Hire Dragons

How Gen Z is Reshaping the Economy With $450 billion in annual spending power, Gen Z is transforming global business. As their influence grows, companies must adapt to authenticity, diversity, and social responsibility to stay relevant. 📊 Our infographic offers insights into Gen Z’s economic power: Retail spending will triple to 17% of the market by 2030. 31% of the U.S. workforce will be Gen Z by 2031. Diversity drives purchasing behavior—57% of consumers are influenced by multicultural communities. Social causes like mental health and climate change matter to this generation. Businesses that embrace these values and build genuine connections will secure their place in the evolving economy. Link to the full article and infographic in comments.

We’re proud to share that Austin Craft Spirits Company, LLC Light Whiskey has achieved new heights, recently earning Double Platinum and Best in Class at the 2024 Ascot Awards. 🏆 The team at Austin Craft Spirits Company continues to raise the bar in the world of light whiskey, with recognitions that include Gold Medals at the Texas Whiskey Festival, Denver International Spirits Competition, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Crafted from Texas-grown grains and distilled with precision, Austin 101 offers a unique profile that is now internationally recognized. We’re thrilled to be part of the Texas whiskey movement that’s making such an impact!

The Cannabis Beverage Boom: Why This Market is Set to Triple by 2030 With global sales expected to hit $3.86 billion by 2030, the cannabis beverage market is exploding. This growth is fueled by a perfect storm of wellness trends, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer behavior. 📊 Our infographic reveals key insights: THC beverages lead the market, but CBD drinks are growing faster at 24.5% annually. Health-conscious consumers are seeking flavorful, alcohol-free alternatives. Restaurants and cafes are integrating cannabis beverages, bringing new experiences to hospitality. As more consumers prioritize wellness and companies develop innovative products, the future of cannabis beverages looks bright. Businesses that embrace these trends early will be poised for success. Link to the full article and infographic in comments.

The Distillery Behind Austin Craft Spirits Company, LLC: Precision Meets Sustainability At Austin Craft Spirits, the distillery plays a key role in crafting high-quality whiskey that reflects local pride and environmental responsibility. Their process combines traditional craftsmanship with innovation through steam-powered distillation, ensuring every drop maintains the delicate flavors of Texas-grown grains. Key Features of Their Distillery: Eco-Friendly Practices: Aging in recycled oak barrels aligns with their sustainability goals while preserving flavor balance. Precision Distillation: A 42-foot column still enables high-proof extraction with minimal byproducts, resulting in a clean and smooth whiskey. Local Ingredients: Non-GMO corn, wheat, and barley from Texas create a unique flavor profile that sets their whiskeys apart. Austin’s unique climate adds character to their aging process, making each sip a reflection of the region’s diversity and spirit. Link to learn more in comments.

The Future of Beverages: 2025 Trends You Need to Know The beverage industry is shifting rapidly, with changing consumer habits and emerging trends reshaping the landscape. Staying ahead requires a balance of innovation, flexibility, and data-driven strategies. Key insights from the article: Alcohol moderation is becoming a lifestyle—low-alcohol and alcohol-free options are on the rise. RTD beverages account for 11% of alcohol sales, driven by demand for convenience. Gen Z is emerging as a critical demographic, drawn to bold, unique flavors. Premiumization meets inflation—consumers are still willing to pay for quality, but cost remains a key factor. With the holiday season approaching, brands need to capitalize on spirit sales while keeping an eye on trends like Sober October spilling into No-Drink November and Dry December. Those who adapt to these changes will be best positioned for success in 2025. Link to full article in comments.

Crafting Whiskey with Purpose: Austin Craft Spirits Company, LLC Commitment to Local Ingredients and Sustainability Austin Craft Spirits is redefining what it means to create premium whiskey by blending local craftsmanship, precision distillation, and sustainability. Their flagship, Austin 101 Light Whiskey, exemplifies this ethos by using non-GMO grains from across Texas— including white corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley—paired with recycled oak barrels to minimize waste and enhance flavor. Key Differentiators: Sustainability: Aging whiskey in barrels from local bourbon makers reflects their commitment to eco-friendly practices. Precision Crafting: Using a three-story custom column still, they employ steam distillation to retain delicate aromas and reduce byproducts. Authenticity: Inspired by French Eau-de-Vie techniques, their whiskey offers subtle oak notes, providing a light, approachable experience for new and seasoned drinkers alike. Austin Craft Spirits’ commitment to local pride and innovation positions them at the forefront of the craft whiskey movement. Their focus on sustainability and careful craftsmanship ensures that every bottle reflects the essence of Texas. Check out their site in the comments!

American spirits face significant trade challenges in the global market, as foreign tariffs and regulatory barriers create tough competition. With the EU’s potential 50% tariff on U.S. whiskey in 2025 and high duties in other regions like India and Vietnam, American distillers are navigating a complex landscape. These trade barriers not only affect pricing but also limit market accessibility for U.S. spirits, making it harder for our brands to compete against tariff-free rivals. Discover more insights on how these foreign trade policies shape our industry’s future and the steps needed to support U.S. exports on our blog. Let’s keep striving for fair trade opportunities for American spirits! Check the comments to learn more.

The Light Whiskey Lineup from Austin Craft Spirits Company, LLC: Sustainability Meets Craftsmanship Austin Craft Spirits brings precision and sustainability to the forefront with their unique light whiskey offerings. Made from Texas-sourced grains, each product reflects their passion for high-quality craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. Explore Their Product Line: Austin 101 Light Whiskey: Subtle oak and sweet notes of caramel and butterscotch, ideal for sipping. Austin 85 Light Whiskey: A versatile whiskey perfect for cocktails, with a smooth, round finish. Austin 121 Cask Strength: Bottled straight from the barrel, this bold whiskey offers intense flavors with a higher proof. Aging their spirits in recycled oak barrels is just one way Austin Craft Spirits emphasizes sustainability. Their steam distillation process ensures each batch maintains the pure essence of local grains. Link to the full product lineup in comments.

💼 How Do Retailers Keep Up with the Flood of Limited-Release Whiskeys? With over 7,000 whiskey expressions on the market and more limited releases than ever, the competition for shelf space is intense. As enthusiasts become more selective and the market nears oversaturation, retailers like Total Wine & More must adapt quickly to meet demand without overwhelming customers. Here's what we can reveal: How TWM curates a collection of rare, high-demand whiskeys Why awards like the SFIWS Double Gold influence buying decisions The delicate balance between exclusivity and oversaturation Discover how top retailers navigate these challenges to keep whiskey lovers coming back for more. Link to full story in comments.

🔍 The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails market is poised for explosive growth, with sales expected to reach $40.9 billion by 2034. A key factor driving this trend? Flavors! From classic citrus to adventurous tropical, the wide variety of flavors is resonating with consumers and fueling market expansion. Our infographic breaks down how these flavors are influencing consumer choices and shaping the future of the RTD cocktails market. 🍹 Check the comments for more info!