July 4th, 2025: Scotch Whisky gets GI in Argentina and other news
Scotch whisky is the first GI product in Argentina, WG&S takes The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt, WHO suggests raising alcohol taxes, distillery news, focus on the US market, Australian rum and more...
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News begins in Scotland today.
Scotch Whisky gets GI in Argentina
The agreement comes after many years of work by the SWA (Scotch Whisky Association) and their counterpart in the country. Scotch Whisky has now become the first international product to receive protected geographical indication (GI) status in Argentina, gaining full legal protection on the market.
Article by Xander Elliards on The National:
Scotch whisky wins protected status in Argentina in 'global first'
Acquisitions
William Grant and Sons acquires The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt
The news has been widely reported across many publications recently. The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt are set to leave Edrington to join Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder in William Grant and Sons’ portfolio.
You can choose between these articles:
(by Ewan Malcolm on The Northern Scot)
(by Brian Donnelly on The Herald)
Scotch whisky giant announces acquisition of The Famous Grouse
(by Xander Elliards on The National)
…on the other side
Edrington Full-Year Sales Fall 10%
The Glasgow-headquartered owner of The Macallan and Brugal Rum saw revenue fall by 10% in the year to March 31st, 2025. The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands are recorded as discontinued operations and thus not included in the 2025 results, as Georgie Collins reports in her article for The Spirits Business:
Scotch Whisky producers diversifying from US market
Staying in Scotland, there is another interesting article you might like to read in The Herald. It is by Scott Wright and discusses how distilleries are reacting to US market barriers. Although the article’s publication date is not mentioned, my search engines list as having come out in the last few days. Here it is:
WHO suggests raising alcohol taxes
The World Health Organization is pushing countries to raise taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next 10 years.
Article By Jennifer Rigby on Reuters:
WHO pushes countries to raise prices on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50%
And here is the reaction by the US trade. Article by Henry Mathieu on Global Drinks Intel:
US trade association reacts to WHO’s push to raise alcohol taxes
Distillery news
French distillery Maison Lineti towards liquidation
The Saint-Émilion-based whisky distillery is facing liquidity crisis after its principal shareholder withdrew financial support earlier this year.
Felipe Schrieberg is writing about it on Forbes (I suggest you to ignore the self-promotional passages of the article, the content is interesting):
One Of The Best New Craft Whisky Distilleries Is About To Close Down
New distillery to open in Fort Worth (Texas)
Blue Flag Distillery announced that the former Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. in the city will become a distillery featuring a brewing area, a private tasting room, a shop, and an event space.
Article by Bob Francis on Fort Worth Report:
American single malt whiskey distiller to take former Rahr site off South Main
Reading
Friday is the day when I try to find a lille more interesting content for you to read, apart from the news. Today I decided to focus on a specific area.
Focus on the US market: whisky and independent bottlers’ rum
Both articles came out here on Substack, from two of my favorite blogs.
just posted an in depth analysis about whisky/whiskey consumption in the US market. and begin by summarising the last 20 years with data from DISCUS (the Distilled Spirits Council of the US), then analyse one category at time before presenting their final conclusions.On his blog,
, just posted an interesting article about the cost of independently bottled rum in the US. Ever wondered what is behind that $100 bottle? Here you’ll find a very accurate explanation.Something softer
The history of Australian rum
This comes from The National Geographic, in an article by Acacia Gabriel. While it may not be from an industry expert - Gabriel is a travel journalist - it is very well written, with links to sources and other useful documents.
The complex history of Australian rum—and the best places to find it
That’s all for today.
Have a great weekend and see you on Monday! :)