News

[https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/09/umami-fronts-latest-johnnie-walker-release/ Johnnie Walker has launched an umami-forward limited edition Blue Label whisky in partnership with Michelin-starred chef Kei Kobayashi. Sep 2023.

Dr Stuart Morrison, Diageo’s portfolio master blender, has selected eight single malts for this year’s Spirited Xchange Special Releases Scotch whisky collection. Sep 2023.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has released its ‘biggest’ travel retail-exclusive whisky to date: Blue Label Xordinaire. Sep 2023.

Diageo has introduced the fourth release of its rare single malt Scotch whisky series, Prima & Ultima, which includes a 46-year-old Talisker. Sep 2023.

Halewood Artisanal Spirits has hired ex-Compass Box whisky maker Jill Boyd as master blender after the departure of Dr Kirstie McCallum. Sep 2023.

New Zealand-based Cardrona Distillery has been acquired by International Beverage for an undisclosed sum. Sep 2023.

BSI publishes British whisky production guidelines. Sep 2023.

English whisky producer Samuel Gulliver’s has unveiled an expression that marks 20 years since the men’s England team won the Rugby World Cup. Sep 2023.

Dhavall Gandhi, former master distiller of The Lakes Distillery, has launched a whisky brand, called Kandoblanc. Sep 2023.

Scotch whisky producer Compass Box has unveiled Metropolis, the latest expression in its Extinct Blends Quartet series. Sep 2023.

Australia’s distillers say the international expansion they crave is being blocked by punitive spirits excise tax. Luke McCarthy investigates. Sep 2023.

Pernod Ricard’s Scotch whisky arm, Chivas Brothers, will invest more than £60 million (US$76m) to reach its goal of carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. Sep 2023.

Good Girls star Matthew Lillard has created a fantasy-inspired spirits company, with 16 whiskeys planned for release over the next four years. Aug 2023.

A survey of more than 600 women in the global whisky industry has revealed that 70% have experienced sexual harassment while doing their job. Aug 2023.

Fraudulent cask investment companies are putting the reputation of the whisky category at risk, industry experts warn. Aug 2023.

The UK’s advertising watchdog has banned adverts by two whisky cask investment companies for misleading consumers with unproven claims on financial returns. Aug 2023.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland will be signing bottles of his new Canadian whisky brand, Red Bank, at two British Columbia stores later this month. Aug 2023.

The commercial partnership between Diageo-owned Haig Club and former footballer David Beckham has ended after nine years. Aug 2023.

The value of rare whisky in the UK fell by 4% in the year to June 2023 as all other luxury assets increased, according to Knight Frank’s latest report. Aug 2023.

Charles MacLean MBE and his three sons have established a charity dedicated to clean water projects, which will include whisky-inspired fundraising. Aug 2023.

The World Whisky Masters 2023. Aug 2023.

Spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange will offer the first Chinese whiskies to be made available outside of China in the UK market. Aug 2023.

London whisky bar Milroy’s has shut its Spitalfields site to refocus investment in its flagship Soho venue and e-commerce. Aug 2023.

Single malt Welsh whisky has been successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication (UK GI) scheme today (24 July), which protects its name, authenticity and characteristics. Jul 2023.

Toasts Not Tariffs has urged the US government to secure an agreement with the EU to avoid the return of retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey, which would be 50% in 2024. Jul 2023.

UK-based distributor Charter Brands has expanded its portfolio to include whiskies from Israel’s Milk & Honey (M&H) Distillery. Jul 2023.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, gives an exclusive comment on the company’s decision to put collaboration ahead of competition when it comes to working towards net zero. Jul 2023.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has teamed up with Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham to ‘rally the nation’ to watch women’s sports this summer. Jul 2023.

The global whisky category is forecast to increase in value by US$88.85 billion by 2028, new research has revealed. Jul 2023.

The Distillers’ Charity and Sotheby’s have revealed the initial line-up of ‘ultra-rare’ whiskies that will go under the hammer at The Distillers One of One auction in October. Jul 2023.

Gun-shaped whisky faces ‘severe’ sanctions. Jul 2023.

Scotch whisky brand Ballantine’s has partnered with Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA to release a vinyl record player. Jul 2023.

Sales of whisky in global travel retail (GTR) rose by 77% by volume last year and are expected to increase by 16% in 2023, according to data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Jul 2023.

Scotch whisky brand Ballantine’s has expanded its Artists Series with new iterations of its 17- and 21-year-old blends. Jul 2023.

Pernod Ricard-owned The Whisky Exchange has launched a distillery school in London to offer blending and distilling experiences. Jul 2023.

Diageo could be sued for allegedly devaluing the home of a married couple with the angel’s share vapour emitted from its warehouses in Scotland. Jul 2023.

