LORETTO, Ky., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Maker's Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the World Wood Collection, a new Global Travel Retail-exclusive series celebrating the influence of exceptional oak from around the world. The inaugural release, Expedition 01, marks the first Maker's Mark whisky to feature three oak finishes across three continents: Japanese Mizunara, French, and American white oak staves.

The World Wood Collection represents the evolution of Maker's Mark's wood finishing philosophy, first introduced with Maker's Mark 46, which demonstrated how oak staves could unlock new dimensions of flavor in bourbon while remaining true to the brand's handmade heritage. Maker's Mark has long treated oak as a key ingredient—not simply a container for its whisky, and has invested in advancing both the art of wood finishing and the stewardship of American white oak at Star Hill Farm.

"At Maker's Mark, we celebrate bourbon as an agricultural product and the universe of flavor that can be unlocked through nature—water, wheat, oak and time," said Rob Samuels, managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker. "That belief has long guided our commitment to sustainable forestry and to protecting the future of American white oak. Through intentional wood finishing, The World Wood Collection explores exceptional oak from around the world to create a whisky that expands the boundaries of flavor while staying true to our craft."

Expedition 01 brings together Japanese Mizunara, French and American white oak, with each whisky individually finished before being expertly blended into a single expression. The result is a complex, balanced whisky in which every oak contributes its own distinctive character.

• Japanese Mizunara oak contributes delicate floral notes and subtle umami complexity.
• American white oak delivers sweet vanilla notes, brightness, and a rounded character.
• French oak introduces warm baking spice, caramel richness and an elegant, lingering finish.

"Expedition 01 represents the kind of premium, story-driven whisky experience that resonates with today's global travelers," said Vanessa Widmann, managing director for Global Travel Retail at Suntory Global Spirits. "With its exclusive availability in Global Travel Retail, distinctive oak-forward story and premium presentation, it offers travelers a rare opportunity to discover a truly unique expression from Maker's Mark — one that celebrates craftsmanship, exploration and the influence of exceptional oak."

Available exclusively through Global Travel Retail ahead of Holiday 2026, Expedition 01 is bottled at 1L and 47.5% ABV and presented in premium packaging inspired by the distinctive grain of each oak species, reinforcing the collection's focus on craftsmanship and discovery.

The limited-edition expression will be available beginning today in New York (JFK), London (LHR), Istanbul (SAW), Perth (PER), and Bengaluru (BLR) through Avolta retail outlets for the suggested retail price of $84.99.

For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning Russell's Reserve introduces Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D, the highly anticipated fifth addition to its acclaimed Single Rickhouse Collection. The Collection explores whiskey "terroir," how the precise location and environment of a rickhouse can influence a whiskey's character even when the foundational elements and recipe remain constant. The 2026 edition presents the Collection's most distinctive profile yet, with unexpected rye-like spice emerging from a bourbon shaped by Camp Nelson D's elevation, airflow, and uniquely exposed maturation environment.

Built in 1946, Camp Nelson D remains one of the five historic rickhouses still standing on the Camp Nelson property. Positioned on the western side of the campus and at the highest elevation of any rickhouse featured in the Collection to date, Camp Nelson D sits apart from the surrounding warehouses. Its elevated, exposed, west-facing position creates strong, consistent airflow, contributing to an aging environment not previously explored through the Collection.

"Camp Nelson D was the first rickhouse I ever worked in at Camp Nelson when I started as a union employee 45 years ago, so coming back to it for this release meant a lot to me," said Master Distiller Eddie Russell. "We set out looking for those sweeter notes we know and love, but the rye spice notes immediately stood out. It's the most different Single Rickhouse release we've created, proving how every rickhouse can shape whiskey."

The 2026 edition demonstrates Eddie Russell's skill in barrel curation. As he and his team tasted through Camp Nelson D, they found themselves drawn to barrels from nearly every floor of the rickhouse, ultimately selecting barrels from floors one, three, four, five, and six. Drawing from more floors than any previous Single Rickhouse release, the warehouse's distinct location allowed Russell to build a whiskey that balanced fruit-forward sweetness with the bold spice notes that became the hallmark of the final blend.

"We don't typically draw from the first floor," Russell said. "But some of the barrels we tasted down there contributed an earthy character that helped build the spicy, rye-like profile we found ourselves chasing. Once we realized what was developing, we leaned into it. This is the first Single Rickhouse release where, tasted blind, you'd bet it was a rye."

The resulting bourbon opens with aromas of baked fruit, apple, baking spices and vanilla, followed by flavors of cinnamon, clove, stone fruit and rye bread. A medium-length finish brings forward rye spice, pepper, cinnamon and spicy oak. Non-chill filtered and bottled at a barrel proof of 120.8, Single Rickhouse 2026 captures the full character of this singular aging environment.

Released as Eddie Russell celebrates 45 years at Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Camp Nelson D reinforces his long-held belief: even with consistent whiskey-making fundamentals, the aging environment dramatically influences the final spirit. The result is a distinctive bourbon crafted to be savored and enjoyed.

