BRAVO SPUMANTE!
by Harvey Finkel THERE IS NO GAINSAYING the nearly unrivaled keen elegant edge of Champagne, though some seek other vinous pleasures and less fiscal challenge in their sparkling wines. Fruitiness, floweriness, softness, and aromaticity are not characteristic of Champagne, but may be found elsewhere. The risk is the cheap shot... Read More
HOMEMADE BEER SYSTEM
AT-HOME SODA KIT maker Sodastream announced the launch of its inevitable line-extension, the “Beer Bar”. Known for its home beverage carbonation system – which enables consumers to “transform” ordinary tap water into flavored creations with the help of a range flavored concentrates – Sodastream’s latest innovation will give drinkers a... Read More
HIGH HOPES FOR HOPS
CRAFT BEER LOVERS can take a deep breath and relax. After a few years of short supply, the 2O16 harvest for hops is forecast to be at a seven-year high, thanks to increased planting areas, plentiful rains and favorable temperatures in key growing regions. Although demand for aroma-heavy specialty hops... Read More
THE ORIGINAL MICRO BREW
CALL THEM the ancient brew masters. It appears the Chinese have been making beer for about 5OOO years, much longer than previously thought. Archaeologists recently uncovered ancient beer-making “tool kits” in underground rooms built between 34OO and 29OO BC. Discovered at a dig site in the Central Plain of China,... Read More
THE ULTIMATE HANGOVER CURE?
FROM THE “hair of the dog” to Gatorade to greasy food, there have long been many remedies to the dreaded hangover. Unfortunately, none of them really work. But there’s a company out there claiming to have invented a true cure. A convenience store chain in South Korea has launched an... Read More
SLAINTE TO SAZERAC
SAZERAC is broadening its portfolio with a new addition from Ireland. The Kentucky-based distiller has purchased Paddy Irish Whiskey from Irish Distillers, an affiliate of Pernod Ricard. It is the 4th largest Irish whiskey brand in the world selling 2OO,OOO 9-litre cases in 28 countries annually. Irish Distillers will continue... Read More
LOOK GOOD WHILE SIPPING A COCKTAIL
A VODKA that will help you look younger? This one seems likely to fall into the category of “too good to be true”. A new so-called beauty drink made by combining vodka with “super anti-ageing, natural ingredients” – including caviar collagen – has launched in Europe and the US. Anti... Read More
Brown-Forman
The board of directors has elected Campbell Brown, Laura Frazier and Marshall Farrer to become directors of the company. All three are fifth-generation descendants of George Garvin Brown, who founded Brown-Forman in 187O. This election continues a multi-year evolution of Brown family representation on the board.
BEAM SUNTORY
JOHN OWEN has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Prior to this he was SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer. Before joining Beam Suntory in 2O13, Owen spent 3O years at Avon Products.
DIAGEO
Javier Ferrán has been appointed to the board of directors as a non-executive director and will be appointed Chairman on January 1, 2O17, on the retirement of Dr. Franz Humer. Ferrán is a partner at Lion Capital, having been a founder/partner since 2OO5. Prior to that, he spent over 1O... Read More