Mayenda Introduces Reposado Double Cask, A First-of-its-kind Aged Sipping Tequila Infused with Roasted Agave & Agave Miel
Mayenda, the sipping tequila that goes two steps above, today introduces its newest offering, Mayenda Tequila Reposado Double Cask.
Mayenda Reposado is a sophisticated evolution of Mayenda Blanco
Mayenda Reposado is a sophisticated evolution of Mayenda Blanco — the first tequila made using the brand’s signature process of infusing the finest tequila with both roasted agave and agave miel (honey) before the final distillation step.
This naturally deepens the notes of fresh roasted agave and adds herbal complexity with only three ingredients: Blue Weber agave, yeast, and water.
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For Mayenda Reposado Double Cask, the tequila is then aged for six months in a mix of American and European Oak, showcasing Mayenda’s continued commitment to developing innovative tequilas that stand apart from others on the market today.
This elegant sipping tequila will be available in the U.S. and Mexico beginning June 2024.
“With Mayenda Blanco, we knew we had unlocked new possibilities for expressing deeper flavors of the agave, thanks to the two extra steps in our signature process; yet it still felt like we had only scratched the surface of what was possible,” said Jesus Susunaga, Maestro Tequilero at Casa San Nicolás. “When developing our Reposado, we decided to employ a double cask maturation and longer aging process. This resulted in an exceptionally smooth and balanced, aged tequila that maintains the soul of our beloved Blanco.”
Mayenda’s Signature Process: Every Mayenda Tequila is made at Casa San Nicolás (NOM: 1440) in the highlands of Jalisco, using only mature 100% blue weber agave. Mayenda starts the same way as other premium tequilas, but the magic is in the two extra steps. Maestro Tequilero Susunaga and his team steep (or infuse) roasted agave and then agave miel from the cooking process just before the last distillation step. This naturally captures fresh roasted agave notes and herbal complexity that are typically lost in the tequila-making process, creating a soulful sipping tequila with a honeyed and multi-dimensional flavor profile.
Double Cask Aging in American & European Oak: For Mayenda Reposado Double Cask, Mayenda Blanco is then aged in the finest American and European Oak barrels. Each barrel type enhances the opposing characteristics of the other — one barrel adds impact while the other softens. The dry, spicy and earthy profile of cinnamon, chamomile and red apple in the European Oak is expertly balanced with the rich, fresh, sweeter notes of butterscotch, honeycomb and vanilla in the American Oak.
A Longer (6 Month) Aging Process: While most Reposado Tequilas are aged two to three months, the aging for Mayenda Reposado Double Cask is extended to a minimum of six months to impart the optimal amount of flavor from each cask. A longer aging time brings a more sophisticated, multi-layered and refined flavor profile.
Artful Master Blending: Careful to keep the essence of Mayenda Blanco in every sip, Maestro Tequilero Jesus Susunaga and his team of experts at Casa San Nicolás carefully blend every drop of Mayenda Tequila to ensure the highest quality of consistency, flavor, texture and refinement. Jesus’s extensive experience blending some of the finest aged spirits around the globe has helped him master this delicate craft and pioneer a new type of tequila in Mayenda.
Mayenda Reposado Double Cask may be enjoyed neat or in elevated cocktails such as a Morita Martini or Elevated Paloma. For recipes, visit mayendatequila.com.
Mayenda Reposado Double Cask will be available at select retailers in the United States for SRP $75USD per 750 mL bottle and in Mexico for $1,445 Pesos. Please sip responsibly.
Follow them on social media @mayendatequila and visit their website Mayendatequila.com
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Southern sophistication Pours in NYC: Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails RTD Hard Tea Pours Nationwide
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails Hard Tea Launches Nationwide
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails Hard Tea – a canned ready-to-drink that launched earlier this spring in 13 test markets – is rolling out nationwide this fall.
The RTD embodies Southern sophistication with a twist.
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails Hard Tea combines black tea, ripe, true-to-fruit flavor resulting in a balanced and sweet finish. With four classic flavors carefully selected, each can was crafted to please the palates of today’s modern drinker.
Country Cocktails can be found in select retail and convenience stores across the country in a 12oz. can (ABV 5%), 12-can variety pack containing four classic flavors: Original, Peach, Raspberry, and Blackberry; with the Original & Peach offered in 16oz. and 23.5oz. single serve cans that deliver consumers a refreshing and high-quality beverage experience for those who appreciate a good tea.