• Proof: 120.8
• Aroma: Notes of baked fruits, apple, baking spices and vanilla
• Taste: Flavors of cinnamon, cloves, stone fruit and rye bread
• Finish: Medium-length finish with notes of rye spice, pepper, cinnamon and a spicy oak profile

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D is now available for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $300 per 750mL bottle at select retailers in U.S. markets and the Wild Turkey Distillery Visitor Center.

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The House of Rémy Martin introduces the Rémy Martin XO Diwali Limited-Edition, a festive expression created in celebration of Diwali and the cherished traditions of gathering, gifting, and renewal that define the Festival of Lights. Blending more than three centuries of cognac craftsmanship with a design inspired by the warmth, artistry and radiance of Diwali, the special release is crafted for gifting and sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

Adorned in gold to evoke the auspicious glow of Diwali, the limited-edition coffret features illustrations inspired by traditional rangolis and honors the diya, the oil lamp symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The limited-edition serves as the perfect gift and a striking centerpiece for Diwali hosting, reflecting the warmth, generosity and spirit of the occasion.

Through its 'My Diwali' campaign, Rémy Martin honors the personal traditions and meaningful connections that make the occasion unique. From gathering around the table and raising a glass together, to celebrating time-honored traditions, 'My Diwali' honors the people and moments that make the holiday meaningful.

"Diwali brings loved ones together through the rituals of lighting the home, exchanging gifts and welcoming a new beginning," said Tonia Mancino, Vice President of Luxury Brands, Rémy Cointreau Americas. "With the Rémy Martin XO Diwali Limited Edition, we wanted to create something worthy of those moments—whether gifted to someone special or opened at home to make your own celebration unforgettable."

At the heart of the new limited edition is Rémy Martin XO, the signature expression of the House's Cellar Master. Meticulously blended from hundreds of eaux-de-vie from the prestigious Grande and Petite Champagne crus, Rémy Martin XO reveals an opulent aromatic complexity with notes of plum, dried figs, candied orange and passionfruit. Its rich profile pairs harmoniously with festive sweets, offering an elevated complement to Diwali gatherings and celebrations.

The Rémy Martin XO Diwali Limited Edition (750ml) is now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $199.99. To learn more and buy now, visit www.RemyMartin.com.

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The search for the next US Bartender of the Year is officially underway. Now in its 15th season in the US, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO returns in 2027, inviting bartenders from across the country to put their skills to the test, grow their careers and become part of one of the industry's most esteemed bartending communities.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/diageo/9424151-en-diageo-and-tales-of-the-cocktail-foundation-find-the-next-us-bartender

Now in the second year of partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and DIAGEO, World Class US continues to look beyond the competition itself, bringing together education, mentorship, community, and advocacy to help ambitious bartenders build their craft, community, and careers. At its core, World Class is designed to help bartenders strengthen their skills, build meaningful industry connections, and create new opportunities to advance their careers.

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with DIAGEO and welcome a new season of World Class US," said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. "Our first year together reinforced how deeply the bar community values opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, and it is inspiring to see a program that invests in bartenders not only as competitors, but as the future leaders of our industry. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new talent to the World Class community and to celebrating the creativity and excellence that make this community so remarkable to be a part of."

Applications are now open through November 10, 2026, with a more streamlined first round application prompt that makes it easier for bartenders to take their first step into the World Class competition. Unlike previous years, the initial application asks bartenders to submit just one signature cocktail and recipe inspired by the challenge prompt, along with a series of short essay questions, rather than multiple creative components. This streamlined approach gives more bartenders the chance to put their name in the ring, with those who advance going on to submit additional challenges until the Top 15 Finalists meet in person to compete for US Bartender of the Year.

Through engaging challenges rooted in DIAGEO's outstanding portfolio of brands, competitors are encouraged to look beyond current trends and help shape the future of bartending. Along the way, they can develop their craft, connect with fellow bartenders and compete for the title of 2027 US Bartender of the Year, with the opportunity to represent the US at the 2027 World Class Global Finals. As part of the ongoing partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the Top 15 Finalists will attend Tales of the Cocktail 2027 through the Tales Scholar Program, receiving a VIP Seminar & Tasting Week Pass with access to immersive tastings, expert-led education and networking with leading voices in cocktail culture.

Key dates for the 2027 competition are as follows:

• September 28th, 2026: Applications open
• November 10th, 2026: Applications Close at 11:59 PM PT
• December 2026: Top 100 Applicants Announced
• Late January 2027: Top 100 Applicants Submit Second Round of Applications
• March 2027: Top 40 and Top 15 Applicants Announced
• May / June 2027: Top 15 Finalists compete at the World Class US Competition to determine the US World Class Bartender of the Year
• Fall 2027: Global Finals for 2027 Bartender of the Year

"Entering the second year of our partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, we are building on our shared commitment to the people who make this industry extraordinary," said Mark Deveney, Senior Vice President of Customer Marketing at Diageo. "Together, World Class and the Foundation are expanding access to the opportunities, education, and community that World Class provides while maintaining the excellence of the competition, ensuring talented bartenders from every corner of the industry can see themselves in the program."

Don't miss out! Full details on application guidelines and program updates are available at https://www.spiritspromos.com/portfolio/worldclass/en/home