Latest news with #TheSpiritsBusiness
Black America Web
a day ago
- Business
- Black America Web
Fawn Weaver Says She's 'Unshaken' Despite Recent News Regarding Uncle Nearest
Source: Eugenia R. Washington / Getty Fawn Weaver, the CEO of the award-winning whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, has adopted a defiant stance in the wake of the company being placed in receivership last week. In a new social media post, Fawn Weaver says that she and the Uncle Nearest team are 'unshaken' and are urging patrons to buy up the product in support. Taking to her Instagram page, Fawn Weaver spoke to her 288,000 followers in her usual direct fashion, opening the clip by acknowledging that due to the receivership, she is under a gag order by the court. 'What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good,' Weaver began the video. She then urged her supporters to 'keep clearing the shelves' and purchase the range of Uncle Nearest products to promote the viability of the brand to distributors. We care about your data. See our privacy policy. She followed that with, 'Don't believe the fake news. Some reports are saying that I no longer own Uncle Nearest, that I'm not running it. Let me be clear. I built this company, I own this company, I run this company.' Weaver also shared in her Instagram message that despite the trend that people are drinking less in the country, sales for Uncle Nearest are continuing to soar nationwide. As reported by The Spirits Business, Uncle Nearest was placed under receivership on August 14 after defaulting on over $100 million in loans. Farm Credit Mid-America, reported as the company's largest creditor, filed a lawsuit near the top of the month and requested that federal judge Charles E Atchley place Uncle Nearest in the receivership. The ruling is favorable for Weaver as it allows her to continue to market and push the company as she sees fit. Watch Fawn Weaver's message below. — Photo: Getty SEE ALSO Fawn Weaver Says She's 'Unshaken' Despite Recent News Regarding Uncle Nearest was originally published on
Scoop
04-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pōkeno Whisky Grows Global Reputation With Big Win At The World Whisky Masters; Continues To Push Boundaries At Home
Press Release – Pokeno Whisky Pioneering New Zealand distillery awarded trio of medals at global spirit competition for three of its craft single malts one month after releasing worlds first Kauri cask whisky. Pōkeno Whisky has added to its growing global reputation for innovation and excellence by securing a Master and two Gold medals at The World Whisky Masters 2025. The Master Medal, the highest honour in the competition, was awarded to the Winter Malt from Pōkeno's special edition Exploration Series. Two of Pōkeno's signature single malts, Origin and Discovery, received Gold Medals. Chaired by The Spirits Business, with a panel of leading spirits specialists, The World Whisky Masters are part of a highly regarded series of blind-tasting competitions. Pōkeno founder Matt Johns says the recognition supports the brand's global growth, placing the whiskies amongst some of the world's elite. 'We started Pōkeno with a goal to create great single malt whiskies that capture the essence of Aotearoa and to share them on the global stage. Recognition from The Spirits Business supports our credibility when entering new overseas markets. 'We're incredibly proud of our unique range of whiskies that we feel showcase the spirit of New Zealand and it's brilliant to see them holding their own against some of the best and biggest names in the business. 'It's also great recognition of the team's continued innovation and creativity when it comes to pushing boundaries to experiment with flavour and create world-class, but distinctively different, single malts.' It's this drive to push boundaries that has led Pōkeno to experiment with native New Zealand woods. Last month the distillery released a highly anticipated follow-up to its award-winning Totara Cask single malt, a kauri cask single malt, which sold out in record time. 'The Kauri Cask is the most original single malt we've ever made,' says Johns. 'Made from New Zealand barley, with New Zealand water and New Zealand wood, it's about a Kiwi as you can get.' The timber came from a Pokeno local who had been storing the slabs in his shed for more than 30 years. Despite the brittle nature of the softwood, master cooper Mike Tawse was able to build a 160-litre barrel that was filled in October 2023 with 3-year-old single malt which had been distilled in June 2020. 'We didn't quite know what to expect when we started this journey, and it certainly hasn't been easy. It's taken years of patience and determination to get the whisky from barrel to bottle, but the result is something special.' About Pōkeno Pōkeno is a New World whisky distillery driven by creating one of the world's finest single malts and committed to using the finest local ingredients and traditional methods to create exceptional whiskies that capture the unique essence of New Zealand. Pōkeno is currently distributed to 25 countries worldwide.
