As a spirits writer and reviewer, samples arrive at my (home) office nearly every single day. Some are exciting. Some aren’t great. Many are just part of the job. And you never quite know until you open the box
The 10 Most Popular American Whiskey Brands in the World for 2026
Despite the dips in certain regions, American whiskey was the country’s most exported spirit with major growth in new markets like Brazil and Australia
Sazerac has expanded its spirits-based RTD offerings with three new brands: Lovebug Hard Cream Soda, Buckhorn Whiskey Lemonade, and Endless Afternoon Whiskey Lemonade. Lovebug, at 5% abv, comes in Vanilla ’n Cream, Cherries ’n Cream, Cola ’n Cream, and Peaches ’n Cream flavors. Buckhorn (7% abv) covers Classic Whiskey Lemonade, Peach Whiskey Lemonade, Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade, and Honey Whiskey Lemonade. Finally, Endless Afternoon, canned at 9% abv, comes in Original Lemonade, Peach Lemonade, Blackberry Lemonade, and Ginger Lemonade flavors. The three new brands are each available in select regions across the U.S. in brand-specific 8-packs of 12-ounce cans retailing at $19.
The 6 Best Summer Beers, According to Experts
Nothing goes better with scalding-hot summer days than an ice-cold beer. Crack open our favorite cold ones and share a toast that chilly weather is many, many months away.
Online searches ‘through the roof’ for Sancerre and chilled reds
A new ‘Summergeist’ report by Google reveals the top-trending food and drinks this season, with Sancerre and chilled reds storming ahead, as well as, bizarrely, spam hotdogs. db finds out more.
Brown-Forman has announced El Jimador Tequila Spritz, a new RTD extension for the brand. The new line comes in three flavors—Lime, Orange, and Mango—all at 4.8% abv and hitting shelves across the U.S. beginning in July. The cocktails come in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for a suggested price of $11. The new Tequila Spritzes mark the brand’s first entry into the spirits-based RTD category in the U.S., although El Jimador is present in the malt-based cocktail category with El Jimador Bebidas. Last year, El Jimador Tequila was down nearly 13% in the U.S. to 672,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.
On Greek island of Santorini, winemakers try to adapt to heat and drought
Climate change makes wine growing harder on Greek island
Tom Collins Distilling, which is affiliated with Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac, has purchased the former Garrard County Distilling property located in Lancaster, Kentucky.
I’m worried that people are being scared about enjoying wine for no particular reason. Maybe we need to be more honest in the sphere of wine and health?
Ahead of Independence Day on Saturday, db reveals the ten oldest wineries and distilleries in the United States that remain operational, two of which predate the Declaration of Independence altogether.
Champagne on course for earliest harvest start date ever
Following an unusually early and heavily frost-damaged start to the season, followed by recent heatwave conditions, Champagne could be on course for the earliest start date for harvesting in its long history.
Beer considered to be the ‘most American’ of drinks
Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, new statistics have revealed that the majority of adults believe beer is the drink that is understood to be “most American”. db looks at the findings.
Jefferson’s Bourbon, part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, has released a new limited edition 20-year-old whiskey finished in Bordeaux casks. The Bourbon is bottled at 47% abv and is a tribute to the brand’s namesake and “the pioneering spirit of America,” according to the company. Jefferson’s Bourbon Founder’s Reserve 20-Year-Old is limited to just 250 bottles, available through the brand’s website and in select retailers across the U.S. The limited-time-off ering carries a suggested price of $500 a 750-ml. Last year, Jefferson’s was at 131,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Ten whiskeys for the US 250th anniversary
Whiskey producers across the country have unveiled a plethora of limited releases to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US.
Wineries of all types strive to develop an estate identity through their liquid, but nowhere is that brand recognition as important as it is in Champagne
Barrell Craft Spirits has released Bourbon Batch 038, the latest cask strength bottling from the Louisville, Kentucky-based blender. Batch 038 brings together 12-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, 12- and 15-year-old Tennessee Bourbon, 9- and 10-year-old Indiana Bourbon, and 8-year-old Maryland Bourbon creating a derived mash bill of 79% corn, 17% rye, and 4% malted barley that’s bottled at 58.48% abv. The new release is now available in 49 states at a suggested price of $85 a bottle. Timed to the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 features a commemorative red, white, and blue label.
