The Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry
MAX L. SHAPIRA will take over for Jeffrey O’Neill as Chairman of the national trade association representing distillers and importers. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Distilleries, has been a long-term member of the organization. The association also welcomed two new members to Presidents’ Forum: Jonathan Yusen, President and Managing Director... Read More
THE BEER INSTITUTE
JAMES A. MCGREEVY III has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the trade association that represents America’s brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers. He joins the Beer Institute from the American Beverage Association (ABA), where he was Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. McGreevy will lead the Beer... Read More
BLANCO TEQUILA IS WHITE HOT
WHEN IT COMES to drinking tequila in the US, the long-dominant “Gold Standard” has become a thing of the past. Production of Blanco tequila is on the rise as American tequila drinkers demand the unaged agave spirit for sipping or use in mixed drinks. Blanco tequila consumption in the US... Read More
DRAMBUIE FOR SALE
IN KEEPING with the current trend of spirit brand mergers and acquisitions, Scottish liqueur Drambuie is to be sold for the first time in a century. The MacKinnon family that owns the brand hopes to capitalize on the booming cocktail market and a thirst for heritage brands from Asian companies... Read More
SMIRNOFF HOLDS ON TO #1
SMIRNOFF HAS retained its title as the largest selling vodka in the world in 2O13, according to Drinks International’s Millionaires’ Club 2O14. Diageo’s 26.1 million case-brand reported 1% growth in volume sales last year, as 14.5m cases now stand between first place Smirnoff and its nearest competitor, Absolut at 11.4m.... Read More
SUNTORY CLOSES ON BEAM
THE ACQUISITION of Beam Inc., the Deerfield-based maker of Jim Beam, is now officially a done deal. Japan’s Suntory announced its $16 billion acquisition of Beam back in January. The deal closed in May, creating the world’s third-largest premium spirits company. Matt Shattock, Beam’s CEO since 2OO9, is now chairman... Read More
TOP IMBIBING COUNTRIES
EVER WONDER who drinks the most alcohol in the entire world? Well the World Health Organization (WHO) has tracked it and the results are in for top drinking nations. Alcohol consumption varies widely across the globe and while the US stacks up pretty well compared to some other countries, Russians... Read More
MOONSHINE A CULTURAL HISTORY OF AMERICA’S INFAMOUS LIQUOR
By JAIME JOYCE THIS NEW BOOK explores America’s centuries-old relationship with moonshine from its history to its widespread effect on US pop culture. Topics covered include the role whiskey played in America’s military past; the long-term societal impact and health-related consequences caused by unregulated stills; the butterfly-effect of moonshine’s influence... Read More
CENTER FOR ALCOHOL POLICY SEVENTH ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST
THE Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) is accepting entries for its essay contest. The topic for this year’s contest is: “As states contemplate the legalization of prohibited products, like marijuana, what are some lessons policymakers and regulators can learn from the movement to end alcohol Prohibition in the 193Os?” “The... Read More
RARE LIFE AWARD
Nominations are now being accepted for the Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey 2O15 Rare Life Award. The grand prize winner will be awarded a $5O,OOO donation to the charity of his or her choice. In addition, six others will be selected and awarded $5OOO each for their charities. Entries will be... Read More