Elite Brands Price Guide - September 2024 | Issue 34 by Elite Brands of Colorado

CHEERS FROM THE PRESIDENT

s 2024 winds down, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on all the progress that we’ve made over the past year, both here at Elite and toget¬¬her with all of you and express our sincere gratitude for your support along the way.

With your support, we’ve been able to welcome exciting new brands into the portfolio. Our selection has expanded to include innovative spirits from around the globe, such as the female-founded Craft Spirits Cooperative, whose roster includes notable names like Death & Co and the founder’s own Capurro Pisco, where she’s a fifth-generation distiller. We’ve also added Kinship Spirits, a standout spirit house that specializes in small batch, craft spirits from South Africa such as Malachite Gin, and grown our wine portfolio with new imports from Australia, Spain and beyond. Closer to home, we’re thrilled to partner with Red Rocks Spirits, a local, female coowned vodka brand that has quickly gained traction and recently inked a deal to be Coors Field’s official vodka, and are excited about the addition of Rick Thomas Distillery, a father-son operation based in Black Hawk, Colorado.

Speaking of the female-founded Craft Spirits Cooperative and Red Rocks Spirits, we’re thrilled to highlight some of our incredible female founders, winemakers and distillers in this month’s feature. As a female-founded company, we’re proud to have been consistently recognized as a leader in our field, including a decade of being named one of Colorado Biz Magazine’s Top 100 Woman-Owned Businesses. For us, championing other women in our industry is a responsibility that we take seriously, and I know you’ll enjoy reading about Pajarote, Capurro and Calzadilla in this issue.

As football season heats up, I’m also excited to share that we’ll be back at Folsom Field throughout the season. So, stop by, say hi and grab some of your favorite Elite products while you cheer on the Buffs.

And, of course, once football season is here, that also means the holidays are just around the corner, so keep the products that excel during this time in mind. Higher-end wines are perfect for gifting or holiday parties, while spirits, particularly whiskey and darker varieties, gain popularity as we enjoy the cooler weather. Belgian beers, a category where Elite boasts an exceptional and extensive portfolio, are also high in demand. Or, for my personal recommendations, I’m currently enjoying St. Bernardus Abt. 12, Annabella Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Millet Bas Armagnac VS.

Looking towards the coming year, I am filled with optimism and excitement. If I don’t get a chance to say it in person, I am wishing you and your family health and prosperity this holiday season and the coming year.

WHAT'S TERRY POURING THIS SEASON?

President

& CEO, Terry Cekola, gives us a glance behind her bar

ST. BERNARDUS ABT. 12

"Our Belgian portfolio boasts many iconic beers, but St. Bernardus Abt. 12 is undeniably a benchmark. Widely acclaimed as one of the world's best, this classic quadruple, brewed to its original 1946 recipe, is the perfect choice for the season ahead with its rich flavor and 10% ABV." Page 53

ANNABELLA NAPA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

“The Pozzan family has been a key part of our portfolio since Elite Brands' early days. I often reach for a glass from their collection, but right now, I'm especially enjoying the Annabella Napa Cab. Its depth and complexity, combined with an unbeatable price point for 100% Napa Valley fruit, make it a standout choice.” Page 8

by a fifth-generation master distiller, this Armagnac is a true expression of tradition and quality. It’s produced exclusively from the estate's own Baco and Ugni Blanc grapes and has become a crowd-pleaser at my dinner parties, whether enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif." Page 59

ABOUT US

Elite Brands of Colorado is a company with a lifetime of experience in the alcoholic beverage distribution industry. We consider it an honor to represent the finest producers of wine, beer, and spirits to the people in the state of Colorado. Our highly educated and driven sales staff reside in the Colorado communities we serve. We pride ourselves in carefully evaluating every potential brand and beverage for quality, sales and mutual growth potential before they’re selected for a place in our portfolio.

WEBSITE www.elite-brands.com

ADDRESS 4780 Holly Street Denver, Colorado 80216

CONTACT

Phone: 303.394.7535

Fax: 303.394.0693

Email: info@elite-brands.com

ORDER ONLINE https://app.provi.com/elite-brands

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR NETWORK

Elite Brands is a proud member of the Independent Distributor Network (IDN). IDN was established in 2019 with the goal of overcoming industry consolidation by offering a new model for wine and spirits distribution.

IDN provides sales, marketing, and distribution solutions for mid-to-large scale wineries and distilleries seeking a fair and equitable opportunity for national sales and distribution services, through a combination of brand building, local market expertise, and proven growth strategies.

CONTRIBUTORS

LESLI GEGEN

Lesli is a seasoned and results-driven communications professional with more than a decade of experience in an array of industries — from travel and hospitality to outdoor and active lifestyle, dabbling in sustainability and consumer goods along the way. Her experience spans both external and internal communications, where she’s crafted thoughtful strategies and engaging messaging for audiences of all types. Outside of the office, Lesli can be found exploring Denver’s best breweries, on two planks going downhill, two wheels going up, or jetting off to find her new favorite destination.

Mónica Leyva , Pajarote Romina Scheufele, Capurro Pisco Paula Uribes, Pago Calzadilla

CHATEAU MILLET BAS ARMANAC VS "Crafted

Cappuro Quebranta Pisco Cappuro Quebranta Pisco is a high-proof, single varietal pisco made from the Quebranta grape by a single estate producer with a strong commitment to tradition and purity. Renowned for its exceptional texture, this pisco is ideal for creating authentic pisco sours and tiki cocktails, offering vibrant notes of lime, banana, and orgeat. With no chemicals or additives, it's a clean choice for discerning buyers, making it an ideal choice for organic and vegan shelves.

Domestic and import cider, mead, and lifestyle beverages

NEW BEVS ON THE BLOCK

If you're looking for the freshest, newest, hottest releases, you've come to the right place. This round-up gives you everything you need to know about the new products joining our portfolio.

