The move from His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will save UK spirits producers, such as Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey, up to 95%. The SDV scheme acts to protect the reputation and authenticity of spirits with a GI in the UK, as spirits under these categories are required to pay up to £11,410 (US$15,195) every two years in verification fees. The…

Scot-Free will be limited to just 61 bottles available for free via ballot that launched on St Georges Day and closes on 30 April. About the bottling, a company spokesperson said: “Right now, some English distilleries are being told they can’t use the term single malt. Why? Because the rule-makers say so. But whisky lovers know: great whisky doesn’t need permission.” The 61 bottles represents…

The purchase agreement includes the Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida operations of Maverick, and will also see around 400 Maverick team members join Johnson Brothers as part of the acquisition.  Ryan Schwartz, chief executive of Maverick Beverage Company, said: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Maverick and the suppliers we are proud to represent. Johnson Brothers shares our values and our commitment to…

Formerly known as Lough Gill Distillery, Hawk’s Rock will continue to produce and age Irish whiskey under master blender Helen Mulholland on the over 100-acre site located in County Sligo, Ireland. Sazerac president and chief executive, Jake Wenz, said: “This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawk’s Rock Distillery. Throughout the changes at Hawk’s Rock, our vision remains the same – creating a…

Supported by cleanup and restoration efforts by hundreds of professionals, the removal of flood water debris and damage is more than 75% complete with power restored to key areas of the site. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our contractors and dedicated teams, we’ve made tremendous progress in the Distillery’s flood recovery plan. While there’s still work to be done, the resilience and…

Southern Glazer’s will oversee the distribution of True Story Whiskey, which includes a finished bourbon and finished rye, and Brothers of the Leaf portfolio of bourbon and rye. “Our partnership with Southern Glazer’s represents a big milestone for Saga Spirits as it gives us access to a trusted network from the leader in spirits distribution,” said Henderson. “My goal is to have True…

Inside Alma, a former mid-century arthouse cinema in Prague, diners preface meals of grilled ox heart and black beer sauce-dressed carp with complex cocktails like the tequila-based Yarrow & Famous. Yarrow buds, their bitterness tamed by a salt fermentation, are steeped in a homemade pastis formula for a minimum of six months. Then, the liquid is married with pickled cherry water and tomato liqueur. Alma…