NEWBIES: Spearhead Spirits – why aren't we all drinking African gin?

Western drinkers are missing out on an entire continent of flavors. Spearhead Spirits are building a portfolio of brands to fix that.

Dec 4 • 

Emma Louise Tucker

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November 2025

Happy Hour: non-alc brands raised a lot of money this month

Recess, Aplós and Trip all had plenty to celebrate. Meanwhile, the world of THC found itself in turmoil and one brave man plans to open a 150-year-old…

Nov 28

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Drinking has entered the "age of potency"

Connection, embodiment, and why alcohol must evolve - with special guest Jasmine Bina

Nov 25 • 

Margaret Kerr-Jarrett

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Could Mother Root be non-alc’s first classic brand?

We asked founder Bethan Higson what it’ll take to create the Guinness or Hendrick's or Dom Perignon of the alc-free world

Nov 20 • 

Emma Louise Tucker

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Casalú: this rum RTD doesn't care if you don't speak Spanish.

Latin pride, and the playbook for the next Red Bull

Nov 11 • 

Margaret Kerr-Jarrett

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NEWBIES: Mario’s Hard Espresso – the story is the brand

Marketers and founders love to talk about storytelling, but Mario’s Hard Espresso is a genuine example of how narrative can build a business.

Nov 5 • 

Emma Louise Tucker

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October 2025

Happy Hour: drinks, but make them EXTRA

In the news this month: bev/alc brands get into the nootropics biz; the influx of low-ABV and boring, boring, boring booze

Oct 31 • 

Margaret Kerr-Jarrett

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Booze in the GLP-1 era

Millions of Americans use them, and millions more plan to. Here’s how the weight-loss drug obsession could play out for bev/alc brands

Oct 24 • 

Emma Louise Tucker

Hoste Cocktails is building the high-end RTS (ready to serve) category

It's expensive, but actually not?

Oct 17 • 

Margaret Kerr-Jarrett

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NEWBIES: Wild Mannered – soju cocktails made for group hangouts

As soju gains cultural currency in the US, Wild Mannered is building a brand designed to slide into social occasions.

Oct 10 • 

Emma Louise Tucker

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Cheeky Cocktails: cute on the shelf, ruthless in the build

How to build a mixers brand that feels premium, sells to pros and civilians, and is a lot more than "nice".

Oct 3 • 

Margaret Kerr-Jarrett

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September 2025

Happy Hour: America’s new fav, tinned everything, sporty collabs

In the news this month: America has a new best-selling beer and Willem Dafoe says Laphroaig is "like licking a walrus chomping on a seaweed cigar"

Sep 30 • 

Margaret Kerr-Jarrett