Drinks International is delighted to announce that Patience Gould, its former editor and a well known figure in the drinks industry, is returning to write a regular column.
Master of Malt once again founder-owned
AB InBev’s ZX Ventures arm has sold Master of Malt, Maverick Drinks and Atom Brands back to original founder Justin Petszaft, six years after acquiring the business.
Glen Grant master distiller to retire
Glen Grant has announced the retirement of master distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE, who will leave his role at the end of June, after a six-decade long career.
Aberfeldy and Finca Ambrosia partner to create Malbec finish
Scotch whisky brand Aberfeldy has partnered with Argentinian Winery, Finca Ambrosia, for the most recent edition to its Wine Cask Collection.
No.3 Gin education programme concludes in Soho
No.3 London Dry Gin’s education initiative Ph3 Bartending Programme, which aims to empower bartenders, has reached its final ‘Graduation’ phase.
Q&A: Naked Malt targets Sour serves in World's Best Bars
Having recently attended the Nordics leg of Naked Malt’s Live Naked Bar Swap competition in Copenhagen, Drinks International caught up with global brand manager Colette Duff and master blender Marc Watson to discuss the brand’s direction.
Yann Munier appointed Maison Mumm cellar master
Champagne house Maison Mumm has announced Yann Munier as its new cellar master from 8 April 2024.
Ramón Bilbao crowns inaugural Spanish Wine Master UK
Wine and Communications professional Kirsty Woodgate has been named the 2023 Spanish Wine Master UK after the grand final of the competition from the Spanish Wine Academy by Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao.
Ramón Bilbao introduces Spanish Wine Master competition
Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao is introducing a professional competition to find its ‘Spanish Wine Master’, as the brand continues on its mission to educate the trade about Spanish wine.
Loch Lomond Group launches new whisky brand
Loch Lomond Group has launched Noble Rebel, a new blended malt Scotch whisky brand, available in three distinct expressions, Orchard Outburst, Smoke Symphony and Hazelnut Harmony.
Woodford Reserve appoints Elizabeth McCall as master distiller
Woodford Reserve has appointed Elizabeth McCall as master distiller, the third in the bourbon brand’s 26-year history, succeeding Chris Morris, who will assume the role of master distiller emeritus.
Desmond Payne becomes Beefeater master distiller emeritus
Beefeater has announced that Desmond Payne MBE will be the brand’s first-ever master distiller emeritus in January 2023.
Scarfes Bar’s Arturo Burzio crowned 2022 elit Martini Master
Scarfes Bar at The Rosewood assistant head bartender, Arturo Burzio has been crowned 2022 elit Vodka’s Martini Master following the global final held in Athens.
The Balvenie announces Kelsey McKechnie as malt master
The Balvenie has appointed Kelsey McKechnie as malt master, an announcement that comes as The Balvenie Distillery celebrates David C Stewart MBE’s 60th anniversary with the release of The Balvenie Sixty.
The Balvenie releases its oldest whisky ever
Speyside distillery, The Balvenie, has announced the launch of its oldest and rarest whisky ever, The Balvenie Sixty, a single cask bottling from 1962.
Edrington appoints new master blender for The Famous Grouse
Spirits company Edrington, has announced the appointment of Craig Johnstone as master blender for The Famous Grouse.
Black Tot rum’s annual celebration is to return this year with a month-long programme of festivities and the release of the Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve.
Johnnie Walker releases final Masters series whisky
Johnnie Walker has launched Masters of Flavour, the third and final whisky in the Johnnie Walker Masters series.
Alex Thomas named Bushmills master blender
Bushmills has appointed Alex Thomas as master blender at The Old Bushmills Distillery working across the entire portfolio and product development.
Black Tot launches second Master Blender's Reserve
Black Tot Rum has announced the launched of its second annual limited edition expression Master Blender’s Reserve which will be available from Black Tot Day, 31 July.
Master of Malt predicts future drinking trends
Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled three key trends that could define the spirits industry during the next year.
The Last Drop Releases 50 Year Old Scotch Blend
The Last Drop has made its first foray into spirits creation with the release of its 50 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky.
Deirdre O’Carroll joins Midleton blending team
Deirdre O’Carroll has been appointed blender at Midleton Distillery in Cork nearly a decade after joining the Pernod Ricard subsidary.
