INEBRIATEDINC.COM

On Go Energy drink

Austin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:56:57 +0000

DISCLAIMER: The following is not a paid review and completely my own honest opinion regarding the product.

Hey guys, yesterday I received a box of energy drink shots from On Go Energy!

Inside there were three flavors: Lemon Lime, Berry blast & Mandarin Orange (which I am told is brand new!). I am not big on energy drinks, manly because they usually have a bad taste and way to much sugar…

Once I opened the box I was surprised to see that On Go Energy energy shot only had 8 calories & 0 suger, very nice.

Okay, so now, the taste test:

Lemon Lime: 7.5
Mandarin Orange: 5
Berry Blast: 9

Okay, First lets start with the Lemon Lime: the color says alot, bright green. The smell is is citrus and the flavor is very nice on the pallet.

Mandarin Orange is where I feel this looses points in taste. I am all for orange in color and flavor! But for a drink with 0 sugar, this little guy has the taste of 29 grams of sugar and a little bite at the back on my throat.

The last in the taste tase was my favorite all all three, Berry Blast. Though I feel that berries are the best and easiest to get flavor right and taste good, this little berry concoction is very light and tasty. Of all three I would recommend the little purple On Go Energy.

mixed drinks

How about mixing it up?

Well I thought you may ask, so with out furthur adu, Vodka and:

Lemon Lime: 8.5
Mandarin Orange: 4
Berry Blast: 10

So, no suprise here. Thought I thought I might see an increase in flavor with the Mandarin Orange, but really the vodka just made it tase worst. But on the other hand both the Lemon Lime & Berry Bast got a boost in flavor. Maybe becuase of the green color to the Lemon Lime and the reminder + association with apple martinis? But regardless the citrus flavors really work with Vodka, and as for Berry Blast was alittle like drinking a real Vodka cranberrry. The color and flavors were there, I was now just getting some extra Electrolytes, Ginseng & fewer calories, how lovely.

Well, I better finish up, cause I am starting to feel the effects of three energy shots, and the vodka. I want to thank On Go for shipping me there drinks.

German beer consumption falls

Austin — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:44:04 +0000

Germany’s appetite for beer continues to wane as concerns grow over the long-term prospects for brewers in the country, say news reports.

The country’s national brewing association says that beer consumption in 2008 was found to have fallen on a per person basis by 2.2 litres compared to the same period the previous year, reports UK-based newspaper the Daily Telegraph.

The figures mark the second consecutive annual fall in beer demand for a country strongly associated with consumption of ale. The ongoing economic downturn was said to have been a key factor in last year’s falls, said the report.

Source: Beverage Daily

A question of taste: Developing the ‘adult’ soft drink

Austin — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:41:48 +0000

As beverage groups increasingly look to launch soft drinks that can shake their often child orientated image, analysts suggest that premiumisation, packaging and health claims will be key factors in meeting this demand.

However, in the second part of an article looking at opportunities for so-called sophisticated soft drinks, one company believes that taste, above all else, will be the key driver factor in differentiating its product.

Tim Dewey, chief executive officer of the Juice Brewery, which manufacturers a natural drink combining fruit, barley and hops, says that health and functionality had not been the foremost concern in developing its branded beverage, the Hopper.

Speaking to BeverageDaily.com, Dewey said that while Hoppers were suitable for children to consume, they had been devised foremost as an attempt to offer a unique tasting product specifically for adults, more than a functional product.

“We have not-so-much concentrated on health, consciously focusing instead on designing the taste and appearance of the drink, which looks like it has a [beer] head,” he stated.

Fruit boom

Juices and fruit-based soft drinks have seen a boon in recent years amidst demand for beverages that claim to offer health or other nutrition benefits.

In Western Europe alone, consumers have increasingly turned to juices, smoothies and nectars in their hunt for a more convenient health kick pushing sales of the products up by 1.6 per cent to €23 billion in 2007, according to market analyst Zenith International.

However, the Juice Brewery says it is keen to target specific taste demands of adult consumers. Any specific functionality or health benefits have therefore occurred more as an after thought from formulation benefits such as using fruit in the range, said the com[any.

“In the back of our minds, we have made a natural drink, though any potential health benefits are more to do with cutting down on alcohol,” stated Dewey.

In targeting a more specific target market such as adult consumers, Dewey said that the company had initially delayed the initial launch of the Hopper for straying to near to what it considered to be fruity soft drinks.

