NEW DELHI, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jin Jiji, India's pioneering artisanal gin crafted by Peak Spirits, has been awarded 98 points and a Gold Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2025, making it the highest-rated gin in the world this year. In a landmark moment for Indian spirits, Jin Jiji was also crowned 'Spirit of the Year', the competition's highest honor—cementing its place as not only a standout gin but one of the world's top spirits.

Founded by Master Sommelier Ken Fredrickson and wine and spirits expert Ansh Khanna, Jin Jiji reflects a shared vision of celebrating India's rich biodiversity and elevating it to the global stage. The gin is crafted with Himalayan juniper, tulsi (holy basil), chamomile, and a carefully selected array of Indian botanicals, offering a flavor profile that is complex, balanced, and unmistakably rooted in India's cultural and natural heritage.

"India has always had the ingredients for world-class spirits—what we needed was belief and craft," said Ansh Khanna, Co-Founder of Jin Jiji and Peak Spirits. "To be recognized as the world's best gin and Spirit of the Year is not just a win for us—it's a win for Indian craftsmanship on a global platform."

Jin Jiji is imported to the United States by High Road Spirits and sold through its extensive distribution network, including Skurnik Wines, High Road Wine and Spirits, and Maverick Beverage Company. The brand continues to expand internationally, now available in the U.S., Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

From India to the world, Jin Jiji is redefining what modern gin can be—independent, authentic, and storied.

More information can be found at

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest data from SipSource, the only wine and spirits data source with real wholesaler depletion data, reveals that both the spirits and wine categories faced a difficult first quarter of 2025, with volume and revenue declines accelerating across the board. However, amidst this turbulence, SipSource's forecasting accuracy remains remarkably strong with the most recent release demonstrating 99%+ accuracy, allowing the industry to better plan and manage the business during challenging times.

According to March-ending SipSource data and analysts, spirits volume dropped -6.3% and revenue fell -5.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Rolling 12-month figures as of the end of Q1 stand at -3.8% for volume and -3.9% for revenue.

The SipSource Core Spirits Forecast released in January predicted that Q1 rolling 12-month volume would decline at -3.84%, demonstrating 99+% accuracy vs the actual decline of -3.8%. This continues to underscore the unmatched reliability and power of the platform's predictive analytics. No other data source can claim to be built on the most comprehensive and timely distributor depletion data available which is in turn analyzed using advanced machine learning-powered techniques by our partners at global consultancy Kearney.

This advancement comes at a critical time when businesses urgently need trusted insight to guide strategy and investment. Contact SipSource (info@sipsource.com) to subscribe and access granular category and price-tier level forecasts.

The wine category also struggled, with volume down -9.9% and revenue slipping -10.5% in Q1. According to SipSource analysts, previously encouraging trends for lower-priced Table Wines have reversed, while premium wines over $50 are seeing growth in volume but continued softness in revenue as suppliers move through inventory backlogs.

Additionally, the latest SipSource data highlights a major shift in premiumization trends. After years where revenue growth outpaced volume, recent months have seen volume trends outstrip revenue in the wine category, while spirits revenue has recently rebounded ahead of volume trends — a reversal that will be critical to monitor moving forward.

Looking ahead, the SipSource Spirits Forecast projects Core Spirits rolling 12-month volume to stabilize in negative territory, ending Q2 at -3.83%. Given the platform's proven track record, this projection offers the best available benchmark for beverage alcohol businesses navigating a dynamic landscape.

"There's no sugarcoating the challenges ahead, but with SipSource, businesses can prepare smarter," say SipSource analysts. "As we move deeper into 2025, having real-time, trusted insights isn't just an advantage — it's a necessity."

On May 5, this year at the historic Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen, Pax44 will proudly unveil the Liberation Day Edition— a limited release of a Canadian whisky crafted to commemorate 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands. This poignant launch takes place at the very site where, on May 5, 1945, German forces formally surrendered to Canadian General Charles Foulkes and his team including Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, marking a new era of peace.

ThePax44 Liberation Day Edition is a Canadian whisky delicately flavoured with Dutch chocolate, symbolizing the enduring bond between Canada and the Netherlands.

“Pax44 is a message from the past inspiring hope,” said Owen James, founder of Pax44. “This launch marks a victory for all those who have successfully calibrated the moral compass and upheld the warrior code. It acknowledges the unbreakable bond between the Netherlands and Canada.”

Crafted from a single cask of 18-year-old Canadian rye whisky — personally selected and gifted to Pax44 by one of the world’s leading shippers — the Liberation Day Edition offers a bold, earthy aroma layered with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a signature spicy rye finish. Subtle traces of Dutch cocoa enrich the experience, gently appearing on the nose and lingering through the finish.

Only a limited number of specially boxed bottles of the Liberation Day Edition have been produced for ceremonial presentations this year. These collector’s items are not available for sale, emphasizing the commemorative nature of the release. The unique cask will continue to mature, with a wider public release planned for Liberation Day 2026.

Visitors to Hotel de Wereld are invited to try Pax44 and explore the story behind its creation — a powerful reminder of sacrifice, friendship, and the moral compass that guides nations toward peace.

As Prime Minister Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy declared in 1945: “We remember those we lost. We honour those who fought. And we look ahead to rebuilding a peaceful and democratic Netherlands. “Today, that spirit endures with Pax44.

HANDSHAKE SPEAKEASY FROM MEXICO CITY IS NAMED THE BEST BAR IN NORTH AMERICA FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW AS THE RANKING OF NORTH AMERICA’S 50 BEST BARS IS REVEALED

In its fourth edition, the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 was announced at a live ceremony in
Vancouver

• Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, is named No.1 and is crowned The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Perrier

• This year’s list features 26 US bars, 14 from Mexico, 8 from Canada, and 2 based in the Caribbean

• The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Torres Brandy, is awarded to Bar Pompette (No.7) from Toronto

• Library by the Sea, Grand Cayman, No.30, earns The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by Scrappy's Bitters

• Julie Reiner of Clover Club and Milady’s in New York wins the Roku Industry Icon Award

• Lemon, Chicago, wins the Campari One To Watch Award

• Three Cents Best New Opening Award goes to New York’s Clemente Bar (No.11)

• Thunderbolt, Los Angeles, No.24, earns the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award

• Toronto’s Civil Works is awarded the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award

• Mírate from Los Angeles, No.12, is the Nikka Highest Climber Award winner

• New York’s Sip & Guzzle (No.5) earns the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award

• Carry On from Phoenix wins the Best Bar Design Award, sponsored by St-Germain

• Licorería Limantour (No.9) in Mexico City earns the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award

See the full press release attached below.

Attachments:

50-list-announcement-press-release.pdf

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