Many bars suffer because of bad design. Specialist Simon Knowles takes us through our paces.

There are approximately 377 indigenous grape varieties in Italy. Diverse doesn’t cover half of it. Christian Davis reports

Patience Gould checks out the latest state of play in the blended Scotch whisky world – and finds much cause for optimism

Hamish Smith unearths the past of Chivas and Royal Salute with master blender Colin Scott and finds a history steeped in Scotch

Hamish Smith investigates the evolution and future trajectory of white rum

Patience Gould takes a look at how mixologists are making Scotch whisky the very heart of a cocktail

With a name like Beltran Domecq, you know this man has sherry in his veins. Christian Davis meets the new head of the Sherry Institute

There is increasing awareness and demand for low and lower-alcohol wines. Christian Davis checks on who’s doing what

Lucy Britner delves into the world of sugar syrups – and finds there’s more to them than meets the eye

Now that cachaça has legal status in the States, it’s bound to start moving in countries other than its homeland. But for now, Brazil remains the focal point. Hamish Smith reports

McGuigan Wines has just been acclaimed World’s Best Winemaker for an unprecedented third time. Christian Davis talks to the man who makes it all happen

The bubbles may not be overflowing for prosecco and cava, but Lucy Britner finds the duo weathering the financial storms of their respective countries

For a while a few years ago Japanese whisky was the drinks industry success story. Then it all went a little quiet. Dominic Roskrow investigates what happened to it

Bitters are making a huge comeback worldwide as innovative brands and classic cocktails push them into the limelight. Patience Gould reviews the category

Porn star Ron Jeremy gets the bar call for a rum which bears his name. Hamish Smith meets the actor as his promotional roadshow rolls into London

Consumers are starting to really embrace the convenience of a pre-mixed drink in a portable format. Hamish Smith reports

With classic regions and the famous Super-Tuscan wines, exports are Tuscany’s life blood. Christian Davis reports

With age statements and innovation grabbing attention worldwide, Cognac sales are booming. But can it keep up with global demand? Gavin D Smith reports 

Is age growing old when it comes to single malts? Lucy Britner finds producers are looking beyond the traditional

Malbec is the undisputed jewel in the country’s wine crown. But is it under too much pressure? Christian Davis checks out the other possible contenders

Patience Gould looks at gin’s re-emergence in the world of mixology and finds no end of potential in its variety

Hamish Smith tracks the career of Hollywood superstar Danny DeVito to the launch of his beloved limoncello brand

Hamish Smith ponders the enigmatic link between product and consumer

Lucy Britner finds vodka is still sweet on flavour in the US market. Here she uncovers some of the more unusual varieties

David Bond, partner and head of the advertising & marketing group at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP looks at the legal minefield of Facebook and Twitter

An unfamiliar face has designs on the cream liqueurs crown. Lucy Britner flings the saloon doors open on the sector

American whiskey has been undergoing a quiet revolution. Now the new wave of distillers, led by bourbon’s Kentucky heartland, is set to go global. Dominic Roskrow reports

Susanne Stauß takes a closer look at the global sparkling wine market

Market research exists in the short term, but reviewing past research projects can uncover trends relevant to the future, says Bryan Urbick of Consumer Knowledge Centre.

Lucy Britner probes cocktail experts on how to track trends and succeed in competitions

World Cup finalist, UEFA Champions League, FA and League Cup winner… and now rum brand owner. Christian Davis tackles French international footballer Mikaël Silvestre

Vodka can be all things to all people. Christian Davis reports on the premiumisation of the most global of spirits

Popularity comes with a price for the agave plant. Lucy Britner puts tequila under the microscope

Portugal has no shortage of great wines to offer the world, but its challenge lies in communicating the message. Hamish Smith reports

The 2012 vintage is down more than 20% in places, but the Kiwis are happy to try to strike a balance between demand and supply. Christian Davis reports

Hamish Smith unravels the complex politics of a diverse spirit

Joe Bates talks to global brand director James Slack about Chivas Regal’s biggest duty free exclusive launch in the brand’s history

ISC judge and distiller Patrick van Zuidam looks at how liqueurs will be flavouring the next decade

Lucy Britner finds Spain’s best-known wine region is flying the flag for its country with exports up and investment sound

With ProWein 2013 in mind, Thomas Brandl finds out how winemakers in central and south-eastern Europe have made efforts to modernise and become more competitive.

Described by some as the Heston Blumenthal of drinks, Tony C has under his care 69 Colebrooke Row and Zetter Townhouse. Lucy Britner caught up with him at his Drink Factory

Despite reports of champagne’s struggle to keep cases sales up, Lucy Britner finds that the world has far from fallen out of love with France’s famous export

Christian Davis looks at the latest developments in the great debate over cork versus synthetics

Lucy Britner mixes with the best

Cider – and its many variants – continues to capture the imaginations of consumers. But does it have worldwide appeal? Hamish Smith gets to the core of the issue

Armagnac is arguably the closest spirit to wine in terms of provenance, raw materials and the outlook of the growers, producers and brand owners. Christian Davis reports

Gin is trading on the complexities of its flavour profile to cash in on the cocktail boom. Patience Gould finds a booming super-premium sector

With Irish whiskey proving a global smash, Hamish Smith looks into the growth plans of the big four players

Lucy Britner on livening up tequila

Despite a strong peso, consumers are prepared to pay the price for quality Chilean wine. Christian Davis reports