Spirits – Page 5 – Keep It Overproof!

Boutique gin makers emerge in HK

Following on from the stratospheric growth of gin brands in the UK, the spirit is having a moment in Hong Kong, with local boutique gin distilleries beginning to make their mark. Hong Kong is best known for its expensive rent, which is a major hindrance to new start-up businesses. Yet recently, some local young gin lovers have set up their own micro-distilleries amid the urban jungle and set about producing new spirits for a thirsty audience. Upholding the philosophy of 100% made in Hong Kong, Two Moons distillery aims to bring a locally handcrafted premium sipping gin to the market. Run by...

Six new ways to become a wine, beer or spirits expert in 2020

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

We’ve rounded up some of the latest courses to launch in the wine, beer and spirits worlds you might want to consider if you’re looking to broaden your horizons in 2020. Do you fancy yourself as a beer sommelier, or want to learn more about the mysterious world of Scotch whisky? Drinks education is bigger business than ever. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and has now awarded over 500,000 of its qualifications since 1969. But as the craft spirits and beer markets have expanded in recent years, it is now possible to learn about...

World’s first live online cask whisky auction launch next month

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

A cask whisky dealer is set to launch what it claims will be the world’s first live online whisky auction dedicated exclusively to casks. Auctionyourcask.com will allow private owners and investors to sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. Sales of Scotch have broken a fair few records this year. Auctioneer Bonhams recently broke the world record for a cask of whisky, with a hogshead of 30 year-old Macallan selling for HK$4.4 million in Hong Kong. Sotheby’s first single-owner whisky collection sale led to a £7.6 million (US$9.8m) haul when...

The Dark Horse: One Mega-Distributor Thinks MC is Poised for a Comeback

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: Not many folks bullish on MillerCoors at the moment. But if you needed any more evidence of the blurring of the lines in bev alc, our Wine & Spirits Daily editor recently sat down with one of the nation’s largest beer wholesalers, Columbia Distributing, to get an update on their growing wine and … Continue reading “The Dark Horse: One Mega-Distributor Thinks MC is Poised for a Comeback” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Top 10 drinks trends in the US on-trade for 2020

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

The low to no alcohol trend will expand Non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ brand Seedlip’s Mr McGregor cocktail In the coming year, expect to see an increase in ‘spirits’ with no alcohol in the US, with a greater variation in products to appeal to different drinkers. On-premise creativity will continue to fuel alcohol-free cocktail menus and bars across the country. The rising popularity of drinks like spritz-based cocktails has helped this category grow. New takes on classic drinks may emerge, highlighting the emergence of low-alcohol Sherries, vermouths and saké options.

White Claw Ads Help Recruit Wine and Spirits Drinkers

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: You may have seen a new round of short black-and-white White Claw ads on major channels like ESPN, MTV and more. The brand seems driven primarily by social – indeed, we reported earlier this month that Trevor Wallace’s “Ain’t No Laws When You’re Drinking Claws” social bits helped catapult the category into uncharted … Continue reading “White Claw Ads Help Recruit Wine and Spirits Drinkers” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

The biggest drinks acquisitions of 2019

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

As 2019 draws to a close, we round up a year of acquisitions which has seen two prominent British brewers snapped up by foreign investors, Constellation Brands agree a wine sale worth over US$1 billion, and the break-up of retailers Naked Wines and Majestic. Constellation Brands has certainly been one of the most active in the acquisitions scene this year, taking both majority and minority stakes in a number of companies. Its sale of just under 30 wine brands to E&J Gallo, however, was one of the biggest in the drinks industry this year. In the UK, if 2018 was the year of the Conviviality...

Amazon wine brand now available in the UK

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

Amazon has expanded distribution of its new own-label range of wines, into the UK, following their launch in Germany last month – but it will cost UK consumers almost twice as much. The six-strong wine range, which are now available in the UK, comprise a Pinot Grigio, a Merlot, Chardonnay, Grenache Rosé, Dornfelder and Riesling – however the wines in the UK retail for £35.99 for all six bottle, compared to 19.99 euros in the German market. The price differential can primarily be attributed to the difference in UK taxation, with UK consumers charged £2.23 a bottle duty, plus VAT....

Top marketing moves in drinks: November

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

Heineken to sponsor Euro2020 and Champions League Heineken will be the Official Beer Partner of next year’s UEFA Euro men’s football tournament, and has also extended its sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League for the next five years. The two separate agreements means the brewer is now the major beer sponsor of Europe’s leading club and international football tournaments. Its partnership with the UEFA Champions League is already 25 years old, and the new deal extends the brand’s sponsorship through to 2024. The new Euro partnership will see Heineken given exclusive pouring rights in the...

Fortnum & Mason opens its first overseas flagship store in Hong Kong

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

From Piccadilly to Hong Kong, the 312-year-old British retailer has landed in Asia. Fortnum and Mason has opened its first fully-owned and operated shop and restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Best known for its award-winning afternoon tea, food and lifestyle brand Fortnum & Mason has taken up residence in K11 Musea, the latest retail destination in Hong Kong, located along the Victoria Dockside. The 7000 sq. ft. space includes a shop on the ground floor, featuring an edit of Fortnum’s most famous products, and a new Musea Blend created exclusively to celebrate the launch in Hong...

Tag: Spirits