Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. launched Evan Williams Kentucky Slush bourbon-based premixed cocktails in select test markets for the summer months.

Lake Bluff, Ill.-based Terlato Wines International, a U.S. marketer of premium wines and spirits, announced a partnership with Heartland Distillers, Indianapolis, to jointly produce and market a collection of premium American craft spirits. This represents the newest addition to the Terlato artisan spirits portfolio.

Brown spirits are leading much of the growth in the U.S. spirits market, with the segment growing 3 percent in the first four months of 2014, according to New York-based Rabobank’s latest global spirits report. More specifically, sales of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon expanded their already large shares, while flavored whiskey, rye, small-batch whiskey, and Irish whiskey and single-malt Scotch whisky maintained their impressive growth rates, it reports.

Island Club Brands added a cherry cola flavor to its Chicken Cock whiskey brand.

Beam Inc. launched Hornitos Black Barrel, which is 100 percent blue agave tequila that is triple-aged using an innovative process that conveys the tasting notes of whiskey, the company says.

In a hypothetical “Star Wars” scenario, Darth Vader could use the dark side of the Force to telekinetically shatter a glass bottle of vodka from across the room, for instance.

The 71st annual Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) convention and exposition will host wine and spirits distributors and suppliers April 8-10 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

In a new agreement, Ashland, Ore.-based Rogue Ales & Spirits and Missouri Beverage (MoBev), St. Louis, will join forces to distribute the craft beer and spirits manufacturer’s products statewide. Although Rogue is not new to the Missouri market, the partnership provides further opportunities to build the company’s craft beer and spirit brands, it says.

Castle Brands Inc., a New York City-based developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium branded spirits, reported financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ending Dec. 31, 2013.

London-based Diageo plc announced the official start of its Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. The Tullahoma, Tenn.-based venture aims to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world and share them with the growing base of whiskey aficionados in the United States, the company says.