The Savoy has appointed Shannon Tebay as head bartender of the American Bar and senior mixologist at the hotel.

Scottish whisky auction firm, Whisky Hammer, and sister company Still Spirit has sold a 49% stake of the business to the Hong Kong investment group, Rare Whisky Holdings.

A new law in Russia ordering French champagne to be labelled sparkling wine has caused unrest among producers.

Bacardi has identified three key consumer groups after conducting an extensive survey on attitudes towards revisiting bars as lockdown measures are eased.

The Glenlivet has opened its newly refurbished distillery and visitor centre in Speyside after undergoing 18 months of renovations.

Ardgowan Distillery has announced a new one million litre single malt distillery and visitor centre, built on the Ardgowan Estate in Inverclyde, Scotland.

Naked Wines stock decreased by 3% this morning after the online retailer posted an annual pre-tax loss of £10.7 million.

Coa founder Jay Khan has revealed further details about his new bar which is set to open in mid-July in Shanghai.

Hollywood star Pedro Pascal has signed up as the new global ambassador for Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo.

Kahlúa has unveiled a new label design, inspired by the coffee culture of the brand’s native Veracruz, Mexico.

Pernod Ricard says its New Zealand wine brands Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh will be unable to meet global Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc supply this year after one of the smallest New Zealand harvests in 10 years.

Scottish distiller Eden Mill has entered a new partnership with French drinks group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet for the UK distribution of its gin portfolio.

Agung Prabowo is described as “one of the nicest people in bartending” in his bio for Drinks International’s Bar World 100 and his infectious smile transmits even across a Zoom call outside his new Dead& bar in central Hong Kong.

Nick Strangeway on how bars must adapt to a new and improved hospitality sector as we emerge from lockdown.

Fentimans is to replace 125ml mixer bottles with a new range of 200ml mixers, as the premium mixer brand aims to “tap into the growing popularity for long mixed drinks”.

Glenmorangie has released a new single malt scotch whisky called X by Glenmorangie which has been specifically designed for mixing.

Non-alcoholic spirits brand Strykk has secured new distribution agreements in the Netherlands and Canada.

The Famous Grouse has launched a limited-edition label to celebrate the brand’s role as the official sponsor of The British & Irish Lions.

While New Zealand has managed the pandemic better than most, a lack of tourism and difficulties with shipping have taken a toll on wine sales. Martin Green reports.

Plans to protect the reputation of Japanese whisky have been unveiled, but do they go far enough? Shay Waterworth looks at the implications.

Jura single malt whisky has launched a new rum cask finish as the latest member of the Jura Cask Editions.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has entered a new distribution agreement with Genova-based Velier S.p.A for the Italian market.

Campo Viejo has announced the launch of Winemaker’s Blend, a new blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Bobal.

UK gin exports decreased by £100 million in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs.

Ghost Tequila has signed a national distribution agreement in the US with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) that will see the brand enter four new states immediately.

Beam Suntory has announced a £6m investment in the Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum, which will see the reintroduction of floor matings and installation of direct-fired heating.

The founders of super-premium tequila brand VIVIR have launched a new mixto tequila brand called El Sueño to bridge a gap in the market and support sustainable practices.

Pernod Ricard has announced a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign for Beefeater starting on 19 April targeting 25-34-year-olds.

Calvados brand Avallen has partnered with National Geographic Traveller Food to launch its new creative campaign designed to drive greater consideration of sustainability and environmental impact within the drinks sector.

The team behind London’s Bimber Distillery has confirmed plans to open a new Scottish whisky distillery in Dunphail, south of Forres.

The Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association has announced a new set of rules and regulations for the production of Japanese whisky.

Class Bar Magazine has launched a new website which will provide the latest news and insights into the UK bar industry.

Australian vermouth brand Regal Rogue has launched a new bartender training initiative in collaboration with The Liana Collection, the brand’s newly appointed UK distributor in 2021.

Avallen has announced a global partnership with UK-based Charter Brands to drive new routes to market beyond Europe, Hong Kong & Australia.

While most enter hospitality via high-volume bars or nightclubs, Pietro Collina got his first role at private members’ bar Mark’s Club in London aged 16.

Martin Miller’s Gin has unveiled a new ad campaign that tells the story of the brand’s “transformation from a mad idea to a genius gin”.

JW Filshill, the Glasgow-based wholesaler, has acquired Eldorado Tonic Wine as part of its purchase of KB Agencies for an undisclosed sum.

The Worshipful Company of Distillers has announced a new programme of scholarships and bursaries for more than 100 students over the next three years.

Premium rosé, ecommerce and innovation in packaging will form the bedrock of Foncalieu’s strategy as it bids to enjoy a strong commercial performance in 2021.

The latest edition of the UKHospitality and CGA Quarterly Tracker has revealed a 54% drop in sales for 2020 from £133.5bn in 2019 to £61.7bn.

Hollywood star Mads Mikkelsen has resumed the role of a cycling philosopher in a new ad for Carlsberg 0.0.

Whyte & Mackay master distiller Richard Paterson was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Scotch whisky industry.

Kingfisher has launched a 6x33cl can format in time for the festive trading period as it bids to ramp up off-trade sales.

Tullamore DEW brand ambassador John Quinn has been named the new chairman of trade group Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey Association.

The Famous Grouse has launched a global ad campaign encouraging viewers to focus on “occasions and the outdoors”.

Naked Wines enjoyed 79.6% revenue growth in the six months to September 28 after demand for online wine purchases soared during the lockdown.

The former managing directors of Greene King and Ei Group have invested in Hofmeister after growing excited by its potential to take the world beer category by storm.