Georgetown, April 10, 2025 – Erick Lerch from Mother Cocktail Bar in Ontario, Canada claimed victory this year, demonstrating outstanding creativity and a compelling interpretation of heritage at the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition, which took place at the Demerara Rum Heritage Centre, Demerara Distillers Limited, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. A fierce and talented group of 10 global finalists competed for the coveted title of 2025 champion.

Steven Huddleston from Stir (by SQ1) in Tennessee, United States, took second place, while Romel Persaud from Therapy Cocktails in Guyana claimed third. Both impressed the judges with their inventive use of local ingredients and the powerful narratives that reflected their cultural heritage. Their cocktails highlighted a deep connection to their roots, blending regional flavors with the essence of El Dorado Rum, earning them high praise for both creativity and storytelling. 

Following regional competitions, the finalists representing their respective territories were: Shelley Bowers (House of Bamboo, California, United States), Steven Huddleston (Stir (by SQ1), Florida, United States), Benedetta Paris (Happiness Forgets, United Kingdom), Erick Lerch (Mother Cocktail Bar, Ontario, Canada), Nizel Waldron (Ace Bar Services, Trinidad), Fabio Kaufmann (Residenz Heinz Winkler, Germany), Charles Portail (Sauvage, France), Andreas Ording (Boho House, Norway), Daniel Hilton (Kitty Hawk, Australia), and Romel Persaud (Guyana). These finalists were awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the famed Diamond Distillery, home of El Dorado Rum and Guyana’s last remaining distillery, nestled along the Demerara River. 

Aiming to succeed Mike Dojcsak (Canada), the winner of last year’s inaugural edition, the competitors were tasked with two cocktail submissions: the first required recreating their winning cocktail from the regional heats, and the second involved crafting a new drink inspired by ingredients native to the Guyanese market, featuring one of the El Dorado Single Still Rums (El Dorado Single Still Enmore, El Dorado Single Still Port Mourant, and El Dorado Single Still Versailles). In this highly competitive contest, the finalists demonstrated their skill and artistry, presenting cocktails that blended local ingredients with El Dorado Rum in fresh, exciting ways. 

The competitors were judged on various criteria, including visual appeal, taste and balance of flavor, creativity and originality, the story behind their heritage, brand synergy and suitability, and the name of their cocktail. The judging panel, comprised of seasoned experts in the industry, included: Marie King, International Rum and Cocktail Specialist from the US; Timo Janse, renowned Bar Owner and Cocktail Expert from Spain; and Shaun Caleb, Master Distiller at Demerara Distillers Limited. 

Erick’s journey to victory was marked by two remarkable cocktails that showcased both his heritage and his creativity. His entry cocktail, "Vida aDorada (Adored Life)" was a heartfelt tribute to his Mexican roots and his travels through England, Southeast Asia and Canada, this cocktail earned him a well-deserved spot in the global finals. But it was his final creation, "Thank You, Guyana," that truly secured him the big win. This cocktail was a nod to the rich heritage of El Dorado, featuring the distinct flavour of El Dorado Single Still Port Mourant paired with the tropical essence of Guyanese coconuts – using coconut water and coconut jelly. Through these carefully selected ingredients, Erick honoured both the legacy of El Dorado and the flavours of Guyana, ultimately earning him the top prize. 

Judges Timo Janse, Shaun Caleb and Marie King all shared that "It was a unanimous decision, and we feel confident that we chose the right winner. Over the past two days, we saw some truly impressive drinks, but day two really set the top contenders apart. We’re happy to say we found someone who stood out.” 

The new global champion of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition receives a prize of $5,000 USD and a collection of rare El Dorado Rums, cementing their place in the legacy of this prestigious competition. 

The El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering creativity, skill development, and connection within the global bartending community. It highlights the versatility of El Dorado Rum and celebrates the rich heritage of Guyana, ensuring that the legacy of these exceptional rums lives on for future generations. 

TORONTO, April 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby" or the "Company") (TSX: CSW.A) (TSX: CSW.B) announced today that it will report its fiscal 2025 third quarter results after market close on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Nicolas Krantz, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Juan Alonso, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call for the investment community the following day, Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (ET).

To access the conference call, please dial 437-900-0527 or toll-free 1-888-510-2154. You can also join via webcast here:

TORONTO, April 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has launched the oldest permanent expression from its distillery to date: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old. A true testament to The Glenlivet's pioneering legacy and following the brand's 200^th anniversary last year, this new, elevated single malt is creatively finished in seasoned sherry casks, bottled at cask strength at 46.9% ABV.

To celebrate the launch of its oldest permanent expression in Canada, The Glenlivet will host a dinner and cocktail event celebrating the brand's rich heritage and tradition and conducting a first tasting of the new expression. The Glenlivet 40 Year Old is the newest addition to The Glenlivet Collection, which consists of a range of approachable expressions, from The Glenlivet 12 Year Old to The Glenlivet 21 Year Old. The collection offers something for every taste, from those who enjoy their whisky neat to Canadians looking for a perfectly balanced whisky cocktail.

The new single malt Scotch whisky has been matured and refined for at least 40 years, meticulously nurtured by The Glenlivet's team of cask experts, past and present. Finally, under the watchful eye of The Glenlivet Cask Master Kevin Balmforth, this permanent new expression was carefully finished in custom casks from the heart of Jerez in Spain. These were seasoned with a bespoke blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, ensuring they would harmonize perfectly with the depth and maturity of this Single Malt whisky, elevating it to a masterpiece worthy of its age.