Beyond the Buzzwords: The Evolution of the Natural Wine Movement
An increasing number of Bordeaux producers are stepping outside appellation rules in favour of Vin de France, seeking greater freedom over grape varieties, winemaking techniques and branding. While still a small part of regional production, the category is becoming a vehicle for innovation, climate adaptation and commercial flexibility
Pope Leo XIV gave thanks for the inaugural vintage made from the two-hectare vineyard located inside his summer residence and farmed by migrant workers.
Champagne growers and houses rethink old partnerships
Climate change and shifting consumer preferences are prompting some Champagne producers to deepen ties with their grape growers. For estates such as Laurent-Perrier, closer collaboration is becoming increasingly important for maintaining quality and long-term stability.
From award-winning Chardonnays to ambitious export plans, China’s wine industry is shedding old stereotypes and building a reputation for premium quality. As curiosity grows at home and abroad, producers are positioning themselves as the next major force in fine wine. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.
Suntory Global Spirits has introduced the second batch of Booker’s Bourbonfor 2026, “The Milkshake Batch.” This edition comes in at 62.2% abv and aged for just over seven and a half years before bottling. The Bourbon’s name is inspired by the treats shared by Booker and Fred Noe after fishing trips. Booker’s “The Milkshake Batch” is now available in limited quantities across the U.S. for a suggested price of $100 a bottle.
lcohol drinking will shrink in the next decade, research finds
Global alcohol consumption is set to drop over the next decade, despite population growth and rising demand in India, which is set to become the world’s biggest drinks market after China, according to market research firm IWSR
So, what makes a good rosé? Such is the diversity of the category today, there’s no simple, single answer. Nevertheless, Patrick Schmitt MW has listed 10 things to consider when drinking pink wine – including his views on sweetness and ice in your rosé.
For decades, beer brewers have achieved that crisp, clean taste with a weird relic from the land before time. Will modernization make your favorite brand go extinct?
Former U.S. health official explains why the Trump administration ‘ignored’ a key alcohol study
A study finding that even one drink a day causes health risks was deliberately sidelined by the Trump administration, a former federal public health official alleges
10 Lesser-Known Producers You Should Try if You Love Bourbon
There are two ways to view the bourbon market in 2026. The first way is through the current lens of doom and gloom, lamenting the slowdown in bourbon sales and complaining about how Gen Z doesn’t drink as much as previous generations, even though data suggests this hot take looks increasingly like a load of fertilizer.
Digital influence rises, but consumers still trust people over AI, study finds
New research commissioned by drinks marketing specialist Chelsea Co. suggests digital channels are becoming increasingly important in drinks discovery, but consumers continue to place greater trust in human recommendations and real-world experiences.
Maremma is finding success with its fresh coastal rosé in Provence, with one producer telling db it sold 10,000 bottles to the south of France in the last year as consumers look beyond their own back yard for refreshing pink wines. Sarah Neish reports.
94% of alcohol-free beer drinkers also consume booze
New research has revealed that moderation trends are changing the way people perceive no and low alcohol drinks. The data has shown that many who indulge in drinking alcohol are also seeking out non-alcoholic options as well. db reports.
The Finnish Long Drink, part of the Mark Anthony Group portfolio, has launched a new Raspberry-flavor ed RTD. It comes in two varieties, Traditional Raspberry and Raspberry Zero Sugar, both at 5% abv, with the sugar-free version at 99 calories per serving. The new releases are exclusive to the brand’s variety packs, with Traditional Raspberry available alongside Citrus, Peach, and Pineapple in an 8-pack that retails at $19, and Raspberry Zero Sugar available in a 12-pack ($25) that includes the brand’s other Zero Sugar offerings. Last year, the gin-based Finnish Long Drink grew 20% to 3.2 million cases, earning Impact “Hot Brand” honors.
Alcohol cancer labels: public health measure or scare tactic?
In the second of our series on the implications of the WHO’s ‘no safe level’ agenda, Tom Bruce-Gardyne explores the battle to impose cancer warnings on drinks, and ponders the motives, whether it is really to inform consumers or simply to scare them into drinking less.
No longer are burgers relegated to just backyard barbecues. Now, patties populate menus at restaurants of all statures, and gourmet versions get dressed up with high-end cheeses, perfectly proofed buns, and quality accouterments. Of course, something as meaty and rich as a burger requires a palate cleanser: wine
California wineries request US$32 million to fight vineyard pest
Senators have requested the immediate release of emergency funds from the US Department of Agriculture to “contain and eradicate” the glassy-winged sharpshooter before it decimates vineyards across California.
