Suntory Holdings to Acquire Jim Beam
Huge news this week, as reports surfaced that Suntory — a Japanese conglomerate best known for its whiskey brands — struck a deal to buy Beam, Inc. for a whopping $13.6 billion. This takeover puts Suntory squarely at #3 in the global spirits market behind Diageo and Pernod Ricard. Now, the company’s portfolio includes brands like Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club and Courvoisier in addition to Suntory’s current lineup of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskeys, Bowmore Scotch and Midori Liqueur.
Heading South for San Antonio
Started in 2012 by drinks maven Sasha Petraska and Chef Mark Bohanan, the San Antonio Cocktail Conference kicks off this week. In just its third year, the conference has made great strides, as it draws top bartenders and cocktail aficionados from around the country for four days of seminars, tastings and parties. Look for our coverage in the coming days, and if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello.
Something New From Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker fans have something to cheer about, as John Walker & Sons Odyssey (previously only available in select international markets) is now available in the United States. The expression is crafted from three rare, handpicked single malts to create the House of Walker’s first triple malt Scotch whisky, and it’s bottled in a handsome decanter. Of course, it’s going to cost you, as a bottle runs about $1,100.
Glenmorangie Introduces Companta
Glenmorangie’s latest Scotch whisky is a non chill-filtered expression that’s been matured in Grand Cru casks from Clos de Tart as well as sweet fortified wine casks from Côtes du Rhône. The whisky is a tribute to the Master Distiller’s appreciation of French vineyards, and it’s said to include scents of red berries, wood smoke and nutty oak, with flavors ranging from cherries and stewed fruits to milk chocolate and brown sugar. Glenmorangie Companta clocks in at 46% ABV and costs $99.
