TORONTO, April 9, 2026 /CNW/ - ABSOLUT® Vodka and TABASCO® are firing up the spirits scene in Canada with the launch of a new spicy vodka, ABSOLUT® TABASCO™. Following a successful launch in the US, UK, and over 50 global markets, this bold innovation is now available across Canada, redefining flavour and delivering the heat that spirit drinkers crave.

Crafted by fusing ABSOLUT Vodka with a unique and completely natural essence created from the fermented, aged red pepper mash used to make TABASCO® Sauce - ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ delivers the distinctive heat and aroma of the world's most famous pepper sauce in the world's leading premium vodkas.

"At ABSOLUT®, we've always embraced bold, unexpected ideas, and this collaboration is no exception," said Maura Cowan, VP of Marketing, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited. "Canadians are looking to feel the heat, and what better way to deliver it than by blending our premium smooth vodka with one of the world's most iconic hot sauces."

The new TABASCO® Sauce-flavoured vodka comes amid strong, growing demand for hotter flavours. Consumers are craving heat now more than ever, with sales of spicy vodka forecasted to increase 27 per cent by 2029. Whether it's an iconic Caesar with extra kick or a Spicy Lemonade, ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ is here for the moment - a smooth-tasting vodka with a heat that builds to leave a warm feeling on the lips with every sip.

"We are thrilled to bring the unique flavour of TABASCO® Sauce to ABSOLUT®'s smooth premium vodka. We share a rich heritage and a commitment to quality - and this new partnership is a testament to both. It's the perfect match. ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ is the purest form of heat ever bottled for adventurous flavour lovers everywhere," said Kate Neuhaus, Director of Global Marketing Communications at McIlhenny Company.

Founded in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana, where it is still produced today, TABASCO® Sauce uses just three ingredients: handpicked red peppers, salt and vinegar. Once mashed together, the red pepper mix is aged and fermented in reclaimed oak barrels for up to three years, creating the sauce's subtle, unique flavour.

ABSOLUT® Vodka is also made using just three natural ingredients - pristine water sourced from a local deep well, a proprietary strain of yeast and winter wheat grown on nearby farms. This premium vodka is only distilled in the small town of Åhus in Southern Sweden, using the same continuous distillation process introduced by its Swedish founder, L.O. Smith, in the 1870s.

The brands' rich heritages come together through the design of the ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ bottle. It seamlessly blends their iconic bottles into one; the colours and diamond label shout TABASCO® Sauce, but the apothecary-inspired shape is unmistakably ABSOLUT® Vodka.

To kick off the launch, ABSOLUT® and TABASCO® reignited brunch with a kick, transforming one of Toronto's newest hotspots--The Frederick--into a high-energy brunch party celebrating the Canadian debut. Guests were among the first to sample the new spicy vodka, featured in a lineup of bold cocktails and expertly paired dishes that showcased the perfect balance of the brands' iconic flavours.

ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ is now available at bars, restaurants and retailers across Canada. Visit to learn more and follow the heat.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 7, 2026)—  (TOTCF) is proud to announce the Canada Regional Top 10 Honorees for the 20th annual . Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards has become one of the world’s highest-regarded honors in the drinks industry, celebrating outstanding individuals, establishments, products, media, and leaders who continue to inspire the global cocktail community.

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation will celebrate the Spirited Awards on July 23rd during the Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) conference, taking place in New Orleans from July 19-24, 2026. Food & Wine is the Spirited Awards Official Media Partner.

“The Spirited Awards are a time to celebrate the people and places that make our hospitality industry shine and thrive. Each honoree embodies the passion, ingenuity, and commitment that define our vibrant global bar community,” said Kaitlyn Stewart, 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 2026 Honorees, the Foundation is proud to recognize this inspiring group and announce the Spirited Awards Regional Top 10 Honorees. 

