With its small-scale production and insistence on traditional methods, armagnac can lay claim to truly being the original ‘craft’ spirit. Shay Waterworth visited 11 producers in gascony to find out how history is meeting modernity

Angel Brown compiles the experts’ views on what is hot and what is not in the world of bartending today

Doomsday is upon us. On August 2 this year, the human race used more resources from nature than earth can renew in a complete year. And to think the population is now 7.5bn and still increasing is terrifying. But let’s look at some positives.

A new story is unfolding for vodka as country of origin gains importance. Ian Wisniewski uncovers Poland’s unique flavour profile

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International magazine August edition

Lauren Mote has been appointed Diageo’s first cocktailian, charged with spreading the word about cocktails to a global audience. Hamish Smith meets Canada’s finest

The Rioja Consejo has agreed to a single vineyard designation. Christian Davis reports

Despite its overall size and projected long-term growth, Indian Whisky faced difficulties last winter and this spring. Hamish Smith reports on improved prospects this summer

James Harmer of Touch packaging innovation explores the potential benefits for brands via technology-led packaging and smartphones.

It’s been a runaway success, but the craft beer movement can’t rest on its laurels. Shay Waterworth takes a look at the direction it might be heading in

Bitters were the original cocktail ingredient and, with the return to ingredients with provenance, they are reclaiming their space on the back bar. Dominic Roskrow reports

In the final leg of the annual judging, seven categories were tasted in the final marathon session. Shay Waterworth reports

Cono Sur is the star turn of chilean wine brands. Christian Davis meets its CEO and chief winemaker, Adolfo Hurtado

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International magazine July edition

This New Zealand region is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s now making pinot noir that justifies itself as a quality red partner. Jamie Goode reports

Former China resident and DI reporter Shay Waterworth has experienced the world’s largest spirit, baijiu, first hand. He gives us his take on this unwieldy yet mysterious category

An old spirit by any measure, bourbon is reinventing itself for the millennial generation. Ian Buxton reports

Illva Saronno, the Italian drinks producer, recently staged a business conference in China with its joint venture partner, Chinese wine producer Changyu. Christian Davis was there

Shay Waterworth teams up with veteran winemaker David Baverstock to find out what it is about Portugal that has kept him there for 35 years

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International magazine June edition

Drinks International guest writer Helen Saunders, head of intelligence and operations at brand protection company INCOPRO, gives her insight into the counterfeiting of alcohohol in China.

Homer Simpson and Peter griffin are classic cartoon characters that have dominated TV screens for the past 20 years.

Scotch again proved the biggest winner on its home turf as a record number of whiskies from around the world lined up on the tasting table. Shay Waterworth was at Edinburgh’s scotch whisky experience for the ISC event.

It was inevitable – vermouth is the latest category to be revived through the craft movement. Jaq Bayles reports on how modern twists are making big names sit up.

The Nordic countries like their whisky. mostly scotch but also others – including now their very own. Christian Davis reports

The London Wine Fair brings producers from across the globe together under one roof. Shay Waterworth previews

Ian Buxton takes a trip around the smaller and lesser-known distilleries of Scotland’s outlying islands where producers battle the elements to make some of the country’s finest whisky

The lack of legal definitions around rum see some producers deceiving consumers with their claims, finds Holly Motion

Hamish Smith meets one of Mexican culture’s greatest proponents and finds there’s more to Tomas Estes than meets the eye

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International Magazine May edition

Scotland may be best known for its whisky, but it’s no slouch when it comes to producing gin either. Hamish Smith hears the pipes a-calling

They may be the world’s most awarded brandies, but South Africa’s offerings struggle to get the message across to consumers. Holly Motion reports on how that’s all changing

For 25 years María José Sevilla promoted Spanish food and wine. She retired in January and last month was made a member of the Gran Orden De Caballeros Del Vino (the grand order of the gentlemen of wine). Christian Davis saddles up

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International Magazine April edition

Miles Beale is the man who is going to be at the forefront of representing the UK wine and spirits industry in negotiating the country’s exit from the european union. Christian Davis gets a masterclass in how to deal with politicians.

Exhibitors and buyers from more than 75 countries are expected to attend the IAADFS duty free show of the Americas.

Judges of DI's annual wine challenge found renewed vigour in a famously low-octane sector. Holly Motion reports

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International Magazine March edition

The craft movement has started to help brush away vodka’s artificial flavours reputation and let the drink’s more natural tastes shine. Jaq Bayles reports

What goes up must come down, right? when it comes to Japanese Whisky that’s not necessarily the case, argues Dominic Roskrow. not yet, at least

Ali Dedianko might not be the obvious choice for the new face of london beer week but, as Holly Motion found out, she is an inspired one

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International Magazine February edition

The Drinks International Wine Tourism Challenge was judged at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust HQ. Christian Davis reports

To continue our list of The Most Admired Champagne Brands, here is 16-30

It's emotions that drive purchase behaviour, says guest writer Steve Beckworth of creative agency Colt.

So, the 2016 growing season was one of the most difficult in living memory. Thank heavens for a weather change in August through to harvest in mid-September

Holly Motion details the process behind the results of this year’s World’s Most Admired Champagne Brands

Cocktail syrups have evolved over many years as classic cocktail modifiers. Kat Odell looks at how they have improved to satisfy modern consumer quality demands

Quality is improving across the board when it comes to pre-mixed drinks, as producers recognise the increase in drinking ocassions. Hamish Smith reports

Here is the pick of the launches from last month, as featured in Drinks International Magazine January edition