Hello Braw Spirit readers!
Here’s the whisky news we’ve been reading this week.
2014 – Week 8
Cheaper Scotch for Indians. A free trade agreement between India and the EU may result in a reduction of import duty on Scotch whisky from 150% to about 40%.
Going global. Suntory president Nobutado Saji plans to leverage the brand recognition of their Beam acquisition to increase their global market share. It’s not the first time they’ve taken on a bold challenge.
Booze study. London South Bank University builds a mock pub for students to investigate why people get drunk.
More new distilleriezzz… Another week, another announcement as the recently incorporated Mossburn Distilleries announces plans for a £5m distillery on Skye and a large distillery development in the Borders.
Britain needs the EU, according to Diageo at least. The spirits giant says a lot of their global success is due to the trade agreements forged through the EU.
Mutant whisky! Scientists are planning on genetically modifying barley to remove a damaging fungus and ensuring a sustainable production of the crop for whisky production.
Pernod Ricard sales suffer. A slowdown in the Chinese market has seen group’s Scotch sales down by around 4% in the first half of the financial year.
Mackmyra job losses. The Swedish distillery cuts one third of its staff to reduce costs, it is also changing the sales focus to target domestic markets.
Diageo Bourbon investment. After recently announcing the Orphan Barrel project, Diageo is to transform the mothballed Stitzel-Weller into a visitor centre.
Whisky and music. The Spirit of Speyside festival announces the Spirit of Speyside Sessions, a music event taking place at the same time.
The Whisky Show is go! Tickets are now on sale for the 2014 Whisky Exchange Whisky Show in October.
Some Viagra Royal whisky, sir? A brief insight into what the SWA’s counterfeiting team are having to deal with.
Bible input. Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015 is now accepting samples.
Phone book. The Dramophone, an app providing a guide to Scotch Malt Whisky has been released.
Crafty whiskey. Jim Beam Signature Craft 12-Year is due to be supplied to the UK in the near future.
Quite a house party. Japanese whisky collector rents a second apartment to store his 2000-bottle whisky collection.
Drinking for fun. Introducing the Liam Neeson Drinking Game.
Spirit chillers with a cause. The original Balls of Steel have been produced to raise funds for testicular cancer charity.
(Featured image: Original Balls of Steel)
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