Beverages

Introducing El Negocio Tequila

Published

1 year ago

November 9, 2023

Daily News Staff

100-Point Napa Valley Vintner’s 100% Additive-Free Tequila Sells for $10,000 in its Debut Auction

NAPA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — With its eye-catching label, elegant flavor profile, and jaw-dropping auction debut, El Negocio Tequila was turning collectors’ heads months before its official release. A pure, 100% additive-free sipping tequila made by a third-generation Master Distiller and conceived by a 100-point Napa Valley vintner, the first preview bottle of El Negocio sold for a staggering $10,000 at auction – a remarkable feat. Today, that premiere vintage of El Negocio officially arrives in the United States.

El Negocio, which means “The Business” in Spanish, was founded by Napa Valley vintner Adam Craun and entrepreneur Nicholas Lutz. Craun, a classically trained artist, philanthropist and co-founder of the cult powerhouse Memento Mori, is now focused on bridging the two worlds of fine wine and tequila. Though the flavor profiles could hardly be more different, El Negocio underscores the unbridled edge of tequila with a nuanced restraint and deference to terroir more commonly associated with collector-worthy wine.

“El Negocio represents the apex of our three most defining passions – pure, authentic, additive-free tequila, benchmark wine, and sleek, modern design,” said Lutz. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch this label starting with our Blanco, and there is still so much more to come.”

For Craun and Lutz, there was only one Jalisco Valley partner they ever wanted to work with – Master Distiller Salvador Rosales Trejo, better known as “Chava.” His grandfather was the tequilero who founded Fabrica de Tequila El Cascahuín in the town of El Arenal, and today Chava is among a very small handful of producers making tequila with traditional methods to protect the rich heritage around it.

While most mass-produced tequilas are made using the sweeter Jalisco highlands agave, Chava, Craun and Lutz chose the more traditional Zona Valles terroir in the Jalisco lowlands. This region produces extremely limited quantities of Blue Weber Agave, and its mineral-rich volcanic soil, known as tierra negra, imparts more sophisticated, savory notes to the tequila. Known as the Tequilana Weber, the Blue Weber is smaller than its highland cousins, and the result is a more vivid concentration of flavor. It is this very agave that is responsible for El Negocio’s meticulously crafted, premiere vintage Blanco release.

The piña of the Tequilana Weber is cooked in a brick oven, extracted using 30% tahona stone wheel and 70% roller mill techniques. While the rustic tahona method is not the most efficient, it produces more floral, aromatic results that maintain the integrity of the agave flavor. The pulp is then fermented in stainless steel and is double distilled in a copper pot. Due to the rare agave that goes into El Negocio, the small-batch tequila is produced in very limited runs, with just 700 cases produced.

The Blanco is 40% ABV and debuts at $90 per 750ml bottle.

El Negocio is officially confirmed Additive Free by Tequila Matchmaker, a designation that was a non-negotiable for Craun and Lutz from the start, and equally important to Chava with every tequila he makes at El Cascahuín.

Craun says, “According to Tequila Matchmaker, over 94% of tequila consumed in the United States comes from distilleries that use additives like syrup and coloring to make one homogenized flavor profile, masking changes that naturally occur from year to year. Our fine-wine roots taught us to embrace these nuances. We work hand in hand with Chava, who also believes in celebrating each vintage as a true and unique expression. Our additive-free tequila honors the traditions passed down across his family’s three generations of master distillers. At El Negocio, we want the artisanal nature of tequila making to show through, just like it does across the vintages of a fine wine.”

The sleek El Negocio label was designed by Craun and Lutz, featuring a bold handshake between a man and a skeleton, meant to represent its namesake while nodding to Memento Mori’s Danse Macabre ethos and imagery. The insignia is framed by a snake eating its tail, which represents Ouroboros – a symbol used throughout history that represents the infinite cycle of life, death and rebirth. As a nod to serious collectors and tequila aficionados, every bottle from El Negocio’s premiere vintage is individually numbered for authenticity.

The founders are as concerned with El Negocio’s sustainability as they are with its origins and purity. Nodding to Cascahuín’s use of deep well water, the label has partnered with Charity Water, committing $1 from every bottle of El Negocio that is sold to the international organization’s commitment to building clean and safe wells for drinking water around the world.

