Four-time NBA champion LeBron James sports all four of his championship rings for the debut of the new bottle for Lobos 1707 Tequila and Mezcal’s Extra Añejo tequila. James, who won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, is an investor and shareholder of Lobos 1707.

Quinn Allen is congratulated by his mother, Sandy Allen, after she presented him with the 2021 Ohio Tavern News “Permit Holder of the Year Award.” The presentation, delayed from last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, took place Jan. 31 during the annual membership meeting of the Ohio Bar Owners Association at The Walrus in Columbus.

A new venture between Victor George Spirits and Palm Beach Distillery will elevate Columbus native Victor G. Harvey (right) to chairman of the board and Summer Piep (center), founder of PBD, to chief operating officer. Additionally, Jolyn Harvey (left), an Ohio State University graduate, will serve as chief marketing officer.

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar recently was awarded the accreditation of honorary ambassador of Los Cabos, Mexico, and was honored with the municipality’s first Medal of Honor. Hagar was cited for his creation and investment in Los Cabos businesses, including Cabo Wabo Cantina, Cabo Wabo tequila and Santo tequila.

Bacardi recently named Astrophel “Troy” Arquiza as its new global master blender. Originally from the Philippines, Arquiza has spent more than two decades with Bacardi, honing his craft as a rum blender and training for many years under, José “Joe” Gomez, who is retiring after 41-years with Bacardi.

The family, owners and operators of Jeff Ruby Steakhouse in Columbus last month provided 100 turkeys to the Columbus Police Department. Participating in the event are (l-r) Jeff Ruby Columbus General Manager John Davis, CPD Officer Anthony Johnson, Chip Mullen, CPD Chief Elaine Bryant, Dillon Ruby, Brandon Ruby and CPD Assistant Chief Lashanna Potts.

El Jimador tequila recently teamed up with celebrity makeup artists Mariana McGrath (left) and Andrea Ortega Costigan of Salt Spell Beauty, as well as Mexican American beauty and lifestyle influencer Blanca Garcia (EvetteXo), to raise awareness about the cultural meaning of the traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated annually on Nov. 1-2. As part of the campaign, el Jimador is donating $25,000 to the Latino Community Foundation.

Celebrating the announcement of the Guinness Chicago Taproom, slated to open in 2023, are (l-r) Hakan Kulturlu, director of Transformation for Diageo Beer Co.; Danielle Robinson, director of Alcohol Policy and Reputation Management at Diageo; Nuno Teles, president of Diageo Beer Co. USA; Allison Miller, head of Facilities and Real Estate for Diageo; Jay Sethi, chief marketing officer for Diageo Beer Co.; and Michael Donilon, general manager of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore.

Roger Cronin, store manager at Agency 216 in the Hilliard Giant Eagle, shows off the agency’s display for Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

James P. LaRose (center), president of the Wholesale Beer & Wine Association of Ohio, is congratulated by WBWAO General Counsel Dave Raber (left) and Counsel for Legislative Affairs Jacob Evans after receiving the 2021 John T. Fleming Wholesaler of the Year award. The award was presented to LaRose, president and COO of Akron’s House of LaRose, last month during the annual WBWAO fall convention in Columbus.