Gin has adopted many new incarnations in the course of its meteoric rise – but is it in danger of going too far? Christian Davis ponders over a great G&T

CEO of Sogrape Vinhos, Francisco Ferreira, has ventured that the planting of further international varietals could help to attract more consumers to Portuguese wine.

Current project director Danila Avdiu will leave Messe Düsseldorf on December 31, 2012.

Four Roses bourbon has taken over the downstairs bar at Shaker & Company, London, for the month of February.

Jägermeister parent company Mast-Jägermeister has appointed Denis Schrey to its management team.

Budvar has reported record export results for 2011.

International Wine & Spirit Research (IWSR) says that Asia-Pacific will be the fastest-growing region for the alcoholic beverage markets over the next five years.

Chivas Brothers is to roll out a Christmas edition of it Ballantine’s scotch whisky. Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is available until December in ‘key markets’ including Spain, France and Taiwan.

Drambuie has reported operating profits of £2.81m – up 2% on last year.

Moet & Chandon has launched a champagne designed to be served over ice.

Heinemann Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Germany-based duty free retailer and distributor Gebr Heinemann, has appointed Paul Topping to the role of director.

Global drinks giant Diageo has opened the doors of its new £40 million distillery in Speyside, Scotland.

The 2010 New Zealand grape harvest totalled 266,000 tonnes, 19,000 tonnes smaller than the 2009 crop and in line with the pre-harvest forecast.

The Isle of Arran distillery is to double production to meet rising demand. Production in 2008 was 150,000LPA (litres of pure alcohol) and 130,000 in 2009. During 2010, the distillery aims to double the 2009 total.

The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival starts this week.

India: United Spirits has crossed the milestone of 100 million cases for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.