The Yamazaki 18 wins Supreme Champion at International Spirits Challenge 2025

In the 30th edition of the International Spirits Challenge, Suntory Spirits has won the 2025 Supreme Champion award with The Yamazaki 18.

Igiea Terrazza Bar launches Sicily Around the World menu

Set in Rocco Forte hotel, Villa Igiea, the bar’s new menu features ten cocktails created by Salvatore Calabrese aka ‘The Maestro'.

Casa Redondo acquires Sheridan’s from Diageo

Casa Redondo, the Portuguese spirits company behind Licor Beirão and Safari, has acquired Sheridan’s coffee and cream liqueur from Diageo.

Le Philtre vodka joins Spiribam

French organic vodka Le Philtre has joined spirits producer and distributor Spiribam.

Sarah Burgess joins International Beverage as master of whisky creation

International Beverage has named Sarah Burgess as the company’s new master of whisky creation.

The truth about moderation

Despite what some headlines would suggest, Gen Z isn’t suddenly drinking more – and neither are earlier generations.

International Beverage launches Thailand's first single malt whisky

International Beverage has announced the global launch of Prakaan, Thailand’s first premium single malt whisky, following its entry into domestic and Asian markets last year.

ISC at 30: Whisky's oldest tasting competition

As the International Spirits Challenge hits a milestone, Oli Dodd asks some of the most respected whisky judges for their thoughts on how the competition has evolved and why it is so important.

Pernod completes wine sale to newly named Vinarchy

Pernod Ricard has announced the successful completion of the sale of its portfolio of strategic international wines to Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), effective as of 30 April 2025.

Antinori and Caporale to open new bar Montana in Hong Kong

Lorenzo Antinori and Simone Caporale have announced the opening of a new bar in Hong Kong called Montana, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

Scarfes Bar partners with Celebrate Her for IWD

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London is collaborating with global community Celebrate Her to host ‘Accelerate Action’, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

Barcelona Wine Week sees 30% growth in 2025

Barcelona Wine Week experienced a 30% increase in both exhibitor numbers and exhibition space in its fifth edition, which concluded 5 February.

International Beverage invests in China with Asiaeuro acquisition

Premium spirits business International Beverage, the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company (ThaiBev) has acquired Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB).

Brands Report 2025: Gin

Despite tales of its demise, gin is very much alive and kicking when it comes to the top bars.

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.

International Beer Challenge 2024 announces winners

The results for the International Beer Challenge (IBC) have now been revealed, with Averbode by Brouwerij L Huyghe winning Supreme Champion in the taste awards.

Skrewball enters New Zealand and Australia

Skrewball peanut butter whiskey liqueur has entered Australia and New Zealand in partnership with Pernod Ricard.

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. 

Zamora Company sets record sales in 2023

Zamora Company has announced record turnover for 2023 with €268 million and a 21.5% increase in sales since 2021.

Act of Treason gains nationwide distribution in Australia

Australian spirits company Top Shelf International has launched its Act of Treason agave spirit in the domestic off-trade through Endeavour Group’s Dan Murphy’s.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society donates new series profits to OurWhisky

As part of its celebrations for International Women’s Day 2024 the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has released five single cask whiskies selected by an all-women tasting panel.

The Lakes Distillery honours International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, The Lakes Distillery has released a limited-edition single malt whisky to celebrate inclusivity in whisky.

Little Red Door figureheads leave positions

Ex-bar director Alex Francis and former head bartender Barney O’Kane have announced their departure from the Parisian bar.

The International Beer Challenge 2024 launches

Now in its 28th year, the International Beer Challenge (IBC) has launched for 2024, calling on global brewers to submit their work for evaluation by industry judges.

Little Red Door takes strike action

The team at Little Red Door in Paris have announced strike action due to an ongoing legal dispute between co-owner Timothée Prangé and the bar’s majority shareholders.

Altamura appoints new international head of brand

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.

Badet Clément announces new name and winemaker

Laurent and Catherine Delaunay, founders and owners of Badet Clément, have unveiled a new name for their international family wine group, Delaunay Vins & Domaines.

International Beverage acquires Cardrona Distillery

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

International Beverage to acquire Larsen Cognac business from Anora

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

The Cambridge Public House hosts international bars

Drinks International can exclusively reveal that Parisian neighbourhood bar and cocktail pub, The Cambridge Public House, will host ‘The Cambridge Global Series’, in celebration of the Rugby World Cup this October. 

Oslo’s Himkok hosts international cocktail bars

Norwegian cocktail bar Himkok, will be hosting ten international cocktail bars for two nights of takeovers in celebration of Himkok’s eight year anniversary and the 2023 Norse Bar Show, on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 June.

Takamaka launches in Belgium

Trois Frères Distillery, the makers of Takamaka Rum in the Seychelles, has announced its launch into Belgium in collaboration with independent importer, The Nectar.

Defending 'nice' whisky writers

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

Springbank named World's Most Admired Whisky 2022

Springbank has been named The World’s Most Admired Whisky brand in the second edition of the annual top 50 list released by Drinks International.

International Beverage appoints Malcolm Leask to new managing director role

Global drinks business International Beverage Holdings has announced the appointment of vice president of sales, Malcolm Leask, to the new post of managing director.

Drinks International Travel Retail Awards to return on Tuesday 4 October

Following a one-year hiatus, the Drinks International Travel Retail Awards will be returning for its 16th year to celebrate innovation and excellence in the world of drinks travel retail.

London’s Lyaness named world’s best bar at The Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards

Lyaness at Sea Containers London took top honours as it was named World’s Best Bar at the 16th annual Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards at the New Orleans Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Japanese Whisky: Pushing Premium

Japanese whisky continues to go from strength to strength as shochu producers turn to the category to make their mark in international markets.

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.

D.O. Cava enjoys record breaking 2021

Following a strong performance in the international market, D.O. Cava has reported a sales growth of 17.3 per cent and 252 million bottles in sales.

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.

Waterworth named new editor of DI

Drinks International has announced the appointment of Shay Waterworth as its new editor to replace the outgoing Martin Green from April onwards.

The Brands Report 2022 launches

The Drinks International Annual Brands Report 2022 has launched.

Pernod Ricard unveils China malt distillery The Chuan

Pernod Ricard has unveiled its new $150m malt whisky distillery called The Chuan in Emeishan, China.

28HongKong Street celebrates 10 years of operation

Famed Singapore bar 28HongKong Street will host a series of celebrations throughout the year to commemorate a decade of operation.

Cachaça: Breaking out of Brazil

For many drinkers outside of its native Brazil, cachaça is a largely mysterious category, perhaps known as the star of a Caipirinha and nothing more. In its homeland, however, cachaça’s popularity borders on religious.

Amaretto in a nutshell

There’s a buzz about Italian spirits in many markets. Campari and Aperol are kicking up a storm in aperitif drinking occasions through spritz and other mixer serves, while amaro is getting some love on the back of the wider trend for herbal, digestif-style liqueurs.

Foursquare Redoubtable Named Supreme Champion at International Spirits Challenge 2021

Foursquare Distillery in Barbados has won the coveted International Spirits Challenge 2021 Supreme Champion award for its Redoubtable 14 Year Old rum.

International Spirits Challenge 2021 Awards Set for July 8

The International Spirits Challenge 2021 will reveal trophy winners and the overall Supreme Champion via an online awards presentation on Thursday, July 8.

International Spirits Challenge 2021 announces whisky results

The International Spirits Challenge 2021 has awarded 11 double gold medals to the finest Scotch whiskies in the world.