Scotch Whisky Tariffs
The World Trade organisation has approved a 25% tariff to be applied to single malt Scotch whisky (among other goods). In 2018, 137 million bottles of Scotch whisky were imported to the US. 25 million of those were single malt whiskies. For an industry that employs 11,000 people in Scotland, these tariffs are worrisome. The New York Times writes how the tariffs will impact big and small distilleries around Scotland.
The Festive Season is Upon us
Are we allowed to say the C-word? We are, of course, talking about Christmas. While many of us may think it’s far too early to even think about it, it’ certainly at the forefront of many minds in the spirits world. From spirits themed advent calendars (options include scotch, tequila, and gin advent calendars), to seasonally appropriate flavours like Captain Morgan’s Gingerbread spiced rum. It’ s safe to say that festive season has begun in the drinks world!
The Glenlivet Whisky Capsules
During this year’s London Cocktail week, famed Single Malt distiller Glenlivet worked in collaboration with London Bar Tayer + Elementary to release a new type of whisky. Scotch whisky in a capsule. The capsule, which was made from 100% biodegradable casing made from seaweed extract, reviewed a lot of negative backlash from whisky lovers but did it warrant it? This article looks into the backlash and what it says about innovation in the scotch whisky industry.
Alcohol Consumption Down in Russia
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol consumption in Russia has fallen by 40% with Russians consuming on average of just under 12 litres of pure alcohol each year. That said, it is still higher than the global average. You can read more details of the report over on The Drinks Business.
Whisky Sold for £1.5 Million
The Macallan 1926, a 60-year-old Single Malt was sold for a record-breaking £1.5 million price tag at Sotheby’s auction on the 24th October. The single malt comes from cask number 263, a famed ex-sherry cask that just last year sold another bottling at auction for £1.2 million at Christie’s auction house. A record-breaking price until this month! Cask 263 yield just 40 bottles and only 14 bottle remains. We can only expect more record-breakers to come.
Amazon Launches Own Gin
The e-commerce giant has launched its own London Dry Gin, called Tovess Single Batch Crafted Gin. Distilled on the outskirts of Birmingham. The gin is distilled and infused with limes and grapefruit and boasts a “Mediterranean taste”. But as this Forbes article asks, does Amazon have what it takes to compete in the competitive gin market?