DOMESTIC WINE

p 8 12069 Annabella Napa Chardonnay Black Label 12/750ml

p 8 12064 Annabella Napa Sauvignon Blanc 12/750ml p 10 20059 Subterra Pinot Noir 12/750ml

IMPORT WINE

SUBTERRA

Pinot Noir

Los Olivos, Central Coast, California

Subterra Pinot Noir, crafted by 4th generation winemaker August Sebastiani, hails from the Los Olivos District in California's Central Coast. This bright and floral Pinot Noir captivates with its fruit-forward flavors and juicy acidity that lead to a dry finish. Despite the challenging 2022 growing season, this vintage boasts exceptional quality, making Subterra Pinot Noir a standout choice for wine enthusiasts. Page 10

OTHER

p 16 30042 Cairats Frescal 6/750ml

p 16 30041 Cairats Seleccio 6/750ml

p 16 30043 Calzadilla Allegro 6/750ml

p 17 30031 Canopy Ganadero Garnacha 12/750ml

p 13 35897 Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Villages Bistrot12/750ml

p 13 35898 Manoir du Carra Moulin a Vent 12/750ml

p 14 62366 Mordoree Cotes du Rhone 12/750ml

p 13 62367 Mordoree La Dame Rousse Lirac 12/750ml

p 13 62369 Mordoree La Dame Rousse Tavel 12/750ml

p 13 62365 Mordoree La Remise 2/750ml

p 14 62368 Mordoree Reine des Bois CDP 6/750ml

p 17 30034 Sangenis Vaque Garbinada Priorat 6/750ml

SEE SAW Gamay

New South Wales, Australia

For nearly 30 years, vignerons Pip and Justin Jarrett have been cultivating grapes in the cool climate of Orange, NSW, Australia. Driven by a philosophy of balance and harmony through sustainable farming, they've crafted the See Saw Gamay. This light-bodied wine, with its lively acidity and 11.8% ABV, is unfined and unfiltered, and sourced from 25-year-old vines. Page 11

p 11 20063 See Saw Marge 12/750ml

p 16 30029 Zudugarai Gazte Txakoli 12/750ml

91441

NON-ALCOHOL

SHORT'S

BREWING CO.

Thirst Mutilator Non-Alcoholic Grape Hop Water

Bellaire, Michigan

Short's Brewing Co. has teamed up again with musician Billy Strings to introduce Thirst Mutilator GRAPE!, the second release in their Thirst Mutilator line. This grape-forward hop water is bubbly, carb-free, and calorie-free, offering a refreshing beverage with a nostalgic twist.

Page 31

DOMESTIC BEER

p 42 91518 21st Amendment El Sully Lime Mex Lager 2/12/12ozC

p 43 91590 4 Noses Above the Fog Hazy DIPA 15/19.2oz C

p 43 91381 4 Noses Hoppy Mix Pack 2/12/12oz C

p 43 91409 4 Noses Michelada Picante 12/19.2oz C

p 43 91493 4 Noses Imperial Bout Damn Time 15/19.2oz C

p 48 91399 Brewdog Wanderlust Variety Pack 2/12/12oz C

p 48 91346 Brewdog Wingman Imperial IPA 4/6/12oz C

p 48 91348 Brewdog Wingman Imperial IPA 1/2b

BREWDOG Wingman Imperial IPA

Columbus, Ohio

Brewdog's Wingman Imperial IPA is a tropical punch imperial IPA featuring bright and juicy notes of guava, mango, passionfruit, and light citrus. With an ABV of 9.5%, this beer combines a bold flavor profile with a high alcohol content. Designed for a refreshing and vibrant drinking experience, Wingman Imperial IPA offers a perfect blend of tropical fruits in every sip. Page 48

p 48 91485 Brewdog Slush Rush Cherry Lime Wheat 4/6/12oz C

p 48 91486 Brewdog Slush Rush Cherry Lime Wheat 1/2b

p 48 91528 Brooklyn Pilsner 2/12/12oz C

p 47 91410 Surly Mosh Pit Imperial IPA 4/6/12oz C

p 45 91401 Telluride The Show Imperial IPA 12/19.2oz C

p 45 91468 Westbound & Down Caboose Hazy IPA 6/4/16oz C

p 45 91470 Westbound & Down Caboose Hazy IPA 1/6b

p 45 91469 Westbound & Down Caboose Hazy IPA 1/2b

p 45 91474 Westbound & Down Colorado Pale Ale 6/4/16ozC

p 45 91475 Westbound & Down Colorado Pale Ale 1/2b

p 45 91477 Westbound & Down Don't Hassle the Hef 6/4/16ozC

p 45 91478 Westbound & Down Don't Hassle the Hef 1/2b

p 45 91465 Westbound & Down IPA 6/4/16oz C

p 45 91471

Westbound & Down Italian Pils 6/4/16ozC

p 45 91472 Westbound & Down Italian Pils 1/2b

p 45 91480 Westbound & Down The Coloradan Mex 6/4/16ozC

p 45 91481

Westbound & Down The Coloradan Mex 1/2b

IMPORT BEER

p 54 91425 Schneider Weiss Original Hefe 4/6/11.2oz

SPIRITS

p 61 35901 Albatross Vodka 6/750ml

p 62 10309 BroVo Uncharted Rhapsody 6/750ml

p 61 10176 Capurro Pisco Quebranta 12/750ml

p 61 10177 Capurro Pisco Acholada 12/750ml

p 59 10169 Chateau Millet Bas Armagnac VS 12/750ml

p 62 10302 Death & CO Aurora Highball 6/4/200ml

p 62 10303 Death & CO Moonsail Fizz 6/4/200ml

p 62 10304 Death & CO Ranger Buck

6/4/200ml

p 61 35902 Elephantom Rum 6/750ml

p 60 10178 El Mero Mero Espadin 12/750ml

p 60 10179 El Mero Mero Tobala 12/750ml

p 59 49698 Gioia Luisa Limoncello 12/700ml

p 59 49699 Gioia Luisa Limoncello Creme 12/700ml

p 61 35899 Malachite Fynbos Gin 6/750ml

p 63 10312 Peach St. CO Straight Rye 5yr SB 6/750ml

p 63 10164 Red Rocks Vodka 12/750ml

p 63 10166 Red Rocks Vodka 12/1L

p 63 10165 Red Rocks Vodka 6/1.75L

RED ROCKS SPIRITS Vodka

Denver, Colorado

Red Rocks Vodka, made from 100% non-GMO corn, offers a premium, gluten-free drinking experience with a hint of natural sweetness. Its unparalleled smoothness makes it perfect for sipping straight. Distilled six times and carbon filtered, Red Rocks Vodka embodies top-notch quality, ensuring a pure and refined taste. Page 63

