TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Glenlivet, the iconic single malt Scotch whisky crafted in Scotland's Livet Valley, today unveils its 12 Year Old Provence Edition: a new limited-edition release inspired by a region celebrated for its sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant flavours, and relaxed way of life.

The latest in The Glenlivet's Beyond Speyside series, the Provence Edition invites whisky lovers to experience single malt through a distinctly Provençal lens. True to its Scottish roots while inspired by the character of Southern France, this expression demonstrates how a heritage Scotch can embrace new influences while remaining unmistakably itself.

Under the guidance of Cask Master, Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet's cask experts created a first-of-its-kind expression for The Glenlivet, selectively finishing the whisky in three French wine cask types*, including rare cru classé casks from Château Sainte Marguerite in Provence, one of only 18 estates to hold the prestigious Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence designation.

The limited-edition release combines Château Sainte Marguerite white wine casks with Rivesaltes and Sauternes casks, each contributing its own character to the whisky. Château Sainte Marguerite casks deliver bright citrus and elegant floral notes, Rivesaltes casks add nuttiness and warming spice, while Sauternes casks bring rich marmalade and crème brûlée flavours.

The result is a beautifully balanced single malt, layering The Glenlivet's elegant and mellow house style with delicate floral complexity and ripe orchard fruit notes. White peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus are complemented by subtle spice, creating a flavour profile that brings a sun-ripened character to The Glenlivet's signature style.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master, commented: "With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected. The challenge was introducing new layers of flavour inspired by Provence while remaining unmistakably The Glenlivet. By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes and exceptional complexity; capturing the vibrancy and elegance that inspired this release."

Aurélie Torre, Vice President of Marketing Specialty Whiskies adds: "The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition captures the spirit of The Glenlivet: rooted in our Scottish craft yet inspired by the spirit of the South of France. Through the first-ever use of French white wine casks in a Glenlivet expression, this release demonstrates how we can remain true to the character that has defined us for generations, while continuing to surprise and delight whisky lovers with a new taste experience. Its recent Gold medal at the 2026 Scotch Whisky Masters is a testament to the quality, craftsmanship and innovation at the heart of this single malt."

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is presented in a vibrant, elevated packaging inspired by the vivid landscapes and effortless elegance of Provence. Rich lavender hues, warm golden tones and refined design details evoke the region's iconic vineyards, floral fields and Riviera glamour. The Glenlivet's signature teal complements the Provençal colour palette, celebrating the meeting of Scottish craft and Provençal inspiration in a design that feels every bit as vibrant as the whisky itself.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is available now at select retailers across Canada for a limited time. In Ontario, consumers can also discover the limited-edition release at pop-up tastings in select LCBO stores.

For more information, visit www.theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet.

* A portion of the whisky is finished in French wine and Provence cru classé wine casks

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION AWARD WIN

• Gold winner at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026, organised by The Spirits Business

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION TASTING NOTES:

• NOSE: Vibrant bursts of fruit with white peaches in syrup, lemon peel and orange marmalade come before enticing layers of coconut, homemade shortbread, toasted almonds and floral hues
• PALATE: Juicy nectarines transition to crisp orchard fruits with ripe pears and tangy red apples. Next come moreish layers of crème brûlée, marzipan and white chocolate before concluding with whisps of chamomile and warming spice
• FINISH: Floral sweetness, complex and ultra smooth

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION FOOD PAIRINGS:

• Comté cheese, whose nutty, sweet and savoury characteristics complement the whisky's layered flavour profile
• Roasted peaches with honey and rosemary, a Provençal-inspired pairing that enhances the expression's orchard fruit and floral notes

23 September 2026 – The 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, today unveils the bars ranked No.51 to No.100, marking the tenth consecutive year of the extended ranking. Published two weeks ahead of The 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony, the extended list celebrates an even broader selection of outstanding bars and cocktail destinations from around the world.

The 51-100 List in Numbers

• The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 34 cities worldwide
• There are 13 new entries in this year's ranking across Accra, Athens, Bangkok, Dublin, Goa, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Melbourne, Mexico City, San José, Shenzhen and Singapore
• For the fourth consecutive year, the USA is the most represented country, with five bars across Chicago, New Orleans and New York
• Europe has the largest representation, with 18 bars spanning Paris, Athens, Dublin and Oslo
• Asia features 16 bars, including four from Hong Kong
• Front/Back and La Borracha from Accra, Bar 1661 from Dublin, Bar Gabriel from Istanbul, Otro Bar from San José and MO Bar Shenzhen mark the first ever entries from these cities

Milan will host The 50 Best Bars 2026 as the awards programme returns to Europe for its 18^th edition. Widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the global drinks industry, the annual ranking is compiled from the votes of The 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising more than 800 independent bartenders, drinks writers, educators and industry specialists from around the world. The 51-100 list is intended to shine a light on an even greater number of bars, teams and individuals whose creativity, innovation and influence continue to shape cocktail culture on a global scale.

