Gruppo Campari gets set to fly with Wild Turkey – 29/09/09

Wild Turkey will be flying into Cannes under the wing of Gruppo Campari for the first time


ITALY. Gruppo Campari is exhibiting its newly acquired American bourbon brand Wild Turkey on its redesigned booth at the TFWA World Exhibition next month, alongside products such as the freshly repackaged Cabo Wabo tequila.

America’s iconic premium Kentucky straight bourbon, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is the flagship brand in the Wild Turkey Bourbon portfolio, which was acquired by Gruppo Campari earlier this year.

Under the leadership of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, the Wild Turkey line has grown. Complementing the classic flagship Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, there are five variations: Rare Breed, Kentucky Spirit, Wild Turkey 80, Wild Turkey Rye and Wild Turkey American Honey. Russell’s Reserve and Russell’s Reserve Rye, named after Jimmy Russell, though not part of the Wild Turkey range, are also produced at the Wild Turkey Distillery.

One of the pioneers of small batch bourbon, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon is barrel proof, meaning no water is added to reduce the level of alcohol during the bottling process. A combination of select 6yo, 8yo and 12yo bourbons is used to find the perfect smoothness and a consistent taste. Rare Breed is available in limited quantities.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is a 101 proof, single barrel bourbon, hand-selected at the peak of maturity. The Master Distiller sets aside barrels that capture the essence of Wild Turkey Bourbon, to ensure a consistent taste from bottle to bottle.
Russell’s Reserve and Russell’s Reserve Rye are hand-crafted and small batch bourbon and rye whiskeys created by Wild Turkey’s legendary Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell and his son, Associate Distiller Eddie Russell. Both products reflect the expertise that comes with their over 80 years of combined experience.

Wild Turkey Rye is an iconic 101 proof rye whiskey and one of the few genuine rye products produced in decades. America’s first distilled spirit, rye whiskey is distinguished from bourbon because it must contain at least 51% rye compared with bourbon, which must contain at least 51% corn.

Wild Turkey American Honey is described as an exceptionally smooth bourbon-based liqueur. At 71 proof, its warm honey taste is versatile and can be enjoyed chilled, straight, or in cocktails. American Honey is available in the US market only.

According to 2007 volume figures from the IWSR, top markets for the Wild Turkey Straight Bourbon brand only are: US 70%, Australia 15%, Japan 11% and Rest of World 4%.

All-natural: Summer 2008 saw the global launch of SKYY Infusions in Citrus, Passion Fruit and Raspberry flavours


SKYY Infusions head for Middle East

Launched in Summer 2008, SKYY Infusions flavoured vodkas are available in Citrus, Passion Fruit and Raspberry flavours. The all-natural products were recently introduced to the Middle East markets.

Cabo Wabo tequila in new packaging

Gruppo Campari will be showing buyers at Cannes the freshly repackaged Cabo Wabo tequila. The brand has a new silver logo and a reworked label on the bottle, in a bid to premiumise the brand and give it a more rock’n’roll attitude.

The brand’s close link to music is inspired by Cabo Wabo’s founder, the rock star Sammy Hagar.

The 100% blue agave Cabo Wabo tequila range comprises Blanco, Reposado, Anejo (aged for 14-24 months) and ultra-premium Uno (aged for 38 months and presented in a crystal decanter).

Positioned as a “party tequila” for affluent consumers, the 40%abv brand is available in a 70 or 75cl bottle. According to Gruppo Campari, sales of Cabo Wabo have doubled in the US market in the past two years, and now the brand is going global. The new party-inspired ad campaign features the tagline “Raise Some Cabo”.

New look: Cabo Wabo tequila is repackaged with a silver logo and a reworked label, to premiumise the brand


*Other Gruppo Campari brands on show at TFWA will include Illyquore coffee liqueur, produced in partnership with illycaffè, and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.

MORE STORIES ON GRUPPO CAMPARI

Campari offers sneak peek into 2010 calendar – 17/09/09

Gruppo Campari targets the cruise ship market in major US promotional push – 23/04/09

Pernod Ricard sells Wild Turkey bourbon to Campari for US$575 million in big deleveraging move – 08/04/09

Campari acquires Odessa in landmark deal – 22/12/08

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine