The way we drink has been changing quickly, but the rules governing BevAlc have some catching up to do. As 2024 revs up, BevAlc lawyers broke down what regulations have been hot topics amongst suppliers in the last year and what updates the industry is anxiously awaiting. 

🏛️ Lobbying by spirits advocates for canned cocktails to have the same retail channels or tax rates as malt or wine-based RTDs is not likely to slow down so expect more updates from state legislatures.

🧊 But even if laws do change, malt and spirit-based RTDs still have different merchandising and trade practice rules (in some states spirit suppliers can’t restock the coldbox for instance). That may mean we’ll see challenges and proposed rules for merchandising services to be the same between the two. 

🧑‍⚖️ Distilleries are also still fighting for rights to ship spirits direct to consumers via legal challenges in some states, meanwhile California has extended direct-to-consumer shipping privileges for craft distillers this year. 

📱 Meanwhile, the rise in e-commerce since lockdowns has made advertising rules hazy, and suppliers are still not clear if the same rules of brick-and-mortar apply to working with online retailers. 

Read the full story on BevNET

We can hear the ad now: “You got protein in my energy drink!” “No, you got energy in my protein drink!”

That’s maybe an oversimplified way to describe VUUM, which is rolling out this month to Erewhon and Central Market stores in California. The sparkling energy drink contains 135 mg of caffeine and 10 grams of plant-based protein per 12 oz can, seeking to blend the two categories together with a lifestyle brand positioning.

Founded by two former University of Southern California students, VUUM is hoping to target Los Angeles’s fitness community with a lighter weight protein option which can be consumed as a preworkout or anytime of day, as well as a cleaner energy alternative.

For more on the new brand, read the full story on BevNET.

Kentucky bourbon brand RD1 Spirits has unveiled plans for its $4.8 million distillery and tasting venue slated to open in August. 

⚓ This new location will serve as the anchor tenant of The Commons, a new entertainment district in Lexington, and as the new destination for the brand. The new venue is more than double the size of RD1’s existing tasting room and gift shop.

🥃 The distillery is expected to produce one barrel per week for the sole purpose of research and development. RD1 will continue to produce its Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Western Kentucky Distilling in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, under master distiller Jacob Call.

🇺🇸 Founded in 2020, the growing bourbon-focused spirits company has distribution in 16 states with an expectation of 25 states by the end of 2024.

While the volume of videos and images posted daily on popular social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok makes it challenging to capture users’ attention, the hosts highlighted brands that create consistently authentic and entertaining content as a way to break through the clutter.

Listen to the full episode of Taste Radio