Marissa Johnston, former global head of Diageo World Class and Advocacy, has joined the UK-based organisation as executive director.

Nikka makes it three on the bounce, and nine in 10, at the top of our world whisky ranking. ­The stylish From the Barrel continues to be a bar favourite, while the blended Nikka Days range has provided bartenders with a more budget-friendly option for mixing. Its brands were house pour in 23% of bars and a top-three in 52%. But while the Asahi-owned…

For 2025 the top spots in vodka remain unchanged. Bacardi-owned Grey Goose secured its position as the bestselling vodka with Diageo-owned Ketel One taking the second spot. For the past few years the brands have been battling it out for the top place, with Grey Goose ranking as a top-three choice in just over half the bars polled, while Ketel One was 36%.

McDermott co-founded Proof Drinks in 2010 alongside Paul Ferguson, building a portfolio of brands such as Cazcabel, Lyre’s, Duppy Share, Finlandia, Ramsbury, Brockmans and the Heaven Hill & Gruppo Montenegro portfolios.  Ferguson said: “We are all deeply saddened by James’ passing. He was a true friend to so many, both within Proof and across the industry. We built Proof together from the ground-up, with…

For the seventh year running, Bacardi has topped the rum bestsellers list. As the house pour in 20% of bars polled, the Bermudan giant has proved its position as a powerhouse in hospitality. Having been in competition for the second spot, Havana Club has a­ffirmed its staying power as the second bestselling rum, ranking as such for another year running. The Pernod Ricard-owned spirit…

Among a rapidly evolving category, one thing remains the same in tequila and that’s the supremacy of Don Julio in the world’s best bars. The Diageo-owned brand makes it a decade in pole position on our bestselling list, but more than ever the competition is closing in.  This year, Don Julio was the bestselling tequila in 17% of our bars and a top-three…

As the category experiences a period of stagnation in its wider context, in bars, gin is very much in, as found in the 2024 Drinks International Cocktail Report. The spirit was the most popular in bars for the ninth consecutive year, primarily driven by the G&T, while the Dry Martini continues its renaissance. Consumers are also looking to premium familiar favourites, so it’s no…