MONTREAL, March 20, 2025 /CNW/ - For the third quarter of its 2024-2025 fiscal year, which ended on January 4, 2025, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) reported net income of $514.1 million, an $8.6 million or 1.6% decrease from the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year.

Results in brief

• Sales in the network of SAQ stores and specialized centers have decreased by $6.9 million, or 0.5%, compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year, reflecting a decline in sales volume of 1.9 million liters, or 3.1%. Volumes in this network maintained their downward trend, as has been the case for the last two years, a development largely attributable to changes in customers' shopping habits.
• Overall dollar sales dropped 0.3% to $1.410 billion.
• Government revenues totalled $917.3 million, down $30.1 million from the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year, with the goods and services tax (GST) break accounting for $12 million of the decrease. Of the total amount, $763 million will be remitted to the Quebec treasury and $154.3 million to the federal government.
• The SAQ has taken measures to address the constantly evolving market context as well as the downward trend in volumes.

LORETTO, Ky., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maker's Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world, today announced the next iteration of its Wood Finishing Series, The Keepers Release 2025 - inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker's Mark matures consistently to the founders' taste vision.

"From the beginning, our founders - my grandparents - went to remarkable lengths to create an uncompromisingly delicious bourbon," said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker's Mark. "We are delighted to introduce this latest Wood Finishing Series expression that celebrates the team who still rotate each and every barrel of Maker's Mark by hand and who continue to embrace our founders' perfectly unreasonable pursuit of excellence."

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand's iconic bourbon. The Keepers Release 2025 showcases rich, oak-forward aromas of seasoned wood, brûléd sugar, and tobacco, leading to a long, enveloping finish characterized by dried dark fruit and a lingering roasted sweetness.

"The Keepers Release was born from our close collaboration with the Maker's Mark warehouse team, the guardians of our barrels," said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller, Maker's Mark. Their sensory experience of Maker's Mark is unlike anyone else's — the aromatic oak at different times of the day, evolving tasting notes of our whisky as it ages over multiple seasons — which provided inspiration and helped us shape the flavors of this release."

At 54.6% ABV / 109.2 proof, the release will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99 beginning today. For more information, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

San Diego, CA - March 18, 2025–– Infinium Spirits, a global leader in the sales, marketing, and distribution of premium spirits, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Howler Head, the iconic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with natural banana flavor, from Monkey Spirit, LLC. This landmark acquisition represents a strategic milestone in Infinium Spirits’ journey to build a world-class portfolio of innovative and consumer-loved brands.

Howler Head has captured the hearts of whiskey enthusiasts and adventurous spirits drinkers alike, thanks to its bold flavor and distinctive branding. Known for its irreverent personality, Howler Head has become a trailblazer in the flavored whiskey category. With a loyal fan base the brand aligns with Infinium’s mission to champion distinctive and dynamic spirits that resonate with consumers globally.

“We are excited to welcome Howler Head to the Infinium family,” said Jan Tharp, President of Infinium Spirits. “Howler Head embodies the innovative spirit that Infinium represents, and we’re eager to take this incredible brand to new heights, both in the United States and around the world.”

The acquisition of Howler Head comes at a pivotal moment for Infinium Spirits, which continues to expand its footprint in over 75 countries. With this addition, the company is uniquely positioned to strengthen its portfolio and deliver on its commitment to bring best-in-class, consumer-led brands to market.  Howler Head was previously distributed worldwide by Campari Group.

A Bold Future for Howler Head

Infinium Spirits plans to harness its expertise in brand building, sales, and distribution to further elevate Howler Head’s presence. The company will invest in strategic marketing campaigns, expanded distribution channels, and exciting new innovations to ensure the brand’s continued growth and global recognition.