Apr to Jun 2023

Top 10 biggest-selling Indian whiskies. Jun 2023.

Diageo has severed ties with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs after the rapper sued the company. Jun 2023.

Pernod to sell Clan Campbell to Stock Spirits. Jun 2023.

Old Pulteney unveils 13YO whisky. Jun 2023.

Top 10 best-selling world whisky brands. Jun 2023.

Top 10 biggest-selling Scotch whiskies. Jun 2023.

Walker is celebrating British South Asian creativity with a new limited edition Bold Steps bottle. Jun 2023.

The Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 results. Jun 2023.

Ewen Mackintosh, managing director of Scotch producer Gordon & MacPhail, will step down next year after three decades at the company. May 2023.

Minnesota-based distillery Brother Justus has produced the world’s first cold-peated American single malt whiskey using a patent-pending finishing process. May 2023.

Top 10 global destination distilleries. May 2023.

Around the world in 10 award-winning whiskies. May 2023.

A growing young, middle-class population is boosting demand for premium Scotch whisky in South Korea. May 2023.

Police in Russia have uncovered a factory producing thousands of bottles of counterfeit alcohol, including Johnnie Walker Black Label. May 2023.

British whisky brands have unveiled limited edition commemorative bottlings to mark the coronation of King Charles III this weekend (6 May). May 2023.

Formula One racing driver Jenson Button’s Coachbuilt whisky has teamed up with luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce London to produce 300 exclusive 30-year-old bottlings. Apr 2023.

Pernod Ricard-owned Ballantine’s Scotch whisky has created a new series of 40-year-old expressions to celebrate the brand’s master blenders. Apr 2023.

The English Whisky Guild (EWG) has appointed former Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) executive Morag Garden as its first CEO. Apr 2023.

Scotch producer Gordon & MacPhail will celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with a 74-year-old single malt from his birth year. Apr 2023.

The OurWhisky Foundation has launched a free collection of stock photos to address ‘outdated stereotypes’ of whisky drinkers, with the backing of 11 drinks companies. Apr 2023.

Diageo has extended its Distillers Edition line with six Scotch whiskies matured in fortified wine casks. Apr 2023.

E-commerce alcohol sales are predicted to reach US$40 billion by 2026, with whiskey-based products leading online purchases. Apr 2023.

Australian whisky brand Morris has introduced its Signature and Muscat Barrel whiskies to the UK via distributor Mangrove Global. Apr 2023.

Diageo-owned The Singleton has unveiled a limited edition 40-year-old single malt to conclude its Epicurean Odyssey collection. Apr 2023.

Independent bottler Caskshare has avoided a gagging order on the provenance of its latest barrel acquisition by using the location app What3words. Apr 2023.

Whyte & Mackay-owned Scotch producer Jura has added a single malt matured in pale ale casks to its Cask Edition Series. Apr 2023.

Israel’s first single malt whisky distillery, Milk & Honey, has joined the Mangrove Global World Whisky portfolio. Apr 2023.

Cutty Sark celebrates 100th anniversary. Apr 2023

Jan to Mar 2023

UK-CPTPP deal to axe 80% whisky tariff. Mar 2023.

There is a real buzz about Australian whisky and producers are excited about the potential of export markets. Mar 2023.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has slammed the decision by UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt to raise duty on Scotch whisky by 10.1%. Mar 2023.

Scotch whisky maker Compass Box is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Peat Monster expression with the release of a limited edition bottling. Mar 2023.

Gregg Glass, master whisky maker at Scotch producer Whyte & Mackay, discusses upcoming anniversary celebrations for Jura and Fettercairn. March 2023.

Amber Beverage Group-owned Walsh Whiskey has released the 2023 edition of The Irishman Vintage Cask. Feb 2023.

The CEO of Chivas Brothers has said the forthcoming UK-India trade deal could double the size of the Scotch whisky market in five years. Feb 2023

More than a quarter (27%) of Scotch whisky distillers believe energy costs will double in 2023, a survey has revealed. Feb 2023.

Romanian spirits producer Alexandrion Group has opened a second distillery to increase production of its Carpathian Single Malt whisky. Feb 2023.

Global Scotch whisky exports exceeded £6 billion (US$7.3bn) for the first time in 2022, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has confirmed. Feb 2023.

Pernod Ricard-owned Chivas has introduced Ultis XX, a blended Scotch whisky containing five single malts each aged for at least 20 years. Feb 2023.

Wine and spirits company Sovereign Brands has collaborated with Pernod Ricard to create its first Scotch whisky, called The Deacon. Feb 2023.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/02/martyn-simo-simpson-departs-milroys/ Milroy’s owner Martyn ‘Simo’ Simpson has revealed plans to leave the whisky specialist and bar after its new board of directors had a “different vision on where to take the brand”. Feb 2023.]

