J King's Corner (Week 14) TBR v NCFC 1-3

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bzll4s/j_kings_corner_week_14_tbr_v_ncfc_13/

J King's Corner (Week 14) TBR v NCFC 1-3

Credit to NCFC- A constant theme this season for the Rowdies is that they haven't been the pound for pound most talented team in the USL, but they consistently outwork their opponents and put a lot of pressure on them and force a load of mistakes. There have been teams that have done better than others, St. Louis played well and Indy would've been a very tough opponent had they not went down a man. NCFC was the first team to really finish their chances when they beat the defense and caught them out of position. Every goal was scored by an attacker creating space or beating a defender and forcing the Rowdies defense to react. NCFC capitalized where other teams have not, and it's a credit to their composure and ability as a team. Having a high-quality midfielder like Albidawi was big for them. Dre Fortune was consistently getting behind the defense.

Rowdies defense cracks?- From a defensive standpoint, this has been the worst the Rowdies defense has looked in USL play. There was a similarity between this loss and the Open Cup loss, where the Rowdies midfielders and attackers weren't getting back on counter attacks. This is where the Rowdies are most vulnerable. Teams that play long balls and attack off the counter to get one-on-one's with the three-man back line, it's much harder to defend. But even more simple than that, Saturday's Rowdies seemed more sluggish trying to get back and defend. They also weren't pressing that much either. The whole energy of the team appeared to be off. Could've just been an off night. Hard to tell.

McCarthy's Gaffe- Just to put Saturday night into perspective, NCFC should've only had two goals. The third went through McCarthy's gloves which at this point he was just due to make a mistake and it's not like he Daniel Vega'd it (RIP Vega's MLS stint). So, in reality, the Rowdies defense only gave it two goals which isn't ideal but it's also not whatever that Open Cup game was. I remember last season when Mizell had a gaffe that didn't make me question his ability at all, and it often shouldn't. All goalkeepers have their moments whether it be Mizell, Vega, or even Karius last year (pot shots at LFC yours truly, Everton fan). I doubt any Rowdies fan is too upset with McCarthy because he's made saves that have been the reason the Rowdies have had this streak so his mistake was just the punctuation of a bad overall night for the club.

A Different Kind of Midfield Question- Injuries have made the wing mids a plug and play position as Barry, Najem, and Fernandes being out has forced Collins into putting Tejada and Richards into that wide spot which is never ideal. The last few weeks of watching Najem trying to make plays has been brutal save for his performance last week where his legs had an out of body experience and he became Raheem Sterling. I think the best midfield combination is obvious. Fernandes at left mid, Barry at right, and Johnson is insertable in either role. The center midfield is a different kind of question. Last year the Rowdies struggled mightily in the midfield and Poku seemed like he was disengaged during the last few months of the season. This year not only has Poku reemerged flashing his potential once again, but he's flanked by Steinberger and Tinari who are both really good at the attacking midfielder spot. With Ekra healthy he becomes another center mid option so it's four quality players for two spots. It might be worthwhile to get a look at Ekra in Oduro's defensive midfielder role and see if he can bring some added value there on both sides of the ball.

My Tejada patience is decreasing- I was wrong about quite a few things going into this season. First, I expected the Rowdies to struggle with a completely new team. I was obviously wrong about that and am happy to be. I also thought Poku was a wash and wouldn't look good if and when he played. I am also happy that he looks awesome. I'm even somewhat wrong about Guenzatti. I didn't expect him to hold his value as a starting striker because of his lack of finishing ability and his inability to create separation. Guenzatti may lead the team in goals but he's by no means a prolific scorer (2 goals PK, 2 goals against Hartford). Guenzatti's biggest contribution is in his hold up play. He's a good passer and has good touches. He just can't beat defenders one on one nor can he run by them. But he's undoubtedly a good starter at centre forward. The big question mark at centre forward has become what do the Rowdies get out of Tejada. It's not that Tejada has been bad, and Allen and Hoppenot haven't made great cases to be full-time starters but I think centre forward is the weakest spot on the Rowdies roster. Tejada may be more nimble and quick, but he's not great at beating defenders one on one nor has he shown the ability to score from anywhere besides right in front of the net. The value with Tejada is that if coached right, he could continue to make marginal improvements to his decision making. I don't think he's a big defensive plus as teams have realized they can just push him off. I think the only reason my patience with Tejada is decreasing is because I'm not sure how him and Guenzatti score in the playoffs and late in games when the Rowdies need a draw or a win.