Frost and hail threaten 2026 US and French wine harvests
Severe frost and hail have already caused extensive vineyard damage across parts of the United States and France, raising concerns over another difficult harvest year. Growers are reporting losses of up to 90% in some regions, with months of weather risks still ahead.
Why European Wine Brands Struggle in the U.S. Market
European wine brands often enter the United States expecting quality and heritage to carry them. The wine earns respect, but the brand stalls. The reason is rarely the wine. It is that the U.S. market runs on different rules than most international producers expect. Below are direct answers to the questions producers ask most.
Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill has announced RittenhouseUnited States 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, a new 10-year-old rye whiskey released to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentenni al. The 50% abv rye is blended from 90 barrels and carries a suggested price of $100 a 750-ml. The whiskey is rolling out this month in limited quantities in select markets across the U.S. and joins commemorative releases from Evan Williams as part of Heaven Hill’s celebration of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. Rittenhouse has U.S. volume of 70,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.
Champagne’s future lies in innovation, says De Saint-Gall
From climate adaptation to changing consumer habits, cellar master of Champagne De Saint-Gall Cédric Jacopin outlines the pressures shaping Champagne today.
The wine industry’s Gen Z problem isn’t what you think
Benjamin Jack, son of Bruce Jack, has spent the past year moving between industry tastings, festivals and wine events. What he found was not a generation turning away from wine, but a trade increasingly out of step with how people discover and enjoy culture.
Wine industry searches for answers as US alcohol sales slide
The US wine industry is grappling with falling sales, shifting consumer habits and intensifying competition from alternative drinks categories. But while traditional consumption patterns continue to weaken, pockets of growth suggest wine’s future may depend on reinvention rather than retreat. Kathleen Willcox reports.
French vineyard prices fall again as Bordeaux leads decline
French vineyard values fell for a second consecutive year in 2025, according to new figures from Safer, with Bordeaux suffering some of the steepest losses as structural pressures continue to weigh on the country’s wine sector.
The 8 Best Naturally Low-Alcohol White Wines, According to Experts
Consumer demand for lighter, fresher wines has put the spotlight on naturally low-alcohol whites. Here are eight bottles wine professionals across the country recommend
A
n Interview with an Average Wine Buyer
Here’s How My Sister Chooses Wine. You Are Not Going to Like It
Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company has partnered with whisky maker Mars to develop a limited edition blend that combines Bourbon and Japanese single malts.
A century ago, America was in the grip of Prohibition. When it ended in failure in 1933, the campaign to demonise drink appeared to be dead and buried. But it’s back in a coalition of NGOs, public health officials and temperance crusaders under the banner of the WHO. In the first of a new series, Tom Bruce-Gardyne explores how we got here.
How Carmen DO preserves Chile’s viticultural legacy
Carmen DO spans Chile’s wine regions, with a range that foregrounds unique terroirs, varieties with history and – crucially – the growers that serve as vineyard custodians over generations.
Scientists to brew beer with yeast from mummified remains
Researchers have said they plan to brew beer from the yeast strains collected from the corpse of Ötzi, the man whose body was preserved in the frozen Alps of northern Italy during the Copper Age.
Chaos revisited: US tariff refunds get complicated
A US Supreme Court ruling says many of president Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal, meaning firms are trying to claw back money. But where does this leave consumers?
Why diversity is Grüner Veltliner’s ace in the hole
Grüner Veltliner first won attention as a characterful indigenous grape, flying the flag for Austria on the international stage, but its real strengths are its diverse styles and versatility.
How the ‘95/5’ Rye Mash Bill Went From MGP Signature to Craft Staple
In the early days of the 21st century’s American whiskey renaissance, as a slew of new rye brands arrived on the scene, seemingly out of nowhere, savvy drinkers learned a quick and easy way to determine who was actually distilling their “juice” and who had sourced it from somewhere else: Check to see if the mash bill was 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley.
California sparkling wine label Korbel, owned by Gary Heck and marketed by Henkell Freixenet subsidiary Freixenet-Mionet to USA, has announced a new limited edition bottling celebrating the 250th anniversary of America. The celebratory label is available on Korbel’s Brut sparkler and features red, blue, and gold stars on a white background, with text reading “America 250 Years” at the bottom of the label. The limited release is rolling out across the U.S. and carries a suggested price of $14 a bottle. Last year, Korbel was at 1.06 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Cavit Wines Returns to Original 1970s Price for 50-Year Milestone
To mark 50 years of bringing Pinot Grigio to American tables, Cavit Wines is turning back time. For one week only, from May 10 through May 17, 2026, consumers can enjoy Cavit Pinot Grigio at its original 1970s price of $6.99 through a national rebate program.
