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WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) concluded its 2025 Women's Leadership Council (WLC) Conference in Washington D.C, bringing together current and emerging women leaders from across the wholesale tier of the beverage alcohol industry for two days of education, networking, leadership development, and strategic insight.

Over the course of the event, attendees participated in interactive sessions focused on advocacy, innovation, data-driven decision making, wellness, and leadership in times of change.     

"This year's WLC Conference reaffirms our commitment to not only amplify women's voices in the wholesale tier but also delivering actionable leadership tools that drive both personal growth and business success in a rapidly evolving industry. When we invest in empowerment, mentorship, and data, we prepare our leaders to meet both the challenges and the opportunities before us with confidence," said WSWA Senior Vice President of Member Advocacy Catherine McDaniel.

Keynote addresses and panels featured distinguished voices including Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women's Memorial, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., Lieutenant General Mary O'Brien (United States Air Force, Retired), Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds (United States Marine Core, Retired), Swathi Young, Edyta Satchell, and others. Focused sessions ranged from "Empower: How to Stand Out While Fitting In" to "AI Uncorked: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Beverage Industry," equipping women with practical tools for navigating advancing market trends and organizational complexity. Attendees also took part in philanthropic and networking events, including a visit to the Military Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

In addition to thought leadership, the conference provided tactical sessions including a fireside chat with SipSource leadership, offering market forecasting, and analytic strategies that equipped attendees with immediately applicable insights. Attendees also heard from President of Opici Family Distributing, Immediate Past WSWA Chairwoman, and the Inaugural WLC Chairwoman Dina Opici on the strategic and legislative priorities of the association and how WSWA's mission directly impacts the strength and future of the wholesale tier.

"The energy, collaboration, and insight at this year's gathering were nothing short of inspiring. Seeing women from all levels from rising professionals to seasoned executives come together, share their journeys, and chart new paths forward is exactly what the WLC is meant to foster. I'm leaving this conference more hopeful and more driven to continue building spaces where leadership is inclusive and transformative," added Laura DePasquale, MS, Chair of WSWA's Women's Leadership Council and Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Artisanal Wines at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.

With the wholesale beverage alcohol landscape changing rapidly—driven by regulatory shifts, evolving consumer preferences, and technological disruption—WSWA's WLC Conference continues to serve as a critical venue for women leaders to stay ahead of trends, forge meaningful relationships, and influence the future of the industry.

 
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We’re thrilled to share that our distillery-exclusive Negroni 1-Pour is now available at the LCBO!

Made with our Canadian craft gin, this sophisticated, ready-to-serve cocktail delivers the perfect harmony of bold, bittersweet, and herbal flavours. Our Negroni 1-Pour received so much love at our distillery last year that we’re so excited for all of Ontario to enjoy it, too.

Whether you’re hosting or unwinding, this classic aperitif is ready when you are. Simply chill, pour over ice, and enjoy. Here’s to making Negroni season one to remember!

 
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Penderyn Distillery, Wales’ iconic whisky maker, has achieved a remarkable milestone—now confirmed as the fastest-growing whisky brand in the global “World Whisky” category. According to Nielsen data, Penderyn is also the most recognised World Whisky brand in the UK, outpacing Japanese, Indian, and American rivals. In an era when whisky exports are worth more than £6.2 billion annually to the UK economy, Penderyn increasingly represents the “soft power of Wales” on the world stage: a cultural ambassador with a bottle on every continent.

Penderyn is now raising its glass to the future by proudly supporting the inaugural National Welsh Whisky Day on 22 September 2025, a day dedicated to celebrating whisky-making excellence in Cymru and elevating Wales on the global spirits map.

A Global Success Story from Wales

Founded in 2000 in the Brecon Beacons, Penderyn has grown from a single stillhouse producing small batches of malt whisky to an international force with three distilleries in Penderyn, Llandudno, and Swansea, and distribution reaching more than 50 countries. Penderyn whiskies are now stocked in every major UK supermarket chain including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Morrisons, as well as pouring in premium bars across New York, Tokyo, Paris, and Sydney.