Steinberger's Flick- It was just absolute class. Gif it. Loop it. The whole play was brilliant. Morad's passing is so so sooo good. He will have the occasional turnover but when he's on, he's ON. He played a perfect ball and Steinberger with the cheekiest of flicks right over the goalkeeper was beautiful.

Tejada is Panamanian lets not forget that. I mean if his stock goes up by having an opportunity for the Panamanian national team it would be huge for us in the future. Most Panamanian players highest ceiling is playing in South America in Colombia, Peru, and Argentina.

So now the question comes for the defense: does the Rowdies shop for a defender in the later summer?

The defensive depth question is is Collins comfortable with rotating in Kone? It’s hard to deny the chemistry between that Diakite, Morad, and Richards line has been strong thus far.

It might be better to wait then instead. It’s the first season loss. I admit it’s a tough call though.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bzkb6b/gameday_away_chants_question/

Gameday away chants question

So, I'm an Ottawa Fury fan coming in a few weeks and was wondering, how strict are they on cussing? I'll be in the top corner of 300 as far from Ralphs Mob as possible and the cussing I would be doing is two chants as follows:

Yell "Wanker" when announcing the other team and another chant with "Piss off and goodbye" lyrics? I just want to find out now so I can change the lyrics if I need to.

Thanks, and see y'all in a few weeks.

PS, to those I already talked to I got everything I'm bringing to the tailgate:

- Vegemite

- Tim Tams

- All Dressed Chips

- Kvas

- Delicje

I don't think yelling wanker and piss off should be a problem. So long as you're not obnoxious, but that's kinda just normal sports fan etiquette.

Alright, thank you

To be perfectly honest the closer you get to the Mob the more the rules about that relax. You should be fine though. Enjoy your visit mate.

Definitely will, I go to UCF now, so it's about a 2 hour drive

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/06/10/a-man-for-all-soccer-seasons-paul-lesueur-nyu-assistant-coach-who-made-a-major-mark-on-several-levels-of-soccer/

A MAN FOR ALL SOCCER SEASONS: Former Cosmos Paul Le Sueur, NYU assistant coach who made a major mark on several levels of soccer, passes away

Paul LeSueur (left), along with Shep Messing, Kim Wyant and Chris Armas at a Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame dinner.

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https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/international/categories/manchester-united/david-beckham-wants-departing-manchester-united-star/656850

Beckham Wants Departing Man Utd Star

Manchester United legend David Beckham, who is now a club owner, reportedly wants to snap up one of the Red Devils' departing players

The Englishman is believed to be keen to lure former United captain Antonio Valencia to his Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, according to The Sun.

Valencia will be a free agent at the end of June after United announced they will not extend his deal.

The 33-year-old, who wore Beckham's famous No. 7 shirt for United between 2012/13 and 2013/14, would be Inter Miami's first signing and perhaps be a huge drawing card for other players to follow.

Beckham's new club will reportedly join Major League Soccer from 2020 after it was confirmed that the number of teams will be increased from 26 to 30.

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https://www.draysbay.com/2019/6/11/18661649/rays-rowdies-to-play-doubleheader-this-saturday

Rays-Rowdies to play Doubleheader this Saturday

One purchase gets you both games and a lot more.

Fla.—The Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies will hold their first-ever doubleheader Saturday, June 15 with a combined ticket offer to see both teams in action on the same day.

The Rays will host the Los Angeles Angels at 1:10 p.m. on June 15, followed by the Rowdies match against the Charleston Battery at 6:30 p.m. the same day.

Fans will be able to purchase a ticket package that includes tickets to both games (in great seating locations), transportation between stadiums, and a food & beverage voucher to be redeemed at Al Lang, where there will be pre-match party hosted by the Rowdies.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1027704

The USL Q&A – Tiffeny Milbrett, Tampa Bay United Rowdies SC

IN-DEPTH WITH THE 1999 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP-WINNER ON NEW ROLE IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Having won the Women’s World Cup in 1999, an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and scored 100 goals in over 200 caps for the United States Women’s National Team, Tiffeny Milbrett knows a thing or two about having success at the highest level.

