Top 10 Archives - The Drinks Business

10 ways hospitality businesses can benefit from AI in 2025

James Bayley — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:32:31 +0000

The UK hospitality sector is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and enhance both staff and guest experiences. From back-of-house logistics to front-of-house service, AI tools are driving improvements in productivity, efficiency and personalisation. Below, we explore ten key areas where AI programmes — both established and emerging — are helping UK hospitality businesses, with specific examples of vendors and platforms leading the way.

1. Productivity on tap

Hospitality operators are using AI to boost productivity by automating routine tasks and generating creative content on demand. For example, Fourth’s AI platform uses real-time predictions to optimise restaurant and hotel operations. Its AI-driven system can forecast demand for both staffing and inventory, freeing managers from tedious planning. PizzaExpress, Wagamama and others using Fourth’s platform report far more accurate forecasts and faster decision-making. Overall, whether it’s auto-replenishing kitchen inventory or instantly writing a new cocktail blurb, AI is providing “productivity on tap” for hospitality businesses by handling the grunt work and letting staff focus on high-value tasks.

2. Workload reduction

AI is also tackling the heavy workloads faced by hospitality managers through the automation of labour-intensive processes. One prime example is AI-driven rota scheduling. Instead of managers spending hours tweaking staff rotas, systems like Rotageek and Fourth’s scheduling AI auto-generate optimal shift patterns in seconds. Rotageek’s Auto Scheduler uses an algorithm to consider sales forecasts, staff availability, skills and even fairness rules, then produces a complete rota “at the click of a button,” filling every shift with the right staff. This not only saves time but ensures compliance with labour rules and reduces errors. Platforms like Supy and Nory integrate with POS systems to track stock levels and predict supply needs automatically. For instance, after the Emirati-UK restaurant chain Pinza! adopted Supy’s AI-powered inventory solution, they eliminated days of manual data aggregation and saw an 18% drop in ingredient wastage

3. Cost savings

In an industry with tight margins, AI tools are becoming indispensable for cutting costs. One major area is dynamic pricing and revenue management. Hotels in the UK commonly use AI-driven pricing platforms like Duetto to adjust room rates in real-time based on demand. Duetto’s machine learning algorithms analyse market data continuously and automatically tweak prices to maximize revenue – raising rates when a big event boosts demand or dropping them if bookings slow.

4. Customer service

Excellent customer service is the cornerstone of hospitality, and AI is elevating service quality through speedy, personalised support. AI chatbots are now common on hotel and restaurant websites and messaging channels, providing instant responses to guest inquiries 24/7. In the UK, many pubs and restaurants use chatbots to handle booking requests, FAQs and simple customer questions outside of business hours.

5. Creative support

Innovation in food and beverage is another area getting a boost from AI, which acts as a creative assistant to chefs, bartenders and marketers. An intriguing example is the use of generative AI to design new cocktail menus and culinary ideas. In one case, a bar created an entire seasonal cocktail menu using AI tools: the owner fed themes and prompts to ChatGPT (for text) and DALL-E (for images) to come up with unique drink concepts accompanied by vivid illustrations. The result was an AI-generated menu featuring creative cocktails with backstories and artwork, which not only saved the team time in brainstorming but also captivated customers with its novelty. Closer to home, some UK mixologists have experimented with AI like IBM’s Chef Watson or flavour-pairing algorithms to develop new recipes – for instance, suggesting surprising ingredient combinations that a human might overlook.

6. Stress reduction

Running a hospitality business can be high-pressure, but AI is helping to reduce stress on managers and staff by automating tedious tasks and providing decision support. A significant source of stress for managers is constant “firefighting” and administrative overload – creating schedules, crunching numbers and writing reports. AI tools are alleviating this by taking over many of these duties. For example, an AI scheduling assistant can instantly produce a compliant staff rota, sparing a GM the Sunday night headache of rearranging shifts. Likewise, AI analytics can auto-generate a daily performance report or forecast, so managers aren’t up late compiling spreadsheets. By offloading repetitive chores, AI gives managers back valuable hours and peace of mind, which directly lowers job stress.

7. Automation & augmentation

Many hospitality businesses are embracing AI for automation and augmentation, using it to handle tasks end-to-end or to assist employees in smarter ways. On the automation side, marketing and customer engagement tasks are increasingly AI-driven. Hotels and restaurants deploy AI tools to compose marketing emails, generate ads and even manage online ad bidding. Social platforms like Meta and TikTok use AI to optimise ad targeting, which hospitality marketers leverage to get more reach for less spend.

8. Personalised experiences

Today’s guests expect personalised experiences, and AI is enabling hospitality businesses in the UK to deliver bespoke service at scale by analysing guest data. AI-driven platforms aggregate information from past guest interactions, preferences, and feedback to build rich guest profiles. Hotels are using this data to customise virtually every aspect of a stay. For instance, AI might note that a frequent guest prefers extra pillows and a 6:00 AM gym slot – the system can ensure their room is set up accordingly and even proactively offer to book their gym time. Modern property management systems augmented with AI can recommend specific room upgrades or amenities that align with an individual’s preferences (e.g. suggesting a room with a view for a guest who rated one highly before). Restaurants are doing similar personalisation – AI can recall a returning diner’s past orders and dietary needs to help the waiter suggest dishes the guest will love. A famous case in personalisation comes from the Dorchester Collection hotels, which used an AI tool called “Metis” to analyse thousands of online reviews and comments. The AI discovered that guests mentioned breakfast far more often (and passionately) than dinner, highlighting the importance of the morning experience.

9. Recruitment & retention

The hospitality industry’s staffing challenges – high turnover, seasonal hiring rushes and training new employees – are being addressed with AI solutions to improve recruitment and retention. On the recruitment front, AI-powered platforms are speeding up hiring by automating early-stage tasks. For example, conversational AI chatbots (such as Harri’s chatbot “Carri”) can engage job applicants on career sites or messaging apps. These AI assistants answer candidate FAQs, collect basic information, and even conduct initial screening questions to filter suitable applicants. By the time a human hiring manager gets involved, a lot of the time-consuming legwork – scheduling interviews and confirming qualifications – has been done, reducing days or weeks from the hiring cycle.

10. Security & compliance

Ensuring guest safety, data security and regulatory compliance is paramount in hospitality, and AI technologies are strengthening these areas through constant, intelligent monitoring. Cybersecurity is a prime example – hotels and restaurant groups handle loads of customer data (credit cards, personal info) and cannot afford breaches. AI-based security systems like Darktrace act as ever-vigilant guardians of corporate networks. Darktrace’s “Self-Learning AI” creates an evolving baseline of normal behaviour for every user and device on the network, and it can instantly spot suspicious deviations that could indicate a cyberattack. By autonomously detecting and even responding to threats (e.g. isolating a compromised device), AI cybersecurity platforms give companies a proactive defence, which is critical for complying with data protection regulations like GDPR. The UK recently trialled an AI age estimation system by Yoti in supermarkets for alcohol sales: a camera at self-checkout scans the customer’s face and the AI algorithm estimates age within seconds, flagging anyone who appears under 25 for a manual ID check. This technology showed promising accuracy and speed in tests, hinting at future use in bars, shops, or events to uphold age restrictions efficiently. Nightclubs have similarly piloted digital ID apps and facial recognition for entry to streamline compliance with licensing rules.

AI: the future, but not the boss

Despite fears that AI might be coming for jobs, the evidence suggests otherwise. Hospitality is an inherently human industry. Any efficiencies gained from AI simply allow teams to focus on what they do best — creating memorable experiences for guests.

Top 10 tips for selling more cider

Jessica Mason — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:18:13 +0000

The cider market is worth £1.1 billion in the UK, but what are the best ways to maximise sales? Here, db looks at the findings from the Westons Cider Report to help the trade boost revenue. Cider has been beset by challenges and in 2024, although more than 676 million litres of cider were bought in the UK, this reflected a noted decrease in volume of 3.1-% when compared to the previous year. However, recent statistics have highlighted the areas where cider is succeeding. As such, db has broken down the key sales drivers to help businesses find a route to success for the future. Irrespective of any stagnation for cider sales, the value of the total cider category in the UK is still £3.09 billion which is a slight year-on-year increase of 0.8%, so let’s look at the evidence gleaned by Westons to showcase the top 10 ways of garnering interest. Sell food alongside cider Food is key to the cider drinking experience with 51.0% of on-trade serves being with food, and 77.6% for the off-trade which is an increase versus last year. The biggest increase in the on-trade has been for crisps/nuts/bagged snacks which is now 14.2% of serves. The off-trade in particular has seen an increase in formal meals and light snacks, according to the report. Lean into Fridays and Saturdays In both the on- and off-trade channels most cider serves are on a Saturday, this has decreased slightly compared to last year but in both cases over a quarter of serves are on this day of the week. Fridays have now also become more popular with gains being seen in both the on- and the off-trade. Plus, the data outlines how almost 20% of serves are on a Friday. Boost trade during the late afternoons The findings showed it had become recognisable that the suitability of cider for specific dayparts was now an important consideration to maximise cider’s rate of sale and margin in pubs and bars in particular. Visits have begun moving into earlier dayparts, with the mid-afternoon and early evening cider drinkers increasing at the expense of late evening and late night. Use stock placement to appeal to shopper mentality Half of all cider sales go through the convenience store channel, so getting the range right is of critical importance. The report suggested that with less space to play with, one way to alleviate pressure on in-demand refrigerated space is to place single bottles for impulse shopping occasions in the fridge and then use ambient fixture space and stacks for larger packs. Get behind craft cider The craft cider segment is performing well in convenience stores as well as within the total UK market, but the research outlined how there is still headroom to grow since this segment makes up 20% of value in the convenience store channel, compared with 24% in total market. Looking at the figures, the distribution of craft cider is 95.4% across convenience, stores compared to 98.4% across the total market. As such, analysts have observed that matching market distribution in convenience could single-handedly give value sales a boost. To make the most of the boon, outlets should be stocking several craft apple ciders. In terms of value, craft cider averages £4.32 per litre in convenience stores compared to the total cider market at £2.76 per litre, so this means craft options can help grow revenue whilst offering a premium product to drinkers. Unleash potential via the supermarkets Even if it doesn’t seem like the best fit for certain ciders, the brand awareness and sales opportunity seen in the supermarket segment is still king. As the report highlighted, the big four supermarkets essentially account for 60% of all cider sales, the same as a year ago. (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons) and this shows now sign of waning. Get your pricing right How cider is positioned in the category and indeed how it is benchmarked against other drinks is paramount to its success. For instance, the average price of cider per litre is £2.64, up from £2.55 a year ago. Plus, while considering that 40.9% of UK households buy cider, there is a big chance that popularity and brand loyalty also play a part in repurchasing along with price-related positioning. Looking at the consumption patterns, households in the UK purchase an average of 33.6 litres of cider per year, but this is down 1.2% compared to last year, so retaining a premium but accessible position through how much it retails for is a must. Seek out regional opportunities With any trend, there is also an opportunity to either jump on the bandwagon or look for the gaps in the market. The report highlighted how cider continues to have a southern bias with the five most southern TV regions making up 63% of cider volume sold. Plus, this is even higher for crafted cider with 73% of volume coming from the south. That said, this also means there is a big opportunity to market and grow cider to other regions as a way of enlivening the category and assisting in its reach across the UK. Ditch the plastic There are two main formats in the cider category – glass bottles and cans. The report noted how the plastic bottle has become a much smaller part of the category in recent years and is now less than 10% of value. Assessing packaging, it also recognised how cans have seen growth in the last year, and stated that this has led to an increase in share from 60% a year ago. Although, let it be said that the decline in glass bottles is partly down to some brands actively switching out of bottle and into can, however, looking specifically at the data within the craft cider segment, sales of glass bottles are still up 8.7%, with the emerging 750ml format contributing to this growth showing that there is room for growth when looking at sharing bottles and treating cider more like wine. Assess brand leadership successes Of the top 10 cider brands in the report, only four cider makers have seen growth. Westons has added over £8 million to the cider category compared to last year (+7.6%), Thatchers has grown 9%, Aston Manor has seen growth through its Crumpton Oak brand, and Healeys is up 7.1% year-on-year. Looking at the data, Molson Coors has seen the biggest year-on-decline in the top 10, whoch is partly down to it enduring declines in sales of brands including its Aspall Premier Cru (-24.9%) and Rekorderlig Wild Berry (-32.1%). Earlier this month, db reported that cider has reached an historic £2 billion valuation in UK on-trade for the first time, according the Heineken Cider Report 2025. The data outlined how the cider category has seen growth in value over the last two years and has become the second most popular alcoholic drink in pubs, bars, and restaurants. Although the figures don't align specifically with the insight from Westons, the value-driven data still shows an upward trend for cider. Looking at the trends across craft cider and food pairings, db also previously reported on how quality cider is now being treated with the same reverence as wine in fine dining establishments by some of the best Epicureans in the business, showing the opportunities the category continues to present.