- Original: Known for its full-bodied refreshing take on a Southern classic. Combining the rich taste of black tea with a sweet, true-to-fruit finish, captures the essence of Southern sweet tea. It’s the perfect drink for relaxing on the porch and enjoying good conversation.
- Peach: A floral flavor that brings the juicy, sun-ripened sweetness to life. This option offers a crisp and refreshing experience, where the delicate honeyed taste comes to the forefront of the palate making it a delightful choice for any day of the year.
- Raspberry: Delivering a vibrant tartness, yet balanced with a subtle sweetness; this flavor presents a bold and smooth drink that’s as satiating as it is refreshing.
- Blackberry: Capturing the rich and juicy essence of blackberries, it offers a slightly tangy and flavorsome experience, making it a perfect choice for consumers who enjoy the bold taste of berries with a hint of Southern charm.
Coinciding with Country Cocktails Hard Tea launch is the RTD’s partnership with ACM and two-time CMT Music Award winner, Lauren Alaina, who has accomplished one of country music’s crowning achievements – becoming the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Lauren Alaina’s small town Georgia roots, love for comfort and authenticity make her the perfect ambassador for a beverage that prides itself on delivering a taste of the South in every sip. Both Alaina and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails symbolize Southern charm, together producing a match made partnership.
To celebrate the collaboration, Country Cocktails has partnered with Southern Living to offer fans across the country a chance to enter their sweepstakes and win a pair of tickets and flights to meet Lauren Alaina at her concert in Las Vegas at the Green Valley Ranch Backyard Amphitheater on October 25, 2024.
The sweepstakes will run from September 13 until October 11, 2024 and contestants can enter for a chance to win by visiting the link.
About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, and Jack Daniel’s RTDs. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.
About Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails are premium malt beverages from the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands. Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails was introduced in May 1992.
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails and their respective flavor names are registered trademarks. © 2024 Jack Daniel’s. Jack Daniel Beverage Co., Louisville, Ky. Flavored Malt Beverage.
For more information, please visit www.countrycocktails.com.
NYC Craves 10yr Flavor: Rich Caramel, Full Bodied Vanilla, Spiced Rye: Bulleit 10-Year Aged Whiskeys
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Launches New Rye 10-Year-Old Permanent Expression and Unveils the ’10-Year Aged Whiskeys’ Range
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey proudly announces the launch of Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old, the latest addition to its permanent portfolio of exceptional whiskeys.
This new expression joins the acclaimed Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year-Old, forming the foundation of the new Bulleit 10-Year Aged Whiskeys range.
Together, these age-statement whiskeys reflect Bulleit’s commitment to crafting premium, bold-flavored whiskey while continuing to innovate to bring an expanded portfolio of whiskeys to consumers and trade.
Bulleit is building on its rye leadership with the launch of Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old. The new whiskey maintains the flagship Rye’s iconic mash bill—95% rye and 5% malted barley—and is aged for a minimum of 10 years in new charred American white oak barrels, enhancing the balance of smoothness and spice that defines Bulleit Rye.
Expect rich caramel and toffee notes on the nose, with hints of buttery rye.
The palate delights with pear-like fruitiness, dry oak, full-bodied vanilla, and a spiced rye finish that lingers.
Bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV), it’s an impeccably balanced pour that showcases the best of rye’s signature boldness.
In recognition of its quality, Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 98 out of 100, receiving Gold Outstanding Spirit making it one of the top-rated American Rye Whiskeys at the 2024 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
The launch of Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old comes during a period of growth for the rye category, where its distinctive, spicy profile has fueled a resurgence over the last decade. Bulleit has been at the forefront of this revival since 2011 when its flagship Rye helped to ignite the modern rye whiskey category. Recognizing the growing demand for innovation and more unique offerings, Bulleit developed its multi-award-winning Rye 12-Year-Old limited release in 2019, a standout that was celebrated for its age statement and accessibility. The 2024 edition of Rye 12-Year Old was equally lauded, winning a Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Similarly, Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year-Old offers a high-rye recipe that delivers a smooth, complex drinking experience. Toasty oak aromas with vanilla and sweet dried fruit lead to a palate of spice, caramel, and a refined finish that highlights the whiskey’s depth. Bottled at the same 91.2 proof, it continues to set the gold standard for high-rye bourbons.