Now that her Hall of Fame playing career has come to an end, she’s helping the next generation of boys and girls chase their dreams and fall in love with the beautiful game. Milbrett has spent the past four years serving as a Director and Head Coach for the Colorado Storm and the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, which currently has seven members on the active roster for the Rapids’ USL Championship partner Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

In April, Milbrett was hired to serve as the Director of Coach and Player Development for the Tampa Bay United Rowdies Soccer Club (TBU), the youth affiliate program for the Championship’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. In her role, Milbrett will oversee technical development and lead the organization’s broad depth of competitive and recreational soccer teams across its five soccer campus locations throughout Tampa Bay.

We caught up recently with Milbrett for a conversation about the experience she brings to her new surroundings, her thoughts on the formula for successful youth player development and what she’s hoping to learn at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

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https://www.besoccer.com/new/de-rossi-boca-juniors-or-mls-651961

De Rossi: Boca Juniors or MLS?

Daniele De Rossi has some time to find his destination. Boca want him, they have made an offer and in Argentina they believe he will be going to the Argentine giants. However, TYC Sports believe that he will join Los Angeles FC.

The MLS has attracted such stars as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham, could De Rossi be next?

De Rossi will be leaving Barça this summer, and Boca Juniors have showed their interest. However, according to TYC, De Rossi will go to Los Angeles FC over Boca.

It seems that the opportunity to play in the MLS is bigger than that of Argentina and and De Rossi wants to pursue his career in the MLS in the same side as Carlos Vela.

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https://www.pitchcare.com/news-media/mark-allen-meets-shaun-ilten-la-galaxy-s-director-of-turf-grounds.html

Mark Allen meets Shaun Ilten, LA Galaxy's Director of Turf & Grounds

Though less than twenty-five years old, Los Angeles Galaxy is the best-known soccer franchise in the USA. The signing of David Beckham in 2007 catapulted the club onto the global stage and a conveyer belt of big-name players have followed since. This 'star-centred' business model has brought success both on and off the field. But, behind the LA glitz and glamour, there is a vital element to this prosperity - the groundskeeper and his crew. The team behind 'The Team'. ALS Technical Sales Area Manager Mark Allen travelled to the LA suburb of Carson to meet Shaun Ilten, the man responsible for the highest profile soccer surface in North America.

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https://deadspin.com/can-american-soccers-salvation-be-found-in-the-streets-1835411389

Can American Soccer's Salvation Be Found In The Streets?

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/06/11/mls-expansion-st-louis-come-time/

MLS expansion: Where did St. Louis come from this time?

The St. Louis MLS expansion effort sounded silent after a 2017 defeat to support a soccer-specific stadium. But last April, MLS said the drive is back on.
Back in April 2017, it looked exactly like St. Louis had lost its last shot at Major League Soccer expansion. A complicated and confusing pair of tax referendums had $1 million behind them.

The first referendum, Proposition 1, passed resoundingly. It raised the St. Louis sales tax by half a per cent. The next one, Proposition 2, would have used some of that tax money to fund the soccer stadium. That one lost by about 3,000 votes.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2019/06/11/how-nm-united-stacks-up-in-its-league.html

From big crowds to big wins: NM United by the numbers

The new team is making an impact.

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https://www.stltoday.com/sports/soccer/stlfc-shocks-mls-fire-in-u-s-open-cup-play/article_8ab6f78b-e2b0-5733-ae34-d5daea1da2a6.html

STLFC shocks MLS' Fire in U.S. Open Cup play

St. Louis FC midfielder Austin Martz, right, celebrates scoring in the first half of a U.S. Open Cup game against the Chicago Fire at Lindenwood University in St. Charles on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

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https://www.kamloopsmatters.com/national-sports/calgary-cavalry-advance-to-meet-vancouver-whitecaps-in-canadian-championship-1502161

Calgary Cavalry advance to meet Vancouver Whitecaps in Canadian championship

Calgary Cavalry is the first Canadian Premier League club through to the third round of the Canadian championship with a 2-1 win Tuesday over Hamilton Forge. Calgary won the two-leg series on aggregate.

