NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The search for the next US Bartender of the Year is officially underway. Now in its 15th season in the US, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO returns in 2027, inviting bartenders from across the country to put their skills to the test, grow their careers and become part of one of the industry's most esteemed bartending communities.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/diageo/9424151-en-diageo-and-tales-of-the-cocktail-foundation-find-the-next-us-bartender

Now in the second year of partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and DIAGEO, World Class US continues to look beyond the competition itself, bringing together education, mentorship, community, and advocacy to help ambitious bartenders build their craft, community, and careers. At its core, World Class is designed to help bartenders strengthen their skills, build meaningful industry connections, and create new opportunities to advance their careers.

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with DIAGEO and welcome a new season of World Class US," said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. "Our first year together reinforced how deeply the bar community values opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, and it is inspiring to see a program that invests in bartenders not only as competitors, but as the future leaders of our industry. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new talent to the World Class community and to celebrating the creativity and excellence that make this community so remarkable to be a part of."

Applications are now open through November 10, 2026, with a more streamlined first round application prompt that makes it easier for bartenders to take their first step into the World Class competition. Unlike previous years, the initial application asks bartenders to submit just one signature cocktail and recipe inspired by the challenge prompt, along with a series of short essay questions, rather than multiple creative components. This streamlined approach gives more bartenders the chance to put their name in the ring, with those who advance going on to submit additional challenges until the Top 15 Finalists meet in person to compete for US Bartender of the Year.

Through engaging challenges rooted in DIAGEO's outstanding portfolio of brands, competitors are encouraged to look beyond current trends and help shape the future of bartending. Along the way, they can develop their craft, connect with fellow bartenders and compete for the title of 2027 US Bartender of the Year, with the opportunity to represent the US at the 2027 World Class Global Finals. As part of the ongoing partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the Top 15 Finalists will attend Tales of the Cocktail 2027 through the Tales Scholar Program, receiving a VIP Seminar & Tasting Week Pass with access to immersive tastings, expert-led education and networking with leading voices in cocktail culture.

Key dates for the 2027 competition are as follows:

• September 28th, 2026: Applications open
• November 10th, 2026: Applications Close at 11:59 PM PT
• December 2026: Top 100 Applicants Announced
• Late January 2027: Top 100 Applicants Submit Second Round of Applications
• March 2027: Top 40 and Top 15 Applicants Announced
• May / June 2027: Top 15 Finalists compete at the World Class US Competition to determine the US World Class Bartender of the Year
• Fall 2027: Global Finals for 2027 Bartender of the Year

"Entering the second year of our partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, we are building on our shared commitment to the people who make this industry extraordinary," said Mark Deveney, Senior Vice President of Customer Marketing at Diageo. "Together, World Class and the Foundation are expanding access to the opportunities, education, and community that World Class provides while maintaining the excellence of the competition, ensuring talented bartenders from every corner of the industry can see themselves in the program."

Don't miss out! Full details on application guidelines and program updates are available at https://www.spiritspromos.com/portfolio/worldclass/en/home

TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby") announced today it has entered into agreements with Hiram Walker & Sons Limited ("Hiram Walker") extending the terms of the production and administrative services agreements between them that were due to expire on September 30, 2026. Under the agreements announced today, as of October 1, 2026, Hiram Walker will continue to produce Corby's brands and the parties will continue to provide services to each other for five years until September 30, 2031. All other terms of the existing agreements remain largely the same.

"These agreements provide long-term continuity for the production of Corby's brands and reinforce the strength of our relationship with Hiram Walker. With J.P. Wiser's, Lot No. 40 and our other brands produced at the historic Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor, Ontario, we are proud to continue building brands rooted in Canadian whisky heritage, quality and craftsmanship," said Florence Tresarrieu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corby.

Since the agreements with Hiram Walker constitute related party transactions, the agreements were approved by the Independent Committee of the Corby Board of Directors, in accordance with Corby's related party transaction policy, following an extensive review of the agreement by the members of such committee, with external financial and legal advice. 

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Glenlivet, the iconic single malt Scotch whisky crafted in Scotland's Livet Valley, today unveils its 12 Year Old Provence Edition: a new limited-edition release inspired by a region celebrated for its sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant flavours, and relaxed way of life.

