The scotch whisky industry is in a positive frame mind and expects a return to growth, despite recent twists and turns.

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV is lining up banks including Bank of America Corp. and Banco Santander SA to arrange as much as US$70 billion in financing as it prepares to make a takeover proposal for SABMiller Plc, according to reports from Bloomberg News.

Beam Suntory’s iconic Islay single malt scotch whisky brand Laphroaig launched a 32-year-old expression last night. 

Following the news yesterday that Brown-Forman has broken ground in its US$50m Irish whiskey distillery in Slane, Walsh Whiskey announces that it has taken delivery of three copper pot and column stills, bringing it a step closure to January’s formal commissioning of its new €25m distillery.

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.

An Australian bottle shop has launched what it claims is the world’s first online specialist gin retail website for Australian gin enthusiasts called Gin Heaven.

The Stoli Group has announced the appointment of Lars Vestbirk as its international marketing director, effective immediately.

Accolade Wines has appointed Paul Schaafsma as its new chief executive officer, succeeding John Ratcliffe who
 will become deputy chairman.

National Calvados Week in the UK takes place from Sunday October 18 until Saturday October 24.

Over the past year I have heard several people in the travel retail sector grandly refer to their business as the ‘sixth continent’, to underline just how important the channel has become to the drinks industry. 

Cocktail guru Jan Warren ponders what makes Tiki such an enduring favourite