Managing editor @FFT_ie. Hospitality, foodservice, drinks trade.
Mostly in Asheville, North Carolina; occasionally Dublin, Ireland.
Articles by Mark Murphy
Review: Sticks 'n' Sushi, Glasgow
A sushi chain doesn’t scream great cocktails but Sticks ‘n‘ Sushi has a basement bar with a ‘nanajuni’, Japan’s 72 micro seasons, theme, so ingredients can change every five days. This means a cocktail at the start of the conventional season is different by the end – but when exactly is carbonated lapsang souchong coconut water in season? Drink names are more poetic than Negroni or Manhattan but the Salmon Swim Upstream is the bar’s concession to a Dirty Martini.
Out Now: Mariebelle Entertains by Maribel Lieberman
Maribel Lieberman, the Honduras-born entrepreneur, chocolatier and owner of renowned chocolate boutiques MarieBelle, in New York and Japan, has released her first entertaining/cookbook calledMarieBelle Entertains: Savory and Sweet Recipes for Every Occasion from the Master Chocolatier With 240 pages filled with recipes, photos and personal stories, this showpiece is the perfect gift for those looking for menu ideas featuring multi-cultural flavors and entertaining tips.
Aspen Vodka is Now the Most Sustainable Distillery in the World
Luxury vodka brand Aspen Vodka has announced that its distillery has become the first U.S. distillery to be awarded the LEEDv4 BD+C Platinum certification – the highest standard for building energy efficiency designated by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “We are incredibly proud to lead the industry with our ambitious and innovative environmental practices,” said Matthew Patel, Founder of Aspen Vodka.
Introducing Rare Hare Spirits’ Tasmanian Single Malt, The Tempest
Rare Hare Spirits, the ultra-premium collection of rare and unique whiskies from around the world, is proud to announce its latest limited release from the island of Tasmania: “The Tempest.” If you didn’t know that Tasmania has a storied history of producing outstanding single malt whiskies, you’re not alone. This small, rugged island south of mainland Australia and east of New Zealand is more renowned for its pristine microclimate and unique wildlife than its distilleries.
Premium California Brandies - an Ideal Mother’s Day Gift
Mother’s Day is almost upon us – taking place this year on May 12th. For a creative and thoughtful gift, why not consider Californian brandies such as Argonaut and Germain-Robin? Made from the finest wine grapes California has to offer, these premium brandies are a unique and thoughtful gift for the maternal figure in your life.
Malibu Launches RTS Range in Tetra Packs
Malibu has introduced its new Ready-to-Serve (RTS) cocktails – a line of refreshingly delicious cocktails made with Malibu. The new Malibu RTS is expanding on Malibu’s portfolio of canned cocktails to take convenience to the next level with a portable, shareable way to enjoy summer vibes no matter the season. With flavors Strawberry Daiquiri, Pineapple Bay Breeze and Rum Punch coming soon, consumers can unlock happy hour in no time.
Heaven’s Door Spirits Announces The Exploration Series
Heaven’s Door Spirits has announced The Exploration Series. Led by Master Distiller Ken Pierce and Master Blender Alex Moore, Heaven’s Door persistently strives to innovate with new finishing methods for a unique collection of limited-time offerings, enriching the whiskey experience. Heaven’s Door will unveil two unique expressions under The Exploration Series banner annually, each standing as a testament to the brand’s dedication to pioneering the frontier of the whiskey category.
Heaven's Door Unveils Bootleg Series Volume V - The Food Island
Heaven’s Door Spirits has announced the Bootleg Series Volume V release: an 18-year-old straight bourbon whiskey finished in Spanish vermouth rouge casks, exemplifying the brand’s dedication to offering unique and innovative expressions. The annual series, now in its fifth release since debuting in 2019, was meticulously overseen by Heaven’s Door’s Master Distiller, Ken Pierce, and Master Blender, Alex Moore.
Campari Celebrates as Exclusive Spirits Partner of the New York Film Festival
For the fifth year, the iconic Milanese red aperitivo Campari has once again served as the Exclusive Spirits Partner of the New York Film Festival (Sept. 29 – Oct. 15). In celebration of Campari’s enduring partnership and the return of NYFF, a number of NYC bars collaborated to showcase Campari in different ways – and prove that Campari and cinema are the perfect pair.
