The Spirits Business

The Spirits Business The Spirits Business is a United Kingdom–based trade magazine covering distilled beverages, including whisky, Vodka, gin, Rum, Tequila and Brandy. Launched in 2007, it provides news, analysis, product reviews and industry rankings aimed at producers, distributors, retailers and bartenders across markets such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Japan and India.

History

Founded in 2007, the magazine emerged amid global expansion of premiumised Scotch whisky exports and the craft spirits revival led by microdistilleries in regions like Kentucky and Speyside. Early coverage paralleled developments involving major companies such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi Limited and Brown-Forman, and intersected with legislative and market events including the European Union spirits regulation debates and tariff disputes affecting US–EU alcohol trade. The title chronicled trends from the rise of craft distilling in Scotland and the United States to innovations in cask finishing associated with cooperage firms in Bordeaux and maturation techniques popularised in Jerez.

Publication and Content

The magazine appears monthly and combines news reporting with features, interviews and product evaluations. Regular sections cover releases by houses such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Havana Club, Jose Cuervo and Martell; trade analysis involving retailers like Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Harrods, Whisky Shop and chains operating in markets such as China and Brazil; and retail trends influenced by events like ProWein and Bar Convent Berlin. Editorial content includes tasting notes, blind-panel scoring, and trend pieces referencing movements tied to personalities such as Jim Murray, F. Paul Pacult, Gaz Regan and institutions like the Institute of Brewing & Distilling and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Industry Impact and Influence

Coverage in the magazine has influenced brand visibility for independent bottlers, craft projects from distillers in regions including Islay, Campbeltown and New England, and marketing strategies of conglomerates like Campari Group and Rémy Cointreau. Its lists and reviews have been cited by trade buyers, importers and hospitality groups such as LVMH, Sotheby's in auction contexts, and bar collectives linked to venues like Dandelyan and The Dead Rabbit. The publication engages with certification and standards debates involving bodies like the Wine and Spirit Trade Association and participates in dialogues about geographical indications such as those for Tequila and Cognac.

Events and Awards

The magazine organises awards and tastings that attract entrants from distilleries, bottlers and brands worldwide, often judged by panels including critics associated with Whisky Advocate, Imbibe, and sommeliers from establishments like The Ledbury and Noma. It runs competitive events comparable to competitions such as the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, highlighting categories that echo classifications used by bodies like the Bureau of Indian Standards in market regulation. Trade events promoted by the title have been hosted alongside expos in cities including London, New York City, Hong Kong and Milan.

Ownership and Management

Originally launched by UK-based trade publishers, the magazine operates within a portfolio alongside other specialist titles and digital platforms focused on beverages and hospitality, and has had editorial leadership featuring professionals with backgrounds at outlets such as The Guardian, The Telegraph, Forbes and The Financial Times. Its commercial relationships include partnerships with event organisers, industry associations and exhibitors representing firms like William Grant & Sons, Edrington, Suntory Holdings and independent producers from regions such as Japan, Mexico and Scotland.

Category:Magazines published in the United Kingdom Category:Trade magazines