Top 10 whiskies to drink on Burns Night

Jessica Mason — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:54:20 +0000

The top 10 whiskies recommended for Burns Night have been named by drinks experts. Here's a selection of drams from those in the know. Burns Night takes place on 25 January and marks an annual celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns. It is customary for Scots to host Burns Suppers, featuring haggis, neeps and tatties, and a quaiche of whisky. Interested in joining in? Here are a few recommendations for what to drink. To help make your Burns Night a success, experts at The Whisky Shop have outlined the top 10 whiskies to toast Scotland's national bard. In first place is Arran's Robert Burns Single Malt which was inspired by Burns and has been endorsed by the Robert Burns World Federation. According to its taking notes it is a "rounded, smooth, malty and sweet expression" and retails for £45 via The Whisky Shop or £37.50 if bought directly from the Arran Whisky webshop. In second place is Our Barley by Lochlea Distillery which is based in Ayrshire and opened in 2018. What makes this special is that the distillery is located on the farm where Robert Burns lived and worked in the 18th century. Plus, the single malt features aromas of boiled sweets and freshly cut grass and retails for £48 through The Whisky Shop or £45 from The Leith Export Co. In third place is The Smoky Twelve by Benriach Distillery which is based in Speyside. According to the experts, the whisky is understood to be "as close as we can get to the kind of drams The Bard himself would've enjoyed way back in the 1700s". With flavours of ripe fruit, oak spice and a sweet smokiness it is available for £58 from The Whisky Shop or £47.99 via Master of Malt. Rounding out the top five the experts chose the Glen Scotia 15 Year Old and the Balblair 25 Year Old. The Glen Scotia 15 Year Old was admired for its "sweet notes of vanilla and undercurrents of spicy ginger" while the Balblair 25 Year Old boasted a "warming finish". The former can be bought for £79 via The Whisky Shop, while the Balblair 25-Year-Old is rather special and available for £595 from Berry Bros. & Rudd. Also included in the suggested top 10 are the Glenturret 7 Year Old Peat Smoke 2023, the Glenkinchie Distillers Edition Double Matured, and the Arran 10 Year Old. According to the expert retailer, the Glenturret 7 Year Old Peat Smoke 2023 was identified in the listing for its "light smoke, vanilla and sweet aromatics", while the Glenkinchie Distillers Edition Double Matured was noted for being "fresh and floral" while the Arran 10 Year Old offered "rich vanilla sweetness". The final whiskies named are the Talisker 10 Year Old and the Timorous Beastie Blended Malt. Talisker 10 Year Old is revered to be an "absolutely perfect pairing" for haggis, while the Timorous Beastie Blended Malt is inspired by Burns' poem 'To a Mouse'. Speaking of the event, the experts explained: "With this dark and chilly January dragging its feet, Burns Night couldn't come quicker. With suppers, ceilidhs, tastings, and other events, there are plenty of ways for us all to celebrate ol' Rabbie Burns' birthday, and all of them include the best tradition of all, Scotch whisky.” The experts added: "So whether you're serving up a Burns supper with haggis, neeps and tatties, or having a quieter, celebratory dram, we've got a spectacular selection of Scotch whiskies to choose from.”

The full top 10 list of the best Burns Night whiskies is as follows:

1, Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Robert Burns Malt 2, Lochlea Our Barley 3, Benriach The Smoky Twelve 4, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old 5, Balblair 25 Year Old 6, Glenturret 7 Year Old Peat Smoke 2023 7, Glenkinchie Distillers Edition Double Matured 8, Arran 10 Year Old 9, Talisker 10 Year Old 10, Timorous Beastie Blended Malt

10 iconic drinks moments in film

Sophie Arundel — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:19:33 +0000

Whether it’s Bond’s martini, Carrie’s Cosmo, or Gatsby’s Moët, db highlights some of the most iconic nods to alcohol in film and TV. As January rolls in, many of us retreat into hibernation mode. The festive whirl of party cocktails and social soirées has been swapped for cosy nights on the sofa, and Dry January has nudged us to trade the bar for the blanket. So, while we’re toning down on the tipples for a while, its the perfect time to indulge in some on-screen nostalgia. Here are 10 films and TV classics that serve up iconic alcohol moments to add to your winter watchlist.

Sex and the City – Carrie's signature Cosmopolitan

Could there be a more iconic 90s cocktail than the Cosmopolitan? Sex and the City didn't just make the Cosmo famous; it made it a cultural icon. With its blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry, and lime juice, the bright pink drink became synonymous with Carrie Bradshaw and her fabulous New York life. The drink's backstory is equally fitting; series creator Candace Bushnell loved Cosmos herself, so it only made sense that her alter ego, Carrie, would sip them religiously. Watching the SATC gang gossip over these glamorous cocktails is practically a rite of passage for any comfort movie or series watching evening.

Top Gun: Maverick – Budweiser and beer galore

In one of the opening scenes in Top Gun: Maverick, just like the 1986 original, the sequel honours its roots with a cameo from an all-American favourite: Budweiser. From bar banter to bonfires, the red-labelled lager is the beverage of choice for Maverick and his crew. While the original Top Gun boasted four minutes of Budweiser screen time (and some admittedly cringeworthy one-lines like, "I’m going to need a beer to put these flames out," the sequel dials it down with just over two minutes of bottles, beer taps, and branded cups. It’s a subtle nod to the past, much like the film itself, and a perfect pairing for Cruise’s return to the cockpit.

The Great Gatsby – Moët Champagne (in excess)

There's no denying nothing says decadence like the Champagne-soaked scenes of The Great Gatsby. In Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation, Leonardo DiCaprio’s Gatsby hosts parties where Champagne flows like waterfalls—a nod to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties. From Nick’s observation that “Champagne was served in glasses bigger than finger-bowls” to the boozy revelry of Gatsby’s infamous soirées, every frame glistens with effervescence. Even if your January is decidedly less extravagant, there's no doubt the film will put you right back in the party mood.

Cocktail – Cruise's colourful creations

Tom Cruise again, but this time behind a bar, not a cockpit. The film Cocktail isn’t just a love letter to mixology; it’s a poetry slam disguised as a film. Cruise’s Brian Flanagan gives us the unforgettable (if slightly ridiculous) “last barman poet” monologue, rattling off cocktail names like “Sex on the Beach,” “The Singapore Sling,” and “The Alabama Slammer." The movie’s vibrant drinks and sun-drenched Jamaican backdrops will have you dreaming of warmer climates—and maybe even breaking Dry January for a cheeky martini. But for now, it’s all about soaking in the 80s charm and flamboyant bar-top theatrics.

James Bond – The Vodka Martini

And of course, it would be rude not to include one of the most iconic drinks in film of all: James Bond’s vodka martini. Shaken, not stirred has become more than a catchphrase; it’s one of cinemas best lines. While Ian Fleming first introduced Bond’s preferred cocktail in Moonraker, it wasn’t until Dr. No that Sean Connery brought it to life on screen. Over decades, Bond’s martini has become a character in its own right, appearing in nearly every film as a symbol of sophistication and suaveness. No comfort movie list, or discussion of on-screen alcohol for that matter, would be complete without it. My personal favourite moment, when Daniel Craig explains the 'correct' way to make a vesper martini across a poker table in Casino Royale, 2006.

Sideways – Pinot Noir and Merlot

Few films have done more for wine appreciation than Sideways. The 2004 indie classic follows two friends on a road trip through California’s wine country, and it’s a love letter to the complexities of wine—particularly Pinot Noir. Paul Giamatti’s character, Miles, is a devoted Pinot Noir enthusiast, waxing poetic about its delicate nature and its ability to thrive in the right conditions. His passionate monologue about the grape variety has become iconic, sparking a real-world surge in Pinot Noir sales following the film’s release. On the flip side, Sideways is also infamous for its disdain for Merlot. Miles’ emphatic “I am NOT drinking any [expletive] Merlot!” became a rallying cry for Pinot Noir lovers and reportedly caused a dip in Merlot’s popularity. The film doesn’t just highlight wine—it celebrates the ritual of wine tasting, the art of pairing, and the emotional connections we make through shared bottles. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a casual sipper, Sideways is a heartfelt exploration of how wine brings people together.

