As the end of another volatile trading year looms, Joe Bates looks back on an eventful 12 months which have seen the Middle East and India continue their rise to prominence

Shay Waterworth finds limoncello embracing the Spritz trend to positive effect in many markets

Offering brand involvement to individual investors carries risks but can also create a sense of ownership and connection that builds a bigger audience, finds Oli Dodd

Shay Waterworth meets Woodford Reserve’s visionary master distiller, Elizabeth McCall, to discuss the brand and future of bourbon.

Having split from the Equiano Rum brand, Ian Burrell has turned to a new concept which he hopes will be something he can leave to his children. Oli Dodd reports

Shay Waterworth catches up with Simon Ho of The Spirit of York Distillery in Toronto

Franciacorta has invested in ancient grapes and on-trade collaboration to drive the future of the category, finds Eleanor Yates

There’s an appetite for smoky whiskies in Asia created with the help of peat – both home grown and imported. Shay Waterworth reports on the brands taking cues from Islay

Just under 1,000km separates the two dominant brandy-producing regions of Spain. Between the north eastern Consejo Regulador del Brandy Penedès to the south western Consejo Regulador del Brandy de Jerez are three mountain ranges, four major cities and two different personalities. They both create Spanish brandy, but the products and the philosophies are very different.

Shay Waterworth uncovers some of the processes that encourage the release of desirable components in the maturation of rye whiskey

Oli Dodd explores the trajectory of vermouth and how modern brand owners are developing the category to both preserve its history and push the boundaries of flavour

This year’s TFWA World Conference dwelt on the many challenges facing the travel retail sector, not least the unsettled geopolitical environment and the seismic impact of new AI technology, as Joe Bates reports

While port is starting to feel the effects of high duty in one of its most crucial markets, the category is looking elsewhere to target new consumers. By Eleanor Yates

Tonic water faces greater than ever opposition from other mixers, but there are still opportunities to keep the sector fizzing, finds Shay Waterworth

The massive boom has quietened down, and now it’s up to the sector to self-regulate and ensure consumers get the quality they expect. Oli Dodd reports

Despite tariff wars and rising prices, champagne remains important to US consumers, but producers are aware that they need to adapt to the changing market.

Hamish Smith provides the annual deep dive into the details behind the ranking

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine which sparked the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Over the subsequent years, drone attacks and combat fighting have dominated the news, but for the vodka industry there’s a completely different narrative less told.

More than 100 wine and spirits companies will be exhibiting at this month’s show, but what should buyers be on the lookout for? Joe Bates investigates

Passenger numbers are up, spending is down – 2025 has brought mixed fortunes to the travel retail liquor business this year, Joe Bates writes

In such a competitive market as duty free, drinks companies need sppecific strategy. Shay Waterworth speaks with La Martiniquaise Bardinet managing director of group development Sylvia Bernard about the company’s approach.

With backing from film director Guy Ritchie, Rosemaund may seem like yet another celebrity whisky brand, but its story is far more poignant, one of family bonds, enduring passion and a long-awaited homecoming.

Drinks International sat down with Salvatore Calabrese aka ‘The Maestro’ at the Terrazza Bar in Villa Igiea Palermo, after a guest shift with Giorgio Bargiani of The Connaught Bar.

Tourism is defying the gloomy geopolitical backdrop, offering opportunities for the travel retail drinks business, says Joe Bates

New World wine is a recognised category, and now a similar movement is evolving for one of Italy’s classic liqueurs.

Clinton Cawood looks at the trajectory of an all time classic

The grain’s the thing when it comes to vodka’s flavour profile, and one style in particular is proving the Martini go-to for many mixologists.  Shay Waterworth reports

Despite what some headlines would suggest, Gen Z isn’t suddenly drinking more – and neither are earlier generations.

Without the backing of a major drinks company, the apple brandy continues to struggle for recognition, but it’s pinning its hopes on a signature serve, finds Shay Waterworth 

With prosecco driven by the Aperol Spritz for some time, the industry’s top bars still need some convincing. By Eleanor Yates

Provence may still be the watchword, but Shay Waterworth finds celebrity endorsement and non-French wines moving things along

A coconut spirit is looking to gain wider traction through bar entrepreneur Ryan Chetiyawardana. Eleanor Yates reports

Moving out of the shadow of their most significant serve is no easy task for lesser-known brands, but Clinton Cawood finds a sector that’s winning

While there is much to cheer for leading EU brandy producers after the Chinese government’s anti-dumping ruling, the date of any reopening of sales to the country’s duty free stores remains unclear, writes Joe Bates

Quintessential and quality gins are proving the best proposition as consumers settle into their drinking habits following the spirit’s big boom, finds Oli Dodd

While it remains to be seen whether lawsuits brought against Diageo’s Don Julio and Casamigos have any merit, they have put a spotlight on the flagship tequilas.  Oli Dodd examines the current state of play

Angel Ambrose caught up with Illva Saronno CEO Marco Ferrari as Disaronno turns 500 years old.

More brands are emerging as the thirst for Japanese whisky grows, and innovation is rife in the category, finds Eleanor Yates

Italy‘s classic liqueur is suffering both domestically and overseas, but Clinton Cawood finds sambuca producers remain resolute in fighting its corner

Modi Illva is capitalising on India’s global appeal by branching out into premium spirits for export. Shay Waterworth finds out more from the man at the helm.

At a time when protectionism and shifting shopper habits are challenging global travel retail, Latin America is quietly positioning itself as the industry’s most overlooked growth story, writes Joe Bates

Big drinks companies have laid out their stall for a future that sees premium spirits declining in mature markets. But there’s better news in emerging economies, finds Shay Waterworth

Malbec’s always been its big hitter, but Argentina is proving it can step up with fresh, modern styles. Oli Dodd reports

Oli Dodd looks into the case that is highlighting question marks over the transparency of tequila production

There are many factors at play in the voting for this list. Hamish Smith looks at what the rankings tell us about the bar industry

This list is a major undertaking that began in the spring. Hamish Smith talks through the process

Scotch shines in top tier of medal winners at The International Spirits Challenge 2025

Whisky and sherry have long worked in harmony when it comes to cask ageing, but that relationship is being threatened. By Shay Waterworth

Cava is dominante in Spain, but Shay Waterworth looks at the potential for sparkling Rioja both domestically and overseas.

Some UK distilleries are starting to embrace rye as their consumers seek new profiles. Eleanor Yates reports