Reims, France (April 17, 2025) – Maison Lanson, a historic Champagne house founded in Reims, France in 1760, announces the inauguration of its Lanson Private Collection. This unprecedented offer gives collectors the opportunity to access rare back vintages, current releases, and future vintages en primeur—a first for the Champagne region.

For the first time, individuals who participate in the Lanson Private Collection will be able to acquire and store a personally curated selection of Lanson vintages in a dedicated cellar space within Maison Lanson’s historic cellars in Reims. The offering grants access to one of the Champagne region’s most extensive vintage libraries, including rare vintages dating back to 1904. Until now, only vintages from 1976 onward had been available to the public.

Located 50 feet below ground, the newly restored, 350-foot-long gallery “Caves de la Maison” will serve as a secure, climate-controlled setting for each collector’s private cellar. Customers can age up to 300 bottles in ideal conditions, with guidance from Cellar Master Hervé Dantan and his team. Clients will also have access to a tasting lounge reserved exclusively for members, along with personalized experiences such as private tastings, cellar visits, and a concierge service that offers curated Champagne stays. Worldwide shipping is also available.

“The Lanson Private Collection represents a new chapter in Maison Lanson’s history and an unprecedented way to experience our legacy,” says Hervé Dantan. “Each vintage is living proof of Maison Lanson’s expertise in the art of giving great years a vintage, thereby forging its heritage for future generations.”

Founded in 1760, Maison Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne houses, known for its fresh, elegant style based on three principles: the meticulous selection of Grand and Premier Crus; vinification according to the original methods of Champagne which traditionally excluded malolactic fermentation, thereby preserving freshness and longevity; and extended aging time in the cellars to enhance complexity and further extend ageability.

Each year, a limited number of bottles will be offered for sale through an allocation system that guarantees the rarity of each vintage. This exclusive offering invites a select group of collectors to preserve, enjoy, and share some of Champagne’s rarest treasures while becoming part of Lanson’s ongoing legacy.

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- and unveil The Harmony Collection — a limited-edition collaboration featuring two elevated ready-to-serve cocktails crafted by world-renowned bartender and proprietor of Tokyo's iconic Bar High Five Hidetsugu Ueno. The Yuzu Matcha Martini, made with , and the Japanese Boulevardier, featuring Toki ™, elegantly infuse classic Western cocktail traditions with Ueno's mastery of Japanese bartending artistry.

A pioneer and master of modern Japanese mixology, Ueno-san is globally celebrated for his bespoke cocktails, meticulous and balanced craftsmanship, and expertise in ice sculpting. With The Harmony Collection, he brings his signature style to a ready-to-enjoy format for the first time — partnering with On the Rocks, the number one bartender-crafted bottled cocktail brand in the U.S.,¹ to deliver an authentic taste of Tokyo's cocktail culture in every pour.

"Cocktails are an art form — anchored in tradition, yet endlessly open to innovation," said Ueno. "With the Harmony Collection from On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, I was committed to capturing the precision, balance and artistry of Japanese bartending — bringing the spirit of craftsmanship to life in partnership with the number one bottled cocktail in the U.S. Each sip delivers an authentic, bar-quality experience and a true taste of Japanese culture."

The Harmony Collection captures the essence of balance—blending nature, culture and tradition through the lens of Japanese artistry. It unites The House of Suntory's premium spirits with On The Rocks' bartender-quality craftsmanship to deliver a seamless fusion of East and West in every bottle.

The result: two expertly crafted cocktails that showcase bold flavor and refined technique. The Yuzu Matcha Martini (20% ABV) layers bright, citrusy yuzu with the earthy depth of green tea, creating a vibrant yet delicate balance of tang and bitterness. The Japanese Boulevardier (32.5% ABV) reimagines the classic with a distinctly Japanese twist — infused with rich port wine and bitters for a bold, bittersweet profile that bridges old-world tradition and modern innovation.

