales, although it has taken a toll (albeit it small) on value brands and the on-premise. Florida and California in particular have experienced a slowdown.

“We have seen no significant changes in the U.S. market...we’ve seen some change on-premise versus off-premise...geographic slowdowns correlates to the housing market, which we are seeing most heavily in Florida and California, especially on-premise,” said Carbonari.

“We have not seen the softening U.S. economy have a meaningful impact on total consumer demand...we benefit from our strong premium position,” cfo Craig Omtvedt.

“We had a good Christmas season...we have not seen trading down. The premium brands grow more than the value side and we’ve seen this trend for awhile now. The cocktail is still an affordable luxury and people aren’t willing to give that up. We’ve seen very little trade down at this point,” said Carbonari."

All from Johnmcd's Flickr set.

Again from Jean at NotCot heres some activity from 1800 Tequila - I like the comment at the end: "totally random… but does anyone else find themselves reading 1800 Tequila as 1-800-TEQUILA?"

"Prepare to see Tequila in a whole new light… especially if you live in SF, Chicago, Detroit, or Atlanta, where the first set of 1800 Tequila Artist billboards are now popping up to show off some of their beautiful and crazy Limited Edition bottle collaborations! And rolling out soon will also be chances for people to submit art for upcoming billboards/bottles… and SNEAKERS!

From the press release:

A unique mix of palette and palate, this new initiative celebrates the talents of nine artists — Jorge Alderete (Mexico City) , Jeremy Bacharach (Chicago), Glenn Barr (Detroit), Will Chambers (Chicago), Chris Dean (Detroit), Kim Dosa (Atlanta), Josh Ellingson (Oakland), Hannah Stouffer (Oakland) and Urban Medium (Atlanta) — who have been commissioned to design collectible limited edition bottles. (There are only 1800 of each design, which will be available for a Pop Art price of $34.99 at high-end liquor stores).

The specially commissioned artworks will be unveiled as part of an $8million outdoor advertising and promotional campaign across the country — a new-generation museum that brings art to the people. For those who are unable to view the high-impact billboards in person, the campaign will also be available online at www.1800Tequila.com.

See my favorite bottle/billboards after the jump!"









This reminds me vividly of Bong Vodka's campaign - Spirit of the Brand that we posted about in August 2007 and also of the work that Flavorpill and Absolut/Bud Select have done in the past too.

NotCot is brilliant. Look at what Jean got sent recently. Her post highlights the importance of blogger PR and remarkable packaging.

"Mmmm matte black box, tied up in leather cord, sealed with a big glossy wax seal… along with an enticing black envelope sealed with a matching wax seal, containing silver sheets of paper… it was far too fun to bust open this latest press release to land on my doorstep this morning and discover this beautiful bottle of the freshly launched “100 proof, 100 percent agave, super-premium tequila”, 1800 Silver Select Tequila. This comes from the 1800 Tequila folks (who just started the crazy billboard artist collab campaign i told you about earlier this week)… Really, the unboxing experience was too fun not to share, see the pictures below.

My favorite quotes from the press release… “If James Bond had to give up his martini, shaken, not stirred, he’d switch to 1800 Select Silver”… “For a male-oriented, status-conscious market, driven by luxury and opulence, in which authenticity and perception is all, ordering the best is what counts”… “This is a premium drink for the bon vivant who requests his single malt scotch by name, and who will now be equally fastidious about his favorite brand of tequila.” I love the marketing speak - these made me giggle a bit, and hey marketers, we ladies like our premium drinks and single malt scotches too!

So seeing as i just woke up, and tequila isn’t quite how i start my mornings… i haven’t taken a shot yet, but will update later with how this “raises smooth to new heights”… but for now, be intrigued, and see the pics after the jump of how much fun this gorgeous packaging is!"











Great coverage for 1800 Silver Tequila. And the shot glass in the lid thing has sparked a bit of conversation too... See the video below.

From the ever brilliant Springwise expanding on their notion of Tryvertising - or sampling as we call it:

"Wine may be enjoying new popularity, but that doesn't mean the average consumer isn't still daunted by the knowledge it takes to pick a bottle they'll like. We've written about several efforts to simplify the process, and now WineSide is taking a novel approach by offering wines packaged in sample-sized tubes.

