Waterford enters administration

Irish whiskey brand Waterford entered administration earlier this week after failing to raise fresh funding.

Antica Formula: Redefining cocktail culture with Italian heritage

In the ever-evolving landscape of premium mixology, one name consistently resonates with bartenders and industry professionals who seek to elevate their cocktail creations: Antica Formula by F.lli Branca Distillerie. 

Shaping the future of liquid culture, one sip at a time

BCB Brooklyn 2025 is set to be the largest gathering of spirits professionals in America, taking place from June 10-11, 2025, at Industry City, Brooklyn, NY. 

Trump return fears for global premium spirits

News of Donald Trump’s re-election as US president earlier this week has sparked fear over the possibility of further tariffs being implemented on the spirits industry.

The Ada Coleman Project partners with Athens Bar Show

The Ada Coleman Project has partnered with Athens Bar Show to bring a series of events led by 11 women from the global drinks industry.

Compass Box receives £35m for global expansion

Scotch whisky maker Compass Box has secured a £35m loan from British bank Santander in order to support the international expansion of the brand.

WSET appoints Regine Lee MW to board of trustees

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), has announced the appointment of Regine Lee MW to its board of trustees.

In praise of canned wine

They might still seem unconventional and even unacceptable to some, but plenty of people are championing these containers, as Oli Dodd finds.

Industry veteran Karl Too passes

Asia’s bar industry has mourned the passing of veteran bar owner Karl Too on Wednesday 18 September.

The Drinks Trust adds five new trustees

The Drinks Trust charity has added five new members to its board of trustees – Jennie Baernreuther, Ian Bray, Tim Clay, Paul Haslam and Tony Watson.

Rosewood London appoints new director of bars

Rosewood London has announced the appointment of Andy Loudon as its director of bars, returning to the UK after nearly two decades of experience within the international hospitality industry. 

New World agave: Mexico's noisy neighbours

In what looks like a mirror movement of wine some 50 years ago, agave spirits are finding their feet in unlikely quarters, finds Shay Waterworth.

Toku Saké appoints new head of sales and advocacy

Toku Saké has appointed Stuart Hudson as head of sales and advocacy, effective as of this month.

Padrón leaves Limantour after 13 years

Licorería Limantour co-founder Benjamin Padrón has announced his departure from the Mexico City-based bar and its associated venues.

Lexie Constantinescu: A matter of urgency

The London bar community was rocked in April by the news that Lyaness bartender Alexandra ‘Lexie’ Constantinescu had unexpectedly passed away on an extended trip to Cuba, where she had previously been competing as a UK finalist in Havana Club’s Cocktail Maestros competition.

The Ada Coleman Project launches

The Ada Coleman Project, a dedicated digital space for women, has launched with the aim to foster gender equality and diversity within the industry.

Global breweries partner for sustainable grain initiative

‘Brewing for Impact’, an initiative that will see breweries from seven countries produce beer using the West African grain fonio, has launched.

No.3 Gin education programme concludes in Soho

No.3 London Dry Gin’s education initiative Ph3 Bartending Programme, which aims to empower bartenders, has reached its final ‘Graduation’ phase.

Finding yourself in the desert

Hamish Smith is invited on a trip to Dubai that turns out to be bartender retreat in the UAE desert. The terrain wasn't the only changing landscape, he says.

Monica Berg wins Parabere Care Award

Monica Berg has been awarded with the Parabere Care Award for best practice in business, including fair and ethical conditions, and managing wellness across teams.

The Drinks Trust annual industry survey now open

The Drinks Trust has launched its annual industry survey aimed at achieving a better understanding of the wider drinks industry and hospitality community.

Dram opens in Soho

The team behind Milroy’s of Soho and Silverleaf have opened a new whisky bar, Dram, on London’s Denmark Street.

Britain’s licensed premises drop below 100,000

New figures from hospitality trade body UKHospitality, in partnership with CGA by NIQ, have revealed that Britain’s number of licensed premises has fallen by nearly a third (31%) in the last two decades.

Celebrity tequila - the long term effects

While they put a focus on the spirit, some experts believe the explosion of brands backed by famous faces does the category and quality expectations no favours.

The Drinks Trust asks industry to support its Cost of Living Crisis Appeal

From this month until the end of 2023, The Drinks Trust aims to raise £230,000 to support those who need help the most through its new Cost of Living Crisis Appeal.

Takamaka takes Cocktail Spirits in Paris

Takamaka Rum of the Seychelles, is bringing a taste of its island home to Cocktail Spirits, Paris, on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 June with Swedish guest Tjoget.

