As in so many consumer product categories, it would seem that there is little room left for innovation in mature businesses like liquor. Most of the world's best selling alcohol brands have pedigrees that extend back for generations, if not centuries. Johnnie Walker scotch, Jack Daniels whiskey, Dom Perignon champagne, Heinneken beer, Pusser's rum and Stolichnaya vodka are just a few examples of seasoned products that are recognized and consumed around the world.

When an industry seems to be settled and stagnant, however, is actually when opportunity can be greatest for entrepreneur's seeking to roil the waters of staid competitors.

Most people have a general idea how many calories they consume when it comes to solid foods, although it is quite common to forget that when we drink, we are still consuming calories. Alcohol drinkers, especially wine drinkers, may be surprised at the calorie intake associated with wine. So how many calories are in wine?

The answer depends on your discernment. Most wines come in under the 100 calorie mark per glass. This is assuming that you are using the appropriate wine glasses. There are fewer calories in wine than most other alcoholic beverages. White Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc come in at 80 calories per serving. Considering that one glass of wine per evening is good for cardiovascular health, this can be a reasonable compliment to an evening meal.

Although the name Bourbon was commonly used, it was not until May 4, 1964 that Congress granted Bourbon official recognition as a "distinctive product of the United States" and enacted laws regarding production and quality standards.  The regulations state that "Bourbon" be produced from a fermented mash made with a minimum 51% corn.  The original flavor and color of the spirit cannot be altered or filtered in any way before bottling.  This differs from other whiskies that are filtered through charcoal to mellow or smooth out the taste).  A key point of the federal regulations requires Bourbon be stored and aged in new, charred white oak barrels for a minimum of two years.  The distinctive flavors, aroma and character of Bourbon are a direct result of aging in these barrels.

Organic wines are one of the hottest trends in restaurants today, according to a report last week from the National Restaurant Association. But what is the difference between traditional wine making practices, and organic practices?

Conventional wine means that the winemakers us an industrialized agricultural system characterized by mechanization, monocultures, and the use of synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with an emphasis on maximizing productivity and profitability.