El Negocio’s deep connection to wine and its Memento Mori sister label will grow more visible later this fall, when El Negocio’s first two French oak-aged expressions arrive. Also certified additive-free, both the Reposado ($120) and Joven ($200) benefit from time spent aging in barrels previously used to age Memento Mori, imparting the nuanced sophistication that has helped earn the Napa Valley label’s $300+ wines a cult following and 100-point critical acclaim. Blanco Rosa, Añejo and Extra Añejo releases are also on the horizon once they complete their barrel-aging process.

About El Negocio

El Negocio is a pure, 100% additive-free tequila label founded by entrepreneurs Adam Craun and Nicholas Lutz. The label debuted in fall 2023 with the release of El Negocio Blanco Tequila (SRP $90), after a preview bottle sold for $10,000 at a top Napa Valley auction. El Negocio is made by third-generation Master Distiller Chava Rosales at his family’s Fabrica de Tequila El Cascahuín – among Jalisco’s very small handful of producers that are making additive-free tequila the traditional way. With foundational ties to Memento Mori, Napa Valley’s cult, 100-point Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, El Negocio is singularly focused on bridging the worlds of fine wine and tequila. For more information on El Negocio or to join the mailing list, please visit elnegociotequila.com.

SOURCE El Negocio Tequila

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Daily News Staff

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Food and Beverage

Smoothie King Launches GLP-1 Support Menu to Enhance Health Journeys

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Charles Elliot, Daily News Staff

In an exciting development for health-conscious individuals, Smoothie King has unveiled its GLP-1 Support Menu, designed specifically for those incorporating GLP-1 medications into their weight loss and wellness routines. As a leader in the smoothie industry, Smoothie King continues to prioritize the health and fitness journeys of its guests by introducing this tailored smoothie menu, which is readily available in all locations across the U.S., as well as online and through their mobile app.

Supporting Weight Management Goals

For many Americans, the journey toward achieving weight loss or weight management goals can be challenging. With the rise in prescription GLP-1 agonists—medications intended to aid in weight loss—Smoothie King is stepping up to enhance this journey. This new menu positions Smoothie King as the first national quick-service restaurant (QSR) to cater specifically to the nutritional needs of individuals using these medications.

“Every individual’s path is different, and with the growing use of GLP-1 medications, we want to ensure that Smoothie King provides the nutritional resources to match,” said Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King. “Our smoothies are more than just a delicious treat—they’re a power-packed meal on-the-go to help our guests stay on track with their goals.”

The GLP-1 Support Menu

The GLP-1 Support Menu features a selection of five nutrient-dense smoothies, each carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of those on a GLP-1 journey. Each smoothie includes high protein levels (20 grams or more) and is enriched with fiber while containing no added sugars. Let’s take a closer look at the options:

Gladiator® GLP-1

Ingredients: Protein flavor choice (Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry) with a choice of two add-ins: Almonds, Almond Butter, Wild Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Organic Ginger, Kale, Carrots, or Spinach.
Nutrition: 45-61g protein, 2-14g fiber, 0g added sugar, 220-560 calories.

Slim N Trim™ GLP-1 Mango Greens

Ingredients: Mangoes, Greek Yogurt, Califia Farms® Almond Milk, Slim N Trim™ Blend, Organic Kale, Ginger, Spinach.
Nutrition: 22g protein, 5g fiber, 0g added sugar, 200 calories.

Keto Champ GLP-1 (Berry or Chocolate)

Berry Ingredients: Califia Farms® Almond Milk, Almond Butter, Wild Blueberries, Raspberries, Keto Protein Blend, 100% Cocoa.
Chocolate Ingredients: Califia Farms® Almond Milk, Almond Butter, 100% Cocoa, Keto Protein Blend, Stevia Plant-Based Sweetener.
Nutrition: 24g protein, 14-15g fiber, 0g added sugar, 420-450 calories.

The Activator® Recovery GLP-1 Almond Berry

Ingredients: Strawberries, Wild Blueberries, Califia Farms® Almond Milk, Coconut Water, Gladiator® Protein Strawberry.
Nutrition: 24g protein, 5g fiber, 0g added sugar, 200 calories.

Power Meal Slim™ GLP-1 (Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry)

Chocolate Ingredients: Bananas, Califia Farms® Almond Milk, Power Slim Protein, 100% Cocoa.
Vanilla Ingredients: Bananas, Califia Farms® Almond Milk, Power Slim Protein.
Strawberry Ingredients: Bananas, Strawberries, Power Slim Protein.
Nutrition: 19-22g protein, 6-10g fiber, 0g added sugar, 190-210 calories.