p 64 16036 Rod & Hammer's Whiskey Peach 6/4/12oz C

p 59 10168 Saison Rum 12/750ml

p 59 10167 Saison Rum Pale 12/750ml

p 62 20061 Sparkle Fruit Punch 12/375ml

p 62 20062 Sparkle Fruit Punch 12/1L

p 61 91523 Wodka Soda 6/4/12oz C

p 61 10194 Xila Mexican Aperitif 12/750ml

LATEST FROM OUR SUPPLIERS

From new brands joining the portfolio to the latest innovations and company updates, this is the news you need to know to keep up with our suppliers.

CEDAR + SALMON UNVEILS BOLD BRAND REVAMP

Cedar + Salmon, the Pacific Northwest wine brand from winemaker August Sebastiani has radically revamped its brand identity and packaging to enhance shelf presence and better connect with consumers. Key details like varietal, vintage, and appellation are now prominently displayed on the updated bottle. The brand logo has also been modernized with a stylish new foil addition, aiming to strengthen its appeal both on and off-premise. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is currently available with other varietals coming in 2025.

ANNABELLA NAPA CHARDONNAY FROM MICHAEL POZZAN DEBUTS STRIKING BLACK LABEL

Napa Valley winemaker Michael Pozzan has recently unveiled his 2022 Annabella Napa Valley Chardonnay under a striking black label. This 100% Napa Chardonnay, aged for 18 months in French oak, boasts a vibrant bouquet of mandarin orange, orange blossom, and red pear.

SHORT'S BREWING AND BILLY STRINGS RELEASE NEW HOP WATER FLAVOR

Short's Brewing and Billy Strings have teamed up once again to release a new variation of their Thirst Mutilator hop water. Their latest creation, Thirst Mutilator Grape!, marks the second collaboration between the two, highlighting their friendship since 2013. This grape-forward, bubbly beverage is non-alcoholic, carb and calorie-free, and aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia among drinkers.

SUPPLIERS SHINE AT US OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WORLD BEER CUP

The US Open Beer Championships and the World Beer Cup, two of the most prestigious beer competitions, showcased the finest brews this year in July and April, respectively. Many of our suppliers proudly took home medals, solidifying their status among the world’s top brewers including Maui Brewing Co., 21st Amendment, Bull & Bush Brewery, Coronado Brewing, Westbound & Down, Aspen Brewing Co., and 3 Floyds Brewing. The full list of medal winners is available online.

NEW COLORADO WHISKEY'S JOIN PEACH STREET DISTILLERS LINE OF HANDCRAFTED SPIRITS

Colorado’s own Peach Street Distillers has released its latest offerings: a 6-year straight bourbon and a 5-year single barrel straight rye. Committed to the essence of craft, Peach Street Distillers turns local fruits and grains into extraordinary spirits through meticulous methods. The 6-year bourbon is aged in American oak and bottled to the standards of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, while the 5-year rye, a blend of malted and raw Colorado rye, is aged in first-use American oak and hand-selected for its unique character.

OUTER RANGE BRINGS A TASTE OF THE FRENCH ALPS TO COLORADO WITH NEW ALPEN PILS

In 2022, Outer Range Brewery from Colorado expanded its horizons by opening a second location in the picturesque French Alps, in the charming town of Sallanches. Now, the beers crafted in this alpine haven are making their way back to Colorado. Among them is the Alpen Pils, a refreshing and crisp pilsner with a 4.8% ABV, which has earned a spot in Outer Range's year-round lineup of core beers.

AFRICA ADDED TO IMPORT BEER PORTFOLIO WITH HABESHA BREWERY.

We are excited to introduce Ethiopia's “Cold Gold” from Habesha Brewery, renowned for its golden color and rich aroma, offering a smooth drinking experience with distinctive character. Brewed from the pristine highland waters of Debre Birhan, this lager embodies the dedication and passion of the Ethiopian people, who transform top-quality barley malt and hops into an exceptional beer.

ELEVATING SOUTH AFRICA'S HERITAGE WITH DISTINCTIVE CRAFT SPIRITS

Kinship Spirits celebrates the rich oral traditions and storytelling heritage of South Africa through fine, small-batch spirits made from local produce, each imbued with South African symbolism. The colorful bottles represent the diverse and vibrant history of Kinship’s native South Africa and hold distillations that are both distinctive and distinguished. Malachite Fynbos Gin, Elephantom Rum, and Albatross Vodka are now available.

Photo courtesy Short's Brewing Co.

Photo courtesy Outer Range Brewing Co.

WINE PORTFOLIO

HIGH END WINES

GEHRICKE RUSSIAN RIVER CHARDONNAY

Gehricke Russian River Chardonnay is crafted by notable fourth-generation winemaker August Sebastiani. This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay and aged for nine months in 20% new French oak, showcasing the best of Sonoma County's unique terroir. The wine is both vibrant and complex with a long crisp finish.

