“Why does the industry need contract distillers is a really interesting question, because there’s a lot of debate in and around whether we are good or bad...”

Andrew Hummel said: “Our latest tracker results demonstrate the changing dynamics of the category, and the influence of changing consumer preferences and drinks choice has on velocity performance."

The partnership has an ability to further shake up the spirits DTC market.

US-based wine and spirits distributor Martignetti Companies has agreed to buy distribution company Hartley & Parker for an undisclosed sum.

In WA, spirits RTDs are currently taxed 55 times more than similar beer-based RTDs at the state level.

Fawn Weaver, the brand's founder and CEO, told Insider how she established her whiskey brand and made it a best-selling product.

Each of the 20 recently sold bottles is adorned with unique designs by AtZ, an Arizona-based street artist whose acrylic and spray paint-centric work draws inspiration from the likes of Banksy and Andy Warhol.

US state Texas has introduced a bill to allow spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) products to be sold in grocery and convenience stores.

Technology based on the almost 30-year-old QR code remains central to drinks brands’ efforts on smart packaging, writes Conor Reynolds.