Rémy Cointreau has completed the sale of all the shares in Piper-Heidsieck-Compagnie Champenoise to the EPI Group (Européenne de Participations Industrielles).

J Wray & Nephew has appointed Brown-Forman as the exclusive distributor of Appleton Jamaica Rum brands in Mexico.

Drinks International and Euromonitor International have published the Millionaires Club 2011. The report lists spirits brands that sell over one million nine-litre cases. A record 172 brands feature in this year’s edition and figures are based on 2010 sales volumes.

The UK heat of the Gin Mare cocktail Competition took place this week at the Imbibe show in London.

Morrison Bowmore has unveiled two new Auchentoshan expressions. 1999 Bordeaux Cask Matured and Valinch, a small batch release of the Classic expression bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered.

Brown-Forman has acquired the Maximus vodka brand from Altia. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Heineken and Google have announced an advertising partnership which will begin with the launch of worldwide digital campaigns on YouTube and mobile phones.

A de Fussigny Cognac has announced the launch of four new vintage expressions at Vinexpo in Bordeaux.

Remy Martin has launched its Louis XIII cognac in a jeroboam decanter. The new format has a £16,000 price tag and there are 100 jeroboams available.

Kilchoman, the small “farm distillery” on the famous scotch island of Islay, has unveiled a single malt whisky which it claims is the first 100% Islay-only whisky in more than 100 years.

UK cider producer Aspall is to restructure its business and invest £4m following “40% volume growth” last year.

A de Fussigny cognac has released XO 24 Carats Grand Champagne to North America, Europe, Asia and duty free.

Chivas Brothers has launched a US$200,000 whisky as a tribute to the oldest crown jewels in Britain - the Honours of Scotland.

US: Heaven Hill has launched a liqueur called Hpnotiq Harmonie. The new product is an infusion of French vodka, natural fruits, flowers, and cognac.  The mix includes berries, violets and lavender.

Isle of Arran Distillers has launched a limited edition scotch in collaboration with conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has offered the entire 174-bottle release of its Millennium Barrel expression to US charities for auctioning.

Belgiun beer Duvel Green has been renamed Duvel Single Fermentation, in a bid to ease consumer understanding.

Global drinks giant Diageo has reached an agreement with Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala to take a 50% controlling stake in the Guatemalan Zacapa rum brand.

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits has released The Glenrothes 1995 Vintage to international markets following its launch at Whisky Live Tokyo in February.

Chivas Brothers has launched a new special edition Beefeater gin. Developed by master distiller Desmond Payne, Beefeater London Market Gin will be available for a limited period from June 2011 in key global markets, including Spain, UK, Turkey and Bulgaria.

Ardbeg has announced the September launch of its new limited release, Ardbeg Alligator, to Europe, Asia and the US.

US: Beam Global and Courvoisier cognac have launched Courvoisier Rosé. The liqueur is a blend of Courvoisier cognac and French 'red wine grapes'. The flavour profile is said to feature "notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and a touch of cherry, complemented by vanilla, honey and vine-peach flavours". The 36 proof liquid (18%abv) is best served chilled or on ice and is available throughout the US for $24.99.

The Snow Grouse and The Naked Grouse have launched to the UK, as part of The Famous Grouse’s range of blended scotch whiskies.

Constellation Brands has named Jay Wright, currently president of its North American division, as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately. In his new role, Wright will oversee marketing, sales and operations across the company. This is the first time Constellation Brands has appointed such a role and a statement from the company said “the creation of the COO role is the latest step in the company's evolution to further refine and streamline its organisation”.

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