Jenika Newsum, Senior Brand Manager at Bulleit Frontier Whiskey said “Our Bulleit 10-Year Aged Whiskeys showcase the bold, spicy rye-forward flavors that define our brand. Each expression is a testament to the meticulous craft of aging and our relentless drive to push the boundaries of American whiskey. We’re excited to introduce these whiskeys and look forward to unveiling even more innovations that reflect our commitment to whiskey craftsmanship.”
The release of Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old follows the launch of the Bulleit American Single Malt and Batch 8 of its Barrel Strength Bourbon—two expressions that exemplify the brand’s dedication to pioneering the whiskey frontier through innovative aging, finishing, and flavor exploration.
Over the years, Bulleit has amassed accolades for its Rye variants. Bulleit Rye has earned significant recognition, scoring 96 out of 100 at the 2023 Chilled 100 Spirits Awards, a Gold Medal at the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition, and a Platinum Medal at the 2022 ASCOT Awards. These wins complement the Rye 12-Year-Old’s Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and join Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year-Old’s impressive haul of awards, including a Platinum Medal and Best Straight Bourbon at the 2023 LA Spirits Awards, a Gold Medal and a score of 95/100 at the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition, a Gold Medal at the 2023 New York Wine & Spirits Competition, a Gold Medal at the 2023 SIP Awards, a Platinum Medal at the 2022 ASCOT Awards, an Outstanding accolade at the 2021 International Wine & Spirits Competition, and a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old is now available nationwide for consumers 21+ with a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 750ml bottle. The whiskey is packaged in the iconic Bulleit bottle, with a light green label that prominently features the 10-year-old age statement.
No matter where or how you decide to enjoy Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old, Bulleit reminds consumers 21+ to please remember to taste and serve responsibly.
About Bulleit Frontier Whiskey
Bulleit, founded in 1987, is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America.
The brand attributes that growth to bartenders and cultural partners who have adopted it as their own. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy, yet distinctively smooth taste.
The award-winning Kentucky whiskey most recently won a Double Gold medal for Bulleit 10-Year Old and Gold Medals for Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2017, Bulleit celebrated its 30th anniversary with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art distillery located in Shelbyville, KY.
Constructed with a focus on sustainable practices including natural habitat protection, water conservation and local ingredient sourcing.
In 2019, a Visitor’s Centre at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville opened to share our modern, technological, and sustainable approach to making great whiskey.
In 2021, Diageo opened its first carbon-neutral whiskey distillery in Lebanon, KY with Bulleit being the first and leading brand being produced at the site. supplementing existing production at the Bulleit Distilling Co.
For more information, visit www.bulleit.com or follow @Bulleit on Instagram.
NYC’s Coqodaq, Napa’s Be Bubbly, DC’s Apéro: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
NYC’s Coqodaq, Napa’s Be Bubbly, DC’s Apéro: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
From Napa to DC to Manhattan and just 7 other sparkling stops!
Bureau du Champagne, USA today announced its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants where Champagne plays a starring role. The list, now in its third year, recognizes establishments that elevate and celebrate the uniqueness of the sparkling wine that comes only from Champagne, France.
Released in advance of Champagne Day 2024, the list showcases Champagne standouts in every U.S. region. It recognizes restaurants and bars that take special care to offer Champagnes from a wide variety of producers, list them properly on their menus, and serve them with élan.
“We received nominations for spectacular bars and restaurants across the country, and selected from them a list of destinations that embody the spirit of Champagne,”
Lori Russo
Director,
the Bureau du Champagne, USA.
“While these restaurants and bars differ in style, spanning the spectrum from fine dining to fried chicken, they all have one thing in common: they understand what makes Champagne special. For that, we couldn’t be prouder to raise a glass to them on Champagne Day and the rest of the year.”
The full list of this year’s featured bars and restaurants can be found below in alphabetical order:
- Apéro, Washington, DC: Apéro’s list of more than 700 wines places special emphasis on Champagne. The intimate setting in DC’s popular Georgetown neighborhood is an ideal spot to explore an extensive list of Champagnes smartly organized by style.
- Be Bubbly, Napa, Calif.: In the heart of California wine country, Be Bubbly takes care to showcase Champagne with a menu that includes a map of the region’s five wine-producing districts and a philosophy of Champagne as a celebration of life.
- Boiler Room, Omaha: The wine list at this terroir-focused restaurant, originally conceived by a Master Sommelier, offers a broad range of Champagnes at varying price points so everyone can join in the celebration.
- Charleston, Baltimore: The wine program at Charleston emphasizes the special relationship between wine and food. The Champagne list, which spans three pages of its menu, explains the magic of Champagne along with a diversity of tasting profiles.
