LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly-released 2026 list of The World's Most Admired Whiskies published by Drinks International celebrates leading distilleries from around the globe. For the fourth consecutive year, Michter's, the Louisville-based maker of bourbon, rye, and American whiskey, has ranked number one on the top-50 list.

The rankings, which are determined by an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts from more than 25 countries, represent the ultimate accolade in the global whisky industry. The annual Drinks International ranking is widely considered the definitive list of the world's best whiskies.

In a complex period for international trade and geopolitics, the team at Michter's has focused on variables within their control: the quality of the liquid and the time spent engaging with trade and consumers alike. 

Michter's Executive Vice President Matt Magliocco stated, "Our entire team is thrilled and grateful for Michter's to be voted The World's Most Admired Whiskey for a fourth consecutive year. Everything we do centers upon striving to make the highest quality whiskey, which requires taking a lot of extra steps throughout the production process that are more expensive but critical to the ultimate flavor and taste profile. To see how much people are enjoying Michter's means the world to us."

Andrea Wilson, Michter's Master of Maturation as well as its COO, said, "While the underlying chemistry and physics of making exceptional whiskey can be surprisingly complex, our goal is simple: to produce fantastic products that people enjoy. This recognition from the academy of experts convened by Drinks International is the most meaningful testament possible that we are on the right track. We feel tremendous gratitude and a constant inspiration to keep improving."

According to Shay Waterworth, Editor of Drinks International, "Michter's continues to raise the bar each year. I commend Matt and the rest of the team for successfully and consistently delivering world class whiskey at a time when the wider industry is struggling.

"When we started this ranking we never expected one brand to string together such an impressive winning run, but every trade show I attend there's a crowd around the Michter's stand, which I think illustrates perfectly the respect this brand has among whisky professionals globally."

Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee commented, "The greatest part of my job is being able to share a glass of Michter's with people who really enjoy it. Whiskey brings us together in a way that few items on earth can. These past few years have taken me from Miami to Melbourne and just about everywhere in between. For Michter's to be named the number one Most Admired Whiskey in the World for four consecutive years is beyond anything I could ever have imagined. It's an honor for which I and all of my colleagues here at the plant feel extraordinarily grateful."

Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter's operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter's is farming estate grown grain on its 205-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter's has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson Building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter's Pennsylvania. It also has educational tours with whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.

Michter's has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter's highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey.

For more information about the Drinks International Most Admired Whiskies List, including the full 2026 report, please visit: Drinks International.

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- Big Rock Brewery Inc. (TSX: BR) ("Big Rock" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has unanimously appointed David Kinder, President & Chief Executive Officer, to the Company's Board of Directors, effective August 12, 2026.

Since joining the Company as President & Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, Mr. Kinder has led the execution of the Company's strategic priorities, including operational improvements, growth initiatives and increasing market demand. The Board believes that deep understanding of the Company's operations, customers, employees and long-term strategy will be a valuable addition to the Board's diverse breath of knowledge, experience and perspective.

Stephen Giblin, Chair of the Board, commented: "David has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders. We welcome him as a director and look forward to his contributions to our strategy and governance."

Mr. Kinder brings over 36 years of experience in the industry, including leadership roles in ABI/Mill Street Brewery (VP Operations), Amsterdam Brewing Co.,(VP Operations) and Coca-Cola (GM and Global Roles). As President & Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for the Company's overall strategic direction, operational performance and growth initiatives.

Hailing from Ontario, Kat has always had a passion for the hospitality and mixology industries. She is currently a bartender at Cry Baby Gallery, one of North America's Top 100 Bars, and will soon also bring her talents to LIBRARY BAR at the Fairmont Royal York. As Kat has grown her skills, she has set goals for herself as a mixologist, with one of those being to compete (check!) and be able to travel doing what she loves—which she will at the end of this year as she travels to Paris for the global Grand Finale of the 2026 Monin Cup.

We also just crowned our winner of the US + Puerto Rico event and now have an all-female finalist group representing North America (Mexico, US/PR and Canada) in the Grand Finale.

TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby" or the "Company") (TSX: CSW.A) (TSX: CSW.B) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement (the "Transaction") and sold the Lamb's rum brand and certain assets to Maison des Futailles, L.P., a subsidiary of Phildan Inc., and Glen Turner Company Limited, a subsidiary of COFEPP SAS ("Phildan" and "COFEPP", respectively; collectively, the "Buyers") for $39.2 million. Under the agreement, Phildan acquired the North American rights to the brand, while COFEPP acquired the rights to the brand in the rest of the world outside North America.  

TRANSACTION RATIONALE

• Sharpens Corby's focus on Corby's priority growth platforms, including ready-to-drink beverages and premium spirits.
• Frees capital and resources for higher-return opportunities.
• Simplifies the portfolio and supports long-term growth, profitability and shareholder value creation.

"The sale of Lamb's is a disciplined portfolio management decision that supports Corby's long-term strategy," said Florence Tresarrieu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corby. "It allows us to further focus our resources on higher-priority categories, strengthen our financial position, and continue investing behind the brands and innovations that will drive Corby's next chapter of growth."

"Lamb's is one of Canada's most recognized rum brands, and we're proud to welcome it into the Dandurand Group family. This acquisition strengthens our brand portfolio, expands our presence in the spirits category and reflects our long-term commitment to investing in brands with strong consumer recognition and significant growth potential," said Hugues Gauthier, President of Phildan.

"Lamb's is a well-established brand in the United Kingdom that complements our existing portfolio and strategic objectives. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting the brand's continued success, and building the next chapter of its long history," said Christophe Pichambert, International Director, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet.

TRANSACTION DETAILS 

Under the terms of the agreement, Corby has sold the Lamb's rum brand, all related intellectual property and brand inventories at closing to the Buyers for $39.2 million, subject to customary adjustments. Corby and its affiliated companies will provide transition support regarding production and distribution of the brand for the Buyers for a period of time post-closing. The transaction was approved by Corby's board of directors.