Playboy Launches Premium Vodka Seltzers
Playboy Spirits, a joint venture between Spirits Investment Partners (SIP) and PLBY Group, has announced the launch of Play Hard – a premium line of vodka seltzers. Play Hard Seltzers, Playboy Spirits’ newest addition to their alcohol beverage portfolio, is a refreshing new entrant to the RTD category with a focus on unique flavors, natural ingredients, low calories and stand out packaging featuring iconic artwork by Andy Warhol.
Southern Distilling Co Partnering with Carolina Panthers
Southern Distilling Company has announced a multi-year partnership agreement with the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2023-2024 season. The makers of Southern Star bourbons and Hunting Creek rye, Southern Distilling Company is now an official partner of the Charlotte-based NFL team. “I grew up here in North Carolina and I’m proud to call it home,” said co-founder and CEO Pete Barger.
Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos is Ideal for Red Wine Day
National Red Wine Day is celebrated on August 28th every year – this year, it happens to fall on a Monday. For 2023 we wanted to pick something unique with a story behind it, and we quickly landed on Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos. If you like bold Napa Valley or French wines, then you should discover Casa Ferreirinha, the pioneering still wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal.
Heaven’s Door Debuts New Dylan-inspired Core Collection Design
Heaven’s Door, the collection of super-premium American whiskeys founded by Bob Dylan, has announced the addition of “Ascension” Kentucky Straight Bourbon to its core collection of Tennessee Straight Bourbon, Double Barrel Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey. The inclusion of a Kentucky bourbon is a significant milestone for Heaven’s Door, as it heralds the opening of their distillery in Pleasureville, KY and brand center in Louisville this coming fall.
Jameson Collaborates with Dickies for Crafted Together Apparel
Jameson, the U.S.’ #1 Irish Whiskey, alongside iconic workwear brand Dickies, have announced the launch of ‘Crafted Together’ – a new workwear-inspired collaboration featuring apparel and accessories. The collection is available for purchase in 26 markets globally as of June 14, 2023. With ‘Crafted Together,’ Jameson and Dickies join forces to connect their communities of modern-day creators across the globe.
Celebrate 4th of July with Beverly High Rye
This Fourth of July, embrace the spirit of patriotism and raise a glass with the world’s finest American whiskey, The Beverly High Rye. Celebrate the occasion with one of America’s most iconic spirits by enjoying Beverly High Rye, a quintessential expression of our country’s craftsmanship and refinement.
Have a Sober Summer Blast with Jøyus Non-Alcoholic Wine
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Heaven's Door Introduces Decade Series II Release - The Food Island
Heaven’s Door, the award-winning collection of American whiskeys founded by Bob Dylan, unveiled the latest addition to its Decade Series with a Straight Rye Whiskey aged for 10 years.
Lights, Camera, Pina Colada - Malibu Remixes Feel-good Classic Escape
To celebrate the official start of summer, Malibu debuts a modern remix of the karaoke crowd pleaser, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” with pop music and social media sensation, Jax, to introduce summer as a state of mind. Malibu’s collaboration with Jax re-captures the 1979 classic’s summer spirit, originally made famous by Rupert Holmes, while reimagining the song for a modern audience.
Celebrate 4th of July with Beverly High Rye Whiskey
This Fourth of July, embrace the spirit of patriotism and raise a glass with the world’s finest American whiskey, The Beverly High Rye. Celebrate the occasion with one of America’s most iconic spirits by enjoying Beverly High Rye, a quintessential expression of our country’s craftsmanship and refinement.
Heaven’s Door Spirits Unveils 2023 Decade Series Release of 10+ Year Aged Whiskey
Heaven’s Door, the award-winning collection of American whiskeys founded by Bob Dylan, unveiled the latest addition to its Decade Series with a Straight Rye Whiskey aged for 10 years.