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has launched its Bold Steps campaign, featuring a short film starring Bridgerton actor Simone Ashley.Jan 2023.

Top 10 biggest distillery openings of 2022. Jan 2023.

Johnnie Walker debuts cocktail contest. Jan 2023.

English whisky producer Samuel Gulliver & Co has added a PX Sherry Single Cask expression to its portfolio. Jan 2023.

Berry Bros & Rudd has debuted its latest seasonal collection, including a 2014 Chichibu Japanese whisky.Jan 2023

Experts from Heriot-Watt University are experimenting with eight heritage barley varieties, including a 200-year-old crop, to discover whether ‘distinctive’ new whiskies could be created for Holyrood Distillery. Jan 2023.

Oct to Dec 2022

English spirits producer Ellers Farm Distillery has launched a whisky cask investment programme in partnership with brewery T&R Theakston. Dec 2022.

Online site Whisky Auctioneer has reported total year sales of more than £50 million (US$60.6m) for 2022. Dec 2022.

Danish whisky Stauning has expanded its UK presence by securing a listing with online grocery store Ocado. Dec 2022.

A trio of Bowmore whiskies – including a bottle of Bowmore 35 Years Old 1964 – each broke their pre-sale estimates during a Bonhams auction in Paris. Dec 2022.

World Spirits Report 2022: World whisky. Dec 2022.

World Spirits Report 2022: American whiskey. Dec 2022.

The value of rare single Scotch malt whisky increased by 21% in the first nine months of 2022, led by bottles priced between £100 and £1,000, according to a new report. Nov 2022.

Diageo has collaborated with designer Angel Chen to produce a limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle for Chinese New Year. Nov 2022.

Cask-to-glass service Caskshare has opened a ballot to allow hopefuls to register to buy one of 135 bottles from a single 30-year-old Springbank cask. Nov 2022.

Top 10 award-winning world whiskies. Nov 2022.

Bermuda-based Bacardi has made its first foray into Indian whisky with the launch of a new blend, called Legacy. Nov 2022.

Independent whisky brand The Belgian Owl has partnered with Polish distributor Tudor House in a bid to expand its European reach. Nov 2022.

Bacardi-owned Dewar’s has revealed a 21-year-old rye cask-finished whisky as its first NFT release. Nov 2022.

Whiskey facing ‘serious’ supply chain issues. Oct 2022.

American rock band Kings of Leon has partnered with Kentucky-based Willett Distillery to launch a limited edition Bourbon and rye whiskey collection. Oct 2022.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has joined forces with two trade bodies to call on the UK chancellor to cancel the double-digit tax hike for beer, wine and spirits. Oct 2022.

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane has acquired an equity stake in American single malt whiskey Bear Fight. Oct 2022.

Vermont-based whiskey producer Whistlepig has named ex-Brown-Forman employee Matt Uden as its UK brand ambassador. Oct 2022.

Diageo-owned Lagavulin and actor Nick Offerman have revealed an 11-year-old single malt matured in heavily re-charred barrels, designed to be paired with steak. Oct 2022.

Pernod Ricard-owned Royal Salute has released a 53-year-old whisky as the first expression in a new collection, called The Art of Wonder. Oct 2022.

Single malt brand The Dalmore has partnered with Laings to showcase its 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Scotch whisky at the jewellers’ UK showrooms. Oct 2022.

American education body the Council of Whiskey Masters has named its five masters of Scotch following the inaugural global Master of Scotch exam. Oct 2022.

Jul to Sep 2022

London’s Old Truman Brewery will host The Craft Distilling Expo 2022, a two-day conference offering a series of talks and discussion panels alongside networking opportunities. Sep 2022.

The Whisky Exchange has unveiled five limited edition bottles to mark the annual Whisky Show taking place in London this weekend (30 September – 2 October). Sep 2022.

Diageo had retracted its US$163 million deal to sell blended Scotch brand Windsor to a private South Korean equity group after it failed to meet certain conditions. Sep 2022.

Macallan has unveiled its limited edition James Bond 60th Anniversary Release to mark six decades of the film franchise. Sep 2022

UK-based Silent Pool Distillers faced backlash after commenting that whisky is a “more male-centric liquid” on a Sky News podcast. Sep 2022.

Independent bottler Malty Verse has launched the ‘world’s first’ rare whisky and comic book range in the US, called Agent W. Sep 2022.

Diageo has been granted an injunction to stop the sale of Redemption whiskey after it was found to dilute the Bulleit trademark. Sep 2022.

A successful legal battle means UK distillers will be able to store finished goods in warehouses without paying excise duty for at least 90 days. Sep 2022.