What makes a bottle of wine "high-end" or more expensive? Many factors including meticulous production techniques, distinct terroir, smaller production volumes, and the quality of fruit from top vineyards play a role. These elements create exceptional wines, which are perfect for the season, whether it's Champagne for toasting, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, or imports from unique growing sites worldwide. Here are some of the highlights from our portfolio. Domestic

RUSTENBERG

JOHN X MERRIMAN

This wine is an exceptional choice for those seeking a high-end, age-worthy wine. Named in honor of John Xavier Merriman, a former owner who revitalized Rustenberg during the phylloxera crisis of 1892, this Bordeaux-style blend showcases the best of the Estate's vineyards in Ida’s Valley, near Stellenbosch.

CHAMPAGNE COLLET

ESPRIT COUTURE

Sourced from nine Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, this cuvée epitomizes the elegance and diversity of Champagne's prestigious terroirs. Aged in champenois oak barrels, it develops the signature brioche aromas and benefits from an extended aging period of seven years, resulting in a refined, softer wine requiring minimal dosage.

MORDOREE LIRAC ROUGE

LA DAME ROUSSE

Mordorée Lirac Rouge La Dame Rousse is celebrated for its balanced blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, sourced from 40-year-old vines and produced with organic farming practices. La Dame Rousse consistently earns high ratings in the 90s, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts seeking quality and sustainability.

GOOSECROSS CELLARS

NAPA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Goosecross Cellars, established in 1985 is a renowned winery in Yountville, Napa Valley. Known for producing high-quality wines, Goosecross is dedicated to sustainable farming and meticulous cellar practices. Their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies Napa Cab, delivering a wine with remarkable intensity, complexity, and balanced tannins.

DOMUS AUREA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional wine crafted by Viña Quebrada de Macul, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range in the prestigious Maipo Valley. Since its debut in 1996, Domus Aurea has become one of Chile’s first cult, collectible wines, consistently earning high ratings.

DOMESTIC WINE

CALIFORNIA

DOMESTIC WINE

California scottocellars.com

FORT WINES California treefortwines.com

SUBTERRA WINES California subterrawines.com CEDAR + SALMON Oregon cedarandsalmonwines.com

OREGON

RAPTOR RIDGE WINERY Newberg, Oregon raptorridgewinery.com CEDAR + SALMON Washington cedarandsalmonwines.com

WASHINGTON

SKYFALL WINES Columbia Valley, Washington skyfallwines.com

ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA

AUSTRIA

RUBUS France

BEAUJOLAIS France

BORDEAUX France

France

LA CLAPE France

CHAMPAGNE France LOIRE France

RHONE France PAYS D'OC France

GERMANY

HUNGARY

ITALY

JAPAN

NEW ZEALAND

VINHO VERDE

DOURO VALLEY

COASTAL REGION

PORTUGAL

SOUTH AFRICA

CONSTANTIA

SPAIN

TOLDEO Spain

YECLA Spain

URUGUAY

DEVELOPING ELITE’S ELITE SALES TEAM

Written by Lesli Gegen with Sales Development Manager, Ted Risk

Sales Development Manager, Ted Risk, joined the Elite Brands team just over a year ago, bringing a wealth of industry experience and knowledge that he’s been busy imparting on the sales team ever since.

Ted actually began his journey in the industry on the supplier side as one of the co-founders of Longmont-based Wibby Brewing. As a small business owner, one of Ted’s many hats at Wibby was Director of Sales, where he honed his skills in building strong customer relationships and developing effective sales strategies.

When Elite posted for a brand-new position, Sales Development Manager, Ted knew it was a perfect fit.

“I’ve always been a coach by nature,” he explained. While the position itself was new, Elite has always had a great training program for its new sales staff. New hires embark on a three-week immersion across all departments, shadowing account managers, tagging along with delivery drivers, and more to get a sense of what everyone’s role at the company is all about.

While Elite has always prioritized training, Ted has put structure to the process. For instance, instead of having a general “day in the life” tag along with account managers, new hires now follow structured learning plans. For instance, one day they’ll learn about preparation for the week and consultative selling with Katie, and the next day, they’ll dive into portfolio knowledge with Mike.

Article 2

Speaking of consultative selling, this is one topic that Ted has been focused on with the team since joining Elite.

“I’ve always believed that at the heart of effective sales techniques lies a deep interest in understanding the people that you’re working with and getting to know the needs of the buyers,” explained Ted.

Ted believes the easiest approach to consultative selling is to let the customer lead and resist the urge to finish their sentences. By letting them tell you where their head is going, you can uncover what they’re experiencing, or exciting things that are helping them compete in a challenging market. It’s a balance between guiding the conversation and letting it unfold naturally.

“You really don’t know where the conversation will lead, but if you continue to ask questions and allow the answers to take the conversation in any number of directions, you start to develop a different relationship with the buyer where you can become a true resource for them,” he shared.

It's a way of selling that shows the buyer that the team is

listening and that they truly care. It also allows them to bring customers additional value that will help drive further success for the business. "Our goal is to shift from being a salesperson to a trusted advisor," explained Ted. "At that point, our customers can feel confident coming to us with their challenges and trust that we can ease those pain points."

“Showing up is important, but caring about the customer is essential,” he added. “This approach has created a really cool energy in the sales room, because the only way to do this effectively is to do it genuinely.”

As part of instilling this approach, Ted has facilitated a series of roundtables called OPAL: Organize, Plan, Ask, Listen. These structured sessions encourage the team to contribute in really unique ways, which ultimately empowers them to present fresh ideas to buyers.

Another area of focus for Ted has been helping the team find new efficiencies and encouraging individuals to

improve,” said Ted.

Whatever it is that works for the individual team members, Ted’s job is to help them figure out how to do more of it. “Whether it’s Dailies, CRM, a handwritten note pad or asking Siri to send you a reminder to follow up on the wine order, I don’t want our team to feel like they need to move away from that, just do more of it,” he explained.

