Rutland Square Spirits, the Edinburgh-based premium spirits company, has launched into the Canadian market with its products now available across Ontario through a partnership with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) — one of the world’s largest and most influential alcohol retail systems.

With more than 690 stores and annual sales exceeding CAD $7 billion, the LCBO plays a defining role in shaping consumer demand in one of the world’s most valuable regulated alcohol markets, making it a key gateway for premium international brands entering Canada.

The listing comes as trade between the United Kingdom and Canada continues to strengthen, with UK exports reaching approximately £18.3 billion — up nearly 10% year-on-year — underlining Canada’s growing importance as a strategic market for British businesses.

For Rutland Square Spirits, the LCBO listing marks a major step in its international expansion — from starting in a small Edinburgh home office and delivering stock from the back of a van, to securing listings in one of the world’s most competitive retail systems.

Founded in Edinburgh, the company was built to fuse traditional Scottish distilling craftsmanship with the bold spice profile of Indian chai and rare tea botanicals such as White Oolong — one of the world’s most prized teas — creating a distinctive, globally inspired premium spirits range.

Nishant Sharma, Founder & CEO of Rutland Square Spirits, commented:

“Canada is one of the most exciting premium spirits markets in the world right now. Consumers are increasingly looking for quality and distinctive flavour — and that creates real opportunities for brands that truly stand out.

To go from packing orders ourselves and loading vans in Edinburgh to securing a listing with the LCBO is a huge milestone. We’re grateful to our distribution partner Ikshit Sharma at Anu Spirits for helping make this possible, and we see Canada as a key market in our long-term growth.”

BARDSTOWN, Ky., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American whiskeys, today announced its inaugural Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon. The new expression joins the brand's acclaimed single barrel lineup as a higher-proof offering crafted for those seeking robust and complex flavors.

Bottled at 108 proof, Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old Bourbon delivers a layered tasting experience designed to showcase the richness and depth that comes with extended aging in new charred oak barrels.

The expression leads with aromas of dark fruit, figs and roses. Upon tasting, expect flavors of roasted nuts, toasted oak and caramelized sugar that build to a rich, complex finish evoking crème brûlée with ginger and cloves. Its structure yields a mature elegance without feeling too intense, creating a full-bodied profile balanced by refined sweetness and spice.

"This release reflects the craftsmanship and tradition that has defined Elijah Craig for generations," said Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. "We were looking for exceptional depth and character in our first 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, and it delivers at a proof that enhances its natural complexity. The result is a bold yet refined whiskey that is approachable enough to be an all-evening sipper."

The 54% ABV offers a subtle nod to May 4, 1964 - the date the United States Congress officially recognized Bourbon as a distinct product of the United States. The ruling reinforced the standards that continue to guide its production, including a requirement that it be aged in new charred oak barrels. That pioneering practice is attributed to Elijah Craig and is what earned him his enduring reputation as the "Father of Bourbon."

Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old Bourbon will be available in 750ml bottles nationally beginning this month, with a suggested retail price of $149.99.

Follow Elijah Craig on Instagram for news about the latest release and find a retailer near you at ElijahCraig.com.

March 16, 2026 — Kumiko in Chicago, Illinois, has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, part of the fifth annual North America’s 50 Best Bars awards, sponsored by Perrier. Established to celebrate the essential role hospitality plays in the bar experience, the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is determined by the 300-plus members of the North America’s 50 Best Bars Academy. Voters are asked to identify the bar where they enjoyed the most outstanding hospitality during the 18-month voting period. This prestigious award marks the first in a lineup of special awards revealed in advance of the highly anticipated North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony.

Infused with chef, creative director and beverage visionary Julia Momosé’s signature elegance and exacting attention to detail, Kumiko is a sophisticated cocktail bar where Japanese and American influences converge with precision and grace. Named after the intricate Japanese woodworking technique, Kumiko’s space mirrors that artistry through its minimalist design of light wood, soft neutral tones and exposed brick. The bar’s drinks and cuisine are treated with equal reverence, featuring seasonal menus, a thoughtful collection of shochu and Japanese whisky and cocktails that blend Japanese and American ingredients, with nihonshu (sake) as a cornerstone of the program.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, says: “It has been remarkable to witness Kumiko’s continued impact on the Midwest cocktail landscape. As a Japanese dining bar, Kumiko treats food and drink with the same level of care, each crafted with deep intentionality. From impeccably composed, seasonally driven cocktails that weave together Japanese and American influences on a cuisine that captures the soulful breadth of Japanese cooking, every detail reflects Momosé’s thoughtful vision. It is this harmony between technical excellence and heartfelt hospitality that makes Kumiko both transportive and warmly grounded in Chicago, continuing to set it apart year after year.”