“We made changes to the product just two weeks before launch to focus on the brewed aspect of our drink,” he stated. Dewey said that the company had been particularly wary of making the product too sweet back for its launch trial at markets back in September.

Marketing issues

Looking beyond functionality and taste aspects of product formulation, Dewey said that marketing was another very important issue in trying to push adult-focused alternatives to existing soft drinks and alcoholic brands.

With soft drinks such as the Hopper having to directly compete against alcoholic beverages as well as traditional soft drinks, market positioning was an area for careful consideration, especially considering products like alcohol free beer.

“The problem alcohol-free beer is that to some consumers it has the negative image of being a product with something missing (alcohol),” said Dewey. “[The Hopper] has never had alcohol in it and was always intended to be as you buy it.”

In attempting to convey this message to consumers though, the Juice Brewery said it has to be careful not to come across as a brewed product without alcohol as opposed to a unique alternative to existing drinks in shops and bars.

Despite these development challenges the Juice Brewery has not been the only soft drink maker attempting to cater for adult tastes with an increasing number of beverages being released in the segment over the last two years.

According to the research group Mintel, these launches have strongly focused on innovation in the packaging and functional benefits being offered.

These have included product like enhanced waters such as Well’s Vitamin, a brand of drinks containing added vitamins and minerals as well as having low levels of fructose and no grape sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Mintel also pointed to the US-based Rising Beverage Company and its Activate brand of functional drinks as another example of targeting adult consumers.

“Every Activate drink is equipped with a cap that stores vitamin and mineral powder in a moisture-resistant chamber,” stated the analyst in a report. “Once the cap is twisted, a plastic blade cuts the seal to release these ingredients into the simplistic and chic-looking water bottle.”

Even fairly traditional favourites like lemonade have been rebranded and designed with special packaging in efforts to attract a more mature clientele.

The analyst used the example of drink maker Sunnyland’s Parasol brand of lemonade, which was relaunched in 2007 with a glass bottle and rubber stopper. The packaging also came with a free glass, said Mintel.

Budweiser brewer pledges Chinese commitment despite sale

Austin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:34:34 +0000

Amidst ongoing restructuring of its global operations, Anheuser-Busch InBev says it has agreed to sell off its holding in Tsingtao Brewery, though remains committed to the wider Chinese beer market.

The company says that it has agreed a deal with Japan-based Asahi to sell its 19.9 per cent stake in Tsingtao for $667m (€507.6m) as part of its restructuring plan to repay debt from its acquisition of Budweiser maker Anheuser-Busch last year.

Due to the minority holding, the group said it favoured a sale to better make use of the China-based brewer’s value in the current financial market.

Emerging market concern

Just last week, leading brewers suggested that they were facing trouble even in higher-growth markets such as Russia, due to fears over the economic downturn.

Rival multinational SABMiller in particular suggested organic sales volumes in Russia had fallen by 22 per cent over the three month-period ending 31 December. The group blamed de-stocking of wholesaler inventories that began in the country in September.

Carlos Brito, chief executive officer for the now merged Anheuser-Busch InBev, said that the group was nonetheless strongly committed to China, which he said represented the world’ s largest beer market.

“With strong local brands such as Harbin and Sedrin and global brands such as Budweiser, we are well positioned to benefit from the significant potential in this important market,” he stated.

Austere new year

Following on from the Christmas period, a number of brewers have been considering reducing risk in their portfolios by revaluating growth and expansion plans.

Diageo, which is responsible for manufacturing Guinness and a number of branded beers, also last week announced plans for ‘re-evaluating’ a €650m investment plan unveiled in 2008 to test its feasibility.

The review will be used by the company to decide if the proposed shake up of its Irish operations remains ‘appropriate’ in current financial climate, Diageo said in a statement.

Source: Beverage Daily

Anheuser-Busch turns back on free-beer

Austin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:34:12 +0000

In a sign that tougher economic times are well and truly upon us, Anheuser-Busch has opted against continuing to offer free beer samples at its theme parks, according to press reports.

The brewer of Budweiser, which was recently acquired by multinational rival InBev, said that it would be bringing an end to its long followed policy of offering free samples of its products to visitors at ‘hospitality centres’ situated at theme parks run by its entertainment division.

Fred Jacobs, a spokesperson for the group’s Adventure Parks division, told the USA Today newspaper that the company hoped to provide more family focused restaurants instead.