"The Harmony Cocktail Collection is the first collaboration between On The Rocks Premium Cocktails and House of Suntory, bringing the essence of Japan to the U.S. and offering cocktail lovers a taste of Tokyo's world-class bar scene," said On The Rocks Premium Cocktails' brand ambassador Joaquín Simó. "By pairing premium Japanese spirits like Haku Vodka and Suntory Whisky Toki with expertly curated flavors, we're elevating ready-to-drink cocktails with a new level of sophistication and authenticity."

The On The Rocks™ Harmony Collection is available for a limited time in select markets nationwide, featuring two 375ml bottles in a convenient ready-to-serve two-pack for $29.99. For additional information about On The Rocks, please visit

Penderyn Distillery, the pioneering force behind the revival of Welsh whisky, proudly marks its 25th anniversary in 2025. From its inception in the Brecon Beacons to becoming a globally celebrated brand, Penderyn has not only restored a lost tradition but also elevated Wales as a key player in the world of premium whisky.

 
A Historic Revival
 
Welsh whisky production had been dormant since 1894 when the Frongoch Distillery closed its doors. Penderyn reignited this legacy on St. David’s Day in 2004 with the launch of its first single malt, crafted using a revolutionary Faraday still. This moment marked the rebirth of Welsh whisky after 131 years of silence.
 
“Twenty-five years ago, we set out to create something extraordinary—a whisky that could stand among the best in the world,” says Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery. “Today, we celebrate not just our success but also our role in putting Welsh whisky back on the map.”
 
Unprecedented Growth and Global Impact
 
Penderyn’s journey from a single distillery to an international powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable:
 
Three Distilleries Across Wales: Penderyn operates facilities in Brecon Beacons (2000), Llandudno (2021), and Swansea (2023). Combined, they produce up to 2.3 million bottles annually, representing a 130% increase in capacity over recent years.
 
Exports to Over 50 Countries: Penderyn shares its unique spirit with markets including India, China, and the USA, contributing to its status as the UK’s eighth best-selling single malt whisky and third fastest-growing brand.
 
Over 140 International Awards: From Double Gold at the New York World Spirits Competition to Gold at India’s Spiritz Achiever’s Awards, Penderyn has consistently earned accolades for its exceptional quality.
 
Innovation Meets Tradition

Penderyn’s success lies in its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with time-honoured craftsmanship:
 
Unique Faraday Stills: Developed by Dr. David Faraday, these stills produce a spirit at 92% ABV in a single distillation run, creating light and fruity whiskies that stand apart from traditional Scotch or Irish styles.
 
Sustainability and Efficiency: The distillery employs environmentally friendly practices, including energy-saving technologies and water sourced from its own spring in the Brecon Beacons.
 
Innovative Expressions: From Madeira cask finishes to peated barley whiskies introduced at Llandudno, Penderyn continues to push boundaries while honouring its Welsh roots.
 
Community and Cultural Impact
 
Penderyn’s influence extends beyond whisky production:
 
The Swansea Copperworks facility revitalised a historic industrial site with a £15 million investment, creating jobs and boosting tourism while celebrating Swansea’s heritage as “Copperopolis”. 'Copperopolis' is the new Icon of Wales (No. 12) release this month.
 
The distilleries attract thousands of visitors annually for tours and masterclasses, offering an immersive experience into Welsh whisky-making.
 
As Penderyn celebrates this milestone year, it remains focused on innovation and global expansion. Recent ventures into India—the world’s third-largest single malt market—signal exciting growth opportunities ahead. “This is just the beginning,” says Davies. “We’re committed to taking Welsh whisky to even greater heights.”

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 15, 2025)— (TOTCF) is proud to announce the Regional Top 10 Honorees for the 19th annual . Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards has become one of the world’s most prestigious honors in the drinks industry, celebrating outstanding individuals, establishments, products, media, and leaders who continue to inspire the global cocktail community.

In partnership with Forbes, the Spirited Awards Official Media Partner, TOTCF will celebrate the Spirited Awards on July 24th during the Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) conference, taking place in New Orleans from July 20-25, 2025.