Scoop
04-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pōkeno Whisky Grows Global Reputation With Big Win At The World Whisky Masters; Continues To Push Boundaries At Home
Pōkeno Whisky has added to its growing global reputation for innovation and excellence by securing a Master and two Gold medals at The World Whisky Masters 2025. The Master Medal, the highest honour in the competition, was awarded to the Winter Malt from Pōkeno's special edition Exploration Series. Two of Pōkeno's signature single malts, Origin and Discovery, received Gold Medals. Chaired by The Spirits Business, with a panel of leading spirits specialists, The World Whisky Masters are part of a highly regarded series of blind-tasting competitions. Pōkeno founder Matt Johns says the recognition supports the brand's global growth, placing the whiskies amongst some of the world's elite. 'We started Pōkeno with a goal to create great single malt whiskies that capture the essence of Aotearoa and to share them on the global stage. Recognition from The Spirits Business supports our credibility when entering new overseas markets. 'We're incredibly proud of our unique range of whiskies that we feel showcase the spirit of New Zealand and it's brilliant to see them holding their own against some of the best and biggest names in the business. 'It's also great recognition of the team's continued innovation and creativity when it comes to pushing boundaries to experiment with flavour and create world-class, but distinctively different, single malts.' It's this drive to push boundaries that has led Pōkeno to experiment with native New Zealand woods. Last month the distillery released a highly anticipated follow-up to its award-winning Totara Cask single malt, a kauri cask single malt, which sold out in record time. 'The Kauri Cask is the most original single malt we've ever made,' says Johns. 'Made from New Zealand barley, with New Zealand water and New Zealand wood, it's about a Kiwi as you can get.' The timber came from a Pokeno local who had been storing the slabs in his shed for more than 30 years. Despite the brittle nature of the softwood, master cooper Mike Tawse was able to build a 160-litre barrel that was filled in October 2023 with 3-year-old single malt which had been distilled in June 2020. "We didn't quite know what to expect when we started this journey, and it certainly hasn't been easy. It's taken years of patience and determination to get the whisky from barrel to bottle, but the result is something special.' About Pōkeno Pōkeno is a New World whisky distillery driven by creating one of the world's finest single malts and committed to using the finest local ingredients and traditional methods to create exceptional whiskies that capture the unique essence of New Zealand. Pōkeno is currently distributed to 25 countries worldwide.
Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish bartender named best in the world at 'cocktail Oscars'
A Scottish bartender, and his bar, have scooped a number of awards at a global ceremony that celebrates the cocktail and hospitality industry. Iain McPherson, owner and founder of Panda & Sons, the multi-award-winning speakeasy bar in Edinburgh, was named number one on Drinks International's Bar World 100 list, officially recognising him as the world's most influential bar professional. Panda & Sons also made history at this year's Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans, securing three major accolades in a single night, the first time a European bar has ever achieved this extraordinary feat. Often dubbed the 'Oscars of the cocktail world' the Spirited Awards are the industry's most prestigious global celebration of excellence in bartending and hospitality. Panda & Sons walked away with three top honours - World's Best Cocktail Menu, Best International Bar Team, and International Bar Mentor of the Year for founder Iain McPherson - reaffirming its place as one of the most innovative and respected cocktail bars on the planet. Iain McPherson and team at the awards in New Orleans The bar's groundbreaking win marks the first time Scotland has brought home a Spirited Award since 2014, putting the nation firmly on the global cocktail map and proving its bars can compete with the very best. This year's triple win places Panda & Sons in rarefied air, earning them headlines across the drinks industry and beyond. As reported in The Spirits Business, the judges highlighted the bar's 'visionary approach to hospitality, unparalleled creativity, and global influence.' Time Out hailed Panda & Sons as 'a trailblazing force that continues to put Edinburgh firmly on the world cocktail map.' It caps off a defining year for Panda & Sons and its visionary founder, Iain McPherson. Earlier in 2025, the team picked up top honours at the CLASS Bar Awards, reinforcing their position at the forefront of the UK bar scene. 