Christmas Report: how vodka can drive festive profits

Vodka commands the lion's share of the spirits sector, with over 30% of total sales; not only is it the most widely drunk spirit in the UK, but it is outstripping the overall spirits sector, with annual growth of 4.4%. Helen Arnold reports.

Lock Stock's Guy Ritchie links up with David Beckham to make Haig whisky TV advert

Guy Ritchie, the UK film director behind Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director and the recent Sherlock Holmes film series, has linked up with David Beckham to make the first TV advert for his new Haig Club whisky.

Experimental psychologist Prof Charles Spence to shed insight into spirits

Renowned experimental psychologist Professor Charles Spence, who has worked with a host of top performing drinks brands, tops the bill at the upcoming Sprits Summit.

Proximo Spirits introduces TINCUP American whiskey in to the UK

Limited edition Andy Warhol Absolut vodka bottle released

Absolut Vodka has produced a limited edition Andy Warhol bottle of which only 4 million bottles are available.

No 3 Gin cocktail winner turns to Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod for inspiration

Let's be honest the average top bartender is not the kind of person who would admit turning to Beatrix Potter for inspiration. Let alone the kind of bartender who would be allowed to play along the back bar of the uber cool City Social in Old Broad Street in London.

Jacob Ehrenkrona on giving up financial career to create Martin Miller's Gin

Harpers.co.uk talked with Jacob Ehrenkrona, the chief executive of Martin Miller's gin, about why he gave up a career in venture capitalism to pursue the classic spirit.

Chief of the week: The Dude

This week the Claret Pimpernel raises a White Russian to Jeff Bridges, whose new short film called the "The White Russian" was released this week by Kahlúa Productions, as a tribute to the drink he made famous in the cult film, The Big Lebowski. 

Berry Bros & Rudd takes on Sweden's Karlsson's Gold Vodka

The Swedish premium vodka, Karlsson's Gold Vodka, is the latest addition to Berry Bros & Rudd's growing spirtis portfoliio.

Bacardi produces cult graphic novel to tell its story of Cuban history

Bacardi has teamed up with cult writer Warren Ellis and artist Michael Allred to produce its very own graphic novel - The Spirit of Bacardi - that tells the stories behind the famous rum, the Bacardi family and its origins in Cuba.

Scotch whisky The Macallan gets green light for £100m distillery

Edrington's The Macallan whisky brand is to get a new £100 million distillery and visitor centre in Speyside, after Moray Council granted planning permission.

Diageo names Charles Joly World's Best Bartender

Diageo's sixth annual global world's best bartender competition came to a close last week with Charles Joly from the US beating 47 other mixologists in a week long series of challenges held across London.

Jim Beam looks to drive bourbon category with new Rye and Maple varieties

Jim Beam is looking to drive the growing American whiskey market in the UK with the launch of two new additions: Jim Beam Rye; and Jim Beam Maple.

Glenmorangie offers holidaymakers special golf trips and prizes

Brown-Forman celebrates 2014 as one of the most successful years in its 144-year history

Brown-Forman shareholders celebrated yesterday the success of its 2014 financial results which it said was "one of the company's most successful years in its 144- year history."

The Famous Grouse hopes Commonwealth Games will attract visitors to new distillery

The Famous Grouse, the official whisky provider to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, is expecting a rise in footfall to The Famous Grouse Experience visitor centre over the next 17 days as the games kickoff today in Scotland.

Diageo's Captain Morgan advert once again banned by the ASA

Diageo, for the second time this year, has had a Captain Morgan advert banned by the Advetising Standards Authority (ASA) for a Facebook adve which stated that alcohol could combat boredom.

Hardys still UK biggest wine brand for 2014

The annual review looks at the 100 biggest alcohol brands in the off-trade and found that over the last year UK consumers spent £400 million more on alcohol, an increase of 5% and consumed more than 70.3 million litres, an increase of 3.3%.

Tullamore D.E.W kicks off social media competition to celebrate opening of new distillery

Glenmorangie in full swing for the second year of its Open golf sponsorship

As thousands of golf fans head to the Wirral on Merseyside for the Open Championship, Glenmorangie is in full swing for the second year of its high profile sponsorship of the tournament.