Inventory for August 28th, 2016

In this week’s news we’ve got the launch of Maker’s Mark in the UK, the Bar Awards Hong Kong release their top ten list, and we take a look at the second annual Barra México.

As summer slowly draws to a close we’re excited for the last few outdoor activities we can partake in, before making like a hermit and closing the doors for the next few months. If you’re in Berlin around September 9th – 11th make sure and check out the Braufest. Over 12 countries will be represented in liquid, hoppy form, Q&A sessions will take place, and street food will be on hand via the always delectable Bite Club. Check out the complete program here.

Maker’s 46 Launches in UK

Drinks International reports that “Maxxium UK is extending its bourbon portfolio with the launch of Maker’s 46, a higher ABV variant of Maker’s Mark targeted at premium on trade and luxury off trade”. Maker’s 46 hopes to get into the bourbon trade currently taking place in the UK with their entrance to the market, Maxxium UK’s marketing controller for imported whiskey Janice McIntosh told Drinks Int. the new edition comes in at 47% abv, which is 2% higher than the usual Maker’s Mark. And, “The 46 refers to the number of attempts it took for the team to land on the final recipe”.

Bar Awards HK Releases its Top Tens

Hong Kong’s best bars, restaurants, bartenders, and hospitality teams have recently been named in the Bar Awards’ shortlist. “On the heels of last month’s public nomination round of The Bar Awards Hong Kong, organisers Fun Sized and Beverage & Co have released this year’s Top Ten finalists for the awards’ 13 categories”. This is the first time the awards are taking place and a total of 525 votes went into finalizing the shortlist. Founder Tron Young says “We have always known that Hong Kong has a great beverage community, and are so proud to have the community support and embrace the first awards outside of Singapore”.

Each top ten list is now in the hands of the panel, which consists of 30 industry leaders, who will “vote for and rank their five top picks in each category. The scores will then be tallied and announced at an awards party on September 25 at a soon-to-be-announced location”. And, while Drink magazine is The Bar Awards’ current media support, the magazine will launch its very own Drink Magazine Bar Awards in Shanghai on November 6th. Can’t wait!

Barra México’s Second Year

In its second year Barra México saw 1,500 visitors and played host to more than 300 brands. This is Latin America’s first (and only!) trade show “specializing in opportunities for premium spirits industry professionals” and its goal is to unite “bartenders, distributors, importers, bar managers and bar and brand owners “ to serve as a springboard for brand distribution in Mexico and Latin America. The fair took place in Quarry Studios, Latin America’s largest filming studio, and featured more than 90 booths, a master bar, and 18 seminars.  Barra México’s major feature is its prestigious seminar series, which was led by 18 international industry leaders this year. “Presenters demonstrated innovative techniques and ingredients to improve performance behind the bar and offered valuable perspective on where the industry is headed in the near future”.