'We are absolutely overwhelmed," said Iain McPherson. 'To represent Scotland and Europe on the world stage and bring home three Spirited Awards in one night is a dream come true. 'It's a reflection of our team's dedication, creativity, and love for what we do.' Picture: Panda and Sons This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering passion, commitment, and relentless hard work of the entire Panda & Sons team. From the earliest days, founder Iain McPherson's vision has been to elevate the craft of bartending to the same level of respect and recognition as the culinary world, a philosophy that continues to shape every detail of the guest experience. Backed by an exceptional leadership team, including Nicky Craig and Sean Moggach and a bar team known for their creativity, precision, and warmth, the group has poured their hearts into every service, menu, and idea. These awards are not just accolades, they are a recognition of years of love, labour, and a shared belief in pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail bar can be. With this groundbreaking achievement, Panda & Sons has solidified its legacy not just in the UK but globally. As the international spotlight turns to Edinburgh, Panda & Sons is proudly leading the charge into a new era of cocktail excellence.
Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish bartender named best in the world at 'cocktail Oscars'
A Scottish bartender, and his bar, have scooped a number of awards at a global ceremony that celebrates the cocktail and hospitality industry. Iain McPherson, owner and founder of Panda & Sons, the multi-award-winning speakeasy bar in Edinburgh, was named number one on Drinks International's Bar World 100 list, officially recognising him as the world's most influential bar professional. Panda & Sons also made history at this year's Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans, securing three major accolades in a single night, the first time a European bar has ever achieved this extraordinary feat. Often dubbed the 'Oscars of the cocktail world' the Spirited Awards are the industry's most prestigious global celebration of excellence in bartending and hospitality. Panda & Sons walked away with three top honours - World's Best Cocktail Menu, Best International Bar Team, and International Bar Mentor of the Year for founder Iain McPherson - reaffirming its place as one of the most innovative and respected cocktail bars on the planet. Iain McPherson and team at the awards in New Orleans The bar's groundbreaking win marks the first time Scotland has brought home a Spirited Award since 2014, putting the nation firmly on the global cocktail map and proving its bars can compete with the very best. This year's triple win places Panda & Sons in rarefied air, earning them headlines across the drinks industry and beyond. As reported in The Spirits Business, the judges highlighted the bar's 'visionary approach to hospitality, unparalleled creativity, and global influence.' Time Out hailed Panda & Sons as 'a trailblazing force that continues to put Edinburgh firmly on the world cocktail map.' It caps off a defining year for Panda & Sons and its visionary founder, Iain McPherson. Earlier in 2025, the team picked up top honours at the CLASS Bar Awards, reinforcing their position at the forefront of the UK bar scene. 'We are absolutely overwhelmed," said Iain McPherson. 'To represent Scotland and Europe on the world stage and bring home three Spirited Awards in one night is a dream come true. 'It's a reflection of our team's dedication, creativity, and love for what we do.' Picture: Panda and Sons This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering passion, commitment, and relentless hard work of the entire Panda & Sons team. From the earliest days, founder Iain McPherson's vision has been to elevate the craft of bartending to the same level of respect and recognition as the culinary world, a philosophy that continues to shape every detail of the guest experience. Backed by an exceptional leadership team, including Nicky Craig and Sean Moggach and a bar team known for their creativity, precision, and warmth, the group has poured their hearts into every service, menu, and idea. These awards are not just accolades, they are a recognition of years of love, labour, and a shared belief in pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail bar can be. With this groundbreaking achievement, Panda & Sons has solidified its legacy not just in the UK but globally. As the international spotlight turns to Edinburgh, Panda & Sons is proudly leading the charge into a new era of cocktail excellence.
