Diageo completes Chase Distillery deal
Diageo has completed the acquisition of Herefordshire-based craft spirits firm Chase Distillery for an undisclosed fee.
Tales of the Cocktail joins Hospitality Recovery Coalition in US
The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has joined the Hospitality Recovery Coalition, which advocates for legislation to support the on-trade in light of the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Luxco subject to near $0.5bn acquisition by MGP Ingredients
MGP Ingredients has agreed a deal to acquire US spirits company Luxco for a value of $476m in cash and stock.
Stock Spirits activist investor mounts fresh boardroom coup
An activist investor in Stock Spirits has once again called for chairman David Maloney and senior independent director John Nicholson to be removed.
Jose Castellvi joins Webb Banks
Miami-based wine and spirits distributor Webb Banks has appointed industry veteran Jose Castellvi to the newly created role of vice president for travel retail and spirits.
Drinks producers will be forced to close their doors and lay off staff after the U.S. ramped up its tariff war with the EU, trade associations have warned.
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.
US spirits industry applauds UK for suspending retaliatory tariffs
The US spirits industry has applauded the UK’s decision to suspend retaliatory tariffs on American rum, brandy and vodka once it leaves the EU on January 1.
Quintessential Brands launches festive marketing drive
Quintessential Brands is launching a marketing push across its leading gin brands in the run-up to the festive trading period.
International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards: Winners Announced
Dalmore 35 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky has been named the Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards.
Harrods head of wine and spirits moves to Mocktail Beverages
Ed Gerard has left his role of head of wines and spirits at upmarket retailer Harrods to join Mocktail Beverages as global business development director.
International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards date revealed
The winners of the International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards will be announced via a live presentation on various social media channels at 8pm GMT on October 28.
Trade groups urge EU and US to end tariff war
Eighteen trade associations have joined forces to call for an immediate elimination of the retaliatory tariffs that the US and EU have imposed upon spirits, wine and beer.
Some of the world’s leading distillers are celebrating after securing impressive medal hauls in the International Spirits Challenge 2020.
The US government has announced that the existing 25% tariffs will remain on single malt Scotch for the foreseeable future.
South Africa urged to end "devastating" alcohol prohibition
The South African government has been urged to scrap its alcohol prohibition in order to avoid “devastating consequences” at home and abroad.
US off-trade sales continue to surge throughout summer
Sales of spirits, wine and beer continue to soar in the US off-trade as shoppers shun bars and restaurants in favor of drinking at home.
India's growing penchant for homegrown drinks brands
Not long ago, India was known as a country that produced whisky from molasses, and the majority of sales came from the category of spirits called IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor).
Pernod Ricard full year results
Pernod Ricard has reported sales of €9,182m (6% organic growth) for the full year 2018/19 plus +8.7% organic growth in PRO (proft on recurring operations.
Pernod Ricard, has announced the official breaking ground on the site of China’s first malt whisky distillery in Sichuan province, the first distillery from an international spirits and wine group.
Edrington announces new CEO
Edrington has announced that chief executive officer Ian Curle is retiring in March and will be succeeded by Scott McCroskie, who is on the Edrington board and managing director of The Macallan.
Alexandrion announces plans to build US distillery
Alexandrion Group, Romania’s largest spirits producer, has announced site plan approval by the planning board of the town of Carmel for the construction of its first US distillery in Mid-Hudson, Putnam County, NY.
Maxxium UK to become Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Distribution
Maxxium UK has announced that it is to change its name to Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Distribution Limited, from April 1.
Subramaniam to lead Bacardi in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, has announced the internal promotion of Vijay S. Subramaniam to managing director - Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa (AMEA).
End the Scotch ‘Supertax’ of nearly 80%
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is calling on politicians to give the scotch whisky industry the support it needs to ensure it remains a ‘great British success story’.
Brexit can boost spirits exports says WSTA chief
WSTA chief executive officer Miles Beale believes the UK can use Brexit to boost spirit export numbers after 45 new distilleries emerged in 2016.