The Big Lebowski – White Russian

From suave sophistication to slacker chic, we have The Dude and his beloved White Russian. The vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream concoction is as laid-back as its perpetually chilled-out protagonist. Whether he’s navigating chaos or bowling with his buddies, The Dude always has a “Caucasian” in hand. Comforting, indulgent, and effortlessly cool—much like The Big Lebowski itself.

Another round - simply, a lot of alcohol

Although not the picture of moderation—and perhaps not entirely in keeping with Dry January—Another Round offers an exploration of alcohol’s role in society and human behaviour. This Danish film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, is an ode to the highs and lows of imbibing, blending humour, tragedy, and a touch of existential reflection. The plot centres on four middle-aged teachers who embark on an experiment inspired by a (very questionable) theory: that humans are born with a blood alcohol deficit of 0.05%, and maintaining that level throughout the day could unlock greater creativity, confidence, and joie de vivre. What sets Another Round apart is its ambivalence. The film neither glorifies nor condemns drinking. Instead, it offers a nuanced look at alcohol’s dual role in our lives: a social lubricant and a potential source of ruin. Its honesty resonates, especially in cultures where drinking is deeply embedded in social rituals.

Groundhog Day – Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist

In Groundhog Day, Andie MacDowell’s Rita sips her favourite drink—Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist. This simple yet elegant choice becomes a symbol of connection as Bill Murray’s Phil repeatedly tries to win her over. Whether you’re stuck in a time loop or not, this understated cocktail is a gentle reminder that sometimes, less is more.

Casablanca - The French 75

Few films are as synonymous with romance as Casablanca. At Rick’s Café Américain, the French 75—a heady mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne—plays a supporting role to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s doomed love story. Sophisticated and sharp, much like the film itself, the French 75 is the perfect toast to bittersweet memories.

Find out the most popular mainstream beer brands in Britain

Jessica Mason — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 08:36:11 +0000

The most popular mainstream beer brands available in Britain for 2024 have been identified using YouGov ratings and Google trends data. The research, conducted by Slotswise, has shown that San Miguel has taken the crown as the UK’s most popular beer, thanks to its 61% “favourability score” which is eight points higher than second place beer brand Corona. Each of the nine beers were ranked in fame, favourability, trend and popularity based on the research with the list shaping up as seen below. Eight out of the nine beer brands mentioned were also macro lagers, made widely available to consumers across a selection of British pubs, bars and restaurants due to having tied lines connected to agreements in place by multiple operator pub companies. The findings show, Diageo’s stout brand Guinness has also surged in popularity in recent years, with sales skyrocketing, but its trend score has, according to the study, been let down by its total popularity score which has held it back to fifth place. Corona is, according to the data, the “trendiest beer in the UK”, with it being the “most searched beer brand” in Britain over the past 12 months, but according to the data this beer is still “let down by an average favourability score”. Moretti may have a cult following but the research outlined how it isn’t loved by the masses. It comes in last place out of the researcher’s nine competitors owing primarily to its fame score and favourability score being at the bottom. The data shows that only 39% of people in the UK have a positive opinion about the Italian lager. Heineken is the second most recognisable beer brand in the UK, but only 45% of people have a favourable opinion of the Dutch lager brand, meaning it can only manage third place. The researchers considered how “Budweiser is an instantly recognisable brand, making it joint second for the percentage of people who have heard of it” but has comfortably the lowest trend score of the nine beers and “a middling favourability score, leaving it in eighth place. To find out more you can see the full study here. For the list in order, see below. 1, San Miguel 2, Corona 3, Heineken 4, Stella Artois 5, Guinness 6, Peroni 7, Kronenbourg 8, Budweiser 9, Birra Moretti

Top 10 London boroughs with the most bars

Jessica Mason — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:42:38 +0000

The areas of London that have the most bar options for a night out have been revealed in a new study. In an effort to find out the best places to go for a night out in the city, researchers at booking business London Tickets & Tours analysed data from Bing Maps to uncover which London boroughs have the most bars per 100,000 people. Westminster took the top spot, having the most bars in London per 100,000 people. However, Camden places second on the list, while Kensington and Chelsea comes in third place. Each borough was scored out of 10 based on the number of bars available per 100,000 of the area’s population. The boroughs with the most bars received higher scores and have determined the ranking. Using this methodology, Westminster come in first at number one, with a score of 10. The Borough of Westminster has 932.29 bars per 100,000 people and also offers 32 tube stations, some of those with a night service on Fridays and Saturdays. Camden, which came in second place, with a score of 9.05 was shown to have a solid nightlife with 404.96 bars per 100,000 residents, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the area offers a night tube service at some of its 18 stations. In third place, the affluent west London borough of Kensington and Chelsea scored 8.62 and had 313.32 bars per 100,000 citizens, offering 11 tube stations with a night service on Fridays and Saturdays. In fourth place was Islington, with a score of 8.53, which boasted 299.86 bars per 100,000 people. The borough also has 10 tube stations to choose from when navigating the area. Hackney ranked at number five, with a score of 7.85 and offered 219.65 bars per 100,000 residents and a night tube service following its recent cultural transformation. Sixth on the list was Southwark, situated on the south bank of the River Thames, with a score of 7.77 and 212.16 bars per 100,000 citizens. A night tube also runs through Southwark station for people exploring the area on Friday and Saturday nights. Hammersmith and Fulham placed seventh, with a score of 7.68 and offered 205.13 bars per 100,000 people. Eighth place was given to Tower Hamlets, extending from the Tower of London to the east end. It received a score of 7.32 and 179.65 bars per 100,000 residents and offered a night tube in the area on Friday and Saturday nights. Lambeth placed at number nine, with a score of 7.26 with 176.06 bars per 100,000 citizens and a night tube service at some stations on the weekend. Richmond upon Thames took the 10th spot, with a score of 6.82. 152.64 bars per 100,000 people and with a handy night tube service on certain lines. Speaking about the findings, London Tickets & Tours, travel expert Magdalena Petrusic said: “London is an incredible choice for a night out or celebration, as the UK capital is a cultural hub full of diverse venues and activities. London has over 40 universities and with a range of freshers’ events coming up, we hope this ranking can guide London students to the liveliest boroughs in the city.” Petrusic added: “With the Premier League also in full swing, football fans can reference this ranking when searching for London areas best suited for match day celebrations or commiserations.”

Most expensive cities for wine are all in the US

Eloise Feilden — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:47:27 +0000

All five of the world's most expensive cities for a bottle of wine are located in the US, according to a new study. New research analysing data from 190 cities has found that eight of the top 10 most expensive cities to buy a bottle of wine are in the US. All five of the most expensive cities are also in the States. In comparison, no UK cities ranked in the top 20. The study is an analysis of information from cost-of-living database Numbeo compiled by Magnet Kitchens. It identified the 190 largest populated cities in the EU, US, Australia and Canada and analysed data from Numbeo to find the most and least expensive cities for a bottle of wine (750ml). New York City tops worldwide ranking of the most expensive city for a bottle of wine, costing an average of US$20 per bottle, according to the research. New York City is over five times more expensive than the cheapest bottle of wine at $3.55 which can be found in Cordoba, Spain. New York has high excise taxes for wine (30% per gallon) as well as additional tax on sales of wine with over 24% alcohol by volume meaning prices are higher than in other cities. Rochester, also located in the state of New York, is 47.5% cheaper for a bottle of wine charging $10.50 on average. San Francisco and Oakland rank joint third for the most expensive city in the world to buy a bottle of wine. Coming in at $2.25 cheaper than New York City, San Francisco and Oakland residents can expect to pay $17.75 for wine. Much like the Big Apple, California has high taxes for alcohol, especially wine. The excise tax is $0.20 per gallon for wine and the state has a sales tax of 7.25%. Launceston and Hobart in Tasmania, Australia are the only two cities in the top 10 which are located outside of the US. Victoria, British Columbia, ranks tenth out of the cities for having some of the most expensive bottles of wine. People living in Victoria can expect to pay $15.29 for a bottle of wine which is four times more expensive than the Spanish city of Cordoba, which ranked as the cheapest. Wine can be expensive in Canadian cities due to production costs being higher. British Columbia also has some of the highest alcohol taxes in Canada at 15%.

Rank	City	State/Province	Price of a bottle of wine
1	New York	NY	US$20.00
2	Columbus	OH	$18.00
3	San Francisco	CA	$17.75
3	Oakland	CA	$17.75
4	Philadelphia	PA	$17.00
5	Launceston	Tasmania	$16.45
6	Hobart	Tasmania	$16.45
7	Washington	DC	$16.00
8	Denver	CO	$16.00
9	Tucson	AZ	$15.50
10	Victoria	British Columbia	$15.29

Top 10 craft beer cities in Britain revealed

Jessica Mason — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 08:43:14 +0000

The 10 best cities to drink craft beer in the UK have been identified in a study assessing indie breweries, award wins and pubs nationally. The data, gathered by rental business Independent Cottages, looked at the number of independent breweries (per capita), the number of awards won by each city's independent breweries last year, and the number of pubs and drinking establishments in craft beer searches on Trip Advisor (per capita) to inform its list. The city of Newcastle gained first place in the rankings, followed by Canterbury in second place and Bath in third position in the new listicle that nudges cities including Bristol, Leeds, London and Sheffield, which have often topped charts, further down. According to the new study, the top 10 cities for craft beer have been revealed as: 1, Newcastle 2, Canterbury 3, Bath 4, Salisbury 5, Worcester 6, Durham 7, Inverness 8, Manchester 8, Lancaster 8, Winchester The study showed how Newcastle was well-served when it came to independent beer, gaining it first place in the rankings as the destination that all craft beer lovers should probably consider visiting more. In Canterbury, which secured second place in the rankings, the researchers noted how this city had initially been "a surprise" but also highlighted how Canterbury ranking so highly also represented how interesting it was that a smaller city in the UK could quietly grow its craft beer scene without crowing about it. Stefan Melbourne, the events and creative manager at Track Brewing Co in Manchester, which came in eighth in the ranking, said: “From centuries-old family breweries to upstarts like ourselves (who celebrate our humble 10th anniversary this year) Manchester has a rich brewing tradition. When we established our brewery in Manchester, we were among 16 newcomers that emerged around the same time. A sense of camaraderie and openness was there from the start, with us all pursuing our vision of what beer could be. The city is progressive and is constantly pushing boundaries in every discipline it pursues, and the beer scene is no exception." Describing how the craft beer industry has evolved in the UK, Melbourne explained: "The beer landscape has matured, with some breweries sadly closing but the city ultimately flourishing, especially in the food and drink sector." He added: "We now see many tourists visiting specifically to experience the beer scene, and we’re fortunate to call exceptional breweries like Cloudwater, Sureshot, and Balance our neighbours, each with outstanding beers and inviting taprooms.” The full list can be found here. Just three years ago, Britain’s best craft drinking destinations and the top most instagrammable pints were disclosed in a study by comparison service Bionic using data from pubsgalore.co.uk and untapped.com. The findings showed that Newcastle topped the ranking then, however the research also looked at the most popular pints to share on social media and which pints in particular were each generation’s favourite. Last summer, the 10 best cities in the world for beer lovers were revealed in research uncovering the global locations that serve up great beer alongside good weather.

