The transaction includes a majority of the brand assets formerly owned by Southwest Spirits & Wine (SSW), such as Nue Vodka.  North Carolina-based Next Century Spirits (NCS) has acquired a stable of brands from Southwest Spirits & Wine, located in Dallas, Texas. The acquisition also includes The Other 49 Bourbon, Sixty Men Bourbon, George Ocean Rum, Calamity Gin, and Henderson Whiskey.  “Our ambition is to become a trusted, long-term spirits partner with a diverse portfolio and the recent acquisition of SSW brand assets allows us to diversify our business and accelerate our t ..read more

Dutch vodka brand Luchino will now work with Danish distribution platform Bemakers. Luchino’s Azur Edition won Gold in the ultra-premium category at The Vodka Masters 2023 and a Master award at the Winter Spirits Tasting 2023. Its vodka is distilled in a Müller pot still, using French wheat, purified water, Dutch honey and vanilla. It is distilled and bottled in the Netherlands. A 700ml bottle retails for RRP €59 (US$63) and has an ABV of 40%. The brand currently has only one product, although a Noir Edition will launch soon. Thanks to its partnership with Bemakers, the vodka will be available ..read more

According to a review conducted by the Ireland’s Health Research Board, Latvia consumes the most alcohol per capita in the world. The data was compiled from the 38 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Latvia led the list with 12.2 litres of alcohol consumed a year on average per person. Lithuania (12.1 litres), Czech Republic (11.6 litres), Estonia (11.1 litres) and Austria (11.1 litres) then rounded out the top five. The numbers are based on the most recent available data from each country. In 2021, the average between the 38 countries was 8.6 litres ..read more

Distillers around the world have seen the potential of Baltic hero aquavit, and are creating their own takes on the Scandinavian superstar. We spoke to producers in its heartland and abroad about the potential of the category. *This feature was originally published in the December 2023 issue of The Spirits Business magazine.  Long established in its traditional heartlands of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, aquavit has been regarded by locals as a well-loved spirit, often sipped neat during celebrations and suppers. But its international presence is expanding as aquavit has become adopted by ..read more

Biggar & Leith-owned Shanky's Whip has strengthened its presence in Asia after gaining distribution deals in South Korea and Japan. Distributor Three Arrows will oversee Shanky's Whip's entry in Japan, while Upic will cover its distribution in South Korea. Both distributors are tasked with bringing Shanky's Whip to hospitality venues, retailers and e-commerce channels. The brand's launch in the two markets will be supported through activations and tastings – with a focus on its gift pack offering – and it will also make appearances at various trade and consumer shows throughout the year, i ..read more

Dutch liqueur producer Lucas Bols has agreed to distribute The Muff Liquor Company's Irish spirits portfolio in the US. Lucas Bols will have exclusive rights to import and distribute Muff Liquor’s products in the States, with the partnership officially launching in October 2024. Laura Bonner, CEO and founder of The Muff Liquor Company, said: “I am thrilled to see The Muff Liquor Company expanding to the US market with the talent and experience of the Lucas Bols Company. “We share an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to heritage that has been woven into The Muff Liquor company story since m ..read more

Indian gin Hapusa has launched a new cocktail competition with a trip to the brand’s home in the Himalayas up for grabs. The inaugural Forager’s Championship is open to bartenders in four countries: India, Italy, the UK and Thailand. To enter the competition, bartenders must submit a video pitching a cocktail recipe containing Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin as its main ingredient, as well as one foraged local ingredient. The serve must also be listed on the participant’s bar’s menu for a minimum of one month. Ten finalists from each country will then be invited to compete in local heats, with the co ..read more

Trade group the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has elected a vice-president and secretary, and appointed five new board members. Kelly Woodcock, partner and vice-president at Westward Whiskey in Portland, Oregon, has been appointed president of the association. She takes over the role from Gina Holman, of J Carver Distillery in Minnesota. Woodcock joined the ACSA board of directors in 2022 and previously served as vice-president in 2023. Amber Pollock, of Wyoming’s Backwards Distilling, has been named vice-president, while Jeff Kanof, of Washington-based Copperworks Distillery, has ..read more

The 21-year-old single malt from Highland distillery Aberfeldy was finished in casks from Argentinian winery Finca Ambrosia. Bacardi-owned distillery Aberfeldy is adding to its collection of wine cask-finished single malts with a new 21-year-old whisky. Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish spent close to eight months in French oak wine casks from Argentinian winery Finca Ambrosia. The limited edition whisky was distilled on 14 November 2001 and matured in a combination of Sherry hogsheads and refill Bourbon barrels. The finishing casks previously held the winery’s Viña Unica expression, wh ..read more

Research conducted by Ireland’s Health Research Board (HRB) has revealed Ireland ranks third for the highest number of pubs per capita in the world. HRB's latest alcohol overview showed three-in-four people live within walking distance of a premise licensed to sell alcohol. The findings come despite the number of licensed pubs in Ireland declining over the last 10 years. From 2022 to 2023, 7,856 pub licences were issued or renewed, which was an 8.2% dip since 2012-2013. Rural counties were found to have the highest rate of pub licences per capita with one pub for every 330 people in Kerry, and ..read more