“The Spirited Awards is a chance to celebrate and showcase hardworking and innovative individuals in the hospitality sector. These honorees embody the skill, creativity, and dedication that fuel the vibrant and inspiring global bar community. We’re thrilled to honor the Regional Top 10 Honorees and acknowledge their influence on local cocktail scenes,” said Juliana Wolkowski, Spirited Awards Canada Co-Chair.

Divided into geographical regions—Asia Pacific (APAC), Canada, Europe, Latin America & Caribbean (LATAM&C), Middle East & Africa (MEA), U.S. Central, U.S. East, and U.S. West—the Regional Top 10 Honorees represent the best in the industry, leaving a lasting impact on their local cocktail communities and beyond. To toast the 2025 Honorees, the Foundation is proud to recognize this inspiring group and announce the Spirited Awards Canada Regional Top 10 Honorees. 

2025 Spirited Awards^® Regional Top 10 Honorees (in alphabetical order):

International Establishments:

• Best International Bar Team - Canada *
• Atwater Cocktail Club — Montreal, QC
• Bar Mordecai — Toronto, ON
• Bar Pompette — Toronto, ON
• Civil Liberties — Toronto, ON
• Honi Honi Tiki Lounge — Edmonton, AB
• Hoof Cocktail Bar — Toronto, ON
• Humboldt Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites — Victoria, BC
• Jungle Room — Vancouver, BC
• Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York — Toronto, ON
• The Cloakroom Bar — Montreal, QC
• The Keefer Bar — Vancouver, BC

*11 Honorees due to a tie

Best International Cocktail Bar

• Best International Cocktail Bar - Canada *
• Atwater Cocktail Club — Montreal, QC
• Bar Mordecai — Toronto, ON
• Bar Pompette — Toronto, ON
• Citrus & Cane — Victoria, BC
• Cry Baby Gallery — Toronto, ON
• El Pequeño Bar — Montreal, QC
• Hoof Cocktail Bar — Toronto, ON
• Milky Way Cocktail Bar — Montreal, QC
• Missy's This That — Calgary, AB
• The Cloakroom Bar — Montreal, QC
• The Keefer Bar — Vancouver, BC
  *11 Honorees due to a tie

Best International Hotel Bar

• Best International Hotel Bar - Canada
• Alder at Ace Hotel Toronto — Toronto, ON
• Bar George at the Le Mount Stephen Hotel — Montreal, QC
• Clive's Classic Lounge at the Chateau Victoria Hotel — Victoria, BC
• Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel — Toronto, ON
• Evangeline at the Ace Hotel — Toronto, ON
• H Tasting Lounge at The Westin Bayshore — Vancouver, BC
• Humboldt Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites — Victoria, BC
• Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York — Toronto, ON
• Lobby Lounge and RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim — Vancouver, BC
• The Raven Room at the Pan Pacific Village Centre Hotel — Whistler, BC

Best International Restaurant Bar

• Best International Restaurant Bar - Canada
• Bar Dominion — Montreal, QC
• Bar Jjacques — Québec City, QC
• Bar Kismet — Halifax, NS
• Bar Raval — Toronto, ON
• Highwayman Restaurant & Bar — Halifax, NS
• Homer St. Cafe — Vancouver, BC
• Le Swan — Toronto, ON
• Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions — Vancouver, BC
• Quetzal — Toronto, ON
• Simpl Things — Toronto, ON

Best New International Cocktail Bar

• Best New International Cocktail Bar - Canada
• Bar Ocelli — Ottawa, ON
• Civil Works — Toronto, ON
• Good Thief — Vancouver, BC
• Le French Line — Montreal, QC
• No Vacancy — Toronto, ON
• Prophecy Bar at Rosewood Hotel Georgia — Vancouver, BC
• Salon Badin — Montreal, QC
• Slice of Life — Toronto, ON
• Suite 115 — Toronto, ON
• Vieux Carré — Quebec City, QC