Craft is a word that’s heard a lot in the spirits world, mostly being used to identify independent brewers and distillers, as opposed to companies that operate on a much larger scale, mass-producing bottlings. Although still a niche product, France’s oldest brandy, armagnac, is one that embodies the word ‘craft’ and sticks to tradition. According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the largest markets for armagnac…

This article first appeared in the Drinks International Rum Supplement which can be read in full here In a category famed for its breadth of production methods, not to mention places of origin, rum producers are still finding new ways to push the envelope, whether it’s through the use of new techniques, unusual casks, or revisiting the spirit’s raw materials. Here are some of the sector’s most…

Now with an all-new production line to increase capacity and meet consumer demand, Drinks International caught up with Absolut’s vice president of operations, Anna Schreil, on the brand’s next steps. PUSHING SUSTAINABILITY As part of a wider goal to become carbon neutral, Absolut, in 2020, committed to its distillery being fossil-free before the end of 2025, around 92% of the energy used…

In November last year DO Cava organised and hosted its inaugural industry summit – Cava Meeting – an annual trade gathering designed to address the challenges facing the category and the opportunities ahead. Having attended the three-day event in Barcelona, the consensus is that cava has never been more serious about its image and future direction. However, while the event showcased new initiatives and change…

It’s now been two years since Philippines-born Troy Arquiza succeeded Joe Gomez in arguably the biggest job in rum. At retirement, Gomez had overseen the liquid output of Bacardi as global master blender for 41 years, more than a quarter of its 160-year history. So big shoes to fill, but Arquiza is no rookie – after training as an industrial engineer, he joined Bacardi as…

It’s amazing how often I wake up and think: ‘I’m living in Italy making vodka?’” These are the candid words of Frank Grillo, who founded Altamura Vodka less than two years ago following a successful career in marketing. Given his Italian heritage, Grillo and his partner relocated from the States to Puglia, southern Italy, during the pandemic to work remotely. However, after baking a loaf…

Britain has always been a nation of rum drinkers. ­ The country’s love affair with the spirit can be traced back to almost its origin. In 1655, Jamaica fell under British colonial rule and rum supplanted French brandy as the daily liquor ration for Royal Navy servicemen. ­That was just four years after rum was first documented in records from Barbados which told of slaves…