Hamish Smith was at The Distillers City Debate, where the future of rum was the topic of discussion
Brands Report: Gin
Tanqueray tops the best sellers yet again, but Hendrick’s is making its mark. By Hamish Smith
22nd Cocktail Challenge results announced
This year was Drinks International’s 22nd Cocktail Challenge, making it one of the longest running cocktail competitions in the world.
The rum report: Jamaican rum
Jamaican rum is a reference point of the rum taste spectrum. Hamish Smith looks into its past, present and future
Trouble in paradise
Mezcal is making its way into the drinking repertoires of new fans worldwide. But it’s not all plain sailing for the agave spirit. Hamish Smith reports
Little Red Door's Savage takes Bombay crown
Little Red Door’s Remy Savage became Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender yesterday, prevailing from a field of international finalists on the gin brand’s home soil, the UK.
Satan’s Whiskers' Loudon wins Havana Club final
Andrew Loudon of London’s Satan’s Whiskers has won the tenth edition of the Havana Club Grand Prix cocktail competition in Cuba.
Interview: Havana Club CEO Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne
Hamish Smith caught up with Havana Club CEO Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne in Cuba ahead of the Havana Club Grand Prix.
Love in a cold climate
North America has fallen for Canadian whisky. Hamish Smith charts the courtship rituals of the major players with eyes on the category
Sparkling wine: A world turned upside down
The face of sparkling wine could change as global warming takes hold. Hamish Smith investigates
Tonic water
It’s a widely underestimated component of the classic gin mix, but tonic water is gaining ground when it comes to premiumisation. Hamish Smith reports
Cognac overview
Production of Cognac is limited by its geography and its vineyards, so how is it coping with increasing demand? Hamish Smith investigates
Profile: Ian Burrell
Hamish Smith hooks up with self-styled global rum ambassador Ian Burrell in Venezuela
Bordeaux Wine: The Class War
There’s a whiff of uprising in Bordeaux’s middle classes. Hamish Smith reports
Scotch boosted by Latin American trade deals
Fair Trade Agreements between the EU and Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama will come into force today, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
Wemyss Malts unveils more single cask selections
Wemyss Malts has released another batch of single cask, single malt Scotch whiskies to Europe and Asia.
Anthony Medina takes Diplomático crown
Venezuelan bartender Anthony Medina has become Diplomático rum’s inaugural world cocktail champion, after unexpectedly triumphing on home soil.
The Millionaires' Club 2014
Download The Millionaires' Club PDF here |
Welcome to The Millionaires' Club 2014.
The Millionaires’ Club is Drinks International’s ranking of the biggest selling brands in the global spirits industry.
For qualification brands must achieve global sales volumes of 1 million 9-litre cases or more.
This year the list comprises 179 spirits and liqueurs from all corners of the world, with notable brands entering and dropping out of the 2014 list.
Alongside the Full Listing, this year's supplement includes the Market Overview and a breakdown of brands by spirits category.
There are sections on the Fastest Growing spirits and the Major Players that operate million-case brands.
We picked out our Ones to Watch for next year, and we speak to Officer's Choice owner ABD about building the biggest whisky brand in the world.
Profile: Ron Jeremy
Porn star Ron Jeremy gets the bar call for a rum which bears his name. Hamish Smith meets the actor as his promotional roadshow rolls into London
Portuguese wine
Portugal has no shortage of great wines to offer the world, but its challenge lies in communicating the message. Hamish Smith reports
Cider
Cider – and its many variants – continues to capture the imaginations of consumers. But does it have worldwide appeal? Hamish Smith gets to the core of the issue
Asian beer
Asian beer hopes to reverse the trend of beverages tending to head east. Hamish Smith reports on efforts to break out of the box
Cachaça
Brazil’s national spirit is confined mostly to its own country’s shores. But Hamish Smith unearths a number of factors that look about to change all that