Good Morning and Happy Friday, January 16, 2026.

Why Stoli Group Moved to Liquidate 2 U.S. Units

Stoli Group said its two U.S. entities, Stoli Group USA, LLC and Kentucky Owl LLC, filed a motion to convert their Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Act proceedings into to Chapter 7.

'We Were Big, We Were Leveraged' and Now Natural Wine Firm Is Closing

Subject to Change Wine Co., once one of the biggest natural wine producers in the country, is closing. 

McMillan Sees Wine's Decline Easing in '26, 'Bumpy Bottom' in '27-'28, then Growth

Hang on. Just another year of pain. Then a couple of years along a "bumpy bottom" and then modest growth. That the forecast of Rob McMillan, EVP and founder, Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division, in the bank's annual ."State of the U.S. Wine Industry

3% Growth Said Fastest Way to Raise U.S. Living Standards

The fastest, surest way to alleviate the pressures and frustrations people are feeling today and to raise living standards for all Americans is to reach and sustain 3% growth, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Suzanne P. Clark said. 

Trump Pressures Canada to End U.S. Liquor Boycott

I swear there are times when I think President Trump is bipolar. Recall that since April he has placed 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, threatened to crush the Canadian auto industry with import taxes, said he would use "economic force" to make Canada the 51st state.

Whiskeyland Debuts Documentary on Old Forester's 156-Year History

A new documentary exploring the 156-year history Old Forester – the only bourbon to exist before, during and after Prohibition – debuts today. 

Patron Official Tequila of 2026 Grammy Awards

Patron Tequila, the world's No. 1 super-premium tequila, announces its new partnership with the Grammy Awards as the Official Tequila Partner, celebrating the musicians who never compromise on their craft and continue to shape culture. 

18th Amendment 106 Today

The 18th amendment, which launched the Prohibition Era, began its short career this day in 1919. 

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow with Your Beverage Reader, but there'll be no issue Monday – Martin Luther King Jr. Day. – Joel

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