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Bars, says: "The 51-100 list has become a vital part of The 50 Best Bars programme, allowing us to recognise an even broader range of exceptional venues from around the world while encouraging cocktail lovers to discover new destinations and experiences. It celebrates the diversity, innovation and energy that define today’s global bar scene, shining a spotlight on establishments that consistently deliver outstanding drinks and world-class hospitality. From renowned industry favourites to rising stars pushing the boundaries of cocktail culture, the bars featured in this year’s ranking reflect the talent, passion and dedication that continue to elevate our industry. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and the remarkable teams behind them."

North America leads the 51-100 ranking, with bars from the USA, Mexico and Costa Rica

Amongst the continent the USA once again emerges as the strongest-performing country in the extended ranking, securing five entries. New York reinforces its reputation as one of the world's leading cocktail capitals with three featured bars: Double Chicken Please at No.53, Superbueno at No.61 and Employees Only at No.78. They are joined by New Orleans’ Jewel of the South (No.64) and Kumiko in Chicago (No.70).

Mexico also continues its strong showing with three entries. Newcomer Form + Matter debuts at No.59 in Mexico City, joining long-standing favourite Licorería Limantour at No.63. Arca in Tulum lands at No.67. Central America also celebrates a milestone moment as Otro Bar at No.82 becomes the first bar in San José ever to be included in the ranking.

Italy leads a landmark showing for Europe

Europe is the most represented region on the 51-100 list with 18 bars, led once again by Italy’s four entries. Rome is home to Freni e Frizioni (No.62) and Drink Kong (No.92), while Florence’s Gucci Giardino ranks No.91 and Milan’s 1930 at No.94. Spain and the United Kingdom follow closely behind with three bars apiece. Barcelona’s historic Boadas records one of the extended list’s biggest climbs, rising 33 places to No.52, alongside Foco at No.90. Madrid's Salmon Guru completes the country’s representation at No.66. The United Kingdom's entries include London’s Three Sheets (Soho) at No.73 and Scarfes Bar at No.77, with Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons at No.72.

Elsewhere, Istanbul and Dublin make their debut appearances on the list through Bar Gabriel at No.68 and Bar 1661 at No.98, respectively. Paris welcomes the return of Little Red Door at No.93, while Athens sees a new entry in Naked at No.76 alongside Baba au Rum at No.55. In Scandinavia, Stockholm is represented by Tjoget (No.51) and Röda Huset (No.83) while Oslo’s Svanen ranks No.65.

Hong Kong maintains its lead in Asia as a bar in Shenzhen joins the ranking

Asia continues to demonstrate the depth and dynamism of its bar scene, welcoming five new entries in 2026. Boilermaker in Goa is at No.57, alongside MO Bar Shenzhen at No.60, the first time a bar in Shenzhen has been featured. Additional new entries include Hong Kong’s Mius (No.81), G.O.D in Bangkok (No.85) and Offtrack in Singapore (No.89).

Hong Kong remains the continent's leading city with four bars featured. Mius is joined by Coa at No.54, returning entry Penicillin at No.69 and The Savory Project at No.96. Tokyo and Bangkok each secure three entries. Representing Tokyo are Bar Trench (No.74), The SG Club (No.88) and The Bellwood (No.100) while Bangkok’s G.O.D is joined by Opium at No.97 and Vesper at No.99.

Elsewhere across Asia, Bar Cham in Seoul places at No.71, Vender in Taichung, which first featured in the list in 2025, ranks at No.79 and Hiriketiya’s Smoke & Bitters at No.86.

A historic debut for West Africa and a new entry for Melbourne

This year's ranking marks a significant milestone for West Africa, with two bars from Accra becoming the first from the region to feature on the 51-100 list: Front/Back (No.80) and La Borracha (No.87). Melbourne also returns to the list with new opening Three Horses joining at No.84. In the UAE, LPM Dubai ranks No.58.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jefferson's Bourbon has unveiled a fresh new look across its portfolio inspired by the brand's pioneering spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of bourbon. Jefferson's has been driven by curiosity since its founding, from experimenting with blending to aging bourbon at sea, the brand has continually challenged convention. While the bottle packaging has changed and select expressions feature meaningful updates, the philosophy behind Jefferson's remains the same: a belief that the best bourbon isn't made by following tradition, it's made by breaking it. From the bottle to the blend, the portfolio is more distinctive and cohesive but unmistakably Jefferson's.