"The Glenlivet 40 Year Old represents more than four decades of dedication and craftsmanship from our team," commented Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master. "It's thanks to the efforts and foresight of my predecessors who laid down the foundation of this whisky 40 years ago that we're able to showcase the trailblazing spirit of The Glenlivet with the introduction of such a special and highly aged permanent expression after such a monumental year."

The choice of cask finish and extensive maturation period together pays testament to The Glenlivet's unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship within whisky making. The final flavour profile brings an impressive depth of flavour and extraordinary taste experience with rich notes of poached plums and charred orange, dark cherries, warming spice and braised red apples. The finish is rewardingly long and sweet.

"Last year, we proudly marked 200 years of The Glenlivet—two centuries of pushing boundaries and setting the standard for Speyside single malt whisky," said Maura Cowan, Vice President, Marketing, Corby Spirit and Wine. "The 40 Year Old is a testament to The Glenlivet's storied heritage, and we invite Canadians to raise a glass with us as we celebrate this exceptional new single malt."

The exceptional new single malt is presented in an elongated bottle inspired by The Glenlivet's original, 200 year old glass silhouette and housed inside a sleek and elegant copper-coloured presentation container – inspired by the copper stills used at The Glenlivet Distillery. It also features the distinct profile of founder George Smith and a burst of colour in the form of The Glenlivet's signature teal.

The Glenlivet 40 Year Old, bottled at cask strength annually, will be available in Canada in select retailers at RRP $7,500 CAD. The new expression will be a regular listing, but the initial shipment to Canada will only contain 36 bottles. For more information, visit

THE GLENLIVET 40 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES:

Nose: The nose is met with rich and fruity aromas, with notes of homemade strawberry jam and raisins. Luscious dark cherries are complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of sweet, toasted oak.

Palate: On the palate, the whisky offers sweet layers of poached plums and charred orange that progress to yet deeper notes of dark chocolate, braised red apples and sweet liquorice.

Finish: Enjoy a long, sweet and rich finish with a warming spice.

NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1926, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky launched a 'hole-in-one' challenge, rewarding golfers who achieved the ultimate shot with a bottle of Scotch. Just as Johnnie Walker Blue Label is crafted from only 1 in 10,000 casks, a hole-in-one is a rare feat, with odds of 12,500 to 1. In anticipation of golf's most iconic tournament, the brand is reviving the tradition with their 'Blue-in-One' Challenge—a celebration of golf's most extraordinary moment. Golfers who sink an ace will be rewarded with an exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label-Inspired Sunday Golf Bag, customized with their name, the date and the course of their hole-in-one.

"At Johnnie Walker, we are proud of our century-long connection to the world of golf, and as the sport evolves, we remain committed to playing an active role in shaping its future - pushing, as we have done since the beginning, for progress," says Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Whiskey Portfolio, Diageo North America. "With a growing focus on accessibility, fueled by new digital formats and energy-shifting tournaments, golf is becoming dynamic and widely embraced. Like our whisky, the return of the 'Blue-in-One' Challenge balances tradition with progress, celebrating one of the game's oldest and rarest achievements while inspiring a new wave of players to take part in energizing the sport."

Crafted in collaboration with Devereux Golf, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label-Inspired Sunday Golf Bag is a bold fusion of luxury, innovation, and craftsmanship. Designed for the next generation of golfers, it features deep Blue Label hues, refined gold accents, and premium materials - making it as stylish as it is functional. More than just a golf bag, it's a tribute to those who, like Johnnie Walker, keep swinging and Keep Walking forward. Now through May 31st, 2025, golfers aged 21 and older who score a hole-in-one on a Par 3 or digital course and submit proof of their achievement by going to will receive one of these golf bags.

"Designing the Johnnie Walker Blue Label-Inspired Sunday Golf Bag was about merging sophistication with functionality, infused with our brands' shared spirit to make the sport more accessible and fun," says Bert Brunner, Devereux Golf Co-Founder. "We wanted to create something that not only honors the tradition of the game but also stands out with bold style and modern craftsmanship that Johnnie Walker Blue Label is celebrated for around the world."

Johnnie Walker is bringing the energy of golf's most prestigious tournament to an even bigger audience. Fans are invited to hit the course for a shot at becoming a 'Blue-in-One' achiever and join the celebration at the Johnnie Walker Augusta Watch Party in New York City tomorrow, Friday, April 11th. Attendees can expect great food, signature Johnnie Walker cocktails, games and epic giveaways—a perfect blend of modern golf culture and whisky craftsmanship. 

For over a century, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky has been woven into the fabric of golf, cementing itself as the go-to Scotch for celebrations big and small. The iconic brand is keeping the tradition alive while ushering in a new era—making golf more accessible, vibrant, and straight-up fun through bold collaborations, epic events, and game-changing partnerships. With the brand's standout collaborations with Devereux Golf, a trendsetting golf brand that blends style, tradition, and inclusivity, Johnnie Walker and Devereux have introduced bold capsule collections designed to turn heads. Shop the Johnnie Walker x Devereux Golf collections at .