Ryan Reynolds unveils Wrexham AFC gin, Super Bock UK partnership, ‘World’s first’ Indian white spiced rum

Lyme Bay Winery launches half bottle Brut Reserve

Devon-based Lyme Bay Winery, an arm of LBW Drinks Ltd, has launched a new half bottle of its popular Brut Reserve sparkling wine.

“We are producing this half bottle of our Brut Reserve as a response to requests from bars and restaurants,” James Lambert, managing director of LBW Drinks said. “To say that it is a challenging time for the on trade is a huge understatement, customers are cautious, and everyone is having to adapt.

“Sparkling wine is rarely sold by the glass as it doesn’t keep well, so a half bottle, which is the perfect amount for two people to share, offers an excellent solution,” he continued. 

“We also hope that it will allow a greater amount of people to try English wine. We’ve been really buoyed by the recent increase in interest in English wine and our aim with introducing a half bottle, is to make it increasingly accessible.”

Made from a select blend of Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Reichensteiner grapes, the Brut Reserve is described as “fruit driven, clean and vibrant, bursting with aromas of lemon, green apples and freshly cut grass”. 

‘World’s first’ Indian white spiced rum lands in the UK 

The Sanghera Rum Company has launched Five Rivers, which it claims is the world’s first Indian white spiced rum, in the UK. 

Refined from five generations of family rum production near Jalandhar in Northern Punjab and made with sugarcane grown on the Sanghera family’s farm, the 40% ABV spirit is re-distilled with cardamom, cassia, cloves, coriander and ginger. 

“Rum has soared in popularity over the last year, but its long-standing Indian heritage and methods of production - which are recorded as early as the 7th century – aren’t widely known. India is the largest sugar producing country in the world, and we’re proud to bring the world’s first dry white spiced rum to the UK,” Taj Sanghera, founder of the Sanghera Rum Company said.

“We wanted to elevate the quality of the spirit and created Five Rivers for the western palate, in a similar way to gin, but with unmistakable Indian flavours distilled into an Indian white spiced rum that can even be enjoyed neat.”

Lost and Grounded Brewers announces Helles Unfiltered Lager  

Bristol-based Lost and Grounded has unveiled plans to add Helles Unfiltered Lager to its core beer range.

The new brew will come in 440ml can, 500ml bottle and draught from 18 February and will be available for direct trade orders in Bristol and London, as well as via Lost and Grounded’s nationwide wholesale network. 

“It is no secret we love lager,” co-founder and head brewer Alex Troncoso said. “We operate a state-of-the-art brewhouse, complete with a lactic acid plant (traditional German method for naturally adjusting acidity), to produce beers with balance, nuance and depth of character. 

“Gentle and balanced, our Helles exemplifies everything we aim to achieve as lager brewers.” 

Co-founder and creative lead Annie Clements added: “In 2021 we are excited to add our first new core beer since 2017, a soft, bready and floral version of an unfiltered Helles at 4.4% ABV. 

“We’ve been trading for four years and feel it is a natural progression to add a light, easy-drinking lager to the core range, to stand alongside our flagship beer, Keller Pils - Hop Bitter Lager Beer.” 

Vecchia Romagna reveals ultra-premium 'Riserva Anniversario' 

Italian made brandy Vecchia Romagna has unveiled 48% ABV Riserva Anniversario – rare limited-edition expression to mark the distiller's bicentenary year. 

Each of the exclusive run of 200 handcrafted and individually numbered decanters signed by the Salviati Master Glassmakers in Murano, Venice, recently went on sale for £3,500 each. 

Each comes complete with a bespoke, handcrafted case and glorifier inspired by the fine oak barrels' wooden staves used to make Vecchia Romagna and featuring hand-stitched Italian leather and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. 

Marco Ferrari, CEO of Gruppo Montenegro, said: "With this truly rare and expertly crafted limited release we bring to life the vision that legitimises Italian aged spirits and allows them to play the role they deserve in the world of premium and super-premium alcoholic beverages.

“Following the success of Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera and Tre Botti, Riserva Anniversario is the third pillar in the Vecchia Romagna Reserve range - a growing portfolio of premium spirits driven by the insatiable demand around the world for all that is Italian."