Michter’s has released its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2020 in the UK.
Master of Malt moves into own-label spirits
Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled its first own-label spirits range comprising a gin, vodka, rum and blended Scotch.
Master of Malt relaunches #WhiskySanta campaign
Online retailer Master of Malt aims to spread some much-needed festive cheer by relaunching its popular #WhiskySanta promotion.
Jim Beam announces travel retail exclusive from Fred and Freddie Noe
Leading bourbon producer Jim Beam has given the beleaguered travel retail sector a vote of confidence by launching an exclusive expression into the channel.
Irish Distillers unveils Midleton Very Rare 2020
Irish Distillers has unveiled the final whiskey created by outgoing master distiller Brian Nation during his final days in the role.
Jack Daniel's appoints Chris Fletcher as master distiller
Jack Daniel’s has announced that Chris Fletcher will take over from the outgoing Jeff Arnett as master distiller of the Tennessee whiskey brand.
Jack Daniel's master distiller steps down after 20 years in Lynchburg
Jack Daniel’s master distiller Jeff Arnett is stepping down after a 20-year career at the world-famous American whiskey producer.
Colin Scott has retired from his role as the custodian master blender of Chivas Regal after enjoying an illustrious 47-year career in the Scotch whisky industry. Drinks International caught up with the esteemed blender on his final day at the office.
Irish Distillers master distiller heads to Minneapolis to work for O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company
A craft spirits startup in Minnesota has secured the services of Irish Distillers’ master distiller Brian Nation.
Irish Distillers appoints new master distiller
Kevin O’Gorman will take over as master distiller at Jameson producer Irish Distillers after Brian Nation decided to move to a startup in the US.
Pilsner Urquell crowns UK Master Bartender
Pilsner Urquell has awarded Paul Seagraves from Tweedies Bar in Grasmere, Cumbria with the title of UK Master Bartender 2012.
Michael Cox is new Vintners' master
Michael Cox has been installed as the 518th Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners for the forthcoming year.
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
Chivas launches Ballantine’s Signature Distillery Editions
Chivas Brothers has launched two 17-year old Ballantine’s expressions under the new line, Signature Distillery Editions.
Glenfiddich launches double-matured whisky
William Grant has launched a new expression of its Glenfiddich whisky brand: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition.
Master of Malt launches blogger blend St Isidore
Following a collaboration with whisky bloggers and journalists, Master of Malt has released St Isidore.
Patience Gould returns to Drinks International
Drinks International is delighted to announce that Patience Gould, its former editor and a well known figure in the drinks industry, is returning to write a regular column.
Master of Malt reveals Rumbullion
Online spirits retailer Master of Malt has released Rumbullion, an “old-fashioned“ rum under its Professor Cornelius Ampleforth brand.
Jack Daniel's crowns UK champion
Jack Daniel's has crowned the UK champion of its Tennessee-based Birthday Cocktail Competition 2011.
Master of Malt launches yesteryear expression
Online spirits merchant Master of Malt has extended its line of yesteryear spirit-based expressions with the launch of Proprietary Barley Spirit Drink.
Pilsner Urquell anoints its master
Czech lager brand Pilsner Urquell has anointed Dubliner Fearghus McCormack as its International Master Bartender 2011.
Stella's quest for draught master begins
Stella Artois’ seven-month quest to find its “draught master” has begun with the launch of the Quality Draught Masters Programme.
I made my own gin! While it was bubbling away in a tiny Florence Flask (bulb-bottomed glass flask), I was getting excited about a potential second career as a master distiller. I was imagining travelling the world, clinking glasses with bartenders as we enjoy my wonderful creation, then popping to warm Mediterranean countries to source botanicals…
Master of Malt launches “world’s oldest liqueur”
Online whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a 40-year old whisky liqueur.
Early heatwave puts 2011 Cognac crop at risk
Producers throughout the Cognac region have major concerns that early budbreak, caused by an unprecedented warm spell in early April, could result in severe crop damage if night-time temperatures fall to freezing in the next few weeks.
Master of Malt launches single malt liqueur
Whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a liqueur made from single malt scotch whisky.
Slovakian vodka Goral Master launches
Slovakian spirits group Gas Familia has launched premium vodka Goral Master.