== Concept == Zubrowka is the generic term for the bison grass vodka of Polish origin that is taking cocktail bars by storm. This distinctive vodka dates back to the 14th century when bison grass was first added to vodka, giving it a unique yellowish hue and aromatic flavour. A blade of the bison grass, unique to the Bialowieza forest, is left in the bottle…

Puritanical anti-alcohol lobbying is gathering momentum with increasing demand for more taxation and regulation of the drinks industry. But will more restrictions really make a difference? I think not. We asked four industry experts this question (see page 27), and their general consensus was that a change in social attitudes through communication and education was the more likely solution. The threat of…

Product Cutty Sark Scotch whiskies Critique by Gemma Leech, brand manager Charteredbrands Product Around the same time last year that the tall ship Cutty Sark embarked on a phase of conservation and restoration, the blended Scotch whisky brand Cutty Sark was also being rejuvenated. Four of its aged premium blends were been relaunched as Cutty Sark’s deluxe range. The 12, 15, 18 and 25…

Back in the early days of making spirits, the price and availability of grain was the critical factor facing any distiller. In Scotland, for example, the size of the local harvest had a direct effect on how much whisky was produced at the local distillery – whether legally or not. Whenever the harvest failed, the government of the time was apt to ban distilling altogether…

At the end of one year and the start of the next it’s always interesting to look back on past events while considering future challenges and opportunities. This new year we await with interest the outcome of the year-long and seemingly on-going speculation over the two massive drinks businesses up for grabs – Vin & Sprit and Scottish & Newcastle – and in which…

The World Health Organisation says it is a step closer to a global strategy on alcohol which takes into consideration the national circumstances of each country. A revised and expanded mandate will be presented to the World Health Authority in May which requests that the WHO’s director-general “collaborate and consult with Member States as well as with intergovernmental organisations, health professionals, non-governmental bodies and economic…

In this month’s DI we have two supplements: Sherry (in a pull-out section) and Vodka, in which you’ll find the results of our Vodka Challenge tasting. Awards can really give you and your business a boost. Every profession and every type of business has its awards schemes, and in terms of entering competitions – the more the merrier. There can’t be too many opportunities to…