Britvic points to healthy lifestyles for bigger sales
Britvic believes that consumers choosing ‘healthier living and moderate drinking’ is the reason for the increase in sales for 2016.
WSET Week USA set for May launch
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust will host the first WSET Week USA from May 1-7, 2017.
IBWSS comes to London in 2018
The International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show will return to London in February 2018 for trade professionals to source private and commercial suppliers.
Future growth lies with the Americas and Asia Pacific
Forecasts for future growth in wine and spirits consumption to 2020 show the Americas and Asia Pacific are the countries to concentrate on, according to recent IWSR research.
DISCUS calls on Trump to aid exports
The Distilled Spirits Council has said it looks forward to working with the Trump administration to expand access for US agricultural exports, including distilled spirits, in foreign markets.
Jinro dominates Millionaires' Club list again
Soju brand Jinro has been named the top-selling spirit in the world in the Millionaires’ Club 2016, after selling 73.8m 9-litre last year.
Helms is Brown-Forman's GTR marketing director
Brown-Forman has announced that Eric Helms has become marketing director for its Global Travel Retail division.
Altia appoints media man to its board
Altia, the leading Nordic and Baltic wine and spirits company, has appointed Kai Telanne to its board of directors.
Balcones opens new distillery
Waco craft whisky distiller Balcones has a new distillery site, in what was formerly the old four-story Texas Fireproof Storage Building.
The New Standard
Standard spirits sales are growing but small budgets mean it’s often up to the bottle to do the talking. Hamish Smith reports.
The Educator
The Wine and Spirits Education Trust’s Ian Harris is a man on a mission. Disciple Christian Davis catches up with the missionary
Tuesday 1st March | The Hospital Club, London
Agenda
|
Time |
Activity |
| 9.30am | Think Gin Opens |
| 9.45am -11.00am | Maximising Returns from Your Gin Portfolio - Debate |
| 11.45am- 12.15pm | The Gin Tasting Wheel - Masterclass |
| 12.45pm - 1.30pm | Awards Presentation |
| 1.30pm - 2.15pm | Lunch |
| 2.30pm - 3.45pm | What Do Bartenders Want from Gin - Debate |
| 4.00pm - 4.30pm | International Gins - Masterclass |
| 4.30pm - 5.00pm | Break |
| 5.00pm - 5.45pm | Tonic and Serve - Masterclass |
| 6.00pm | Think Gin Closes |
Winners of the 2016 Think Gin Awards
Best Gin Retailer (Multiple Sites)
Winner: Waitrose
Sponsored by Edinburgh Gin
Best Gin Retailer (Independent)
Winner: Gerry’s Wines & Spirits
Sponsored by Adnams
Best Gin Bar (Multiple Sites)
Winner: Hogarths
Sponsored by Warner Edwards
Best Gin Bar (Independent)
Winner: Merchant House
Sponsored by Amathus Drinks
Best Gin Wholesaler
Winner: Enotria&Coe
Sponsored by Marussia Beverages UK
Gin Communicator
Winner: David T Smith
Sponsored by Fever-Tree
2016 Sponsors:
10 Degrees C
10 Degrees C specialises in brands of the highest quality and with real provenance. The portfolio includes Gins from the UK, and Belgium, as well as a unique and exciting Tonic Water, and Botanicals specifically designed for the serious Gin drinker.
Adnams
Adnams plc, a respected brewer, distiller and retailer, is an independent values-based family business committed to a sustainable future. It has been brewing from its base at Southwold on the Suffolk coast for over 100 years and produces a range of cask and bottled beers and award-winning spirits, which are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide. The company has an estate of 50 pubs, 3 hotels and self-catering accommodation and a chain of 12 successful retail stores. For further information about Adnams visit: www.adnams.co.uk
About our Distillery: Innovative as ever, Adnams is the first brewer in England to add a distillery to its brewery. Established in 2010, the distillery has been uniquely designed to create a “Grain to Glass” spirit using locally grown malted barley, wheat and oats. The “distillery wash” which forms the base for our spirits, actually starts life as our 7% abv, un-hopped beer, produced using Adnams own 70-year old yeast strain. This is then distilled in small batches in our hand-made copper stills and rectifying columns to produce hand-crafted spirits with exceptional quality.
