Alcohol and beverage news covering brewers, distillers, wine, regulations, and consumer drinking trends.
Laos authorities stated they cannot determine the cause of death of six tourists linked to methanol-tainted alcohol because families refused autopsies. The distillery owner faces charges for selling harmful products, but not for the deaths, drawing frustration from Australia.
World Cup beer sales in the U.S. have surged, with host cities seeing a 14% increase in sales at bars, restaurants, and stadiums in the first four weeks. Nationally, beer sales rose 4% during the tournament. Sam Adams founder Jim Koch praised Scottish fans for consuming beer at a rate of one every 12 seconds.
Domestic beer now makes up 95.4% of all beer sales in Russia, per state media. Imports from 'unfriendly countries' fell 34% year-over-year, while imports from EAEU nations doubled. Western spirits giants have exited, boosting local alternatives.
The commentary argues that despite Uncle Nearest's financial troubles and the Weavers' ousting, Fawn Weaver's true achievement was bringing historical recognition to Nathan "Nearest" Green, a Black man integral to Jack Daniel's creation. It contends that the brand's legacy transcends its business failure.
This commentary humorously reviews two new energy drinks launched by Barron Trump and Kai Trump, comparing them to past Trump-branded beverages and the broader trend of Gen Z influencers entering the energy drink market. The author argues that the drinks cater to a generation consuming less alcohol and more caffeine, while noting the irony of Barron's product using a South American ingredient amid the Trump administration's immigration policies.
This commentary argues that lower-alcohol-by-volume spirits offer a middle ground for social drinkers who want to moderate consumption without sacrificing the taste and social experience of traditional cocktails. It cites industry experts and trends to suggest that low-ABV options are a growing demand in the hospitality industry.
This commentary argues that Aperol spritzes are overrated and encourages readers to explore other spritz variations for a lighter summer drink. It provides tips for making lower-alcohol spritzes and recommends alternative bottles to try, emphasizing the versatility of the spritz format beyond the popular Aperol version.
This commentary recounts the author's experience blind-tasting 300 Nebbiolo wines from Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero, highlighting six standout producers. It argues that Nebbiolo's ability to express terroir makes it comparable to Pinot Noir, and emphasizes the influence of soil composition on wine character.
This commentary profiles winemakers who have had to restart their vineyards multiple times due to challenges like wildfires or economic pressures. It argues that their resilience and willingness to adapt reflect a broader trend in the wine industry, where climate change and market shifts are forcing producers to innovate and begin anew.
Emma Denney, UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 and wine director at Claridge's, discusses current wine trends and her experience winning the competition. She highlights the challenge of the theory paper over the practical champagne pour, and notes the excitement around the new Dante restaurant at Claridge's.