Author: Aiden

The wait continues for fans of the beloved cocktail series, as the official release date for ‘Cocktail 2’ has been confirmed: September 2026. Production is entering its final phases, with meticulous attention being paid to the film’s signature sonic landscape. Luv Ranjan is at the helm as director, while Homi Adajania’s cinematography promises to deliver a visually arresting experience. A key element driving the creative process is the music. Sources close to the production describe the score as ‘central to Cocktail 2,’ suggesting a heightened emphasis on creating a truly immersive and memorable atmosphere. The team is focusing on perfecting…

The drinking landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. In January alone, a staggering 8 million Britons are tackling a full 31 days without alcohol, while another 8.8 million are actively reducing their intake – a trend bolstered by movements like Sober October. This isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s a deeply embedded change in consumer behavior, and the hospitality industry is rapidly responding. Recent data reveals the scale of this transformation. In January 2025, alcohol-free drink sales hit a remarkable £8.5 million across 1,216 locations. Remarkably, non-alcoholic beverages surpassed both wine and beer in volume, with 2.46 million units sold compared…

The world of Scotch – and broader whiskey – is undergoing a quiet, yet profoundly impactful, revolution. For decades, the dominant narrative revolved around classic peat smoke, Highland notes, and the revered traditions of Speyside. While those styles remain cornerstones, a new generation of distillers is bravely forging ahead, experimenting with techniques and ingredients to deliver previously unimaginable expressions. This isn’t about abandoning heritage; it’s about expanding its horizons. Beyond the Peat: A Shift in Flavor Profiles Many producers are now meticulously manipulating the charring process, moving away from the intensely smoky profiles historically associated with Islay. Instead, they’re embracing…

The New Zealand spirits scene just got a welcome injection of innovation. Hawke’s Bay entrepreneurs Zach Gustafson and Daniel Brennan of Decibel Wines are making waves with Nowhere Bourbon, a distinctly local expression that’s captivating palates and challenging conventional bourbon expectations. Gustafson’s relocation to the region two years ago revealed a gap in the market for premium bourbon options. Partnering with Brennan, a local Pinot Noir producer, they set out to fill it. Nowhere Bourbon is distilled and aged in Indiana, honoring classic bourbon production techniques while introducing a unique finishing process. Following its arrival in Hawke’s Bay, the bourbon…

Escape the predictable. Forget the crowded beaches and manufactured luxury – St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a Caribbean secret waiting to be uncovered. As *Travel + Leisure* reports, this island offers a profoundly authentic experience, one where genuine smiles are the norm and the pace of life slows to a blissful crawl. A Journey Beyond the Brochure St. Croix isn’t about ticking off a list of tourist hotspots. It’s about immersing yourself in the rhythms of island life, savoring the flavors of the Caribbean, and discovering landscapes that are both breathtaking and remarkably unspoiled. And, crucially,…

The global spirits market continues its upward trajectory, and at the forefront of this surge is a remarkable shift within the single malt whisky category. Specifically, the Highland region of Scotland is experiencing a renaissance, producing drams previously considered niche, now commanding attention from both seasoned collectors and adventurous drinkers. For decades, Speyside, with its iconic brands, dominated the whisky conversation. However, a new generation of distillers, largely operating outside of this established territory, is carving out a distinct identity. They’re embracing bolder fermentation techniques, utilizing diverse cask finishes, and pushing the boundaries of traditional flavor profiles. Beyond the Usual:…

Victoria, BC – January 5, 2026 – Prepare for an unparalleled sensory journey as the Victoria Whisky Festival returns for its seventh annual celebration, set to take place from January 15th to 18th, 2026, at the iconic Hotel Grand Pacific. This prestigious event has become a cornerstone of the Canadian spirits landscape, attracting whisky enthusiasts from across the globe. The festival promises an immersive experience, showcasing over 150 distinct whiskies sourced from some of the world’s most revered distilleries. From the robust malts of Scotland and the nuanced expressions of Japan, to the burgeoning craft whiskies of Canada and the…

For decades, the aroma of American oak has dominated the whiskey world. But a subtle, intriguing shift is underway, driven by a single, remarkable barrel: the mizunara. Native to Japan, this cypress tree imparts a unique and utterly captivating character to Scotch whisky, transforming it into something truly exceptional. The Magic of Mizunara The mizunara’s influence isn’t merely about wood type; it’s about the process. Japanese distillers have long employed mizunara for aging sharaku – a type of unpeated rice whisky. The tight grain structure of the wood, combined with the natural oils it releases, creates a flavor profile unlike…

Rye whiskey. The name itself carries a certain weight, a whisper of history and a promise of something distinctly American. For too long, it’s been relegated to the sidelines, often overshadowed by bourbon’s warmer embrace. But a new wave of distillers is proving that rye’s inherent spice and robust character deserves a prominent place in the world of spirits. The Rye Revival Historically, rye was *the* American whiskey. Colonial distillers favored it for its sharper flavor profile, a direct response to the readily available, but often weak, grain. Bourbon, as we know it, emerged largely due to Kentucky’s mandated use…

The American bourbon industry is confronting a serious challenge, facing a notable downturn according to recent data. A nine percent drop in global exports has been observed, with a particularly sharp decline – 85 percent – to Canada, partially linked to historical references. This isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a complex confluence of factors demanding immediate attention. Production Cuts and Workforce Reduction Major distillers are responding with significant measures. Jim Beam is implementing a full-year shutdown of its primary distillery, while Brown-Forman (home to Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve) is reducing its workforce by 12 percent. These decisions signal a…