TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - Beer Canada is raising concerns following the federal government's decision to proceed with another tax increase on beer, at a time when affordability remains a top concern for Canadians.

This latest increase adds further strain on Canada's domestic brewing industry and its unionized workforce, who have joined a growing coalition of voices calling on the government to repeal the escalator policy and return tax decisions to Parliament.

Canadian consumers already pay some of the highest beer taxes in the world. With today's increase, the federal excise component will now be more than 20% higher than it was in 2017, when the current system of automatic annual increases was introduced.

Today, the federal government announced a cap of 2% on this year's increase, which is irrelevant, as it simply mirrors the rate adjustment already scheduled. In reality, it will result in an estimated $14 million in additional taxes on beer this year alone.

This policy of unreviewed and automated tax increases ignores core challenges facing the industry, including:

• Rising input costs, particularly aluminum used in beer packaging
• Weak and declining sales volumes across the category
• Declining beer sales volumes in restaurants and pubs

"This policy choice is making life less affordable for Canadians and placing additional strain on an industry that supports jobs in nearly every federal riding," said Richard Alexander, President of Beer Canada. "From barley farmers to brewers, to pubs and restaurants in our communities, this sector is deeply rooted in the Canadian economy."

"While targeted support for small brewers is welcome, the reality is that taxes are increasing on more than 95% of beer sold in Canada," added Alexander. "At a time of declining sales and rising costs, allowing another increase to proceed is the wrong decision at the wrong time."

Beer Canada continues to call on the federal government to cancel future automatic increases, repeal the escalator policy, and restore parliamentary oversight of tax decisions, ensuring they are subject to proper scrutiny and reflect the impacts on Canadian jobs, investment, and affordability.

TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - BY WAY OF GIRVAN SCOTLAND – Hendrick's Gin invites curious Canadian imbibers to discover another wondrous side of the brand with the release of Another Hendrick's.  As the first new permanent addition to its lineup in nine years, Another Hendricks celebrates another side of the Hendrick's personality.  Housed in a striking white bottle, this new spirit is infused with marvellous rose and cucumber, and layered with bright, light orange blossom and decadent silky-smooth cacao beans.

Inspired by her love for chocolate and flowers, Hendrick's Master Distiller Lesley Gracie set out to solve the creative conundrum of creating a gin containing cacao, which so few do. With the imagination to look beyond the obvious and make the improbable possible, Lesley created Another's Hendrick's, enhancing the characteristic Hendrick's flavour with velvety rich notes of cacao and bright floral elements for a smooth finish. 

"Another Hendrick's is the complete opposite of what we've been doing for the past 25 years, and the delectable combination of orange blossom and cacao beans is really rather unusual," said Lesley Gracie, Hendrick's Master Distiller. "As a spirit with endless possibilities, I wanted to find a way to combine two of my favourite things in a way that felt authentic to Hendrick's. After experimenting with different elements from the Hendrick's Gin Palace's tropical greenhouse, I discovered this brilliant profile featuring a depth of flavour, hint of sweetness, and lift of freshness that is completely distinctive."

It's truly very Hendrick's to take two things and create something sublimely distinctive and different. There's always been a duality that exists in Hendrick's – the unusual duo of rare stills makes sure of that, simultaneously offering both complexity and lightness. The odd infusion of cucumber and rose has been the distinctive signature of Hendrick's since its inception. And now there's a new beyond-the-obvious gourmet combination of orange blossom and cacao that tastes and feels very Hendrick's indeed.

As part of its global debut, Canada is one of the first markets to welcome Another Hendrick's, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand in this country.

"Hendrick's has always resonated with Canadians for its creativity and distinctive character," said Karen Moodie, Brand Manager, Hendrick's Gin Canada. "With Another Hendrick's, we're introducing a new expression that builds on that legacy while offering something entirely unexpected for gin lovers across the country."

The only innovation in the brand's history to be launched globally across all markets, this marks the start of an extraordinary year ahead for Hendrick's, dotted with experiential events set to redefine the category once more.

Another Hendrick's Gin, 750ML, 44% ABV retails for approximately $54.95 CAD and is currently available in Ontario and Manitoba, followed by BC the week of April 20, and Alberta and New Brunswick in early May, with additional provinces to follow.

March 31, 2026 — North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, today reveals the extended list of bars ranked between 51st and 100th, spotlighting a diverse selection of outstanding drinking destinations across the region. As a key moment in the countdown to the annual awards ceremony, the list highlights bars spanning North America that are shaping cocktail culture through creativity, hospitality and innovation.

