In an inspiring celebration of talent, purpose and sustainability, Jared Schmidt from Osetra Bar in Canada was crowned the “World’s Sustainable Cocktail Champion 2025” during the Global Final of Flor de Caña’s renowned Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, held on Saturday, March 7th, in the breathtaking volcanic islets of Granada, Nicaragua.

To mark the brand’s 135th anniversary, this year’s edition celebrated classic cocktails, inviting bartenders to reinterpret timeless recipes through a modern and sustainable lens.

The competition brought together 15 top mixologists, selected from over 25 participating countries worldwide, who share Flor de Caña’s commitment to building a more sustainable future for the industry. Against the stunning natural backdrop of the Mombacho Volcano, finalists showcased their creativity and mastery by crafting cocktails that balanced exceptional flavor with environmentally conscious practices. Flor de Caña, a Carbon Neutral certified rum that’s distilled with 100% renewable energy and has planted over one million trees, continues to champion sustainability through initiatives that inspire the global bartending community.

After two intense rounds of competition — including the innovative “Sustainable Market” final challenge — Jared took the top spot by impressing the judges with his talent and passion. His winning cocktail, called “Por mundo limpio”, is a sustainable reinterpretation of a Golden Era cocktail, featuring Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum with caramelized mushrooms, organic cane sugar and nori for a bold, low-impact flavor profile.

As Global Champion, Jared receives the prestigious title, a US$10,000 cash prize, the winner trophy, and a sustainability assessment for his venue in partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

“This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to Flor de Caña, the judges, and my fellow competitors, and it was truly special to experience Nicaragua and connect with such an inspiring global bartending community,” said Jared Schmidt.

The competition’s second place was awarded to Phát Tran Guia from Firkin Bar in Vietnam, while Dawid Stoch from Art Katowice Bar in Poland secured third place, rounding out an extraordinary showcase of global bartending talent.

The judging panel was composed of: Danil Nevsky (2nd in the Bar World 100 and Best International Bar Mentor – Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards), Kendall Hauer (luxury dining and beverage expert based in Miami), Luis Inchaurraga (Argentinian mixologist with over 25 years of experience), and Gary Gruver (Director of Global Beverage Operations at Marriott International).

COLLINGWOOD, ON, March 12, 2026 /CNW/ - Side Launch Brewing Co. has introduced a new brand identity and packaging system across its flagship beer lineup, marking a major evolution for the Collingwood-based brewery as it strengthens its presence in Ontario's beer and ready-to-drink markets.

The transformation introduces a new brand idea called Built to Launch, reconnecting Side Launch to its heritage while reflecting the outdoor lifestyle and shared moments that define Ontario today, from ski hills and bike trails to cottages, patios and city gatherings.

"Side Launch has grown alongside the community that surrounds it," says Steve St. Jean, VP of Brand, Creative and Marketing. "This evolution honours our history while embracing the four-season lifestyle that inspires our drinkers today."

Founded on the shores of Georgian Bay, Side Launch takes its name from the sideways ship launches that once defined the town, a symbol of preparation meeting possibility. That legacy now anchors the mindset behind Built to Launch: celebrating the effort behind every earned moment, from finishing a ride to gathering with friends after a long day.

Packaging as a Visual Expression of the Brand

The new packaging system, designed in-house with artwork by Ontario illustrator Matt Doyle, introduces a unified visual language across the portfolio. Each can acts like a poster for an adventure moment, featuring a workwear-style badge with the iconic boat mark, stronger colour blocking and typography, custom illustrations tied to beer style and occasion, and nautical chart lines of Georgian Bay.

The rebrand refreshes Side Launch favourites, including Northbound Lager, Anyday Light IPA, Fifth Coast Hazy IPA and Original Wheat, with Fifth Coast revived as a nod to Ontario freshwater surf culture.

Expanding the Launch

"Side Launch is the reward after the effort," says Dan Johnston, VP of Commercial. "It's beer for earned moments -- on the trail, at the cottage or around a campfire."

The rebrand also supports the brewery's expansion into ready-to-drink beverages with the launch of Side Launch Spirits, beginning with Lemon Berry Mist (available in the LCBO), followed by Peach Honey Fizz and Cherry Lime Smash.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, Americans across the country will soon be raising a glass to the milestone — and Peg Leg Porker Spirits has created the bourbon built for the moment.

The Nashville-born brand announces the release of Spirit of America™, a limited edition Bottled-in-Bond bourbon crafted to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and celebrate the grit, craftsmanship and community that define the American spirit.

The release is inspired by the story of founder and pitmaster Carey Bringle, whose own journey reflects that same resilience. At age 17, Bringle lost his leg to osteogenic sarcoma. Refusing to let the challenge define him, he went on to build a nationally recognized barbecue brand and one of the most distinctive bourbon portfolios in the country, becoming the world's only award-winning pitmaster with an award-winning bourbon brand.

