There’s no change in the top three, but the lower echelons see some shifts and a new entry.

James McDermott, co-founder of Proof Drinks has died at the age of 47.

Kentucky-based spirits group Brown-Forman has announced it will be reducing its global workforce of 5400 employees by 12% and closing its cooperage in Louisville.

Scotch doesn’t feature too o­ften on cocktail lists but that’s no reason for cocktail bars to not find a use for it. Its most ardent fans would consider mixing the stuff sacrilege, but there are a number of classics that call for it.

Bacardi has completed a run of seven consecutive years of being at the top of the rum chart.

There are definite signs of change being afoot in brands’ popularity stakes in this always exciting category.

Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery will increase UK and Europe exports by 22%, ahead of the official recognition of the American single malt whiskey category.

Diageo has completed the closure of its Chase Distillery in the west of England, moving the production of its gin and vodka to Scotland.

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

Belfast-based Drinksology Kirker Greer Group (DKG), has appointed Gordon Buchanan as its new regional director for Europe, EMEA and Global Travel Retail (GTR).

There’s been quite a shake-up in this list as agave spirits and gin have ousted six of last year’s residents.

Gin brand Renais has secured a £4.95m investment to accelerate international expansion and increase production capacity.

The Drinks International Brands Report provides insights into the buying habits and drinking trends within the world’s best bars.