On the plane to San Francisco, I pondered the past year in bourbon and the trends that could impact my beloved category. We’ve seen age statements drop like flies and distilleries discontinue or slow down private barrel selection programs (that’s where a retailer, bar or … Continue readingBest Bourbon, Best Craft Whiskey: ’14 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) found Dewar’s in violation of Provision 24 of the Code of Responsible Practices for its sexist “Meet the Baron” advertisements. UPDATE: READ DISCUS BOARD HERE Dewar’s launched a “Meet the Baron” TV commercial series that drew … Continue readingUDATED WITH FULL COMMENTS: DISCUS Finds Dewar’s Violated Code of Responsible Practices
Seven hours after my blog post, Dewar’s Sexist ‘Meet the Baron’ Ad Degrades Women, Puts Whisky Industry at Risk, Dewar’s Tweeted: “We appreciate the comments regarding ‘The Baron’ from all who spoke up: your feedback allows us to continuously evaluate what we do.” Dewar’s brand team … Continue readingDewar’s Responds to ‘Meet the Baron’ Ads, Takes Off YouTube
When I wrote Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch & Irish Whiskey, I hoped it would give women the respect they’ve long deserved for contributing to the alcohol’s storied history. Sadly, with its tasteless “Meet the Baron” ad campaign, Dewar’s … Continue readingDewar’s Sexist ‘Meet the Baron’ Ad Degrades Women, Puts Whisky Industry at Risk
\ 7. 75 & Older Crowd Loves TALES On more than one occasion, I saw 75-year-old and older consumers kicking back tequila shots and holding canes. Can you say awesome? 6. Psychiatrists Attend Tales I like asking random people questions. I supposed if I didn’t … Continue readingTales of the Cocktail: 7 Lessons Learned
Drinking responsibly. Alcohol companies encourage this. Beer brands show off the rippled-abs of beach bodies or make you laugh with a magic refrigerator, while whiskeys encourage salivation over a dram. At the end of all booze ads, even Avion tequila’s “bondage” TV commercials, the companies … Continue readingDrinking Responsibly: Moderation, Alcohol and Me