Global Cognac brand Hennessy has announced a global expansion of its partnership with the US National Basketball Association, making Hennessy the “Official Spirit of the NBA” worldwide.

The multiyear agreement, which marks the league’s first-ever global partnership with a spirits brand, ushers in the next chapter of Hennessy’s relationship with the NBA and expands on the North American deal that was announced in February 2020.

“We are honored by the distinction as the first global spirit partner in the NBA’s history,” said Julie Nollet, Hennessy global CMO. “The NBA is more than basketball, and Hennessy is more than cognac. We represent global communities, and this partnership empowers us to support a game and culture that brings people together through entertainment and camaraderie despite the current challenges faced by fans around the world.

“We share the NBA’s core values of integrity, teamwork, respect and innovation,” Nollet continued, “which are more powerful than ever as we work to inspire and unite people across the globe.”

“This partnership expansion marks an exciting milestone for the league as Hennessy becomes the NBA’s first-ever global spirits partner,” said Dan Rossomondo, NBA Senior Vice President, Media and Business Development. “We look forward to continuing to celebrate the game of basketball alongside this iconic brand and our fans around the world.”

The expanded partnership will tip-off in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and South America with the launch of an adaptation of the “Hennessy x NBA: Lines” campaign that celebrates those who push the game forward. Fans around the world will be able to toast with new exclusive Hennessy VS and VSOP Limited Edition bottles, specially designed to commemorate the partnership. The Limited Edition bottles are now available in the U.S., and a worldwide release is planned for the second quarter of 2021.

For more than 250 years, Hennessy has celebrated those who embody the “Never Stop. Never Settle” ethos that is personified by the players’ unwavering commitment to drive culture forward. Throughout the year, Hennessy will celebrate the tradition and mindset of basketball fans around the world through a range of consumer events, activations and localized content.

To learn more about the 2020-21 NBA season with Hennessy, visit hennessy.com or connect with the brand on Instagram.

Venezuela Rum brand Santa Teresa 1796 has been named as the “Rum of the Year” at the Berlin International Spirits Competition, one of the most respected spirits competitions in Europe. Outperforming a field of 80, Santa Teresa was awarded a gold medal after receiving a score of 95 points.

“We feel great pride and honour that our exceptional rum has one more success under its belt,” said Andrés Chumaceiro, Director of Operations at Santa Teresa. “Santa Teresa 1796 flagship, not just for its awards, but because, wherever there is a bottle of this rum, anyone can feel represented in it because it symbolises second chances.”

The victory complements two other recent accolades received by the rum: the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, where Santa Teresa 1796 triumphed in the Best of Division Rum category, and the Denver International Spirit Competition, where the rum was also awarded a gold medal.

This brings the Solera rum’s gold medal count to 58, with over 100 medals in total.

“These 58 gold medals are a testament to the rum artisans,” continued Chumaceiro. “Our Maestors Roneros, who, with their knowledge and unmatched palate, managed to create Santa Teresa 1796; from each of our master coopers to each of the masters of rugby, who teach us by their example of the power to transform.”

Santa Teresa is the first rum producer in Venezuela, with over 227 years of tradition and expertise. It can be found in over 70 countries, proudly displaying the Denominación de Origen Controlado Ron de Venezuela.

For more information, go to santateresarum.com

Independent whisky bottler Boutique-y has announced the cocktail competition you have all been waiting for.

Pitting industry professionals against amateurs, bartenders against the off-trade, and influencers against at-home mixologists—the brand has launched the ultimate cocktail competition, Boutique-y Vs The World.

A first for the brand, the competition is open to ALL (18+, of course! who reside in the UK). The winner will receive a true ‘money can’t buy’ prize—a bottle of their very own whisky.

Working alongside Boutique-y’s Head of Whiskey Sam Simmons, the winner will participate in everything from choosing the cask to helping to design the label.

They will then receive bottle number one of their own TBWC limited edition whisky, which will be available for sale on Master of Malt. And we don’t need to tell you about the bragging rights!

So what do you need to do? Create the ultimate Boutique-y cocktail.

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Each entrant will use the celebrated Canadian Corn Core Whiskey as one of five ingredients. These five ingredients need to be inspired by the word MOOSE (five letters). The Moose, of course, can be found on the distinctive red label of That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s Canadian Corn Whiskey.

Points will be judiciously awarded for the serving itself, its drinkability, the creativity of the ingredients used, the garnish, the name and the story behind it.

No additional points will be awarded for Canadian fancy dress, but you’ll be forever a legend in the eyes of the team at That Boutique-y Whisky Company.