These smoothies have been crafted in collaboration with registered dietitian Molly Kimball from Ochsner Health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a thoughtful balance of nutrient-dense ingredients to enhance satiety and muscle mass without added sugars.

Enhancing Overall Wellness

The GLP-1 Support Menu not only supports those experiencing the side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 medications but also prioritizes delicious taste and quality nutrition. Each smoothie is designed to be hydrating and nutrient-dense, providing individuals with the energy they need to thrive.

For over five decades, Smoothie King has committed itself to blending nutritious, great-tasting smoothies. The GLP-1 Support Menu is a continuation of this mission, aiming to simplify healthy eating for everyone, especially those on personalized health journeys.

Conclusion

With the launch of the GLP-1 Support Menu, Smoothie King is setting a precedent for the quick-service restaurant industry, showing that delicious and nutritious options can go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re using GLP-1 medications or simply seeking healthy, protein-rich smoothies for your lifestyle, Smoothie King’s new offerings provide a way to indulge while adhering to your wellness goals.

To explore the GLP-1 Support Menu, visit your nearest Smoothie King location or check it out on their mobile app or website. Cheers to a healthier, happier you! https://www.smoothieking.com/landing-pages/glp-1-smoothies

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smoothie-king-launches-glp-1-support-menu-to-support-health-and-fitness-journeys-of-medication-users-302288935.html

SOURCE Smoothie King

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Beverages

Barefoot, The Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL, Teams up With Simone Biles To Offer Fans an Exclusive ‘BandWAGon’ Gameday Experience

Published

3 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

Daily News Staff

One lucky contest winner and three friends will attend the Green Bay @ Chicago game on Nov.
17 alongside Biles

MODESTO, Calif., Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — America’s most awarded wine brand, Barefoot, is teaming up with America’s most awarded gymnast (and WAG), Simone Biles. As the Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL, Barefoot is launching a contest offering fans a chance at an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the Green Bay vs. Chicago rivalry game on November 17 with Biles. One lucky fan and their three friends will get the opportunity to enjoy the NFL ‘WAG’ (wives and girlfriends) gameday experience alongside Biles, from pregame sideline access to watching the game from Barefoot’s ‘BandWAGon Box’ suite. Launched today on Barefoot’s Instagram channel (@barefootwine), the contest is open to all NFL fans – regardless of team allegiance or their knowledge of the sport.

PHOTO CREDIT Barefoot Wine — America’s most awarded wine brand, Barefoot, is teaming up with America’s most awarded gymnast (and WAG), Simone Biles

With more than 10,000 accolades, Barefoot is the most awarded wine brand in America, much like the G.O.A.T Simone Biles, who’s widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. As an NFL WAG with personal ties to this long-standing rivalry, Biles is the ideal partner to welcome NFL fans to the game, no matter who they are rooting for or how long they’ve been a fan.

“I understand that learning about football and wine can feel very overwhelming, but as a fan of the NFL and Barefoot Wine, I can speak from experience that you don’t need to know every sequence in the playbook or grape variety to enjoy both,” said Biles. “But trust me, the rivalry between Chicago and Green Bay is real and the BandWAGon Box experience is going to be a lot of fun!”

This partnership expands Barefoot’s Bandwagon Box program, launched last year to welcome emerging NFL fans to the sport and included a guided tasting with Jen Wall, Barefoot winemaker. “Last year we were so excited to show people how wine, like football, doesn’t have to be complicated and provided our fans with fun food pairings and our winners with a tasting in the suite,” said Jen Wall. “This year, we’re proud to tout our accomplishments in winemaking alongside one of the most awarded athletes of all time and ensuring our fans know they can find an award-winning wine at a great price point.”

Beth Orozco, Vice President of Marketing at GALLO added “Barefoot believes that football fandom should be as fun and accessible as choosing your favorite wine. Whether you cheer for Green Bay, Chicago, or switch between the two, being a fan doesn’t need to be complicated and we’re proud to partner with Simone to share that message. Learning about the NFL and Barefoot wine in a truly unique gameday experience will allow us to collectively deepen the connection with fans and show how easy both wine and football can be.”

PHOTO CREDIT BAREFOOT WINE 1 — Barefoot Wine is The Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL

To enter the contest, fans can visit @barefootwine on Instagram to leave a comment about why they want to win the Barefoot ‘BandWAGon Box’ gameday experience with Simone. Enter between 12:00 a.m. (ET) on October 24, 2024, and 11:59 p.m. (ET) on October 31, 2024. Full contest Rules and Regulations can be found at https://apfco.com/secure/K401R.