London-based Berry Bros & Rudd has revealed the second batch of releases in its Nordic Cask whisky range. Sep 2022.

Diageo has unveiled the fifth release in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare limited edition Scotch whisky series. Sep 2022.

Edrington has named Lark Distilling Co’s Craig Johnstone as its new master blender for The Famous Grouse. Aug 2022.

Ten award-winning whiskies under £50. Aug 2022.

Scottish spirits producer Arbikie looks set to become the world’s first distillery to be powered by green hydrogen.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has partnered with nightlife discovery app Dusk to give away free Johnnie’s & Lemonades at UK venues. Aug 2022.

Family-owned Heaven Hill Brands has unveiled a peach-flavoured iteration of its Black Velvet Canadian whisky. Aug 2022.

Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has launched its Blue Label Cities of the Future 2220 series. Aug 2022.

Mortlach 30-year-old retails for £3,700. Aug 2022.

The World Whisky Masters 2022 results. Aug 2022.

The American Whiskey Masters 2022. Aug 2022.

With half a dozen bars in London, Martyn Simpson, known as Simo, is a major player in the capital’s drinks scene. He discusses his love of whisky, and how he shook up a sometimes staid sector of the hospitality industry. July 2022.

Sales of rum have surpassed £1 billion (US$1.2bn) a year in the UK, meaning it now accounts for a bigger market share than whisky. July 2022.

A miniature bottle of Springbank 1919 50 Years Old has set a new auction record for the brand after selling for £7,360 (US$8,790). July 2022.

The global malt whisky market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2022 to 2031, reaching a value of US$6.7 billion. July 2022.

SB meets… Aisling Bea. July 2022

UK govt to introduce tipping bill. Jul 2022.

Caskshare launches ‘dishonest’ blended malt. Jul 2022.

NFT marketplace Block Bar will offer consumers the chance to buy a bottle from the last 50-year-old Karuizawa Japanese whisky cask. Jul 2022.

PR GTR releases Secret Speyside to travel retail. Jul 2022.

Beam Suntory hires Scotch and Irish MD. Jul 2022.

Top 10 biggest-selling world whisky brands. Jul 2022.

Apr to Jun 2022

Stauning to release bottling to honour ‘whisky peace’. Jun 2022.

Top 10 best-selling Indian whisky brands. June 2022.

Actors Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton, the trio behind the creation of American sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, have unveiled a new Irish whiskey brand to support the on-trade. Jun 2022.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has unveiled six limited edition bottles for its Black Label series, created using an ink made from air pollution. Jun 2022.

Non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ producer Lyre’s has released zero-ABV Highland Malt ‘whisky’ in Singapore. June 2022.

Danish whisky producer Stauning will host the fourth World Whisky Forum at its distillery on Denmark’s west coast from 21-23 June. Jun 2022.

Diageo is seeking an injunction to prevent the sale of Redemption whiskey in its current packaging after a recent lawsuit concluded that the bottle diluted Bulleit’s trademark. Jun 2022.

Auctioneer Sotheby’s will offer two ‘ultra-rare’ whisky casks from the Brora and Port Ellen distilleries in a London sale on 14 June. May 2022.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker has launched Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish as a limited edition whisky. May 2022.

The world’s largest Scotch whisky bottle, containing 311 litres of a 32-year-old Macallan single malt, sold for £1.1 million (US$1.3m) at auction. May 2022.

American single malt definition could boost growth. May 2002.

Blended Scotch brand The Famous Grouse has extended its portfolio with the release of its first Sherry cask-finished whisky. May 2022.

SWA CEO Mark Kent on the future of Scotch May 2022.

American spirits producer Copperworks Distilling has released 331 bottles of a peated cask single malt, finished in an Ardbeg Scotch whisky barrel. May 2022.

Johnnie Walker debuts NFT package for $35,000 May 2022.

Scotch producer Compass Box has released a limited edition blended whisky that brings together flavours inspired by the colour coral, as part of its global bartender programme. May 2022.

English Whisky Guild officially launches May 2022.

The former whisky director for The Lakes Distillery has established a new creative studio with the aim of ‘elevating the expectations’ of the whisky industry. May 2022.

UK-India FTA: key to unlocking Scotch potential May 2022.

Coalition urges definition for American single malt. May 2022

The world’s largest Scotch whisky bottle, containing 311 litres of a 32-year-old Macallan single malt, will go under the hammer at the end of May. Apr 2022.

Scotch whisky maker Compass Box has appointed former Bacardi executive Maurice Doyle as its new CEO and named London-based Caelum Capital as its majority shareholder. Apr 2022.

The East London Liquor Company (ELLC) has unveiled its new-look, lightweight glass whisky bottle. Apr 2022.