WineSide offers both sweet and classic wines in patented, flat-base glass tubes with screw tops carefully engineered to protect the wines' flavour. The sweet wines—which include Sauternes and Muscat, for example—are available in 6cl tubes, while the Pomerol, Chateau Neuf du Pape and other classic wines can be purchased in 6cl or 10cl sizes. WineSide's collection represents a range of appellations and producers; tubes are available individually or by the box, which can be chosen to provide an introduction to a variety, year or region. Kicking off retail sales, the products are available exclusively at Colette in Paris this month.

In addition to giving consumers a new way to sample and discover wines, WineSide's tube format also promises to give vintners new tryvertising capabilities at relatively low cost. The French company's website is still under construction, but it says it is looking for distributors. One to get in on early!"

Sounds neat and looks very smart. Plus the link with Colette is guaranteed to get them trendy coverage and make them seem desirable. But isn't selling little bits of wine to Parisians a bit like selling sunshine to the Sahara?

Here is the latest deisgner collaboration between Karim Rashid and Veuve Cliquot. Setting the standard in the drinks world for collabroations that are both practical/functional as well as being visually stunning and PR worthy. Who wouldn't want a pink champagne bucket/chandelier.

As pointed on Where's the Sausage in relation to previous collaborations:

"Secondary packaging. Snore, right? Boring boxes. Catatonic cartons. Well, not if you're champagne brand Veuve Clicquot.

They have turned secondary packaging into an artform and this has played an important role in making the most stylish champagne. More importantly, its also helped them become the world's number 2 premium champagne, with a 23% share of the all-important US market.

On New Year's eve I tried out the box that turns magically into an ice bucket, and it actually works! A remarkable bit of packagaing design, with plastic seals to make it watertight. The Paint Box has four mini bottles in a funky yellow ice bucket that looks like a paint can. And the limited edition version of La Grande Dame by Andre Putman would make the perfect present for someone (very) special."

Here's some quotes from the Media Kit that Nourinda sent me:

"Veuve Clicquot Rosé inspires Karim Rashid:

Globalight is an innovative and unique reinterpretation of a chandelier. For a moment… so romantic… so rosé… so Veuve Clicquot

Created by Karim Rashid, the limited-edition Veuve Clicquot Globalight is an invitation to romanticism. This ultra contemporary chandelier creates a soft pink halo of light and a dream like atmosphere wherever it goes. It transforms an intimate candle lit dinner between partners or friends. It keeps Veuve Clicquot Rosé at the ideal temperature for 2 hours.

Veuve Clicquot Globalight is a state-of-the-art technology and design piece. The highly sophisticated system provides light without warming the lamp and transferring heat to the bottle of champagne. Zumbotel, a world expert in lighting, has conceived and manufactured this unique and complex technology. The pink light is the heart of this unique piece and it creates a romantic ambiance wherever it goes.

The wine has a luminous colour with an attractive pink hue. The wine works its magic - this delectably full champagne can be enjoyed as a true delicacy. A deliciously fruity wine in early bloom, this is a wonderful aperitif to be shared as a twosome or simply with friends. Its superb rosé colour adds a daring, contemporary and romantic touch!

“When Veuve Clicquot asked me to design a new project for their champagne, to continue the sensual integration of the immaterial and the material as I had done with the Loveseat, I immediately drew an elliptical scribble around the VC rose bottle as if to denote the intent – this is what I must do – and thought how could I bring light and champagne together? – and suddenly realized that my scribble was the idea in itself – ‘surround the bottle with illumination’ – embrace the bottle with a dynamic energetic magnetism – encapsulate the bottle with warmth, so I literally made an elliptical object and designed Globalight – like a purse, or a handbag, the ovaloid vignettes the champagne – lights it, glorifies it, and embraces the fabulous pleasurable experience of drinking my favorite champagne."