2026 Spirited Awards® Canada Regional Top 10 Honorees (in alphabetical order):

Canada Establishments:

Best International Bar Team* presented by William Grant & Sons

• Atwater Cocktail Club — Montreal, QC, Canada
• Bar Pompette — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Belle Isle — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Civil Liberties — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Civil Works — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Humboldt Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites — Victoria, BC, Canada
• Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York — Toronto, ON, Canada
• The Cloakroom Bar — Montreal, QC, Canada
• The Coldroom — Montreal, QC, Canada
• The Keefer Bar — Vancouver, BC, Canada
  *11 Honorees due to a tie

Best International Cocktail Bar presented by Pernod Ricard

• Bar Pompette — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Citrus & Cane — Victoria, BC, Canada
• Civil Liberties — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Civil Works — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Cry Baby Gallery — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Dear Friend — Dartmouth, NS, Canada
• Hoof Cocktail Bar — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Mother Cocktail Bar — Toronto, ON, Canada
• The Cloakroom Bar — Montreal, QC, Canada
• The Keefer Bar — Vancouver, BC, Canada

Best International Hotel Bar

• Bar 1608 at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — Quebec City, QC, Canada
• Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Evangeline at the Ace Hotel — Toronto, ON, Canada
• H Tasting Lounge at The Westin Bayshore — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Humboldt Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites — Victoria, BC, Canada
• Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Marcus Lounge and Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Montreal — Montreal, QC, Canada
• Prophecy Bar at Rosewood Hotel Georgia — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• the bar at Alder at Ace Hotel Toronto — Toronto, ON, Canada

Best International Restaurant Bar

• Bar Jjacques — Québec City, QC, Canada
• Bar Raval — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Chupito — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Highwayman Restaurant & Bar — Halifax, NS, Canada
• Le Swan — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Published on Main — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Quetzal — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Simpl Things — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Wind Cries Mary — Victoria, BC, Canada

Best New International Cocktail Bar

• Bar Numero — Montreal, QC, Canada
• Chez Celine — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Ellipsis — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• June — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• La Cantina Concha — Montreal, QC, Canada
• Next of Kin — Edmonton, AB, Canada
• Nomo Nomo — Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Restaurant Limousine — Saint-Lambert, QC, Canada
• The Shameful Tiki Room — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Uh Bar — Toronto, ON, Canada

2026 Spirited Awards Committee

The Spirited Awards® Committee comprises revered bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers who are entrusted with evaluating nominees based on structured criteria. The experienced and diverse committee of judges brings years of expertise and knowledge of industry developments locally, nationally, and internationally. The Spirited Awards® nominations are not based on popular vote, and all nominations are evaluated by their respective judging committees, ensuring each vote carries equal weight in the evaluation process.

Honorees were selected by a panel of over 250 industry experts, led by the following Chair and Co-Chairs representing distinct regions: 

International Chair & U.S. Chair:

• Tiffanie Barriere
• Ryan Chetiyawardana

Asia Pacific Co-Chairs:

• Philip Bischoff
• Alice Newport
• Shelley Tai
• Stephanie Wijono

Canada Co-Chairs:

• Kaitlyn Stewart
• Julia Wolkowski

Europe Co-Chairs:

• Camille Vidal
• Kaitlin Wilkes

Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs:

• Roberto Berdecia
• Claudia Cabrera

Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs:

• Richie Barrow
• Mallory Lee
• Lara Rawa

U.S. Central Co-Chairs:

• Amanda Carto
• Erika Flowers

U.S. East Co-Chairs:

• Vance Henderson
• Jaymee Mandeville

U.S. West Co-Chairs:

• Nick Amano Dolan
• Mary Allison Wright

Writing & Media Co-Chairs:

• Alia Akkam
• Erick Castro

Books Chair:

• Anna Sulan Masing

Timeless Co-Chairs:

• François Monti
• Rebecca Sturt

To learn more about the Spirited Awards Committee and awards criteria, please visit the  page.

STAMFORD, Conn., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Redemption Whiskey is entering its most confident and fearless chapter yet, unveiling a striking new packaging design and an elevated bourbon now bottled at 92 proof. The transformation marks a defining moment for the brand, one rooted in craftsmanship, momentum, and a bold new visual identity that signals where Redemption is headed next.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:  

At the heart of the relaunch is Redemption's new bottle design. Dramatic and symbolic, the refreshed packaging features an eagle in mid-flight, formed from rye with its wings spread wide. More than a design evolution, the eagle represents courage and ambition—leaving the safety of the ground for the unknown horizon. It embodies Redemption's refreshed brand philosophy: Choose Redemption. Rise Above. A symbol of resilience and forward momentum, the new bottle captures the spirit of Redemption's next act: fearless, confident, and rooted in the attitude and soul that defines its rye-built whiskeys.

Prompted by a trademark dispute initiated by a competitor a few years ago, Redemption took the opportunity to reimagine its brand identity, beginning with its packaging. Rather than looking backward, the brand chose to move forward, transforming a challenge into a catalyst for reinvention. The new bottle stands as a visible symbol of that transformation.