The latest in The Glenlivet's Beyond Speyside series, the Provence Edition invites whisky lovers to experience single malt through a distinctly Provençal lens. True to its Scottish roots while inspired by the character of Southern France, this expression demonstrates how a heritage Scotch can embrace new influences while remaining unmistakably itself.

Under the guidance of Cask Master, Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet's cask experts created a first-of-its-kind expression for The Glenlivet, selectively finishing the whisky in three French wine cask types*, including rare cru classé casks from Château Sainte Marguerite in Provence, one of only 18 estates to hold the prestigious Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence designation.

The limited-edition release combines Château Sainte Marguerite white wine casks with Rivesaltes and Sauternes casks, each contributing its own character to the whisky. Château Sainte Marguerite casks deliver bright citrus and elegant floral notes, Rivesaltes casks add nuttiness and warming spice, while Sauternes casks bring rich marmalade and crème brûlée flavours.

The result is a beautifully balanced single malt, layering The Glenlivet's elegant and mellow house style with delicate floral complexity and ripe orchard fruit notes. White peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus are complemented by subtle spice, creating a flavour profile that brings a sun-ripened character to The Glenlivet's signature style.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master, commented: "With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected. The challenge was introducing new layers of flavour inspired by Provence while remaining unmistakably The Glenlivet. By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes and exceptional complexity; capturing the vibrancy and elegance that inspired this release."

Aurélie Torre, Vice President of Marketing Specialty Whiskies adds: "The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition captures the spirit of The Glenlivet: rooted in our Scottish craft yet inspired by the spirit of the South of France. Through the first-ever use of French white wine casks in a Glenlivet expression, this release demonstrates how we can remain true to the character that has defined us for generations, while continuing to surprise and delight whisky lovers with a new taste experience. Its recent Gold medal at the 2026 Scotch Whisky Masters is a testament to the quality, craftsmanship and innovation at the heart of this single malt."

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is presented in a vibrant, elevated packaging inspired by the vivid landscapes and effortless elegance of Provence. Rich lavender hues, warm golden tones and refined design details evoke the region's iconic vineyards, floral fields and Riviera glamour. The Glenlivet's signature teal complements the Provençal colour palette, celebrating the meeting of Scottish craft and Provençal inspiration in a design that feels every bit as vibrant as the whisky itself.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is available now at select retailers across Canada for a limited time. In Ontario, consumers can also discover the limited-edition release at pop-up tastings in select LCBO stores.

For more information, visit www.theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet.

* A portion of the whisky is finished in French wine and Provence cru classé wine casks

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION AWARD WIN

• Gold winner at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026, organised by The Spirits Business

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION TASTING NOTES:

• NOSE: Vibrant bursts of fruit with white peaches in syrup, lemon peel and orange marmalade come before enticing layers of coconut, homemade shortbread, toasted almonds and floral hues
• PALATE: Juicy nectarines transition to crisp orchard fruits with ripe pears and tangy red apples. Next come moreish layers of crème brûlée, marzipan and white chocolate before concluding with whisps of chamomile and warming spice
• FINISH: Floral sweetness, complex and ultra smooth

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION FOOD PAIRINGS:

• Comté cheese, whose nutty, sweet and savoury characteristics complement the whisky's layered flavour profile
• Roasted peaches with honey and rosemary, a Provençal-inspired pairing that enhances the expression's orchard fruit and floral notes

23 September 2026 – The 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, today unveils the bars ranked No.51 to No.100, marking the tenth consecutive year of the extended ranking. Published two weeks ahead of The 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony, the extended list celebrates an even broader selection of outstanding bars and cocktail destinations from around the world.

The 51-100 List in Numbers

• The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 34 cities worldwide
• There are 13 new entries in this year's ranking across Accra, Athens, Bangkok, Dublin, Goa, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Melbourne, Mexico City, San José, Shenzhen and Singapore
• For the fourth consecutive year, the USA is the most represented country, with five bars across Chicago, New Orleans and New York
• Europe has the largest representation, with 18 bars spanning Paris, Athens, Dublin and Oslo
• Asia features 16 bars, including four from Hong Kong
• Front/Back and La Borracha from Accra, Bar 1661 from Dublin, Bar Gabriel from Istanbul, Otro Bar from San José and MO Bar Shenzhen mark the first ever entries from these cities

Milan will host The 50 Best Bars 2026 as the awards programme returns to Europe for its 18^th edition. Widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the global drinks industry, the annual ranking is compiled from the votes of The 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising more than 800 independent bartenders, drinks writers, educators and industry specialists from around the world. The 51-100 list is intended to shine a light on an even greater number of bars, teams and individuals whose creativity, innovation and influence continue to shape cocktail culture on a global scale.

