Later this week i'll be handing over the reigns both here & over on the sites. It’s been a roller coaster, punctuated by incredible brands whose narratives I've been privileged to tell. More on the move here 👇 https://t.co/AMRUlHXQbW

And for those who know a little more about the shows, here's some of the new and exciting releases that will be there:

Things are hotting up for Junipalooza Sydney next month...

If you want numbers - for a 70cl bottle you were paying £8.05 in Spirits Duty (on a product at 40% abv).  This will go up to £8.86. Then add VAT. Which means the increase goes from £9.66 to £10.63. In real terms, it equates to a pound more in tax per bottle.

The Scotch Whisky Association illustrating the reality from next week onwards. #Ouch #TaxHike

The exploration of Brandy beyond Cognac and Armagnac unveils a world of diversity, innovation and exceptional value: https://t.co/uJTcxUJFdm

As you'll know by now, there's a big (and better) world beyond Cognac - feat @burntfaithLDN Brandy without Borders https://t.co/oXF0Q3sTbD via @spiritsbeacon

Could this be the moment Amaretto steps into the spotlight? If not now, then when... https://t.co/gzQb2ECMuv

Big carbon reductions are possible, across all industries. Just needs the will to be implemented NOW. That starts with transparency and a spirit of collaboration, so good on Chivas for making the move. https://t.co/61RC84CWaY

When you realise that you live on a different planet to those around you - both items are up in this household’s consumption🙀 “Fewer gin & tonics drunk at home – with bottled gin sales falling by over 50%. Crisps also saw a sales decrease of nearly 7%” https://t.co/BS0s11fw33

Some Monday morning reading for you: “Mastiha’s mystique is nestled in its singular ingredient and its intricate harvest. Yet, it remains a relatively hidden spirit, appreciated more in its homeland than on the international stage.”

In the realm of Mediterranean spirits, a charming duo stand out with their unique anise flavours and cultural charisma: Pastis & Ouzo. Here's a little more about each and some of the key questions each must answer in order to stay relevant: https://t.co/9wtjnY1xyF

I really loved tasting these Japanese gins at Imbibe, but my mind is still blown at the fact that someone chose to make their range of 3 different gins, inspired by 3 different flavours look so similar (each taste wildly different).

Rolling into Monday evening like…

It’s been said before, but worth restating again; Aug Duty rises are going to be a brutal hit for the spirits industry. Headed to Imbibe to see what most are planning to do about it… pass it on to consumer, part absorb, change ABV - lots of seemingly wild choices being proposed

I’m Tour ready! What will finish first? @LeTour or @nedboulting ‘s brilliant book or the bottle of @neverstraysfar gin? Looking forward to the Never Strays Car daily pods. Vive La Tour 😀 🇫🇷 #cavforthewin @millarmind @Petekennaugh

#TeddingtonVillageFair is in full swing. It's well worth a visit to @Bone_Idyll 's Gin bar. Delicious!!!!! (And rum and tonic - what a revelation!) https://t.co/c3ZInLzm3b

Next weekend is the @DartmoorClassic A fantastic cycling sportive across Dartmoor. Our special edition gin will be launching online and will be available at the event. 1/2 @MidDevonCC @dartmoornpa #dartmoorclassic #dartmoor #gin #cycling #brandswithpurpose

Unrelated but in a weird way, entirely connected - sad news about Scottish gin producer Verdant Spirits who are entering Liquidation.

Gordon’s down 20.5%. “Whitley Neill, Bombay and Tanqueray have also suffered huge value losses. Between them, they have shed £33.9m, as 7.7 million fewer litres went through the tills”.