Beverage and Bar news, features and trends from around the worldhttp://www.tulleeho.com/bevnewsThe tie-up between the hockey players and Mansion House also marks a shift in the attitude of corporates towards sports, which traditionally has been favouring cricketing stars in India.http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Tilaknagar-Industries-introduces-Indian-Hockey-National-Team-as-brand-ambassadors/5414207414Thu, 10 May 2012 29:11:38 GMTSpiritsBangalore: After dislodging United Spirits Ltd's (USL's) Bagpiper whisky to become India's top-selling spirits brand with Officer's Choice, Kishore Chhabria's Allied Blenders and Distillers Pvt. Ltd (ABD) has drawn up expansion plans that will sharpen competition with the Vijay Mallya company and global liquor makers Diageo Plc and Pernod Ricard SA.http://www.livemint.com/2012/05/07213736/ABD-plans-Rs-500-cr-infusion-o.htmlMon, 7 May 2012 07:31:54 GMTSpiritsMUMBAI: Snatching a share in a market ruled by the Mallyas, Pernod Ricards and the Chhabrias is not an easy task. But this is what Amit Dahanukar did. The latest in the illustrious lineage of Dahanukar group, Amit, a Stanford University graduate in management science and engineering, descended on the Indian spirits business scene when he was just 26-years-old by taking up a post in the family-run company-Tilaknagar Industries Ltd (TIL). That was in 2002.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-09/news/31641645_1_til-chhabrias-united-spiritsWed, 9 May 2012 07:30:06 GMTSpiritsEarlier this year, just-drinks sat down with David Gates, the global category director of whisk(e)y at Diageo, to talk about Johnnie Walker, Formula One, Scotch and the other whisk(e)y sub-categories.http://www.just-drinks.com/interview/just-the-answer-diageos-global-category-director-of-whiskey-david-gates_id106926.aspxFri, 27 Apr 2012 29:30:42 GMTWhiskeyWhyte & Mackay has released a collection of The Dalmore single malt vintage whiskies to duty free. http://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2944/Whyte___Mackay_releases_21-strong_Dalmore_range.htmlWed, 2 May 2012 27:00:16 GMTWhiskeySeven Islands Vintage is described as a luxury single malt scotch whisky bringing together the best of India and Scotland. The brand is owned by leading Indian whisky producer Tilaknager Industries, which makes Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and is a major player in the sub continent's drinks industry. It owns brands such as Senate Royal whisky, Mansion House brands and Madira XXX rum.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2934/Seven_Islands_Vintage,_a_Scottish_Indian_whisky__.htmlMon, 30 Apr 2012 14:15:09 GMTWhiskeyA revolution could be coming to Bordeaux's celebrated vineyards, producer of some of the world's most expensive wines. In a move which flies in the face of the way fine Bordeaux wine has been sold for decades, Château Latour has declared that it will only sell its wine when it is mature and ready to drink. http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4e147e6a-8afb-11e1-912d-00144feab49a.html#axzz1tj1FUoGVFri, 20 Apr 2012 14:07:13 GMTWineThe food and beverage (F&B) business seems to be cooking almost half the revenues for international hotel chains in India. In contrast to the global trend, hospitality chains like Marriott Hotels and Accor Group are seeing a significant chunk of the India revenue coming from the F&B segment.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/hotels-discover-indians-love-for-fancy-eating-out/473079/Tue, 1 May 2012 29:39:23 GMTFnBMUMBAI: Vijay Mallya's Bagpiper whisky ended its seven-year stint as the largest selling Indian spirits brand, falling behind Officer's Choice whisky from the smaller rival Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD). Bagpiper, a top volume grabber for the most part of the last decade, piped down to single-digit negative growth in 2011, said two independent digests of top selling alcobev brands globally. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Officers-Choice-ends-Bagpiper-reign/articleshow/12927930.cmsMon, 30 Apr 2012 14:14:00 GMTWhiskeyAs cocktails have moved toward center stage at many restaurants and nightspots, both restaurants and their customers have been looking to pair cocktails with food. The trick is to compromise the taste of neither the drink or the dish, says Dave Arnold, who opened Booker and Dax bar in New York City with Momofuku chef David Chang in January. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303592404577363941417734780.html?mod=WSJINDIA_hpp_editorsPicks_3Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:37 GMTCocktailI simply love grapefruit. For me, the complexity of its bitter-sweet-tart flavors puts it head and shoulders above any of its citrus cousins. Oranges, lemons, and limes: Admit it, you all wish you were grapefruit.http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/have-grapefruit-juice-will-mix-it-up/2012/04/23/gIQA1D7ueT_story.htmlThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:57:00 GMTCocktailWine lists are following menus in becoming more focused and concise, and that's a good thing http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2012/apr/24/wine-lists-small-is-beautifulTue, 24 Apr 2012 28:17:42 GMTFnBBeam