December 15, 2025: Cachaça has 2 new GIs, and other news
Brazil’s new GIs and SP’s Rota da Cachaça, Scotch whisky suppliers, Bourbon, LCBO president to retire, Australia reforms liquor law, Cameroon rises excise duties and more…
The Spirits Post is an international press review about the spirits industry tbrought to you by Eugenia Torelli, an Italian spirits journalist and judge. If this newsletter was forwarded to you by a friend, you can subscribe here to receive it directly in your inbox:
Hello everyone!
There are a lot of “Best drams” and “Best whiskies” filling up the news these days. I’ve tried to filter and select what may be more significant in understanding the current direction of the industry. It certainly wasn’t my easiest press review ever.
Let’s begin.
Brazil gains 2 new GIs, and they’re both cachaça
The Brazilian Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) has recognised two new Geographical Indications (GIs) related to the production of cachaça from traditional regions in the Northeast and Midwest: Areia, in Paraíba, and Orizona, in Goiás.
Brazil has thus reached a total of 150 recognised national GIs, including 119 Indications of Origin (IO) and 31 Designations of Origin (DO).
You can read the announcement in Brazilian Government’s official website:
INPI reconhece duas novas IGs e alcança 150 registros brasileiros
Sao Paulo launches “Rota da Cachaça” to promote tourism
The São Paulo state government is launching Cachaça Routes to promote tourism, agribusiness, and regional development. This initiative unites eight routes distributed across 65 municipalities in various regions of the state, alongside eight experiential destinations and eight business destinations.
News by Agência SP (no author mentioned):
Governo de SP lança Rotas da Cachaça para fomentar turismo, agronegócio e desenvolvimento regional
…and here is the official website for those of you who are willing to have a look:
Scotch whisky suppliers are under pressure
We all know the situation isn’t the brightest for Scotch whisky, and now supplying companies are starting to feel the pressure.
Douglas Fraser is trying to analyse the situation in his article for the BBC:
Whisky industry faces bleak midwinter as tariffs bite and exports stall
Sandy Hyslop retires after 40 years as master blender for Chivas Brothers
Pernod Ricard’s Chivas Brothers has announced that Sandy Hyslop is retiring after more than 40 years as their master blender. Hyslop will be succeeded by Kevin Balmforth, who has been in the industry since the 80s.
News by Whisky Magazine (no author mentioned):
Chivas Brothers master blender to retire after more than 40 years
USA
Bourbon production down 55 million proof gallons in August
According to data released by the Treasury Department, Bourbon production is feeling the pinch.
News by Janet Patton in The Lexington Herald:
Bourbon production is down 55 million proof gallons nationwide this year
…but someone’s going the other way
Lofted Spirits to expand production
Kentucky-based Lofted Spirits is planning to expand its production facility in Bardstown (Nelson County) in 2026, tripling its bottling capacity. The company owns Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co.
You can read more details in Henry Mathieu’s article for Global Drinks Intel:
George Soleas to retire from LCBO presidency
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)’s president and CEO, George Soleas, is retiring at the end of January after 30 years. Aaron Campbell will take on the role, having previously served as LCBO’s chief of staff and vice-president, corporate affairs, strategy and sustainability.
News by Rupert Hohwieler in The Spirits Business:
The other side of the Globe
Western Australia reformed its liquor licensing system
The Parliament of Western Australia (WA) has reformed the Liquor Control Act 1998. Alcohol can now be served by hotels, taverns, small bars, and producers with or without a meal on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Trading hours on those public holidays and Anzac Day (25 April) will also be extended from 10am to midnight.
You can read more details in Cody Profaca’s article for Drinks Trade Australia:
WA passes new liquor laws ‘cutting unnecessary costs and red tape’
Africa
Cameroon Govt rises excise duties on wine and spirits
The Cameroon Government has approved a new finance law that increases excise duties for wine and spirits. Alcohol accessibility for youth and low-income consumers has also been restricted.
News found on Trentype (no author mentioned):
Something to read
How are Scotland’s young distilleries navigating the storm?
Back to Whisky Magazine and to Scotland for an article discussing Scottish distilleries and how they are dealing with the current challenges. Lochlea, Port of Leith, Kingsbarns, and Torabhaig are included.
Article by Thijs Klaverstijn in the Whisky Magazine:
Surviving the storm: Trials and triumphs for Scotland’s young distilleries
That’s enough to kick start the week, I think.
Please don’t forget to express your thoughts and opinions via comments or private messages:
I’d be happy to hear what you think, and if you know any interesting story, please feel free to share it.
Thank you for reading!
I’ll see you in the next few days.