Canadians’ 2025 shift towards local and national producers has given craft beer and Canadian whiskey a boost in Canadian bars and restaurants.

Data from market research firm CGA by NielsenIQ show that over the last 3 months, craft beer sales by dollar value jumped 5.5% vs the same period last year. In the last 12 months, their data show craft sales are up by 1.8%, reversing the previous trend of sliding sales.

It is worth asking if craft beer can continue this trend, since overall the last year has seen craft lose market share to import and domestic beers. But craft beer makers can be encouraged by the events of the past quarter, as well as by the data showing that overall beer sales by dollar value are up by 4% vs. the previous period in the 12 months up to mid-June.

Earlier consumer opinion data showed a strong sentiment shift by Canadians towards supporting local and national producers in 2025. Springtime polling revealed two out of five consumers have tried a Canadian alcohol brand they haven’t had before when out in the last month, with the top motivation listed as supporting Canadian brands.

September’s Consumer Impact Report also shows that the #1 factor that would encourage beer drinkers to pay extra for a beer in bars and restaurants is a beer brewed by a local brewery (31%).

In the whiskey world, Canadian whiskeys have increased $ sales by 3.3% over the last 12 months vs the same time period last year. When looking at the last 3 months specifically vs the same 3-month period last year, this increases to +6.8%. This is in contrast to all other whiskey types be they American, Scotch, or Irish offerings, as each respective category experiences declines

However, given that U.S. whiskey makes up just under a third of all whiskey sales, its availability challenges mean that overall whiskey sales have slipped by 12.3% in the last 3 months.

10 September 2025 – Uno Jang, creative director and partner at Jigger & Pony Group in Singapore, has been named the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025. This prestigious award is voted for by the bartenders on this year’s list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, who put forward the name of a peer who they believe pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender.

This is the second of two special awards to be announced ahead of the live awards ceremony on Wednesday 8 October 2025 in Hong Kong. The award goes to a personality who made a significant impact in the global bar sector over the voting period and recognises their commitment to the international community in that time.

Born in South Korea, Uno Jang moved to Singapore in 2015 to work in a hotel and quickly transitioned into the cocktail scene, starting his bartending journey at the now-shuttered Orgo Bar. He joined the acclaimed Jigger & Pony in 2017 where he has since played a pivotal role in elevating the bar’s global reputation. Under the mentorship of co-founder Indra Kantono, Uno has expanded his vision beyond bartending to become a strategic partner in one of the world’s most exciting bar collectives, setting the benchmark for empathetic, guest-centric service.

Known for his innovative approach to cocktail programming, Uno blends creativity and passion for local ingredients with a deep respect for classic technique. He was instrumental in developing Jigger & Pony’s celebrated ‘menu-zine’ concept, combining editorial design with mixology and his leadership has helped shape the identity, style and storytelling of the group’s cocktail menus. His menus are masterpieces in storytelling, transforming familiar classics into thoughtful, sensory experiences that often reflect a fusion of Asian ingredients and philosophies with global techniques. Each cocktail is visually stunning, conceptually rich and technically refined, showcasing unusual ingredients in elegant ways, like heirloom beefsteak tomatoes and kümmel, and tequila with Liberica coffee and beetroot.

One of Uno’s greatest achievements is his success in fostering a deep-rooted culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity within his teams. Through his mentorship, he inspires his teams to think bigger; not just about cocktails, but about who they are and what they stand for and to favour long-term vision over short-term fame.

Jigger & Pony has been a consistent presence in the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars since 2019, rising through the ranks to No.5 in 2024. In 2020, the bar reached No.1 and was crowned The Best Bar in Asia at Asia’s 50 Best Bars, appearing in the top three ever since.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “It is an absolute delight to reveal that Uno Jang has been named this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender. Uno is without a doubt one of the most approachable, thoughtful and generous people in the industry. He credits his mentors, uplifts his team and fosters a culture of collaboration that makes him beloved not just as a bartender, but as a leader. His unwavering passion for hospitality-first service and his humility in the face of such consistent success means it is no surprise his peers have chosen him for this coveted award.”

On winning the award, Uno says: “To be recognised by fellow bartenders around the world is such an honour. I couldn’t have achieved this without the collaborations, mentorships and friendships I’ve been fortunate to have over the years. This award belongs just as much to my team at Jigger & Pony, and to the wider community that has supported and inspired me. When I moved to Singapore ten years ago to begin my bartending career, I gave myself the name Uno. To be recognised today, by this community and by my peers around the world, as Uno feels like a dream fulfilled.”

Carlos Andrés Ramirez, Global Advocacy & PR Director, Altos Tequila, says: “Huge congratulations to Uno Jang from Jigger & Pony in Singapore for receiving the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award at The Worlds 50 Best Bars! This award is a celebration of Uno’s remarkable journey, not only as a bartender, but as a driving force in shaping the bar community across Asia. His vision, consistency and hospitality excellence has helped define what world-class looks like — and continues to raise the bar for all of us. From everyone at Tequila Altos, we salute his achievement and the incredible team behind Jigger & Pony. Here’s to the craft, the people and the stories that move our industry forward. Cheers, Uno — and salud!”