Even though Ted’s position is new, the focus on training and development isn’t new for Elite. In fact, it’s what inspired Ted to join the team. “When I sat down to interview with Terry, her water bottle had a sticker that said, ‘helping our team members succeed.’ I thought, if that’s what it’s all about right there, that one-liner can be my job description.”

In the spirit of everything he’s been working on since joining Elite, everything can always be improved upon. So, building on the strong foundation of training that has been established at Elite, he’ll continue to focus on helping the team be the best that they can be.

CIDER, MEAD, & OTHER PORTFOLIO

VARIETY PACKS

Variety packs offer diverse flavors and styles and allow drinkers to explore and discover new favorites without committing to a full case of one type. Whether a consumer wants to sample the latest trends or they’re hosting an upcoming gathering, variety packs provide the ultimate tasting adventure. Check out some of our most popular hard tea, kombucha, and cider variety packs.

FLYING EMBERS

MARGARITA COCKTAIL VP

For those craving an authentic cocktail experience without excessive sugar or carbs, this VP is an ideal choice. These 100% plant-based, ready-to-drink margaritas boast a robust 10% ABV, offering a satisfying kick with every sip. This variety pack features three distinct flavors: Blood Orange Pomegranate, Classic Lime, and Strawberry Guava, each delivering a unique twist on the classic margarita.

FLYING EMBERS HARD KOMBUCHA

VARIETY 12-PACK

The Flying Embers Retail Variety 12-Pack offers a spectrum of flavors including Strawberry Strata, Orange Peach Passion, Mango Tango, and Dragon Fruit Lemonade. Each flavor is meticulously brewed to deliver a refreshing and vibrant experience, combining the health benefits of kombucha with the pleasure of a delicious, boozy beverage.

1 2 3 4 5

JIANT HARD TEA

VARIETY 12-PACK

OWL'S BREW THE PARTEA PACK

The ParTea variety 6-pack includes English Breakfast & Lemon, White Tea & Watermelon, and Hibiscus & Raspberry, each crafted with whole real ingredients like tea, botanicals, and fruit juices. Unlike traditional spiked canned drinks filled with artificial flavors and additives, Owl's Brew offers a healthier alternative that's vegan, gluten-free, and only 100 calories.

ACE CIDERS HIGH! IMPERIAL VARIETY 12-PACK

The ACE Ciders High! Variety Pack features their imperial line of ciders (8.0% ABV), delivering a robust and satisfying kick. The pack includes four delectable flavors: Imperial Peach, Imperial Berry, Imperial Pineapple, and Imperial Apple, each offering a unique taste and crafted with premium ingredients.

The Jiant Hard Tea Variety Pack is the ultimate showcase of the brand's commitment to quality and innovation with four distinct and delicious flavors: Peach Iced Tea, Kiwi Strawberry, Half & Half, and Mixed Berry. Each tea is expertly crafted with real fruit and premium ingredients and no extracts or artificial sweeteners.

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

Contact your Elite Brands sales rep about Smooj Lab Seasonal.

NEW YORK

WASHINGTON

FRANCE

GERMANY

SPAIN

UNITED KINGDOM

NON-ALCOHOL PORTFOLIO STAFF PICKS

When it comes to our portfolio, few people know these products better than our own sales staff, who live and breathe these brands every day. Our team spends countless hours tasting, discussing, and learning about each product, ensuring that only the best make it into our carefully curated portfolio. So, who better to ask for their favorite non-alcoholic beverage picks than our trusted and knowledgeable staff themselves.

BEST DAY BREWING

NON-ALCOHOLIC ELECTRO LIME

“Best Day Electro Lime hits the spot on a warm day! The fresh lime purée and sea salt has naturally occurring key electrolytes, so I can stay hydrated and refreshed all day. It’s also low calorie and low sugar, just what I am looking for when I choose and NA option.” – Jack Hiatt

1 2 3 4 5

LA CHOUFFE

NA CHOUFFE BELGIAN BEER

"I love NA Chouffe because I can experience the rich and complex taste of a traditional Belgian beer without the alcohol. NA Chouffe offers a full-bodied, flavorful experience that's perfect for any occasion, all while being non-alcoholic." -Steven Langell

STIEGL

NON-ALCOHOLIC LEMON RADLER

"When I’m in the mood for a Radler, but not in the mood for a buzz, I like Stiegl NA Lemon Radler. It’s light, zesty, and incredibly refreshing. It combines the tangy taste of lemons with a smooth malt base, making it the perfect non-alcoholic drink for a sunny afternoon."

-Kendra Gapinski

SHORT'S BREWING CO.

THIRST MUTILATOR GRAPE

"Packed with a bold grape flavor, Thirst Mutilator Grape is the ultimate thirst quencher whether I am at a local concert or taking a break in between brews. Its vibrant taste and hydrating qualities make it a standout non-alcoholic choice. Way to go Short’s Brewing & Billy Strings." –Matt Dixon

HOPLARK 0.0

HOP SOUR

"When I am choosing an NA beverage, I am looking for something with no calories, no sugar, and that is gluten free. That’s why I love Hoplark’s Hopsour. With it’s unique blend of hops and sour notes, it's a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative with an herbal twist."

–Jessica Ayala

CALIFORNIA

Contact your Elite Brands Account Manger for Best Day’s

& BUSH BREWERY Glendale, Colorado bullandbush.com ONE OF ONE Lodi, California

COLORADO

BREWING CO. Arvada, Colorado ceriabrewing.com

GRÜVI Denver, Colorado getgruvi.com HOPLARK 0.0 Boulder, Colorado hoplark.com HOPLARK HOPTEA Boulder, Colorado hoplark.com LOST IDENTITY BEVERAGE CO. Avon, Colorado lostidentitybeverage.com

MICHIGAN

NEW YORK

OHIO

AUSTRIA

BELGIUM

NO LONGER A BOYS’ CLUB

How female makers are paving their own way in the industry

By Lesli Gegen

Romina Scheufele, owner, Capurro Pisco.

