August has been pretty quiet which, I can’t lie, has been pretty lovely! But there’s still a bit to read about, including some innovative new releases, so please do…

Booze News

Another month brings more sad news. While Norfolk Gin’s founders announced their decision to wind down production and take off travelling on Instagram, The Spirits Business has reported that community-owned Scotch whisky distillery GlenWyvis is in dire need of a multi-million-pound investment to secure its future.

In more positive news, Brixton Spirits and Brixton Distillery (home to Market Row Botanical Rum and The Brixton Dram rum liqueur) have completed a merger that they believe will create a ‘South London powerhouse’.

Further afield, Chris Hemsworth has joined Australian distillery Archie Rose as a co-owner, and also co-created three whiskies which will be available across Asia and New Zealand later this year, and in Europe and the UK in 2027. Something tells me he might make prove to be a rather good face for the brand too…!

New Gin Alerts

In addition to Tarquin’s Piña Colada inspired Pineapple and Coconut Gin (which sold out in less than 24 hours!) there has been some seriously innovative packaging hitting the shelves this month. First up is the Kocktail Glass; a 100ml single serve cocktail in a reusable (and stackable!) glass with a peel-off lid and space for ice and a garnish! Inspired by Gü desserts, I am a little unconvinced about some aspects (how many would you ever want in your cupboard, what occasion do they best fit, and what about UV degradation???) but I have to admit they look great! Meanwhile Boatyard Gin has collaborated with Two Stacks Irish Whiskey to release their gin in a 100ml can. Not only does it look great and make the perfect freezer martini, it’s also just £5!

My Month in Gin

The majority of my month was spent in Corsica (and very nice it was too) but, in what is fast becoming an annual fixture in my diary, I also made the pilgrimage to Paddock Wood for the IWSC Design Awards 2026. It’s a day of judging I always enjoy, partly because my palate gets a break (although there are always spirits I’m desperate to open and pour!) and partly because it’s just such a pleasure to look at the wide array of beautiful (and bonkers!) bottles on the market. If you want to know what caught our eye, keep an eye out for the results which will be published in September.

Welcome to My Collection

In addition to a beautiful bottle of The Gardener Gin which I bought on holiday, I also returned home to lots of lovely goodies this month. Many thanks to NICE for a bottle of their 9% ABV Going Places Rosé wine, to V Rum for a stunning gift box containing a bottle of their Premium White Rum, to Whitebox for samples of their Spicy Marg and Spicy Mango Marg made exclusively for Selfridges, to Bar Buoy for a selection of their attractive canned cocktails and, last but certainly not least, to Withers Gin for their epic new gin pin!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

September looks set to be busy, busy, busy again! In addition to my next Drinksbiz column being published and a little more spirits judging, there’s also Brighton Cocktail Festival and Negroni Week to look forward to. And I have a VERY exciting little trip planned too that I cannot wait to share with you all. Keep an eye on my Instagram if you want to be the first to know where I’m going! 🍸🛎🛎