Commitment to Excellence

This acquisition underscores Infinium Spirits’ ongoing dedication to acquiring and nurturing brands that redefine the spirits industry. By leveraging its deep industry knowledge and consumer-centric approach, Infinium is poised to make Howler Head a standout star in its already impressive portfolio, which includes celebrated names like Templeton Rye, Corralejo Tequila, Tears of Llorona, Zaya Rum and Seagram’s Vodka.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southbrook Organic Vineyards, Canada’s leader in sustainable winemaking, proudly announces it has received the designation of Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™), to become the first winery in Canada to achieve the Organic (ECOCERT,2008), Biodynamic (Demeter, 2008), and now, Regenerative Organic Certified® designations.

Southbrook has transformed its vineyards into a thriving ecosystem that improves soil health and resilience, promotes biodiversity, sequesters carbon, and produces wines that are as exceptional as they are ethical.

“I feel that to declare that you are regenerative should mean something – that you are making things better, not just reducing the harm that you are doing,” said Bill Redelmeier, Founder, Southbrook Organic Vineyards, “otherwise it is just “greenwashing.”

Achieving ROC™ certification requires meeting rigorous global standards across three key pillars: soil health and land management, animal welfare, and social fairness. For Southbrook, this means going beyond organic and biodynamic practices to implement innovative farming techniques that actively restore and enhance ecosystems.

Southbrook’s approach to regenerative farming and winemaking also ensures the quality and character of its wines are uniquely and elegantly aligned with consumer preferences.

According to an Agriculture and Agri Food Canada report, 8 in 10 Canadian consumers value a sustainable lifestyle, while 65 per cent feel a moral obligation to choose environmentally friendly products. Additionally, 6 in 10 cite climate change as a top concern.

"Conventional farming and winemaking take a toll on the planet," said Redelmeier. "This trusted certification instantly signals our commitment to regenerative practices that benefit the land, people, and animals—all elements essential to crafting Southbrook’s world-class, award-winning, 100% organic, and truly natural wines."

Key Highlights of Southbrook’s Practices:

• Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™): Focuses on measurable improvements in soil health, biodiversity, social fairness, and ecosystem resilience.

• Biodynamic Farming: Treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining organism by utilizing natural preparations, aligning activities with lunar cycles, and integrating livestock like sheep, cows and goats for natural fertilization.

• LEED Gold-Certified Hospitality Pavilion: A showcase of sustainable design featuring energy-efficient construction, and water conservation technologies.

• Comprehensive Green Map Initiatives: Includes a 432-panel solar power system generating 80 per cent of the vineyard’s electrical consumption, drip irrigation for water management, ten acres of forest providing wildlife habitat, pollinator gardens supporting bees and butterflies, and carbon footprint reduction strategies.

• Cover Cropping: Enhances soil structure and resilience while reducing erosion and building organic matter.

Healthy Soil = Remarkable Wines

Unlike many conventional farms and vineyards that rely on chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and tilling—degrading soil health and resilience, harming wildlife, and causing erosion—Southbrook’s regenerative practices increase organic matter while sequestering 6-12 times more carbon than conventional vineyards.

"The health of our soil directly translates to the complexity and character of our wines. It’s about crafting exceptional vintages that not only please the palate but also honour the land they come from. We’re not just making wine – we’re cultivating an ecosystem that produces truly distinctive vintages," said Redelmeier, who shares the story behind the winery, here.

Visitors are invited to visit Southbrook’s LEED Gold-certified pavilion for tastings and food pairings that highlight how regenerative farming enhances both the flavour and quality of the wines, with a wide selection available to create a perfect pairing to every dish. They can also explore Southbrook’s regenerative vineyards through self-guided tours showcasing its organic and biodynamic practices.

Southbrook’s Internationally Acclaimed and Award-Winning Favourites

Southbrook’s flagship award-winning, highly-rated Poetica wines available in Sparkling, Chardonnay and Red (2024 Decanter Silver World Wine Awards) are among its top-sellers. Its 2021 Estate Vidal Orange is also a favourite and all are available to ship throughout Canada.