COOL BOTTLES

EVER HAD TO SIT AROUND waiting while that bottle of beer, wine or spirits gets cold enough to drink? Technology is here to help. A growing number of manufacturers are creating packaging for alcoholic beverages that allows drinks to chill faster, stay that way longer and (for finicky wine connoisseurs) even signal when the bottle has reached the optimal serving temperature. A look at some new ways to keep carafes cool. --By Lisa McLaughlin

SERVING TIME

Mar de Frades 2003 Albarino, a fruity white wine from Spain, has a thermosensitive label. When the wine has been chilled to the recommended serving temperature of 52? to 55?, a little blue ship becomes visible above the waves

VODKA ON ICE

Danzka vodka's specially designed metal bottle is made to chill vodka to optimal temperatures 50 minutes faster than vodka in glass packaging and also keep it ice-cold for almost an hour longer

COLD BREW

The Pittsburgh Brewing Co. has begun bottling its Iron City Beer in 12 oz. aluminum long-neck bottles. Lighter than glass, the bottles chill faster and prevent light from degrading freshness