NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 17, 2025 -- Country music superstar Dierks Bentley is proud to introduce the next chapter in his bourbon story with the limited release of ROW 94 Broken Branches, made in partnership with Lofted Custom Spirits at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky. Bottled at 100 proof and aged five years, the bourbon also underwent "Branch Aging," where time-worn, fire-toasted Oak staves seasoned for up to 24 months rested in the barrels to deepen the whiskey's complexity. Broken Branches ($99.99/750ml) launches in late June to coincide with Dierks' Broken Branches album release and tour, which rolls through 30 U.S. cities this summer. There are only 1500 bottles available; visit to register for a chance to purchase.

"The new album Broken Branches is all about the cracks and scars that make us who we are, and I wanted this bourbon to carry that same spirit," says Dierks. "We added seasoned oak staves to deepen the flavor and give it a little more character… kind of like the stuff life throws at you."

ROW 94 Broken Branches is made in partnership with Lofted Custom Spirits and distilled at Green River Distilling Co., founded in 1885 and renowned as the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky. Made with a bold mash bill of 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted and row barley, it's aged in new White Oak barrels with a legendary level 4 char. The nose is a powerhouse of vanilla, caramel, and stone fruit, with brown sugar and some hints of butterscotch shining through. The palate is rich in sweetness with a touch of leathery and complex nutty notes, while the finish has powerful cinnamon and smoke present that lasts and transitions into a subtle spice.

"For this limited edition offering, we used fire-toasted Oak staves that had been seasoned for 24 months for the 'Branch Aging,' lending additional nuance to the whiskey," says Travis Cantrell, Director of Quality, Lofted Custom Spirits. "We produced just 1500 bottles, making this a truly rare craft whiskey that new bourbon lovers and enthusiasts alike will enjoy."

Smithers, BC – Smithers Brewing Company (SBC) has been awarded one of the highest honours in Canadian craft beer, taking home the coveted Brewery of the Year title at the 2025 Canadian Brewing Awards held this past weekend in Vancouver. The local favourite secured the top distinction after winning a competition-high six medals across multiple individual categories.

Now in its 26^th year, the Canadian Brewing Awards (CBA) celebrate excellence in craft brewing. The competition is judged by a panel of industry experts through a blind tasting that follows an impartial process where entries are scored on appearance, aroma, flavour and overall impression. This year’s competition featured more than 1,600 entries from nearly 270 breweries across Canada, spanning 50 categories from traditional English Ale to spicier offerings like Chili Beer.

“It's quite overwhelming. We're all humbled to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” Cam McKeigan, head brewer at Smithers Brewing Company says about receiving the recent accolade. “We've always put the quality of our beer above all else, but that's not particularly unique in the Canadian beer scene. The talent pool in this country runs deep. To be recognized amongst so many excellent breweries in this country is quite an honour and we’re grateful to the CBAs.”

Leading production operations at SBC since 2018, McKeigan has always looked to strike a balance between making historically accurate beer styles that honour centuries-old standards and traditions, while also creating experimental and innovative beers. 

“Prior to this year’s CBAs, our reputation among friends and colleagues and at beer festivals across the province was often as ‘mad scientists’ and ‘beer lunatics’. We think that having won five of the medals for traditional styles might start to change people’s perceptions.” 

Over the years, SBC has become a cornerstone of the Northern BC town, not just for its award-winning beer, but also for its strong community ties. The brewery regularly supports local charities and events, and the popular taproom and its view of the majestic Hudson Bay Mountain has become a must-visit gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Non-beer drinkers are also welcome, with cider and kombucha available on tap.

While the Smithers Brewing Company beer is already widely available at retailers and restaurants across Northern British Columbia, plans are underway to expand distribution to more areas of the province. 

PENTICTON, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ -  is proudly popping corks after sweeping the sparkling wine category at this year's  (ACWC), earning the prestigious trophy of 'Best in Category' for its officially making it Canada's Best Sparkling Wine of the Year. The soon-to-open Sparkling House, located on the iconic Naramata Bench, also captured Gold for its  and Silver for the , reaffirming its dedication to crafting exceptional sparkling wines in British Columbia.

