Apothic Wine Launches New Red Wine Infused With Cold Brew Coffee

A wine brand known for challenging convention through its innovative blends, Apothic has created a one-of-a-kind wine infused with cold brew coffee labeled Apothic Brew that will hit shelves nationwide on April 1st.

Apothic Brew is a response to the growing demand for cold brew coffee in the United States, which grew a staggering 430% between 2015 and 2017. (1)

"Apothic is no stranger to creating interesting new blends – from the launch of the distinctive category leader Apothic Red to our smooth Apothic Crush and our most recent hit, Apothic Inferno, a red blend aged in whiskey barrels," said Christine Jagher, Apothic's Director of Marketing. "We've always sought to break the mold to bring our fans products we know they will love. Apothic Brew is a game changer that offers the best of both worlds – cold brew and wine – and I can't wait for people to try it."

Utilizing more coffee grounds than traditional coffee and requiring a significantly longer and more delicate steep, cold brew coffee is much smoother than its warmer counterparts. Cold brew's smooth texture and supple flavors come from the brew's temperature, which doesn't bring out bitter components of coffee grounds like hot water can. The result is a taste that captures the smooth mouthfeel and velvety chocolate notes of cold brew with the juicy blackberry characteristics of a dark red wine.

"Last year during the long hours of harvest, I joined the cold brew craze myself," said Deb Juergenson, Apothic Winemaker. "Quickly, I realized that many of the characteristics in cold brew coffee and red wine naturally complement each other. This led us to experiment with a few blends, eventually leading to the seamless creation of Apothic Brew, which brings together red fruit notes and subtle mocha essences of cold brew."

Available in limited quantities beginning in April, Apothic Brew can be served either at room temperature or slightly chilled. To learn more about Apothic Brew and locate an Apothic retailer near you, visit www.apothic.com/wines/brew.           

(1) Mintel, Aug. 2017. "US COFFEE AND TEA ON PREMISE MARKET REPORT."
Source: Mintel

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Fuel Your Mind, Body and Mission: Wise Ape Tea Company Introduces Two New Functional Tea Blends

In 2014, Joe Scola received the devastating news of his father's brain cancer diagnosis. He immediately packed up his belongings to move in with his father as he endured the terminal illness. While living with his father, Scola began researching alternative medicinal practices, the history of tea and natural herbal remedies. It was during this time that the spirit of Wise Ape was born - a company committed to altruism, health, and personal evolution.

Today, Wise Ape is more than just a tea company - it's a total community of like-minded individuals who are committed to a healthy lifestyle and persevering past life's greatest obstacles.

Wise Ape, known among tea enthusiasts for creating functional tea blends with adaptogenic herbs (natural super-herbs which can help your body reduce stress, resist fatigue, and improve cognitive function), announced the release of two new tea blends, both made with all-natural and organic, high-quality ingredients, without harmful pesticides or GMOs.  Launched earlier this month and already gaining popularity, two new teas join the functional tea line:  Orange Dreamsicle, an orange and cream “sleepwise” tea; and Coconut Warrior, a coconut turmeric anti-inflammatory tea.  Also available:  Chocolate Hustle, a roasted yerba mate tea with hints of chocolate and mint, blended together with natural brain-boosting herbs designed to heighten focus, energy, and clarity.

In addition to Wise Ape’s dedication to offering health-conscious consumers uniquely developed and all-natural tea products, the company is also committed to one of the core elements of its mission:  giving back. Ten percent of the profits from each functional tea blend are donated to an impactful charitable cause.

The Wise Ape team identifies a unique charitable cause or non-profit to partner with for each functional tea blend. Wise Ape’s Chocolate Hustle partnered with the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), the largest non-profit organization dedicated to the brain tumor society. NBTS is fiercely committed to finding better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for brain tumors. This particular partnership was especially important to the founder and CEO of Wise Ape, Joe Scola, who lost his father to brain cancer in 2015.

“Wise Ape is more than just another tea company, we are committed to creating outstanding products and working with a community of people and organizations focused on wellness, knowledge, and self-evolution,” said Joe Scola, founder and CEO, Wise Ape. “We are excited to introduce our new functional tea blends to the world, and we look forward to collaborating with our exceptional partners to help make a difference in the lives of many.”

Wise Ape’s Orange Dreamsicle has partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively-funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today. 
Wise Ape’s Coconut Warrior has partnered with the Warrior Angels Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds to help support the health of service members suffering from traumatic brain injury.

For more information on Wise Ape, visit: www.WiseApeTea.com.

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Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Launches New Cold Brew Coffee

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® just announced the launch of Alpine Roast™ Cold Brew coffee, marking the brand’s first foray into the cold brew, slow steep coffee space. Simple to make at home, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® Alpine Roast™ Cold Brew Coffee requires no coffee maker, and instead uses the simplicity of slow extraction to produce a harmonious and balanced cold brew coffee.