Amathus
Established in 1978, the Amathus Drinks Group is a privately owned, London based national drinks distributor, importer and specialist retailer. We are proud to be the drinks supplier of choice for many prestigious on-trade clients such as Michelin starred restaurants, 5 star hotels, country gastropubs, clubs and trendy city bars. We are also increasingly supplying more specialist retail outlets with our premium agency spirits and growing wine collection.
In addition to our online shop, we also have four retail stores located in the vibrant and trendy areas around London, offering you access to exclusive events, masterclasses, click and collect service and free local delivery to enjoy as part of your shopping experience.
With our product lines in excess of 3000, we are able to supply a wide range of well-known brands. However, our real point of differentiation from other drinks’ distributors are our exclusive agency brands which range from premium spirits such as Calle 23 tequila to Ron Barcelo Rum and boutique wine producers such as Idiom and Elk Cove. We continually expand our exciting and unique portfolio and services, to provide a complete drinks solution nationwide.
BCN
The distillery 'Aguavida Llops', located in the Priorat, is one of the few craft distilleries of Catalonia and stands for supporting innovation without fear to recover a lost tradition, being recognized for its expertise in the distillation of wine lees from the wines of ‘El Priorat’, and its selected native varieties Garnatxa and Carinyena.
'Aguavida Llops' presents a new style of gin with personality: BCN Prior Barcelona Dry GIN. Distilled in El Priorat, savoured in Barcelona. An evocation of the modernist spirit and a style that is only possible to live in Barcelona, the capital of G&T’s.
Berlin Dry Gin
Since 2009, native born Berliner Vincent Honrodt has been carrying forth his family´s heritage in the spirits industry, dating back to the early 20th century. In the 1920’s, Honrodt‘s great-grandfather was the director of a sugar factory, where he enthusiastically began distilling fine spirits from local grains and sugar cane. His creations are still kept alive to this day and continue to carry on their excellence through the Berliner Brandstifter spirits.
Berliner Brandstifter is committed to the development and production of exceptionally fine distillates, which embody the spirit of Berlin. All ingredients for both - the Berliner Brandstifter Kornbrand and the Berlin Dry Gin - come either directly from Berlin or from surrounding areas. The spirits undergo a 7fold filtration and are bottled, labeled and numbered by hand.
Blackdown Artisan Spirits
Blackdown Distillery is an innovative award-wining producer of finely crafted spirits; creators of unique drinks striving for quality, refinement and provenance. Established in 2012, Blackdown Distillery is nestled in the foothills of Blackdown Hill, South Down National Park, West Sussex.
A luxurious collection of distinctive spirits are handcrafted in small batches in the oldest distillery in Sussex, can only be described as poetic, set amid a sprawling ancient woodland near where Lord Alfred Tennyson once lived; writer of such epic works as Charge of the Light Brigade.
The surrounding 40 acres of ancient woodland bursting with Silver Birch trees are the inspiration for the first ever Sussex Dry Gin, Silver Birch Vermouth and Silver Birch Vodka. Also included within the portfolio are, Liqueurs, Meads, Botanical Wines and Regency Bitters.
We pride ourselves on using only natural botanicals, focusing on quality and provenance. They are proud to use only British suppliers for all its ingredients and packaging, ensuring that these products are truly British.
With over 50 years combined experience, Blackdown also provides counstulatancy, brand devolpement works as a nursery for start up brands.
“Distilled from the heart and are handcrafted in small batches”
bottlegreen
bottlegreen Mixer Collection Lets the Gin Sing!
From the heart of the Cotswolds, bottlegreen has been proudly making refreshing soft drinks for more than 26 years. Using crafted wine-making techniques, bottlegreen mixers have been developed with one pure objective: to let the gin ‘sing’.
