Bushmills releases 33-year-old port cask travel retail exclusive
Bushmills Irish Whiskey has unveiled the tenth and final release from its current Causeway Collection, a 33 Year Old Port Cask, to be sold exclusively in World Duty-Free’s stores at Heathrow Airport.
Gin shines brightly in travel retail
Gin may have fallen out of favour in the UK, but its prospects are much brighter in travel retail.
The Drinks Trust announces Guy Lawrence as chair
The Drinks Trust has appointed Guy Lawrence, CEO of Brockman’s Gin, as the new chair of the charity following Troy Christensen’s two-year tenure.
ItalSpirits appoints advocacy director
Drinks marketing, events and brand activation agency, ItalSpirits, has appointed Roberta Mariani as advocacy director.
Defending 'nice' whisky writers
A response to the notion that 'without criticism there is only marketing', by DI editor Shay Waterworth.
Dubai drops 30% alcohol tax in bid to boost tourism
Dubai has scrapped its 30% tax on alcohol sales for the rest of the year in an apparent bid to boost tourism, while also stopping the charge on personal alcohol licences, something residents who wish to drink at home are required to have.
The Macallan unveils new guest expression
The Macallan has introduced a new single malt whisky into The Red Collection, The Macallan 77 Years Old.
Cream liqueurs: whipping up enthusiasm
Cream liqueurs may have been a fairly stuck category for a while, but new players are introducing exciting options.
Limoncello conditions turn sour
Climate change and economic challenges are taking their toll on production of Italy's favourite digestif.
On 8 September 2022 Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland aged 96.
Iichiko shochu changes US distributor
Iichiko shochu has signed an importer agreement with Shaw-Ross International Importers to expand its availability across the US.
Heineken UK takes full ownership of Beavertown Brewery
Heineken UK has announced the purchase of the remaining shares of Beavertown Brewery, having purchased a minority stake in 2018, assuming full ownership of London’s largest brewery.
The Balvenie: One Scotch brand's love affair with rum
On 1 July The Balvenie launched the latest in its Stories range, a 27-year-old single malt finished in Caroni rum casks, Drinks International caught up with brand ambassador Alwynne Gwilt to talk about the distillery's unique relationship with rum.
Comité Champagne harvest yield decision
Champagne growers and houses met in Epernay within the Comité Champagne to agree on the circumstances of the next harvest and on strategic directions for the sector.
Italian bitters are enjoying something of a golden era as consumers’ tastes evolve.
Stauning launches limited-edition rye aged in sweet wine casks
Danish whisky brand Stauning has announced the launch of a limited-edition rye whisky matured in Marsala, Gewürztraminer and Romandalo wine casks.
1975 Ardbeg whisky sold for £16 million
A 1975 cask of Ardbeg Islay malt scotch whisky, Cask No.3, is the brand's oldest whisky ever released and was sold to a private collector in Asia for £16 million.
Shochu now sold under beer and wine license in New York
Shochu can now be sold under its own category name in the state of New York, US, after amendments to the Beverage Control Act allowing Japanese Shochu (24% ABV or under) to be sold under a beer and wine license.
Jack Daniels launches two new whiskey expressions
The Jack Daniel Distillery has introduced two additions to its core range, Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash.
Nyetimber announces new CEO Richard Carter
Nyetimber has announced the appointment of Richard Carter as CEO of the company with effect from July this year, as he joins from his role of director of global communications at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Ferrari Trento announces partnership extension with Formula 1
Ferrari Trento has announced it will be the official toast of Formula 1 until the end of the 2025 season, extending its partnership from three years to five.
Trade disputes resulting in crippling tariffs have been lifted after four years, but will America and its export countries find a permanent peace?
Atlas appoints Lidiyanah K as head bartender
Singapore-bar Atlas has announced the appointment of former assistant head bartender Lidiyanah K as its new head bartender.
Destilería Serrallés launches Don Q in UK and Europe
Puerto Rican rum producer, Distillería Serrallés has launched its portfolio of aged Don Q Rums in the UK and European markets.
Aber Falls Whisky announces plans for international expansion
Welsh whisky brand Aber Falls has announced an international roll-out that will see the brand become available in more than ten countries including Australia, Germany, Denmark, and Canada.