Chianti DOCG set to include rosé among other changes
The Chianti DOCG is preparing for a series of amendments to its production specifications, covering grape varieties, rosé winemaking, vineyard management, and the appellation’s organisational structure, which together represent the most substantial revision to the region’s rules in recent years.
US ban an ‘act of consumer resistance’ by Canadians
Canadian wine producers are in no rush for US-made alcohol to return to Canada’s shelves, describing the “tremendous” impact the ban is having on domestic sales. Sarah Neish reports.
Portuguese liqueur producer defeats Louis Vuitton in trademark case
A Portuguese court has ruled in favour of Licores do Vale following a trademark dispute with Louis Vuitton that centered on the use of the initials “LV”.
“The world is a very strange and quite divided place, but it’s our job to lift it up, to bring the sentiment up, bring the energy up,” said Ian Somerhalder. We discussed in detail key American whiskey trends with the Brother’s Bond Bourbon co-founder.
How a New York Wine Importer Helped Take Down Trump’s Tariffs
Victor Owen Schwartz, owner of V.O.S. Selections, discusses sticking his “neck out” to challenge President Trump’s crippling tariffs, the mix of egos on his winning Supreme Court team and his hope for a “lifeline” from refunds.
South Africa predicts high-quality 2026 wine harvest
South Africa’s wine industry has reported a technically demanding but high-quality 2026 harvest, with producers overcoming climatic extremes to deliver concentrated wines with strong premium potential. Industry bodies said the vintage demonstrates both the adaptability of vineyard teams and South Africa’s growing focus on value-driven, premium wine production for global markets.
Ancient Cypriot grape offers hope for Australia’s wine growers
An ancient white grape variety from Cyprus is reducing water use by as much as 75% for Australian growers while surviving temperatures above 45°C. Producers in South Australia’s Riverland and Barossa Valley believe Xynisteri could provide a lifeline for parts of the wine industry facing rising water costs, oversupply and climate pressure.
Coca-Cola’s Red Tree Beverages has announced Fresca Hard, a new malt-based RTD extension of the existing Fresca Mixed spirits-based RTD. The new drinks come in four flavors—Original Grapefruit Citrus, Watermelon Citrus, Pineapple Citrus, and Peach Citrus—all at 4.6% abv and 99 calories per can and available in a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans ($18). The new line is rolling out now across the U.S. Last year, the Fresca Mixed portfolio, produced by Sazerac and Red Tree Beverages, was at 426,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Australia shocked as government slashes wine tourism budget
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reneged on his promise to support the struggling wine tourism sector, announcing this week that he will phase out the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door grant package, effectively wiping AU$10 million from the program.
Diageo is launching a new flavored offshoot for Seagram’s 7 Crown, Apple Pie. The new flavored blended whiskey is at 35% abv, carries a suggested price of $12 a bottle, and will be available nationwide for a limited time beginning in June. According to the company, the new release combines Seagram’s 7 Crown’s blended whiskey with baked apple, vanilla, and spiced flavors, and is recommended to make variant on the 7 & 7 serve. Seagram’s 7 Crown Apple Pie joins the original Seagram’s 7 Crown, Dark Honey, and Apple in the brand’s portfolio.
Which US states are the most ‘cocktail-obsessed’?
The states considered the ‘most cocktail-obsessed’ in the US have been revealed, with the northeast region dominating the top 10.
Today, beer geeks flock to their local craft brewery to sit at picnic tables and sip small-batch brews — a culture that stems from the Great American Craft Beer Boom that gained traction in the 1960s and ’70s. However, the existence of craft breweries predates that sudden rise by over a century.
Heaven Hill is debuting a trio of limited edition Evan Williams bottlings to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The whiskies—all “officially licensed America250 commemorative products”—come with new blue labels with red accents and prominently showcase “America 250” and the Statue of Liberty. The first release is a 1.75-liter bottling of Evan Williams flagship Black Label Bourbon ($25). The second is a commemorative bottling of Evan Williams 1783 ($40 a 1.75L and $24 a 750-ml.). The final whiskey is a higher-proof single barrel bottling, sourced from 250 barrels ($40 a 750-ml.). Heaven Hill has also formed a partnership with the Folds of Honor non-profit to donate $75,000 in scholarships for families of deceased and wounded service members and first responders. Last year, Evan Williams, including flavors, was at roughly 2.9 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Change of guard: Four Roses Bourbon
Gallo has completed the acquisition of Four Roses Bourbon, marking the brand’s return to US family ownership for the first time in 83 years.