Export now represents more than 40% of sales, with particularly strong growth in the United States (up 36% year-on-year), Germany (up 28%) and France (up 22%).

Penderyn has collected over 100 international awards, including repeated “Gold” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and numerous “Best in Category” wins at the World Whiskies Awards.

A Celebrity Following

Penderyn has attracted a loyal and ever-growing celebrity following. Devotees include Welsh icons such as  Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Sheen, Ruth Jones from Gavin and Stacey and Katherine Jenkins, alongside sporting heroes from Wales’ Six Nations rugby squads. Penderyn has also appeared in backstage riders for Kylie Minogue, while internationally Penderyn is rumoured to have been enjoyed by Hollywood A-lister and Penderyn Ambassador, Matthew Rhys.

This crossover appeal—embraced by musicians, chefs, actors, and athletes—has made Penderyn not just a whisky brand, but a cultural statement of Welsh confidence and quality.

A Distinctive Range of Products

Penderyn produces one of the world’s most diverse World Whisky portfolios, reflecting innovation matched with traditional skill:

•      The Dragon Range – entry-level collection including Legend, Myth and Celt editions, widely available in UK supermarkets.

•      The Gold Collection – premium bottlings matured in Madeira, Portwood, Sherrywood, Rich Oak, and Peated casks.

•          Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn – the first peated whisky from Wales in 125 years, from the Llandudno, North Wales distillery.

•          Icons of Wales Series – limited editions celebrating Welsh history and culture, such as “Rhiannon” and “Independence,” prized by collectors worldwide, which includes Copperopolis, YMA O HYD and The Headliner.

•      Breacon Beacon’s Gin, Brecon FIVE Vodka and Siddiqui Rum – diversifying into spirits beyond whisky, available across retail and travel retail.

Each bottle is crafted using Penderyn’s patented Faraday single-pot stills, producing a spirit at 92% ABV that is renowned for its smooth, light, and fruity character, often called the “Welsh style.”

Nielsen-Backed Growth

According to Nielsen data, Penderyn is now also in the top 10 most recognised whisky brands in UK retail as a whole. With whisky consumption rising among younger drinkers, women, and global cocktail audiences, Penderyn is appealing to an incredibly broad consumer base.

National Welsh Whisky Day

Penderyn is particularly proud to support the launch of National Welsh Whisky Day on 22 September 2025, a new annual celebration recognising Wales’ rise as a whisky nation alongside Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and the US. Events will include masterclasses across Wales, distillery open-days, global tastings, and pairings with Welsh cuisine.

 Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, said: “Penderyn has always been about putting Wales on the whisky map. Now as the fastest-growing world whisky, we are thrilled to champion National Welsh Whisky Day and bring global attention to what Welsh whisky stands for—quality, innovation, and identity.”

Penderyn as ‘Soft Power of Wales’

Penderyn is increasingly recognised by politicians, diplomats, and cultural figures as the “soft power of Wales”—a product that opens doors, builds cultural pride, and symbolises national achievement abroad. Bottles of Penderyn have been presented by Welsh Government officials at trade missions, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic gatherings.

Looking Ahead

Penderyn continues to drive forward with plans for further expansion and additional releases in its Icons of Wales Series, and expanded production.

For collectors, Penderyn’s award-winning limited editions have become some of the most sought-after in the World Whisky category, with auction prices rising by over 20% year-on-year.

As it celebrates its 25th year of distilling in 2025, Penderyn is poised to shape the global whisky narrative, cementing its position not just as Wales’ whisky, but one of the world’s leading spirits.

 
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SANTA YNEZ, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunstone Winery, one of California's most iconic wine estates, today announced the launch of SOLIS, a groundbreaking functional mushroom beverage that ushers in a new era of wellness-focused refreshment.

