Johnnie Walker, a brand of Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo North America, will introduce its newest Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker Select Casks – Rye Cask Finish, a 10-year-old, 46 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), chill-filtered blended Scotch whisky. The new varietal is the first in a series of limited-edition, wood-finished Scotch blends to be released during the coming years, the company says. Each limited-edition whisky will feature a different wood finish crafted for today's whisky enthusiast, it adds.

The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), Washington, D.C., announced the selection of Kraig R. Naasz, 55, the current head of the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), as its new president and chief executive officer. 

New York-based Nielsen launched Nielsen Homescan Consumer Moments. This new offering, which will be available to U.S. clients in the fourth quarter of this year, leverages mobile application technology to create a new and powerful consumer market research tool, the market research firm says. For marketers, the Nielsen Homescan Consumer Moments will offer a visual, interactive digital dashboard, revealing a complete view of consumer eating and drinking habits. This new service will link to Nielsen’s Homescan Panel purchase behavior data to bridge behavioral patterns of purchase and consumption, it adds.

Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. expanded its commitment to supporting the specialty coffee industry by announcing that it will distribute coffee trees to farmers most impacted by coffee rust, a plant fungus that damages millions of coffee trees around the world, the company says. Through September 2016, Starbucks will plant a coffee tree for every bag of coffee purchased in participating U.S. stores.

Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Co., Boston, brewer of Samuel Adams beers is writing a book titled “Quench Your Own Thirst: Business Lessons Learned Over a Beer or Two.” Based on more than 30 years of experience as a business owner and brewer, Koch offers insights into the ride from scrappy start-up to thriving public company, according to New York-based Macmillan Publishers. His business model and recollections offer counterintuitive lessons that entrepreneurs and drinkers can apply to business and to life, it adds.

Heaven Hill Brands, Bardstown, Ky., announced the one-time release of John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve Bourbon. Comprised of 12 barrels of wheated bourbon produced at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, original home of Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald and ancestor of the Larceny brand, the ultra-rare release will offer an extraordinary sensory experience and a glimpse at the DNA of bourbon lore, the company says.

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., Ontario, Canada, one of the leading publishers of books for women, announced the launch of Vintages by Harlequin, a new line of three wine varietals, with vintage Harlequin branding, the company says.

Absolut Vodka, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based Pernod Ricard USA, announced a new limited-edition bottle, Absolut Electrik