Under Julia Momosé’s direction, the bar’s thoughtfully crafted ‘Spiritfree’ offerings further demonstrate the same rigor and creativity found throughout the beverage program. For all its technical precision and artistry, Kumiko remains rooted in warmth and gratitude that creates a welcoming environment where every guest is met with genuine care and hospitality.

Julia Momosé, Chef, Partner and Creative Director of Kumiko, says: “It is a privilege to care for people, and an honor to be recognized with the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award 2026 for the way we practice that care each day. I am grateful to the team at Kumiko for the kindness they show one another and the care they extend to our guests. I am equally grateful to the community that continues to support us. It is a gift to have your trust. When we acknowledge the fragile parts of our own humanity, we are better able to help others feel seen, heard and know that they matter. Hospitality is built through small, consistent acts of attention and respect. At Kumiko, we will continue to center our work around that belief and to build space where people feel respected and safe. Arigato gozaimasu.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President of Michter’s, says: “Congratulations to Julia Momosé and the entire team at Kumiko. For years, they have set an extraordinary standard of excellence in hospitality, with phenomenal drinks, delicious food and genuine care for their guests. The Kumiko team’s sincere passion for their craft and the elegance and refinement with which they create outstanding guest experiences make them a deserving recipient of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. We are thrilled for them.”

The North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Wednesday, April 22, ending with the announcement of The Best Bar in North America 2026, sponsored by Perrier, and other special award winners. North America’s 50 Best Bars recognized the growth of the North American cocktail scene by unveiling the extended 51-100 list for the first time in 2025 and will do so again in 2026.

The countdown of the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars will also be broadcast live on YouTube to a global audience who are not able to attend in person.

Follow 50 Best:

• Follow on Instagram: @50BestBars #NorthAmericas50Best #50BestBars
• Follow on X: @50BestBars
• Like on Facebook: @50BestBars
• Subscribe to the YouTube channel: @worlds50best
• Visit the website: https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/

In an inspiring celebration of talent, purpose and sustainability, Jared Schmidt from Osetra Bar in Canada was crowned the “World’s Sustainable Cocktail Champion 2025” during the Global Final of Flor de Caña’s renowned Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, held on Saturday, March 7th, in the breathtaking volcanic islets of Granada, Nicaragua.

To mark the brand’s 135th anniversary, this year’s edition celebrated classic cocktails, inviting bartenders to reinterpret timeless recipes through a modern and sustainable lens.

The competition brought together 15 top mixologists, selected from over 25 participating countries worldwide, who share Flor de Caña’s commitment to building a more sustainable future for the industry. Against the stunning natural backdrop of the Mombacho Volcano, finalists showcased their creativity and mastery by crafting cocktails that balanced exceptional flavor with environmentally conscious practices. Flor de Caña, a Carbon Neutral certified rum that’s distilled with 100% renewable energy and has planted over one million trees, continues to champion sustainability through initiatives that inspire the global bartending community.

After two intense rounds of competition — including the innovative “Sustainable Market” final challenge — Jared took the top spot by impressing the judges with his talent and passion. His winning cocktail, called “Por mundo limpio”, is a sustainable reinterpretation of a Golden Era cocktail, featuring Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum with caramelized mushrooms, organic cane sugar and nori for a bold, low-impact flavor profile.

As Global Champion, Jared receives the prestigious title, a US$10,000 cash prize, the winner trophy, and a sustainability assessment for his venue in partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

“This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to Flor de Caña, the judges, and my fellow competitors, and it was truly special to experience Nicaragua and connect with such an inspiring global bartending community,” said Jared Schmidt.

The competition’s second place was awarded to Phát Tran Guia from Firkin Bar in Vietnam, while Dawid Stoch from Art Katowice Bar in Poland secured third place, rounding out an extraordinary showcase of global bartending talent.

The judging panel was composed of: Danil Nevsky (2nd in the Bar World 100 and Best International Bar Mentor – Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards), Kendall Hauer (luxury dining and beverage expert based in Miami), Luis Inchaurraga (Argentinian mixologist with over 25 years of experience), and Gary Gruver (Director of Global Beverage Operations at Marriott International).