“There aren’t many 70 year olds that get PhDs,” says Dr Jack Ó’Sé, one of the most understated members of the Irish whiskey industry.

Drinks International has named Louis Roederer as the World’s Most Admired Champagne Brand in 2020, a magazine which ranks champagne brands from 1-30 based on the votes of the world's top wine experts.

There’s an exciting new entrant in this sector, reports Shay Waterworth

Diageo’s Bulleit holds both top spots for the third year running. Shay Waterworth reports

There’s been little change in the best sellers, with the top brands all holding, says Hamish Smith

Johnnie Walker has taken first place in Brands by Value, a list of the world’s 50 most valuable drinks brands.

Pernod Ricard has announced an 11% increase in sales and a 20% increase in net profit for the six months ending December 31, 2011.

 The 2011 World’s 50 Best Bars list has been published, in partnership with sponsor Stolichnaya. This year, New York speakeasy PDT (Please Don’t Tell) took the top spot, with London hotel bars The Connaught and the Artesian in second and third place. 

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced that the value of scotch exports for the first half of 2011 is up 22%

The International Spirits Challenge winners were announced at a ceremony in London last night.

The number of brands meeting the criteria of The IWSR’s Elite Brands has fallen from 22 in 2009 to just 10 in 2010. Ukrainian vodka Nemiroff has taken the top spot.

The 2010 Drinks International Millionaires research has been compiled. Based on sales volumes for 2009, this year saw a record number of brands on the list – 162.