And here is what Veuve say about Karim Rashid

"A world renowned designer, an iconic creator of design and light pieces, and a source of daring, playful, minimalism and sensual inspiration – Karim Rashid collaborates with the House of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin for the second time. Following the release of the “Veuve Clicquot Loveseat”, Karim Rashid drew inspiration from Veuve Clicquot Rosé to create “Globalight”, a multi functional design object representing modern romanticism.

An award winning English-Egyptian artist living in New-York, Karim Rashid is a leading figure in the fields of product and interior design, furniture, lighting and art. His work is in the permanent collections of 15 Museums world wide including MoMA in NY."

It's a win-win-win-win for Rashid, Veuve, the trade and consumers. It premiumises Veuve, gains awareness and desire for their trendy rose and gets a lot of talkability. Coolhunting is covering it so chances are it will appear in Sunday Supplements and so forth in the run up to Spring and Summer. Perfect.

From Coolhunting:

"Limited to a run of 500 (only 50 of those will be available for the U.S. market), the Globalight will be available on Eclicquot in May for $4,000."

In addition, tactically Nourinda's emails were very clever. The story was embargoed until Wednesday. But a few bloggers broke this just because bloggers like to break rules. Much better to say not to do something because bloggers are likely to do the opposite. So then she sent an email out lifting the embargo and opened the blogging floodgates. Very clever online PR.

Bloggers were sent 5 key visuals shown in this post as well as a "media kit" featuring a beautfully presented rationale for the design. Good learnings for everyone at Beam about how to do online PR and luxury marketing.

For other Veuve designer collaboration posts click here for the Porsche design work and here for the Karim Rashid loveseat.

And I've just noticed that there is a proper review of the Veueve design theme on NotCot - so take a look.

And you have to have a look at their design workshop microsite which is very slick - and seems very genuine. Reminds of the Audi design studio.

NotCot has picked up the collaboration between Courvoisier and LRG to promote Courvoisier's Exclusif cognac that is great for cocktails.

Here's the roundup from NotCot with pictures.

"On collabs i didn’t see coming… Courvoisier is going all out on their new Exclusif Cognac! Including a multi-city tour (LA, SF, Houston, Miami, NY) this spring to show off an exclusive line designed by urban/skate brand LRG, inspired by Courvoisier… including a Napoleon Rubberband Jacket.

Ok, but seriously, we both know that’s not why i’m posting this. What grabbed me is that they even customized some limited edition gadgetry - iPhones, Blackberries, and iPods to be specific, and i’m surprised, but i’m kind of loving the the napoleonic/spy logo thing thats going on, and while orange isn’t usually my color, this shade is kind of interesting on electronics… check out more sneak peeks after the jump!"

Our chilie plants are growing apace. As are our sunflowers...

Here's a quick update and some ingenious horticultural techniques.

How it all started





And look at them now. Ed is the proud owner of the largest plant which is now beginning to flower!



Meanwhile Oli has been very successful with his sunflowers...



If you look closely you can see Oli's ingenius bulldog clip method. Charlie Dimmock... take a leaf!



And here are Mary Anna's mini sunflowers...



We are anticipating our first harvest in May!

From the Consumerist:

"Absolut is running an ad in Mexico that some in this country are finding offensive because it favorably depicts our borders as they existed before the 1848 Mexican-American war. We're going to bite and talk about the ad even though it means that the advertisers win and America dies just a bit more.

The campaign taps into the national pride of Mexicans, according to Favio Ucedo, creative director of leading Latino advertising agency Grupo Gallegos in the U.S.

Ucedo, who is from Argentina, said: "Mexicans talk about how the Americans stole their land, so this is their way of reclaiming it. It's very relevant and the Mexicans will love the idea."

But he said that were the campaign to run in the United States, it might fall flat.

"Many people aren't going to understand it here. Americans in the East and the North or in the center of the county — I don't know if they know much about the history.

"Probably Americans in Texas and California understand perfectly and I don't know how they'd take it."

Meanwhile, the campaign has been circulating on the blogs and generating strong responses from people north of the border.

"I find this ad deeply offensive, and needlessly divisive. I will now make a point of drinking other brands. And 'vodka and tonic' is my drink," said one visitor, called New Yorker, on MexicoReporter.com.