Each of the four bottlegreen mixers is blended to enhance and enrich rather than overpower the qualities of high-end spirits. By working in harmony with the flavour of the gin, they allow the gin to be enjoyed as created by the master distiller, and offer gin & tonic drinkers the perfect accompaniment to their favourite premium gin.
bottlegreen’s resident wine-maker has developed three layers of flavour for each mixer that are specifically designed to work on different parts of the palate, whilst complementing the vast array of botanicals present in high quality gins.
All bottlegreen mixers have high carbonation levels which deliver a long lasting refreshing drink, and only natural ingredients are used - they contain no artificial colours, preservatives, flavours and sweeteners.
Brockmans Gin
Brockmans Gin – ‘like no other’
Brockmans Gin, the ‘gin like no other’, brims with berries and botanicals so is perfect for cocktails as well as a classic G&T or Martini and delicious served neat on the rocks.
Brockmans is a 40% A.B.V. super-premium gin, distilled using quality botanicals. The over-riding flavour profile that make Brockmans so unique is derived from an intriguing and unique bond of flavours created from ingredients drawn from across Europe
The top note of Bulgarian coriander has an aromatic, gingery orange flavour, which marries beautifully with the softer, more rounded harmonies of blueberries and blackberries and the bottom note created by Juniper berries from Tuscany. This inspired combination, together with the dry, bitter-sweet peel of Valencian oranges, elongates the deeper tones and serve to give Brockmans an intensely smooth, distinctive and elegant taste.
Caorunn Gin (Balmenach Distillery)
Caorunn Gin is expertly handcrafted in small batches of 1,000 litres a time by Gin Master Simon Buley at Balmenach Distillery, a working malt whisky distillery in the Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands.
Harnessing Scotland’s unique natural resources, Caorunn is infused to perfection in our unique Copper Berry Chamber, using the highest quality triple-distilled pure grain spirit, crystal clear Scottish water, six traditional (Juniper, Orange and Lemon peel, Angelica root, Coriander, Cassia bark) and five, wild, handpicked botanicals from the surrounding hills (Rowan Berries, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion, Bog Myrtle).
Caorunn is an aromatic taste adventure with a long dry finish, its delicate fruit, floral notes evoke the charm of the Scottish Highlands, and its cocktails engage the most discerning palate with nuanced, sophisticated notes.
Caorunn G&T is uniquely served with a freshly cut red apple to enhance its invigorating, dry and crisp taste. 41.8% ABV
Colombo
Colombo Gin is a definitive London Dry Gin with an unusual list of ingredients. The Juniper is distinctive in taste and aroma; surrounded by a beautiful medley of subtle spice notes that, together, create an unexpected harmony. Our Gin is handcrafted in small batches from copper pot stills to create a distinctively exceptional .distilled London Dry Gin.
Dà Mhìle
Dà Mhìle, - famed for the first organic whisky of the modern world - have been making organic artisan spirits in their converted cow shed on the family farm in west Wales. Since 1992 the aim has been to create an ultra-premium product with minimal impact on the environment.
Edinburgh Gin
Distilled in the beating heart of Scotland’s magical capital and recalling a bygone era when Edinburgh was awash with distilling wizardry and classic cocktails like the Fizz and the Daisy were all the rage, Edinburgh Gin is a gin quite unlike any other.
Made the time-honoured way, but in a near legendary 200 year old copper pot still named Flora, alongside column still Caledonia, our master distiller expertly marries the finest Scotch grain spirit with fantastically fresh juniper, coriander, citrus peel and orris root.
And the wonderment that distinguishes our libation from any others? Inspired by both Scotland’s majestic capital and the breathtaking, unspoilt countryside beyond, we add soft Scottish botanicals, including milk thistle, native Scots pine and the heather that carpets our hillsides in purple. The Edinburgh Gin range also includes the Raspberry, Elderflower and Rhubarb & Ginger liqueurs, all packed full of the finest natural flavours and perfect in cocktails.
www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk
Fentimans
Fentimans have been making natural botanical beverages for over 100 years. To make our drinks, we pair selected botanicals with the finest natural ingredients. Our drinks are then brewed with passion and care for seven days, using the time honoured botanical brewing process. The results are drinks that taste simply delicious.