B Corp-certified whisky brand Nc’nean has launched the first release from its new spring series, called Huntress 2022. Apr 2022.

Auction house Bonhams is preparing to sell a selection of rare Japanese whiskies, including a bottle of Yamazaki 50-Year-Old First Release. Apr 2022.

Producers fight for English whisky GI. Apr 2022.

Diageo India has revealed a new single malt whisky and two mixers for its Johnnie Walker and Black & White Scotch brands. Apr 2022.

A British whisky bar has expanded its Cut Your Wolf Loose line with a new seven-year-old Aberfeldy bottling. Apr 2022.

Jan to Mar 2022

Producers seeking a geographical indication (GI) for English whisky have come together to consider the spirit’s place in the world whisky landscape. Mar 2022.

The Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), saw revenue increase by 21% last year, led by ‘exceptional growth’ in China. Mar 2022.

Rapper Asap Rocky has teamed up with E&J Gallo to launch a blended Canadian whisky brand, called Mercer + Prince. Mar 2022.

Diageo has sold its Windsor blended Scotch whisky brand, including the W series, to a private South Korean equity group for KRW200 billion (US$163m/£124m). Mar 2022.

Danish whisky producer Stauning has named Mangrove UK as its distributor to expand its presence nationwide. Mar 2022.

Formula One racing driver Jenson Button and whisky expert George Koutsakis have collaborated on a blended Scotch: Coachbuilt. Mar 2022.

The US and the UK have agreed to remove punitive tariffs on American whiskey after resolving the steel-aluminium dispute. Mar 2022.

Blended Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has partnered with Equal Measures to support marginalised groups in the on-trade. Mar 2022.

Scotch whisky brand The Famous Grouse has released its first online-exclusive whisky: The Famous One. Mar 2022.

European distillers: driving whisky innovation Mar 2022.

Writer Felipe Schrieberg and The Whisky Exchange drinks ambassador Billy Abbott will host an online whisky tasting to raise money for Ukrainian refugees. Mar 2022.

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has been handed a £1.2 million (US$1.5m) penalty by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) for failing to secure an emissions permit for three of its sites. Mar 2022.

Educational platform Our Whisky has created a non-profit organisation in support of women in the whisky industry. Mar 2022.

Halewood Artisanal Spirits has released 253 bottles of a 22-year-old Crabbie single malt finished in a rare Palo Cortado Sherry cask. Mar 2022.

Sixteen distillers have joined forces to propose a geographical indication (GI) for English whisky to the UK government. Feb 2022.

Danish whisky producer Stauning has halted production to urge the Canada and Denmark governments to resolve a dispute from 1930, and is calling on distillers worldwide to follow suit. Feb 2022.

Macallan has released an 81-year-old whisky, taking the title of the world’s oldest single malt Scotch. Feb 2022.

Inside the world of ultra-rare Scotch whisky. Feb 2022.

Glasgow-based producer Whyte & Mackay has revealed the next series of its podcast Live from the Sample Room, which spotlights whisky investment. Feb 2022.

The world’s largest private whisky collection to be offered on the secondary market has reached a total of £3.36 million (US$4.5m) after 23 auctions were held over two years. Jan 2022.

Diageo has partnered with artist Shan Jiang to release a limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle for Chinese New Year. Jan 2022.

The US and UK governments have begun discussions to resolve the steel and aluminium dispute, which could remove the 25% tariff on American whiskey. Jan 2022.

The spirits experts behind whisky specialist Milroy’s will open a new bar called Silverleaf in the Pan Pacific London hotel next month. Jan 2022.

A first edition copy of The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom by Alfred Barnard fetched £3,450 (US$4,690) at auction. Jan 2022.

Sep to Dec 2021

Whisky exports from the UK returned to growth in the first nine months of 2021, while gin struggled to recover its sales. Dec 2021.

World whisky brands to watch in 2022. Dec 2021.

Global cannabis company Tilray has acquired Colorado-based Breckenridge Distillery with an eye to creating THC-infused spirits. Dec 2021.

Samuel Gulliver named official English Rugby whisky. Dec 2021.

Spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange has unveiled its annual Black Friday Scotch whisky bottling, a 22-year-old single malt. Nov 2021.

The UK government has pledged £11.3 million (US$15.1m) to support four distillery sustainability projects as part of the second phase of its green fund. Nov 2021.

Independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail has pledged £80,000 (US$106,900) to the Trees for Life charity after selling its 80-year-old whisky at auction. Nov 2021.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker will release 288 bottles of the third and final whisky in its Masters series, priced at £20,000 (US$26,879). Nov 2021.

A new report has revealed the production volumes and turnovers for the European spirits sector, with whisky leading the way. Nov 2021.