Photo courtesy Capurro.

The beverage industry may have historically been a “boys’ club,” but the energy is shifting, and more women are taking the helm in crafting some of the industry’s most delicious craft beverages worldwide.

In fact, three of the female makers in Elite Brands’ portfolio are helping to pave the way for the shift. The Guadalajara, Jalisco-based Pajarote was started by Mónica Leyva more than a decade ago; Romina Scheufele is a fifth-generation distiller of the Peruvian Capurro Pisco; and Paula Uribes is carrying on her parents’ legacy with Calzadilla wine.

More than 1,000 miles south of Colorado in Guadalajara, Mónica Leyva founded Pajarote eleven years ago to carry on the Mexican tradition of ponche – essentially, punch – in the form of handcrafted liqueurs. While the women in her family have produced these liqueurs for generations, they remain truly unique, even within Mexico as they are rarely consumed outside of the central and southern regions.

When she started Pajarote, Mónica produced ten bottles in her kitchen at home. While her production is much bigger now, she has maintained the same processes and standards. She doesn’t use any preservatives or add any unnecessary additives or artificial flavors. “It has been an incredible achievement of ours to stabilize the product and produce on a large scale without having to follow the norms of today’s food industry,” she shared.

The Pajarote liqueurs are made with fresh fruits and the resulting flavors are truly unique and powerful because they actually taste like guava and tamarind, rather than artificial flavors. “They are a hug, full of flavor,” Mónica describes. In the case of their “CHOCOLATE!,” they use 100% cocoa and sweeten with piloncillo, a dark-brown unrefined cane sugar. Their craftsmanship means that their liqueurs often take months to make, as is the case with their DIX Liqueur, which uses a handcrafted base of ginger, clove and cardamom macerations.

Given that her family has been making these liqueurs for generations, when asked about balancing tradition and trying

PAJAROTE GUAYABA

Crafted with meticulous care, Pajarote Guava is a 15% ABV spirit infused with natural guava pulp, renowned for its intense aroma and rich, fruity flavors. We blend this luscious guava base with premium sugar cane syrup and pure water, then harmoniously mix it with smooth cane alcohol to achieve the perfect sweet and tangy equilibrium. Page 60

Mónica Leyva. Photo courtesy Pajarote.

new things, Mónica has an interesting take. “Gastronomic traditions are part of the historical taste of a town or community. In that sense, I think the possibilities are infinite and constantly under construction,” she explains.

Further south, in Ica, Peru, Romina Scheufele is carrying on a family tradition as a fifth-generation Pisco distiller. Pisco, a denomination of origin spirit, produced in Peru, is a type of brandy, as it is copper pot distilled from grapes.

While Pisco is a complex and nuanced beverage, Romina notes that it’s easy to discern a good Pisco from a bad Pisco. “It all comes down to the finish. Is it long, clean and complex? Or is it short, disappears, and burns? If it’s the latter, questionable production methods are being used.” The questionable production methods are typically a result of trying to meet bottom dollar prices to meet the demand and often makes pisco taste like bad grappa.

Romina sees her role as balancing between tradition and modernity and bringing Capurro to the next generation.

In order to continue to lean into tradition, Capurro maintains its old school production methods, which means everything is organic, biodynamic and sustainable. And while they could use those buzzy words, they don’t. They call it “cultural farming,” because it’s been handed down from generation to generation.

CAPURRO ACHOLADO PISCO

Capurro Acholado Pisco is meticulously crafted using a blend of hand-harvested single estate grapes, each carefully pressed just once to preserve its pure essence. The grapes undergo natural fermentation, followed by a singular, precise distillation in copper pot stills, ensuring unparalleled purity and character. The result is a smooth, aromatic pisco that embodies the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Page 61

Fifty years ago, the Capurro family used a traditional method of grape pressing in a stomping pool. This process took 24 hours, during which the grapes would macerate in a large pool about 3 feet deep. However, when machinery was introduced for pressing grapes, the crucial maceration process that occurred during stomping was lost. As Romina prepared to take over as head distiller in 2019, she studied decades of her grandfather’s production journals and reintroduced the maceration process. Now, Capurro macerates their grapes for 24 hours before gently pressing them, enhancing the extraction of phenols and aromatics from the grape skins.

Across the Atlantic, about 75 miles from Madrid, Spain, Paula Uribes is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines at Calzadilla.

In 1979, her parents founded the winery when they planted one acre of Garnacha grapes. They started small, as they had to keep up with their day jobs. Her father was an architect, and her mother was a chemist. Thirteen years later, they produced their first vintner of 3,000 bottles and named the winery Calzadilla, a nod to the history of the region and the old Roman roads.

Today – while their production has grown to three hectares of vineyards that produce six different wines, five reds and one

white – their production methods remain the same. Everything is done by hand; they produce their own compost; and they don’t use any pesticides. Instead, they rely on cinnamon and herbs to protect their vines and work each plot of land separately, as each one is at a different altitude with a different orientation.

“The idea of Cazadilla was to be part of the land, not to be an imposition on the land,” Paula explains. “This is why we have been practicing in an organic way, because it was the way that my parents understood it. Now ‘organic’ is trendy and there’s a certified stamp you can get for the back of the label, but for us, it was always about the natural way to make wine.”

Calzadilla is known for their aging. While it’s not common in

This wine, with Protected Designation of Origin (D.O. Calzadilla), is a versatile blend of 60% Tempranillo, 20% Syrah, and 20% Garnacha. Aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak casks and large French oak vats, this wine captures the essence of its sandy-calcareous soil, enriched with layers of limestone, and clay. With an alcohol content of 14% and an annual production limited to 30,000 bottles, Calzadilla Opta delivers fruity notes of raspberry and cherry and a spicy background of nutmeg and clove. Page 16

CALZADILLA OPTA

Paula Uribes, owner, Pago Calzadilla. Photo courtesy Calzadilla.

