January 2026

Making a case for high quality box-to-glass wine programs  By Stephanie Cuadra  Can you hear the incessant grumble? If you have a stake in the food and beverage value chain, […]

By now the story, or at least its result, is well-known in the whiskey world. The Hanyu Distillery closed in 2000 due to financial difficulties and a lack of interest in Japanese whisky. But, before it did, Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of Hanyu’s original founder, was able to rescue 400 barrels of well-aged stock. Now …

Is This the American Version of Ichiro’s Malt Card Series? Read More »

In the past decade, the non-alcoholic (NA) drinks category has exploded — and NA beer is leading the charge. According to NielsenIQ, the U.S. market for non-alcoholic beverages is valued at approximately $1 billion, with NA beer accounting for over 80 percent of all sales. With the influx of innovation, there’s never been a better …

The 20 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2026 Read More »

  Napa County is weighing up lowering prices at the potential expense of its luxury reputation in a bid to get more customers.

If you’ve ever worked in the bar world or spent time around those who have, you’re familiar with Fernet-Branca. The bitter Italian amaro is a famous bartender’s handshake, meaning ordering a shot of the stuff is a surefire way to let the person on the other side of the bar know that you’re in the …

What Is a Fernet Challenge Coin, and How Do Bartenders Get One? Read More »

 In the first news round-up of 2026, we take a deep-dive into the various troubles facing Argentina’s Bodega Norton.

Until 2000, most Scotch consumers saw single malt as the pinnacle. This was in part due to its simplicity: Single malt Scotch is made from just water, yeast, and malted barley. Then, Compass Box came along and shook things up. After serving as marketing director at Johnnie Walker, American expatriate John Glaser launched Compass Box …

6 Things You Should Know About Compass Box, One of Scotch Whisky’s Most Innovative Brands Read More »

 As China builds its reputation within the wine world, some producers are turning their hand to that most decadent of spirits – brandy.