Do you live near the Wetherspoons capital of Britain?

Jessica Mason — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:00:29 +0000

The Wetherspoons capitals of the UK have been identified in new data. Find out if you live in a ‘spoons capital by reading on. The data, which was collated by QR Code Generator, assessed the locations of every Wetherspoons pub in Britain and compared them against the area's population. Figures for the number of Wetherspoons per 100,000 residents were then obtained to create the final ranking. The findings revealed that Mole Valley has been crowned the Wetherspoons capital of Britain, with a whopping 5.7 ‘spoons for every 100,000 residents - an increase of 76% compared to Uttlesford and East Devon who are next on the list. Mid-way between London and the Sussex coast, the news that Mole Valley is the Wetherspoons capital was labelled “surprising” by the researchers since it is “a beautiful part of Surrey” and “over 90% of the district is countryside” which makes it “surprising” to also be “home to five Wetherspoons”. With a population of just 87,769, the smallest featured on the list, the researchers hinted that essentially “Mole Valley might be the perfect quiet getaway this summer if you’re looking for cheap drinks surrounded by natural beauty”. Uttlesford and East Devon were ranked in second place, both having 3.24 Wetherspoons per 100,000 people. Located in north-west Essex, the researchers highlighted how “Uttlesford has a population of 92,578, the second smallest on the list, and has three Wetherspoons to choose from. It’s in close proximity to London and has plenty of transport links, making it perfect for a ‘spoons afternoon out”. In comparison, they added that “East Devon has a much larger population of 154,500 and boasts five Wetherspoons. Although it may be further away for some, the miles of beautiful coastline and lure of plenty of budget-friendly drink options available makes it an excellent choice for a staycation”. The third Wetherspoons capital of the UK was revealed to be Monmouthshire, with 3.2 ‘spoons for every 100,000 residents. The researchers noted that while “located in the south-east of Wales, 93,886 people live in Monmouthshire” and “with three Wetherspoons to choose from, you can wash your countryside walk down with a beverage of choice that won't break the bank”. Staffordshire Moorlands ranked fourth, with 3.13 Wetherspoons per 100,000 people. It was reminded that the area was “home to Alton Towers, the largest theme park in the UK” and boasted “a population of 95,899 and three Wetherspoons” so was ideal if people were “looking for an afternoon of thrills and affordable drinks, this is the place to visit”. North Devon came in fifth place, with 2.98 Wetherspoons for every 100,000 residents. The researchers outlined how “with a population of 100,505, North Devon is a slightly quieter, yet just as beautiful option, compared to East Devon”. Plus, it was observed that “there are three Wetherspoons located here, making it another great option this summer”. Cannock Chase was identified as a close sixth, with 2.97 ‘spoons per 100,000 people. Located in Staffordshire, in the West Midlands, the research showed that “Cannock Chase has three Wetherspoons to choose from and a population of 101,140”. Portsmouth is the first of the larger areas on the list, ranking seventh with 2.88 Wetherspoons for every 100,000 residents. As the data highlighted, “the south coast city has six Wetherspoons for its 208,420 inhabitants to enjoy”. In eighth place came Broxtowe, with 2.68 Wetherspoons per 100,000 people. According to the findings, just west of the city of Nottingham, Broxtowe has three Spoons and 112,113 residents. South Ribble ranks ninth, with 2.67 Wetherspoons for every 100,000 locals. Situated in Lancashire with a population of 112,166, there are three Wetherspoons to choose from. According to the researchers, Wyre gets the position of tenth place since it is home to 2.61 ‘spoons for every 100,000 inhabitants. The area, which is near Blackpool on the coast of Lancashire, sees 114,809 people living there and has three Wetherspoons. Speaking about the findings: QR Code Generator CEO Marc Porcar said: “There is no doubt that Wetherspoons is considered somewhat of a landmark in the UK. It is popular with all ages and has a range of reasonably priced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as budget food options. If you’re a ‘spoons lover looking for staycation inspiration, or the ultimate Wetherspoons night out this summer, this list has some of the best options available to you.”

Top 10 rosés under £20 for summer 2024

Patrick Schmitt — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:00:11 +0000

Such is the popularity of pale, dry pink wines, prices have crept up, but we have been busy tasting our way through hundreds of samples to bring you a top 10 selection for under £20 – taking in some classic French rosés but also a few from unexpected places, including the UK...

All the following wines have gained Gold medals in The Global Rosé Masters, which sees samples tasted 'blind' – which means that the judges have no knowledge of the source region, nor any other details about the wine, other than the fact it is pink, dry, and within a certain price band. The aim is simply to find the best bottles for the price, and, because all our tasters are highly experienced judges, they have honed an ability to accurately assess wine for quality, and that alone. In other words, they are especially good at putting aside subjective, personal stylistic preferences when sampling what's in front of them, but adept at finding wines that offer the best possible balance and flavour intensity for the money. And what did such assessments throw up in 2024? As you can see below, when considering Gold-medal-quality pink wine below £20, you have to forget Provençal rosé – it can beat the global competition, but you have to pay quite a bit more for it. Indeed, when seeking pale, dry pink wines priced from around £10-18, then you need to look more broadly, particularly southern French areas such as the Languedoc as well as the Ardèche, along with countries such as New Zealand, Greece and Italy. Finally, to the surprise of our tasters in 2024, one of the best rosés in this price band was not from any of the aforementioned nations, but the UK, with a benchmark bottle hailing from 'the garden of England' – the county of Kent. Please scroll down to see our top 10 best-value pink wine picks (with tasting notes by myself and fellow judge Patricia Stefanowicz MW), as well as to find out more about the tasting, while you can click here to see all the medallists from this year's Global Rosé Masters – the biggest and most comprehensive competition of its type.

LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE, 2023

Producer: Bijou
Region: Coteaux de Béziers
Country: France
Grape varieties: 45% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 10% Caladoc, 5% Syrah
ABV: 12.5%
Residual sugar: <4 g/l
Approx. retail price: £10

A fantastic-value, pale pink, dry rosé with notes of wild strawberry and cherry, as well as a touch of pear drop and a citrus-fresh finish. Lingering, light, but with enough fruit to make this both full in flavour, but also palate-cleansing and zesty in style. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

TERRAZZE DELLA LUNA, PINOT GRIGIO ROSATO, IGT VIGNETI DELLE DOLOMITI, 2023

Producer: Cavit
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
Country: Italy
Grape varieties: 90% Pinot Grigio, 10% Chardonnay
ABV: 12.5%
Residual sugar: 4g/l
Approx. retail price: £10

How refreshing to find a fine, good-value, pale pink, dry rosé that isn’t from France. Using mostly Pinot Grigio, but also a touch of Chardonnay, this Italian wine has delicate characters of peach and pear fruit, some cherry and a touch of white pepper too. Light, but not thin, with a fresh finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

KAVAKLIDERE, CÔTES D’AVANOS ROZE, 2022

Producer: Kavaklidere
Region: Cappadocia
Country: Turkey
Grape variety: Kalecik Karasi
ABV: 14%
Residual sugar: 1g/l
Approx. retail price: £12

Kavaklidere’s winery is located in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, but the producer sources grapes from throughout the Turkish wine-growing regions. This lovely rosé comes from Cappadocia. Pale peach-pink in hue, the wine shows golden apple and pear, peaches and cream on the nose. Off-dry and light-bodied, the palate displays very fresh acidity and a savoury texture supporting the fruit flavours. Good concentration and length suggest that poached salmon steaks with a tropical fruit salad on the side will make for a perfect summer picnic. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

CHÂTEAU DE LA SELVE, L’AUDACIEUSE, 2022

Producer: Château de la Selve
Region: Ardèche
Country: France
Grape varieties: 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 5% Viognier
ABV: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: <1g/l
Approx. retail price: £16

Established in 2002 in the grounds of a 13th-century château at Grospierres, about 30km north of Avignon, Château de la Selve’s wines, made by Benôit and Florence Chazallon, are organic/biodynamic delights. This example, quite deep vieux-rose in colour, has dark berries and bramble fruit with plenty of depth and weight on the palate, framed by lively acidity. A serious wine, this will work nicely with grilled chicken thighs or chunky pork chops with a sweetcorn and sweet red pepper chutney as an accompaniment. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

HAMPTON WATER, 2023

Producer: Gérard Bertrand
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Grape varieties: 70% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 15% Syrah
ABV: 13.5%
Residual sugar: <1g/l
Approx. retail price: £14

A brand uniting US rocker Jon Bon Jovi and French star winemaker Gérard Bertrand, Hampton Water is a fine and relatively affordable southern French rosé that has repeatedly scored highly in the Global Rosé Masters. Its latest vintage expression is no different, with a lovely mix of flavours from cherry and pear, to peach and apple, as well as a touch of creaminess, and then a delicate chalky note, giving it a bone-dry finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

THE NED ROSÉ, 2023

Producer: Marisco Vineyards
Region: Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Grape varieties: 97% Pinot Noir, 2% Pinot Gris, 1% Other
ABV: 13%
Residual sugar: 3.9g/l
Approx. retail price: £11

A lovely, Pinot-dominant rosé from top Marlborough winemaker Brent Marris, The Ned is a good-value alternative to the likes of Sancerre rosé, with more fruit sweetness and texture than your average French offering. In terms of flavours, there’s a touch of fleshy, ripe cherry and even a note of strawberry jam, then a refreshing, lemony-dry finish to make your mouth water. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

VIÑA TARAPACÁ, GRAN RESERVA ROSÉ, 2022

Producer: Viña Tarapacá
Region: Leyda Valley
Country: Chile,
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 13%
Residual Sugar: 1.2g/l
Approx. retail price: £12

Established in 1874 in the Maipo Valley, Viña Tarapacá has branched out and planted Pinot Noir in the very cool Leyda Valley. A proper rosé with a midsalmon hue, this wine displays crunchy red apple and ripe strawberry fruit with a bit of white pepper spice. Dry, light and lively, the palate is nicely defined with good length. Gastronomic in style, the wine will work well with an endive, watercress and pomegranate salad, dressed with walnut oil and accented by toasted sesame seeds. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