French firm Pernod Ricard has unveiled The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery, a US$150 million facility in Emeishan, China. Nov 2021.

Luxembourg-based Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has acquired Irish whiskey producer Walsh Whiskey for an undisclosed amount. Nov 2021.

Dr Emma Walker will take over as the new Johnnie Walker master blender following the retirement of Dr Jim Beveridge OBE. Nov 2021.

Diageo has committed to converting its distillery in Quebec, Canada, to 100% electric power in four years. Nov 2021.

Peatland projects ‘essential’ to mitigating climate change. Nov 2021.

Berry Bros & Rudd has released 539 bottles of a 14-year-old single cask Scotch from Royal Brackla Distillery. Nov 2021.

Israel’s Milk & Honey Distillery has developed a whisky that aims to showcase the influence of the Dead Sea. Nov 2021.

Johnnie Walker has added a high-rye profile blended Scotch whisky to its core range. Nov 2021.

Diageo has revealed plans to build a US$75 million malt whisky distillery in China. Nov 2021.

Label 5 has teamed up with Upfest, organiser of Europe’s largest street art festival, for a graffiti-themed activation. Oct 2021.

Roe & Co has debuted a 13-year-old single grain Irish whiskey finished in alligator char new oak barrels. Oct 2021.

UK Budget 2021: drinks industry reacts. Oct 2021.

Diageo has created a limited edition bottle design for Johnnie Walker Red Label, inspired by the Netflix series Money Heist. Oct 2021.

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet has extended its Cutty Sark portfolio with the launch of a 12-year-old blended whisky. Oct 2021.

Diageo distilleries recognised for water stewardship Oct 2021.

What’s next for American whiskey? Oct 2021.

Edrington has combined the worlds of whisky and chocolate to create a Macallan single malt as part of the new Harmony Collection. Oct 2021.

Sotheby’s will offer ‘ultra-rare’ Scotch whiskies and experiences as part of its Distillers One of One sale in December. Oct 2021.

Diageo has unveiled Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich, the fourth release in the limited edition series. Oct 2021.

An 80-year-old Gordon & MacPhail whisky has established a new record for the world’s oldest single malt sold at auction after a bottle fetched US$193,000. Oct 2021.

Johnnie Walker has introduced the latest global marketing push in its ‘Keep Walking’ campaign, focused on encouraging optimism as the world reopens. Oct 2021.

Whyte & Mackay has released The Dalmore 30 Year Old 2021 Edition, the first bottling in a new annual series. Oct 2021.

A trade group has submitted proposals to amend the regulations governing Irish whiskey in a bid to offer producers ‘greater clarity and flexibility’. Oct 2021.

Gordon & MacPhail releases ‘world’s oldest’ single malt Scotch.

Non-profit the Bourbon Women Association has created a scholarship programme to support women and underrepresented communities.

Sales of whisky worldwide will nearly double over the next decade to hit US$108 billion by 2031, according to a new report.

Irish distillery Boann and US-based distillery Talnua have partnered up to compare whiskey maturation in different climates.

English spirits producer The Lakes Distillery has expanded its Whiskymaker’s Editions range with the launch of a limited edition single malt matured in French oak casks.

County Cork-based producer Hyde has launched two Irish whiskeys, The Éiregold Special Reserve Blend and Hyde No. 11 The Peat Cask.

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has acquired a minority stake in Japanese whisky producer Komasa Kanosuke Distillery for an undisclosed sum.

Diageo officially opened its eight-floor Johnnie Walker Princes Street visitor experience last week, and created a short video to give whisky fans a sneak peek inside.

Tasmania-based Lark Distillery Company has revealed The Still, a whisky complex comprising a bar, tasting room and shop.

South Carolina-based Grain & Barrel Spirits has created a whiskey brand that pays homage to the late musician Elvis Presley. Sep 2021.

Detection technology firm Eluceda has created a portable device that can rapidly identify whether a whisky is authentic. Sep 2021.

The rare whisky market in the UK is expected to rise by nearly 30% in value this year, surpassing all previous records, according to Rare Whisky 101. Sep.2021

Pernod Ricard to acquire The Whisky Exchange. Sep 2021.

American single malt whiskey to be legally defined. Sep 2021

Jun to Aug 2021

American whiskey brand Uncle Nearest has launched a US$50 million fund to support minority-owned spirits brands, and create a ‘Black Wall Street’ within the industry.

Premium auction house Sotheby’s is offering its most expensive Moutai lot yet, along with rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies.

The UK government is seeking to remove the 5% tariff on Scotch whisky exports to Australia as part of a free trade agreement between the two nations.

