Author: Aiden

## China’s Baijiu Industry Faces a Deep Crisis Recent data paints a stark picture for China’s baijiu sector. A Forbes report reveals a nearly 15% sales plunge for baijiu producers in 2025, compounded by difficulties faced by Western premium spirits within the Chinese market. This isn’t merely a seasonal dip; it represents a significant, multifaceted challenge reshaping the industry’s landscape. ## Inventory Overload and Price Wars The root cause of this downturn is a critical buildup of inventory. Producers, fueled by robust demand in previous years, aggressively stocked warehouses, leading distributors and retailers to grapple with a surplus. This excess…

The cocktail landscape is poised for another exciting evolution, and the 2026 Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, set to be unveiled on February 10th at The Underglobe in London, will undoubtedly be a key indicator of the direction the industry is taking. Organized by The Morning Advertiser, this annual ranking continues to be a critical barometer of innovation, quality, and overall impact within the UK’s vibrant mixology scene. This year’s list promises a mix of established giants and emerging talent. According to editor Ed Bedington, the event will showcase both familiar faces and exciting new contenders. The selection process, reportedly…

For decades, Bacardi’s name has been synonymous with rum – a staple of tropical cocktails and a globally recognized brand. But the rum giant is making a serious, and arguably surprising, splash into the world of tequila, and the company’s ambitious expansion is raising eyebrows and prompting a critical question: are they trying to steal your margaritas? The move, spearheaded by the acquisition of a significant stake in Mexican distillery El Tesoro, represents a significant shift in the tequila landscape and could have lasting consequences for consumers, cocktail enthusiasts, and the future of artisanal tequila production. As reported by *Biz…

The cocktail world is about to get a whole lot more competitive. Just released, the definitive “Top 50 Cocktail Bars” list for 2026 is already sending ripples through the industry, and frankly, we’re here for it. According to *Morning Advertiser*, this year’s lineup promises a serious escalation of innovation and skill, demanding attention from discerning drinkers everywhere. The anticipation surrounding this annual ranking – often considered the ‘Oscars’ of the beverage industry – has reached a fever pitch, and for good reason. The Lineup & What to Expect The list, available here: , reveals a strong focus on London establishments…

Forget the touchdowns and game-winning plays – this season, the real story is the unlikely pairing of Teremana tequila and Wingstop, and it’s shaping up to be a seriously smart marketing move. The collaboration is already generating buzz as the NFL playoffs kick off, and for good reason. It’s a pairing that’s more than just a novelty; it’s a meticulously crafted strategy leveraging the biggest sporting event of the year for a significant boost in brand visibility, and it’s proving remarkably effective. At its core, this partnership isn’t simply about slapping a Teremana sauce onto Wingstop’s iconic chicken. It’s a…

A turbulent week has unfolded across the globe, characterized by escalating international tensions, significant domestic unrest, and surprising developments across various sectors. From the ongoing crisis in Gaza to shifting geopolitical strategies, here’s a breakdown of the key events shaping the news cycle. The Gaza Crisis and Political Shifts The situation in Gaza remains dire, with confirmed fatalities exceeding 599. Hamas has announced its intention to dissolve its government following the formation of a new Palestinian body, although the timeline and conditions surrounding this transition remain uncertain. Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire are ongoing, but the deeply entrenched complexities…

The beer industry is undergoing a surprisingly bold and, for some, slightly bewildering transformation. Major breweries are increasingly linking their beer labels directly to popular TV shows and movies, a strategy dubbed “Stream TV Movies Music.” This initiative, fueled by the need for brands to stand out in an increasingly competitive market, raises questions about the future of craft beer and whether the focus is shifting from quality brews to clever marketing tie-ins. The “Stream TV Movies Music” Deal: A Strategic Shift At its core, “Stream TV Movies Music” is a collaborative effort between breweries and streaming platforms. The goal…

The quiet hum of Edinburgh Airport was punctuated by a decidedly less tranquil drama this week – the attempted smuggling of a £3,000 bottle of Macallan single malt Scotch whisky. The incident, first reported by *The Sun* and subsequently picked up by industry news outlet *Shanken News Daily*, has ignited a wave of amusement and commentary, revealing a surprising – and somewhat baffling – obsession with luxury spirits, even amongst those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. The individual, whose identity remains under wraps pending police investigation, was apprehended while attempting to discreetly slip the highly-prized…

For centuries, the aroma of oak and the cool touch of glass have defined the experience of enjoying single malt whisky. But the world of whisky is constantly evolving, and the latest trend is… aluminum? Stirling Distillery, a renowned Scottish producer with a legacy steeped in tradition, is taking a bold step by partnering with the University of Edinburgh to investigate the potential of storing their single malt whisky in metal bottles. The goal? To explore whether metal offers a superior aging experience – or at least, a less detrimental one – compared to traditional glass. This seemingly radical move…

## Stirling Distillery’s Bold Experiment: Aluminum Bottles in Whisky Production Stirling Distillery is taking a significant step toward sustainability with a research partnership exploring aluminum bottles as an alternative to traditional glass for its upcoming 2027 whisky release. The initiative, spearheaded by co-founder Kathryn Holm, is a response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of glass production and transportation. ## The Research Initiative: Testing the Waters The project, initiated ahead of the distillery’s first mature whisky release, centers around rigorous testing conducted by Stirling Distillery, Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), and local researchers. The core…