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Bars, says: "The 51-100 list has become a vital part of The 50 Best Bars programme, allowing us to recognise an even broader range of exceptional venues from around the world while encouraging cocktail lovers to discover new destinations and experiences. It celebrates the diversity, innovation and energy that define today’s global bar scene, shining a spotlight on establishments that consistently deliver outstanding drinks and world-class hospitality. From renowned industry favourites to rising stars pushing the boundaries of cocktail culture, the bars featured in this year’s ranking reflect the talent, passion and dedication that continue to elevate our industry. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and the remarkable teams behind them."

North America leads the 51-100 ranking, with bars from the USA, Mexico and Costa Rica

Amongst the continent the USA once again emerges as the strongest-performing country in the extended ranking, securing five entries. New York reinforces its reputation as one of the world's leading cocktail capitals with three featured bars: Double Chicken Please at No.53, Superbueno at No.61 and Employees Only at No.78. They are joined by New Orleans’ Jewel of the South (No.64) and Kumiko in Chicago (No.70).

Mexico also continues its strong showing with three entries. Newcomer Form + Matter debuts at No.59 in Mexico City, joining long-standing favourite Licorería Limantour at No.63. Arca in Tulum lands at No.67. Central America also celebrates a milestone moment as Otro Bar at No.82 becomes the first bar in San José ever to be included in the ranking.

Italy leads a landmark showing for Europe

Europe is the most represented region on the 51-100 list with 18 bars, led once again by Italy’s four entries. Rome is home to Freni e Frizioni (No.62) and Drink Kong (No.92), while Florence’s Gucci Giardino ranks No.91 and Milan’s 1930 at No.94. Spain and the United Kingdom follow closely behind with three bars apiece. Barcelona’s historic Boadas records one of the extended list’s biggest climbs, rising 33 places to No.52, alongside Foco at No.90. Madrid's Salmon Guru completes the country’s representation at No.66. The United Kingdom's entries include London’s Three Sheets (Soho) at No.73 and Scarfes Bar at No.77, with Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons at No.72.

Elsewhere, Istanbul and Dublin make their debut appearances on the list through Bar Gabriel at No.68 and Bar 1661 at No.98, respectively. Paris welcomes the return of Little Red Door at No.93, while Athens sees a new entry in Naked at No.76 alongside Baba au Rum at No.55. In Scandinavia, Stockholm is represented by Tjoget (No.51) and Röda Huset (No.83) while Oslo’s Svanen ranks No.65.

Hong Kong maintains its lead in Asia as a bar in Shenzhen joins the ranking

Asia continues to demonstrate the depth and dynamism of its bar scene, welcoming five new entries in 2026. Boilermaker in Goa is at No.57, alongside MO Bar Shenzhen at No.60, the first time a bar in Shenzhen has been featured. Additional new entries include Hong Kong’s Mius (No.81), G.O.D in Bangkok (No.85) and Offtrack in Singapore (No.89).

Hong Kong remains the continent's leading city with four bars featured. Mius is joined by Coa at No.54, returning entry Penicillin at No.69 and The Savory Project at No.96. Tokyo and Bangkok each secure three entries. Representing Tokyo are Bar Trench (No.74), The SG Club (No.88) and The Bellwood (No.100) while Bangkok’s G.O.D is joined by Opium at No.97 and Vesper at No.99.

Elsewhere across Asia, Bar Cham in Seoul places at No.71, Vender in Taichung, which first featured in the list in 2025, ranks at No.79 and Hiriketiya’s Smoke & Bitters at No.86.

A historic debut for West Africa and a new entry for Melbourne

This year's ranking marks a significant milestone for West Africa, with two bars from Accra becoming the first from the region to feature on the 51-100 list: Front/Back (No.80) and La Borracha (No.87). Melbourne also returns to the list with new opening Three Horses joining at No.84. In the UAE, LPM Dubai ranks No.58.