Liquor Industry News 01-12-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
The following liquor industry news stories were posted on January 12, 2026:
- Where To Buy An Empty Bourbon Or Whiskey Barrel: This story explores the world of "coopers"—specialist artisans who create whiskey barrels—and provides guidance for enthusiasts looking to purchase used barrels for personal projects or decor.
- What Happens to Opened Wine: A report on how oxygen affects wine once a bottle is opened. It explains that while old wine typically won't make you sick, oxidation strips the "brightness" and flavor, making it taste different than intended.
- The 23 Best Rye Whiskey Cocktails: A comprehensive guide for home bartenders featuring essential recipes and deep dives into the versatility of rye whiskey in mixology.
- Why a Popular '70s Beer is Now Only in Canada: This piece looks at a specific cult-classic beer brand from the 1970s (famously associated with pop culture icons like Kurt Cobain) that has disappeared from U.S. shelves but remains available in the Canadian market.
- Espresso Martini Popularity: A look at the "buzzy modern classic" that remains one of the most-ordered cocktails globally, detailing its standard ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and simple syrup.
- Weekly Liquor Industry Highlights: A review of the first week of January 2026 by Mark C. Lenzi, covering broad trends and news across the wine and spirits sectors.
CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM
Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors, is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits( CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School. French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild. Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association. Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), AFNA™ Wine Certified. Beer Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, California Sustainable Ambassador, Associates Degree from Whiskey University, Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave & Thief
Franklin Liquors is a family-owned vintage 1978. https://www.franklinliquors.com/
Founder of the Franklin Wine Club https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/
Liquor Industry News 03-23-26
