This is a big opportunity and I have a number of personal and business goals which I’m excited to get stuck into.” These are the words of Julia Massies, one of the UK’s most influential trade figures, as she sips on a Martini surrounded by the luxury interior of London’s Scarfes Bar. Last summer Massies was unveiled as the new managing director of Pernod Ricard…

“In 2021, the decision was made from the Carthusian monks to not increase their volume of production for the Chartreuse liqueurs. They are limiting production to focus on their primary goal: protect their monastic life and devote their time to solitude and prayer.” So began the letter to “dear valuable partner” breaking the news in January 2023 that the monks who produce Chartreuse liqueurs were…

Mezcal is one of the spirits world’s least likely success stories. For a rustic, funky, ancient spirit from rural Mexico to become a household name is like Bob Dylan winning The Voice. But when talking about agave spirits, perspective is important. Really anything that isn’t tequila is a drop in the ocean – mezcal, for instance, for all of its recent growth still only holds…

With so many new tequila brands coming to market, how do you create one which stands out? That was the question facing former master sommelier and winemaker Richard Betts, when launching Komos Tequila in 2017. “I don’t think anyone has anything to add to the blanco conversation,” he says. “If you want a good blanco, drink Siete Leguas, or Ocho, or Fortaleza. We wanted to…

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…