Filmland Spirits Signs with Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits in California and Expands to Washington, Arizona and Nevada
Filmland Spirits has signed a deal to move its award-winning portfolio of small batch American Whiskeys to Agoura Hills-based Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits. The deal expands distribution of Filmland Spirits beyond California to Washington, Arizona and Nevada, more than doubling the brand’s footprint. The agreement took effect June 1, 2023. Founded in 2022, Filmland Spirits was born from an enthusiasm for whiskey, a passion for movies and a dedication to story-telling.
Jameson x Dickies Launch ‘Crafted Together’ Streetwear Collection
Jameson, the U.S.’ #1 Irish Whiskey¹, alongside iconic workwear brand Dickies, announce the launch of ‘Crafted Together’ – a new workwear-inspired collaboration featuring apparel and accessories. The collection will be available for purchase globally starting June 14, 2023. With ‘Crafted Together,’ Jameson and Dickies join forces to connect their communities of modern-day creators across the globe.
Celebrate National Rum Month with Flor de Caña Rum
While summer is just getting started, we are already feeling the heat! And what better way to cool down during these toasty months than with a refreshing rum drink like the Flor de Caña Jicarita? National Rum Month is quickly approaching in August and Flor de Caña’s portfolio of premium rum’s are the perfect addition to your refreshing drink.
Embrace The Barbiecore Trend With These Pink Summer Sips
With the Barbiecore craze taking over the summer, and even causing a pink paint shortage, it’s time to think pink! There’s no better way to embrace the trend and get ready for the summer’s most star-studded movie than with a few fun pink cocktails: Pitaya Margarita – the Barbie aesthetic is all about being bright, bold, and fun, and this cocktail is just that! The Pitaya Margarita puts a perfectly pink twist on the classic marg with a sweet citrus flavor.
Wine Pairings for Father's Day
Father’s Day is on its way (June 18th) so it’s time to start planning how you and your dad are going to celebrate! No matter how you plan to celebrate your old man, we’ve got wines and dad jokes to make this day extra special. Which baseball player holds water? The pitcher. If you want to score a homerun on Father’s Day, share a glass of Montes Alpha Carmenère 2021 (SRP $24.99) as you watch your favorite baseball team.
Basbas, the Spirit of Ibiza, Opens Reservations for Limited Release
Basbas, the leading lower-ABV herbal spirit from Ibiza, has announced the highly anticipated launch of its Batch 003. Following the success of its first two releases, Basbas is offering the first 300 bottles of this release by reservation only. “After the sell-out success of our first two releases, we’re excited to offer Batch 003 to our loyal customers and new hierbas enthusiasts alike,” said Paul Geller, CEO of Holy Seed Beverage Group, Basbas’ parent company.
Plant Based Spirit Company, Chareau, Celebrates 10 year Anniversary
Leading plant based spirit company, Chareau, started 2023 tremendously strong, with notable company updates across the organization – from the company’s 10th anniversary milestone to recent wins across retail and chain partnership to new packaging design updates and more. Chareau is a light, refreshing, and delicious plant based spirit made with fresh California Aloe. The low calorie, low ABV spirit is taking a mindful approach to the better-for-you beverage movement.
Defiant Irish Spirits launch at Bloom Festival
Announcing the launch of Defiant Irish Spirits, a trade alliance of six independent modern, premium Irish drinks brands. They are working together to create a unique team that can collectively market, sell and communicate their products to national and international hospitality and retail sectors. This is being done by hiring brand ambassadors that represent all six companies and sharing the one social media channel with content solely produced for the trade & bartender community.
Enjoy these Seasonal Releases from Allagash
With summer almost in full swing, it’s a great time to look at Allagash Brewing Company’s limited releases. The award-winning, B-Corp Certified company takes great pride in its seasonal creations. This summer the brewery is releasing three specialty beers: – Embracing the positive feedback of last year’s release, Allagash will re-release this summer seasonal in a 12-pack format (12-ounce cans), rolling out between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Enjoy Memorial Day with Tequila Don Julio Rosado Cocktails
Enjoy Memorial Day with Tequila Don Julio Rosado Cocktails by Mark Murphy | May 23, 2023 | US News As the weather gets warmer, the days last longer and nighttime soirees turn into daytime get-togethers, Tequila Don Julio’s got you covered with premium cocktails made with Tequila Don Julio Rosado, perfect to sip on for all of your daytime spring and summer festivities.
