News

Starward founder fully acquires Australian whisky business

Starward Whisky has announced that founder David Vitale has fully acquired the business, concluding Diageo and other shareholder involvement in the business.


Brewdog to shut down distilling business

Scottish brewer Brewdog will stop operations at its distillery in Aberdeenshire and cease production of its spirits brands.


Brands Report 2026: Mezcal

Long-standing category champion Del Maguey has finally been toppled by Siete Misterios


Brands Report 2026: Vodka

It’s tight across the entire board when it comes to this category, with often just a handful of bars separating rankings.


Cawston Press acquires Loah beer

British soft drinks business Cawston Press has bought Loah beer for an undisclosed sum, as the company expands into the no and low space.


Slingsby Gin owner enters administration

UK-based Spirit of Harrogate, owner of Slingsby, will enter administration with the businesses’ assets being put up for sale.


Great British Drinks Company acquires Black Sheep Brewery

The newly formed Great British Drinks Company, backed by the family entrepreneurs behind Paramount Retail Group, has acquired Yorkshire’s Black Sheep Brewery in a £6.5m restoration deal.


Brands Report 2026: American whiskey

The bestselling American whiskey ranking is largely the same as last year. Old Forester has replaced Jim Beam in the top 10, while the other nine are either the same or one place adri­ft.


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More News

BCB London announces refreshed educational programme for 2026

The UK’s largest trade fair, BCB London, returns to Tobacco Dock on 11 to 12 May with a new educational programme.


Brands Report 2026: World whiskies

Japan leads the pack of whisky outliers, taking half the split and cementing the country’s standing


The Drinks Trust marks 140 years with Face It Together campaign

The Drinks Trust has announced a refreshed edition of its Face It Together campaign, launched to mark the charity’s 140th anniversary.


Brands Report 2026: Cognac

There’s finally some real excitement at the top of the list as the 16-year reign of Hennessy is ended by Rémy Martin.


Brands Report 2026: Scotch

Diageo’s Johnnie Walker is once again the bestselling whisky from Scotland with 23% of the poll naming it the house pour.


GHF acquires Fielden Whisky

Brand development agency GHF has announced the acquisition of English whisky brand Fielden for an undisclosed sum.



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