298 - The rise of the espresso martini and the importance of packaging for RTD w/ Night Owl

People of Packaging Podcast

About the Guest(s):

Charlie Grace is the co-founder of Night Owl Martini, a burgeoning brand in the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail segment. Based in New York City, Charlie brings a wealth of expertise from the beverage industry, focusing particularly on innovative and consumer-oriented solutions in alcoholic drinks. His experience includes developing unique products that cut down on preparation time while ensuring quality, like the tequila-infused espresso martini for which Night Owl is renowned. Partnering with a co-founder who has a strong background in co-packing operations, Charlie is committed to delivering top-notch cocktail experiences conveniently to consumers across the United States.

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Episode Summary:

In this thrilling episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, host Adam Peek chats with Charlie Grace, the visionary behind Night Owl Martini, about revolutionizing the world of ready-to-drink cocktails. As a pioneer in the beverage industry, Night Owl Martini marries the electrifying flavors of espresso with vodka and tequila to serve cocktail quality experiences conveniently in a can. Through this lively discussion, listeners will gain insights into how Night Owl tackled traditional cocktail preparation challenges with their innovative products.

Charlie Grace elaborates on the inspiration and journey behind Night Owl Martini, emphasizing the value of premium ingredients and seamless packaging to create a memorable consumer experience. The convenience of RTD cocktails, like Night Owl’s Espresso Martini, curtails the hassle of measuring and mixing – a clear game-changer for cocktail enthusiasts. The discussion navigates through packaging intricacies, nitro-filling for foam quality, and the importance of drink stability. The episode also uncovers plans for Night Owl's growth and distribution across the U.S., encouraging listeners to explore this rising star on the beverage scene.

Key Takeaways:

* Night Owl Martini is disrupting the market with its espresso martini packed in an aluminum can, offering unique vodka and tequila options for diverse flavor experiences.

* The popularity of espresso martinis continues to surge, with Night Owl filling a niche for quality cocktails that are convenient and accessible.

* Using nitro in canning ensures Night Owl's martinis maintain their signature foam, enhancing drink presentation even at home.

* Sustainability in packaging is emphasized, using recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact while offering a premium product experience.

* Night Owl is focused on expanding its distribution, currently targeting ten states primarily along the East Coast, and eyeing future growth across America.

Notable Quotes:

* "Espresso martinis are one of the most popular drinks both in New York City and around the country, even around the world." – Charlie Grace

* "We really wanted a coffee forward tasting profile, and it allows, a great baseline." – Charlie Grace

* "Our goal as we look at the Night Owl brand is to really focus on the coffee and alcohol space." – Charlie Grace

* "Maybe it will become your happy hour drink of choice when you decide that you need a little pick me up." – Charlie Grace

* "Night Owl Martini is not just a product, it's an experience for those who enjoy the finer things in life with convenience." – Charlie Grace

Resources:

* Website: drinknightowl.com – Explore Night Owl's range of ready-to-drink espresso martinis.

* Social Media: Keep up with Night Owl Martini on social platforms for the latest news and updates.

* Special Mentions: Adam Peek shares a delightful first experience tasting both the vodka and tequila versions of Night Owl's signature drink, highlighting the brand's potential for corporate gifting initiatives.

Dive into this engaging episode to uncover the innovations driving the RTD cocktail revolution. The conversation doesn't end here — stay tuned for more fascinating insights and trends in the evolving packaging and beverage industries!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com