At least Covid−19 posing a significant hurdle has become a thing of the past . The virus has fallen far down the order of pressing issues . What ’ s risen to the top ? New technologies , an unusual economy , geopolitical tension , direct-to-consumer shipping , the premiumization of everything , blurred lines between alcohol and nonalcoholic products — just to

by KYLE SWARTZ

name a number . Altogether , this era requires unique leadership to shepherd companies through persistently challenging times .

During the year , the NABCA Board of Directors meets with the advisory committee — a group of beverage alcohol supplier executives — to address new and ongoing issues facing the control state system . State- Ways annually invites these committee members to share their accomplishments , challenges and initiatives from the past year .

The theme for Chairman Fred Wooton this past year has been : New Horizons , New Opportunities . We urged committee members to write about how they have worked to achieve that goal .

Luxco Business Unit Manager — Control States

As a proud NABCA member , Luxco is excited about growth in 2024 and beyond . Chairman Fred Wooton ’ s theme , New Horizons , New Opportunities , summarizes our momentum .

Our expert team leads with an innovation mindset . We reach consumers in new ways with premium brands , and we ’ re passionate about our NABCA membership and cause-marketing efforts for the greater good .

We are thrilled to spotlight significant leadership changes for future growth . David Bratcher became MGP ’ s Chief Executive Officer and President on January 1 , 2024 , following former President and CEO David Colo ’ s retirement . He joined MGP as Chief Operating Officer and President of Branded Spirits after serving as Luxco President from 2013 to 2021 . Former Chief Information Officer Amel Pasagic took on the new role of MGP Chief Commercial Officer , leading all commercial activities for Branded Spirits , Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions .

These changes follow innovations throughout 2023 — most notably the Penelope Bourbon acquisition in June . Penelope brings deep expertise in high-quality whiskeys and expands our portfolio ’ s premium tiers . Founded in 2018 , the award-winning brand features four core expressions — Four Grain , Barrel Strength , Architect and Toasted — plus limited releases within its Cooper Series , Private Select and Founders Reserve lines . In February , 8−Year Tokaji Cask Finish launched in the Cooper Series followed by Rio , a double cask finish of American honey and Amburana . Rosé Cask Finish debuts in the second quarter followed by Valencia and Havana .

Additional innovations in market and ahead include :

• Limestone Branch Distillery ’ s Yellowstone Bourbon launched the Special Finishes Collection in October 2023 , and Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum Casks debuts in March .

• Lux Row Distillers ’ Ezra Brooks and Rebel offer Stave Finish Collection barrel programs and special releases , including Rebel 100 6−Year and Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish . In February , Rebel announced its multi-year sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing and driver Kyle Busch in the NASCAR Cup Series .

• Ross & Squibb Distillery ’ s Remus Bourbon is launching new advertising and products , including the anticipated Remus Repeal Reserve VIII and the 2024 release of Remus Gatsby Reserve .

• El Mayor Tequila capitalizes on category growth in 2024 with the exclusive Añejo Crisalino Barrel Program , meet-and-greets with Master Distiller Grace Gonzalez , food pairing events , a sweepstakes and the summer release of an ultra-premium limited-edition variant .

20 StateWays • Summer 2024 www . stateways . com