Reader Paul Green goes into a discussion on the blog Gateway Pundit of whether the U.S. territories ever belonged to Mexico in the first place, and the News12 Long island site invited people to boycott Absolut, with one user, called LivingSmall, writing: "If you drink Absolut vodka, you can voice your approval or disapproval of this advertising campaign with your purchases. I know I will be switching to Grey Goose or Stoli and will never have another bottle of Absolut in my house.

Um, honestly, we didn't pick up the history thing at first glance. We heard it was running in Mexico and immediately understood the intrinsic appeal. As far as we can tell, it's cute and funny and will obviously incite hordes of Mexicans to race north against earthquakes to reclaim our once-picturesque frontier. Watch out, Alta Californians!"

People are certainly talking about it! You can vote on whether you think it's cool or crap or not worth bothering about here. But if you think it's not worth bothering about you might want to consider contradicting yourself by voting!

For what seems like a fairly comprehensive collection of Absolut's new range of ads click here.

Probably best to let these images from the Darling Barred campaign speak for themselves along with this article from Sky News.

From the Publicis Contagious Newsletter:

"Traveling abroad can be tricky; coping with language barriers and jet lag puts us in a state of almost constant confusion. When touring for sporting events, these effects can be multiplied, thanks to the heady potential of victory -or dramatic failure - mixed with alcohol and adrenalin.

In a nifty and insightful campaign to mark its sponsorship as the official beer of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, Guinness, through OgilvyOne Worldwide, Hong Kong, has launched a mobile application to help the estimated 20,000 overseas visitors to navigate the city and cope with the language barrier.

The campaign, supported by mobile experts the Hyperfactory and mobile city and phrasebook creators XS2TheWorld, offers a ‘passport to greatness’ containing useful information about the tournament to be accessed via mobile. Fans can use their mobiles to discover match schedules, team selections, stadium information and a city guide to Hong Kong, as well as reviews of matches and maps, with locations of Guinness-serving establishments highlighted.

But all that is nothing compared to the application’s top feature, broadcasting key phrases in Cantonese through mobile handsets’ loudspeakers, to help visitors make themselves understood. The pre-progammed phrases include asking for numerous addresses around the city, including key stadium locations, directions to ATMs, and, of course, another round of Guinness please.

The passport can be downloaded from www.guinness.com.hk/xtra and then Hong Kong is your oyster."

From the ever brilliant Springwise...

"The personalization trend shows no sign of abating, and companies far and wide continue to step up with ever-new ways to let consumers customize their tea, their cereal and their Fruit Roll-Ups—among many others. Now spirits maker Pernod Ricard has come up with an interesting twist on the idea by giving consumers the ability to order customized product labels alone.

Pernod Ricard's customized label program, which has actually been around for a few years, allows US residents (over 21, of course) to order personalized labels for Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Jacob's Creek, Kahlua, Mumm Napa and Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve. What's interesting is that rather than offering custom label options as part of a larger product order for the drinks themselves, such as what myJones does, Pernod Ricard lets customers order just labels, and at no charge. An assortment of styles are available for each brand, including holiday, wedding and sailing themes, with room for up to seven lines of text. Consumers can then affix the labels over the original ones on bottles they obtained elsewhere; up to 5 labels can be ordered per e-mail address.

By separating the label offering from orders for the core product, Pernod Ricard achieves a number of desirable ends in one easy step. Not only does it reduce the associated shipping costs and broaden the audience that will be interested in engaging with the brand, it also gains the tremendous goodwill associated with giving away something for free. Free love is attractive enough, but when it's personalized? It doesn't get much better than that!"

Impressive to see this being rolled out across a range of brands rather than just the isolated use of personalisation by Johnnie Walker.

From Brandrepublic

"LONDON - Groove Armada have become the latest pop act to break out of the record company mould by signing a one-year music deal with alcoholic drinks firm Bacardi-Martini.
The British dance music duo, who recently parted ways with Sony BMG's Jive Records label, will release music via the Bacardi brand and play live at Barcardi-branded events. As part of the recording contract, the first involving a band and a drinks brand, Bacardi will fund the production of a four-track EP, which will be released digitally and in hard-copy format.

