The BBC offers up this report with the pretty official sounding title “How Scotch Whisky Conquered The World.”  A textual precursor to its investigative report “Scotched Earth,” it details just how Scotch has made its mark and continues to do so worldwide. [BBC]

Devotees of Drinkhacker will be familiar the name Wemyss from recent review coverage we’ve given to its expressions. This morning we’ve received word that Wemyss will be developing a new distillery and visitor center in Fife, Scotland. Funded in part via a grant from the Scottish government, plans are underway to have the facility up and running by early 2014. [via press release]

Our friends over at Wine Enthusiast have published their 2013 edition of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world. Some on the list may be very familiar and predictable, with a curve ball or two thrown in for good measure. [Wine Enthusiast]

Where 2012 celebrated the weird and outlandish when labeling and branding wines, 2013 is already offering up a refreshing turn: HuffPo reports that New York’s Biagio Cru has released Égalité. French for “equality,” the sparkling wine’s message celebrates support for the LGBT community. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to various LGBT advocacy groups. [Huffington Post]

And finally today, Silicon Valley Bank is readying its annual State of the Wine Industry report, with a live video discussion slated for January 15^th from 9:30am-10:30am PST. Earlier (and quite informative) editions of the report are available for download on its website. [via press release]

News items, blind items and tips can all be directed to: [email protected]

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