will enter Jim Beam Devil's Cut into European travel retail this month following its debut in the US last year. According to Maxxium, Beam's latest expression is named after a “technique to extract the bourbon or ‘devil's cut' trapped in the barrel”. http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2879/Jim_Beam_Devil_92s_Cut_arrives_in_European_travel_retail_.htmlWed, 4 Apr 2012 28:11:46 GMTSpiritsRémy Cointreau's consolidated turnover for the 2011/12 financial year was €1,026.1 million, an increase of 13 (up 15.6 organically) compared with the previous year. http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2920/R_E9my_Cointreau_raises_a_cognac_to_Asia.htmlWed, 25 Apr 2012 28:08:58 GMTSpiritsMUMBAI: Diageo, the world's largest spirits company by value, has mandated investment banking firm JM Financial to negotiate a deal that could result in it owning a minority stake in Vijay Mallya-owned United Spirits.http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/liquor/diageo-starts-talks-to-buy-into-vijay-mallya-owned-united-spirits-ropes-in-jm-financial/articleshow/12858035.cmsWed, 25 Apr 2012 07:41:23 GMTSpiritsBeam is to purchase Pinnacle vodka and Calico Jack rum from White Rock Distilleries for $605 million. http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2917/US:_Beam_buys_vodka_brand_for_$605m.htmlMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:14:42 GMTSpiritsIn a departure from the usual refrain on government failure in containing inflation, opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu last year promised on more than one occasion that he would bring down the prices of liquor if voted back to power in 2014. That was when a Rs 70-beer bottle was being sold at Rs 120-plus.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/the-truth-behind-andhras-liquor-scam/472000/Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:19:41 GMTPolicyBangalore: Mirah Group, a diversified business group with interests in food and beverage (F&B), hospitality, travel and international trading, is scaling up its real estate business and consolidating it under a single entity, said a top executive. The group, which runs popular restaurant chains and food stores including Rajdhani, Mad Over Donuts and Manchester United Cafe and Bar, has completed around 10 real estate projects in the past decade. But it is only now that the group is organizing and branding the business under a new entity, Edifice Properties.http://www.livemint.com/2012/04/12232430/Mirah-to-grow-realty-ops-doub.html?d=2Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:10:22 GMTFnBMUMBAI: The iconic Parisian cafe & restaurant chain Buddha Bar is the latest glamour brand to spice up India's resto bar business. George V Eatertainment, parent of Budha Bar, has just struck a deal with an Indian F&B start-up to open doors under a new brand, B-Bar, keeping in mind the local religious sentiments. UK's Boisdale Restaurant & Bar, which offers Scottish cuisine and has, arguably, the largest collection of malt whiskeys, is another player waiting to enter the local market.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Global-brands-spice-up-Indias-resto-bar-action/articleshow/12699428.cmsTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:08:12 GMTFnBApr 16 : The new revamped wine list at the Dum Pukht Restaurant in ITC Maurya Hotel offers several surprises, including 30 wines by the glass, but the icing on the cake is the possibility of tasting all these wines in flights of 3 wines of 50 mL each at the cost of a standard glass of 150 mL, http://www.indianwineacademy.com/item_2_497.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 07:34:09 GMTFnBBerry Bros. & Rudd has released a limited edition single cask malt whisky to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of RMS Titanic. Just 100 bottles will be released of the Berry's Single Malt Whisky (rrp GBP100) which are made from a sherry cask of The Glenrothes 1998 Speyside.http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/news-headlines/12011-berry-bros-a-rudd-launches-titanic-malt-whisky.htmlWed, 11 Apr 2012 27:41:30 GMTWhiskeyPernod Ricard has released a series of The Glenlivet expressions under its Single Cask Editions range. The single malt whiskies, most of which are available to global markets, have been bottled at cask strength, are non-chill filtered and retail from GBP150 per bottle.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2882/The_Glenlivet_Single_Cask_range_is_expanded.htmlTue, 10 Apr 2012 27:36:29 GMTWhiskeyThe US is to officially recognise cachaça as a spirit from Brazil. The sugar cane spirit is currently labelled Brazilian rum in the US.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2883/US_recognises_cacha_E7a.htmlThu, 12 Apr 2012 27:34:24 GMTSpiritsMUMBAI: A week after Red Bull energy drink cans worth Rs 7.45 crore were seized, the Maharashtra food and drug administration (FDA) on Wednesday discreetly launched the biggest-ever exercise to destroy 3.73 lakh cans of the same brand, worth Rs 2.98 crore, seized in 2009. