OWC Kent wine producer Simpsons is the largest exporter of English still wines. located near Canterbury, they recently reported that the warmer weather this year has led to 'riper and fuller flavours' that lend themselves, especially to producing still wines. The rise of quality English still wines was the big talking point at a recent WineGB tasting in London. In a sector where sparkling wine makes up two-thirds or more of production. Simpson’s have showed the way, making still red and white wines every year since 2018, with cuvées including its much-praised Roman Road Chardonnay and Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir. 60% of their harvest goes into still wines and they export half of their production.
OWC Gary Barlow has had mixed fortunes in promoting his wine brand which he established in 2021 after a period of education on wine production and tasting different blends. The much loved star has been successful in selling his brand in supermarket giants Tesco and Morrisons but not so in exclusive venues in London's West End where well off consumers can spend between £50 and £500 a bottle. Gary's creations include a Sauvignon Blush which sells for £8.25 a bottle at Tesco. There are mixed reviews on the Tesco website for his organic range from super 5 star appreciation to lowly 1 star, but isn't that typical of most review platforms regardless of the merchandise. Several top London private members clubs were approached to stock his wines with negative comeback. One Mayfair boss commented 'we would not stock a wine you can buy for just a few pounds in Tesco's along side one of Mr Barlow's albums'. Multi talented Gary Barlow also fronts the ITVX show Gary Barlow's Wine Tour in which he travels the world, sampling exclusive wines. So Take That West End.
OWC Brewing giant Carlsberg have not only probably created the smallest bottle of beer in the world, they have actually created the smallest bottle of beer in the world. The tiny bottle containing one drop of lager, complete with Carlsberg label and sealed cap can stand on the tip of your finger. Measuring just 12mm (0.47inches) in height it is around the same size as a grain of rice and contains just 0.008 percent volume of what you would find in a pint. Carlsberg state that the bottle is a piece of art that hopes to 'inspire people to drink in a more responsible way.' 'To promote responsible drinking, we present our most moderate idea ever' Casper Danielsson, head of communications at Carlsberg Sweden said of this remarkable manufacturing achievement.
OWC With the summer over and the prospect of spending a day on the beach diminished comes news that BuzzBallz, one of the favourite drinks of GEN-Z is being blamed for some of the rubbish being left on Britain's beaches. This trendy tipple comes in a neon - coloured plastic shaped ball containing ready mixed cocktails. Is easy to pack in a picnic and is hugely popular with young drinkers. Volunteers in Brighton and Hove say that there has been an explosion in BuzzBallz litter this summer. Coral Evans at Leave No Trace Brighton., which encourages responsible waste disposal and beach preservation said that 'the brand needs to take responsibility for, or at least show interest in the entire life cycle of its product.' BuzzBallz drinks are made by US firm Sazerac and boasts that ' there is a BuzzBallz for every vibe, every craving and every adventure.' Sazerac has a partnership with TerraCycle - a recycling initiative, but only in the US.
OWC The drinks industry has not been spared the recent disruption caused by cyber hacking. Japan's biggest brewery Asahi has been targeted and had come close to running out of its most popular brand, Super Dry according to retail bosses. The hack took place at the end of September and in early October they confirmed that due to the hack they were just days away from running out at supermarkets and that there was no estimated timeline for recovery, but that no personal data relating to customers had been compromised. Asahi sold 73 million cases of its Super Dry in Japan last year. Qilin, a ransomware group with a track record of cyberattacks on major entities around the world, claimed responsibility for the hack.
OWC Sadly a top Italian winemaker has been crushed to death in his own grape press in a freak accident at his family's cellar. Matteo Forner, aged 44 was crushed while cleaning a grape press. It is reported that the machinery appeared to restart unexpectedly, though the cause remains unclear. The accident took place in Castelcucco a small municipality in the province of Treviso in northern Italy. Emergency services rushed to the scene but unfortunately were unable to save him.
OWC Bar Leone, located in Hong Kong's central district has been voted the best bar in the world at the World's 50 Best Bars 2025 awards ceremony. The bar owned by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori opened in 2023. The first time a bar from Asia has claimed top spot. It impressed with its simplicity, classic cocktail and 'low - intervention approach'. The event sponsored by Perrier awarded 2nd place to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City. Two London bars Taylor + Elementary and Connaught Bar featured in the top 10.
OWC Pubs across the UK could be allowed to remain open until 1am during World Cup late kick-offs. Taking advantage of very much needed trade, landlords will be able to extend their opening hours to allow fans to watch games given the time difference between the UK and Northern America. Indeed England fixtures could commence as late as 2.00 am under Fifa's proposals for the competition, in a bid to combat sweltering temperatures in North America. If Wales make it, there could be a big demand for Wrexham lager. Last year Deadpool star Ryan Renolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney took co-ownership of the brewery, which now sponsors the football club. With big plans for tasting rooms and associated taproom and museum. Wrexham lager is one of the oldest lagers in the world and was served on the Titanic.
OWC The Word's oldest scotch whisky cask, an 85 year old Glenlivet, distilled in Scotland during the Second World War is set to fetch more than £15 million pounds. The single malt was laid down on February 3rd 1940 by John and George Urquhart, the first and second generation leaders of the company. A total of 125 decanters of the 43.7 per cent ABV whisky are being sold at a suggested price of £125,000 each. On February 5th, 2025, Cask 336 reached 85 years old – the longest known distillation of any single-malt Scotch – and the decision was taken to empty it.
OWC UK wine tourism is being held back by rigid planning laws not befitting an industry which contributes £213 million to the UK's economy. Offers to develop wine tours, farm shops and over night stays are often met with planning barriers especially those located in national landscapes and green belts, even when the economic benefits are obvious.
