Tuesday Dec. 15, in an event titled, “The Malts of Legend,” introduced five new single malts through a theatrical experience complete with surprise (and impromptu) guest appearances by actors Chris Noth and Chris McDonald. The five new single-malt Scotches, which launched in December, are Deveron, Royal Brackla, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Aberfeldy. Attendees were invited to mingle and taste the single malts as they enjoyed the theatrical displays that accompanied each. Posted December 22nd.

Throughout the month of October, Jameson Irish Whiskey, a brand of Pernod Ricard, is gathering its consumers in support of The Movember Foundation, which raises awareness for many men’s health issues. Last year the brand raised more than $400,000. The brand is hosting numerous events nationwide in the hopes of donating even more. On Oct. 5, the brand hosted a cocktail competition at the Fulton Market Kitchen in Chicago and the winner received a $500 donation in their name to the foundation. Posted October 19th.

While it seems hard to recall now, but there was a time when advertising focused on print, radio or TV ads. The rise of computers and other smart technology brought social media into the mix for marketers. In March, Beverage Industry looked at the social media stories for several beer brands. But this month, Brand Chorus, a division of New York-based TippingGardner, conducted a spirits StoryScore Index for Beverage Industry. StoryScore is a quantitative measure of a brand’s storytelling through social management based on creativity, strategy and personality.

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Diageo is taking its Tequila Don Julio brand on the road this summer with a rolling Airstream Speakeasy mobile craft cocktail bar. The team stopped in Chicago on July 29 to share some specialty tequila cocktails paired with food from Chicago restaurants Honey Butter Fried Chicken and The Radler as well as dessert venues Black Dog Gelato and Baker Miller. (Photos by Jennifer Haderspeck)

Second Glass hosted Wine Riot in Chicago on May 2 and 3. Wine Riot offered attendees an all-access pass to hundreds of new wines as well as multiple educational sessions about different wine styles and varietals. (Photos by Jennifer Haderspeck)

Davanti Enoteca’s River North location in Chicago hosted Eat, Drink and Be Mary to showcase its new spring cocktails as well as its signature Bloody Mary bar and brunch dishes. (Photos by Jennifer Haderspeck)

Diageo’s Crown Royal whiskey brand hosted an exclusive media tasting for its newest variant, Crown Royal XO, during a Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic game on April 14 at the United Center in Chicago. (Photos by Jennifer Haderspeck and Fab Photo Chicago)

Beam Inc.’s Great Whisk(ey) Debate set out to determine which type of whisk(e)y — bourbon, Scotch, Canadian or Irish — the Chicago spirits industry prefers. Brand representatives supporting Beam brands Knob Creek, Laphroaig, Canadian Club and Tyrconnell participated in a friendly debate, touting the merits of each type of whisk(e)y and rallying audience support for their styles. (Photos by Jennifer Haderspeck) Related: Up Close with Knob Creek.

In celebration of International Pineapple Day on April 2, Bahama Breeze locations across the country invited the media and consumers to celebrate with cocktails that feature the tropical flavor of the pineapple. (Photos by Liz Parker and Jennifer Haderspeck)