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Food-and-drug-administration-begins-destroying-Red-Bull-cans/articleshow/12630188.cmsThu, 12 Apr 2012 27:07:58 GMTEnergy drinksTo start with, this isn't a my way or the highway kind of article. You've paid for your drink, and you're entitled to have it any which way you want. All I can point out is a way or two, which might contribute towards the greater enjoyment of your experience. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/the-rules-and-etiquettes-of-drinking/articleshow/12572962.cmsSun, 8 Apr 2012 27:19:33 GMTSpiritsA prohibitively high and complex tax structure is coming in the way of achieving greater potential growth in the premium liquor category in India, Peter Gordon, the chairman of William Grant and Sons Ltd, the family-owned distillery best known for its single malt whisky Glenfiddich, said on Wednesday. “High duties are very prohibitive. It is one of the highest duty regimes in the world,” Gordon told Hindustan Times in an interview.http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/WorldEconomy/Sales-high-but-Indian-tariffs-higher-Glenfiddich-maker/Article1-835587.aspxThu, 5 Apr 2012 26:03:02 GMTWhiskeyThe world's largest coffee chain, Seattle-based Starbucks, is busy finalising locations across major malls in Mumbai and New Delhi for an India opening by this September. The $10.7-billion American group, in a joint venture with Tata Global Beverages, is completing deals for around 10 locations in the country at present, according to market intelligence.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/get-ready-to-sip-starbucks-coffeeseptember/470308/Fri, 6 Apr 2012 26:01:16 GMTCoffeeDiageo has lined up two additions to the Johnnie Walker global portfolio, and is pulling two variants from the Scotch whisky brand's stable. The company confirmed to just-drinks today (4 April) that it will roll out Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and Platinum Label 18-Year-Old in all markets starting from early June.http://www.just-drinks.com/news/diageo-revamps-johnnie-walker-stable-two-in-two-out_id106765.aspxWed, 4 Apr 2012 07:13:47 GMTWhiskeyQuietly away from the financial stress UB Group companies are going through, United Spirits, its flagship company, has debuted a popular whisky brand, Royal Challenge, in one of the toughest consumer markets of the globe, America.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/united-spirits-debuts-in-america/470200/Thu, 5 Apr 2012 06:59:58 GMTWhiskeyLouis Vuitton Moët Hennessy has rolled out its flavoured vodka Belvedere Bloody Mary to the UK market. The expression, which launched in the US last year, has seen black pepper, bell pepper, chilli pepper, horseradish, lemon, vinegar distillate and tomato macerated in 40 abv Belvedere vodka for a month.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2875/Belvedere_Bloody_Mary_arrives_in_the_UK.htmlTue, 3 Apr 2012 09:47:45 GMTSpiritsJames Bond is set to sip a Heineken in his next movie, as the beer giant pushes its flagship brand. Bond, played by Daniel Craig, will swap his usual martinis for a Heineken in at least one scene of “Skyfall”, the latest installment in the long-running movie franchise.http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/04/james-bond-swaps-martini-for-heineken/Mon, 2 Apr 2012 12:49:10 GMTBeerIan Macleod Distillers is to reopen Speyside distillery Tamdhu. The company purchased the distillery in 2011, after it was closed in 2010 by previous owner the Edrington Group.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2870/Ian_Macleod_to_reopen_Tamdhu,_launch_premium_whisky_.htmlMon, 2 Apr 2012 12:44:46 GMTWhiskeyUS: Pernod Ricard has launched a new flavour of its Absolut vodka. Absolut Cherrykran will be available throughout the US from May 1, 2012. It is described as having a “rich character of sun-ripe cherries, followed by notes of fresh white cranberry and sweet plum.”http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2871/New_vodka_flavour_from_Absolut.htmlMon, 2 Apr 2012 12:43:26 GMTSpiritsMarch 31 : After marketing on its own for a year, Nirvana Biosys, the Haryana based wine manufacturer located around 80 kms from Delhi has appointed the Delhi-based wine importers, Natures Bounty on an exclusive basis for domestic and export marketing http://www.indianwineacademy.com/item_3_495.aspxSat, 31 Mar 2012 23:41:07 GMTWineChandigarh is also not far behind. The very chic Single Malt Club, boasting of knowledgeable malt-owners and appreciators, gathers every now and then to talk about 'the passion' of their life. Established around three years back, the very elite Single Malt Club of Chandigarh boasts of 16 members, who organise high-end dinners every now and then. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120331/ttlife1.htm#1Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:05:22 GMTWhiskeyLONDON, March 29 (Reuters) - Diageo is edging towards a deal with the owner of Jose Cuervo tequila which could see the British spirits group take a minority stake in the $3 billion-plus valued No.1 tequila brand, people familiar with the situation said.http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/29/diageo-cuervo-idUSL6E8ET80V20120329Thu, 29 Mar 2012 25:25:03 GMTSpiritsThe bathing bar is now open at Saint Pure, a luxe company that works with distilleries in Scotland to put single malts in pricey bath and body works. http://bpbweekend.com/shop/single-malt-bath-and-body-productsThu, 29 Mar 2012 08:47:53 GMTWhiskeyWilliam Grant & Sons has announced a €35m plan to take the production of Tullamore Dew back to its former home in Tullamore.