Available on Keurig.com and Amazon.com Alpine Roast™ Cold Brew coffee is made with precisely ground 100% Arabica coffee beans from Colombia that boast notes of cocoa, plum and caramel.

Cold brew is a unique brewing method where coffee grounds are soaked in cold water for at least eight hours, eliciting bold flavors and smooth taste without acidity or bitterness. The new Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® Cold Brew coffee is coarsely ground to ensure maximum extraction while steeping and is packaged in a SteePack™ filter – a satchel that resembles a large tea bag and is designed specifically for the cold brew method.

“We’re excited to enter the popular and growing cold brew coffee segment with a product that delivers the exceptional taste you expect from one of America’s favorite brands, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters,” said Scott Moffitt, Chief Brand and Beverage Officer at Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. “Our beverage innovation pipeline is focused on new coffee formats and occasions, and we’ll continue to diversify our offering on a regular cadence with high quality, expertly sourced options for coffee lovers.”

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® new Cold Brew coffee is simple to make: fill a pitcher with three cups of water, add two Alpine Roast™ Cold Brew SteePack™ filters, let steep in the fridge for 8-12 hours, remove SteePack™ filters and add an additional three cups of cold water.

Each box of Alpine Roast™ Cold Brew coffee contains four SteePack™ filters and is available at www.Keurig.com/content/coldbrew for $8.49 SRP. Two filters makes six cups of cold brew coffee, which can be kept refrigerated up to one week. Visit Keurig.com/Content/ColdBrew to learn more or to view the how-to brew video.

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What is Your Personali-TEA?

How you take your tea says a lot about you, so put the kettle on… here is ELLE's definitive guide to people based on their tea type:

BLACK TEA Smart, witty and direct—you love to connect with new people and are always seeking out experiences that pull you out of your comfort zone. You don't easily tolerate fools and can't stand anyone who doesn't speak their mind. Your bucket list activities include bungee jumping and skydiving (you're a complete adrenaline junkie), and you're willing to give anything a go at least once. You can sometimes come across a little blunt to those who don't know you, but you are extremely accepting of people and never pretentious.

MILKY TEA If you take your English Breakfast Tea or Earl Grey with milk, you're most likely to be organized and well-prepared. You have never pulled an all-nighter to complete a school, university or work task because you never had to (life goals). You're not vain but you take pride in your appearance and always look well-presented. Tea-time can be enjoyed on-the-go but you prefer to drink your cuppa when you have time to savor the moment. High teas are your thing and your daily tea intake lies between three and seven, depending on your schedule. You know exactly what you want in life, and you won't stop until you get it.

GREEN TEA You never take anything for granted and are very content with where you are in life. You love leading a balanced lifestyle and being outdoors—ocean swims are among your list of favorite things. You enjoy reading and watching documentaries and are both book and street smart. While green is your go-to tea of choice, you don't mind the occasion fruity infusion or peppermint tea. As a friend, you're reliable and trustworthy and always enjoyable to be around. You genuinely care about what is happening in your friends' lives and never miss a birthday.

CHAI TEA All your friends would call you the sweet one but you know that you can bring the sass when it's needed. You're an extremely loyal friend but once someone breaks your trust, you find it difficult to forgive. You are empathetic and not one to sit back and watch others talk badly about someone. Your quick wit gives you instant charisma, and you can hold conversation with almost anyone. Although your passion is one of your strong suits, it also means that you can be stubborn at times (apologizing is no easy feat).

FRUITY TEA Creative, clever and sensitive—the fruity tea drinker radiates positive energy and happiness. You're popular and love your nights out, and believe that regularly treating yourself is a crucial component of self-love. While you can often get carried away, your spontaneity creates incredible opportunities for you that most people can only dream of. You are your toughest critic but overall have a great outlook on life, seeing it as one glorious and exciting adventure.

OOLONG TEA Always ready for the next challenge, the Oolong sipper loves to travel and see new things. Always full of energy and curiosity, you are a goal-setter and go-getter. You're a born leader and like to set the trends rather than follow them. While you're well-read and informed, you know there is still so much more to see.

 

So, how did Elle magazine’s editors do predicting your personality?  Such a fun, quick exercise.  Bottom line…whether you are creative or critical, active or apologetic…tea is a treasure to be savored.  Make time for tea!

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Melitta North America Debuts New Heritage Series Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker and Artisan Sets

Melitta, a brand well-recognized for exceptional quality in all aspects of coffee and coffee preparation, has announced the release of their all new Heritage Series Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker and Artisan Sets. These unique and stylish products build upon last year’s release of the Signature Series Pour-Over™ designed to celebrate Melitta’s rich and flavorful history.

That history started in 1908 when Melitta Bentz poked holes in the bottom of a brass cup and lined it with a sheet of her son’s blotting paper to create the world’s first Pour-Over™ coffeemaker. Her invention forever changed the way people brew coffee and the new Heritage Series Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker and Artisan Sets are a tribute to that momentous turning point in the history of coffee preparation.

