Diageo has decided to pass up the chance to buy the Montana wine business from Pernod Ricard. In June, Pernod Ricard granted Diageo an exclusive option to buy if the company agreed not to mount a bid for Allied Domecq, which Pernod Ricard then bought in July.Diageo said buying Montana would not meet its investment criteria.
Cognac changes
Courvoisier has unveiled a series of packaging improvements for the three styles in its cognac range. During the coming months, Courvoisier VSOP, Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif and Courvoisier XO will all be repackaged with a fresh design to 'enhance the brand's luxury positioning' and status as the UK's number one cognac brand.
Gin backs yacht
Maxxium UK's Plymouth gin has signed up to sponsor the Gipsy Moth IV as the yacht makes a historic voyage, recreating Sir Francis Chichester's famous round-the-world voyage.
Chichester was hailed a hero when the ship arrived back in Plymouth back in 1967 after circumnavigating the world single-handed in just 274 days.
Apparently then sold for £1 and a Plymouth gin and tonic, the yacht has been restored to its former glory following a £300,000 makeover and is now said to be fit to tackle the 29,630-mile journey again.
Havercake is back
Havercake Ale, first brewed in 2002 by Timothy Taylor to celebrate the Tercentenary of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, is being relaunched. The brew will now be available on draught and, for the first time, in bottle format.
Whisky additions
The Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been extended with the introduction of two new mature additions. Brand owner Burn Stewart Distillers said the 18-year-old Islay Single Malt remained faithful to the whisky distiller's style while the 25-year-old added 'luxury to the core brand identity'.
Fire Dog released
Brakspear is bringing out Fire Dog beer as part of its seasonal ale programme. The 4.4% abv drink is described by Jeremy Moss, Brakspear's head brewer, as a 'warming malty brew. The fruity richness of the Goldings hops complement the blend of malts beautifully'.