Christopher Cooper: Bartenders versus sommeliers - who brings the 'cool' to the drinks industry?

Perception is everything in the battle of the elite drinks purveyors, so it's about time we factored "cool" into wine's appeal, says Christopher Cooper

Andrew Catchpole: A promising year for the wine trade

Consumer confidence - and spend - is on the up, a stronger pound is easing the path for UK buyers, and time has seemingly been called by the multiples on an era of heavy discounting, with range cuts also playing into the hands of adventurous independents selling on the contrasting breadth of their portfolio.

Sipsmith to open Swan on a Hot Gin Roof pop-up bar in Soho

London's award-winning Sipsmith gin distillery has partnered with Soho's Ham Yard Hotel for a winter pop-up bar on the hotel's exclusive fourth-floor roof terrace.

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Gin tourism comes to Manchester

Manchester gin lovers will soon be able to enjoy a tour of some the city's best bars fuelled by their favourite tipple, thanks to a new drinking experience launching in the spring.

SWA survey finds huge public support for cut in UK whisky tax

British consumers are overwhelmingly in favour of a cut in the tax on a bottle of Scotch, according to a new survey sponsored by the Scottish Whisky Association.

Scottish minimum unit pricing for alcohol hangs in balance against EU free trade laws

The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Scottish Government's case for minimum unit pricing [MUP] for alcohol could be in breach of free trade laws if tax-based measures could deliver a fairer and equally effective result with regard to protecting public health.

Father Christmas set to enjoy a whisky-fuelled Christmas night

Over three-quarters of us will leave something out for Father Christmas this year, according to a survey of Tesco customers.

Diageo promotes new US CFO to drive return to growth

Jakob Ripshtein has been appointed as chief financial officer of Diageo's North American business.

Jameson spearheads AA Pernod Ricard anti drink-drive campaign

Pernod Ricard UK has again partnered with the AA on its Christmas anti drink-driving campaign.

José Cuervo in £30 million plans to double capacity at Bushmills

The Bushmills distillery in County Antrim will double in capacity if new expansions plans meet with local planning approval.

David steps down as William Grant chief executive

William Grant & Sons chief executive Stella David is to leave the family-owned business in February, it is reported.

Young drinkers drive UK gin sales above £1 billion in 2015

Young drinkers will push UK gin sales above £1 billion for the first time, according to data from research giant Mintel, released today.

SWA slams minimum unit pricing ahead of EU court ruling

The Scottish Whisky Association has reiterated its opposition to minimum-unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland, prior to a ruling on the subject from the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is due on December 23.

Modern Australian Gin gets second release from Four Pillars

The award-winning Australian craft Four Pillars distillery has issued a second release of its Modern Australian Gin.

Searcys St Pancras celebrates Christmas with Cocoflake hybrid

The Dalmore launches Parisian luxury film trilogy

The Dalmore Highland Single Malt has launched the first in a series of three films in partnership with luxury Paris hotels.

First private equity fund focused on craft spirits sector launches in US

Thoroughbred Spirits Partners and the Thoroughbred Spirits Group have launched a US private equity fund focused on the craft spirits sector.

Diageo looks Starward for second major Distill Ventures investment

Distill Ventures has made its second major investment in a matter of weeks.

Gordon's Dry Gin ad lands artist Jeff Koons with law suit

Controversial US pop artist Jeff Koons is being sued for copyright violation by a New York photographer.