Later this week i'll be handing over the reigns both here & over on the sites. It’s been a roller coaster, punctuated by incredible brands whose narratives I've been privileged to tell. More on the move here 👇

And for those who know a little more about the shows, here's some of the new and exciting releases that will be there:

If you want numbers - for a 70cl bottle you were paying £8.05 in Spirits Duty (on a product at 40% abv).  This will go up to £8.86. Then add VAT. Which means the increase goes from £9.66 to £10.63. In real terms, it equates to a pound more in tax per bottle.

The exploration of Brandy beyond Cognac and Armagnac unveils a world of diversity, innovation and exceptional value:

RT @Burntfaithsi: As you'll know by now, there's a big (and better) world beyond Cognac - feat @burntfaithLDN Brandy without Borders https…

Could this be the moment Amaretto steps into the spotlight? If not now, then when...

Big carbon reductions are possible, across all industries. Just needs the will to be implemented NOW. That starts with transparency and a spirit of collaboration, so good on Chivas for making the move.

@totalcurtis 💯 a no. If it’s to correct a mistake, that’s easily done via e-mail. If it’s for an opportunity to change your mind, that can be done via an open ended invite to talk down the line, and a note to hope to address the critique in future. Straight after is always a rant.

When you realise that you live on a different planet to those around you - both items are up in this household’s consumption🙀 “Fewer gin & tonics drunk at home – with bottled gin sales falling by over 50%. Crisps also saw a sales decrease of nearly 7%”

Some Monday morning reading for you: “Mastiha’s mystique is nestled in its singular ingredient and its intricate harvest. Yet, it remains a relatively hidden spirit, appreciated more in its homeland than on the international stage.”

In the realm of Mediterranean spirits, a charming duo stand out with their unique anise flavours and cultural charisma: Pastis & Ouzo. Here's a little more about each and some of the key questions each must answer in order to stay relevant:

I really loved tasting these Japanese gins at Imbibe, but my mind is still blown at the fact that someone chose to make their range of 3 different gins, inspired by 3 different flavours look so similar (each taste wildly different).

Rolling into Monday evening like…

@campfiregin Swallow for a few weeks & time passing the increase on in line with a campaign/ rebrand / new line up (depends on brand). Along the lines of increasing prices, but then doing a temporary value add (at distillery / D2C etc) to soften the blow.

RT @papillongin: I’m Tour ready! What will finish first? @LeTour or @nedboulting ‘s brilliant book or the bottle of @neverstraysfar gin? Lo…

@alchemists_the @julianvallis @Clublibrarian The interesting breakdown is who buys what, where. Which age / demographic buys cheap for home but “upgrades” in a bar, & via versa. Also, which demographic stays on big names & who buys local / craft. Knowing the consumer & their patterns will be key to many’s survival…