Heaven's Door and Speakeasy Co. Join Forces to Expand Market Reach and Enhance Customer Shopping Experience
Speakeasy Co., the leading alcohol eCommerce platform, and Heaven’s Door Spirits, a premium whiskey brand co-founded by legendary musician Bob Dylan, are excited to announce their partnership. In April 2023, Speakeasy’s expert web developers launched an infinitely scalable platform to host Heaven’s Door, expanding its market to 34 states, shipping directly to consumers.
Constellation Brands Makes Venture Investment in TÖST
Constellation Brands, a leading beverage alcohol company, has announced that it has acquired a minority stake in TÖST – a flavor-forward and alcohol-free sparkling beverage brand. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group, which aims to collaborate with people and brands driving innovation and transforming the future of the industry together.
Embody the Power of the Female Spirit this Cinco de Mayo with Próspero Tequila
The most famous holiday associated with tequila is upon us – Cinco de Mayo! Americans gather yearly to indulge in tacos, chips and guac, and most importantly tequila. Próspero Tequila is distilled by Stella Anguiano, one of Mexico’s only premier female Master Distillers, alongside International pop star and Chief Creative Partner, Rita Ora. The two work together to change the perception of tequila as a male-dominated spirit.
Patrón El Cielo - World’s First Four-Times Distilled Prestige Tequila
Patrón Tequila has announced the latest addition to its prestige portfolio – Patrón El Cielo. Patrón El Cielo, the brand’s ultimate innovation in silver tequila, is the first four-times distilled prestige tequila on the market, which unlocks the natural sweet flavors of agave delivering an incomparable taste with a bright, fresh and radiantly smooth finish.
Kings County Distillery Announces New Coffee Whiskey
Kings County Distillery is excited to announce the release of a new Coffee Whiskey, made in close collaboration with longtime Brooklyn Navy Yard neighbors Parlor Coffee. Obsessively crafted from a blend of Kings County’s finest whiskeys and Parlor’s exceptional ready-to-drink Cold Brew, Coffee Whiskey sets out to define a more elegant and thoughtful flavored spirit.
Why Does Every Business Need a Shredder?
by | Apr 26, 2023 | News In today’s world, where identity theft and fraud are becoming increasingly common, businesses must prioritize information security. Investing in a department shredder is one of the most effective ways to ensure that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Department shredders are specialized shredding machines designed to handle large volumes of paper quickly and securely.
Unleash Her Inner Momologist this Mother’s Day with Cocktails from Próspero Tequila
Mother’s Day is almost here, and with it the stress of looking for the perfect way to celebrate the most important women in your life. So forget about the cookware and ornamental gifts that they probably already own and give them something to savor, that’s also celebratory… tequila! Próspero Tequila offers three delicious cocktails that are perfect for celebrating the special women in your life, shared below.
For Earth Day 2023, The Hidden Sea Wine is Ideal to Celebrate With
Being environmentally sustainable is more in the public consciousness than ever before, and Earth Day has taken on a new precedence. For producers, especially wine makers, it’s a chance to highlight how they’re making changes to their working practises without compromising on flavor. The Hidden Sea exemplifies this.
Enjoy Cinco de Mayo 3 Ways with these Sips
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or like to keep it simple, Altos Tequila and Del Maguey Mezcal have something for everyone. Ready to party? Try Altos’ Ready to Serve Strawberry or Lime Margarita – a real party in a bottle, boasts natural flavors, triple sec, and agave syrup! Altos Plata Tequila is long known for being a bartender favorite and also makes a killer classic margarita.
Pat Kavas on Competing in the Knorr® Professional Student Chef Competition 2023
Held at the Dundalk Institute of Technology earlier this year, the Knorr® Professional Student Chef Competition 2023 is the premier cooking competition for Ireland’s aspiring chefs-in-training. The competition is widely respected within the hospitality sector for its reputation for showcasing the talents of our culinary students.
