Good Morning and Happy Friday, It's January 30, 2026.

Control States Volume Inches Up

December closed 2025 on a modestly positive note for spirits, with 9L volume increasing +0.4%, despite sales declining -1.4%, resulting in a negative price mix of -1.8%. 

Florida's ABC Acquires Colorado Retailer, Sets National Expansion

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, one of the nation's largest family-owned and operated alcohol beverage retailers, said it acquired Applejack Wine & Spirits, a top Colorado-based retailer with a long-standing reputation in the Mountain West. This is ABC's first move out of Florida in 90 years

Beer Top Off-Premise Seller for Super Bowl

Beer remains the top seller off premise for Super Bowl weekend, but its lead is narrowing. 

Katie Leinenkugel President Leinenkugel Brewing

Katie Leinenkugel has been named president of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., succeeding Tony Bugher, her cousin. 

Lower drunk driving limit approved by Wash. Senate

.A divided Washington state Senate  approved, 26-23, and sent to the state House legislation reducing the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration for drivers to 0.05% from 0.08%.

Okla. lawmaker moves to ban colleagues from drinking alcohol while working

A Republican Oklahoma state senator filed legislation to bar lawmakers from drinking alcohol on the job after he accused some of them of being drunk while taking critical votes. 

Banfi, Emiliana Expand Relationship

Effective immediately, Banfi will serve as the U.S. agency partner for Emiliana Organic Vineyard’s premium, award-winning wine brands, including Ge, Coyam, 57 Rocas, and Maycas del Limarí.

Planteray Rum Launches Hogo Monsta

Planteray Rum announced the release of Planteray Hogo Monsta, a bold high-ester rum from the legendary Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. 

Yellowstone Bourbon Supports Grizzly Bear Habitat

Grizzly bear recovery in the Lower 48 states began in the 1970s but now the bears will have some help on their path to a more resilient future from a whiskey brand that dates back a century longer, as Yellowstone Bourbon announced a new partnership with The Vital Ground Foundation

SakeOne Supports USA Curling

SakéOne, America's pioneering craft saké brewery, is partnering with USA Curling Men's Team Casper, to support the team's bid for the podium this winter. 

Vinarchy Appoints Jasprit Hanger as EVP-Sales, USA

Vinarchy appointed Jasprit Hanger as Executive Vice President of Sales, USA. 

Dina Opici to Receive WSWA Women Leadership Award

Dina Opici, president of Opici Family Distributing and immediate past Chair of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America will receive the 2026 Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) Icon Award. 

Rising Health Cost Could Aid Dems in Mid-Terms

Americans feel their health care costs are going up faster than other household expenses, hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s midterm elections, according to a poll published Thursday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF.

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow with your weekend reader. And, if someone shared this newsletter with you, please subscribe. – Joel