Scotch and spirits entrepreneur Iain McClune has agreed to buy his former employer, independent specialist whisky business, Royal Mile Whiskies. Along with Royal Mile Whiskies, McClune will acquire its parent company Dormant Distillery Company (DDC), which includes Drinkmonger and The Cigar Box. They will all be retained, owned and operated in Scotland as part of the deal. McClune will make the acquisition through his investment company…

Sussex wine producer Nyetimber has appointed the former director of global communications for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Richard Carter, as its new chief executive. Carter (pictured right) will take over as CEO from Nyetimber’s owner and sole shareholder Eric Heerema (left), who will assume the role of chairman of the board and “continue to play an active role in guiding and directing Nyetimber into the future”,…

The chairman of Brewdog has issued a statement in response to the BBC Disclosure documentary, in which CEO James Watt was accused of abusive behaviour by former employees. The programme, called The Truth About Brewdog, aired on January 24 and around 15 ex-Brewdog employees spoke out against Watt. The documentary follows an open letter that was published in 2021. The…

Former Enotria Winecellars chief executive Alison Levett has joined Berkmann Wine Cellars as non-executive chair. She is taking over the chair role from Peter Lowe, who will continue to focus on the fine wine sector for Berkmann while stepping-up to chair the board of Berkmann Family Holdings. Levett left Enotria Winecellars in 2014, a year before its acquisition of Coe Vintners to become Enotria &…

James Watt, co-founder of Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog, has apologised and “promised to take action” after former employees accused the company of fostering a culture of fear. The open letter to BrewDog, which was published on Twitter and signed by more than 75 former employees, stated: “You spent years claiming you wanted to be the best employer in the world, presumably to help you…

A new British hard seltzer brand, which is made using sustainably sourced fruit, is set to hit the shelves this month. Served is a low-calorie and lower abv sparkling alcoholic drink, made with an “ultra-pure” spirit, paired with British sparkling water. This is then infused with wonky, sustainably sourced fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste. The 4% abv drink (rsp: 2.50) comes in…

The Good Wine Shop is opening its fourth shop this Spring in Teddington, South West London. The new shop and wine bar, which joins the existing stable of shops in Kew, Chiswick and Richmond Hill, will be located on the site of the former Famous Wines on Teddington High Street. The shop will stock more than 750 wines, including fine and rare wines, as well…