Latest news with #whisky
Bloomberg
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Ten Classic Gifts (With a Twist) for Father's Day
In honor of Father's Day, we set out to find special versions of 'classic' gifts for difficult-to-please dads. This means stylish takes on traditional accessories, limited-edition collaborations and unexpected twists. Whether he loves to cook, travel or indulge in the finer things in life, you'll find something below. In the whisky world, the cask is king. The type of wood and the spirit previously aged within greatly influence the final aromas, flavors and appearance, so they're of paramount importance. Luminary No. 3 from the Dalmore began in ex-bourbon barrels, then was finished in seven wildly different casks, including Calvados, two types of sherry, red wine and American white oak. This gives the whisky a unique flavor profile that connoisseurs will savor. The 2025 edition is limited to 20,000 bottles and comes in packaging designed by architect Ben Dobbin, who designed Apple's California campus. $399.99;
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
BORIS JOHNSON: Like an alcoholic reaching for the bottle, Labour are addicted to a greedy gulp of the old tax and spend - and they'll give us a hangover that will last for decades
Watching the Labour Government trying to manage the UK economy is like watching an alcoholic trying to deal with a lifetime of addiction. They know the bottle of whisky is there in the cupboard. It's called the old tax and spend. They know that they love the taste of it – the rush of that first glug – but they also know deep down that just unscrewing the cap of that bottle is going to be a disaster, for them and for their families.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Watch: Japan ambassador gives Irn Bru 1901 recipe the thumbs up
The Japanese ambassador to the UK has given Irn Bru his tick of approval while visiting a whisky distillery near Glasgow. His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki toured the Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank with First Minister John Swinney as the two discussed trade on Friday. Mr Suzuki had tried Irn Bru earlier during his visit, but some Scots had urged him to try the original 1901 recipe, which had been phased out following the sugar tax. After taking a gulp of the older recipe Irn Bru, the Japanese ambassador added: 'It is just great,' while giving it a thumbs up.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
John Swinney says links with Japan ‘hugely valuable' as he hosts ambassador
John Swinney has said Scotland's relationship with Japan is 'hugely valuable' after he hosted the Japanese ambassador to the UK at his official residence. Hiroshi Suzuki visited Bute House in Edinburgh on Thursday evening, alongside a group of prominent Japanese business representatives. On Friday, the First Minister and the ambassador will visit a whisky distillery to highlight ties between Scotland and the East Asian nation. Mr Suzuki is known for posting brief social media videos of himself enjoying cuisine and culture around the UK, with one showing him taking a bite of haggis and declaring it 'fantastic'. I'm enjoying haggis!!👍😄 — Hiroshi Suzuki (@AmbJapanUK) May 28, 2025 Recent Japanese investments in Scotland include Sumitomo Electric's plans to build a high-voltage cable factory in the Highlands, which would supply the offshore energy industry. Before the visit the First Minister said: 'Our relationship with Japan is both long-standing and hugely valuable to Scotland's economy. 'Both countries share a mutually beneficial working relationship on key future industries, such as the green energy transition, AI and biotech. 'Japan is also a key trading partner for Scottish businesses, especially those operating within our whisky sector. In 2024, whisky exports to Japan reached £182 million, up over 7.1% from 2023. 'I am committed to strengthening these ties and improving co-operation between both countries in the years to come.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Business confidence in Scotland ‘higher than UK average' in May
Business confidence in Scotland rose to higher than the UK national average in May, at 52%. Overall UK business confidence rose 11 points in May to 50% – the highest level in nine months. Confidence in Scotland rose 12 points during May to 52%, according to the Bank of Scotland's Business Barometer, compared to 40% in April. While companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down four points at 57%, optimism in the economy rose 29 points to 48%, which analysts said 'gives a headline confidence reading of 52%'. The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Overall, UK business confidence increased 11 points in May to 50% – its highest level since August 2024. READ MORE: Scotland's food and drink exports more than six times those of England per head 'Scotland's oldest whisky family' appoints new distillery chief Green light for new hotel at Scottish shopping centre site Firms' optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened six points to 56%, while confidence in the wider economy also climbed 16 points to 44%. In a six-month forecast, Scottish businesses identified target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (56%), investing in their team, for example through training (48%) and introducing new technology, for example AI and automation (36%). The East Midlands was the most confident region in May (66%), followed closely by the north-east of England (65%). Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: 'Scottish business confidence has not only continued to rise, but has now remained above the UK national average for a sixth month in a row. 'Our country's businesses are setting out clear plans for growth, with more firms planning to take steps such as launching new products and services than anywhere else in the UK. 'This reflects a business community that has innovation and ambition in its DNA. We'll continue to support local businesses as they turn their plans into action.' Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist at Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: 'The rebound in business confidence suggests that firms might be in a stronger position for the next quarter. 'The rise in confidence is driven by a sharp increase in economic optimism, reflecting the recovery in financial markets amid more promising prospects for potential global trade agreements. 'Equally as encouraging is the fact that trading prospects, wage expectations and hiring intentions also saw improvements this month. The positive trends in these metrics are important signals for potential growth and resilience in the business community and the wider economy. 'While we know that fluctuations do occur month on month and the global economic outlook remains uncertain, this month's increase in confidence is an encouraging sign.' Paul Kempster, managing director for commercial banking coverage at Lloyds Business and Commercial, said: 'The jump in business confidence for our regions and nations is encouraging. 'It's great to see that across many metrics, businesses are more hopeful for the future and are backing themselves for success in 2025. 'The East Midlands in particular saw the highest confidence levels at 66%, the highest the region has seen since 2018. 'As business confidence regains, we are committed to support businesses with a range of financial services to help them to seize opportunities and achieve their growth ambitions.' Show less