DOMAINE SKOURAS, CUVÉE PRESTIGE ROSÉ, 2023

Producer: Domaine Skouras
Region: Peloponnese
Country: Greece
Grape varieties: 70% Agiorgitiko, 30% Moscofilero
ABV: 12%
Residual Sugar: 3.8g/l
Approx. retail price: £12

Best-known as the home of Sparta, the ancient rival to Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula is nowadays returning to its vineyards. St. George’s grape (Agiorgitiko) makes a lovely rosé wine when blended with the aromatic, peach-incensed Moscofilero white. Very pale baby-pink in hue, the wine has raspberry and pomegranate fruit with a crushed azalea blossom overlay. Nearly dry, the light-bodied palate shows crisp acidity, nice definition of flavour and creamy texture. A little grip on the finish gives added interest. This wine is a good match for tuna sashimi, sprinkled with long-leaf parsley and freshly-minced chives. A hint of sliced ginger will be fine; skip the wasabi. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

BIJOU PROVENCE ROSÉ 2023

Producer: Le Bijou by Sophie Valrose
Region: Côteaux Varois
Country: France
Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 10% Syrah
ABV: 13%
Residual Sugar: <4g/l
Approx. retail price: £17

Everyone wants a ‘bijou’, a tiny pink pearl. This wine is an excellent expression of a pretty, aromatic rosé from the South of France. Pale peach in hue, the wine shows raspberry, strawberry and white cherry fruit with a creamy underlying note. Just dry, the palate is light and elegant, underpinned by lively acidity and a hint of white pepper spice supporting the juicy fruit. An excellent wine for summer, it works nicely with asparagus wrapped in parma ham or sautéed white mushrooms. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

BALFOUR NANNETTE’S ROSÉ 2023

Producer: Balfour Winery
Region: Kent
Country: England
Grape varieties: 50% Meunier,
49% Pinot Noir, 1% Chardonnay
ABV: 12%
Residual Sugar: <1g/l
Approx. retail price: £17

Balfour Winery is located at Hush Heath Estate in Kent, ‘The Garden of England’. Based on the ‘classic’ Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties, this lovely, pale peach-hued wine exudes an English garden in springtime. Aromatic strawberry and raspberry fruits are supported by lively acidity and a plush, creamy texture. A light-bodied, concentrated and ‘dreamy’ wine, showing hints of herbs and hedgerow flowers, it will be perfect for Wimbledon strawberries and cream, or on its own as an aperitif. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

All the medallists from the Global Rosé Masters 2024 A dozen luxury rosés for fine wine drinkers

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Global Rosé Masters provides a chance for your wines to shine. The 2024 competition was judged on 2 May at Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London, employing experienced judges. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Rosé Master. This report features the medal winners only. Please visit The Global Wine Masters website for more information or, to enter future competitions – giving you the chance to feature online and in print – please call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com The judges in The Global Rosé Masters 2024 were: Patrick Schmitt MW Patricia Stefanowicz MW Demetri Walters MW Andrea Briccarello Bryan Rodriguez Elliot Awin Jonathan Pedley MW Conal R Gregory MW Lydia Harrison MW Mark Savage MW

The top 10 trends from TFWA Asia Pacific

Jessica Mason — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:03 +0000

The TFWA Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition culminates today, following four show days filled with meetings, networking and events. Here, db delves into the key takeaways from the show.

AI and ‘new consumerism’

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the talk of the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference this year with many brand owners describing how quickly new technologies are going to change the way we interact with drinks marketing. In a segment titled ‘Asia Pacific takes off’ the London School of Economics, author, economist and professor Keyu Jin said: “Asian economy is characterised by high resilience and large economic potential” and described how it is this tenacity and willingness to always move things forwards and seek out better that makes it so discerning incrementally. In terms of drinks, Jin explained that it is this drive that makes the customer always want to seek out the best available item that suits their core values and hinted that “consumption upgrading" and "lifestyle consumption is the next big thing” and added that the “new generation of savvy consumers will redefine the economic and political landscape”. Jin noted that companies could also begin to “climb up the value chain through smart manufacturing" and stated that "Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data is a manifestation of the fourth industrial revolution" and coined this trend "AI and new consumerism”.

The opportunities in China

Speaking to db at the show while exhibiting with Duty Free Global, BBC Spirits Europe sales director Romain Papillon predicted “that Chinese whisky will be the next big thing in the whisky world” and certainly one to watch. Also eyeing China, Bottega Spa founder and managing director Sandro Bottega admitted that "even though China is always very difficult to distribute into because of all of the regulations, the Chinese market, for now, will remain stable” and noted that he does “see important growth in Hong Kong and in markets where Chinese people go on their travels”. Similarly, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet group communication manager Donatien Ferrari revealed that there were plans for the business to look at expanding into: “Mainland China”. During the conference, Jin reiterated how “even if China slows down, its absolute contribution to the global economy is still enormous" and outlined how “50% of the global consumer class are in Asia, and half of its population are middle class" and heralded the market as "one of the most connected components for the global supply chain.”

Aircraft seat capacity and inflight

Looking at ways to travel that won’t lead to more planes in the air, the global travel retail sector has been rumoured to be eyeing the fact that airlines will become more capacious. All of this is set to have an impact on inflight duty free opportunities with the prospect appealing to global travel retailer who are also looking to reach their sustainability goals. Speaking as a moderator at the show this week, author and venture capitalist Azran Osman-Rani observed that “most Asian airports become slot-congested” and that this means that there is demand for travel, but the sector may need to evolve to meet all needs both consumer, retailer, airport and planet. Osman-Rani predicted that, to assist with this, the drinks industry should take note because it may “see more higher-seat capacity aircraft being used even for short haul routes” and this could be an insight into how things develop for the future of drinks marketing in travel retail while in the air.

Zero alcohol products

As this consumer trend sweeps the globe, global travel retail will also feel its impact. Speaking candidly about it at his stand during the show, Bottega highlighted how he had been “noticing zero-alcohol categories are growing, even though this segment is still low volume” and observed how the low and no alcohol trend is all about situational consumption, or rather the drink needed to suit the consumer's needs for refreshment, but not always contain much alcohol. He went on further to explain that the trend was about incorporating zero alcohol brands into consumer's repertoire of other drinking habits, rather than simply appealing with sobriety messaging. He explained: “Of course these products appeal to a demographic of people who don’t drink alcohol, but really they appeal to people who do drink, but don’t always choose to drink”. Recognising the trend more as a way of managing many other responsibilities like working, parenting or driving as well as the day’s demands, he added: “This is a new trend in consumption and it has come about because people who drink alcohol don’t always want to drink alcohol every day.”

Coffee

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet group communication manager Donatien Ferrari described how the trend for coffee flavours in cocktails has continued over the past few years and still not waned and highlighted how the Espresso Martini is actually still getting more popular than ever before, especially in Asia. Speaking at the show, Distilleries et Domaines de Provence export and duty free manager Jean-Pierre told db that the innovation to take note of next also coffee gin. Trouillet admitted that "mixing the trends between coffee and gin" was something that made a lot of sense, because "one of the biggest cocktail trends is the Espresso Martini cocktail". In creating the drink, he said: "We didn’t want it too dry as we wanted people to serve it over ice. It took a year to make it because gin is bitter and coffee is bitter and it was very hard to find the right balance at first. But this product is awesome and everybody loves it.” Trouillet added: “We will be in plenty of markets in bars and we will enter Dubai Duty Free, in the Middle East” and admitted: “It’s already with Kingpower”.

Provenance

Where something is from and its messages of authenticity remain paramount in drinks marketing across the travel retail stage. Most notably due to the fact that people are looking for souvenirs that tell a story of the place they have just visited. But the trend for provenance isn’t just about where something comes from, but also its heritage or what went into making it exist. “Gin has a wonderful sense of place,” said Four Pillars Gin founder and distiller Camerin Mackenzie, who told db: “You know, most gins are trying to have almost a terroir about them. So, for us, it's simply the use of native botanicals. Nowhere tastes like Australia. We've got the most incredible native botanicals of any country in the world. Lemon Myrtle, Tasmanian pepper finger lions, Macadamia nuts, all sorts of things. And then we can use fresh citrus. I think having that sense of place makes a gin a really fantastic thing, whether they're buying a drink themselves or as a gift”. Also giving a nod to destination spirits, if you look at Suntory Global Spirits – which has freshly re-branded since 1 May – it is also using the travel retail channel to showcase its Yamazaki and Hakushu Kogei Collection, showing that consumers are seeking unique drinks that have a sense of place. For instance, the gin was heralded for being produced as the “Japanese Kimono Edition” and ‘Kogei’ can be translated as ‘traditional Japanese craftmanship’ which amplifies the local skill involved in making it. Reflecting this further, the collection also explores the traditional crafts of Japan through selected artisan partnerships with the aim of encapsulating local artistry.

Exclusive giftable products

Quite possibly, the important part of global travel retail is the way it can showcase items to a captive audience who are all looking for something they can't get anywhere else to take home for either themselves or loved ones. The trend of uniqueness and exclusivity alongside giftability often flies under the radar. But, in the case of Loch Lomond Group, which recently unveiled a new, dedicated travel retail exclusive range for its single malt whisky brand Loch Lomond, it has shown it has its thumb on the pulse. The release, named The Remarkable Stills Collection features four distinct non chill-filtered whiskies, each crafted to embody key elements of Loch Lomond’s whisky philosophy and produced from spirit drawn from a variety of stills at precise moments and matured in unusual oak casks from across the globe giving the consumer uniqueness and exclusivity in spades. Speaking to db, Luke Maga, Loch Lomond Group managing director – global travel retail said: "The launch of the Loch Lomond Remarkable Stills Collection is a pivotal moment for the brand, presenting a new and unique opportunity to engage with discerning whisky enthusiasts in global travel retail" and added that "the collection offers travellers an unforgettable taste of Loch Lomond’s unparalleled quality" and revealed that it would "roll out in the channel later this year.”

Next generation consumers

Whether looking at Gen Z or Millennials, the general consensus from the show this year was that the drinks sector is keenly watching new consumers entering the category as they travel for the first time as adults. Describing the opportunity new consumers present, especially young adults travelling in Asia, drinks companies referenced next generation consumers as an "untapped opportunity". Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo export director Giacomo Marzotto told db: "As we heard in the conference, 60% of the world’s millennials live in Asia, so there is clearly a lot of untapped opportunity here. In our specific category the prominence of white and sparkling wine is a lot less in Asia than it is in Europe or North America – but I am a strong believer that this will change – and at a very fast pace.” Santa Margherita, which comprises nine different wine estates across six Italian regions (and one in Oregon’s Willamette Valley) asserted that it is strongly positioned in Asia “because of exceptional quality and good prices” but noted how even as tastes change, the audience is still the same.

