MONTRÉAL, Nov. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Phillips Distilling Company, a Minnesota-based company and owner of the Sour Puss brand, today announced that the full production of the liqueur will be established in Canada for the first time. This decision marks a key milestone in the brand's North American growth strategy, aiming to produce closer to its core customer base and strengthen its logistical efficiency within the Canadian market.

A Quintessentially Canadian Brand, Now Proudly Made in Canada

As part of this shift, Sour Puss will completely cease Canadian production in the United States. Production will be carried out in partnership with Station 22 Distillery, located on Rue des Futailles in Montréal, selected among 19 Canadian production sites evaluated by Phillips Distilling Company. The U.S.–Canada trade dispute influenced the company's decision to relocate production to Canada.

"Canadians have appreciated Sour Puss for many years, and we are proud to bring its production home for the first time. This strategic move allows us to better meet consumer expectations while demonstrating that our local manufacturing sector has nothing to envy from other North American markets. We have been delighted by the capabilities and responsiveness demonstrated by our Canadian production partners." -- Rumi Jaffer, Director of Sales, Phillips Distilling Company

Sour Puss launched in Canada in 1998 and quickly became one of the country's most popular flavored liqueurs. In 2024 alone, more than one million bottles were sold nationwide for a total sales value exceeding $23 million across Canada. In standardized volume terms, this represents 89,264 cases (12 bottles per case) sold across Canada in 2024.

The return of the products to the Canadian marketplace will support employment across several provinces, notably in Québec, but also across Canada.

A Long-Awaited Return to Store Shelves

The raspberry-flavored liqueur is scheduled to return to shelves in December 2025. The rollout aims to reconnect the brand with its local audience and celebrate the revival of a product that has long been part of Canadian popular culture, allowing consumers who have been unable to find Sour Puss since March to once again enjoy festive, colorful cocktails during the holiday season.

MONTREAL, Nov. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - The recipe behind Gutsy Ginger Beer has been named "Best Ginger Beer in the World" at the Kombucha World Awards 2025, one of the most respected international competitions celebrating excellence in fermented beverages.

The event brought together 360 products tasted by 30 expert judges, evaluated on precise criteria including appearance, aroma, body, flavor, and aftertaste. This naturally fermented, living ginger beer impressed with its clean, fiery ginger flavor and minimalist recipe made from real ginger juice.

The award-winning recipe was submitted in Europe under the name of Goodsy, Gutsy's sister company in France. The product was co-developed by both teams, uniting two passionate groups on different continents with one shared goal: to bring fermentation back to its purest, most authentic form.

"This award proves that a small Canadian team can create a world-class product simply by staying true to artisanal methods and real ingredients," said Pierrich Picard, Co-Founder of Gutsy.

Each can of Gutsy Ginger Beer contains the equivalent of a fresh ginger shot, made exclusively from organic, whole ingredients, with no additives or preservatives.

Gutsy Ginger Beer is already available in several retailers across Canada, including Costco.ca, Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, and Avril.

GRIMSBY, ON, Nov. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Forty Creek, recognized as Whisky Maker of the Decade for its consistent innovation, proudly announces the debut of Chronology, a historic release that brings together the distillery's past, present, and future in a single bottle. The announcement follows the prior 2025 release of Niagara Triple Reserve, Forty Creek's bold cask strength expression crafted through a triple-barrel process and finished in Niagara Cabernet wine casks. Together, these two landmark whiskies showcase Forty Creek's relentless pursuit of innovation and its unique ability to push the Canadian whisky category forward while staying true to its roots.

About each 2025 Forty Creek release:

• Forty Creek Chronology: Blended from whiskies spanning every decade since Forty Creek was founded in 1992, Chronology is built on a remarkable 31-year-old barley malt from the brand's very first casks. To this, Master Blender Bill Ashburn has added a 20-year-old corn whisky from the early 2000s, a 10-year-old rye from the 2010s, and a corn whisky from the present day. Together, these rare spirits form a whisky that is layered, complex, and harmonious, a pinnacle of Forty Creek's innovation and craftsmanship. Chronology, presented in a premium display box designed to showcase its story, is a celebration of Canadian heritage and craftsmanship: a rare release that honours the past while setting the stage for the future.
• Forty Creek Niagara Triple Reserve: As only the second cask strength whisky ever released by Forty Creek, Niagara Triple Reserve is a rare and highly anticipated addition for collectors and whisky enthusiasts. With its layered, evolving flavour, Niagara Triple Reserve continues to spark conversation and strong opinions within the whisky community.

Both Niagara Triple Reserve and Chronology hold special significance as they will be among the last limited-edition whiskies overseen by Master Blender Bill Ashburn, who will retire at the end of the year. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Ashburn has shaped Forty Creek's reputation for innovation, creativity, and quality.

"As I prepare to close this chapter, I'm proud to leave behind two whiskies that capture the spirit of discovery and craftsmanship that defines Forty Creek," said Asbhrun. "Both Chronology and Niagara Triple Reserve tell a story of where Forty Creek has been, and where Canadian whisky can go."