Diageo Reserve World Class Cocktail Festival Comes to Ireland
The Diageo Reserve World Class Cocktail Festival is coming to Ireland for the first time in 2023. The Luxury Spirits brand is bringing a host of acts, venues, and experiences to surprise and delight attendees in over 50 bars and venues in Dublin, with key events taking place nationwide.
Beverage Alcohol Retailers Place Strategic Bets on Sustainably Focused Emerging Brands
Research conducted via The IWSR indicates that 48 percent of US based beverage alcohol drinkers’ purchasing habits are positively influenced by a company’s sustainability or environmental initiatives. GlobalData, in their recent webinar entitled, “Top Trends in Alcoholic Beverages 2023” also reported consumer purchasing being driven by both health and affordability.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Cheers to the mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day with Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. Moms do a lot for us, so repay them by bringing something special to the table this Mother’s Day. Whether it’s a fresh cocktail or a nicely wrapped bottle, Mother’s Day tastes better paired with Stranahan’s. These two cocktails use Stranahan’s Blue Peak Single Malt and Stranahan’s Sherry Cask respectively.
Aldi Introduces a new Exclusive Gin from Old Carrick Mill Distillery
Aldi has once again teamed up with Monaghan based Old Carrick Mill Distillery to introduce an exclusive small batch Irish gin to 155 stores nationwide. Mo Chara Irish Gin takes its name from the Irish phrase meaning “my friend”, and is the perfect spirit to share among friends. Mo Chara Passion fruit and Mango, is distilled using a range of botanicals including passion fruit, mango, juniper, lemon, lime, coriander and angelica root. It will retail at €19.99.
Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel 2023 To Take Place on September 9th
Bulmers has announced that Bulmers Secret Orchard will return bigger and better than ever on September 9th. For one weekend only, the surrounds of the orchard at Bulmers Clonmel will transform into an exclusive, magical experience, complete with performances from Ireland’s brightest talent, tasty food and of course, Bulmers.
Hannah Conroy Wins Knorr® Professional Student Chef Competition 2023
by | Apr 4, 2023 | Featured, Supplier News Hannah Conroy from Cork Institute of Technology has been crowned winner of the Knorr® Professional Student Chef Competition 2023 following a nail-biting afternoon at the Dundalk Institute of Technology earlier this year. The competition is widely respected within the hospitality sector for its reputation for showcasing the talents of our culinary students.
Montecucco DO Is the Wine of Choice for an Eco-Friendly Easter Menu
Easter is a time to splash out on friends and family to to pamper our nearest and dearest with impressive menus. But in an increasingly eco-conscious society, how do we ensure the wine served with amazing meals is environmentally friendly? This year, prepare an eco-friendly Easter menu with Montecucco wines, the truest expression of Tuscany’s organic farming.
Spring Sipping with Beefeater London Dry Gin
Spring hasn’t sprung quite yet, but Beefeater London Dry Gin wants to make sure you’re ready when it does with the most delicious cocktail – Beefeater Fizzy Flowers. Beefeater is still made with Founder James Burrough’s original recipe of 9 botanicals – including bold juniper, zesty Seville orange, and lemon peel – making it the perfect base for any spring cocktail, but Fizzy Flowers is so tasty, you won’t want to make anything else this season.
Let Stranahan’s Cocktails Make Your International Whiskey Day Special
Although many drink their whiskey neat, a cocktail is still a great way to make International Whiskey Day stand out. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is the perfect whiskey for any cocktail celebration you have planned on this special day. Stranahan’s brings you these stepped-up classics as a way to honor the traditional whiskey drinks you already love, but elevate them to something a little more special for International Whiskey Day.
Drink Monday Announces New Retail Partners, Shatters Sales Projections
Drink Monday, the award-winning non-alcoholic beverage brand, has announced a momentous start to 2023 across various facets of its business in areas including but not limited to sales, distribution, press, and product design accolades: Record-Breaking Sales Crossed $9M in lifetimes sales Record sales for the Dry January season Record sales for any one month period Continued Breakthrough in Retail and Online Partnerships Crossed 1000 retail door milestone mark Launched on Drizly in select...
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