Today is International Stout Day, or as we like to call it: Thursday. On with the Reads….

Marketwatch reports on new trends for the liquor industry in 2013. Of course, the New York lovefest from yesterday continues on here with a shoutout to Hillrock Estate Distillery. If only places like Kentucky could make revolutionary, innovative bourbon this exciting. [Marketwatch]

Online juggernaut Amazon has at last made it into the wine business. Launched today in beta form, Amazon Wine will ship wines from all over the nation to your doorstop. Unsure as to whether or not your state can participate? We got you covered. Here’s a list of states which can currently participate in the program. [Amazon]

Tallest wine ever? Former NBA superstar Yao Ming has been enjoying his retirement from the Houston Rockets by entering the wine market, first in China in 2011 and now the United States. Yao Family Wines will be introducing two vintages to the US market: a 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for $170 and a 2009 Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $625. Yes, those are U.S. dollars. [Yao Family Wines]

Quite possibly in response to the flavored vodka trend, Maxmius Vodka has released its latest ad campaign targeted at men who wish to drink vodka without flavoring. The Huffington Post features the campaign’s brilliant artwork from the legendary illustrator Mort Kunstler. [Huffington Post]

Another day, another article about whiskey as investment, this time courtesy of the Chicago Tribune. Featuring a blurb about 1494, the “priciest whisky club in New York City,” we also learn about the limited edition Annie Leibovitz Scotch collection from Macallan and the dangers of investing without consultation. Perhaps a better idea would be to just drink and enjoy? [Chicago Tribune]

The Wine Institute has issued its 2012 annual outlook report on this year’s grape harvest and comes away with reassuring marks this will be an outstanding vintage year based on the quality of the grapes, ideal weather, and other factors. [Wine Institute]

Finally, if the liquor lover in your life already has an Advent calendar filled with malts or a tailgate trailer filled with Bulleit bourbon, Moonshine University in Louisville may be just the thing to satisfy. For $5,500, your favorite person will get to take a five-day distiller course promising to cover every aspect of the distillery business. Other classes within different price points are also available. [Moonshine University]

Got any tips or news releases for us to read? Send ‘em on over to [email protected]