About Barefoot®

Barefoot® is a California-based wine brand dedicated to making delicious wines that are fun, flavorful, and approachable. Since its inception in 1965, Barefoot has become America’s most loved wine brand, known for its iconic footprint label and unwavering commitment to quality. Barefoot offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and occasion, including over 50 varietals and flavors of still & sparkling wines, Fruitscatos®, and Spritzers, available in multiple size formats. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a celebration with friends, Barefoot Wine is the perfect choice. You can purchase Barefoot Wine at retailers across the country. To find the location nearest you visit BarefootWine.com. To learn more about Barefoot as The Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL, visit www.Barefootwine.com/NFL or check out the brand on social @BarefootWine.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the United States (excluding UT, VA) and the District of Columbia who are 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Starts at 12:00:00 ET on 10/24/24 and end at 11:59:59 ET on 10/31/24. There is one (1) way to enter: 1) Instagram: To enter via Instagram, visit https://www.instagram.com/BarefootWine/, find the Barefoot Bandwagon Contest Post and follow the instructions to submit your entry. Your entry must start with the hashtag #BarefootBandWAGonContestEntry. Subject to Official Rules. Official Rules are available at https://apfco.com/secure/K401R. Sponsor: E. & J. Gallo Winery.

SOURCE Barefoot

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Festivals

Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival Launches Inaugural ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ Event

Published

3 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

Dolores Raphael, Daily News Staff

The countdown has officially begun for food and baseball enthusiasts as the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival gears up for an exciting inaugural event, ‘Taste of the Major Leagues,’ set to take place on November 20, 2024. Presented by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, this unique event promises to be a culinary feast that marries the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the thrill of Major League Baseball.

A Flavorful Kickoff to a Grand Festival

Hosted at the picturesque La Concha Resort in San Juan, the ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ event is more than just a prelude to the main festival scheduled for April 3-6, 2025. This gathering will bring together culinary talents and baseball legends, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The event will be hosted by renowned Chef Mario Pagán, with sports icons Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Delgado as co-hosts, both World Series champions with a deep-rooted love for Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.

Chef Pagán expressed immense excitement, stating, “This is an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.” His sentiments resonate with the festival’s vision to showcase the island’s culinary talent while honoring its cultural heritage.

Meet the Stars of the Show

Attendees can look forward to not just exceptional food and drinks, but also the chance to mingle with baseball superstars. Former New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vázquez, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, and 2008 National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto are among the notable players making an appearance. This unique blend of gastronomy and athletics captures the spirit of Puerto Rico, uniting two beloved aspects of Puerto Rican culture.

Beltrán emphasized the importance of the event for community support, articulating, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared passions while raising funds to support our young athletes.” The event will benefit institutions like the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy and Delgado’s Extra Bases Foundation, reflecting a commitment to giving back to the community.

A Festival with a Purpose

Beyond an indulgent culinary experience, the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival represents a broader mission: to enrich the community through culinary education. The festival will actively support Puerto Rico Eats for Good, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and hands-on training for aspiring chefs. This initiative aligns perfectly with the festival’s emphasis on sustainable growth in the culinary sector.

As Robert Weakley, the founder of the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, aptly noted, “Their passion and expertise will elevate the event and also help us raise awareness and strengthen our bond within the community.” This intention reinforces the festival’s aim to highlight Puerto Rico as a premier food destination while fostering relationships among local talent.

Getting Your Tickets

If you’re eager to be part of this unique culinary celebration, tickets for ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ go on sale on October 28, priced at $225. These tickets promise access to a mouthwatering selection of dishes crafted by some of Puerto Rico’s finest chefs, along with exquisite drinks from talented mixologists.

The Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, which will take place in April 2025, will further explore and celebrate the island’s dynamic food culture. With tastings from renowned wineries and interactive activities, including golf and pickleball tournaments, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience.

The Event

The inaugural ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ event is set to encapsulate the spirit of culinary excellence and community support that defines Puerto Rican culture. As the festival approaches, both locals and visitors have the opportunity to engage with the rich flavors of the island while supporting initiatives that foster the next generation of culinary talent.

Join us at La Concha Resort for a night of delectable bites, signature cocktails, and unforgettable memories—culinary adventures await! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival website.