Tennessee Wine Industry Hits New Milestone with American Viticultural Area Approval
Tennessee is now home to four American Viticultural Areas (AVA), further establishing the state as an emerging leader in the Southeast’s wine industry.
Virginia winemakers lose up to 90% of vines to deep freeze
The biting frost that struck Virginia in late April “will go down in the record books”, the Virginia Wine Board told db, but reassured “there is still hope for the vintage”. Sarah Neish reports.
Vermont-based WhistlePig Whiskey is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with two new limited edition offerings: Rye, White & Blue PiggyBank; and Declaration Wheat Whiskey. The new PiggyBank release is a 10-year-old Straight Rye whiskey bottled at 55% abv and packaged in a pig-shaped decanter with a red, white, and blue label. The second release, Declaration Wheat Whiskey, is bottled at 43% abv and made from a “high wheat” mash bill that is double-aged in American oak before bottling. The new releases are launching in limited quantities across the U.S. as well as through WhistlePig’s website, where the PiggyBank release sells for $230 a liter and the wheat whiskey goes for $74 a 750-ml.
Buffalo Trace Is Bringing Back 2 E.H. Taylor Bourbons Whiskey Fans Haven’t Seen in Years
Both bottled-in-bond whiskeys were aged for 10 years and will retail for $80 when they arrive later this year.
A group of sommeliers from around the United States, Canada and Mexico spent last week in Sonoma County tasting wines, touring vineyards, and competing in a time-honored contest of skill and creativity – food and wine pairing.
Europe’s oldest vineyards threatened by solar power
Home to Spain’s oldest Tempranillo plantings, D.O. Toro’s ancient vineyards are under threat – not from climate change, but subsidies that encourage the installation of solar panels on farmland.
A Republican producer based in Monterey is embroiled in a dispute with Trump-affiliated companies over the name of one of its wines as the US President moves to protect his ‘brand’
New Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Sugarlands Distillery has released Eggo Blueberry Waffle Moonshine, the latest collaboration between the distillery and the staple breakfast brand. The 30% abv moonshine is now available at Sugarlands’ distillery with a national rollout underway. The new entry follows 2022’s EggoNog and 2024’s Eggo Brunch in a Jar Waffles & Syrup Sippin’ Cream, and is the first Eggo-flavored moonshine created by the two brands. While Sugarlands is primarily known for their moonshine-based drinks, the company has diversified lately, announcing a strategic partnership with Tequila-maker Azul Imports in March, as well as expanding Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey to national distribution in late 2025.
Hennessy’s New Pre-Mixed Cocktails Are Quietly Landing on Liquor Store Shelves
Liquor stores have begun receiving shipments of three pre-mixed Hennessy cocktails that combine the fan-favorite cognac with a variety of summery flavors.
Why do tequila and grapefruit work so well together? db takes a closer look at the chemistry, flavour compounds and production choices that make the iconic Paloma work so well.
Could mezcal be the next spirit for wine lovers? Andrew Maidment, former marketing director of Wines of Argentina UK and co-founder of Zacal Mezcal, tells the db why agave has more in common with fine wine than many might think.
The Cocktail That Defines Every Decade Since Prohibition
There are several cocktails that can claim “cocktail-of-the-decade” status within a given 10-year period; however, a handful of drinks stand out as particularly emblematic of a given time, both at the bar and beyond. This article humbly aims to pinpoint these special drinks.
Can indigenous and international varieties co-exist in Italian vineyards?
The relationship between the likes of Merlot and Molinara or Viognier and Vermentino is not always an easy one, but Italian winemakers are striking a balance between the glamour and marketability of international varieties and the tradition and resilience of native ones.
To mark National Lemonade Day (3 May), Gin & Juice founders Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg have expanded their ready-to-drink (RTD) line with a canned beverage crafted with their ultra-premium Still G.I.N
Martignetti Companies to Acquire RNDC’s National Control State Business
Martignetti Companies and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) today announced that they have reached an initial agreement for Martignetti to acquire RNDC’s Control State operations.