A collection of 60 rare Scotch whiskies from independent bottlers Silvano Samaroli and Corti Brothers will go under the hammer via Whisky Auctioneer this month.

The Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has made its debut on the stock market with a valuation of £78 million (US$110m).

US-based spirits producer Biggar and Leith has created a new Scotch whisky brand inspired by a former UK prime minister.

The UK has secured a free trade agreement with Australia, which will bring an end to the 5% tariff on Scotch whisky.

Members of heavy metal rock band Metallica have released a sonically-enhanced, limited edition whiskey pack.

Spirits giant Diageo has unveiled the second release of its collectable Prima & Ultima single malt Scotch whisky series, retailing for £23,500 (US$32,720).

The 2021 Scotch Whisky Masters showcased some top-tier expressions – but which ones left a lasting impression on our judges? We reveal 10 of the best from our recent blind tasting. Jun 2021.

Sales of single malt Scotch in Asia duty free have fallen by 52% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data from Whyte & Mackay.

India is one of the world’s biggest spirits producers, and the past year proved challenging for the country’s whisky brands. In this ranking, we analyse how the category’s top sellers performed.

Whisky barrel marketplace Cask Trade has opened an office in Hong Kong that will serve investors across the Asian market.

With consumer interest in whiskies from the US, Japan, Canada and Ireland rising, we count down the brands that sold the most cases in 2020.

Ian Macleod Distillers-owned Smokehead whisky has released what is thought to be the first ready-to-drink single malt Scotch range.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has requested the removal of the UK’s ‘damaging’ 25% tariff on US whiskey.

Entrepreneurs Andy and Rhys Mallows have revealed plans to build a £5 million (US$6.9m) distillery in south Wales, which will produce a Bourbon-style whisky.

Online auction site Whisky Hammer is ‘poised for global expansion’ after selling a 49% stake of its business in a multi-million-pound deal.

A 30-year-old cask of Macallan Scotch whisky is expected to sell for up to HK$4 million (US$514,300) at auction next month.

US distiller Whistlepig has partnered with Darryl McNally to create the world’s first single barrel Irish whiskey under the revived Limavady brand.

British spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has expanded its partnership with Waitrose after securing five additional listings.

Sukhinder Singh, co-founder of spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange, will sell a selection of old and rare spirits miniatures at auction this month.

The difficult couple of years that US producers have endured has in no way dampened their enthusiasm or their skills, as Melita Kiely and her team of tasters discover in our annual competition. (USA whisky awards)

Away from the traditional heartlands of whisky production, and often unburdened by strict regulations, distillers are creating marvellous expressions, as Melita Kiely discovers. (World whisky awards)

Auctioneer Bonhams has appointed Diego Lanza as the company’s whisky specialist in London.

Ian Macleod Distillers has released a gift collection of three miniature Tamdhu whiskies.

The value of Scotch whisky exports was up by a third in the first half of 2021, as the industry starts to recover from the impact of Covid-19 and US tariffs. Aug 2021.

US-based Proximo Spirits will open Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition this weekend, after six years in construction. Aug 2021.

Walking Dead claims Sexton as official whiskey. Aug 2021.

South African drinks group Distell has revealed four new limited edition whiskies from its Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Deanston distilleries, including a peated Ledaig 1999 bottling. Aug 2021.

London-based Berry Bros & Rudd has unveiled a new collection of single cask whiskies from four Nordic distilleries. Aug 2021.

A 50ml bottle of 1919 Springbank Scotch whisky has set a new record for being the most expensive miniature sold at auction. Aug 2021.

Independent bottler Compass Box has released a fruit-forward malt whisky, described as a first for the company. Aug 2021.

The five-year tariff truce between the US, UK and EU is a “good first step”, but the “unjustified” remaining tax on American whiskey should also be removed, the president of Spirits Europe has said. Aug 2021.

Apr to June 2021

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has appointed Barry O’Sullivan as managing director for Ireland following the departure of Oliver Loomes.

trade body has slammed the “senseless” decision by the Scottish government to end the Strategic Framework Business Fund on 19 April, described as a “financial lifeline” for hospitality businesses during the pandemic.

Two ads for single malt Scotch whisky River Rock have been banned after being deemed ‘irresponsible’ for linking alcohol consumption with mountain climbing.

The founder and president of G’Vine owner Maison Villevert tells us about his plans to establish new distribution arms and the company’s ambition to become a key player in French whisky.

Scotch whisky distillery Glen Scotia has released a 10-year-old expression to celebrate this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival.

A side effect of the pandemic in the US has been the boom in alcohol e-commerce, with major firms such as Uber recognising its potential.

Leaving the powerhouse of Diageo for a small startup took courage, but Jeff Kozak, CEO of whiskey brand Whistlepig, has made a real success of things.

