Core Insights - The 2025 Edition of Remus Gatsby Reserve 15-Year Bourbon is launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, featuring a cask strength of 102.8 proof (51.4% ABV) and a retail price of $199.99 per 750mL bottle [1][2][3] Product Details - The bourbon is crafted from a historic 21% rye mash bill and showcases flavors of cherry, vanilla, and oak, with a finish of toasted oak and cherry [3][4] - The packaging is inspired by Art Deco design, reflecting the 1920s aesthetic, and includes interactive elements like a QR code for a themed celebration [4] Awards and Recognition - The Remus Gatsby Reserve has received multiple prestigious awards, including platinum and double platinum medals at the ASCOT Awards and recognition as one of the "50 Greatest Bourbons" by the Robb Report [5] Company Background - Ross & Squibb Distillery, part of Luxco, is known for producing high-quality bourbon and operates several distilleries, including those in Indiana and Kentucky [7][8]

Core Insights - Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating potential claims against MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) on behalf of long-term stockholders due to a class action complaint filed on December 16, 2024, concerning alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by the board of directors during the class period from May 4, 2023, to October 30, 2024 [1][6]. Company Overview - MGP Ingredients, Inc. is a manufacturer of hard liquors, including tequila, bourbon, rye, whiskey, vodka, and gin, selling products under its own brands and to other distributors [6]. - Prior to the class period, sales of hard liquors surged due to COVID-19, but post-quarantine, the industry experienced a slowdown, leading to increased inventory backlogs [6]. Allegations and Impact - The complaint alleges that MGPI misled investors by assuring them that it was well-positioned to manage the industry slowdown and inventory buildup [6]. - On October 17, 2024, MGPI announced that demand had slowed and excess inventory would negatively impact sales, resulting in a 29.5% drop in stock price [6]. - Following further revelations on October 31, 2024, regarding the greater-than-expected impact of excess inventory, MGPI's stock fell an additional 14.7%, closing at $49.04 per share, leading to a total decline of nearly 50% and significant loss in market capitalization [6].

Core Viewpoint - Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the leadership of MGP Ingredients, Inc. to the company and its shareholders [1] Group 1 - The investigation focuses on whether members of MGP Ingredients' board of directors made or caused the company to make false and/or misleading statements [1]

Core Insights - Penelope Bourbon has partnered with FCancer to launch two limited-edition whiskey blends, aiming to raise over $500,000 for cancer support initiatives [1][2][3] - The collaboration emphasizes community involvement and aims to honor those affected by cancer while promoting awareness and support [2][3][5] Company Overview - Penelope Bourbon is recognized as one of the fastest-growing premium whiskey brands, established in 2018, and has received multiple industry awards for its products [7] - FCancer is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing health equity through cancer prevention, early detection, and support programs [7][9] Product Details - The FCancer blend will be bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV) with a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750ml, while the FCancer Barrel Strength will be at 114.6 proof (57.3% ABV) priced at $99.99 per 750ml [5] - The FCancer blend features a complex flavor profile including aromas of black pepper, caramel, and citrus zest, while the Barrel Strength blend offers notes of sweet cream and baking spices [4][5] Fundraising Events - A live fundraising event is scheduled for October 29, 2025, in Austin, Texas, with ticket sales contributing directly to FCancer's mission [6] - The event marks the first live fundraising initiative for the partnership, reinforcing the commitment to community support and awareness [6]

Core Insights - Limestone Branch Distillery celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Yellowstone Limited Edition collection with the release of the 2025 edition, featuring a unique blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged for 10 years [1][2][4]. Company Overview - Limestone Branch Distillery was founded by Stephen Beam in 2011 and is based in Lebanon, Kentucky, reviving the historic Yellowstone Bourbon brand [8]. - The distillery has a commitment to quality and innovation, collaborating with Ross & Squibb Distillery to create unique blends [4][6]. Product Details - The 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition includes three unique mash bills, bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV), with a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle [5][6]. - An allocation of 10,000 cases will be available in September, coinciding with Bourbon Heritage Month [5]. - The product features aromas of vanilla, oak, and citrus, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and stone fruit, finishing with notes of charred oak, honey, cherry, and cinnamon [6]. Awards and Recognition - The 2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition received gold medals at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition [7]. Industry Context - Yellowstone Bourbon is part of a broader portfolio of premium spirits produced by Luxco, which has been a significant player in the beverage alcohol market since its founding in 1958 [9][10].

Core Insights - Rebel Bourbon has launched a new product, Rebel Butter Pecan Bourbon Cream, which combines their wheated bourbon with all-natural cream, bottled at 30 proof (15% ABV) [1][2][3] Product Details - Rebel Butter Pecan Bourbon Cream will be available in September in limited quantities at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, and retailers nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750mL bottle [1][2][3] - The product features a unique flavor profile with buttery notes of sweet vanilla and roasted pecans, complemented by aromas of bourbon, cocoa, and brown sugar, and a smooth finish with notes of buttery pecans and toffee [4] Packaging and Marketing - The product is packaged in a striking black bottle with a golden-brown label, designed to attract consumer attention [5] - Consumers can find Rebel Butter Pecan Bourbon Cream and other Rebel Bourbon products using a product locator, and seasonal cocktail recipes are available on social media platforms and the company website [5] Company Background - Rebel Bourbon is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers, and follows a wheated mash bill that dates back to 1849 [6] - The brand has received multiple industry awards, including Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year for Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards, showcasing its reputation in the spirits industry [6] Parent Company Information - Luxco, founded in 1958, is a leading producer and supplier of beverage alcohol products, operating as MGP Ingredients Inc. since its acquisition in 2021 [7] - Luxco's portfolio includes brands from four distilleries, highlighting its extensive reach in the beverage alcohol market [7]