The agreement also allows Bacardi to commission tracks for use in advertising and other promotional campaigns.

For Bacardi, the deal is a close fit with its two-year old B-Live project, a series of live streamed dance music events that the drinks brand has hosted in more than 25 countries across the globe. Groove Armada are due to play at a number of these over the coming year.

Andy Cato, one half of Groove Armada, said: "After Groove Armada's 10th anniversary year of huge gigs, we were looking for ways to take things to another level. Working alongside Bacardi we have the chance to take the GA travelling show to new people and places, find innovative ways of getting our music out there and keep the stories flowing for the GA Road Movie with Bacardi B-Live."

Groove Armada are no strangers to licensing their music for use in marketing -- their track 'I See You Baby' was used to promote the Renault Megane in a long-running TV campaign.

The ad was been banned from being shown when children were watching TV after complaints that some were copying the language and the ad's bum wiggling.

Bacardi's marketing strategy is particularly focused on attracting young consumers through its involvement in music. For example, it has a heavy presence at UK music festivals, hosting a B-Live Arena at the V Festival and T in The Park.

Groove Armada's deal with Bacardi is the latest in a growing trend in which bands are eschewing traditional ways of releasing music.

Most famously last October, Radiohead let punters pay as little or as much as they wanted for the release of studio album 'In Rainbows'. Just days before the Radiohead news broke, The Charlatans announced that they were to give away their forthcoming album 'You Cross My Path' as a free download in a deal with Xfm; and, in July, Prince sparked a major row with retailer HMV when he gave away his latest album 'Planet Earth' with The Mail on Sunday."

Brilliant presention...

I found this on Coolhunting:

"Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Photography recently announced the editions for their 2008 Fine Print Program. The program offers the opportunity to collect contemporary photographs by internationally recognized artists while supporting the Museum. Definitely a win-win for all involved.

An exceptional standout in the group is “Boy with Stockings / Whiskey and Cigarettes” (pictured) by New Catalogue. Luke Batten and Jonathan Sadler are the two Chicago-Based artists whose collaboration forms New Catalogue. The artists' characterize their work as “a visual research project that mirrors a stock image bank." Their series of work have provided extensive examinations on subjects ranging from the mundane (suburbia) to the controversial (Hitler), all blended with satire creating imagery reflecting the postmodern world and all at once lyrical, sharp and humorous. To see more of New Catalogue, their first monograph entitled “Big Ten Co-Eds, Preppy Girls and The Lost Cheerleaders” is available through Nazraeli Press."

These photos won a photography competition and are on sale for $300 here.

What will J&B make of someone who looks under age, smoking and drinking J&B with hints of cross dressing being associated with their brand?

Persaonlly, I think it's pretty cool and adds to J&B's arty, irreverent feel. The concept of photograpy (and other creative) contests for premium, introspective spirits is, very interesting. Especially when you get to sell the work and bring out the best in artists as well.

From Coolhunting

These are pretty cool. I've been tempted to get the swan like one for Dad a few times now. But the price tag has always stopped me...

"New from the generations-old family glassware-makers Riedel, this series of decanters takes its inspiration from birds for a collection that's as striking as it is functional. Designed by Maximillian Riedel (also responsible for leading the stemless revolution) and his father Georg and handmade by artisans in their Austrian factory, the leaded crystal vessels are all aerodynamic lines and dramatic dimensions.

While the Swan (above right) and Paloma (top) feature sloping tails that double as handles and a curved neck serves as a drip-free spout, the Flamingo (above left) takes a cue from a traditional wine bottle. A deep indent in the bottom for the thumb provides stability with which to pour wine out of the nearly two-foot tall decanter. Each holds a bottle of wine and all are limited in quantity."

You can buy them on Amazon.

Could you do a "Buy a decanter inspired by brand x promotion that comes with a complimentary bottle"?

From Springwise:

This looks very cool indeed and I wonder whether it would work for whisky and cognac? Or any other spirit that derives its quality from being blended...