A complete collection of Black Bowmore whiskies sold for US$563,000 at a Sotheby’s sale, setting a new record for the Scotch brand at auction.

The owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has appointed Mark Hunter to the role of chair as the firm considers launching an initial public offering (IPO).

Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory is investing more than US$1 billion in green and social issues as part of its long-term Proof Positive initiative.

Gable Erenzo, the former chief distiller for Hudson Whiskey producer Tuthilltown Spirits, has died at the age of 41.

Diageo has revealed the second and final bottling in The Singleton’s Paragon of Time Collection: a 54-year-old 1966 vintage single malt Scotch.

Bunnahabhain owner Distell has named Brendan McCarron as master distiller for its portfolio of single malt and blended Scotch whiskies.

Entrepreneur Matthew Clifford has received planning approval to build a new carbon-neutral rum distillery in Cornwall, UK, which will be powered by geothermal energy.

Edrington and Beam Suntory have agreed to swap equity stakes in their jointly-owned distributions firms in the UK and Spain.

Alexander Inglis & Son, UK supplier of grains and cereals to the distilling sector, has gone into administration after suffering ‘weak trading’.

Entrepreneurs Thomas Aske and Tristan Stephenson secured a £75,000 (US$105,000) investment on hit BBC programme Dragons’ Den for their whisky pouch subscription club, Whisky Me..

Renegade Rum founder Mark Reynier has built an operation from scratch in Grenada, and has fought to prove the validity of terroir in whisky production. Now he is determined to make rum a quality offering, he tells Melita Kiely.

The Macallan owner Edrington has debuted a new identity for blended malt Naked Grouse that aims to make whisky ‘more accessible’.

The Last Drop Distillers has made its first move into spirits creation with the launch of a 50-year-old blended whisky.

The chairman and managing director of Indian spirits producer John Distilleries said the company’s whisky volumes in India will reach 35 million to 40m nine-litre cases in 10 years’ time. May 2021.

Circumstance Distillery founder Liam Hirt has developed a new platform that allows consumers to purchase shares in casks of spirit.

Blended Scotch whisky brand Cutty Sark has become a corporate partner of London’s Royal Museums Greenwich, where its namesake ship is housed.

The past year presented numerous obstacles for the spirits industry, and Scotch whisky felt these challenges in full force. In our top 10 ranking, we reveal how the category’s biggest-selling brands fared.

Diageo has named Australian bartender Tim Philips-Johansson as global brand ambassador for blended Scotch whisky Johnnie Walker.

Jan to Mar 2021

Macallan 1926 leads online whisky auction.

Diageo threatens legal action against political group.

Dewar’s debuts Port cask-finished whisky.

Ex-Russian Standard exec creates Coalition Whiskey.

Drake debuts Virginia Black whiskey in Australia.

The second half of the world’s largest whisky collection will go under the hammer next month, with a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare expected to sell for more than £1 million (US$1.4m).

News of the passing of the former Berry Bros chaiman.

Scotch whisky suffers £500m loss after US tariffs.

Sotheby’s is offering a bottle of Black Bowmore DB5 1964, which is expected to sell for up to US$200,000 during the auctioneer’s first two-day spirits sale.

The number of distilleries in the UK reached a record high in 2020, with more than 100 new registrations, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Scotch whisky exports plummet £1.1bn in 2020.

Chivas CEO urges government to support Scotch sector.

Johnnie Walker ad complaint not upheld.

Distillery 291 names wholesale sales and marketing VP.

A set comprised of 3,900 bottles of whisky has become the highest value private collection sold at auction from a single collector – with a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare setting a new record at US$1.4 million.

US to drop tariffs on UK exports including scotch.

A planned green energy hub at the Port of Cromarty Firth in Scotland could reduce the environmental impact of Scotch whisky makers Glenmorangie, Whyte & Mackay and Diageo.

A recent study of the world’s leading whisky brands found posts on Instagram featuring men outstripped women by 228% in 2020.

Independent bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company (TBWC) has unveiled its first range of Australian bottlings.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2021/03/last-drop-distillers-forms-the-assembly/ Rare spirits bottler The Last Drop Distillers has put together an independent panel of experts to promote and share knowledge, ideas and expertise across the industry.]

A trade group has introduced new guidelines for the production of whisky in New Zealand to provide clarity for consumers and producers.

Online auction platform Whisky Auctioneer has launched the ‘world’s first’ sale dedicated to Speyside distillery Mortlach, which includes a 47-year-old bottling signed by master blender Dr Craig Wilson.

Crystal glassware manufacturer Glencairn is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and will mark the milestone by revisiting some of the company’s past decanter projects.

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy has expanded its educational offerings with the launch of an online certificate in Irish whiskey.

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