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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/saint-louis-fc-cupset-highlights-first-night-of-2019-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-fourth-round

SAINT LOUIS FC CUPSET HIGHLIGHTS FIRST NIGHT OF 2019 U.S. OPEN CUP FOURTH ROUND

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https://stpetersburgfoodies.com/podcast/interview-with-mario-farias-from-callaloo-and-the-big-catch-at-salt-creek-st-petersburg-foodies-podcast-episode-41/

Interview with Mario Farias from Callaloo and The Big Catch at Salt Creek – St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 41

Interview with Mario Farias from Callaloo and The Big Catch at Salt Creek

Welcome to the St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 41! Our featured interview today is with Mario Farias from Callaloo and The Big Catch at Salt Creek. We find out that Mario's family was in the local St. Pete restaurant business when he was a kid, which he then inherited, then got out of, and now he's back in the restaurant business. Today, our musical guest is Stefan Scheuermann from Mercy McCoy. We will feature the song, "Black & White", which is reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone". We will also discuss Stepfan's song-writer focused podcast, "Song Divers"  and Stefan answers The Fast Five Foodies Questions.

The St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast features interviews with chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, bartenders, and more, and covers the burgeoning food scene in St. Petersburg, Florida. Episodes air every Tuesday.

This episode of the St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast is brought to you by Buya Ramen, and Engine No. 9. Please keep them in mind the next time you are hungry for some fantastic food.

Our announcer is Candice Aviles from Meet the Chef and Channel 10 News. Our theme music is provided by The Chris Walker Band.

Links:

Callaloo Website

The Big Catch Facebook Page

Mercy McCoy Website

Song Divers Website

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https://www.tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/rowdies-soccer-food-trucks

Rowdies Soccer
Food Truck Schedule
Select Games
Outside: 4pm - 7:30pm and Inside: 5pm - End of Game

Saturday 6/20
Outside:
Fiesta Bowls
Vanchetta
BBQ Time

Inside:
Cocos Latin Food Truck
Slammer Shop
Artisan Foodie

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https://www.facebook.com/events/tampa-bay-food-trucks/food-trucks-at-tampa-rowdies/316255399074984/

JUN 15

Food Trucks at Tampa Rowdies

Public · Hosted by Tampa Bay Food Trucks

JUN 15 Sat 5:00 PM

JUN 29 Sat 5:00 PM

Tampa Bay Food Trucks
4901 W Rio Vista Ave, Tampa, Florida 33634

Hosted by Tampa Bay Food Trucks

Join us at our first ever Rowdies Game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside the stadium to help you pregame - and feed you during the game! Check out the food truck line up below -

Tampa Bay Rowdies May 25th
5pm-7:30pm Outside
Vanchetta Food Truck
Kebablicious
Fiesta Bowls

6:30pm-End of Match Inside
The Melt Machine Gourmet Grilled Cheese Food Truck
Casablanca Fusion
Lolis Mexican Food Truck

Upcoming Dates

JUN 15 Sat 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

JUN 29 Sat 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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http://www.csgrilledcheese.com/events/tampa-bay-rowdies-tailgate/

http://www.csgrilledcheese.com/follow-our-truck/

15 JUN

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES TAILGATE

EVENT DETAILS
Come tailgate with us before the Tampa Bay Rowdies game!

TIME
(Saturday) 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

LOCATION
Al Lang Stadium
230 1st St SE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

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https://www.tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/event-details.aspx?id=8377&title=Rowdies+Soccer+Game

Rowdies Soccer Game
Date: 6/15/2019 | Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: 230 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Join us at the Rowdies Game at Al Lang Stadium! We will be serving from 4pm - end of game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside of the stadium - please remember no outside food is allowed into the stadium. Make sure to check out our mobile DJ truck while you're there!

June 8th:

Outside (4pm-7:30pm)

Melt Machine

Bacon Boss

Krepelicious

Inside (5pm- end of match)

Slammer Shop

Vanchetta

Cocos Latin Cuisine

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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/neighborhood-group-protests-austin-fc-090000611.html

Neighborhood Group Protests Austin FC - MLS Sponsor

Citizens stage protest rally against St. David’s HealthCare for sponsoring Austin’s Major League Soccer team.

AUSTIN, Texas, June 12, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today at 11:30 a.m. CST, the neighborhood group Friends of McKalla Place will hold a protest rally at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center to denounce the healthcare provider’s sponsorship of Precourt Sports Venture, Austin FC, and the proposed MLS soccer stadium.

Precourt Sports Ventures (PSV), Austin FC (MLS soccer team) will not pay property taxes that are sorely needed to fund health and social services for indigent care. “It's disappointing that St. David's has chosen to sponsor this speculative venture fueled by corporate welfare, greed, and political motivations. This is not the type of corporate citizens that Austin respects nor the values or the moral principles of our community. Precourt's property tax exemption is a gross social inequity that will impact our children, our poor, and working families for the next 50 years,” said a group’s representative.