Oak

There is so much to be said about oak when it comes to wine, but now spirits companies are getting in on the action. Examples of this seen at the show include Bacardi Global Travel Retail which chose this year’s event to showcase its latest innovation from its Dewer’s blended Scotch whisky portfolio. But it wasn't any ordinary whisky, because oak played a fundamental role. Essentially, Dewar's Double Double 21 Year Old Stone Toasted was outlined by Bacardi as one of its key whisky innovations and it revealed that it had plans to launch it this year, with a travel retail exclusive Discovery Pack of two expressions to feature exclusively with China Duty Free Group throughout May. “Dewer’s s constantly innovating, so it’s only natural to explore how new flavour experiences can be created for our whisky drinkers,” explained master blender Stephanie Macleod. “The Stone Toasting method was originally created for finishing wine, and we were intrigued to explore the effect on whisky. This series is all about showcasing the impact of the oak on the finishing liquid: American versus French, toasting levels and the source of the heat. Gently toasting the wood slowly opens the oak, which extracts softer, silkier textures and more refined, richer flavours from the cask.”

Planet-friendly activities

There are, indeed, countless examples of sustainability initiatives sweeping across travel retail, but speaking at the Torres stand, Bruno Teixeira, global travel retail director reminded that Torres has been here all along and added that what sets the Torres brand apart is its legacy as a family winery and commitment to “excellence, innovation and sustainability” which upholds its planet-friendly activities. Torres has been part of leading the fight against climate change for many years, adapting and mitigating its effects, but more importantly, raising awareness and encouraging collaboration among wineries to address it as an unprecedented threat. This is, essentially, just another example of how far drinks companies have come, that their messaging is primarily about making the world a better place.

Top 10 cheapest countries in the world for a beer

Eloise Feilden — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:12:14 +0000

Amid cost-of-living pressures we could all do with a cheap pint of beer, but in which countries around the world will you get the most bang for your buck? As summer approaches and people start thinking about where to go on holiday, discount provider Bountii has compiled a list of the most and least expensive countries for a pint of beer. A total of 88 countries feature on the list, with the price ranging from 25p for the cheapest beer to the equivalent of £8.51 for the average pint in the most expensive country. The majority of countries which had the lowest price per pint in GBP can be found in Asia. However, an African nation topped the list, with the average pint costing the equivalent of £0.25. The price of a pint continues to rise in the UK. In London, a beer can now cost an eye-watering £9.00, according to reports. Despite these hefty prices, the UK ranked as the 18th most expensive country for a pint, with an average cost of £4.50. The US was more expensive, with beer costing the equivalent of £4.70. Below you will find the list of the most affordable pints around the globe.

The least expensive nations to buy a beer

Position	Nation	Domestic Beer (Cost in GBP)
1	Nigeria	0.25
2	Belarus	0.75
3	China	0.76
4	Vietnam	0.79
5	Ukraine	0.81
6	Uzbekistan	0.82
7	Philippines	0.99
8	Colombia	1
9	Azerbaijan	1.01
10	Kazakhstan	1.05

The Cheapest Pint: Nigeria

Nigeria offers the cheapest pint in the world, at just £0.25, according to data compiled by numbeo.com. Nigeria’s lack of development and economic growth are likely contributing factors to this low price, Bountii has said. Still, Nigeria doesn’t disappoint when it comes to variety. Icon brands including Gulder, Heineken, 33 Export, Goldberg, and Hero are all exported to Nigeria. The nation has a rich history of beer consumption, is even home to Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (FES). Diageo owns a majority stake in the brewery, and FES is designed for export, and is more heavily hopped than Guinness Draught and Extra Stout, which gives it a more bitter taste.

10 of the best non-alcoholic beers for 2024

Jessica Mason — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:38:23 +0000

The top 10 non-alcoholic beers have been identified in a new list outlining which 0% ABV brews are worth trying in 2024. Starting at number 10 and counting down, the analysts at the investment advisors Insider Monkey drew from their report of the ‘20 best non-alcoholic beers to try in Dry January’. Here are the results, counting down to the number one best non-alcoholic beer of all.

10. Bravus Oatmeal Dark Boasting hints of chocolate, caramel and roasted coffee, this non-alcoholic beer is extremely smooth and also claimed the Silver Medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival.

9. Athletic Brewing Lite Athletic Lite is said to be crisp and light. A classically simple zero ABV beer that has been crafted with “25 calories, 5 carbs, and 0 hangover”.

8. Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden Ale Noted for being a refreshing, clean, and balanced blonde ale made with B10 certified Vienna malt accompanied by English and US hops.

7. Suntory All-Free This Japanese brew is purportedly the ideal, alcohol-free option for a wide range of occasions. All-Free is said to stand out in the market because of its triple zero features. Namely, zero alcohol, zero calories, and zero sugar.

6. Athletic Brewing Free Wave IPA This IPA is loaded with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops and has grown and grown in popularity over the course of the past year.

5. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Alkoholfrei Positioned as a guilt-free non-alcoholic wheat beer brewed using a technique created at the Weihenstephan Brewing University.

4. Heineken 0.0 First introduced in 2017, the 0.0 is said to be responsible for 7% of the overall sales for the Heineken brand, posting US$83.6 million in sales in 2022.

3. Brooklyn Special Effects Hoppy Amber Brooklyn Brewery has said that it uses a special fermentation method that develops the flavours, aromas, and character of beer without the alcohol. Add to this its generous dry hopping and the result is a lively hoppy beer with a clean finish.

2. Guinness 0.0 The brewing process starts just as it always has, but with 0.0 the alcohol is gently removed through a cold filtration method, thus preserving its natural flavour. First launched in late 2020 in Ireland and the UK the following year, Diageo then introduced Guinness 0.0 in the US in 2022.

1. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA Pegged as the ultimate sessionable IPA for craft beer lovers, Run Wild has been brewed with a blend of five northwest hops and is only 65 calories. In America, off-trade sales of Athletic brews are up over 92% over the last year, making Run Wild IPA essentially the best-selling alcohol-free craft beer Stateside.

10 drinks giants and the brands some consider ‘craft’

Jessica Mason — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:54:05 +0000

Think you buy craft drinks? Take another look at the brands owned by the world’s biggest drinks companies. People looking to support independent companies this Christmas may want to refamiliarise themselves with the brands owned by the world’s drinks giants. In a recent report detailing revenue and sales for the world’s biggest drinks businesses, many popular brand names resurfaced which many will look to buy this festive season. To inform those who would like to strive to buy independent brands, this top 10 shows the companies that make the most money across the alcoholic beverage industry. AB InBev Revenue: US$57.7 billion AB InBev, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, is the largest of all alcohol companies in the world. It has a portfolio of over 500 beers that span more than 100 countries. According to Its 2022 year-end revenue, it showed 11.2% organic growth. Just some of its most famous brands are Budweiser, Stella Artois, Beck’s, Corona, Brahma as well as Camden Town. InBev also produces brands, such as Harbin, Skol and Quilmes in select regions. Diageo Sales: US$18.11 billion Diageo has over 200 brands across more than 180 countries and 132 production sites, which means its distilleries produce 40% of all Scotch whisky in the world. Among its Scotch brands there is Johnnie Walker, J&B and Grand Old Parr. It owns the beer brand Guinness and in terms of spirits brands it owns Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, Don Julio and Crown Royal. Asahi Revenue: US$16.6 billion Asahi is also known to be Japan’s largest beer producer by both volume and revenue and has headquarters in Tokyo and production sites in more than 60 countries. Asahi’s five main beer brands include: Asahi Super Dry, Peroni Nastro Azzuro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Kozel. It also owns Nikka Whisky. It also owns Fuller's in the UK and with that the Dark Star beer brands as well as Meantime Brewery's beer brands too. Kirin Revenue: US$13.1 billion Kirin dates back to 1885 with the founding of the Japan Brewery Company and by 1888 launched a lager brand named Kirin which became a hit. Eventually, the company was named Kirin Brewery in 1907, with the takeover of the business of Japan Brewery Company. Kirin’s portfolio includes beers, whiskies, vodkas and shochu as well as Japanese wines. Some of its brands are: Kirin Ichiban, Honkirin, Château Mercian and Four Roses. Pernod Ricard Net sales: US$11.33 billion The French wine and spirits company, headquartered in Paris, produces 240 brands. Some of its brands include: Perrier-Jouët, Absolut Vodka, Chivas, The Glenlivet, Jacob’s Creek, Campo Viejo and Stoneleigh. Molson Coors Net sales: US$10.7 billion Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Canadian-American drinks company has under it over 60 beer brands. These include: Carling, Staropramen, Coors, Miller, Aguila, Bavaria, Molson Canadian and Black Ice. Madrí Excepcional is also made by Molson Coors and is positioned as a "modern European lager" but is brewed in the Tower Brewery in Tadcaste, halfway between York and Leeds in the UK. According to reports, the company’s brand low calorie variants Coors Light and Miller Lite also recently posted their strongest combined full-year dollar share performance in a decade in the US. Carlsberg Revenue: US$10 billion The Danish company is one of the world’s largest beer producers, with around 700 brands, including brands such as: Carlsberg, Krinenbourg, Tuborg, Holsten, Aldaris, Gorkha, Grimbergen and Okocim. Carlsberg posted a 15.6% organic growth in revenue in 2022 over the previous year and a 12.2% organic growth in profit in the same period. In the UK, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has been formed out of a joint venture between Carlsberg UK and Marston’s PLC, who are both shareholders. CMBC's portfolio also includes beers brewed under license. These include standard Carlsberg, Carlsberg Expørt and Poretti along with cask and packaged ale brands such as: Hobgoblin, Marston’s Pedigree, Tetley’s, Wainwright and 61 Deep. The brands it brews under license include: San Miguel, Mahou, Estrella Damm, Shipyard, Erdinger, Warsteiner and Kirin. Constellation Brands Sales: US$9.5 billion Constellation Brands, headquartered in New York, has most of its business in the US, but also has a presence in New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy and Mexico. The company’s portfolio includes brands such as: Modelo, Corona, Ruffino, Schrader, SIMI, Casa Noble Tequila, Mi Campo and Svedka Vodka. Its beer business alone reportedly made around US$7.4 billion of its total net sales for the year ended February 2023. LVMH Revenue: US$7.5 billion French multinational LVMH is the world’s biggest luxury goods group and is usually associated with fashion, but it is also one of the largest alcohol companies in the world. The wine and spirits business of the group has 25 houses producing some of the world’s most famous brands including: Moët & Chandon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy and Château d’Yquem. Added to this, some of its vineyards including Domaine des Lambrays and Dom Pérignon are several centuries old. Suntory Revenue: US$5.2 billion Suntory is Japan’s largest drinks business and has its headquarters in Osaka. It gained a major foothold in the US when it acquired Beam in 2014 for US$16 billion to form Beam Suntory. It has operations in over 85 countries and its alcoholic products include Japanese whisky brands such as: Hakushu, Hibiki, Kakubin and Yamazaki, as well as several other spirit brands including: Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Canadian Club, Laphroaig, Glen Garioch, Akadama, Hornitos, Pinnacle, Haku and Roku.

