Hot Brands Honored At 2016 WSWA Convention In Las Vegas

The fastest-growing wines and spirits are toasted at the annual Hot Brands celebration.

The Hot Brands Party took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 19th.
The Hot Brands Party took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 19th. (Photo by Camilla Sjodin)

M. Shanken Communications hosted its Impact Hot Brand Awards party at this year’s 73rd annual Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention in Las Vegas. The event, held on April 19th, honored 23 spirits, 17 domestic wines and 20 imported wines. All the brands must meet the following qualifications to receive the award: three consecutive years of double-digit growth or a 2015 volume increase of at least 15 percent, with special consideration given to top 10 brands that advanced at least 5 percent in 2015 and at least 15 percent since 2012. Spirits brands must deplete at least 200,000 nine-liter cases in 2015, while wines must have a minimum of 250,000 cases. For the full story on this year’s wine and spirits Hot Brands, pick up the April 2016 issue of Market Watch.

Distilled Spirits

Agave Loco Brands: RumChata cream liqueur

Beam Suntory: Knob Creek Bourbon and Jim Beam Honey

Brown-Forman: El Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire whiskey liqueur

Constellation Brands: Paul Masson brandy

Diageo North America: Buchanan’s blended Scotch, Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio Tequila and Crown Royal Canadian whisky

E. & J. Distillers: New Amsterdam vodka and Viniq liqueur

Edrington Americas: The Macallan single malt Scotch

Fifth Generation Inc.: Tito’s Handmade vodka

Heaven Hill Brands: Burnett’s vodka, Evan Williams Bourbon and Deep Eddy vodka

Moët Hennessy: Hennessy Cognac

Pernod Ricard USA: Jameson Irish whiskey

Proximo Spirits: The Kraken spiced rum, Jose Cuervo Authentic Margarita and 1800 Ultimate Margarita

William Grant & Sons: Hendrick’s gin

Brands must meet aggressive growth requirements to earn the prize.
Brands must meet aggressive growth requirements to earn the prize. (Photo by Camilla Sjodin)

Domestic Wine

Bogle Vineyards: Bogle

Constellation Brands: Black Box, Meiomi and The Dreaming Tree

Delicato Family Vineyards: Bota Box and Noble Vines

E. & J. Gallo Winery: Apothic, Barefoot Cellars, Carnivor, Dark Horse, Liberty Creek and William Hill Estate

Fetzer Vineyards: Bonterra

Michael David Winery: Seven Deadly Zins

Pernod Ricard USA: Mumm Napa

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates: 14 Hands

Wente Vineyards: Wente

Christopher Riboli (left) and Anthony Riboli of Riboli Family Wine Estates received a Hot Brand award for Stella Rosa.
Christopher Riboli (left) and Anthony Riboli of Riboli Family Wine Estates received a Hot Brand award for Stella Rosa. (Photo by Camilla Sjodin)

Imported Wine

Biagio Cru and Estate Wines: Lolailo

Carriage House Imports: Sparkletini

Constellation Brands: Kim Crawford, Nobilo and Ruffino

Delegat USA: Oyster Bay

E. & J. Gallo Winery: La Marca and Starborough

Latitude Beverage Co.: 90+ Cellars

Mionetto USA: Mionetto Prosecco

Palm Bay International: Roscato, Santa Rita and Lunetta

Prestige Beverage Group: Risata

Riboli Family Wine Estates: Stella Rosa

Terlato Wines International: Riondo

The Wine Group: Trapiche, Cupcake Prosecco and Cupcake Moscato d’Asti

Treasury Wine Estates Americas: Matua and 19 Crimes