Kentucky bourbon Maker’s Mark has appointed Dr Blake Layfield as the brand’s next master distiller, and Beth Buckner as lead blender.

Edrington UK has announced the appointment of its latest UK brand diplomat for Maker’s Mark bourbon, Charlotte Pederson.

Maker’s Mark has debuted its Cellar Aged Bourbon, an annual, global limited-release expression.

The Connaught Bar has unveiled a new menu, Synergia, to mark the Mayfair institution’s 15th anniversary.

Few drinks categories have seen as much start-up activity as alcohol-free spirits in recent times. Lyre’s chief executive Mark Livings concedes his brand was beaten to the market by the likes of Seedlip and others, but he’s convinced that rapid scaling, rather than being early to the game, holds the key to success.

Maker’s Mark has earned B Corporation Certification becoming the world’s largest distillery, and Kentucky’s first, to do so.

Tanqueray tops the best sellers yet again, but Hendrick’s is making its mark. By Hamish Smith

The Diego Zamora group has reported that its Licor 43 brand finished 2011 with sales of 500 000 cases worldwide, 4.2 million liters, which represents an increase of more than 25% over 2010.

Bill Samuels Jr is to step down as president of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Rob Samuels has been appointed to the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO) of Maker’s Mark bourbon, one of Fortune Brands’ premium spirits brands.

UK: Hennessy will mark 54 years of continuous partnership - British racing’s longest commercial sponsorship - at this year’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse on November 27.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine is to push its Maker’s Mark brand in travel retail. A new campaign, created to enhance the travel experience, aims to raise awareness for Maker’s Mark amongst passengers and encompass advertising, in-store education, secondary displays and exclusive travel retail gift packs.

An attempt by AB InBev  to register the Budweiser trademark  as a Community Trade Mark within the EU has been rejected by the European Court of Justice.

UK: Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has appointed three new trustees to its board.

Maker’s Mark has won a trademark infringement case against Cuervo tequila. A judgment has confirmed that the whiskey’s free-form red wax seal coating is a well-known and valid trademark.