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2856/William_Grant_plans__8035m_Tullamore_Dew_homecoming__.htmlThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:21:50 GMTWhiskeyMUMBAI/BANGALORE: Brewing giant Carlsberg A/S has toppled SABMiller to emerge the second largest beer maker in Delhi, and third largest nationally, as it makes strong inroads in India's urban markets. Carlsberg's Delhi coup is the first top deck rearrangement in the domestic beer market, heavily consolidated between United Breweries (UB) and SABMiller, in the last one decade. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Carlsberg-No-2-in-Delhi-tops-SABMiller/articleshow/12449590.cmsThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:20:42 GMTBeerIn major restructuring that may play out shortly in India's largest brewer, United Breweries Ltd (UBL), Amsterdam-based global beer major Heineken may raise its stake from the current 37.5 per cent.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/heineken-may-raise-ub-stake/469435/Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:19:28 GMTBeerMUMBAI: After leading a restructuring project at Diageo India, its managing director Roland Abella is leaving the unit to take a larger role at the drinks company. The world's largest spirits company, maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Smirnoff Vodka, had brought in the 43-year-old longtime executive to steer the Indian operations after it was rocked by financial irregularities three years ago. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Diageo-to-have-new-India-head-Abanti-in-race/articleshow/12388097.cmsSat, 24 Mar 2012 27:38:54 GMTSpiritsAlcohol in your system is detrimental to any kind of fitness activity (except maybe on the dance floor). Here's how booze wreaks havoc on your regimen.http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/drinking-and-exerciseFri, 17 Feb 2012 27:26:49 GMTPolicyThe transaction to buy out the 17 share of Brindco for Rs.17 crores, 12 held by Jerry Rao, the ex-CitiBanker and 11 with Veuve Clicquot was completed last Friday. http://www.indianwineacademy.com/item_4_494.aspxTue, 27 Mar 2012 25:07:10 GMTWineItalian coffee major Lavazza, which owns the Barista coffee chain, is looking at a three-fold rise in its revenue contribution from India, to 10 per cent of its global sales, over the next three years.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/barista-aims-at-threefold-rise-in-india-revenue-in-three-years-/469047/Tue, 27 Mar 2012 24:50:46 GMTCoffeeThe scotch whisky category belied global economic instability in 2011 by growing sales value 23 to a record GBP4.2billion. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) credited rising demand in both emerging and mature markets for the value growth, which has increased by an average of 10 per year for the last five years.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2841/Scotch_exports_hit_record_high.htmlTue, 27 Mar 2012 24:47:58 GMTWhiskeyA good concert requires four things: a captivating band, a well-designed venue, an enthusiastic audience, and beer. You need a lot of beer. London-based Signature Brew is on a quest to provide concertgoers with unique craft beers, one band at a time.http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-21/signature-brew-lets-rock-stars-create-their-own-beerWed, 21 Mar 2012 07:34:58 GMTBeerDisaronno is on the lookout for bartenders for the return of its international bartender competition, Disaronno Mixing Star. The winner will be awarded a trip to Mumbai to take part in a Bollywood production and will also be appointed to the Disaronno Hall of Fame.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2837/Disaronno_starts_search_for_Mixing_Star.htmlFri, 23 Mar 2012 29:01:15 GMTCocktailNEW DELHI: India has proposed to halve import duties on wines and spirits bought from the European Union under the bilateral free trade agreement being negotiated between the two, but the 27-country union is demanding steeper cuts.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-03-22/news/31224980_1_import-of-alcoholic-beverages-import-duties-duty-on-foreign-liquorThu, 22 Mar 2012 26:10:46 GMTPolicyAS is his habit, Matthew Weiner, the creator of “Mad Men,” is revealing few details about the fifth season of the hit series, which will return to AMC on Sunday after a 17-month absence. We don't know if the charismatic sphinx Don Draper has married his secretary or pulled his flailing advertising firm out of the fire. But one prediction is a safe bet: Mr. Draper will dip his beak into an old-fashioned or three. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/dining/the-old-fashioned-don-drapers-cocktail-of-choice.html?_r=1&src=rechp#Tue, 20 Mar 2012 25:45:14 GMTCocktailBacardi are well known in the USA for their light coloured spirits – white rum, Grey Goose vodka etc. But they've now announced that they're poised to launch a cognac to complement their repertoire in North America.http://blog.cognac-expert.com/bacardi-cognac-launch-usa-otard/Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:45:25 GMTSpirits