"Dedicated readers may recall Crushpad, an urban winery we've already discussed on two separate occasions, and now the busy vintners there have given us reason to cover them yet again. Just before the holidays Crushpad introduced fusebox, a wine blending kit that lets users experience the wine-making process at home.

Crushpad's 15-pound fusebox was created to contain everything a group of four might need to explore how some of the world’s greatest wines are blended: Six 375 mL bottles of blending wine from some of Napa's finest vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc; one 375 mL bottle of Mystery Wine; one graduated cylinder and 4 pipettes; four wine evaluation cards; four tasting place mats; recipe cards, a vinography aroma card and a corkscrew. Using the kit, wine enthusiasts can try to re-create classic Cabernet blends or invent their own; they can also test their discernment skills on the included Mystery Wine by playing the “Guess the Mystery Blend” online game at fuseboxwine.com. fusebox is priced at USD 120 and available for shipping only within the United States.

“Crushpad’s mission is to turn consumers into creators,” explains Michael Brill, CEO of San Francisco-based Crushpad. “Whether it’s the multiyear experience of making a wine from vine to bottle or just spending a few hours with friends enjoying a blending session with fusebox, we want to give individuals the opportunity to experience the fun and sense of creative expression that comes from making wine.”

Crushpad has always specialized in helping enthusiasts understand and make their own wines, providing desirable status skills along the way. With fusebox, that experience becomes an insperience, making for a winning combination. Crushpad is in the very early phases of signing up fusebox retailers and distributors. One to bring to the rest of the wine-loving world!"

This is fascinating. It goes to show that people are becoming increasingly interested in buying experiences. There is a human need to do things that make them becoming more interesting. More rounded. And they are happy to pay for it!

From Springwise:

"We wrote recently about the interactive wine bar at Adour in New York City's St. Regis Hotel, and since then we've spotted several mentions of iBar, a related innovation by UK-based Mindstorm.

Unveiled in 2006, the iBar is a customisable surface technology that turns any bar into a giant version of an interactive, touch-sensitive screen. Integrated video projectors can display any content on the bar's milky surface, while built-in intelligent tracking software continually maps the position of every object touching its surface. That input is then used to let the projected content interact dynamically with the movements on the counter, allowing coloured lights, for example, to illuminate, link and follow every movement of hands, bottles and glasses. Multiple people can interact with the iBar at once, and virtual objects can be "touched" with the fingers, enabling a game of pinball where players shoot with their thumbs, for example. Content that can be displayed on the iBar includes internet content, interactive games and advertising; bars can also be fitted with Bluetooth technology to allow consumers to download their own content. The iBar is a stand-alone system comprising modules 2m long, and it can be networked wirelessly to allow interaction between two or more separate units.

The iBar has already been used in events, exhibitions, product launches and top night spots all over the world, Mindstorm says, including BMW's head office in Munich, Geneva's Pimp Club and a gala dinner at Google. Such technologies certainly have the potential to transform the consumer experience at bars, restaurants and other venues, as well as providing a wealth of new advertising and point-of-sale opportunities. One to try out early!"

Check out the YouTube version of it.



Great piece of talkability for bars and brands. Have a look at this page for the branding effects they are capable of.

I found this on PSFK and Springwise so it's pretty hot. It picks up on a desire of food and drink brands to tap into the burgeoning world of food and drink blogging.

"SOOPZ is a network of food bloggers. Ever so often, we’ll get approached by someone who wants to raise awareness for their food products online (like me and my dulce). The SOOPZ network is perfect for this, because I haven’t met a food blogger yet that doesn’t love free food.

Over time, the network will grow and the amount of food we give away will increase. For now, we’re a happy family of about 200 food bloggers (we call them Sooper Heroes) ready to taste some of what you’ve got. Want to become a Sooper Hero?"

Here's the chat from Springwise:

"There's no such thing as a free lunch—unless, of course, you happen to be a food blogger. Food manufacturers tend to be liberal with their samples when it comes to gaining exposure through influential voices, and one New Orleans-based blogger has turned that into a defining feature of his site.