The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was introduced to The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017 and the inaugural winner was Iain Griffiths of London’s Dandelyan. Subsequent winners include Joe Schofield, then of Tippling Club in Singapore, won in 2018; Monica Berg of Tayēr + Elementary, London, in 2019; Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni, of Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, in 2020; Lynnette Marrero of Llama Inn, New York, in 2021; Jean Trinh of Alquímico, Cartagena in 2022; GN Chan of Double Chicken Please, New York in 2023; and Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh in 2024.

The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through the 50 Best TV channel on .

Forty Creek is proud to announce the launch of Niagara Triple Reserve, a bold, limited-edition cask strength whisky that showcases the brand’s innovative approach to Canadian whisky making. Available in September, this release continues Forty Creek’s nearly two-decade tradition of highly anticipated annual limited-time offerings.

As only the second cask strength whisky ever released by Forty Creek, Niagara Triple Reserve is expected to generate strong interest among collectors and enthusiasts. The whisky undergoes a triple-barrel process:

• First matured in oak barrels for at least three years to build structure and smoothness
• Re-aged in once-used bourbon barrels to add intensity
• Finished for four months in Niagara Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks, highlighting Ontario’s terroir

Bottled at 51% ABV, this uncompromising, straight-from-the-barrel whisky reflects Forty Creek’s bold spirit of innovation while paying tribute to Canadian craftsmanship.

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, Wild Turkey, the award-winning Kentucky bourbon brand, is drawing a line with the launch of its new global campaign: "When You Know It's Right, Don't Change a Damn Thing."

These days, there's always a new version and endless pressure to chase what's next. But what good is change for change's sake? While some may call it stubborn, Wild Turkey calls it conviction, and it's how they've been making bourbon for over 100 years. This message is clear throughout the new campaign films, launching globally this month, as an unmistakable line is drawn on the ground. Wild Turkey has been faithful to its recipe for over a century and, with it, has created a legend.

At the heart of the story is an iconic heritage brand helmed by legendary Wild Turkey Master Distiller and Bourbon Hall of Famer Jimmy Russell, who helped save bourbon from a fate worse than death: becoming like everything else. In the 1970s and 1980s, when the industry turned toward lighter spirits, Jimmy refused to bend to fleeting fads and water down his signature Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. He kept making his bourbon the same way, aged longer and full of bold, pre-prohibition flavor. Today, Jimmy is celebrating 71 years with Wild Turkey, as the longest serving master distiller in the spirits industry. He is joined by his son, Master Distiller and Bourbon Hall of Famer Eddie Russell, and grandson, associate master blender Bruce Russell, to carry the recipe of Wild Turkey forward.

The campaign is an homage to the time-honored and the enduring, including classics like Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, which still has the same signature bold flavor as it did over a century ago. The creative treatment for the campaign films, directed by Kiku Ohe, reflects this message. Featuring a compelling mixed-media approach incorporating film stock (8mm/35/Digital), digital and historical photos and artifacts. Reinforced by memorabilia from Jimmy's seven decades in the industry – including old notebooks filled with recipes, newspaper clippings, and archival family photos – these pieces illustrate the brand's rich history, heritage, and philosophy.

"Every bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon tells a story of conviction," says Raul Gonzalez, Global Managing Director of Whiskey & Rum at Campari Group. "The brand's steadfast approach is one reason why Wild Turkey is so beloved and respected all over the world today. There's pride in ordering Wild Turkey bourbon, and we're excited to bring Jimmy and Wild Turkey's story to a new generation of fans with this new campaign."

The campaign features notable cameos from four members of the Russell family including Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, his son Master Distiller Eddie Russell, his grandson Associate Blender Bruce Russell, and Jimmy's granddaughter and Wild Turkey US Brand Ambassador Joann Street. The films also include bartenders and fans of Wild Turkey from some of the brand's top global markets including Toure Folkes from New Orleans, US, Sam Russ from Brisbane, Australia and Naoto Ogawa from Tokyo, Japan.

"Wild Turkey is a brand that knows exactly who it is and refuses to compromise," said Lucas Bongioanni, Chief Creative Officer, GUT New York. "In an era obsessed with innovation and reinvention, it's rare to find a story that's about staying true to its origins. We are honored to bring that special kind of bravery to life in a way that feels as bold as the bourbon itself."

The first new global brand campaign since "Trust Your Spirit" debuted in 2021, "When You Know It's Right, Don't Change a Damn Thing" will begin to roll out in global markets in fall 2025, starting with the US, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. The campaign includes a variety of films and bold key visuals to be used across channels, including digital, social, TVC, and print.

For more information, visit wildturkeybourbon.com or follow Wild Turkey at @wildturkey.