June 15, 2026: Negotiations over US whisky tariffs and other news
First Minister John Swinney to visit Kentucky, wine and eaux-de-vie in Cognac, Minas Gerais cachaça, tourism in the Caribbean, Pernod Ricard’s first Chinese whisky and more…
The Spirits Post is an international press review about the spirits industry brought 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!
Today’s press review takes us around the world, from Scotland to France, and across the Atlantic Ocean. I hope you enjoy the selection.
UK
Scotland’s First Minister to visit Kentucky
First Minister John Swinney is set to visit Kentucky to continue negotiations aimed at removing the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky. The visit will follow Swinney’s trip to Boston, where he will be supporting the Scottish national team during their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998.
Read the press release from the Scottish Government:
France
Ugvc reacts to the decrease in wine and eaux-de-vie purchases
The General Union of Winegrowers for the Cognac Aoc (Ugvc) has voiced strong opposition to Rémy Martin’s recent announcement regarding the reduction of wine and eaux-de-vie purchases for the current campaign. The trading house indicated it would need to cut its procurement by 20%. You can find the news in our last press review here:
Read the official Ugvc press release here:
Le Conseil d’Administration de l’UGVC s’oppose aux nouvelles baisses d’achats à la viticulture
Meanwhile, the Syndicat des Maisons de Cognac (Smc) is calling for collective discussions on the “adaptation of production potential, shared economic management, and the commercial revival of markets.”
More details in Alexandre Abellan’s article for Vitisphère (subscription required):
Brazil
Minas Gerais’s cachaça to become state intangible heritage
Leônidas Oliveira, the Secretary of State for Culture and Tourism of Minas Gerais (Secult-Mg), has announced progress in the process to recognise traditional methods and artisanal cachaça distilleries in Minas Gerais as intangible cultural heritage of the state. A final decision on the status is expected in September.
News by Lilian Monteiro in Encontro:
Minas quer eternizar a cachaça de alambique como patrimônio imaterial
The Caribbean
Global Ports Holding to negotiate operations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Global Ports Holding is in negotiations with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines regarding the management, development, and operation of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cruise Port. If a deal is finalised, the company would manage the port on the government’s behalf, potentially leading to new berths, infrastructure improvements, larger ships, and increased shore excursions.
Full article by Caitlin Sullivan in Caribbean Journal:
China
Pernod Ricard launches its first Chinese whisky
Pernod Ricard has officially launched The Chuan pure malt whisky—its first whisky produced in China. The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery Experience Centre has subsequently opened its doors in Emeishan, Sichuan.
I haven’t found the official press release on the company’s website yet, but you can read it in PR Newswire Asia:
Something to read
Piña Colada is coming back
Alice Lascelles has penned a brilliant article for the Financial Times on the Piña Colada, describing it as “a guilty pleasure that’s set for a comeback this summer.” Love it or hate it, I certainly agree that the drink is enjoying a resurgence.
Have you seen it on menus near you recently? Let me know where.
Read the article here:
That’s all for today, I’ll see you later this week!
Cheers 🍹