NZ Winegrowers joins global call for white wine emoji
New Zealand Winegrowers wants wine lovers to raise their glasses this month, as it launches the ‘The Great White Wine Toast’ – a global campaign calling for the creation of an official white wine emoji alongside the existing red wine emoji.
As with bourbon, obituaries for the tequila industry have already been queued up. The boom is supposedly over and no one is drinking it any more. Time to move onto BuzzBallz…
New international research has reignited the debate on the relationship between alcohol and health, suggesting that not all alcoholic beverages have the same effect on the body. The study, which analyzed more than 340,000 adults in the United Kingdom, shows that light or moderate wine consumption is associated with lower mortality rates compared to other types of alcohol and even compared to total abstinence in certain specific cases.
High Noon Launches Golf-Inspired Transfusion Vodka Seltzer as Its First Limited Flavor
High Noon Transfusion, which is made with real vodka and juice and tastes like the classic grape-juice drink with accents of lime and ginger, is now available nationwide but in finite allocations in each market.
Virginia Distillery blends Bourbon and American single malt
The Split Barrel Project is a new series from Virginia Distillery Co, with the first release combining Kentucky straight Bourbon with American single malt (ASM).
US President Donald Trump has removed barriers on Scotch and Irish whiskey imports following the state visit by King Charles. Industry figures have welcomed the relief after months of declining exports and mounting financial strain.
If you love red wine but hate the stains, don’t despair. Red wine stains can be removed from almost every type of fabric if you follow our best advice and act fast. Learn how to get red wine stains out of clothes, table linens, upholstery, and carpet.
Mastiha: what is it and why is it gaining in popularity?
What do you picture when you think of a Greek island? Sun? Gyros? Amanda Seyfried frolicking down a sandy beach? On Chios, though, a UNESCO-protected cluster of twenty-four villages has been quietly producing something far more distinctive. Mastiha, the resin-based spirit made here for millennia, is suddenly gaining momentum with bartenders and drinkers worldwide – and positioning itself as Greece’s next breakout spirit.
Monika Alcobev on Tequila’s cultural shift in India
Over the past decade, Tequila has undergone a significant transformation in its consumption and perception in the Indian market, evolving from being primarily enjoyed as a shot to a spirit suitable for sipping. For Jose Cuervo, it took three attempts to successfully establish momentum in the country’s competitive spirits market
Plus, Is it too late to save wine, coffee, chocolate? + The states with the lowest ability to resist food cravings + all of the other Good + Tasty news you need
Could rye whiskey become official spirit of the US?
Vermont-based WhistlePig Distillery is on a mission to put rye back at the centre of American whiskey culture with a campaign to make it the official spirit of the US.
Restaurant wine sales fall as value and new trends drive US growth
On-trade wine sales have dropped sharply in recent years, but pockets of growth are emerging across value-driven, white and sparkling categories. Changing consumer habits are reshaping how diners engage with wine, with flexibility, affordability and experimentation leading the way. Kathleen Willcox reports.
Dating is on the decline in the US as costs rise, according to a new study commissioned by Maison Louis Jadot, with consumers becoming more selective about how they spend on wine.
The Wines That Changed How America Drinks, Decade by Decade
Walking into a wine shop in 2026 looks a lot different than it would have in the 1970s. Where shelves might have been lined then with jugs of Carlo Rossi California Chablis, shoppers might now find a buttery bottle of Rombauer or a niche Chardonnay from France’s Jura region.
The top 50 breweries in the US have been ranked by the Brewers Association in its annual report based on volume output for 2025. db looks into the findings.
For the first time, the survey asked respondents about AI and discovered that not only were a full 25% using AI for wine recommendations, but 40% of respondents were very happy with the recommendations, while 33% were somewhat happy. A mere 1% were dissatisfied.
Kentucky distiller charged with criminal loan deception
A grand jury has charged Darron Dillow, co-owner of Limestone Farms Distillery, with “theft by deception” for allegedly using a neighbour’s farm as collateral to secure a loan worth more than US$10,000, without their permission.
Conor McGregor settles lawsuit over Proper No. 12 whiskey but can’t resist one last jibe
The UFC champion and drinks entrepreneur Conor McGregor has settled a dispute with fellow fighter Artem Lobov, who claims he was entitled to 5% of the sale price of whiskey brand Proper No. 12.
Consumers Want to Buy Wine. Why Are We Making It So Hard?