Spain, many of their wines are aged in bottles between five and ten years, giving them a unique, mature flavor that’s more complex than many wines produced in the region.

The fact that these women are producing all over the world means that their experiences as women in the industry have also been vastly different.

In Peru, Romina acknowledges that it’s very rare for a woman to take over a business like Capurro in Peru. While her grandfather was always there to cheer her on in the times when she doubted herself, she wasn’t met with the same enthusiasm by the industry in Peru. “It was almost reverse culture shock,” she explained. “Being born in Peru, but raised and educated in the U.S., I found it difficult to get my voice heard down there,” describing how people would default to talking to her husband, who co-runs Capurro, instead of her.

Conversely, for Mónica and Paula, women producing wine and liqueur is what they’ve always known, and they’ve always found acceptance as a female in the industry.

“My mom always talked about the pomegranate ponche that her mom made for parties or special occasions,” shared Mónica. “So, it was something that her mother made, and that I now make. I am very proud to share it now through Pajarote.” In fact, female influences on both sides of her family are given a tributary nod by Pajarote. Her paternal grandmother, Gertrudis, was an artist who she has dedicated the label and flavors of “Cordoval DIX” to, as she always signed her work under the pseudonym “Dix.”

While Mónica acknowledges that being a woman in Mexico, and other countries around the world, involves issues of security and social inequality, she has not seen it impede her ability to make Pajarote successful.

For Paula, as her mother was a chemist, she was really the driving force behind the growth of Calzadilla and a great role model for Paula to follow. “As women, we never felt different, and no one has tried to treat us differently,” she explained.

Thankfully, Romina has already seen a significant shift in the acceptance of women in the industry in Peru. She talks about women finding their voices and how her team today is predominantly female. Romina credits much of this to the adoption of technology and the introduction of smartphones in Peru, which has opened up a whole new world.

“Today, smartphones are more financially accessible, and we have apps like Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp, that connect us to the world,” she explains. “Women can see ‘hey, they have these rights in Europe. Why don’t we have them here?’ People started vocalizing that and organizing for those

rights.” She describes it as another level of globalization, where modernization has given a new voice to many people. With that, it’s changed perspective in Peru relatively quickly.

Moving forward, Mónica sees her femininity as a strength as she continues to grow Pajarote. “Right now, I’m at a pivotal moment as we work to market our product on a larger scale, both in the Mexican market and abroad, which will require analyzing, organizing, streamlining and communicating, both inside and outside of the company. I bet success will come from empathy and gentleness, values that are considered ‘feminine.’”

Romina Scheufele, owner, Capurro Pisco. Photo courtesy Capurro.

BEER PORTFOLIO

Domestic Beer - 42

Import Beer - 51

AECHT SCHLENKERLA RAUCHBIER MARZEN

Schlenkerla Rauchbier is one of the last traditionally made smoked beers in the world. The specialty dark, bottom-fermented smokebeer from Bamberg is brewed with original Schlenkerla Smokemalt and captures a centuries-old tradition by kilning malt directly over an open wood fire, imparting the iconic and distinctive smoky flavor.

KÖSTRITZER SCHWARZBIER

Köstritzer Brewery dates back to 1543 and is one of Germany's oldest and most significant breweries.

Located in Bad Köstritz, Thuringia, it is renowned for its Köstritzer Schwarzbier, a bottom-fermented dark beer with a distinctive roasted malt flavor that comes from carefully selected ingredients and a unique recipe.

TUCHER HELLES LAGER

For over 350 years, Tucher has been producing remarkable beers in their brewery that straddles the border between the Northern Bavarian cities of Furth and Nuremberg. Much of the brewery’s success has been on the back of the Helles Lager, which pays homage to the brewery’s roots through a blend of oak-aged Helles from the old brewhouse and fresh Helles from the new.

SCHNEIDER AVENTINUS

WEIZEN-DOPPELBOCK

Bavaria’s oldest wheat “Doppelbock” was launched in 1907 by then-owner Mathilde Schneider. Inspired by the women’s suffrage movement, she covertly operated the brewery after her husband’s passing and oversaw the creation of the brewery’s most coveted recipe. Named after the 16th century Bavarian historian, Johannes Aventinus, the beer is regarded as one of the most extraordinary in brewing history.

1 2 3 4 5 6

AUGUSTINER BRAU LAGERBIER HELL

KÖNIG PILSNER

König Pilsener is renowned for its exceptional quality and adherence to the German Beer Purity laws. The brewing process is meticulously overseen to ensure the highest quality. This dedication to detail and tradition has established König Pilsener as one of the Pilsener best beers, celebrated for over 160 years of excellence.

GERMAN BEERS

Much of American brewing draws from the rich traditions and heritage of German beer-making, leading to a deep appreciation for styles such as lagers, pilsners, and bocks among others. These beers are celebrated not just for their distinct flavor profiles but also for the stories and historical significance interwoven into their creation.

Augustiner Bräu has been part of Munich's cultural fabric for nearly 700 years, maintaining a tradition of excellence that began with the Augustinian monks. Lagerbier Hell is crafted from the finest raw ingredients including pure water from a 230-meter deep well and with malt produced in their historic barn malt house.