- Coqodaq, New York: Proving the versatility of Champagne, Coqodaq pairs the sparkling wine with both caviar and its signature bucket of Korean fried chicken.
- Coupes, Dallas: Coupes bills itself as a bar for Champagne. True to its name, its vast menu of Champagnes explains that “Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne.”
- Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar, Sacramento, Calif.: Fizz believes in celebrating everyday triumphs with Champagne. Its menus and events elevate Champagne from France and distinguish it from other sparkling wines.
- La Vie, Waikiki, Hawaii: La Vie’s emphasizes farm-to-table dining with French flair, so its large selection of vintage and non-vintage Champagnes creates the perfect complement, and the view is special, too.
- Pops for Champagne, Chicago: Known for its special events, tastings, Champagne education and a vast list of Champagnes of every style, Pops has been dazzling Chicago with Champagne since 1982.
- Sexy Fish, Miami: The extraordinary interior of this Brickell restaurant is matched only by its extensive list of Champagnes both accessible and rare.
For more information on Champagne Day or to find an event near you, visit champagneday.champagne.fr. More events will be added in the near future, so check back often.
Bureau du Champagne, USA, is the official U.S. representative of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), a trade association representing the houses and winegrowers of Champagne, France. The Bureau works to advance the CIVC’s mission of defending the interests of the Champagne appellation worldwide through education and advocacy. For more information, visit us online at www.champagne.us.
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Marseilles in Hells Kitchen Offers Happiest (and Tastiest) Happy Hour
Marseilles in Hells Kitchen Offers Happiest (and Tastiest) Hell’s Kitchen Happy Hour
For nearly two decades, Marseille has been the essential French brasserie of Broadway & Hell’s Kitchen.
Marseille features a world class wine list and exceptional French Provencal cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, pre and post theatre dining, or simply a great glass of wine and some oysters at the bar.
Marseilles in Hells Kitchen makes their oyster Happy Hour a neighborhood legend
Join them every day for Oyster Happy Hour from 3:30-5:30pm for $1.50 oysters!
Enjoy Connecticut Blue Point Oysters, Escargots en Persillade, Gut Liver Mousse, Goat Cheese Tart, Steak Tartare
All at the best prices in the city. Perfect pre-show snack for Broadway fans, just include a whiskey or vodka!
Marseilles in Hells Kitchen Cuisine
Food is fresh. The oysters are delivered same-day and shucked minutes before they arrive on your plate. Your cocktails are well-balanced. The wine list has an obvious French lean, but a variety of impressive yet budget-friendly options.
Service
The waitstaff knows most of their customers are in a rush. They are friendly and informative, but also prompt and attentive. Whether you’re there for a quick bite before a show or a lazy dinner on date night, either way you’ll be well taken care of.
Ambiance
Dressed to resemble a Parisian Bistro, it’s quaint, elegant, and romantic at the same time. The cuisine plays into this so well to deliver a nice that transports you from the city to the Old World.
Hospitality
Yes, Marseilles over-delivers. Not just excellent cuisine, ambience and services, but it can also be delivered on a NYC timeline, which is am impressive feat.
There’s also a Weekend Brunch
Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00am-3:30pm.
Bottomless Mimosas $21 until 3:30
Marseille features a world class wine list and exceptional French Provencal cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, pre and post theatre dining.
Chef Andy D’Amico, also of the Upper West Side favorite eatery Nice Matin, creates exciting, flavorful, and authentic cuisine celebrating Marseille’s mix of French, Italian, Greek, and North African influences.
Popular yet unique dishes such as Bouillabaisse, savory tagines, perfect steak frites, gourmet burgers, succulent short ribs, fresh pastas, and a wide variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres.
To see Marseilles menus: https://marseillenyc.com/
MARSEILLE
630 9th Ave
New York NY 10036GET MAP
Tel: (212) 333 2323
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NYers Need Caffeine: Nitro Black, Double Espresso, Flat White! Chameleon Organic Coffee Introduces Ready-to-Drink Cold-Brew Cans
NYers Need Caffeine: Nitro Black, Double Espresso, Flat White! Chameleon Organic Coffee Introduces Ready-to-Drink Cold-Brew Cans
Chameleon Organic Coffee®, the original purveyors of handcrafted bottled cold-brew coffee, today announced the expansion of its ready-to-drink category with the debut of four ultra-convenient 8 oz. cold-brew cans.