Raspberry Vodka

Austin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:57:00 +0000

Makes: about 2 quarts

4 cups fresh raspberries

4 cups vodka

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 cups simple syrup (recipe below)

Gently wash the raspberries and dry on towels. Once dry, put them in a 64-ounce or larger glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the vodka and lemon juice and seal.

Place in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. Let sit for one week. Swirl for about two seconds. Let sit for another week. Add the simple syrup, stir with a wooden spoon and reseal. Let sit for one more week.

Strain the liqueur through a double layer of cheesecloth into a pitcher or other easy-pouring vessel. Strain again through two new layers of cheesecloth into one large bottle or a number of small bottles or jars. Serve by itself or with Champagne.

SIMPLE SYRUP

Makes: about 5 cups

3 cups sugar

2 1/2 cups water

Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and keep a low boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Absolut Los Angeles is Green

Austin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:52:45 +0000

Melrose Ave Is Infused with Green Thanks to the World’s Most Iconic Vodka

Green Way LA(TM) and ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, along with city partners, unveiled an innovative “Green Street” project that starts at the famed Melrose Avenue and will transform the 600 block of Vista Street into a model of urban sustainability. Green Way LA accepted a $250,000 catalyst donation from ABSOLUT, making this forward-thinking, city-wide initiative possible.

The partnership between Green Way LA and ABSOLUT was established this summer when ABSOLUT launched its newest, limited-edition, city-inspired flavor ABSOLUT(R) LOS ANGELES and pledged to donate a portion of the profits to a local Los Angeles charity. Celebrating the city’s trend-forward ideals, the bold, new flavor is made with an all-natural symphony of blueberry, acai berry, acerola cherry, and fruity notes of pomegranate. ABSOLUT LOS ANGELES is still available at bars, restaurants, nightclubs and retailers nationwide, but only while supplies last.

“Through our ‘IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD’ campaign, we challenge consumers to imagine their own ideal, and Los Angeles is one of the most idealistic places on earth,” said Ian Crystal, ABSOLUT Brand Director. “We are proud of ABSOLUT(R) LOS ANGELES – a symbol of opportunity that extends far beyond the Hollywood glamour – and as part of our commitment to Los Angeles, we decided to donate a portion of the profits to a charity that benefits this vibrant and illustrious American city.”

The Vista Green Street project highlights include significant physical modifications to the street, parkways and driveways so that rainwater and other polluted water is naturally cleaned before flowing into the Ocean and bringing back beneficial nature to urban dwellers through tree and landscape improvements.

“Melrose has long been equated with leading trends and being the engine for Los Angeles’ creative energy,” said Larry Smith, Executive Director of Green Way LA. “Green Way LA, through launching this project here at the corner of Melrose and Vista, believes this is the perfect place to kick off and spotlight the innovation we’re showing today. Green Way LA envisions building new, green infrastructure throughout the City of Los Angeles and this project marks the beginning of that movement. Always on the cutting edge, ABSOLUT VODKA stepped out first with a generous gift of $250,000 to make this possible.”

The Vista Green Street project exemplifies this commitment to innovate all over the city by transforming the urban infrastructure from “gray” to “green” and completing the cycle of restoring nature’s services in the urban environment. The project will re-design a residential street to manage storm and dry weather run off captured in an environmentally sustainable way, rather than allowing the water to just run off untreated to the ocean causing harm to humans and marine life. Instead, the water is cleaned naturally through gravel, soil and vegetative filters; it nurtures habitat instead of harming it. The city street will become a part of a much-needed environmental solution that treats water as a valuable resource that can contribute to life rather than take away from life.

“This project would also not be possible without the partnership of the City of Los Angeles, especially Councilmember Jack Weiss and the Public Works Department. In addition, Green Way LA collaborates with every community in which we work, and we’d like to thank Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch for agreeing to maintain the project. We thank all the project supporters starting with the neighbors on Vista Street, the businesses on Melrose, and the Mid City WEST Neighborhood Council,” concluded Smith.

About Green Way(TM)

Green Way(TM) is an L.A. based non-profit organization dedicated to improving our urban way of life by restoring nature’s services in Los Angeles and other cities. Through the transformation of city neighborhoods, Green Way restores the natural cycle of water as the catalyst for community-based environmental stewardship. It is as an outgrowth of the long standing L.A. based environmental non-profit, North East Trees. More information is available at www.greenway.net.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT(R) Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT(R), Pernod Ricard USA’s leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal(R) Scotch Whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey(R) Bourbon, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin(R), Beefeater(R) Gin, Plymouth(TM) Gin, Martell(R) Cognac, Malibu(R) flavored Rum, Kahlua(R) Liqueur, Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Pernod(R) and Ricard(R); such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek(R) and Brancott Estate(R); and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet(R) Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa(R) sparkling wines.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

SOURCE ABSOLUT VODKA

A funny Joke

Austin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:49:02 +0000

A string walks into a bar.