On BlakeMakes.com, Blake Killian has developed SOOPZ, a network of 200 or so readers who are also food bloggers—"Sooper Heroes," as he calls them. Manufacturers send multiple samples of a particular item to Blake, who announces that they will be given away through his site. Registered Sooper Heroes can then sign up to receive some in exchange for at least the possibility that they'll write about them on their own blogs. Most recently, for instance, TCHO—the chocolatier we featured not long ago on our own pages—donated a bunch of its chocolate bars for giveaway to the SOOPZ network. Before that it was Sucre chocolate. Since the site's founding last May, Blake has even started developing a line of his own products, starting with Peanut Butter Dulce de Leche—of which he's given away more than a hundred jars through the site. Future plans include videos and a cookbook as well, Blake says.

Whereas food brands have increasingly begun seeking out blog exposure, traditionally that's happened just one blog at a time, and on the brands' own initiative. By acting as an intermediary, BlakeMakes.com is turning that model on its head and giving companies quick access to many bloggers in one shot. Bloggers get free food, companies get free publicity, and everyone gets happy. If you're in food, better start lining up now...!"

I wonder whether this would be a good move for any of our brands?

From Springwise:

"More than a century ago, citizens of the Czech city of Pilsen pioneered new methods of brewing and storing beer. Now a new franchising concept called the Pilsner Unique Bar is mixing the town’s venerable brewing tradition with leading-edge technology. The establishment’s main innovation? Patrons no longer have to line up at the bar or wait for a server. Instead, they serve themselves from taps installed at the bar’s tables. A display keeps track of how many beers have been poured. Technology has also been integrated in other ways: the Pilsner Unique Bar is connected to sister franchises elsewhere in the country, so that patrons can challenge barflies in other towns to contests. And wireless internet is available for customers who want to surf while they sip.

Like many successful franchises, the Unique Bar makes optimal use of its floor space. During the day a coffee shop and restaurant attract most of the patrons until the early evening, which is when the pub transforms into a nightspot. However, Unique Bar’s self-service tap could be the feature that most endears the concept to customers and prospective owners. Not only does it cut down on staffing needs, it also lets customers get their brews as soon as they want them, and attracts parties and groups. We’ve spotted this system in Dublin, too, where patrons of The Baggot Inn swipe a credit card to pull their own beers. Staff is on hand to offer tips on how to pull the perfect pint. Next up: DIY cocktail bars for wannabe mixologists?"

Interesting to see if bars take up the idea of robotic mixilogy machines... they still seem to be a bit in their infancy:

From Luxist:

"Our faltering economy is starting to hit the cocktail culture. MarketWatch reports that while alcohol manufacturers usually do just fine in a tough economy, bars and nightclubs may find themselves in trouble. As the purse strings tighten people tend to opt for drinking at home versus spending their cash on pricey bar cocktails. Currently liquor is still seen as an affordable luxury, it is far easier to buy top shelf booze than a top-of-the-line car, but that may change over time. As we've mentioned before on this website, the current economic climate is having more of an effect on the middle of the wealth spectrum rather than the upper end. Therefore casual dining restaurants are feeling more of the pain thus far and the bar tab makes up a significant portion of each sale. Brand loyalty will protect many labels especially in the cases of people who have ordered the same drink for years.

Wine Spirits Daily has also been on the case trying to predict what will happen to the various liquor ranges. Most of the people in the industry that they surveyed believe that the $20 to $30 "premium" spirits are probably safe but the "ultra premium" bottles that are in the $50+ range might not be so appealing as the aspirational consumer starts to pare down. Most feel certain that the middle range of the market will remain safe. One of their respondents echoed the concerns expressed in the MarketWatch article that where people drink may change more than what people drink. Most people, regardless of the economy, won't be willing to give up their cocktails but if they can get them for cheaper they will."

Another classic from Slashfood:

"The more crazy stories I hear about the goings-on in Texas, the more I want to go. Apparently a business proprietor in Palo Pinto County has been arrested for selling alcohol without a permit and possessing it with the intent to sell.

Well, what he intended to sell was vodka, each bottled with a 10" rattlesnake. The owner of Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch could face up to a year in jail and $1000 in fines for the 411 bottles that he had on the premises.

