Dear reader,

Welcome to the Drinks International newsletter.

Until next week....

Hamish Smith, Christian Davis and Holly Motion

Top Stories
Last call for Think Gin registrationPublished:06 February, 2015

Drinks buyers wishing to guarantee a place at Monday's Think Gin event can register today (Friday) up until 5pm.


Bacardi repackages rum rangePublished:04 February, 2015

Bacardi has unveiled new Art Deco-inspired packaging for its eponymous rum range. It is the first time it has updated its bottle design in more than a decade.


Think Gin previewPublished:05 February, 2015

Drinks International and Off Licence News’ inaugural Think Gin debuts at Merchant House in London on Monday February 9. Here’s our guide to what visitors can expect.


Mr Lyan takes Pre-mixed Challenge TrophyPublished:03 February, 2015

Hamish Smith reports on how bartenders are upping the ante at Drinks International’s annual Pre-mixed Drinks Challenge


Brands Report 2015: Water Published:14 January, 2015

Whether for topping cocktails or sobering customers, bottled water is an indispensable part of the bar’s armoury.


Diageo appoints e-commerce manager Published:05 February, 2015

Diageo has appointed a digital and e-commerce manager for Europe – a new role created to unify the company’s digital practices and develop a comprehensive digital presence.


Management changes at YalumbaPublished:04 February, 2015

The Australian wine producer Yalumba, which claims to be Australia’s oldest family owned winery established in 1849, has announced senior management changes.


MPs celebrate economic contribution of scotchPublished:05 February, 2015

British MPs gathered at the House of Commons yesterday to show support for the scotch whisky industry.


Chapel Down expandsPublished:04 February, 2015

Chapel Down Group plc has announced that it has completed two long term land leases increasing the total under lease by 181 acres to 326 acres (73/131 hectares). 


Kilbeggan 8YO Single Grain Irish Whiskey to launchPublished:03 February, 2015

Beam Suntory has joined the single grain whisky category with the launch of Kilbeggan 8YO Single Grain Irish Whiskey.


A G Barr buys FunkinPublished:02 February, 2015

AG Barr plc, the soft drinks group, has announced the acquisition of Funkin Limited from its founding shareholders for an initial £16.5 million plus up to a further £4.5 million subject to meeting certain financial performance targets.


Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell promotes son EddiePublished:30 January, 2015

Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell has announced that he has promoted his son, Eddie, to share his responsibilities.


Bacardi appoints industry veteran PeregoPublished:30 January, 2015

Bacardi has announced an internal appointment of a new regional president for Europe.


Cointreau names French model as creative directorPublished:30 January, 2015

French liqueur brand Cointreau has announced a creative partnership with French model and actress, Laetitia Casta.


Analysis
Sparkling Wine: A Brave New World Published:30 January, 2015

As demand for sparkling wine shows no signs of abating, the New World is taking its chances and offering quality like never before, as Jamie Goode reports


Tennessee Whisky: Don't Mess With TraditionPublished:22 January, 2015

Distillers in Tennessee are whipping up a storm as they continue to debate the definition of their whiskey. Dominic Roskrow reports


Rainbow BrandyPublished:16 January, 2015

When it comes to brandy South Africa does not get much of a look in. Yet its best are up there with the world’s greatest.  Christian Davis reports


Sugar Syrups: Hitting the sweet spotPublished:13 January, 2015

Adventurous flavours are on the cards for sugar syrups in 2015, as Lucy Britner reports


ProWein 2015: Specialist Insight by Gregory Dal PiazPublished:15 January, 2015

Gregory Dal Piaz, editor of Snooth.com, discusses where your next great wine will come from


Agent Orange: Panos SarantopoulosPublished:09 January, 2015

Panos Sarantopoulos, chief executive of Rémy Cointreau’s liqueurs and spirits division, is on a mission to get the iconic orange liqueur behind every bar. Christian Davis meets him


Cachaça: In Full FlowPublished:09 January, 2015

Brazil’s cachaça is carving out an identity for itself ahead of the 2016 Olympics, as Richard Woodard reports


Valuing the Douro Published:09 December, 2014

Jaq Bayles finds that port may at last have found some ways to make itself attractive to a younger generation. And even the most traditional producers are at peace with it


DI talks to Sandy HyslopPublished:19 December, 2014

Sandy Hyslop, Chivas Brothers’ master blender, is hands on. He’s not one for travelling long haul most of the year. Christian Davis tracks him down to where he is happiest.


Raki comes to the table Published:09 December, 2014

Hamish Smith investigastes the resurgence of an old spirit


Star Studded: TFWA World Exhibition Review Published:09 December, 2014

Despite facing a litany of challenges, the travel retail business is upbeat, as the TFWA World Exhibition proved. Joe Bates reports


Sweet Wines: A Noble PursuitPublished:08 December, 2014

It may not have the raciest of images, but sweet wine is undergoing quiet change. Jamie Goode reports


Are flavoured spirits a honey trap?Published:08 December, 2014

Flavoured spirits drinks are being released at a pace. But are they blurring the rules over whisky production, and are they just a passing fad? Dominic Roskrow reports


Heritage and future: Alfred CointreauPublished:08 December, 2014

Hamish Smith meets the latest generation of the world’s most famous triple sec family


Comment
Menezes relaxed as Diageo splutters Published:29 January, 2015

Drinks International's editor Christian Davis was at Diageo's half-year results briefing.


Pure Gould on Sunset Boulevardier and Chivas RegalPublished:06 January, 2015

Patience Gould sees in the new year with a Sunset Boulevardier – and celebrates the latest from Chivas Regal


Patience Gould on tequila and Irish whiskeyPublished:04 December, 2014

Patience Gould assesses what’s going on as things shake up in the tequila and Irish whiskey categories


WSET: China – has the bubble burst?Published:15 December, 2014

Or does it just need to be pumped up, asks Ian Harris – CEO of WSET


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