Small scale , big personalities
5 PRODUCTS WE LOVED AT THE 2019 NYC USA TRADE TASTING
BY KYLE SWARTZ
The annual USA Trade Tasting & Conference is a chance for brands that are newer to the market to gain attention from press , retailers and distributors . Many of these beverage alcohol products are completely new — or are foreign brands that have not been available yet for U . S . consumers . Browsing the booths this year at the annual event , a number of brands caught our eye , including :
1 ) – SHEVET BEER For some time now we ’ ve wondered whether the next trend in craft beer could be craft imports . As the premiumization of the category sweeps across the globe , we ’ re seeing high-quality craft breweries open everywhere , including this producer from Israel . They poured their Helles lager and Scottish Ale , both which were fresh , on-recipe and delicious .
2 ) VICE & VERTU DISTILLERIES One of several Canadian distilleries present was Vive & Vertu Distilleries . Besides bringing gins of high quality , this producer from Quebec also had some of the more-noticeable branding in a room full of interesting new products .
3 ) RAW DISTILLERY Speaking of spirits from our friends up north , RAW Distillery from Alberta was another example that the craft-spirits boom has taken off in Canada as well . While Canadian craft beer has already caught on in some parts of America , it is likely only time before curious , ever-exploring U . S . consumers begin experimenting through Canadian craft spirits as well . And don ’ t be put off by the name “ Peppercorn Gin .” That spirit was no spice bomb , but a smooth , balanced mix of sweet flavor and lovely heat .
4 ) MERRYGO SPIRITS Simple , effective branding always catches our eye , so it ’ s no surprise we were drawn to these two bottles from MerryGo Spirits . Neither name is exaggerating the flavors within , either . The MMMINT is a minty blast that ’ s perhaps too concentrated for neat sipping , but would work wonders in a cocktail . HEEET was a nice craft take on the popular cinnamon-spice party shot .
5 ) HIGH KEY WINE The alternative packaging trend in wine is booming , and this brand from Pennsylvania is another creative example . Made for easy-sipping by poolsides or in parks , these wines come in little pouches that couldn ’ t be easier to take on the go . The wine will last a full 12 months in these packages . BD
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www . beveragedynamics . com July / August 2019 • Beverage Dynamics 7