"Setbacks aren't the end of the story. They're often the beginning of something stronger," said Mike Dee, President of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. "The team embraced the moment as an opportunity to elevate both the package and the bourbon, which we believe will propel distribution and volume to new heights. The overwhelmingly positive reaction from our distributor partners thus far validates Redemption's new stature and brand proposition in both on and off-premise environments."

While the new packaging makes an immediate visual statement, the evolution extends beyond aesthetics. Redemption's refreshed portfolio includes its signature Rye, High Rye Bourbon, and Straight Bourbon expressions, with the bourbon now bottled at 92 proof to deliver a bolder, more balanced profile.

"Bottling our bourbon at higher proof allows the whiskey to express itself more fully," said Alan Kennedy, Master Blender of Redemption. "It enhances the vanilla, fruity, and floral notes while bringing greater structure and balance to the spice and smokiness that define our style. Every decision we make, from grain selection to barrel aging, is made with intention. This evolution is about refining what we do best and showcasing our whiskeys at their fullest potential."

Kennedy's leadership continues to anchor Redemption's credibility within the whiskey community. A craftsperson of the senses—trained in pastry kitchens, certified as a sommelier, and mentored by industry legends—Kennedy has become a respected voice among whiskey insiders and enthusiasts. His meticulous approach to blending helped propel Redemption's 18-Year-Old Bourbon to national acclaim last year, earning Rolling Stone's "Best Overall Whiskey" at the 2025 Rolling Stone Spirit Awards and recognition at the 2025 Esquire Spirit Awards. The expression also garnered praise from leading luxury and whiskey publications and captured coveted Double Gold honors at major international competitions. Redemption's Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon also earned Best Non-Kentucky Finished Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.

This collective momentum provides a powerful backdrop for the next chapter.

The new packaging's commanding presence is complemented by thoughtful design details, from the embossed eagle motif to the refined label and wood stopper. Together with the elevated bourbon, it signals a brand that is both rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.

Redemption's relaunch builds on a clear brand promise: bold, flavorful rye-built whiskeys crafted with attitude and soul. The updated packaging and enhanced bourbon are not a departure from that foundation, but a confident amplification of it, underscoring the brand's commitment to quality and its growing stature within the whiskey category.

With industry accolades affirming the quality of its portfolio, and a renewed visual identity capturing its forward momentum, Redemption is poised to write its most compelling chapter yet.

Redemption's refreshed portfolio has already begun to roll out nationally. The whiskeys are available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price starting at $29.99, bringing the brand's elevated craft and bold new identity to whiskey drinkers across the country.

To learn more about Redemption's exciting new chapter, visit . Redemption Whiskey is available for online purchase at.

TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - Beer Canada is raising concerns following the federal government's decision to proceed with another tax increase on beer, at a time when affordability remains a top concern for Canadians.

This latest increase adds further strain on Canada's domestic brewing industry and its unionized workforce, who have joined a growing coalition of voices calling on the government to repeal the escalator policy and return tax decisions to Parliament.

Canadian consumers already pay some of the highest beer taxes in the world. With today's increase, the federal excise component will now be more than 20% higher than it was in 2017, when the current system of automatic annual increases was introduced.

Today, the federal government announced a cap of 2% on this year's increase, which is irrelevant, as it simply mirrors the rate adjustment already scheduled. In reality, it will result in an estimated $14 million in additional taxes on beer this year alone.

This policy of unreviewed and automated tax increases ignores core challenges facing the industry, including:

• Rising input costs, particularly aluminum used in beer packaging
• Weak and declining sales volumes across the category
• Declining beer sales volumes in restaurants and pubs

"This policy choice is making life less affordable for Canadians and placing additional strain on an industry that supports jobs in nearly every federal riding," said Richard Alexander, President of Beer Canada. "From barley farmers to brewers, to pubs and restaurants in our communities, this sector is deeply rooted in the Canadian economy."

"While targeted support for small brewers is welcome, the reality is that taxes are increasing on more than 95% of beer sold in Canada," added Alexander. "At a time of declining sales and rising costs, allowing another increase to proceed is the wrong decision at the wrong time."

Beer Canada continues to call on the federal government to cancel future automatic increases, repeal the escalator policy, and restore parliamentary oversight of tax decisions, ensuring they are subject to proper scrutiny and reflect the impacts on Canadian jobs, investment, and affordability.