Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago, has reached an agreement to acquire Georgetown, Ky.-based Blue Run Spirits, an award-winning producer of finely crafted bourbon and rye whiskies. The deal represents another step in Molson Coors’ evolution as a total beverage company while providing Blue Run with resources to continue its growth. As its first spirits acquisition, the addition of Blue Run boosts the Molson Coors’ footprint in spirits as it continues to evolve from its storied history as a beer company and premiumize its portfolio, the company says.

Ole Smoky Distillery, Gatlinburg, Tenn., announced they have closed upon a merger agreement with Tanteo Spirits LLC, one of the fastest growing ultra-premium tequila companies. This transaction marks the Tennessee-based distillery’s entry into the fast-growing tequila market, as it moves to diversify its portfolio across other high-growth spirits categories.

PEPSI Dig In, the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with Pepsi Dig In Day, its annual calling to encourage diners across the country to visit Black-owned restaurants. 

As Lynyrd Skynyrd approaches the 50th anniversary of its groundbreaking debut album, the band announced the release of its highly anticipated new American Whiskey, Hell House Whiskey, paying homage to the famous cabin where it crafted countless legendary songs. Lynyrd Skynyrd partnered with Bespoken, a craft whiskey maker, to create a whiskey that “is as bold, timeless, and unforgettable as their music.”

Austin, Texas-based Nutrabolt, owner of the C4 brand, and the WWE announced an expansion to its multi-year partnership with the launch of its first-ever co-branded product collaboration: WWE-inspired flavors of C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Powder and C4 Ultimate Energy Drink. The products will be available exclusively at GNC ahead of WWE SummerSlam in Detroit on Aug. 5.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, and La Colombe, Philadelphia, announced a strategic partnership, including a long-term sales and distribution agreement for La Colombe ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and a long-term licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement for La Colombe branded K-Cup coffee pods. Keurig Dr Pepper also will make an equity investment in La Colombe, enabling KDP to participate in the value creation upside expected from the partnership. 

Shelbyville, Tenn.-based Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey announced that it will begin distribution of its highly sought-after Single Barrel Whiskey this fall. The rollout will kick off with Uncle Nearest’s Single Barrel Showdown: America’s Choice, an online public vote that puts the power in the hands of whiskey fans across the country to determine which five states will be the first to receive Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey on shelves.

Claussen, a brand from The Kraft Heinz Co., Chicago and Pittsburgh, is teaming up with Spritz Society, the award winning sparkling wine cocktail company, to create a first-of-its-kind pickle flavored cocktail. 

Aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages are safe, according to a definitive new finding issued jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The WHO and FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reviewed decades of high-quality evidence and real-world consumption data, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at which aspartame can be safely consumed daily over the course of an entire lifetime.

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, announced a groundbreaking advancement in its augmented reality (AR) program with a proprietary new platform developed for Jones by Clio Award-winning creative agency August Allen. The new innovation expands on Jones’ legacy featuring fans on their labels, bringing video storytelling into a mobile first AR experience.