Kirker Greer Spirits expands presence in Singapore

Kirker Greer Spirits has announced its expansion into the Singaporean market from early spring, partnering with distributor The First Pour.

Whitebox Cocktails partners with Artisan Spirits

Ready-to-serve cocktail brand Whitebox Cocktails has partnered with brand-building agency, Artisan Spirits, to expand its international distribution.

Altamura Distilleries launches in India

Altamura Distilleries has announced its entry into the Indian market through its partnership with Amistad Spirits, an import and distribution house based in Delhi.

Speciality Brands adds two brands to spirits portfolio

Spirits distributor Speciality Brands is adding Takamaka to its rum portfolio, alongside signing an exclusive partnership with Chichibu Distillery, taking over from Speciality Drinks.

Holyrood Distillery secures funding package with fintech Ferovinum

Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery has secured a new funding package with specialist wine and spirits fintech Ferovinum, to support its domestic and international growth plans in 2024 and beyond.

The Artisanal Spirits Company acquires Single Cask Nation

Whisky producer, The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), and owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has acquired US-based independent bottling brand, Single Cask Nation.

Ajabu Cocktail and Spirits Festival to debut in South Africa

Africa's first bi-annual international cocktail and spirits festival, Ajabu, is set to debut in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024.

Hi-Spirits UK announces name change

Sazerac Company has announced the renaming of subsidiary spirits distributor Hi-Spirits UK, to Sazerac UK.

Speciality Brands to distribute Distillerie de Grandmont in the UK

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.

International Beverage acquires Cardrona Distillery

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

The Lost Explorer Mezcal appoints new UK brand ambassador

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

Stock Spirits acquires Clan Campbell and the Dugas Group

Stock Spirits Group has announced the finalisation of two acquisitions including Clan Campbell from Pernod Ricard and the purchase of the Société Dugas.

Cherubino Wines acquires Margaret River Winemakers

Australia-based Cherubino Wines has announced the acquisition of winery and spirits brand, Margaret River Winemakers.

Elevated Spirits Company appoints senior leadership team

The Elevated Spirits Company, producer of the Cierto Tequila portfolio, has announced the appointment of its senior leadership team.

Molson Coors acquires Blue Run Spirits

Molson Coors Beverage Company has reached an agreement to acquire Blue Run Spirits, producer of bourbon and rye whiskies.

UK government introduces new tax system on alcoholic beverages

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

Lion completes takeover of Four Pillars

Sydney-based brewing group, Lion, has completed its takeover of Australian spirits producer Four Pillars for an undisclosed sum. 

Global spirits volume sees 5% growth for 2022

The IWSR Drinks Market Analysis reported that the global spirits category grew 5% in volume in 2022, driven by whisky, rum and brandy. 

Sean 'Diddy' Combs sues Diageo over racism claims

US rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has sued Diageo over racism allegations and undermining the partnership with Combs Wines and Spirits.

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.

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet acquires Generous Gin

La Martiniquaise has announced the acquisition of French spirit Generous Gin, to add to the group’s premium offer and its ‘Craft From France’ portfolio.

Soderbergh directs singani to a win

Steven Soderbergh has dipped into the oceans of spirits and secured his favourite Bolivian drink its own classification.

Tito’s increases European footprint

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has appointed three new distributors in Germany, Greece, and Hungary, increasing its footprint in Europe.

US spirits exports reach $2.06bn

A new report by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has revealed that total US spirits exports reached a record $2.06bn in 2022, buoyed by the temporary halt to retaliatory tariffs, with American whiskey exports to the UK remaining lower than pre-tariff levels.

The Boatyard Distillery gains B-Corp certification

Irish spirits maker, The Boatyard Distillery, has announced it has earned B-Corporation certification.

NAO Spirits announces The Jay Dhawan Scholarship

In memory of its late distiller, Nao Spirits and Beverages, the craft gin distillers form India, have announced the Jay Dhawan Scholarship in association with the Gin Guild. 

California bill increases consumer access to spirits RTDs

California, US has introduced a bill to allow spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages to be sold under the same licence as beer and wine.

