Glenmorangie has launched a new whisky in its Private Edition range. The Glenmorangie Finealta, pronounced ‘Finalta’, is Scottish Gaelic for ‘elegant’. It is a recreation of Glenmorangie based on a recipe dating back to 1903.

Diageo has announced the appointment of Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch to its board, effective September 1 2010. He is to be appointed as a non-executive director and his responsibilities will include membership of the audit, the nomination and the remuneration committees.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is urging the drinks trade to be ready for new rules requiring all licensed premises to have an age verification policy in place and offer small drink measures to their customers.

The premium spirits division of Berry Bros & Rudd has announced an international competition to find four consumers who will be The Glenrothes Whisky Maker for a week.

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company has launched a range of “Spirit Drink” products. The aim is to give malt whisky fans the opportunity to sample the evolution of the spirit that will eventually become whisky.

UK: Hornitos tequila is to launch a limited edition bottle in the on-trade. Maxxium UK has this year been working on a campaign for Hornitos, specifically to “target and interact with a niche audience of culturally creative consumers”.

The not-for-profit Amarula Trust has committed to a further three years of financial support to the Amarula Elephant Research Project (AERP) under Prof Rob Slotow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

International Beverage Holdings is celebrating 49 awards in various international drinks competitions, including 13 awards in the International Spirits Challenge.

Australia: Former police chief commissioner Christine Nixon has stepped down from the Foster’s Group board.

Russia: Moscow is to ban sales of vodka between 10pm and 10am, according to reports.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine is to push its Maker’s Mark brand in travel retail. A new campaign, created to enhance the travel experience, aims to raise awareness for Maker’s Mark amongst passengers and encompass advertising, in-store education, secondary displays and exclusive travel retail gift packs.

Bacardi Limited has appointed Stefan Bomhard to the role of regional president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He is to be responsible for this area’s commercial operations.

Heaven Hill Distilleries has appointed Robert F. Rubinstein to the newly created role of national sales operations manager.  He is to report to and work with Heaven Hill director of North American sales Steve Feller to “optimise the company’s growing sales infrastructure”.

The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL), has confirmed a new hierarchy for Languedoc appellations.

Bushmills master distiller Colum Egan has announced the names of the nine contenders who will represent their countries in the international finals of its competition.

Carlton & United Breweries and Asahi Breweries have extended a long-term exclusive licence for Carlton to sell and market Asahi Super Dry in Australia.

Heaven Hill Distilleries has announced that current director of North American sales Steve Feller has been elected as a vice president.

A new wine agency has launched in the UK with a focus on biodynamic and organic wines. Carte Blanche aims to supply independent retailers and restaurants.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits has announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Anchor Brewers & Distillers.