Scotch Whisky Association to open London office as it ramps up international focus

The Scotch Whisky Association is on the hunt for a new global affairs director, to be responsible for all of its international and EU business, who will head up a new London office.

John Dewar & Sons releases limited editions from Aultmore distillery

Brits fork out 50% in tax on festive drinks shop

British consumers forked out over 50% on tax for their festive alcohol shop, as taxes have surged by 19% in the past four years.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: David Frost Scotch Whisky Association

David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, reflects on the Scottish referendum and the increased investment in the sector, while hoping for an improvement in sales in 2015.  

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: WSTA chief Miles Beale

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Trade Association, says the industry's progress against the Responsibility Deal is something to shout about. Meanwhile he's gearing up the pre-Budget Drop the Duty campaign and planning to engage with government after 2015's General Election.

Gordon's gin launches TV ad featuring boar on Christmas Eve

Gordon's, the UK's biggest selling gin brand, is launching a new TV ad featuring a boar this evening, as part of a £2 million marketing spend.

Pinkster gin steps up expansion plans

Raspberry gin brand Pinkster has stepped up expansion plans after securing a six-figure sum in second-round financing from an angel investor.

Drinks industry 'vastly exceeds' target to remove 1bn units

The drinks industry has "vastly exceeded" its target to remove 1 billion units of alcohol from the UK market two years ahead of schedule, a report from the Department of Health has confirmed.

Sparkling wine is success story of 2014, as still wine sales fall, says WSTA report

Wine sales fell 3% in the off-trade in 2014, and 2% in the on-trade - but sparkling wines are still in the ascendancy, says the latest market report from the Wine & Spirits Trade Association.

Glasgow Distillery Company finds rare 30 year-old single malt casks to release its first whisky

Glasgow's first standalone whisky and gin distillery in over a 100 years has acquired 30-year-old rare aged single malt Speyside casks which it is to turn in to its first official whisky release.

Brighton's first craft gin hits the market

Brighton & Hove's first distillery has opened its doors with Brighton Gin fresh out of the still and into a host of local outlets.

Spike in applications for craft distillers' licences takes HMRC 'by surprise'

The number of applications for craft distiller licences in the UK has taken HMRC "by surprise", spiking from two last year, to 35 so far in 2014.

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.

James Bond returns to vodka - Belvedere vodka for new Spectre film

Bond is back and this time's he's drinking vodka. Belvedere vodka to be exact.

Instil Drinks appoints new MD and brings PLB beer portfolio under its wing

Bibendum PLB's beer and niche spirits trading arm Instil Drinks Company has incorporated PLB's extensive beer range into its portfolio, including its flagship Estrella Galicia.

Grey Goose takes over London Tube station with huge ad

Grey Goose vodka has taken over the full length of London's Bank Underground Station with the "largest piece of single advertising creative" in UK history in the run-up to Christmas.

'Help us help you': wine and spirits trade call to Chancellor

"Help us, help you" was the direct message laid down to the Chancellor by the wine and spirits industry at today's media launch of its new Drop the Duty campaign.

Whisky Birmingham to attract 150 whisky players to its 2015 show

Over 150 whiskies will be on show at Whisky Birmingham on March 7, 2015, England's largest whisky festival outside London.

David Beckham's Haig Club whisky to open pop-up bar and retail store for Christmas

Pernod Ricard uses Jameson to target younger males with anti-drink driving message

Pernod Ricard UK has ramped up its anti-drink driving campaign this year after an AA Survey found that almost one fifth of drivers have driven the morning after drinking - even when they thought they could have been over the limit.