The Balvenie announces release of French Oak 16 Year Old
Speyside whisky brand The Balvenie has announced the launch of French Oak 16 Year Old, marking the first use of French oak in the distillery’s 129-year history.
Brands Report 2022: Champagne
There wasn’t a huge amount to celebrate last year, but it doesn’t take much of an occasion for champagne corks to fly in the world’s best bars – almost 90% of our bars stock the French sparkler. Three-quarters have two champers and two-thirds have three or more.
French wine production plummets to 41-year low
French wine production will fall to its lowest levels since 1970 after late spring frosts ravaged several regions, according to the country’s agriculture ministry.
Pernod Ricard invests in Luc Belaire producer Sovereign Brands
Pernod Ricard has taken a minority stake in the New York-based wine and spirits producer Sovereign Brands.
James Rackham: The journey of Daddy Rack
Outside I’ve got a five-litre, left-hand drive Mustang. That’s right, I watched The High Chaparral, I love everything American. So to make an American whiskey was a dream come true.”
Putin anti-champagne law sparks controversy
A new law in Russia ordering French champagne to be labelled sparkling wine has caused unrest among producers.
Severe frost devastates French vineyards
Vineyards across France have been hit hard by overnight frosts, partially compromising the 2021 harvest.
Caribbean and French rum producers team up to improve exports deals
Caribbean rum producers have joined forces with French group CIRT-DOM, to help get the best deal for their exports into major markets including the European Union.
Thomas Lowndes 1826 premixed cocktail range launches
Edrington Beam Suntory has launched a range of premixed cocktails designed to bring high-quality on-trade experiences into shoppers’ homes.
Russia: Label 5 to be distributed by CEDC
La Martiniquaise, the French spirits group, has announced that, Russian Alcohol Group the Russian subsidiary of CEDC, will be the exclusive distributor of Label 5 scotch whisky in Russia from January. Label 5 claims to be the fast-growing tenth largest worldwide scotch brand.
Heaven Hill launches new liqueur
US: Heaven Hill has launched a liqueur called Hpnotiq Harmonie. The new product is an infusion of French vodka, natural fruits, flowers, and cognac. The mix includes berries, violets and lavender.
France: Absinthe ban lifted
The absinthe ban in France has been lifted, according to absinthe brand La Fée.
Rémy in talks with EPI over champagne sale
The Rémy Cointreau Group has announced that it has entered into “exclusive negotiations with EPI” to sell its champagne division.
Groupe Charlois acquires Winemakers Cooperage
French wine barrel manufacturer, Groupe Charlois, has expanded into the US with the purchase of Winemakers Cooperage (WC) from Treasury Wine Estates.
According to the Scotch Whisky Association more than 5 bottles of scotch are shipped to France every second.