Trust Water launched to support drinks industry workforce 

New premium water brand, Trust Water, has been launched by hospitality veterans Mark Bickerton and Richard Bailey to help support those working in the drinks industry, with 100% of net profits from every bottle sold being donated to The Drinks Trust.

Still and sparkling variants of the Herefordshire countryside spring water are available in a range of bottles from glass and recycled PET to a lightweight, environmentally friendly, refillable aluminium. 

“People who work in the drinks industry are a resilient bunch,” commented Mark Bickerton “but the sector has been hit badly by Covid-19 and we are only just starting to see how seriously this is affecting the lives of our colleagues. 

“The Drinks Trust is always there for the industry and has provided support, care and assistance since 1886 and it is our ambition for Trust Water to make a difference to their work with those who need it most. 

“By making a simple brand choice for Trust Water, the hospitality sector can help support its own people and help us reach our goal of raising £500,000 for The Drinks Trust in the first year.”

The Drinks Trust’s CEO, Ross Carter added: “We are excited by the new brand that Richard and Mark have created which heralds a new approach of supporting the industry from within. 

“With 100% of the profits being donated to The Drinks Trust, the number of lives that we can touch will be significantly increased and I hope that everyone in the industry will get behind Trust Water in a show of strength and unity. 

“The hospitality sector continues to struggle in these extraordinary times and support from projects such as this will help our work immensely as more people turn to us needing support or assistance.” 

Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin creates limited-edition Wrexham AFC bottle 

Aviation American Gin has launched a limited-edition Aviation American Gin x Wrexham Association Football Club bottle to celebrate the takeover of the Welsh National League club by actor, producer and Aviation owner Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. 

The limited-edition bottle will be available for fans to order via the official Wrexham AFC web shop. 

The 42% ABV gin is distilled in Portland, Oregon and is now available in more than 40 countries.

“It’s no secret that I love Aviation American Gin,” Reynolds said. “I truly believe it is the best gin on the planet. 

“Rob and I are ecstatic to have won the approval of the Wrexham fans and the League and this bottle is for them. It’s a small first step on what will hopefully be a legendary underdog story.” 

Butcombe Brewing Co announces Gold Gluten Free

Liberation Group-owned Butcombe Brewing Co has launched a gluten free variant of its popular golden ale Butcombe Gold.

Gold Gluten Free has been brewed from the same ingredients and hops used in original Butcombe Gold. Using state of the art brewing techniques, the gluten is removed at the fermentation stage of the process in the hope of producing all the taste of a classic ale.

“Made from dazzling Maris Otter malt, Gold Gluten Free won’t disappoint,: Mike Jordan, head brewer at Butcombe Brewing Co said.

“It’s a well-balanced, full-bodied gluten free golden beer with a subtle floral and herby aroma. Gold Gluten Free is also the perfect ingredient to use when catering for those who are gluten intolerant.”

Super Bock to join Cellar Trends Portfolio 

Cellar Trends has announced that Super Bock will join its portfolio from 1 April 2021, with plans afoot to roll out the Portuguese pour across the on-trade in draft format.

Created in 1927, Super Bock has sold more than 300m litres in 50 countries with its ‘Super Bock Super Rock’ music festival attracting more than 25,000 consumers per year. 

Katie Warren, Cellar Trends marketing director added: “Super Bock is a fantastic addition to the Cellar Trends portfolio, strengthening our presence in the World Beer category alongside Chang beer with whom we have enjoyed working with since 2017. 

“We are absolutely delighted to have the chance to unlock growth for Super Bock by utilising their compelling brand positioning and inspirational communication platforms.”

Ricardo Figueiredo Silva, commercial director at Super Bock, commented: “Super Bock Group focuses on building true partnerships. We’re proud to enjoy long term commercial partnerships worldwide; something we want to replicate with Cellar Trends. 

“We believe they are the right partner, with the skills to support us in building a strong international expansion strategy of the Super Bock brand.

“The UK is a strategic market for us, having good potential to grow through one of its main communication platform strategies: music. 

“We strongly believe our new partnership with Cellar Trends will allow us to build on the success of the brand to date and to expand our brand throughout the UK.”