We’re committed to bringing Melitta Bentz’s legacy to the homes of coffee lovers,” said Chris Hillman, Vice President of Marketing. “Pour-over brewers make the finest handcrafted coffee. Our pour-overs are specially designed to make brewing great coffee fast and easy for all coffee drinkers in the comfort of their own home. The new product lines are based on our heritage but are consistent with current design trends,” added Hillman.

The vintage-inspired Heritage Series Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker Sets include a 20oz carafe and Pour-Over™ cone, perfect for entertaining and handcrafting multiple cups of coffee. The set features a single drip hole designed to promote optimal water flow for a consistent brew that is never bitter. They will be available in an assortment of colors, including pink, white, yellow and blue.

Another addition, the Artisan Set, echoes the handcrafted tradition of Pour-Over™ brewing Melitta is known for. The three distinctly textured surfaces reflect the custom-crafted individuality that Pour-Over™ brewing offers. The set is an attractive compliment to any kitchen countertop, with a bamboo tray, coffee canister, bamboo coffee filter holder and textured Pour-Over™ cone.

Melitta’s Heritage Series Pour-Over™ Coffeemaker Sets will have an MSRP of $39.99 and will be available in Spring 2018. The Artisan Set will be available in Fall of 2018. The full line of Pour-Over™ coffeemakers, coffee and paper filters are available at retailers nationwide as well as online. For more information, visit melitta.com.

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Coffee And Tea Festival NYC—Another Spectacular Celebration

If you were lucky enough to score a ticket to the 13th Annual Coffee & Tea Festival New York held earlier this month in Brooklyn then you are probably sipping some of the great products you scored at the fest and scrolling through social media photos reflecting fondly on the day.  With just over 5,000 attendees, the show was another stellar gathering for event producer Starfish Junction, exhibitors, attendees, and event charity partner, Cup for Education.

With 100+ exhibitors and an impressive line-up of special programs, the event showcased new and noteworthy products from coffee and tea industry leaders and pioneers—local vendors and national producers.  Featured exhibitors included:  Ippodo Tea; Sail Away Coffee Co.; Teavana; Chameleon Cold Brew; Caskai; local Brooklynites El Voyage coffee and Miss Tea; Oren's Daily Roast; Pekant Tea Company, Wandering Bear Coffee; plus the 2018 Global Tea Championship Winner SerendipiTea, and Sunniva Super Coffee who, earlier this month, appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank.  There were also some deliciously dunkable treats that can be enjoyed with coffee and tea. 

Previously featured on the Food Network’s hit show Unwrapped, the Coffee & Tea Festival brought together some of the most well-respected men and women in the industry for an educational and entertaining weekend.  

This year’s all-star line-up of presenters/seminars included:

• Bruce Richardson, co-owner of Elmwood Fine Tea and the man MSN calls “a leading tea expert involved in tea’s American renaissance for over 20 years” who spoke on The Ettiquitte of Tea.

• Camille Delebecque, Founder & CEO of Afineur and eatCultured who presented The New Science of Coffee

• Phil Rushworth, Owner of ZhenTea who led an informative talk on An Inside Look at Chinese Tea

• Nitro Cold Brew as an Ingredient – Cocktails, Ice Cream and Beyond – Presented
by Jarrett McGovern, Co-Founder of RISE Brewing Co.

• The Terroir of Tea, presented by Kevin Gascoyne, Tea Taster of Camellia Sinensis

• Joel Jelderks. Founder of Caskai North America, Inc. provided an in-depth presentation about cascara (the dried husk of the coffee cherry) in his seminar Concentrated Cascara: A Tasting & Discussion.

• The always informative Linda Appel-Lipsius, CEO & Co-Founder of Teatulia Organic Teas, gave her take on Modern Tea and Coffee Trends and showed how consumer preferences are changing how tea and coffee is consumed.

• Let’s Get BeauTEAful! presented by AnnaRose Kauser, Founder of Oh You, TEAse taught attendees how to make lip balm, lip color, body scrub and lotion—all with tea.

• Oren Bloostein, Founder of Oren’s Daily Roast and Jeremy Moore, 2014 US Aeropress Champion were the perfect tag-team to share shortcuts to coffee brewing success (tips and tricks to ensure you make the most out of your morning coffee brew) in their Coffee Brewing Perfection seminar.

• Tea & Honey – A Perfect Pair.  Presented by Zeke Freeman, Founder & CEO of Bee Raw.

And, back by popular demand was Tea Course Fast Track, presented by Gail Gastelu, producer of TeaCourse.com.  This 4-hour tea intensive gives students a crash course in tea—what it is, types of tea, how to brew and serve, health benefits, tea trends, incorporating tea into your beverage program, and so much more.

To see a complete listing of exhibitors and sponsors visit www.CoffeeAndTeaFestival.com.  Plans are already underway for the 2019 NY event and, for the sixth year in a row, the show will make a stop in the oh-so-welcoming Philadelphia area in early December.  For more information visit www.CoffeeAndTeaFestival.com

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