10 top picks from the Global Beer and Cider Masters

Jessica Mason — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:43 +0000

Judges from the db Global Beer & Cider Masters have revealed 10 of the best beers and ciders that gained top medals.

RUN WILD

Brewery: Athletic Brewing

Region: Milford, Connecticut

Country: US

ABV: 0%

Approximate retail price: £2.49

Bright gold and with a big-hitting hop note that leads you in. Plenty of IPA bitterness upon each sip. A really impressive beer for an alcohol-free style; nothing is compromised in terms of flavour. Would benefit from a little more balance, but the pine and citrus notes of the New World hops back up what this beer might lack in ABV. A long, lingering finish too.

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PALE FIRE

Brewery: Pressure Drop

Region: North London

Country: UK

ABV: 4.8%

Approximate retail price: £3.85

Hazy and juicy, pale straw in colour, and with lots of citric pine notes that are resinous and come through immediately. This great beer is well-balanced, draws you in and is up there for sessionability. You will want to order more than one of these.

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TYNT MEADOW

Brewery: Mount St Bernard Abbey

Region: Coalville, Leicestershire

Country: UK

ABV: 7.4%

Approximate retail price: £3.25

Tynt Meadow is everything a Trappist ale should be. Russet and slightly hazed in colour with a dense head of foam, fruit cake on the palate and a hint of spice on the finish, it is brazen, but with a gentle, sweeping softness to it.

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HEADBAND

Brewery: Verdant

Region: Penryn, Cornwall

Country: UK

ABV: 5.5%

Approximate retail price: £4.76

Rich hazed gold with a malt-driven fruity top note of New World hops. There is rich caramel, tropical fruit and grapefruit on the nose. The taste is robust and complex: ripe mango and pineapple, alongside some more savoury notes, with a long, bitter finish.

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JAIPUR

Brewery: Thornbridge

Region: Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire

Country: UK

ABV: 5.9%

Approximate retail price: £2.25

A little minerality on the nose and palate, but with a gentle earthiness and enough acidity to keep you interested. Crystal-clear straw in colour, the initial aroma is zesty and spruce-like, while the palate delivers tropical flavours and lots of grapefruit. The finish is long, dry and very assertive.

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IMPERIAL BROWN STOUT

Brewery: The Kernel

Region: Bermondsey, London

Country: UK

ABV: 9.5%

Approximate retail price: £4.40

Robust and thick with a coffee tan head of foam, this stout is huge on the body, rich and velvety. It’s a beer that wants you to know it has entered the room. Decadently indulgent, like dark chocolate dipped into a double espresso, it is definitely one to be sipped rather than glugged.

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GOLDEN DELICIOUS

Producer: Sxollie

Region: Elgin Valley, Western Cape

Country: South Africa

ABV: 5%

Approximate retail price: £2.35

Sweet, tart and a tiny bit funky, but seriously refreshing with a crisp finish. Very pale straw and clear in colour, the nose is elegant and packed with spring flowers. The flavour is refined, balanced and perfectly sweet. A wonderful product and very well made.

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CAFFEINE-INFUSED CRAFTY LIGHT LAGER

Brewery: Prime Time

Region: Central London

Country: UK

ABV: 4.2%

Approximate retail price: £2.29

Bright gold and with a pleasing amount of lacing afforded on the pour, there is sweetness muddled with a muted hop note that is fairly well-balanced and doesn’t give way to too much bitterness on the finish. This is an interesting beer well worth trying.

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ADEM ALMA CIDER 2022

Producer: Arba Wine

Region: Arba

Country: Kazakhstan

ABV: 5.5%

Approximate retail price: £7.18 (KZT4,180)

This cider presents fresh apple juice and a floral sweetness in aroma and palate, and is well-balanced with gentle crispness. Despite its 5.5% ABV, it is surprisingly easy-drinking and has a gentle, elegant finish. Very impressive.

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MONT-ROUGE STRAWBERRY & BASIL

Producer: Cidrerie Arista

Region: Rougemont, Quebec

Country: Canada

ABV: 5%

Approximate retail price: £1.65 (US$2 )

Pink-hued and with great clarity, this strawberry cider has herbal and pepper undertones. It’s refreshing without being cloying or overly sweet. An accessible and tremendously easy-drinking cider.

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10 of the best beers for chocolate lovers

Jessica Mason — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:32:33 +0000

US brewers and drinks experts have composed a list of 'The best beers for chocolate lovers’ to help unite chocoholics with the perfect brews.

The selection, created by culture site Uproxx, has drawn upon a raft of voices in the US beer industry to give a snapshot of which beers would appeal to those who really like chocolate. Here are the selections and each of the experts who contributed to the listing along with a little information that was provided about each beer.

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Lindemans Framboise

ABV: 2.5%

Lindemans Brewery’s Framboise, a lambic beer with macerated raspberries is great to drink while nibbling on dark chocolate due to its contrasting flavours. Lindemans is located in Belgium and has been brewing lambics since 1822. Framboise is said to be strongly effervescent and tart with its characteristic aroma of raspberries with a touch of sweetness. Typically, lambics are a blend of one, two and three-year-old lambics into a cuvée, but Framboise is younger, tending to be just a year old.

Price: US$11 for a 75ml bottle. Chosen by: Adam Lukey, head brewer at Eventide Brewing in Atlanta.

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Bell’s Cherry Stout

ABV: 7%

Bell’s Cherry Stout. This malty, complex stout is known for its mix of roasted malt and dark chocolate flavours as well as sweet, tart cherry from the addition of Montmorency cherries locally sourced for nearby Traverse City. When paired with dark chocolate, its prominent cherry notes explode and are said to enhance the overall tasting experience.

Price: US$16 for a six-pack. Chosen by: Chad Henderson, head brewer and co-owner at NoDa Brewing Company in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter

ABV: 4.7%

What happens when a 100-year-old brewery brews a porter with Hershey’s chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, and cocoa nibs? A beer that is everything a chocolate fan could want. Featuring chocolate milk flavours and a light-dark roast character. It’s chocolate through and through.

Price: US$11 for a six-pack Chosen by: Shaun O’Sullivan, co-founder and brew master at 21st Amendment Brewing in San Francisco.

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Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout

ABV: 5%

A beer that is a true delight for chocolate lovers due to it being a rich and velvety stout that beautifully incorporates all of the flavours of chocolate. The brewery uses high-quality cocoa in the brew, and the chocolate notes purportedly have a rather have a deep, bittersweet quality that complements the beer’s roasted malt character.

Price: US$11 for a four-pack. Chosen by: Michael Ng, USBG bartender at Behind The Glass Bartending in Los Angeles.

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Swiftwater Muncheez Truck

ABV: 9.3%

This bold, complex stout was named after a food truck that was often parked across the street from the brewery. It’s an imperial stout with coconut, cocoa nibs, and peanut butter and is said to be super smooth and completely balanced with notes of chocolate and roasted malts in the finish.

Price: Limited availability. Chosen by: Dean Jones, brewmaster at the Genesee Brew House in Rochester, New York.

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Monk’s Cafe Sour Flemish Ale

ABV: 5.5%

It’s brewed in Belgium for Philly’s premier beer bar and is the perfect complement to your favourite chocolate. For the same reasons that a rich dark chocolate can be wonderfully paired with a robust red wine, the sweet, tart, and fruity character of this Flemish red ale is a perfect match for a super dark chocolate. The beer is medium-bodied with notes of dry fruit. The sweetness and acidity a perfectly balanced. It’s also said to be very food-friendly.

Price: US$17 for a four-pack. Chosen by: George Hummel, grain master at My Local Brew works in Philadelphia.

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Navigation Black Pepper Porter

ABV: 6%

This is a porter brewed and fermented with black peppercorns. It’s slightly spicy and has some bitterness on the finish which pairs nicely with the nutty, chocolate notes. It’s a highly memorable beer

Price: Limited availability. Chosen by: Matthew Steinberg, co-founder and head brewer at Exhibit A Brewing in Framingham, Massachusetts.

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3 Sheeps Paid Time Off

ABV: 10%

Paid Time Off by 3 Sheeps Brewing is a liquid candy bar. It balances fresh coconut flavours with chocolate milk and roasted walnuts, but also restrains its sweetness just enough that it doesn’t feel like you ate a bag of sweets. The beer has subtle notes of molasses playing throughout, and the finish is creamy and chocolaty. If you love chocolate, you’ll love the complexity of this beer.

Price: Limited availability. Chosen by: Garth Beyer, certified Cicerone and owner of Garth’s Brew Bar in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Foothills Sexual Chocolate

ABV: 9.6%

This beer is truly top-notch for a chocolate lover who also loves a good stout. A yearly release, the decadent chocolate meets notes of espresso, toffee, and a touch of dark fruit. It’s an indulgent beer for the biggest chocolate fans.

Price: Limited availability. Chosen by: Drayton Lewis, USBG bartender at Hellbender Bed & Beverage in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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PFriem Mexican Chocolate Stout

ABV: 8.1%

PFriem Mexican Chocolate Stout has been crafted to taste like a spicy, warming Mexican hot chocolate, it’s brewed with Chinook hops as well as a handful of specialty malts, and American ale yeast. It gets its unique flavour profile from the addition of vanilla beans, cinnamon, nutmeg, liquid cacao, lactose, and Pasilla peppers.

Price: US$13 for a 375ml bottle. Chosen by: Travis Sprague, USBG bartender at Reunion Wine and Bar in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

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10 cheap beers for any occasion

Jessica Mason — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:11:24 +0000

A list identifying ‘the cheapest beers for any occasion’ has been made in the US to help consumers find cost-effective beers for any activity. The selection, created by The Portland Herald offers Americans a go-to selection of cheap beers for a host of time-killing activities. Here's a snapshot of each of the choices and a few of the occasions that they would work well alongside, according to the locals.