A Cultural Shift

As alcohol sales decline worldwide, consumers are seeking balance, wellness, and connection in new ways. Sunstone has responded by creating SOLIS, a sparkling, cognitive-enhancing social beverage developed with InfusedBySplash, leaders in advanced functional beverage formulations.

Made with Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Yerba Mate, L-Theanine, and Alpha GPC, SOLIS blends globally celebrated functional ingredients into a refreshing elixir that delivers clarity, calm energy, and mood support—without alcohol, added sugar, or compromise.

"Having formulated hundreds of functional products, I can confidently say that SOLIS is unlike anything the market has seen," said Kalon Baird, Founder of InfusedBySplash.

Sunstone President Teddy Cabugos added: "We are witnessing a cultural shift that only comes once in a generation. People are moving away from alcohol and seeking healthier options. SOLIS is that solution—a beverage designed for those who choose to drink less or not at all yet still want to enjoy an elevated mood and sense of connection."

California Lifestyle, Global Stage

Sunstone has long embodied California's blend of innovation, wellness, and luxury. From its organically farmed vineyards to its internationally recognized Tuscan-style Villa, the winery is a destination in Santa Barbara Wine Country.

Now, SOLIS carries that identity to a global audience. "Sunstone wines will always remain tied to the estate, a boutique treasure limited by the land," said Djamila Cabugos, CEO of Sunstone Winery. "By contrast, SOLIS is our scalable vision—destined to be in every hotel minibar, airport, grocery store, and refrigerator. It bridges our Old-World heritage with our future as a global lifestyle brand."

More Than a Beverage

Guests can enjoy SOLIS at the Sunstone Tasting Room and Villa, where it is woven into the estate's hospitality experience. Low-calorie and naturally flavored, SOLIS provides stress support, focus, and calm energy without a crash or hangover.

Availability

SOLIS is available now at sunstonecalifornia.com, in the Sunstone Winery Tasting Room, and is expanding into retail and hospitality venues nationwide. Follow the journey on Instagram @sunstonecalifornia.

 
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BARDSTOWN, Ky., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elijah Craig Bourbon, a leading family of premium American Whiskeys, today announced its first ever Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, expanding its barrel proof product offerings for the first time. Known as the "Father of Bourbon" for pioneering the use of charred oak barrels, Elijah Craig's latest release gives consumers an incredible opportunity to enjoy Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey in its purest, uncut form.

The result is a rich, deep copper-hued liquid that leads with aromas of baking spices, gingerbread and a sweet note of molasses. Tasting reveals a complex and well-balanced experience leading with stewed fruits and touches of cinnamon. Lingering notes of nutmeg and lots of rye spice will round out a long, warm finish. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Batch A925 has a proof of 108 and carries an age statement of 12 years and 3 months.

"Our signature Elijah Craig spice and complexity shine through beautifully in our inaugural Barrel Proof Rye, in an approachable way that makes it ideal for barrel proof first-timers and experienced palates alike," said Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller, Elijah Craig Bourbon. "As whiskey fans know, barrel proof is kind of like that famous box of chocolates, in not knowing what you're going to get until the barrel dumps. In this instance, we got a 108-proof treat that drinks bolder than its number would suggest."

Following this initial release, Elijah Craig's Barrel Proof Rye will be released three times annually, every January, May and September. The timing follows the brand's famed, unique batching system for barrel proof expressions – using letters "A," "B," or "C" to indicate the order of the release, the first number representing the month and the last two numbers indicating the year, making this batch A925.

This highly anticipated Barrel Proof Rye release will be available in 750 ml bottles nationally by late September at a suggested retail price of $74.99. It joins the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon that can also be found nationwide also for an MSRP of $74.99.

Follow Elijah Craig on Instagram for news about the latest release and find a retailer near you at ElijahCraig.com.

 

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