July 19th, 2025: Peat is not forever and other news
Peat at risk of ban?, Scotch prices set to fall in India, Diageo CEO steps down, Nelson's Distillery for sale, Michoacán Mezcal support and more...
The Spirits Post is an international press review about the spirits industry brought to you by
, 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!
I had a busy Friday, so here is our Saturday press review, with a good amount of whisky news and a few other interesting updates.
Peat ban: a future possibility?
Given concerns over peatland conservation and carbon emissions, the use of peat has been already banned in many industries and distilleries could be next, if politician decide to target them.
Mark Littler discusses this topic on Forbes with Alastair Collier, chief R&D officer at A Healthier Earth. The article also possible possible solutions for replacing peat (you will tell me what you think about it). Spoiler: do not trust the title too much, it’s just the usual sensational way of simplify and emphasise a supposition in the text.
Peated Scotch Whisky At Risk Of Ban Within 5 Years, Expert Warns
My two cents: Do not hate me, but… couldn’t we just stop pumping so much peat into whisky and get back to using it for nicely balanced cuts? I know peat performs very well in the Italian market and in other markets too (trends are a powerful driver) - it has even became synonymous of Scotch whisky in our country - and producers are not going to stop until demand for it diminishes. But I still like to dream sometimes ;)
Scotch Whisky prices set to drop in India from next month
Duties on Scotch are set to fall from 150% to 75% immediately following the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, expected in London later this month.
Article by Shyam Bhatia on The Tribune India:
Cheers! Scotch whisky prices set to drop after India-UK trade deal
You can revisit our older press reviews on this topic here:
and here:
Diageo CEO Debra Crew has stepped down
I didn't include this news in Wednesday’s press review, but the growing number of articles has piqued my curiosity. I will certainly be keeping an eye on the search for a new chief executive.
Article by Brian Donnely on The Herald:
Distillery news
England-based Nelson’s Distillery up for sale
Following the founder's death, the business ‘experienced operational disruption’ and has now entered administration.
Article by Lauren Bowes on The Spirits Business:
Mexico: the State of Michoacán will support mezcal producers with certification costs
Mezcal producers are facing difficulties due to overproduction. The local government’s aim is to help them certifying their products, enabling them to achieve better positioning and revenue.
Article on Informa Oriente (Mexico), no author mantioned:
Busca SADER certificar mezcal de Madero para evitar pérdida de agave y apoyar a productores
Something to read
Has prohibitionism helped American whiskey?
Whisky Magazine France features an interview to Annick Foucrier, a professor at Sorbonne University specialising in North American history. She has recently published a book on prohibition, titled "La prohibition, interdire pour une Amérique meilleure" (Armand Colin publishing).
I recommend reading it, as it offers meaningful insights into society and drinking culture of that era. I’m tempted to read the book myself now…
Interview here (the author doesn't seem to be explicitly mentioned, though):
That's all for today.
Have a great weekend!
I'll see you on Monday ;)