The PSV’s stadium deal is the single largest corporate welfare packages in Austin’s history. Opposition to their property tax exemption is a widespread sentiment in Austin. Earlier this year, Friends of McKalla filed a ballot petition with 29,000 signatures of registered voters calling for a public vote to prohibit a for-profit business tax free use of public land. The petition was certified by the City Clerk and is expected to be on the November ballot.

As Austin faces an affordable housing crisis, high property taxes, and budget shortfalls, citizens are not accepting of the lucrative land deal offered to the California billionaire. “This deal is a poor policy decision and it places a huge burden on Austin taxpayers just so Precourt can turn a profit on his professional sports team,” said a representative of Friends of McKalla.

Prominent community leaders are also concerned with the social inequity of the incentive package, the lack of funding for area infrastructure, and flooding risks to neighbors and small businesses in the area. Nelson Linder, President of Austin NAACP, states “It’s important for St. David’s to send a consistent message by not supporting corporations that avoid paying their fair share of taxes.”

Friends of McKalla Place is an informal, grassroots organization that believes in social equity, fair taxation, and the environmental protection of public land. The group includes neighborhood leaders, civic and business leaders.

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https://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/pictures/stlfc-upsets-mls-team-chicago-fire-in-u-s-open/collection_f604b112-a0a6-5d31-a82c-182f61f6a08a.html

STLFC upsets MLS team Chicago Fire in U.S. Open Cup

St. Louis FC defeated the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer 2-1 in a U.S. Open Cup game  at Lindenwood University on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

U.S. Open Cup, Chicago Fire vs St. Louis FC

Chicago Fire goalie Kenneth Kronholm can't come up with a headed ball by Saint Louis FC midfielder Austin Martz (77) that scores the first goal of the game during a U.S. Open Cup game between the Chicago Fire and St. Louis FC at Lindenwood University in St. Charles on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

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https://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/latest-news/26065/single-malts-to-drive-whisky-sales-in-uk/

SINGLE MALTS TO DRIVE WHISKY SALES IN UK

British drinkers’ interest in single malt Scotch and American whiskey is expected to drive whisky sales to £2.44 billion in the next three years.

Malt mania: British consumers are increasingly exploring single malt Scotch (Photo: Proof on Main)

It’s predicted that British consumers will purchase an extra 2.4 million bottles of whisky by 2022, as blended whisky drinkers continue to ‘trade up’ to single malts and explore more premium American whiskeys.

Consumers are expected to buy an additional 75,000 bottles of Scotch single malt in the next three years as more ‘accessibly priced’ bottles are released.

The predictions have been made by drinks distributor Edrington-Beam Suntory UK (EBSUK), which has published its first annual Whisky Yearbook as an in-depth guide to the category’s performance in the UK.

According to the distributor, which sells Bowmore, Laphroaig and Macallan single malts, as well as Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek Bourbons, whisky will be a fast-growing spirit category over the next three years.

Mark Riley, managing director of EBSUK, said: ‘Whisky is one of the most diverse and dynamic of the spirits categories.

‘Bartenders and retailers tell us that whisky is a key focus for them, with plans to invest in broadening their knowledge and range, ensuring they can accommodate the increasing appetite for the spirit from consumers in both on and off-trade.’

Sales of American whiskey are predicted to grow by £54m by 2022, while sales of Irish whiskey, a category which is led by Jameson but seeing a wave of new distilleries open, will increase by £28.5m.

Beckham effect: Haig Club has helped establish the single grain category in the UK

The report has also claimed that single grain whisky has been ‘one of the success stories of the last five years’.

Led by Haig Club, a single grain Scotch whisky from Cameronbridge which is backed by ex-footballer David Beckham, the category is expect to double in size to sell £42m of whisky by 2022.

Riley added: ‘Irish and single grain whiskies have been real success stories over the past 12 months – sharing rapid growth on an already strong base of both volume and value in the market.

‘We expect both to play a greater role in shaping the wider market in the coming years.’

Japanese whisky is also expected to grow in the next three years as distilleries continue to address stock shortages, an issue that EBSUK claimed has also affected sales of Canadian whisky.

‘The supply challenges that have arguably held back growth in Japanese and Canadian whiskies have eased,’ said Riley.

‘While there remains a challenge securing enough liquid from leading brands from both nations to satisfy UK demand, there is far greater supply forecast and we predict we will see growth as a result.’