The police said that they had received a tip, and that the rattlesnake booze had to be asked for - it wasn't out. They believe the liquor was intended for sale in Asia, where apparently they drink all kinds of alcohol with snakes and lizards in it. This kind of beverage supposedly induces hallucinations.

I have never heard about this kind of thing, except that some tequila's have worms in them. I don't think I'd even try liquor with some kind of reptile or insect in it. What do you think - regular or snake flavored?"

Hopefully not one for the Beam porfolio. Although it does have a stong USP!

From Slashfood.

"It seems that wine is really in with the 20's crowd and they're a changing force in the market. Starting around 2003 their impact on the industry started to show. The "Millennial Generation" love wine, and what they like isn't all big Cali Cabs or Oaky Chards. For them it's all about fun and offbeat wines like Malbecs from Argentina or a Tempranillo from Spain. And I can relate. These are the wines I love. Sure I'll dive into an Old Vine Zin, or Big Bold Cab, but show me something new, interesting, and different, like a golden and lively Ribolla Gialla , a Sangiovese blend from Maremma, or a dry sparkling wine like Gruet from New Mexico; and I'm all over it.

As one of the early Gen X crowd, sometimes called Gen Jones, I saw the whole change in the wine industry first hand; working in wine shops in the NYC area in my late teens and early 20's. When I started, French wine was it. Old world, elegant and refined, somewhat snooty; and not very accessible. Boring, just like the older Baby Boomers before me who had brought back an interest in wine to the US. These were wines that seemed more for show than enjoyment. (The younger Baby Boomers were more into vodka and illicit substances.) To a few of us young Gen X'ers, German whites, dry or sweet; were daring and fun. Most of the rest had a White Zin as their first wine, sort of a Gateway Wine that led to trying something a bit more serious, but not stuffy. Californian wines started to make a showing, and slowly took over to become the Big Jock on the Block. Later The Aussies stepped up to the plate where they overwhelmed the world with good wine at a low price and in Quantity. The wine industry keeps tabs on these trends and just love where it's heading."

There is a very good article in the LA Times about Young Wine Enthusiasts. Here's the picture:



And here's the article.

If people are keen to become connoisseurs / more knowledgable about wine at a younger age the implication is that the same could apply for cognac, whisky and tequila.

Just spotted this on Londonist:

"For those of you in London this Easter weekend, there's a treat for you. Oh yes.

Good Friday will indeed by very good because that's the evening of the Hendrick's Spring Masked Ball, a most glorious night of gin-flavoured hedonism, elaborate costume and fantastic facewear. Organised by the decadent chaps of The Last Tuesday Society, we know from their reputation at previous balls that this is going to be rather fabulous and as well as an intriguing musical line up of DJs and the frankly disturbing Punch & Judy show, there will also be the chance to...

"...Gorge Yourselves at Suzette Field's Famous Cheeseboard, Viktor Wynd's Midnight Feast of Yesterdays Cakes & The Fruits of Ridley Road & Their Chocolate Fountain

Detox Whilst You Tox as Martin Ahearne Brings The Little Organic Juicebar from Upper Street and helps you juice the surrounding fruit and vegetables and mix them with Mother's Ruin

Amuse Yourselves With the Broken Toys of Dalston Oxfam Shop & Their Preplayed Games"

So leave that full face zip-up gimp mask at home and wear something with room to sip a gin cocktail and nibble one of yesterday's cakes. It never suited you anyway. Apart from obligatory masks, the dress code is opulence, ball gowns and 'fancy' and prizes will be given out for the best dressed people, the most virginal smile and the greatest mask. Rah. See you there?

Hendrick's Masked Spring Ball, Arts Theatre (Covent Garden), Friday 21 March. Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door, £50 for a family ticket for 5 in advance only. For more information and to book, go here."

What's great about this is that the event is very Henrdicks. It's niche. It's interesting. It's surprising. And they're doing brilliantly to sell tickets to the event and get publicity as a result. The readers of Londonist have all been exposed to a cool piece of Hendrick's activity. And at very low cost.