Fever-Tree
Since launching in 2005, Fever-Tree has pioneered a whole new category of premium mixers. Their multi-award winning range of tonics is endorsed around the world by bartenders, chefs and gastronomes alike. Proudly served in 7 of the World’s top ten restaurants, Fever-Tree was recently voted the No.1 Selling and No.1 Trending tonic water brand by The World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report – commanding its category for the second year running. Fever-Tree's emphasis on taste and quality remains unparalled - they continue to innovate the category, using only the highest quality natural ingredients from small specialist producers to create tonics that complement the finest gins. After all, if 3/4 of your G&T is tonic, mix with the best.
Gin Bolskan
From The Pyrennes´ foothills has born this small batch distilled gin which name is given by the Celtiberian origin of the city of Huesca. Bolskan is a triple distilled gin from eleven botanicals, the most distinctive being juniper, basil and peach, very traditional crops of our Region. The result is a fresh and elegant gin.
Locksley Distilling Co.
Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd. are developers, distillers, and purveyors of fine artisan spirits. Yorkshire at heart with New York soul!
The vision for our first gin, Sir Robin of Locksley, was to create a multi-purpose sipping gin, not as dry as a London Dry, nor as sweet as an Old Tom. We wanted to produce a gin with a clean, rounded mouthfeel, something that could be enjoyed on its own, or as part of a great cocktail.
Named in honour of our local legend, Sir Robin of Locksley® Distilled Artisan Gin is gin has up front juniper with more delicate flavours of elderflower, pink grapefruit, and dandelion. It is a gratifyingly balanced yet unique gin. Whilst it may not be everyone’s cup of tea to drink straight gin, with our focus on versatility and sipability we feel that Sir Robin goes that extra yard, offering something truly #leGINdary.
Martin Miller's
Martin Miller’s Gin was developed by friends Martin Miller, David Bromige and Andreas Versteegh who sought a superb, high quality gin that was nowhere to be found in the market prior to 1999. Once launched, it became the pioneer of “new wave” and “super premium” gin, setting off the gin renaissance that rejuvenated the moribund spirit and catapulted it into the spotlight it enjoys today. Martin Miller’s Gin features a classic flavour profile with perfectly balanced notes of citrus and juniper and is the only gin blended using pure, live Icelandic Spring water. The brand has received more top prizes and awards than any other gin in the world1 and is the most expensive gin to produce -- offering consumers the greatest overall value of any premium gin. With a global presence in more than 55 countries across all continents, Martin Miller’s is the biggest independent gin brand in the world.
Marussia
‘Marussia Beverages is a producer and distributor of fine wines and spirits. Trading through its own distribution network in four countries including Russia. UK, France, Georgia, and through a network of well established distribution channels in more than 20 other countries worldwide.
Marussia Beverages UK Ltd is the number one importer of very special spirits in the UK and part of Marussia Beverages BV. Previously known as Eaux de Vie, Marussia Beverages UK Ltd now imports the largest range of premium spirits into the United Kingdom.’
Mason's Gin
Setup by husband and wife team, Karl and Cathy Mason, with the aim of creating a gin that they would want and choose to drink.
The mission was simple. They wanted to do away with boring generic gins and instead come up with something that was truly exciting, worthy of their hard work and of their home turf in God's own country.
3 and a half years later Masons is growing faster than ever with the introduction on its 2nd birthday of Masons Yorkshire Vodka, Masons Yorkshire Gin – Lavender Edition, Masons Yorkshire Gin – Tea edition (using Yorkshire Tea).
Maverick
“Maverick Drinks returns to Think Gin for the second year to showcase some of their favourite gins from their remarkable and award-winning range of craft spirits that have soared in popularity over the past year. Products like Professor Cornelius Ampleforth’s Bathtub Gin, St George Terroir Gin, FEW Barrel Gin, and more will all be available to try (and enjoy).
