The global spirits industry, long buoyed by the "less but better" mantra of premiumization, has reached a definitive turning point. According to Spiros Malandrakis, Global Insight Manager of Alcoholic Drinks at Euromonitor International, the relentless upward trajectory of luxury spirits has collided with a harsh macroeconomic reality, signaling a prolonged slowdown that may be structural […]

The landscape of the Global Travel Retail (GTR) sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a shift in consumer preference toward convenience without the compromise of quality. At the forefront of this movement is MG Destilerías, the Spanish spirits powerhouse, which has recently announced a massive expansion of its ready-to-drink (RTD) brand, Coppa Cocktails. […]

The landscape of the global beverage industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Once relegated to sugary "mocktails" or lackluster near-beers, the non-alcoholic (NA) sector has matured into a sophisticated arena of craft spirits, botanical elixirs, and complex aperitifs. Leading this charge is Mother Root, a UK-born brand that has officially launched its flagship Ginger Aperitif […]

HONG KONG – The international auction circuit is bracing for a landmark event as Bonhams prepares to showcase two of the most significant Japanese whiskies ever to reach the secondary market. Scheduled for May 30, 2026, at Bonhams’ prestigious Pacific Place gallery in Wan Chai, the live auction will be headlined by a one-of-a-kind Yamazaki […]

KYOTO, JAPAN — In the ancient capital of Kyoto, where culinary traditions are guarded with the same fervor as the city’s thousand-year-old temples, few items are as visually striking or culturally significant as Shibazuke. This vibrant, purple-hued pickle—a fermented medley of eggplant, cucumber, and red shiso—stands as one of the "Three Great Pickles of Kyoto." […]

By Nimmi Malhotra While the towering skyscrapers of major Southeast Asian metropolises like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur continue to serve as strongholds for traditional red wine consumption, a quiet but distinct revolution is brewing along the region’s sun-drenched coastlines. In the luxury resorts of Phuket and the vibrant beach clubs of Bali, the heavy, […]

Main Facts: The Pillars of Japanese Comfort in a Bowl In the vast landscape of Japanese gastronomy, where complex kaiseki and precision-engineered ramen often steal the spotlight, lies a humble yet sophisticated staple of the domestic kitchen: Kakitamajiru. Known internationally as Japanese Egg Drop Soup, Kakitamajiru represents the pinnacle of "home-style" cooking (ofukuro no aji), […]

Main Facts: A Milestone in Beverage Journalism In an era where digital media cycles are measured in seconds and print publications are often viewed as relics of a bygone age, Imbibe magazine has reached a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. Since its inception in 2006, the publication has evolved from a niche title for drink […]

In a move that marries cinematic intensity with the rugged, peated tradition of Islay, the storied Laphroaig Distillery has officially announced a landmark collaboration with Academy Award-nominated actor Willem Dafoe. The partnership has culminated in the release of "Willem by Willem," a limited-edition 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky that marks a significant chapter in the […]

By Journal Culinary Correspondent In the humid, temperature-controlled fermentation chambers of traditional Japanese breweries, a microscopic miracle has been occurring for over a millennium. At first glance, Aspergillus oryzae—a fuzzy, white mold—might seem unappetizing to the uninitiated. However, this specific strain of fungus, known colloquially as "Koji," is the undisputed backbone of Japanese cuisine. Today, […]