And it's not just national recognition. Earlier this year, the 2020 Brut Premiere earned a Silver Medal and 90 points at the (IWSC) in London, U.K.—one of the world's most respected global benchmarks for quality.

"We're absolutely thrilled by this recognition," said Ron and Shelley Mayert, owners of Evolve Sparkling House. "These wins validate our vision of dedicating an entire winery to bubbles—and prove what we've believed all along: that BC is producing sparkling wines that deserve the spotlight."

Crafted using the traditional method, all three award-winning wines reflect the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley—an emerging region for premium sparkling thanks to its Champagne-aligned latitude and growing conditions. Each cuvée showcases the craftsmanship of winemaker , who brings global perspective and local roots to every bottle.

"It's incredibly special to see our 2018 Brut Nature named Canada's top sparkling wine," said Schatz. "This wine is pure expression—zero dosage, zero compromise—and to see it stand out on a national stage is a moment of pride for our entire team."

Evolve Sparkling House is set to officially welcome guests later this June, offering tasting experiences and unforgettable lake views from its contemporary new home on the Naramata Bench.

While a full grand opening announcement is coming soon, today's news serves as a toast-worthy teaser—and a reminder that life's too short not to sparkle.

Stay tuned for the grand reveal. In the meantime, .

ST. LOUIS, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxco, Inc. announces the launch of Cortada Smoked Tequila – a new premium tequila cut with a whisper of smoke. Offering both Blanco and Reposado varieties, Cortada Smoked Tequila is available exclusively in Denver and through e-commerce in partnership with Shared Pour. Cortada Smoked Tequila Blanco retails for $49.99 USD and Cortada Smoked Tequila Reposado retails for $54.99 USD.

When fourth-generation Master Distiller Graciela "Grace" Gonzalez discovered a unique recipe passed down by her great-grandfather, she knew she had to try it. Created using hand-selected, estate-grown agave, the already cooked agave is smoked with Mesquite and Mexican Oak, creating a truly unique flavor.

"Cortada represents generations of masterful craft and innovation," said Gonzalez. "It's elegant, but also has a spicy side. Denver is a perfect launch city – a place with rich, cultural history that's always pushing the envelope to create what comes next. I'm excited to see what the exceptionally inventive local mixologists create with Cortada."

Cortada begins in Los Altos and the Valley area of Jalisco, Mexico, where fully mature, 100% Blue Weber Agave are hand-selected for harvest. Within hours it is cooked and smoked over Mexican Oak and Mesquite wood, infusing the agave with just enough smoke for a spicy finish that perfectly complements the sweet, earthy flavors of agave.

Both Cortada expressions offer unique tasting profiles. Cortada Blanco Tequila is the purest expression of the agave, enhanced by a whisper of smoke in the finish. With notes of ripe pineapple, agave molasses and a wood-fired spiciness, it is a smooth and versatile spirit. Cortada Reposado Tequila deepens the agave experience. Aged in bourbon barrels, the smoky finish is accented by hints of dark chocolate, pepper, and clove, creating a rich, balanced spirit for those seeking a departure from the whiskey norm.

While both Cortada Smoked Tequila Blanco and Smoked Tequila Reposado are excellent neat or over ice, this tequila also brings new life to classic Margaritas and Old Fashioneds and invites inspired mixology like a Smoky Ranch Water.

Smokey Ranch Water Recipe

• 1.5oz Cortada
• Soda water
• Fresh lime
• Either a rim of smoked salt, or a grapefruit bitter float
• Dehydrated lime or grapefruit garnish

"Cortada allows us to do something new with tequila," said Cortada Brand Manager Kayleigh Longo. "Smoked spirits are igniting fresh creativity across the spirits world – and Cortada brings that bold innovation to tequila. The way just a hint of smoke interacts with the agave makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a spicier sipping spirit or cocktail experience."

Visit Cortadatequila.com for more information or visit sharedpour.com