The News
Second Act Spirits announced the launch of Wild Berry Vodka and Encore Aromatic Bitters from its new production facility in Amsterdam, New York. The company's new facility was ribbon-cutted recently and is designed to meet growing demand for premium New York-crafted spirits. Wild Berry Vodka is a 70-proof vodka with natural fruit flavors and no added sugar, while Encore Aromatic Bitters are crafted from botanicals like gentian, cardamom, cinchona bark, and star anise.
The New York spirits market has seen a steady decline in volume, according to NIQ weekly scans. Amid this trend, Second Act’s launch of Wild Berry Vodka and Encore Aromatic Bitters illustrates how craft brands are navigating distribution constraints and proof positioning.
Second Act Spirits announced the launch of Wild Berry Vodka and Encore Aromatic Bitters in New York. The press release cites growing demand; NIQ data shows overall beer and spirit volumes are declining, tempering enthusiasm for single‑SKU expansions.
New York liquor stores normally exclude non‑spirit items such as bitters, confining them to specialty shops or bars. Second Act claims a proprietary method that allows these products to be sold in licensed liquor outlets—a regulatory workaround that could place the brand on the same shelf as mainstream spirits rather than limiting it to tasting rooms.
Wild Berry Vodka is bottled at 70 proof, ten points higher than Truly Wild Berry’s 60‑proof (30 % ABV). That difference translates into roughly a 17 % higher alcohol content and nudges Second Act’s offering toward a more traditional spirit profile. The ten‑point proof advantage positions the brand as a premium flavored vodka that still delivers the “wild berry” flavor, appealing to customers who want novelty and depth.
Timing of the tasting‑room exclusivity also matters. While the press release mentions an upcoming expansion into New York retail, no immediate shelf presence is guaranteed yet. Distributors should monitor the rollout schedule before committing inventory; meanwhile retailers can use the tasting‑room buzz as a halo effect to promote cocktail menus or gift sets.
Second Act’s dual launch shows how a distillery can leverage a regulatory workaround and proof advantage to carve out differentiated space in a declining category. The ten‑point higher proof of Wild Berry Vodka signals a clear positioning shift toward premium offerings, which may resonate with on‑premise operators looking for distinctive cocktails and off‑premise buyers seeking a unique, high‑proof option.
Original Press Release
Following the recent ribbon-cutting celebration for its new production facility in Amsterdam, New York, Second Act Spirits is celebrating another milestone with the release of two exciting new products: Wild Berry Vodka and Encore Aromatic Bitters.
The new production facility marks a significant investment in the company’s future, providing the capacity needed to meet growing demand while continuing its commitment to producing premium, New York-crafted spirits.
Leading the new releases is Wild Berry Vodka, a vibrant 70-proof spirit crafted with all-natural fruit flavors and no added sugar. The vodka delivers fresh berry character with a clean finish, making it ideal for cocktails or enjoying over ice. Since its initial introduction at select local bars and restaurants, the product has been met with an enthusiastic response from customers.
“Our Wild Berry Vodka quickly exceeded our expectations,” said Rich Michaels, co-owner of Second Act Spirits. “The response from our local partners and customers has been incredible. Opening our new production facility means we can finally produce enough to keep up with demand while maintaining the quality that defines our brand.”
Also debuting from the new Amsterdam facility is Encore Aromatic Bitters, a premium cocktail bitters crafted from carefully selected botanicals including gentian, cardamom, cinchona bark, and star anise. Designed to bring balance, depth, and complexity to classic and modern cocktails alike, Encore offers bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts an authentic aromatic bitters experience.
Encore Aromatic Bitters also introduces an innovative solution for New York retailers. Unlike many bitters products that cannot be sold through New York liquor stores due to regulatory classifications, Encore is produced using a unique process that allows it to be distributed through licensed liquor stores across the state. This gives retailers an opportunity to offer cocktail bitters alongside spirits, providing customers with everything they need to create exceptional cocktails at home.
“We saw an opportunity to solve a problem for both retailers and consumers,” Michaels said. “New York liquor stores have traditionally had limited access to cocktail bitters. Encore changes that by giving stores a premium product they can legally stock and customers a convenient way to complete their home bar.”
Both products are now being produced at Second Act Spirits’ new Amsterdam facility and are available through the distillery tasting room, with expanded distribution planned throughout New York.
As Second Act Spirits continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to producing high-quality, locally crafted spirits while supporting New York agriculture and bringing innovative products to market.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Second Act Spirits Expands Production In Amsterdam With Launch Of Two…
- Secondactspirits site
- Second Act Spirits New Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof Is The Whiskey…
- Truly Vod Wild Berry 60
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- Truly Wild Berry Vodka
- Truly Wild Berry Vodka 1l
Source: BevNET