Wine Fast Track Brands

Wine Fast Track Brands

That said, Widow Jane has also found much success with sought-after, limited-edition top-shelf bottles.

“ In the fall, we’ ll release our highly anticipated limited editions,” Van Haren says. These include:“ Decadence, a rich, indulgent bourbon finished in maple syrup barrels, and The Vaults 2025, a 15−year-old bourbon finished in a new, carefully chosen wood cask, unique to this year’ s release. Both will launch in September in limited quantities nationwide, continuing our tradition of delivering rare and collectible offerings for true whiskey lovers.”

SOCIAL MEDIA AND BEYOND

Social media sites like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook remain critical components of any brand’ s business plan. More and more, these sites are where consumers first learn about and then interact with the products they buy and love. It’ s no surprise that many Growth Brands Spirits awards winners maintained robust social media presences in 2024.

“ We stepped-up Broken Shed’ s social media presence on all platforms,” says Jean-Marie Heins, CMO for Rising Star winner, Broken Shed Vodka.“ We implemented social media campaigns to support some of our retailers and on-premise accounts this year by working with local micro-influencers to raise brand awareness.”

The best social media makes connections between the digital and real worlds, highlighting how consumers can engage with the brands in real life.

“ We’ ve continued to create stunning creative work, and in 2024 we amplified that work across more channels than ever before, including television and streaming, digital and social media,” says Dopkins of Empress Gin.“ The creative has been supported with partnerships and event activations from the signature‘ Light the Beam’ cocktail with the Sacramento Kings, to Art Basel and New York Fashion Week designed to drive trial and immerse consumers in the distinctive and sophisticated world of Empress Gin.”

Fats Track Award-winner Don Julio saw gains through“ an unexpected partnership with Popeyes through a firstof-its-kind menu, an immersive experience in New Orleans, talent partners and in-person activations at Popeyes locations around the country,” says Harris

Made, Easily Enjoyed.

30 StateWay • Summer 2025 www. stateways. com