In addition, Maverick Drinks will be bringing their now-famous Drinks by the Dram Ginvent Calendar, as well as their newly-released 1897 Quinine Gin, the first gin to incorporate quinine that directly benefits Malaria No More UK in the fight to end the epidemic. Drinking well and doing some good at the same time!
Have a chat with us to understand how working with quality craft spirits can help excite your customers, inspire your team, and ultimately, increase your profitability.”
Pinkster Gin
Distilled in small batches, Pinkster is a premium gin that stands out from the pack We hand-steep fresh, locally grown raspberries in the core spirit at our Cambridge HQ. The gin is deliciously dry, with a hint of fruit and an exceptionally smooth finish. There’s raspberry on the nose as the juniper comes through and then a slight spice that develops and lingers. For a refreshingly different gin and tonic, serve with Fever-Tree, a raspberry and a sprig of well-spanked fresh mint. Best of all, we recycle the inebriated raspberries selling them as Boozy Berries.
Our trade accounts repeatedly tell us that our distinctive colour and flavour profile create a talking point. Coupled with our eye-catching design, this gives us great stand out on the back bar or on shelf.
Welcome to the natural gin with the mischievous grin.
Available from leading wholesalers.
Speciality Brands
Warner Edwards
W.E. are Warner Edwards – best friends and craft distillers. From our 200-year-old converted barn in the heart of Northamptonshire Curiosity, our magnificent copper pot still, works her magic. She takes home-grown elderflower and natural spring water from our farms in England and Wales and combines them with pure grain spirit and 10 other botanicals to produce our beautiful Harrington Dry Gin. We then use this as the base for our Harrington Sloe, Elderflower Infused and Victoria’s Rhubarb Gins.
Tullamore DEW opens its Ultimate Distillery Experience
Tullamore DEW, the Irish whiskey owned by William Grant & Sons, has open the doors of its distillery to the public with the launch of its Ultimate Distillery Experience.
The SWA opens London office
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) opens its London office today (December 3).
Marie Brizard reports "contrasting" Q3
Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits has recorded a third quarter of contrasts, with improvements in France but penalisation in the US and Poland.
Brown-Forman's new whiskey to rival top Irish brands
Brown-Forman yesterday welcomed guests to the site of its new $50m Irish whisky operation, Slane Distillery, which it hopes could create a brand to challenge the top brands of the category.
Gautier Cognac’s UK distribution with Catalyst
Catalyst Brands has signed a distribution agreement with Gautier Cognac to distribute its VS, VSOP and XO Cognacs exclusively throughout the UK.
Diageo results, year ended June 30
The world’s largest premium drinks company has announced a net sales increase of 5% for the year ended June 30.
Suntory sells Louis Royer cognac
Suntory Holdings has announced the sale of cognac group Louis Royer to the family group Terroirs Distillers, a privately-held fine spirits company based in France.
Beefeater starts search for MIXLDN 2015
Leading gin brand Beefeater is calling on the world’s top bartenders to enter this year’s Beefeater MIXLDN Global Bartender Cocktail Competition.
Sparkling wine, spirits and beer drive UK market growth
The UK alcohol market has returned to growth following years of continuous decline, according to the latest WSTA market report.
New Beefeater limited edition
Beefeater London Sounds is the name of the gin brand's latest limited edition.
WSTA celebrates World Gin Day
The UK’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) says it will be celebrating the seventh annual World Gin Day tomorrow by highlighting the success of the UK’s growing gin industry.
Brown-Forman to build $50m Irish whiskey distillery
The Brown-Forman Corporation has announced that it has purchased all shares of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey Limited and is to build a new $50 million distillery there.
Digital Edition
Comment
Ben Branson on the future of non-alc spirits
In his inaugural column for Drinks International, Branson takes a wider look at the overall non-alcoholic spirits sector to identify which brands will thrive and which won’t survive.
