Ted Simmons

New York

U.S. Correspondent at The Spirits Business

Somewhere between Larry David and Craig David.

Articles

Bluebird Distilling announces $2m renovation

1 week ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

Pennsylvania-based Bluebird Distilling will enhance its tasting room experience and add a pizzeria as part of a US$2 million project. Bluebird Distilling is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a US$2m renovation slated for completion this winter. Located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, the distillery will be updating its tasting room, adding a full-service Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant, and expanding its bottle shop and retail experience.
The Reid single malt vodka expands to US

1 week ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

Produced at Cardrona Distillery in New Zealand, The Reid will be brought into the US by San Francisco-based importer Hotaling & Co.As part of its US growth strategy, Cardrona distillery has relocated global brand ambassador Pat Fraser from New Zealand to the US. Fraser’s presence is said to help drive education, strengthen trade relationships, and support brand-building across key markets.
New York Rum Fest returns to Brooklyn this June

1 week ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

The ninth edition of New York Rum Festival and Conference will feature more than 160 rums from around the world. This year’s event will take place in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on Saturday 7 July, offering a full slate of educational sessions and an array of rums. Rum Fest will feature emerging new brands like Neon Silver from Japan, Zhumir from Ecuador, Bacan Guaro from Colombia, and E León Jimenes from the Dominican Republic.
Cocktail chat: Schmuck, New York

1 week ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

After finding success in Barcelona, the team behind the acclaimed Schmuck have taken their food-forward cocktails to New York. *This feature was originally published in the April issue of The Spirits Business magazine. In New York, you are as defined by where you came from as much as where you’re going, and such is the case for Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy.
US tariff uncertainty takes its toll

2 weeks ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

With the tariff narrative changing by the day, the US spirits sector finds itself facing unpredictable outcomes. *This feature was originally published in the May issue of The Spirits Business magazine. Tariffs have dominated headlines in 2025, with the US spirits industry left in the crosshairs of a constantly evolving and at times confusing trade policy by the Trump administration.
Loch Lomond Group buys New York Distilling Co

2 weeks ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

Loch Lomond Group’s purchase of Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Co (NYDC) come one year after the US producer launched a line of rye whiskeys. New York Distilling Co will be the first American whiskey brand in the Loch Lomond Group (LLG) portfolio, sitting alongside single malt Scotch whiskies from Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia, and Littlemill.
Brother Justus backs veterans with new whiskeys

2 weeks ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

Minneapolis-based Brother Justus will release two commemorative whiskeys this year in honour of World War Two veterans. Brother Justus Whisky Company is launching a collaborative series of 100% malted barley whiskeys with the Commander’s Own Chapter of the 34th Infantry Division Association, a Minnesota-based non-profit organisation founded in 1947 by World War Two veterans.
Japanese seltzer brand -196 launches in US

2 weeks ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

Suntory Global Spirits-owned ready-to-drink (RTD) brand -196 is rolling out its range across the US, including a new strawberry variant. Vodka seltzer brand -196 (pronounced ‘minus one-nine-six’) is hitting stores across the US, introducing a new strawberry flavour to its pre-existing range of lemon, grapefruit, and peach.
Cardenxe crowns cocktail contest winners

2 weeks ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

For the third edition of its competition, sotol brand Cardenxe asked US-based bartenders to create cocktails inspired by an anecdote or emotional experience from their lives. On 28 April, Cardenxe Sotol held its third annual cocktail contest at The Georgia Room in New York with a theme of ‘Catalyst of Deep Emotions’. Bartenders were encouraged to share their stories and backgrounds, and the emotions behind them.
Four Branches Bourbon taps country music star

2 weeks ago | thespiritsbusiness.com | Ted Simmons

Tennessee-based Four Branches Bourbon has teamed up with country music singer Dillon Carmichael ahead of his summer touring schedule. Nashville-based Four Branches Bourbon has announced that it has joined forces with the emerging country musician to help promote the brand during his upcoming slate of summer shows. Carmichael will amplify Four Branches’ messages of ‘Serve Honourably, Drink Honourably’ and ‘Sip to Remember’.