One of the most significant updates is the introduction of an 8-Year age statement for Jefferson's Reserve, along with a proof increase to 96. The expression now delivers a richer, more complex bourbon and added depth in every glass. "Getting to this age statement meant going back through our older, more mature barrels and crafting this bourbon with intention," said Ale Ochoa, Jefferson's Master Blender. "Aged a minimum of eight years in American oak, this bourbon offers dark fruit and vanilla custard upfront, then baking spice, oak and toasted almond carrying through to a long, spicy finish." Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon has also evolved to be bottled at 88 proof, enhancing its flavor and versatility whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails.

That same spirit of exploration extends beyond the liquid to the new, refined packaging design built to better reflect the quality and character of the liquid inside, creating a stronger, more cohesive identity and a clearer navigation system for exploring the full Jefferson's portfolio. The refreshed Jefferson's core portfolio in 750ml bottles is rolling out across the country at spirits shops, restaurants, bars and on JeffersonsBourbon.com. Additional sizing formats including 375ml, 1L and 1.75L bottles will hit the market later this year. The lineup includes Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon, Jefferson's Triple-Rye, Jefferson's Reserve 8-Year-Old and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea.

New York, NY, September 22, 2026 — Heineken ranks as the most considered alcoholic beverage brand in YouGov’s U.S. alcoholic beverage rankings 2026, with 18.4% of U.S. adults aged 21+ saying they would consider the brand the next time they are in the market to purchase an alcoholic beverage.

Baileys follows just behind at 18.3%, with Jack Daniel’s third at 18.0%, Smirnoff fourth at 17.0% and Guinness fifth at 16.7%. Less than two percentage points separate the top five, highlighting a competitive market in which beer and spirits brands are competing alongside ready-to-drink and hard seltzer options.

The rankings, powered by YouGov BrandIndex, also identify the most considered beer, spirits and ready-to-drink brands, the biggest year-over-year gainers and the brands that stand out on perceptions of Value and Quality.

Key findings:

• Heineken also tops the beer ranking. Guinness (16.7%) and Budweiser (15.4%). Modelo (14.9%) and Blue Moon (14.5%) complete the top five. No light beer appears in the beer top five most considered, though Bud Light ranks seventh at 13.8%.
• Mike’s Hard Lemonade leads ready-to-drink and seltzer brands at 15.4%, followed by White Claw at 11.2%, Smirnoff Spiked Seltzer (7.3%), Truly Hard Seltzer (6.5%) and BuzzBallz (6.0%).
• Baileys leads spirits at 18.3%, followed by Jack Daniel’s (18.0%), Smirnoff (17.0%), Bacardi (15.0%), and Crown Royal (14.9%).
• Don Julio records the biggest year-over-year gain in Consideration, improving by 2.7 percentage points. Cutwater follows with a 2.6-point increase, while BuzzBallz gains 1.6 points, Michelob ULTRA rises 1.5 points, and 1800 Tequila and Jose Cuervo each gain 1.3 points.
• Jack Daniel’s stands out on Value, while Guinness leads on Quality. Among the 25 most considered brands, Jack Daniel’s records the highest net Value score at 20.0, followed by Smirnoff (18.3) and Bacardi (17.2). Guinness leads Quality at 33.2, narrowly ahead of Jack Daniel’s (33.1) and Heineken (32.8).

“Alcoholic beverage consideration is highly competitive, with the close rankings at the top highlighting how brands across different categories compete for consumer attention,” said Nora Hao, Senior Sales Director at YouGov. “Heineken leads overall, while spirits maintain a strong presence in the top 10, and brands such as Don Julio and Cutwater are gaining momentum. The Value and Quality results further demonstrate how brands can differentiate themselves based on what consumers prioritize when making a purchase.”

Read the full rankings here.

Methodology

YouGov’s U.S. alcoholic beverage rankings 2026 are based on YouGov BrandIndex data collected among U.S. adults aged 21+ from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

Consideration measures the percentage of respondents who say they would consider a brand the next time they are in the market to purchase an alcoholic beverage in the relevant category. Value and Quality are reported as net scores reflecting the balance of positive and negative perceptions.

The overall ranking and Value/Quality analysis are based on n>13,190 U.S. adults aged 21+. The ranking of the biggest improvers compares September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026 (n>13,680) with September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025 (n>13,700). Non-alcoholic beer alternatives tracked in BrandIndex were eligible for the ranking.

Figures are rounded to one decimal place. Year-over-year changes are reported in percentage points. The analysis was conducted by YouGov with the assistance of AI tools.