The House of Rum, a new boutique rum bottler has announced its launch, specialising in exclusive single-vintage, single-cask, cask-strength rums.

Nc’nean Distillery Limited has secured a Virgin Money funding package with the backing of UK Government department, UK Export Finance (UKEF), to help the independent distillery grow in North American markets.

Altamura Distilleries has introduced Lorenzo Di Cola, formerly of the Experimental Cocktail Club group, to its team as international head of brand across all key global markets, including Italy, the US, UK and India.

Malibu has partnered with anti-spiking charity Stamp Out Spiking to train 2,000 on-trade staff and consumers about dealing with a dangerous spiking situation.

Drinks distributor Speciality Brands has signed an agreement with French spirits producer Distillerie de Grandmont to exclusively distribute the brand’s expressions in the UK from this month.

Drinks distributor Speciality Brands has signed an agreement with Chopin Vodka, to exclusively distribute the Polish brand in the UK from this October.

International Beverage has announced its acquisition of New Zealand spirits producer, Cardrona Distillery.

International Beverage has entered into an agreement with Anora Group plc to acquire its Larsen Cognac business.

The Lost Explorer Mezcal has appointed Alan Uresti Silva, previously of Annabel’s, as UK brand ambassador.

London Cocktail Week has unveiled the Bartender Knowledge Exchange programme to help educate both local and international bartenders as part of a series of new initiatives in 2023 aimed at supporting the hospitality industry.

American drinks group Brown-Forman has announced the launch of its own distribution business in Slovakia, bringing distribution in-house for the first time since the company entered the market.

Edrington UK has announced the appointment of its latest UK brand diplomat for Maker’s Mark bourbon, Charlotte Pederson.

Spanish gin brand Puerto de Indias has announced its partnership for distribution in the UK with Love Drinks.

Simone Caporale’s Sips, named No.3 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, and Boadas Bar are heading to the Donovan Bar in Mayfair, London, for a two-night takeover sponsored by Amaro Santoni this September.

Burnt Faith has partnered with drinks specialists, Proof Drinks, to drive interest in British brandy houses across the UK.

New government regulations have been introduced in the UK from August 1 which will see alcoholic beverages now taxed on strength.

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has announced the launch of his Irish stout brand Forged into the UK market through 350 ASDA stores on August 5.

Nico de Soto, ranked 23 in Drinks International’s Bar World 100 list in 2023, will open a new bar in London’s Soho this October.

Spiribam-UK and its fruit liqueur, eaux-de-vie and vermouth company, Joseph Cartron, have announced Daniel Seehuusen of Hotel Skansen, in Sweden as the global winner of its Unexpected Cartron Tour.

Alex Lawrence Milia has been promoted to managing director of Mr Lyan group and is now co-owner of the company’s venues.

The House of Suntory is partnering with 100 of the UK’s bars to mark its 100th anniversary, as part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to the on-trade and hospitality sector.

The cliché entry into bartending is during the university years, where a part time job to support a student loan snowballs into a career. But for some, hospitality is in their blood. Michael Hajiyianni, general manager of veteran Copenhagen bar Ruby, falls into the latter category.

The IWSR has recognised Trivento winery as the world’s top-selling Argentine wine brand.

Wine and Communications professional Kirsty Woodgate has been named the 2023 Spanish Wine Master UK after the grand final of the competition from the Spanish Wine Academy by Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao.

Korean soju brand Jinro has launched the first of three activations in Europe planned for 2023 after breaking 100m 9-litre cases.