The editors of Beverage Industry have analyzed the new beverage launches throughout 2017 and selected five brands that they think are driving innovation and energizing consumers.

Astral Tequila, a brand of New York-based Davos Brands, announced that it will introduce smart bottles of its spirit to engage with consumers in-store and deliver customized digital experiences with the tap of a smartphone, it says. 

Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. is giving a little extra good to its customers this holiday season. The company launched its biggest giveaway ever with Project Give Good, it says. 

This month, the Moustache Coffee Club, Los Angeles, debuted an artificial intelligence (AI) program that recommends specific coffees to its members based on their taste preferences. The AI evaluates coffee based on attributes including flavor notes, production methods and area of origin before selecting and shipping subscribers a coffee that best fits each subscriber's individual preferences, the company says. 

Jelly Jar Wines, a brand established in 2008 by fourth-generation Napa Valley winemaker Andy Pestoni and his wife, Shannon, has joined the growing portfolio at WX Brands, Novato, Calif.

San Francisco-based Harmless Harvest, a Fair for Life-certified organic coconut water producer, released limited-edition packaging for the holiday season. 

SodaStream International Ltd., Airport City, Israel, is announcing the launch of its limited-edition line, Sparkling Gold, a fine alcohol concentrate to be added to sparkling water. The sparkling drink resembles the taste of a fruity Riesling wine, the company says. SodaStream Sparkling Gold limited edition is designed to enable consumers a variety of indulging, sparkling drinks, according to the company.

Minneapolis-based Caribou Coffee introduced new Bold North Blend. This full-bodied dark roast was created as a tribute to the northern spirit, the company says. The Bold North Blend was designed for the thousands of football fans flocking to Minnesota for Super Bowl LII, taking place Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, it adds.

Republic National Distributing Co. LLC (RNDC), New Orleans, a distributor and broker of premium wine and spirits, and Breakthru Beverage Group LLC, New York, a distributor and broker of beer, wine and spirits in the United States and Canada, announced the execution of a Letter of Intent to combine their assets and operations.

Heritage brands are finding more ways to ensure consumers who are looking for something new and exciting will find favor with storied brands through new product innovation. In the recent Readers’ Choice: New Product of the Month poll for October, we saw that the readers of Beverage Industry feel the same way.