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

DOMESTIC BEER

Contact your Elite Brands Account Manager for

& DOWN BREWING Longmont, Colorado

& Down beers are currently limited to specific mountain territories and Weld County

WIBBY BREWING Longmont, Colorado wibbybrewing.com

DOMESTIC BEER

DESTIHL

HAWAII

ILLINOIS

PIPEWORKS BREWING CO. Chicago, Illinois pdubs.net

MARYLAND

FLYING DOG Frederick, Maryland flyingdogbrewery.com

MICHIGAN

SHORT'S BREWING CO. Bellaire, Michigan shortsbrewing.com

MINNESOTA

NEW YORK

BREWERY OMMEGANG Cooperstown, New York ommegang.com S S S

DOMESTIC BEER

OHIO

TEXAS

Contact your Elite Brands Account Manager for current Oak & Orchard Series releases

AUSTRALIA

COOPERS BREWERY Adelaide, Australia totalbeveragesolution.com

AUSTRIA

BRAUEREI SCHLOSS EGGENBERG Vorchdorf, Austria wettenimporters.com

STIEGL BREWERY Salzburg, Austria globalbeer.com

BELGIUM

BROUWERIJ DE BRABANDERE Harelbeke, Belgium globalbeer.com

S S

BROUWERIJ BOON Lembeek, Belgium globalbeer.com

BROWERIJ BOSTEELS Buggenhout, Belgium artisanalimports.com

BIERES DE CHIMAY Chimay, Belgium globalbeer.com

IMPORT BEER

BRASSERIE D' ACHOUFFE Achouffe, Belgium duvelmoortgat.be

BRASSERIE DUPONT Tourpes, Belgium totalbeveragesolution.com

Breendonk, Belgium duvelmoortgat.be BROUWERIJ HUYGHE Melle, Belgium bblusa.com

BROUWERIJ LIEFMANS Oudenaarde, Belgium liefmans.com

BROUWERIJ OMER VANDER GHINST Bellegem, Belgium artisanalimports.com

BROUWERIJ RODENBACH Roeselare, Belgium sfbimports.com

BROUWERIJ ST. BERNARDUS Watou, Belgium specialtybeer.com

BROUWERIJ VAN STEENBERGE Ertvelde, Belgium

BROUWERIJ VERHAEGHE VICHTE Sint-Dierikserf, Belgium specialtybeer.com

S S S S S S S

CERVEJARIA KAISER Jacareí, Brazil totalbeveragesolution.com

CANADA

GLUTENBERG Montréal, Québec glutenberg.ca

ETHIOPIA

HABESHA Debre Birhan, Ethiopia sfbimports.com

GERMANY

AECHT SCHLENKERLA Bamberg, Germany bunitedint.com

AUGUSTINER-BRÄU Munich, Germany augustiner-braeu.de

BRAUEREI HEINRICH REISSDORF Cologne, Germany bunitedint.com

FRÜH Cologne, Germany shbrands.com

ANDECHS Andechs, Germany shbrands.com

KÖNIG Duisburg, Germany globalbeer.com

KÖSTRITZER BREWERY Bad Köstritz, Germany globalbeer.com

MICHAEL PLANK Bavaria, Germany bunitedint.com

G. SCHNEIDER & SOHN Kelheim, Germany globalbeer.com

SÜNNER Cologne, Germany artisanalimports.com

TUCHER BRÄU Bavaria, Germany wettenimporters.com

VELTINS Grevenstein, Germany artisanalimports.com

WELTENBURGER KLOSTER Kelheim, Germany shbrands.com

ICELAND

EINSTÖK ÖLGERD Akureyri, Iceland einstokbeer.com O'HARA'S Carlow, Ireland totalbeveragesolution.com SULLIVAN’S BREWING COMPANY Kilkenny, Ireland globalbeer.com

IRELAND ITALY

BIRRERIA LE BALADIN Piozzo, Italy bunitedint.com

JAPAN

KIUCHI SHUZOU Ibaraki-ken Naka-gun, Japan bunitedint.com

NETHERLANDS

BIERBROUWERIJ DE KONINGSHOEVEN Tilburg,

artisanalimports.com

NICARAGUA

CERVEZA TOÑA Nicaragua artisanalimports.com

UNITED KINGDOM

ROBINSONS BREWERY Stockport, UK artisanalimports.com

SPIRITS PORTFOLIO

DARK SPIRITS

Whether it's the deep, caramel notes of dark rum, the smoky, robust character of whiskey, or the unique, aged complexity of barrel gin, these spirits provide the perfect antidote to the chilly days and longer nights as winter approaches. Ideal for crafting cozy cocktails by the fire or enjoying neat during festive celebrations, dark spirits offer a depth of flavor that complements the season's hearty dishes and holiday treats.

WOOD'S HIGH MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

TREELINE BARREL RESTED GIN

Treeline Barrel Rested Gin, from Wood’s High Mountain Distillery in Salida, begins as their bright Treeline Gin then undergoes an extra step of aging in new American White Oak barrels. The aging imparts a delightful vanilla, oak, and caramel notes, and transforms the gin into a smooth, complex spirit ideal for cooler weather.

SAISON RUM

Saison Rum, crafted by the Tessendier brothers, brings over 130 years of distilling expertise from the house of Tessendier into the world of rum. This unique blended rum is created using traditional French cognac methods, carefully selecting distillates from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica.

ROD & HAMMER'S SLO STILLS

SLO MANHATTAN

Rod & Hammer's SLO Manhattan Ready-to-Drink is a great choice for those seeking a premium cocktail experience in the convenience of a ready-to-drink format. This full-strength Manhattan is crafted with straight rye whiskey, premium vermouth and blended with bitters, ensuring a true, bold, and authentic flavor that showcases California's approach to whiskey.

KINSHIP SPIRITS

ELEPHANTOM RUM

Elephantom Rum is a tribute to a legendary bull elephant from South Africa's Knysna Forest. This dark and mysterious rum is triple distilled from pure fermented cane molasses in a copper pot still and aged in bourbon casks. The complex spirit has a rich, rounded, and fruity flavor.

PEACH STREET DISTILLERS

5-YEAR SINGLE BARREL RYE WHISKEY

Peach Street Distillers' 5-Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is a testament to the distillery's commitment to authenticity and quality. Based in Palisade, Peach Street’s 5-Year SBR is made with a mash bill of 46% malted rye, 46% rye, and 8% malted barley, showcasing the unique character of malted and unmalted rye sourced from the San Luis Valley.

MORIN Normandy, France kysela.com

ARMAGNAC France SUPASAWA Belgium devoresignaturespirits.com