SPEAK EASY
AN INFORMAL CONVERSATION WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS
With the economy struggling and consumers looking for ways to reduce household budgets, retailers are concerned with how luxury wines and spirits—the high-margin products that keep their businesses strong—will fare. William Slone, director of The Beverage Network, spoke with Jim Clerkin, chief operating officer and executive VP, Moët Hennessy USA ... read more.

WHISKEY AT A PEAK
Is American Whiskey Better Than Ever?
The whiskey business breeds naturally happy people, the kind who, even as the week enters its 60th hour, like to reflect on their good fortune. So, it’s never a surprise when their view is sunny. But these days, despite overall economic worries, those folks making bourbon and rye seem especially ... read more.

Martinis Around Manhattan
Whatever claims on the martini other cities make, it is New York City, and I mean Manhattan, that has a solid lock on the finesse and sophistication of the drink. Frank Moorhouse, in his wonderful but wildly expensive Martini a Memoir, (Knopf, 2006) is deep in conversation with his ... read more.

Preparing for the New Year A Guide to Restocking
Restocking for the New Year might be one of those easily avoidable “spring cleaning” chores, but it is undeniably necessary. Although the renewal of your stock is a never-ending task, the quiet period that follows the holiday rush is an ideal moment to recover, review and reorganize. Here are ... read more.

Finding efficiencies in shipping
How Are Beverage Alcohol Companies Coping With Higher Transportation Costs?
Richard Shaffer recently got a great, big surprise from UPS. The owner of Israeli Wine Direct, a company that imports wine from Israel and sells it directly to consumers, restaurants and retailers, received UPS’s rate card that showed a 30% increase in shipping costs. Fuel prices are directly impacting the ... read more.