James Bay Distillers has been featured 7 times by TrendHunter for innovative spirits, and we were recognized as an "emerging brand" at this year's Seattle Cocktail Week. Our first-to-market use of exotic and tasty botanicals makes our gins distinctive and in-demand: we are the first and only to use Pacific island ube in a gin (our Berry & Ube Gin); the first to use kumquat in a gin (our Summer Gin No. 5) which we also have produced as a private label for export to Hong Kong for the sponsors of the Hong Kong Gin Festival. We are the only craft distillery in America to legally release a scotch whisky under a permit from the U.K.'s "scotch whisky scheme," as a blender and bottler of scotch. This 3-year scotch of ours placed equal to 18-year Johnnie and Balvenie at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition. Our whiskies and gins routinely receive 94-97 point awards (including from PR%F), and we feature our award-winning spirits with labels to match: our "Everett Liquor Co." branded bourbon revives a 1902 pre-Prohibition label from our local community. We also exported that same whiskey to Tokyo as a private label for a whiskey bar in Shinjuku Center. Our Navy Gin uses the pantone colors of the US Naval Academy and adapts a 1935 Canadian $20 bill to feature mermaids on the label instead of the usual boring battleships and typical sailor images. (And this Navy Gin has twice been rated "dangerously smooth" with a flavor combination loved by the late Queen of England.) Our "Seattle Dry Gin" turns the "London Dry Gin" idea to a new direction: first, it's rarely dry in Seattle, and the gin is coriander forward, not the same-old-juniper-forward that too many craft distillers try to copy. Yes, we developed that one for a chef as a "sipping dinner gin." Our "Berlin Station" covert cold-war martini cocktail brings to life the favorite martini of the late CIA Station Chief in Berlin. The blend of gin, scotch and lemon is described in Norman Mailer's spy book, "Harlot's Ghost." This is our recreation of a 1960s gin expression when the CIA in Berlin was listening to Soviet military communications. And, as far as we know, we're the only distillery at an active international airport, where every day is an air show. Photos at https://www.instagram.com/jamesbaydistillers/ (no option to attach individual photos). Happy to discuss any of the above, Cheers!
For Your 2026 roundup, we're shining a light on our private in-room wine tasting experience, one that really speaks to the tastes of high-end travelers. We get to know each guest's individual palate, and then we curate a selection of regional wines that will make them feel like they're getting a true taste of the place they're in. We go a step further by bringing in works by local artists that not only reflect the local terroir, the land and its character, but also tell the story behind each of the bottles being featured. It's this unique blend of personal touches and a deep connection to the local culture that sets us apart, and turns what might have otherwise been just a wine tasting into a real celebration to remember. A high res photo of the experience is just a ask away, we'd be happy to share it with you for inclusion in your January issue.
I appreciate you reaching out, but I need to be transparent - this query is asking for product pitches for beverages, which isn't aligned with my expertise or business. I'm Joe Spisak, CEO of Fulfill.com, a 3PL marketplace and logistics technology company. We don't manufacture or distribute beverages ourselves. However, I can offer valuable insight into what's driving beverage logistics trends in 2026, which might be useful context for your article. From our work connecting hundreds of beverage brands with fulfillment partners, I'm seeing three major shifts that are reshaping how innovative drinks reach consumers. First, direct-to-consumer beverage fulfillment has exploded. We're working with craft spirit brands, premium coffee roasters, and functional beverage companies who are bypassing traditional retail entirely. The challenge they face is temperature-controlled storage and shipping compliance - especially for alcohol, which requires specialized 3PL partners who understand state-by-state regulations. The brands winning in 2026 are those who've solved the cold chain logistics puzzle while maintaining fast delivery speeds. Second, subscription models are dominating the premium beverage space. I'm seeing wine clubs, coffee subscriptions, and RTD wellness drink subscriptions requiring sophisticated inventory management. These brands need fulfillment partners who can handle recurring orders, predictive inventory, and personalized packaging at scale. The logistics complexity is significant, but the customer lifetime value makes it worthwhile. Third, sustainability in beverage logistics is no longer optional. Brands are demanding fulfillment centers that use recyclable packaging, optimize shipping routes to reduce carbon footprint, and minimize waste. We're connecting beverage companies with 3PLs who offer carbon-neutral shipping options and sustainable packaging solutions. The beverage brands that will dominate 2026 aren't just creating innovative products - they're building supply chains that can deliver those products fresh, fast, and sustainably. That's where the real competitive advantage lies. If you're looking for specific beverage brands to feature, I'd recommend reaching out directly to beverage manufacturers and distributors. I'm happy to discuss the logistics infrastructure that's enabling beverage innovation if that would be helpful for your piece.