Edrington UK introduces The Stillhouse Podcast

Edrington UK, supplier of whisky and cognac, has launched a podcast series, The Stillhouse Podcast, hosted by UK spirits expert, Becky Paskin.

Everleaf achieves B-Corp Certification

Everleaf non-alcoholic aperitif has become B-Corp certified, marking a major milestone in the brand's sustainability journey, which has been key to the business since its launch in 2019.

Women’s History Month with Uncle Nearest

To mark Women’s History Month, Drinks International caught up with female powerhouse Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to look at its success in the traditionally male dominated space that is the whisk(e)y industry. 

Patrón unveils judging line-up ahead of Perfectionists global final

As the Patrón Perfectionists global final event approaches, Patrón tequila has unveiled the panel of judges travelling to Hacienda Patrón, Jalisco, Mexico, from 24 to 30 March 2023.

Industry veteran Wayne Collins passes

Tributes have poured in from the drinks industry following the passing of veteran bartender Wayne Collins.

St-Rémy introduces new lightweight bottles

St-Rémy French brandy is reducing the weight of its bottles as one of many measures to establish a new gold standard in sustainability.

ItalSpirits appoints advocacy director

Drinks marketing, events and brand activation agency, ItalSpirits, has appointed Roberta Mariani as advocacy director.

UKGB and Molinari join forces

The UKGB and Molinari have announced a joint partnership to build awareness and relationships within the UK hospitality industry.

Dre Masso: Three decades steeped in cocktails

Sat in his newest bar, The Drinks Trolley, just moments from London’s King’s Cross Station, Dre Masso takes a look over his career as he approaches 30 years in the trade.

The Drinks Trust launches Energy Crisis Fund

The Drinks Trust has launched an Energy Crisis Fund to help hospitality members pay for their heating and electricity bills throughout the winter.

The Drinks Trust asks the industry to support its Emergency Energy Crisis Initiative

This winter, The Drinks Trust is launching a dedicated grant-giving campaign, the Emergency Energy Poverty Fund, that will run from October 2022 until the exhaustion of funds.

Bar Convent Brooklyn announces dates for 2023

America’s largest spirits trade show, Bar Convent Brooklyn has announced its return to an expanded space at Brooklyn’s Industry City on Tuesday 13 June and Wednesday 14 June 2023 for what promises to be its largest show yet.

Alex Harrison: bottling craft

Young Spirits was founded in 2019 as a small batch bottling site for craft whisky and rum producers. In three years, the business has gone from strength to strength, tripling its revenue and growing from two to 42 employees. 

Sazerac Company acquires Lough Gill Distillery

Hazelwood Demesne Limited, owner of the Lough Gill Distillery in Sligo, has announced its acquisition by the Sazerac Company to develop the historical site.

Thibault Massina: Le Syndicat's new star

The wine industry doesn’t often mix naturally with the bartending community, but for Thibault Massina, an early education in Bordeaux lay the foundations for an organic pairing behind the bar.

New bars shine as the Class Bar Awards returns

Bars that opened during the pandemic took many of the gongs at the returning CLASS Bar Awards last night, highlighting the bar industry's resurgence.  

Keith Motsi: Heart and Seoul

Keith Motsi has carved a truly unique path through the hospitality industry. Having been born in Zimbabwe and raised in Leeds, UK, he now finds himself at the reins of one of Asia’s top luxury hotel bars.

Ukrainian spirits industry professionals launch international cocktail fundraiser

A group of Ukrainian spirits industry professionals have launched a fundraiser calling on bartenders around the world to create a cocktail dedicated to Ukraine.

Roma Bar show to return in 2022

The Roma Bar Show has announced that it will return for a second edition as a two-day event on 30 and 31 May.

London Wine Fair moves to June to avoid Prowein clash

The London Wine Fair will now take place from June 7-9 in order to avoid a direct clash with Prowein.

London Wine Fair slams "extremely aggressive" move from Prowein amid clash of dates

London Wine Fair director Hannah Tovey has branded Prowein's decision to move the Dusseldorf-based show to May "a direct attack" on the UK drinks trade.

UK industry groups appeal to the government for support as customers cancel bookings

Politicians and industry groups are urging the UK government to provide financial support to firms impacted by the rising Covid cases.

Fok Hing Gin warned over offensive branding

Fok Hing Gin has fallen foul of the industry-funded UK drinks industry watchdog for using offensive language.

Prince Charles officially opens Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Prince Charles has officially opened the new Johnnie Walker store and global visitor centre in Edinburgh.