Going to the airport is a generally depressing experience these days. We only do it because either we have to for work, or we’re off on holiday to somewhere far, far better...
Flor de Caña launches new reforestation campaign
To celebrate Earth Month, Flor de Caña, a carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified rum, is launching a year-long, global reforestation campaign that aims to ensure a greener future for generations to come.
Global bar community launch initiatives in aid of Ukraine
Several high profile bars around the world have launched initiatives to raise funds for the victims in Ukraine following its invasion by Russian troops.
The Old Hem was completely destroyed and two people were killed by Russian shelling on the Eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday, according to reports by the Kharkiv prosecutor's office.
A 'Michelin' for the bar industry, The Pinnacle Guide launches
London Cocktail Week founders Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox, alongside Global Bartending’s Dan Dove, have announced the launch of the Pinnacle Guide, a new one, two and three ‘Pin’ recognition system for the world’s best bars.
Brands Report 2022: Non-alcoholic spirits
The non-alcoholic spirits category debuted in last year’s report, but the sector has quickly taken root and now no drinks group’s portfolio is complete without one.
Brands Report 2022: Sherry
Perhaps one of the smaller categories of the Brands Report, sherry is significant nonetheless. More than three-quarters of venues we polled stock sherry behind their bar. And most of those that do have two brands, while more than half will have three or more.
Brands Report 2022: Beer
High-end bars rarely allocate bar-top space to draught systems, meaning the bestselling list is a battle of the bottles.
Brands Report 2022: Vodka
Just as Ketel One was on the precipice of completing the perfect 10, in swoops Grey Goose to snatch the vodka crown.
Adnams launches high-strength gin designed for low alcohol serves
Suffolk-based distillery Adnams has launched a high-strength gin distilled with ten times the botanicals to give the flavour of a full serve in a 2.5ml measure.
Brands Report 2022: Rum
The usual crowd have populated this year’s bestselling rum list. In fact, nine of the 10 brands remain a constant, with the first seven in the ranking identical to the previous year.
Ireland introduces hospitality restrictions
Tighter restrictions on hospitality venues of been introduced to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in the Republic of Ireland.
Moe Aljaff: The Schmuck who hit gold
From living a borderline homeless existence in Amsterdam and handing out leaflets while living off Burger King and cheap pints, Moe Aljaff recently opened his third venue in the hipster hotspot of Barcelona’s El Raval, making him one of the hottest properties in global bartending right now.
Salmon Guru wins 50 Best Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
Spain’s Salmon Guru has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of The World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony in December.
Tidal Rum launches crowdfunding campaign
Tidal Rum aims to raise at least £150,000 after launching an equity crowdfunding campaign on the Seedrs platform.
Pernod Ricard to acquire The Whisky Exchange
Pernod Ricard has announced the acquisition of online retailer The Whisky Exchange for an undisclosed fee.
Richard Seale: Rum's Supreme Champion
Foursquare Distillery icon Richard Seale talks about his career and recent achiements with Oli Dodd.
Simone Caporale: Life in the fast lane
Simone Caporale is one of the most decorated bartenders on the planet, yet one of the most personable.
James Grant wins Diageo World Class 2021
James Grant from Canada has been crowned the 12th winner of Diageo World Class following a first ever virtual event for 2021.
Tequila's calling for celebrity mixto
Stars continue to flock to give their endorsement to 100% agave brands, but sustainability has become an issue as consumer demand has risen.
London Cocktail Week launches one-off Warm-Up festival
For the first time, London Cocktail Week has announced a one-off Warm-Up festival, taking place 05-11 July 2021.
International Spirits Challenge 2021 announces results for gin, aquavit, world spirits and no/low
Pernod Ricard has claimed two double gold medals in the gin category at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.
Flor de Caña to plant 1m trees by 2025
Flor de Caña has pledged to plant more than one million trees by 2025 through its own annual reforestation program called ‘Together for a Greener Future’.
Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year Revealed
Oscar Oliveras has won the prestigious Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year award for this image of Semillon grapes being gathered in Saussignac, France.
KAH Tequila targets major expansion in 2021
Super premium brand KAH Tequila is planning large-scale global expansion in 2021 starting with China and Russia.
The rise of Rioja’s carbonically macerated reds
It’s December 2020 and I’m holding in my hands a Rioja whose vintage bears the same year. And it’s one of the brightest, freshest, easiest to drink wines I’ve had since moving to the area.
Mezcal: Nom-199 and the ongoing regulations standoff
A U-turn on regulations for mezcal has left producers confused about quality control. Shay Waterworth reports.
Ferrari Trento plans global expansion after Formula One deal
Drinks International caught up with Ferrari Trento chief executive Matteo Lunelli to learn more about the brand’s new Formula One sponsorship deal.
Peroni Libera 0.0% sponsors Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One team
The Peroni Libera 0.0% logo will take pride of place on Aston Martin Cognizant’s new Formula 1 car this season as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal. Drinks International caught up with Richard Ingram, global brands director at parent company Asahi Europe & International, to learn more about its plans for the partnership.
Brewdog launches campaign to plant 1m new trees
BrewDog has launched a new initiative to plant one tree for every multipack of its flagship beers purchased throughout 2021.
Amstel trains focus on China
Heineken has unveiled plans to make Amstel one of the bestselling beer brands in the Chinese market.
Johnnie Walker pledges to plant one million trees in Scotland by 2025
Johnnie Walker has announced a commitment to plant one million trees across Scotland in the next five years.
Galaxy Bar in Dubai named named the Campari One To Watch 2020
Galaxy Bar in Dubai has been named this year’s Campari One to Watch by the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Adelaide Hills winemaker Taras Ochota has passed away
Legendary Adelaide Hills winemaker Taras Ochota has died after a long battle with illness.
Lebanese winery Ixsir gears up for export drive
Lebanese wine producer Ixsir is ramping up its focus on exports after the domestic market was hit by a double whammy of hyperinflation and Covid-19.
A British bar owner has created a prototype layout that would allow his pub to reopen this summer at around 75% of its usual capacity.
Bars and nightclubs will be the last businesses to reopen when Italy’s coronavirus lockdown ends, a leading virologist has warned.
Aquavit: A new lease of life
Aquavit, ‘the water of life’ was all but dead in the water thanks to younger drinkers’ aversion to it. but now all that is changing, as Hamish Smith discovers
Beer: Picture this
It’s all about the branding for craft beers trying to get noticed in a crowded marketplace. Shay Waterworth gets under the skin of funky designs
Prosecco: The sweet spot
Prosecco producers are looking for ways to beat the ravages of climate change in the vineyards. Shay Waterworth reports from Italy
Vodka: A clear winner?
Is it possible to apply the craft approach to vodka? Philip Duff could have had the recipe for success
The new £2.5m Lakes Distillery will become the first whisky operation in the Lake District in more than 100 years, when it opens in December.
Pre-mixed Drinks Challenge results
With convenience at its heart, the pre–mixed drink is always going to involve an element of compromise – the category will probably never be one for the purist. But that doesn’t mean it should be spared our scrutiny.
International Wine Challenge results
The International Wine Challenge held is annual bash at the Hilton on London’s Park Lane last night at which all its trophy winners were announced.
Rémy Martin Black Pearl cognac up for auction
A rare bottle of Rémy Martin Black Pearl cognac estimated to be worth between £5,000 and £7,000 is up for auction in London.
Book Review: Whisky Opus
Yes, it is that time of year: late summer/autumn when publishers start releasing books with an eye to the Christmas gifting market. Well, here’s one for anyone looking for either a coffee table book or an easy-to-read/glance at, authoritative book on whisky.
Profile: Joy Spence
The world’s first female master blender, Joy Spence, is a chemist, philanthropist and all-round spirited raconteur. Jaq Bayles meets the architect of Jamaica’s best-known rums