1. Miller Lite at the beach

A hot day on the beach calls for an ice-cold beer. It’s only 4.2% ABV and has hints of bitterness and subtle citrus hops. Also, it costs only about US$15 for a 12-pack.

2. Yuengling at the dive bar

America’s oldest brewery’s flagship beer is now available in 26 states. Yuengling is hearty and full-bodied, so when a dive bar doesn’t have craft options, Yuengling is a good go-to. Plenty of bars will charge about US$5 and up for a bottle, whether on draught or in a can.

3. Okocim O.K. to take to a BBQ

This Polish lager is the quintessential beer to bring to a barbecue, without breaking the bank. It’s said to be an obscure, but relatively-easy-to-find import that usually sells for US$10 or less for a four-pack of tallboys. This classic lager made with Poland’s mineral-rich water is slightly sweet and malt-forward, with the hops taking the back seat. For that reason, it’s reportedly wonderful when paired with foods like burgers and sausages.

4. Tecate at a tailgate party

Tecate is perfect for autumn sporting events. This Mexican lager is crisp and easily crushable and pairs nicely with any salty or spicy pregame snack – think zesty buffalo wings and hearty chilli. Tecate is often available in 12-packs that ring in about US$15.

5. Budweiser at a gig

If it’s a bring-your-own event, then you can grab a six-pack for about US$10 and a bottles of Bud fits easily into the back pocket of your jeans while you are listening to a band.

6. Sapporo at a picnic

Available in cans as big as 22 ounces and as small as 12, Sapporo is said to be a versatile option for picnics because it pairs well with a variety of foods. Pack a 22-ounce can for less than US$5 and share it with your pals. Sapporo’s mild flavour won’t dominate in the way a hoppy IPA or tart sour might. The Japanese rice lager is light and clean, so it is said to go as easy on your taste buds as on your wallet.

7. Pabst Blue Ribbon on a fishing trip

Nothing says “American summer” quite like a sweaty PBR on a wooden dock stretching out into a lake. You can find 30-packs for about US$25, and keep it chilled by your side as you cast line after line. At 4.8% ABV, it has been recommended to stand up to your day on the water – regardless of whether you reel anything in.

8. Miller High Life on your couch

High Life has light hops and a subtle malty funk and can easily be sipped. Plus, a High Life also goes well with a slice of pizza. Get a 12-pack of High Life for about IS$12 and consider your evening planned.

9. Modelo Especial at a DJ set

A rising star lager out of Mexico whose sales surpassed Bud Light’s during one four-week stretch in May. Ideal for a night of dancing because it isn’t heavy enough to slow you down, but its layered flavours keep it from being boring. Modelo is usually about US$5 at a bar and less than US$20 for a 12-pack.

10. Narragansett at the pickleball court

Its tall white can is said to be synonymous with Boston bars, Rhode Island sports and anything involving water along the northern East Coast. Grab a six-pack of tallboys for under US$10 while you’re heading to the court. It’s said to be a great choice for pickleball as the sport demands physical activity without zapping your energy, making a postgame beer like this a fitting reward.

The 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks in the world

Jessica Mason — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 06:00:20 +0000

The 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks have been identified in a new list that outlines which tipples we favour most. Starting at number 10 and counting down, the analysts at the investment advisors Insider Monkey drew from their deeper dive report of the ‘20 Most Consumed Alcohols in the World’. Here are the results of the top 10, counting down to the number one alcoholic drink of all.

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10. Tequila

Global market size in 2022: US$14.7 billion

Tequila’s popularity has been on the rise for years, and in 2021 it surpassed whisky in retail sales. The analysts found that the growth in popularity of Tequila can primarily be attributed to a number of factors, including the expansion of the premium spirits sector as well as the introduction of new flavours, and a greater social media presence.

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9. Gin

Global market size in 2022: US$15.3 billion There are, reportedly, three main reasons for gin’s continued popularity – taste, versatility, and the variety now available. The UK is the largest exporter of gin in the world and, according to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data, gin exports from Britain hit US$879 million last year, up from US$651 million in 2021.

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8. Rum

Global market size in 2022: US$17.4 billion While rum sales are still dominated by major producers, many consumer preferences are said to be moving away from value options and towards an appreciation for craft and aged rums instead. Made from fermented sugar cane juice, rum also provides a key function in cocktail culture.

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7. Cider

Global market size in 2022: US$17.9 billion Cider has risen in popularity significantly over the last decade and can also flex with the seasons. In the UK, Insider Monkey outlines how cider continues to be a popular alcoholic drinks category with an off-trade value sales growth in the UK of 5.2% over the past year. Some 47.8% of all British households now regularly buy cider – up from 45.5% last year.

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6. Vodka

Global market size in 2022: US$25.98 billion Vodka continues to be the most consumed spirit in the US and has been since 1970. Around 78.1 million cases of the spirit were sold in America in 2021 and by 2022, 28.1 million 9L cases were sold globally.

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5. Whisky

Global market size in 2022: US$64 billion As millennials are increasingly beginning to experiment with different drinks and assisting in the rise of ‘cocktail culture’, the use of whisky as a premium ingredient has increased in bars. 2022 was hinted to be a great year for Scotch whisky and exports of Scotland’s native spirit hit US$7.5 billion last year, the highest figures ever. Whisky exports by volume also rose, with the number of 700ml bottles shipped overseas up by 21%, to 1.67 billion.

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4. Baijiu

Global market size in 2022: US$95.21 billion Baiju plays a prominent role in China’s drinking culture and has done so ever since the Ming Dynasty. It is most commonly distilled from sorghum, although other grains – including rice, wheat, corn, and millet - are also available in blends throughout the country. Last year, consumers in China consumed US$91 billion worth of baijiu, yet it still remains less well-known outside the nation.

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3. Liqueurs

Global market size in 2022: US$128.9 billion Liqueurs, which are essentially distilled spirits that are sweetened with sugar or syrup, and often also contain fruit, herbs, and oils, can be sweet or bitter depending on the flavours used.

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2. Wine

Global market size in 2022: US$441.6 billion The rising demand for premium and luxury wines has been reported alongside the growing popularity of wine tourism which have become key factors driving growth. According to the analysts, global wine consumption in 2022 was estimated to be at 232 million hectolitres, marking a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year. Year-on-year, wine consumption around the world has decreased at a regular rate and yet this can be mainly attributed to the decline in China’s consumption, which has lost an average 2 million hectolitres per year since 2018.

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1. Beer

Global market size in 2022: US$793.74 billion Beer is the most consumed alcohol in the world. In fact, after water and tea, beer is actually the most popular drink in the world. According to reports, in the 2022 brewing year, global beer production ended up increasing slightly year-on-year by 1.3% to 1.89 billion hectolitres. However, the market is yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels, when production peaked at 1.91 billion hectolitres in 2019. The category has also evolved with consumer tastes as brewers look to satisfy the thirst of their audience. Plus, the overall demand for premium and low-calorie beers, the rising popularity of craft beer, and the continued expansion of distribution networks in emerging countries are all expected to continue driving growth in the global beer sector over the next few years.

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Top 10 best-selling whiskies on Drizly

Eloise Feilden — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:57:46 +0000

US delivery company Drizly has revealed the best-performing whiskies on its platform, with Bourbon boosting sales for the category in 2023. Bourbon, Irish, American, and Canadian whiskey are among the subcategories that have seen share gains in the past year within the whisky category. Though its share of overall liquor category sales declined slightly during the past 12 months from 36% to 34%, it is still the platform’s best-selling spirits subcategory by a healthy margin. Whisky is poised for even more growth in 2023, the platform has said, as distillers release new styles and brands — particularly in the ultra-premium price tier. After gaining 1% over the last 12 months, Bourbon now commands a 40% share of whiskey category sales on Drizly. In the same period, Scotch whisky, the second-biggest category, declined from 23% share to 22%. Irish whiskey and Canadian whisky each gained one point over the previous year to reach 9% and 4% share respectively. Share for all other whisky subcategories declined or remained flat. NielsenIQ figures also show gains for the Bourbon subcategory. Dollar sales increased 4.8% in the 52 weeks ending 12 August 2023, compared with a 0.3% increase for the whisky category overall. Liz Paquette, the head of consumer insights at Drizly, credited the “drink local” movement for the popularity of American whiskey, with Bourbon leading the way. “More than half of the whiskey sold on Drizly in the past 12 months was produced in the United States,” she said. “This is supported by an increase in whiskey tourism with many brands opening tasting rooms to allow consumers to connect more closely with these brands.” The premiumisation trend has slowed across most beverage categories, yet higher-end options are a key driver for the whisky category. On Drizly, the $30 to $40 price category accounts for the largest share of whiskey sales at 18%, holding steady over the previous year. The $40 to $50 tier accounts for 13% share and products priced in the $50 to $60 range comprise 11% share. Drizly's top-selling whiskies are:

Bulleit Bourbon (750ml)
Jameson Irish Whiskey (750ml)
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey (1.75L)
Jameson Irish Whiskey (1.75L)
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon (750ml)
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky (1.75L)
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky (750ml)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whiskey (750ml)

The 10 oldest beers in America

Jessica Mason — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:14 +0000

The 10 oldest beers in the US have been identified in a new list that outlines which beers established America’s brewing history. Starting at number 10 and counting down, financial news and opinion company 24/7 Wall St drew from their deeper dive report of the ‘30 oldest beers in America’. Here are the results of the top 10, counting down to the number one oldest beer in the US.

10. Point Special Lager

Year introduced: 1857

State of origin: Wisconsin

Owned by: Stevens Point Brewery

Stevens Point Brewery, the home of the Point Special Lager, celebrated its 160-year anniversary last year. German immigrants George Ruder and Frank Wahle began brewing beer in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in 1857. Some 40 years later, Gustav Kuenzel bought the brewery and changed its name to the current name in 1902. Despite all of the ownership changes over the past century and a half, Point Special Lager has been reported to have retained its status as the brewery’s flagship brew. Its origins date back to the brewery’s first year in business.

9. Weinhard’s Private Reserve

Year introduced: 1856

State of origin: Oregon

Owned by: MillerCoors

Henry Weinhard, the founder of Weinhard’s Private Reserve was a pioneer brewer of the Pacific Coast. He was born in Lindenbronn in 1830 and moved to the US around 1852, where he worked in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Weinhard then reportedly made his way to Portland, Oregon, by ship and by 1 April 1856, the Private Reserve was born. Weinhard’s Private Reserve has since been bought by MillerCoors.