Crossip breaks into new markets

Non-alcoholic spirits brand, Crossip, has expanded into new markets across Europe, GCC and North America, alongside key local distribution partners.

Empirical launches two new spirits

Flavour company Empirical has announced the UK launch of its two latest spirits, SOKA (43% abv) and Symphony 6 (40% abv).

Be Spirits at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2023

The upcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris exhibition, due to take place from 13 to 15 February 2023 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, is dedicating a hall to the spirits and craft beverage arena, Be Spirits.

Defending 'nice' whisky writers

A response to the notion that 'without criticism there is only marketing', by DI editor Shay Waterworth.

Distill Ventures’ Frank Lampen on the Diageo acquisition of Mr Black

In September, Diageo acquired Australian cold brew coffee liqueur brand Mr Black from accelerator programme, Distill Ventures. Drinks International caught up with Frank Lampen, chief executive and co-founder of Distill Ventures to talk about the purchase and what’s next for the programme.

Global mezcal market expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031

The global mezcal market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031, new data by Straits Research has revealed.

Bacardi launches luxury travel retail experience in Hainan

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has unveiled the Fine Spirits Emporium, at the newly opened CDF Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Hainan province.

East London Liquor Co joins Mangrove Global portfolio

Mangrove Global, the premium UK spirits distributor, has announced the addition of East London Liquor Company to its portfolio.

London’s Silverleaf announces event series at the Singapore Grand Prix

London-bar Silverleaf has partnered with pan-Asian craft spirits brand The Orientalist Spirits to host a series of events throughout the Singapore Grand Prix 2022 weekend.

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. 

Ukiyo Japanese Spirits launches in New Zealand

Japanese spirits brand Ukiyo has launched its Blossom Gin, Yuzu Gin, and Rice Vodka in New Zealand after agreeing a distribution deal.

Domaine Tariquet Pure Folle Blanche 15 wins Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge 2022

Domaine Tariquet Pure Folle Blanche 15 ans has been named the Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge 2022, becoming the first armagnac in ISC history to do so.

Proximo Spirits relaunches 1800 tequila range

Proximo Spirits has undergone a brand relaunch for its 1800 Tequila range, revamping its packaging design in EMEA and APAC markets for its Silver, Coconut, Anejo & Reposado skews. 

Modernising Calvados

The apple-based spirit’s newest incarnations are at odds with outdated consumer perceptions, but a new breed of producer is working to change this.

Diageo India invests in premium gin producer Nao Spirits

United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) has announced an investment of INR 31.5 crores (US$ 4.1m) to acquire a strategic minority stake in Nao Spirits.

Tess Says: Minimalism vs Variety

The Scandinavian chic approach has had a huge influence on the modern bar scene. Thin glassware, no garnishes and plain interiors have become the norm for a lot of top bars around the world and to fit this aesthetic many have reduced their spirits offering.

Pernod Ricard UK expands its portfolio with new super-premium Kentucky whiskies

Pernod Ricard UK has expanded its American whiskey portfolio with Rabbit Hole making the UK the first European market to launch the brand.

No and low alcohol sales reached almost $10 billion in 2021

Sales of no and low alcohol beverages in 10 key global markets reached almost $10 billion in 2021 up from $7.8 billion in 2018, according to a new IWSR report.

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.

Brands Report 2022: Bartenders' Choice

Probably of all the leagues in the Annual Brands Report, a place in the Bartenders’ Choice list is the most sought-after among brands.

Illva Saronno launches Engine gin in the UK

Italian spirits company, Illva Saronno has launched the craft organic gin brand, Engine in the UK.

Craft spirits outpace non-craft in the US in 2020

In 2020, craft spirits in the US volume gains of almost 8%, growing to a 5% volume share and 7% value share of the total US spirits market, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Proof and Co release 20-point guide to opening and operating a successful bar

Proof Creative, the bar and beverage consultancy arm of the Asia Pacific-based independent spirits distributor Proof & Co, has launched its 20 Pillar Plan as an online resource.