Born in the heart of Ontario's Niagara region, Forty Creek continues to pioneer new possibilities in Canadian whisky. From early limited releases like Double Barrel and Confederation Oak to groundbreaking experiments such as Master's Cut, the brand has redefined what Canadian whisky can be.

Limited quantities of Forty Creek Niagara Triple Reserve are available at select retailers across Canada, priced at $94.95. Representing a true collector's release with just 2,208 bottles available worldwide, Chronology is priced at $299.95 with select retailers across Canada. For more information, please visit .

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Beverage Dispensing Equipment Association (IBDEA) is thrilled to announce its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place February 26th – March 2nd, 2026, at the vibrant Town & Country Resort in beautiful San Diego, California.

This year's event promises to be bigger, bolder, and more connected than ever before, bringing together beverage and gas industry leaders, innovators, and partners for five unforgettable days of education, collaboration, and opportunity.

Keynote Speaker: Scott Zimmerman

Prepare to be inspired by Scott Zimmerman, an acclaimed leadership strategist and storyteller known for his dynamic insights into communication, collaboration, and team performance. Scott's keynote will set the tone for the conference focused on innovation, growth, and the power of relationships in business.

Scott will challenge members to think differently about how they connect with their teams, customers, and partners. Attendees can expect an inspiring session filled with humor, practical takeaways, and real-world strategies to help build stronger relationships, drive team performance, and lead with authenticity in an industry where connection is everything.

IBDEA x Talk Opportunities Return!

By popular demand, IBDEA x Talks are back for 2026. This TED-style platform gives IBDEA members a chance to share their expertise, tell their story, or spark new ideas within the beverage and gas community. Whether you're a first-time speaker or seasoned industry leader, these educational talk segments are an unmatched opportunity to make your mark and inspire your peers.

Beyond education, IBDEA x Talks foster visibility and credibility, giving speakers the opportunity to position themselves and their companies while contributing to the collective growth and collaboration that make the IBDEA community unique.

Open Forum: Real Conversations. Real Solutions.

One of the most powerful sessions of the week, the Open Forum Discussion returns as a centerpiece for connection and collaboration. Join your peers to tackle real-world business challenges, discuss current market trends, and exchange practical strategies that drive success in today's evolving beverage and gas landscape. Learn how to adapt proven strategies to strengthen and future-proof your own business.

The Most Requested: Express Connect Experience

The most requested event is back and better than ever! The Express Connect networking experience delivers a one-on-one meeting experience that sparks lasting partnerships. It's the fastest and most effective way to meet new contacts, deepen relationships, and uncover business opportunities that matter most.

Whether you are a gas supplier, beverage equipment manufacturer or service provider, this experience ensures you leave with valuable contacts, actionable leads, and genuine opportunities that extend far beyond the conference floor.

Product Fair: Innovation on Display

Experience the latest in beverage and gas technology, equipment, and service solutions during the expanded Product Fair. Meet with top manufacturers and distributors displaying new launches, hands-on demonstrations, and groundbreaking innovations that are shaping the future of our industry.

Soak in the Sun with San Diego

San Diego offers the perfect backdrop for the IBDEA 2026 Annual Conference: where sunshine, ocean breezes, and innovation meet. Known as America's Finest City, San Diego blends laid-back coastal charm with a thriving business community. From the scenic Mission Bay and La Jolla cliffs to the buzzing Gaslamp Quarter, attendees can expect endless opportunities to explore, relax, and connect.

Whether you're enjoying a morning walk along the bay, dining on fresh Pacific seafood, or taking in the sunset from the harbor, San Diego provides an unforgettable environment that captures the spirit of collaboration and creativity IBDEA is known for.

Experience the Town & Country Resort

Nestled in the heart of Mission Valley, the Town & Country Resort combines mid-century modern style with contemporary luxury - creating an ideal destination for both business and leisure.

Attendees will enjoy beautifully renovated rooms, tropical landscaping, multiple dining options, a lively pool scene, and easy access to top attractions like Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego. With expansive conference facilities, open-air networking spaces, and resort-style amenities, the Town & Country sets the stage for a week filled with productivity, connection, and relaxation - making your IBDEA 2026 experience as inspiring outside the sessions as it is within them.

Closing Reception: "Take Flight with Top Gun!"

Close out your San Diego adventure with our "Top Gun Inspired" Reception, a celebration inspired by San Diego's legendary aviation roots and the iconic film shot right in this vicinity. Enjoy live entertainment, local cuisine, and breathtaking ocean views as we toast to another successful year of connection and collaboration.

Don your aviators, channel your inner Maverick, and enjoy a close to the evening with cocktails, music, and cinematic surprises that celebrate the city's bold, adventurous spirit. Set against the glow of a San Diego sunset, this event promises to be the ultimate send off.

Register Early and Save!

Don't miss your chance to be part of the must-attend industry event of 2026.
Register before January 2026 to secure your spot and save $150 on your conference registration.

Visit http://www.ibdea.org/ to register, view the full agenda, and learn more about how you can get involved.

Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot and take advantage of special rates.

>> REGISTER NOW <<