Handcrafted with 100% organic beans, Chameleon’s new ready-to-enjoy canned cold-brew line features four distinct flavors with sweetened and unsweetened options.
Each delivers unparalleled convenience by offering sustainably sourced coffee in a shelf-stable format, providing optionality for retailers and customers alike.
“We recognized the growing demand for variety and ease of convenience in the RTD coffee segment without compromising on quality and flavor,”
Andy Fathollahi
CEO of SYSTM Foods
“Our new canned cold-brew line provides our loyal customers with another delicious, no-prep option to enjoy their daily coffee ritual on-the-go, anytime.”
Each 8 oz. can contains approximately 130mg of naturally occurring caffeine, providing the perfect boost on the move or at home.
Flavors include:
Nitro Black: Chameleon’s first nitro cold-brew offers a smooth, creamy experience in every sip.
Double Espresso: Bold and smooth organic cold-brew made with dark roast espresso beans delivers a flavorful kick.
Sweetened Black: Black cold-brew lightly sweetened with just the right amount of organic cane sugar.
Flat White: Black cold-brew blended with whole milk creates a traditional flat white experience with a creamy, velvety finish.
The upcoming line complements Chameleon’s existing portfolio of award-winning products, including a variety of organic ready-to-drink 10 oz. cold-brews and 32 oz. multi-serve concentrate cold-brews; each handcrafted to match every mood.
Launching just in time for summer, Chameleon’s Nitro Black, Double Espresso and Sweetened Black 8 oz. canned cold-brews will be available for purchase online at ChameleonCoffee.com and Amazon, as well as at select retailers nationwide starting June 2024 with Flat White availability to follow.
For launch updates, please visit ChameleonCoffee.com.
About Chameleon Organic Coffee®
Founded in 2010, Chameleon Cold-Brew is Austin’s original purveyor of bottled cold-brew coffee. Providing a one-of-a-kind, completely customizable coffee experience, Chameleon uses certified organic, responsibly sourced coffee. Chameleon’s proprietary brewing process produces a super smooth, less acidic, highly caffeinated coffee that can be enjoyed hot or cold. The brand’s portfolio of organic coffee offerings includes ready-to-drink cold-brew varieties, cold-brew concentrates, and now whole bean and ground coffee.For more information, please visit ChameleonCoffee.com.
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Sexy Girls Night Out Drinks, but at home? Bark and Barware Shows You How with Cocktail Smoker
Sexy Girls Night Out Drinks, but at home? Bark and Barware Shows You How with Cocktail Smoker
Bark and Barware enters the cocktail market with their premium cocktail smoker, including 6 flavors.
Today, Bark and Barware’s Harel Levy joins us for a conversation about cocktails, creating your long-lasting girls night out, picking the right flavors, the perfect pairings and more!
The below conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Find the full conversation at our YouTube channel.
Joe Winger: Can you tell us a little bit about your story? And what inspired you to create this cocktail smoker kit?
Harel Levy: I’ve been an entrepreneur for the last seven years. While there are no mistakes, I actually found [the cocktail smoker] by mistake. I was planning to buy something for my Dad. I usually won’t give something if it’s not 100%. So I’d rather not give a gift that I don’t really like. Because I really care about what the recipient is going to feel.
“I really love the idea of cocktail smoking kits. […] It’s another tool to have a great night.
I don’t want to give something cheap, because if you really love someone, you really want to make sure that everything is spot on, right?
Even on yourself, you will be more forgiven in terms of what you buy than someone else.
I really love the idea of cocktail smoking kits. It’s not that it’s only cool and it’s a great addition to having those nights with friends, with family. It’s another tool to have a great night.
I went to Amazon and I saw there is no one who actually sells it in a premium, wooden box. And with many flavors. I talked with [my company’s] CEO about it, what’s missing here.
We came up with a wooden box. It came from my passion to give something that looks good.
For almost a year, we went back and forth with factories. The smoke. The flavor. Details with the box.
When we released it, we were very happy. We knew my criteria. If I can give it to my Dad, not being afraid he’s not going to like it. Then I know that other people are also going to enjoy it because I have high standards for giving a gift to someone that I love. That’s how we came up with the product and the product.
The second thing we are planning is to bring a mixologist, make it a more holistic experience.
Extend the journey with our customers, give them cocktails, give them recipes, give them ideas, The journey doesn’t end when the transaction happens for us. We want to continue to build trust and serve our customers.
Joe Winger: You have a very comprehensive website. Can you walk us through your Cocktail Smoker Kit? When we buy it what do we get?