A 'Michelin' for the bar industry, The Pinnacle Guide launches
London Cocktail Week founders Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox, alongside Global Bartending’s Dan Dove, have announced the launch of the Pinnacle Guide, a new one, two and three ‘Pin’ recognition system for the world’s best bars.
Listening to the demands of bartenders, premium mixer brands have become increasingly experimental with their flavour combinations. To reflect this greater variety, the tonic water table of previous reports has been broadened to encompass all mixer brands.
Brands Report 2022: Non-alcoholic spirits
The non-alcoholic spirits category debuted in last year’s report, but the sector has quickly taken root and now no drinks group’s portfolio is complete without one.
Barsol reigns supreme in the pisco category. The Peruvian brand took a whopping 31% of the first-choice votes and 23% of the top-three pours in the World’s Best Bars.
Moët Hennessy launches WhistlePig sales and marketing drive in the UK and Europe
Luxury drinks company Moët Hennessy and WhistlePig have launched a full sales and marketing drive in the UK and Europe this month, following the announcement of their partnership last year.
Laphroaig veteran John Campbell joins Lochlea Distillery
Single malt whisky distiller, John Campbell, has joined the independent family-owned Lochlea Distillery as its new production director.
Glenfiddich and Goodwood join forces for dementia charity auction
Glenfiddich has teamed up with the Goodwood sporting estate for an auction that will raise money for the Race Against Dementia charity.
Guinness launches at-home draught tap
Guinness has announced the limited first release in the UK of a draught tap for homes this Christmas.
Alex Thomas named Bushmills master blender
Bushmills has appointed Alex Thomas as master blender at The Old Bushmills Distillery working across the entire portfolio and product development.
Emma Walker to take over from legendary Jim Beveridge at Johnnie Walker
Dr Emma Walker will replace the legendary Dr Jim Beveridge as Johnnie Walker master blender at the end of the year.
It’s fair to say that the perception of canned wine among consumers has historically been less than favourable, perceived as the choice of hen parties, train-drinkers, and people with “it’s wine o’clock” fridge magnets. In recent years though, canned wine has matured and now some very good products are available in the format.
Glenmorangie launches floral limited-edition packaging
Glenmorangie has launched limited-edition packaging for its 18 Years Old variant to celebrate its partnership with botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto.
Sometimes accidents breed innovation. In 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin by chance, having thrown away a bacteria sample he thought was spent.
Back in 2002 celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched Fifteen, a restaurant made up of a team of trainee chefs from underprivileged backgrounds.
Martini on track to become certified sustainable by end of year
Martini has announced that all its Asti grape suppliers are on track to being certified sustainable by Equalitas in 2021.
Takamaka: The Seychelles rum turns 20
Shay Waterworth talks to brothers Bernard and Richard d’Offay about their Takamaka rum brand as it hits the ripe age of 20.
US scotch whisky tariffs suspended for five years
A deal has been struck between the UK and US to end retaliatory tariffs on malt whiskies for five years.
AB InBev announces Carlos Brito's successor following blowout quarter
AB InBev has announced that North America president Michel Doukeris will succeed veteran leader Carlos Brito as chief executive this summer.
Gonzalez Byass UK appoints Melissa Draycott as managing director
Melissa Draycott will take over from Martin Skelton as managing director of Gonzalez Byass UK in September.
Kingsland Drinks champions alternative grape varieties
UK importer Kingsland Drinks is championing alternative grape varieties that have the potential to drive excitement and experimentation among consumers.
Bowmore targets travel retail with 31 Year Old single malt
Bowmore has launched a limited-edition 31 Year Old single malt into the travel retail channel as part of its Timeless Series collection.
Ardbeg 25 Years Old joins permanent range
Ardbeg 25 Years Old has become the oldest expression to join the Islay distillery’s permanent range.
Ardbeg releases bottling to commemorate the retirement of distillery manager Mickey Heads
Ardbeg has released a limited-edition bottling, Arrrrrrrdbeg, to celebrate distillery manager, Mickey Heads’ 13 years at the head of the distillery.
Milestone Beverages eyes expansion across Asia Pacific
Joe Milner's Milestone Beverages has been driving expansion through Asia, and it is now eyeing new markets. Martin Green hears how the company plans to move forward.