There’s a lot of conversation right now about softening demand in the wine industry. Traffic is down, consumers are more selective, and younger buyers don’t always engage in the same way the industry is used to.
Study links breathalyzer apps to shifts in drinking habits
New research suggests that repeated use of mobile breathalyzers is associated with changes in how people drink and assess intoxication. The findings add to a broader picture of consumers engaging more actively with tools that track health and alcohol intake.
Host of the Italian Wine Podcast Receives Vinitaly Lifetime Achievement Award
Professor Attilio Scienza, host of the Italian Wine Podcast show “Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza”, has been awarded Vinitaly’s highly prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at a formal inauguration ceremony in Verona on Sunday 12 April 2026. Launched in 2025, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes figures who have made a fundamental contribution to the Italian wine sector.
Why Alcohol Distribution Is Different — and Why That Matters
Alcohol distribution is treated differently because it must address unique economic and public interest risks. After Prohibition, states began adopting the three-tier system to rebuild the marketplace in a way that prevents any one supplier or retailer from dominating while ensuring safeguards around public health and safety. This system promotes transparency and ensures oversight
The Trump administration has launched a platform to process US$166 billion worth of refunds on tariffs the US Supreme Court ruled unlawful in February.
The Soil Story: Understanding Terroir Across Willamette Valley’s AVAs
When wine lovers talk about Oregon Pinot Noir, they often mention “terroir,” that magical combination of soil, climate, and topography that gives each wine its unique character.
‘Widespread devastation’: Frost damages grape buds across multiple Eastern states
Overnight temperatures dropped into the mid-20s from New York down to Virginia. What it means for a lot of wineries is far less fruit to harvest this fall.
Gallo-owned Four Roses Bourbon has launched the second annual installment of its Single Barrel Collection, dedicated to the distillery’s 10 unique recipes.
Diageo has extended Captain Morgan’s malt-based RTD offerings with the new Sliced Colada Style Drink Variety Pack. The new 12-packs of 12-ounce cans carry a suggested price of $19 and contain four Piña Colada-inspired flavors. The drinks are all at 5% abv and come in Piña Colada, Mango Colada, Passionfruit Colada, and Strawberry Colada. The new variety pack is now available in retailers across the U.S.
How much does one hectare cost to buy around the world?
Vineyard sales are far from being in decline and for the investor “scarcity beats scale”, reveals the new Wealth Report by real estate consultancy Knight Frank. But which regions are “trading up” in value terms? db reports.
Committee Advances American Wine Truth in Labeling Legislation
AB 1585 would require that any wine labeled “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown wine grapes. This standard aligns the national designation with the same requirement California has long applied to wines labeled “California.”
How Technology Is Transforming No- and Low-Alcohol Wine
From non-traditional yeasts to nano-membrane filtration, a wave of innovation is helping winemakers rebuild what’s lost when alcohol is removed from wine
Sales of Scotch in US monopoly states rebounded last month, driven by New Hampshire, according to data from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA).
A Guide to Germany’s New Wine Classification System
Germany’s updated wine law—which is mandatory from the 2026 vintage—introduces PDOs, PGIs, and stricter regional control, but understanding the new hierarchy won’t necessarily be easier
Is Your Wine a Brand or a Label? Here’s One Way to Find Out For Yourself.
There are well over a million different wines on shelves and lists. Which would be missed if they disappeared? Artificial Intelligence could help to provide that answer.
Mark Anthony Brands has launched Mike’s Dirty Lemonade, a new non-carbonated offshoot of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade brand. The new malt-based drinks are inspired by the “dirty soda” trend—in which extra flavors are added to a soft drink—and come in at 4.5% abv in four flavors: Dirty Lemon Secret, Dirty Cherry Brew, Very Berry Grape, and Pineapple Haze. The new releases will be promoted with the “Made with Real Character” campaign featuring a trio of anthropomorphic lemons with attitude. Along with Mike’s, Mark Anthony Brands also markets malt-based heavyweights like White Claw and Cayman Jack, among others.
American Airlines cabin crew allegedly served fake fizz on flight
A flight attendant reportedly mixed still Chardonnay wine with carbonated water to “make” sparkling wine after the airline ran out of bottles of fizz.
Trade war meets tradition: Canadian Jews confront a Manischewitz-free Passover
The ban on American booze, which came in response to the country’s tariffs, has “created a meaningful opening” for Israeli wineries in Canada, according to a wine executive.