Harel Levy: There are six different chip flavors, the culinary torch, the smoke lid. Ice tongs, whiskey stones. Unfortunately, we don’t include butane [gas for the torch] because shipping is very heavily regulated,
“In every smoker kit you get six different chip flavors, the culinary torch, the smoke lid. Ice tongs, whiskey stones.”
We have six flavors: cherry, oak, pear, maple, hickory and apple. Our plan is to listen to our customers and come up with new flavors based on what they ask for. It’s not a one-time product release. We’re going to offer refills, extensions, more.
Each taste is very delicate. The world of wine, flavor, alcohol is so wide and you can get very specific sometimes. When you do get specific, you get the best results, right?
Joe Winger: Has there been one or two major lessons you’ve learned?
Harel Levy: Initially we had more flavors. After we gave out samples and heard about which flavors were the favorite, we removed some.
Joe Winger: You mentioned flavor pairing. What’s your favorite cocktail pairing?
Harel Levy: It’s a tough question because taste is something that is extremely subjective.
We usually put it with scotch. That’s our personal preference. Our customers get very creative with their ideas. That’s why we initially started with those six flavors. But listening to customer feedback, it’s going to grow and change.
Joe Winger: Over a year of research and development, were there any unexpected surprises?
Harel Levy: A lot of people agreed with me on the wooden box. People started asking for smoke refills. They’re going through the smoke faster than I thought. When we launched, I was expecting this to be used for special occasions. But people are using it every week, all the time.
Joe Winger: In the past few weeks, I’ve been in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia. All those places have bars where they’re serving smoked drinks. Now people want to have that experience at home.
Harel Levy: That’s going to make you the hero of the party. You’re the one who brings the cool stuff. I always like to do that.
We really advise [anyone trying this] to taste all of the flavors. Not just one or two. The spectrum of what flavors someone likes or doesn’t like is very wide. You’re probably going to really like 1-2 [of the flavors], and less like the others.
Those 1-2 that you really like, we’re going to offer you refills.
When I host friends [at my house], I drink scotch and it goes well with cherry.
But it’s like a game. You try a lot of things. You find out something that you’re really going to love.
“That’s going to make you the hero of the party. You’re the one who brings the cool stuff.”
Joe Winger: This first kit is a starter kit or a sampler kit. I get those six flavors and I get to decide, “Oh my gosh, I really like this one. Now I need a refill.”
Harel Levy: Exactly. It’s exciting me on a personal level because I’m curious […]. What’s going to make people upgrade a scotch that costs hundreds of dollars?
I can play with the flavor. That will upgrade an experience for the end customer cost hundreds of dollars. I did my part, right? And for them, they’re going to be over the moon. They’re going to be super happy. It’s just going to become one of their routine.
“What’s going to make people upgrade a scotch that costs hundreds of dollars?”
Joe Winger: There are smoking kits all over the place. Dozens of competitors on Amazon. Why should someone choose Bark and Barware?
Harel Levy: It’s the full experience that we offer. It starts with the package. Then the flavors. Most of our competitors offer four, we offer six. We tasted all of the competitors and our flavor is better. Otherwise I would not have released the product.
Our post-purchase [experience] the recipes. We’re working with a mixologist to just create a mini course to go with the kit, go with specific drinks. Customers are going to have access to all of it. How do I mix it? What should I mix it with?
Joe Winger: What does the future of the brand look like?
Harel Levy: We’re planning to release big packages [re-fills] of each flavor. Second thing is the mini courses. We really want to inspire because that’s fun.
The process of drinking with friends, the process of smoking. It’s a fun process. You sit on your balcony, with friends, you open a bottle of wine as well. That’s a fun process.
Our goal is to inspire. Someone [will realize they] like a specific cocktail. We will give them all of the information on how to make it, how to mix it, then we earn a customer for life.
Joe Winger: You mentioned picking a cocktail is like picking a favorite kid. It’s so hard to do. What is your favorite cocktail to use with your smoker?
Harel Levy: Yeah, so that’s a great question. I like the combination of the apple and scotch.
Joe Winger: Because you’re a foodie, are there any specific cocktail and food pairings that you really enjoy with any of your specific flavors?
Harel Levy: My favorite is having an apple flavored scotch with a ribeye. Someone I work with loves the hickory flavor. That’s the beauty of this world, every person has their unique taste.
Shop for Bark and Barware’s Cocktail smoker hit on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3P5c42g
Learn more at: https://www.barkandbarware.com
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