Today, that same spirit of perseverance is poured into every bottle of Peg Leg Porker Bourbon.

But the launch goes beyond bourbon.

Peg Leg Porker is inviting Americans everywhere to participate in a national "Raise a Glass to 250" toast, honoring American resilience everywhere from backyard barbecues, Memorial Day recognitions and 4th of July gatherings to restaurants, bars and celebrations across the country.

"If we're celebrating 250 years of America, it better be done the right way," says Bringle. "Bottled-in-Bond. High standards. No shortcuts. Let's raise a glass together."

Built the American Way

Unlike many commemorative spirits entering the market, Spirit of America™ carries one of the most respected classifications in American whiskey: Bottled-in-Bond.

Established by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, the designation guarantees the bourbon is:

• Produced by one distiller
• From one distilling season
• Aged at least four years
• Stored in a federally bonded warehouse
• Bottled at exactly 100 proof

The result is a bold yet balanced bourbon, and true to the Peg Leg Porker brand, the whiskey is finished through hickory charcoal, adding the brand's signature smooth, smoky complexity.

A Bourbon Rooted in American Craft

Barbecue and bourbon run deep in the Bringle family. The family's American roots trace back to 1727, with generations carrying forward traditions of service, hospitality and cooking over live fire. During military service on the island of Luan in the Philippines, members of Bringle's family became known for cooking whole hogs for fellow servicemen — a tradition that would later shape the barbecue heritage Carey Bringle carries forward today.

That legacy of service, resilience and gathering people together around food and drink continues to this day with Peg Leg Porker, making Spirit of America™ a fitting tribute to the values and traditions that have defined the nation for 250 years.

Supporting America's Veterans

In the spirit of service and community, a portion of proceeds from the Spirit of America™ Limited Edition release will support a local Tennessee nonprofit, , which teaches military veterans the craft of barbecue, helping them build community, purpose and new careers after their service.

A New American Summer Tradition

The Spirit of America™ Limited Edition Summer Series will become Peg Leg Porker's annual patriotic bourbon release, celebrating American culture and milestones each summer. "This isn't a one-time release," says Bringle. "We are starting a tradition — raising a glass to the people, traditions and milestones that define America every summer."

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ESSEX, Conn., March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Highclere Castle Gin, the award-winning super premium gin announces the U.S. launch of Highclere Castle Gin Peach Rose, a new flavored expression expanding the brand's portfolio.

Debuting in March 2026, Peach Rose marks the company's first fruity-floral line extension and reflects growing consumer demand for premium spirits with authentic provenance. Bottled at 40% ABV with a suggested retail price of $31.99, the expression will be available across national retail, on- and off-premise accounts, and direct-to-consumer channels in the United States.

Inspired by the summer gardens of Highclere Castle, the Peach Rose gin is crafted using botanicals sourced directly from the estate, including oil from the Lady Carnarvon Rose, estate-produced honey, and Italian white peaches grown on the estate through the summer season. The result is an aromatic yet balanced profile that bridges their traditional London Dry structure with a contemporary fruit-forward appeal.

"My vision with the Peach Rose was to capture the aromas and flavors of Highclere's garden parties in peak summer.  For the recipe design I was inspired by the sweet wine Sauternes, France's liquid gold.  To replicate elements of the world's finest wine as a gin has never been attempted until now, and I'm pleased to say this beautiful spirit is shining on the rocks and in cocktails.  This is our dedication to innovation while staying true to the terroir, heritage and authenticity of Highclere Castle and the estate," said Adam von Gootkin, founder and chairman of Highclere Castle Spirits.

Within gin specifically, innovation in botanicals and flavor expressions has helped expand the category's consumer base beyond traditional London Dry drinkers. Premium and craft gins continue to gain share as consumers trade up for quality, provenance, and distinctive taste experiences. "We are thrilled to introduce Highclere Castle Gin Peach Rose. This new expression blends the rich heritage of our estate with contemporary flavors that resonate with today's discerning gin enthusiasts. More than just a new product, it is a sensory journey through the lush gardens and storied history of Highclere. This launch reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving tastes of our customers while staying true to our roots, committed to crafting exceptional spirits that offer a unique taste of British elegance and tradition," said Laurent Schun, CEO of Highclere Castle Spirits.

Peach Rose joins Highclere Castle Gin's flagship London Dry expression, a super-premium gin distilled using botanicals from the Highclere estate and distilled in England's oldest gin distillery. The original expression has earned more than 200 international awards, including numerous Double Gold medals from leading spirits competitions. The flagship is currently distributed across 33 U.S. states and 9 countries worldwide, reflecting strong growth in both retail and on-premise channels. The success of the flagship London Dry has positioned the brand as a distinctive heritage-driven player in the premium gin category and provides a strong foundation for the launch of Peach Rose as the company's first flavored extension. For more information visit, .