The best (of the worst) industry April Fool’s jokes 2026
It’s the one day of the year when journalists everywhere read every press release twice – and still don’t trust it. To save you the guesswork, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best drinks industry pranks that have been doing the rounds this April Fool’s Day
Harvest Hill Beverage Company has extended spirits-based RTD SunnyD Vodka Seltzerwith a new “Purple” flavor. The 4.5% abv limited time offering is lightly carbonated and calls back to a pitcher of “purple stuff” seen in a 1990s SunnyD commercial. The release carries a suggested price of $10 a 4-pack and will be supported by social activations and influencer marketing asking “What does Purple taste like to you?”
Infographic: Who Really Pays for Tariffs?
These Scholars Tracked a Bottle of Wine To Find Out.
Who benefits from wine shipping limits? Not states, not producers, not consumers.
Ninety years on, the rules states built beneath the 21st Amendment are costing them money, costing producers markets, and costing consumers choice. The authority to change them has always been there.
What makes a great site for Trentino Pinot Grigio?
Even in Italy, Pinot Grigio is far from homogenous. In the best sites of Trentino, producers like Mezzacorona are showing how the variety can match easy-drinking charm with “elegant sapidity”.
US firm MGP Ingredients will pause operations at Kentucky distilleries Limestone Branch and Lux Row Distillers as whiskey demand drops, impacting 33 jobs.
Red blends aren’t a new concept — they’ve existed in regions like Bordeaux and the Southern Rhône for centuries — but it’s certainly a category that continues to evolve.
How Dogfish Head Finally Found Growth Again — With the Grateful Dead
Dogfish Head became a top-20 craft brewery in America in 2010, but in 2019, sales growth stopped and started trending downward the following year due to heightened competition in an increasingly localized, IPA-crazed market.
Scientists Call for Urgent Action on Glyphosate, Citing Strong Links to Cancer
Newer research is now “so strong that no additional delays in regulation of glyphosate can be justified.” Guest article by Carey Gillam of The New Lede, reprinted with permission. .
Nearly a decade after buying its first Tennessee site, Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has revealed the name of the distillery, which is set to launch its first whiskey this summer.
Brown-Forman has released a new Zero Sugar variety 6-pack for its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola spirits-based RTD. The new pack contains two cans each of Jack & Coca-Cola Zero, Jack & Coca-Cola Cherry Zero, and Jack & Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero, all at 5% abv and 100 calories per can. The new variety pack is now available nationwide for a suggested price of $17 a 6-pack. Last year, Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola was up 6% to 739,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston Launch Dos Hombres Tequila, Starting With a $40 Blanco and $50 Reposado
Produced in Amatitán, Jalisco, the tequilas are the work of maestro tequilero Julio Cova at Tequilera Tap Distillery.
US wineries lose USD 357 million after Canada banned American wine
One year after Canadian provinces began removing US wines from store shelves in retaliation for Mr Trump’s tariffs, new data underline how the bans and “Buy Canadian” campaigns triggered a collapse in US wine exports. Full-year 2025 trade data from the Wine Institute shows that exports to Canada fell 78 percent year-on-year, driving a USD 357 million decline in value.
The number of female beer sommeliers has grown, with more than 25% of accredited beer sommeliers now being women. Could the sector be showing signs of diversifying? db finds out.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 319 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Digital Marketing With Molly Bossardt In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Molly Bossardt of Bread & Butter Digital Marketing to pull back the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 318 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle Cheers, wine lovers! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), your hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly multi-talented […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 317 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz In this landmark episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 316 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 315 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sustainability with Sandra Taylor In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 314 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 313 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 312 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Parenting, Wine, and Playful Rhymes 🍷 Grab a glass and settle in! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with the witty and insightful Danielle Frank, author […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 311 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 310 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Seth Cysewski, the visionary founder and inventor of Mistral […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 309 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin Get ready for groundbreaking wine education on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as Kim and Mark host Rachel Martin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Oceano Wines ( […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 308 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan Grab a glass 🥃 and join us for a very special episode as Kim and Mark take their first deep dive into the world of whiskey! We're thrilled to […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 307 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 306 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake Join hosts Kim and Mark on as they uncork a fantastic conversation with acclaimed Irish wine author, Raymond Blake. In this spirited episode, Raymond takes us […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 305 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! All Things Bubbly For New Years Bubbly Bonanza! 🍾 Join your hosts, the effervescent Kim, the Bubbly Queen, and Mark, for the last show of 2025, where they pop the cork on a year of […]