As with the 1–50 ranking, the extended list is the result of votes cast by the voting Academy, comprised of more than 300 independent cocktail experts, bartenders, educators and drinks writers from across North America.

The 51-100 List in Numbers

• The 2026 extended ranking features bars across 28 destinations, demonstrating the breadth and diversity of the cocktail scene throughout North America, with 14 new entries making their debut on the list
• The United States leads the list with 25 bars, including establishments from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Honolulu, and more
• Canada claims 19 entries, with strong representation from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Victoria
• Mexico is represented by four bars, spanning Mexico City, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, while bars in Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman also earn places on the list

North America’s 50 Best Bars continues to celebrate the region’s dynamic bar community by recognizing the teams behind exceptional hospitality experiences and groundbreaking drinks programs. The unveiling of the 51-100 list offers an early look at the breadth of talent across the continent before the announcement of the prestigious 1–50 ranking.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, says: “The extended 51-100 list allows us to celebrate an even wider array of bars and the incredible diversity of drinks culture across North America. From globally appreciated cities to emerging destinations, the bars featured reflect the creativity and passion that define the region’s hospitality scene. With 28 destinations represented and a wide variety of styles, the list highlights just how vibrant and dynamic the cocktail community has become, and we’re delighted to recognize their achievements.”

Toronto has six entries in the extended list, including Civil Liberties (No.54), Cry Baby Gallery (No.69), Suite 115 (No.74), No Vacancy (No.82), Slice Of Life (No.90) and Bar Mordecai (No.94).

New York continues to demonstrate its influence on the drinks industry with five bars featured, including Katana Kitten (No.52), Dante (No.58), Seed Library (No.66), The Portrait Bar (No.71) and Shinji’s (No.77).

Vancouver is home to four of the listed bars, including Bagheera (No.59), Meo (No.64), Laowai (No.72) and Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions (No.91).

Montreal also boasts four entries including Cloakroom (No.56), Atwater Cocktail Club (No.62), Bar Bello (No.75) and The Coldroom (No.97), while Calgary’s cocktail scene is represented by Proof (No.78), Missy’s (No.79) and Shelter (No.98).

With the cocktail scene continuing to expand across North America, bars in several additional cities in the US have also been recognized on the list, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, Seattle, Detroit, Atlanta and Austin. Highlights include Detroit’s Father Forgive Me (No.83), Boston’s Hecate Bar (No.88), Houston’s Julep (No.84) and Atlanta’s Ticonderoga Club (No.85).

Mexico also features prominently, with Mexico City’s Café de Nadie (No.60), Tulum’s Arca (No.61) and Playa del Carmen’s Zapote Bar (No.95) all recognized.

Finishing out the list for the region are standout destinations such as Identidad in San Juan, Puerto Rico (No.73) and Door No.4 in Grand Cayman (No.99).

North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 will return to Canada for the second year, uniting the bar community in Vancouver to honor the best hospitality experiences across the region. The live awards ceremony will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Wednesday, April 22, ending with the announcement of The Best Bar in North America 2026, sponsored by Perrier, and other special award winners.

The countdown of the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars will also be broadcast live on YouTubeto a global audience who are not able to attend in person.</p>"

CLERMONT, Ky., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™, introduces Knob Creek^® Blender's Edition, a new series of limited-edition whiskeys celebrating one of the most skilled and nuanced crafts in whiskey making: blending. Born from the passion, precision and devoted pursuit of bold flavor that define Knob Creek^®, the Blender's Edition series showcases the artistry and deliberate decisions that shape the unique flavor experience in each release.

For the first in the series, eighth generation master distiller Freddie Noe and his trusted team of expert blenders carefully hand-selected barrels to highlight the sweeter side of the Knob Creek^® flavor profile. The result is a bourbon that opens with rich confectionery sweetness and a full mouthfeel, with notes of vanilla bean, finishing long and soft—all crafted with the same intentionality and care that goes into every expression of Knob Creek^®. Knob Creek^® Blender's Edition 01 is aged a minimum of 10 years and bottled at 106 proof, now available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750mL bottle.

"The Blender's Edition series is about slowing down and discovering the story each blend tells—with a unique and new experience in each edition of the series," said Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. "It is thanks to the passion and precision of our blending team who have uncovered the nuanced flavors you taste in Knob Creek^® Blender's Edition 01."

Every detail of Knob Creek^® Blender's Edition is by design. Blending is where precision meets creativity, and this series shines a spotlight on the masters behind the craft. With each release, Knob Creek^® celebrates the blenders who boldly explore new depths of flavor and redefine what's possible.

For more information about Knob Creek^® Blender's Edition and Knob Creek^® award-winning bourbon and rye portfolios, visit