Divided into UK regions, the shortlisted entrants will be invited to make their cocktails in live heats (commencing on the 17th of June) across FOUR NIGHTS OF FUN. Expect celebrations, drinking some tasty whisky, and, importantly, making new friends.

Winners of these heats will be invited to ‘the Canada of the British Isles’, Manchester! (Yes, they know, but nobody calls it that.)

The Final will be held in Manchester on the 4th of July, purely to stick forks up to Canada’s neighbours across the Southern border because that’s how they do things at Boutique-y HQ.

“So, how do I enter?” Well, it’s a cunningly simple entry process! Simply visit www.thatboutiqueywhiskycompany.com for all the information and to enter your winning cocktail by 20th May 2024.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his premium, small-batch tequila, Teremana, are returning their annual “Guac on The Rock” initiative, but this year, running the campaign for the entire month of May.

In it’s fourth year, the campaign allows fans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with friends and family while continuing to support their local restaurants and enjoying the classic combination of tequila and guacamole.

This year, the brand will reimburse restaurant goers for their guac when they purchase any Teremana® Tequila cocktail with an order of guacamole from May 1st through May 31st.

“For Cinco de Mayo and my birthday this year, I’m happy that the Guac will be on the Rock for a full month,” says Teremana® Tequila Founder, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“It’s a testament to Teremana’s incredible success that we can give back to our tremendous bars and restaurants and our loyal fans for a fourth year in a row, in an even bigger way than before. I can’t wait to see more people come together to support our nation’s hospitality workers and say thank you by raising a Teremana® Toast and participating in Guac on the Rock!”

The annual “Guac On The Rock” tradition is part of Teremana Tequila’s efforts to Share the Mana. Mana is at the heart of the brand, propelling it to bring good energy, bring people together, and do the right thing.

Consumers 21 and over who purchase a Teremana cocktail with an order of guacamole will be reimbursed up to $10.

To learn more about the initiative, and to find restaurants and bars that carry Teremana, head to guacontherock.com.

Global liqueur brand Grand Marnier is collaborating with Grammy-winning rapper 2 Chainz to launch its new digital content series, The Rouge Room.

Celebrating the power of unexpected collaborations, the Rouge Room has been designed to provide a consistent visual space where the brand can bring contemporary Grand Encounters to life year after year.

Born out of our proprietary blend of cognac and orange liqueur, Grand Marnier is itself a representation of two disparate entities coming together to form something incredible.

This premise will allow The Rouge Room to create a starting point for different collaborators to explore cultural relevance through storytelling and content.

In the inaugural iteration, Grand Marnier has joined forces with 2 Chainz to blend two distinct worlds, united by a mutual dedication to creativity and passion.

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Renowned as one of the most prolific collaborators in the music industry, 2 Chainz embodies the very essence of a Grand Encounter. His exceptional talent seamlessly enhances the work of his partners, resulting in a harmonious fusion of creativity and artistry.

“I’ve always been a Margarita fan,” explained 2 Chainz, “but I found the secret ingredient that makes the classic even better: Grand Marnier.

“I tried a Grand Marnier Quintessence margarita a few years back on my show ‘Most Expensivest’ and let me tell you that blend of cognac and orange is pure magic. It’s a whole vibe upgrade for your margarita and drink style,” he continued.

Mirroring the interior of a Grand Marnier bottle, The Rouge Room is colour-drenched in the rich hues of Grand Marnier red. 2 Chainz takes centre stage to showcase how the blend of Grand Marnier’s key ingredients can elevate the classic Margarita to new heights for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

“Teaming up with 2 Chainz for the launch of The Rouge Room content series allows us to forge deeper connections with consumers seeking new ways to savour and sip Grand Marnier,” said Andrea Sengara, Vice President of Marketing for Campari America.

“This series not only highlights the blend of fine cognac and orange liqueur but also invites consumers to reimagine their cocktail experience, from elevating the classic margarita to sparking inspiration and discovering their own unique ways of enjoying Grand Marnier.”

Director Ray Neutron captured the creative, with complementary visuals from Breyona Holt. 2 Chainz’s bold look—a custom rouge suit—was curated by stylist Erik Ziemba. Together, this blending of creatives from diverse backgrounds built a Grand Encounter in itself to produce content that truly speaks to how Grand Marnier enhances the cocktail experience.

The unexpected encounter that defines Grand Marnier will also come to life across the US for consumers 21+ as part of the brand’s ‘Encounters on Road’ event series and dedicated presence at the 2024 Roots Picnic, one of the summer’s most highly anticipated festivals, on June 1st and 2nd in Philadelphia.

To check out The Rouge Room content series, head to @grandmarnierusa.