Core Insights - Remus Bourbon announced the release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-edition bourbon aged between 10 and 18 years, with a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle [2][4][5] Product Details - The bourbon is crafted from a blend of high-rye bourbons, including 7% of an 18-year-aged bourbon with 21% rye, 26% of an 11-year-aged bourbon with 36% rye, 23% of a 10-year-aged bourbon with 36% rye, and 44% of another 10-year-aged bourbon with 21% rye [5] - It has a proof of 104 (52% ABV), making it the highest proof ever for the Remus Repeal Reserve series [4][7] Aroma and Flavor Profile - The bourbon features an aroma of seasoned oak, leather, ripe sweet cherry, and subtle tobacco, with flavors of cherry, roasted coffee, and smoky spice, finishing with lingering notes of coffee, cherry, and tobacco [6] Industry Recognition - The Remus Repeal Reserve collection has received numerous awards, including a platinum medal at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and a double gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 24% to $145.5 million compared to the prior year period [26] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 38% to $35.9 million, primarily due to lower gross profits [30] - Basic earnings per common share decreased to $0.67, while adjusted basic EPS decreased 43% to $0.97 [30] - Year-to-date operating cash flows increased to $56.4 million from $29.6 million in the same period last year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded Spirits segment sales decreased by 5%, with a 1% increase in Premium Plus sales [26][10] - Distilling Solutions segment sales declined by 46%, primarily driven by a 54% decline in brown goods sales [26] - Ingredient Solutions sales increased by 5%, driven by a strong rebound in specialty wheat protein sales [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and higher interest rates continue to weigh on consumer sentiment, which fell to a multi-year low during the quarter [11] - Consumer confidence improved slightly last month, but discretionary spending remains cautious [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a premier branded spirits company, focusing on fewer but more attractive growth opportunities [5][12] - Key brands such as Penelope, El Mejor, and Rebel 100 are prioritized for investment [12] - The company is partnering with Breakthrough Beverage Group for distribution in California to drive growth [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The external environment remains challenging, but the company continues to execute with discipline and make progress on key initiatives [11] - Management expects the Distilling Solutions segment to see stronger sales and profits in the first half of the year compared to the second half [18] - The company remains confident in its ability to build on progress and achieve full-year guidance [32] Other Important Information - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting net sales in the range of $520 million to $540 million and adjusted EBITDA between $105 million and $115 million [23] - The balance sheet remains strong, with net debt leverage under two times and over $600 million in availability under debt facilities [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on new distillate contracts and revenue visibility - Management confirmed that no contracts have been canceled, and most have been confirmed or amended, providing good visibility for the remainder of 2025 [38][40] - The back half of the year is expected to be lighter due to contract resets, but this was anticipated in guidance [40] Question: Insights on branded margins and advertising spending - Branded Spirits margins are strong, primarily due to the Premium Plus portfolio, but may be lighter in the back half of the year [55] - Advertising and promotion expenses were down significantly, with a focus on high-margin brands [56] Question: Inventory rationalization and competitive environment - The company is seeing positive signs in inventory dynamics, but acknowledges that it will take time to fully rationalize [66] - Management believes that partnerships and long-term relationships with customers are crucial in the current environment [68] Question: Clarification on paused purchases versus canceled contracts - Management views paused purchases as temporary, with confidence that they will resume, albeit potentially at lower volumes [76] Question: Update on SG&A expenses and incentive compensation - SG&A expenses are expected to remain elevated due to reinstated incentive compensation, but adjusted SG&A showed an 8% decline [78] Question: Participation in ready-to-drink segment growth - The company is participating in the ready-to-drink segment growth through various offerings, including American whiskey [95] Question: Performance of other brands in the Premium Plus segment - Penelope continues to show strong momentum, while some larger volume American whiskey brands are experiencing declines [98]

Group 1 - MGP reported revenue of $145.49 million for the quarter ended June 2025, a decrease of 23.8% year-over-year, with EPS at $0.97 compared to $1.71 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $137.79 million by 5.59%, while the EPS surprised by 51.56% against the consensus estimate of $0.64 [1] - MGP's stock has returned -10.7% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 2.7%, and currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [3] Group 2 - Sales in Branded Spirits were reported at $60.52 million, below the estimated $63.57 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.5% [4] - Ingredient Solutions sales reached $34.97 million, surpassing the average estimate of $33.56 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 4.8% [4] - Sales in Distilling Solutions were $50 million, significantly higher than the estimated $40.68 million, but this represents a substantial decline of 46.5% compared to the previous year [4]

Core Insights - MGP reported quarterly earnings of $0.97 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.64 per share, but down from $1.71 per share a year ago [1] - The earnings surprise was +51.56%, and the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all four of the last quarters [2] - MGP's revenues for the quarter were $145.49 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.59%, but down from $190.8 million year-over-year [3] Financial Performance - The company has consistently exceeded revenue estimates, achieving this in three out of the last four quarters [3] - MGP shares have declined approximately 25.4% year-to-date, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 8.2% [4] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.69 for the next quarter and $2.47 for the current fiscal year [8] - The Zacks Rank for MGP is currently 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [7] Industry Context - The Beverages - Alcohol industry, to which MGP belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 32% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [9] - Another company in the same industry, Molson Coors Brewing, is expected to report a quarterly earnings decline of 4.2% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $3.13 billion, down 3.8% from the previous year [10][11]