Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Diageo launches Smirnoff & Diet Cola

Published: 12 April, 2011

There was a time when vodka and cola was a drink mixed in your youth if you ran out of tonic or fresh orange.

Diageo GB brings Captain Morgan to Morgan's Spiced

Published: 07 April, 2011

Diageo GB, is bringing the figurehead Captain Morgan to its Morgan's Spiced brand in a bid to give the golden rum based spirit drink a unique personality.

Chivas and Westwood fly the flag

Published: 22 March, 2011

The doyenne of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood and whisky brand Chivas Regal, launched a luxury limited edition Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Vivienne Westwood at London Fashion Week.

It's Absolut Brilliance

Published: 22 February, 2011

Absolut is going bigger as Pernod Ricard UK announces plans to roll out a 1-litre format of Absolut Limited Edition across the multiple grocery channel.

Aimed as the ideal gift for cocktail lovers and a staple for festive parties or cosy nights by the fire, Beefeater has launched a seasonal limited edition gin, the Beefeater London Dry Winter Edition.

Roberson Wine & Orbiel & Frères

Published: 11 October, 2010

Fed up with the lack of wine available in the UK at a low enough price for Roberson Wine to retail it sub-£6 and wholesale at around £4, senior buyer Mark Andrew embarked on a hunt for a range of great, superb-value wines.

Laura Clark reviews The Criterion

Published: 16 September, 2010

Originally opened in 1875, the Criterion's lavish marble floor, gold-gilded ceiling and mirrored walls are in stark contrast to the gaudy billboards and fluorescent lights of Piccadilly Circus.

Sommelier Diary - Laurent Richet

Published: 16 August, 2010

Sommelier and head barman/cocktail specialist - Hotel TerraVina

Carol Emmas reviews Inter Beaujolais

Published: 29 July, 2010

Unless you've been residing on another planet these past few weeks, it's unlikely the hype of the 2009 Beaujolais vintage has passed you by. Xavier Barbet, vice-president of Inter Beaujolais, says this is the best vintage he's ever seen.

Sommelier Diary - Giuseppe Albaceli

Published: 07 June, 2010

The most enjoyable part of my job is to familiarise all passengers about the fine wines we have onboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express.

Glenrothes whisky tasting

Published: 03 March, 2010

Claire Hu savours the atmosphere, and flavour, of a vertical Glenrothes tasting in Speyside.

A clear modern twist

Published: 15 April, 2009

A new absinthe plays on the notorious history of the spirit, with a skull depicted on the front label.

Martin Miller's Gin celebrates its 10th anniversary

Published: 03 April, 2009

Martin Miller Gin is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

It's only natural

Published: 03 April, 2009

Tomintoul Distillery in Speyside is expanding its malts range with the release of Tomintoul Speyside Glenlivet 14 Year Old.

Old Smoky

Published: 03 April, 2009

Contemporary whisky brand Smokehead is launching a super-premium, 18-year-old version called Smokehead Extra Black.

Mellowing with age

Published: 23 February, 2009

A new range of Armagnacs focuses on age and origin in a bid to give the French brandy a premium image.

Russian Standard creates Christmas cocktail range

Published: 24 November, 2008

Russian Standard, the "essential vodka to ensure a truly magical Christmas this year", has created a range of Christmas cocktail recipes to be enjoyed with its Imperia vodka brand.
Source: Russian Standard

Diageo unveils Christmas gift packs for key whiskey brands

Published: 24 November, 2008

With Christmas just around the corner, Diageo Great Britain has unveiled its gift packs for key Whiskey brands Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Bushmills Irish Whiskey, as well as ultra-premium brand Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky.
Source: Diageo

PLB brings Solera 7 rum to the UK

Published: 24 November, 2008

Solera 7 - the premium solera-aged rum from Matusalem - is now available in the UK for the first time via newly-appointed agent PLB.
Source: Solera 7

Diageo launches limited edition Johnnie Walker

Published: 17 November, 2008

In a quarter of a century of operation, the amazing shopping experience provided by Dubai Duty Free has totally revolutionised the airport shopping experience at Dubai Airport, placing it alongside the very best in the world.
Source: Diageo