After releasing the world's strongest beer, punk Scottish brewer BrewDog reacted to criticism from regulators by releasing an even stronger beer, and packaging it in roadkill. This personality is exactly what keeps fans coming back for more.

Flavoured whiskies are the fastest-growing segment in the bourbon industry, accounting for nearly 75% of whisky growth in 2012. And people are clamouring for cotton candy-flavoured vodka and cinnamon-spiked rum too. But who are these sugar-sweet variants targeted at, and is it more than a passing fad?

In Germany, beer is considered a pure drink – brewed according to a 500-year-old regulation – but most people just want it to be cheap and easy to drink. A craft beer movement is gaining momentum as a result. But is German beer culture in danger of losing its heritage?

When it comes to drinking, Brazilians thirst for quality as well as quantity. They’re consuming more alcoholic drinks than ever, and becoming more adventurous in their choices. As the industry continues to grow, what does the beer – and cachaça – taste like at the top?

A campaign by South African craft brewery Garagista Beer Company pokes fun at a large part of its target market - hipsters. With craft breweries growing around 10.9% over the last decade, its popularity has moved far beyond the hipster, and Garagista wants to leave them behind.

Lager has been Britain's drink of choice for decades. But the market is shifting away from an emphasis on volume to value – a revolution led by small-time locally-brewed 'craft lagers' like Windsor & Eton Brewery's Republika.

Brits are drinking less – a drop of 16% from 2004 to 2012 – and even 16- to 24-year-olds aren’t bingeing like they once did. Rather than boozing at the pub, they're pouring a perfect pint at home. But why have drinking habits changed? What does it mean for pubs and beer brands?

The information age has bred a new kind of consumer who seeks variety and adventure. From its drinks to its décor, cellar bar Whistling Shop immerses visitors in Old-London heritage while offering a familiar entry point.