He asks for a shot of tequila. The bartender reply’s “Sorry we don’t serve strings”. So the string leaves.

The next day, the same string walks back into the bar. He asks for a shot of tequila. The bartender reply’s “Sorry we do not serve strings, please go away.”

The following day the string stands outside the bar debating about whether to go in or not. He ties himself in a knot and frays the bottom of the string.

He goes in and asks for a shot of tequila. The bartender reply’s “Hey aren’t you that string that’s been coming in here all the time.”

They string replys “No I’m a frayed knot”.

Nickas wins title of Iron Chef

Austin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:17:09 +0000

The Civic Center of Anderson was the site recently of Iron Chef Anderson — Absolut competition. The gastronomical battle of three of Anderson’s leading chefs, Bill Nickas of Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill, Jason Parrish of Jax New Orleans’ Bistro and Matt Campbell of Matty’s Downtown, competed for the title of Iron Chef.

Each chef prepared a unique and delectable dish using the secret ingredient, Absolut Vodka in various flavors.

More than 100 guests tasted, critiqued and scored each chef in the areas of taste, originality, and presentation. Bill Nickas of Sullivan’s won the title of Iron Chef Anderson 2008, with his gustatory creation, seared Lamb Chops marinated in “Absolut Citron,” olive oil, garlic and fresh rosemary, served on a bed of parsnip mashed potatoes and topped with an “Absolut Peppar” proscuitto cream sauce. Jason Parrish of Jax scored high marks in the area of originality and presentation.

Additionally, bartenders from each of the downtown restaurants competed for the “Silver Shaker Award.” Ben Moran of Jax was this year’s winner using Absolut’s New Orleans vodka. Aaron Anandani with Matty’s Downtown scored top marks in the category of taste with the use of Absolut’s Vanilla flavored vodka.

Proceeds from the night’s event benefit the Montessori School of Anderson Expansion Project completing the curriculum through the 12th grade.

Judy Booker was the master of ceremonies. Chris Cole, event coordinator, said the event was a success with everyone having a great time and looking forward to Iron Chef Anderson 2009 Challenge.

NY to CO

Austin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:15:55 +0000

Friday, December 5th in Denver Colorado there will be a charity event raising funds for the Colorado Make-A-Wish Foundation. The foundation provides “wishes” for children with life threatening diseases and this is their 25 year anniversary.

Working with companies like Macy’s, the foundation is working hard to make sure children with severe illnesses are getting a chance to have a wish come true, which can include anything from a puppy to a trip to Disneyland.

The Winter Wonderland event, the ‘Winter White Party’ will also be raising funds for this wonderful cause by way of a club night and fashion show. Hosts of this event include Royal House Entertainment and Hot Snowflake of Denver and nightlife entrepreneur and club owner JE Englebert of New York City.

The celebrity guest dj will be Dj Sky Nellor who hails from Australia by way of New York. Her resume includes dj’ing for the likes of hip hop notables P Diddy, Jay-Z and at soirees for Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani.

The party is going to be filled with a plethora of things to do and see, such as painted beauties by Certified Customs, Santa Clause and his elves and the fashion show which will be amazing. The generous sponsors are listed on their website, which includes Sky Vodka, who will be sending their Sky Vodka Girls to help pass out free shots and free swag all night long.

Other sponsors include Good Bizness Entertainment and John DiTirro Photography. Doors open at Wish Nightclub (corner of Glenarm and Colfax in Denver, Co) at 9:30pm and the fashion show will start promptly at 10:30 with designs from Incroyables by Melissa May, Trendy Trash LA, Hot Snowflake, Rated Fresh, Denco Customs, 44 Wear, and lments.com For more details you can visit the event website at www.ArriveDenver.com

All door proceeds will go to the foundation. “It is my pleasure to help such a great cause. The whole team has been great. I am looking forward to another unbelievable event this time in Denver” says Englebert

The animated Eflyer can we seen at: http://jenyc.com/denverwinterwhite