Bombay Sapphire, Kopparberg, Crystal Head Vodka and a collaboration between HonestBrew and Northern Monk are among the latest crop of seasonal drink launches.
Laphroaig unveils 10 Year Old Sherry Oak
Beam Suntory’s Laphroaig has launched 10 Year Old Sherry Oak, a new take on its single malt and the drinks maker’s latest addition to the core range.
Finished in Oloroso sherry casks for twelve to eighteen months, this new expression combines the flavour of the Laphroaig 10 Year Old with the flavours of the sherry casks.
The cask combination creates notes of Manuka honey, bacon, and maple syrup, alongside smoke, seaweed, and hint of salt.
“We are so excited to announce the release of our unique and premium expression, Sherry Oak, taking our iconic Laphroaig 10 Year Old and finishing it with the sweet flavours of Oloroso sherry cask,” John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager said of the new pour.
“This is a perfect accompaniment to any whisky collection and a celebrated addition to the Laphroaig range.”
Bombay Sapphire Sunset revealed
Bombay Sapphire has released a new gin said to be inspired by the heat and orange glow of the setting sun, 43% ABV Bombay Sapphire Sunset.
This latest expression combines the flavour of ten existing exotic Bombay Sapphire botanicals with an additional three – golden turmeric, Indian white cardamom and Spanish mandarin – to create a new gin.
This is the second gin in the brand’s series of special editions, following the launch of Bombay Sapphire English Estate in 2019.
“I have worked closely with our master distiller Dr Anne Brock to create a subtle combination of warming spices and citrus notes that truly enhance the complex flavour profile of Bombay Sapphire gin, providing a lingering warmth and refreshing taste,” Bombay Sapphire’s master of botanicals Ivano Tonutti said of the new expression.
Natasha Curtin, global VP of Bombay Sapphire added: “As the global gin boom continues to thrive, we remain dedicated to championing creativity and craftsmanship within our products.
“The Special Editions are unique and contemporary expressions of Bombay Sapphire gin, each inspired by the natural world from which we source our exquisite botanicals.
“We cannot wait for fans to discover Bombay Sapphire Sunset and stir their creativity through a range of inventive cocktails, from day into night.”
Liberation Cocktails launches on-tap cocktails for the on-trade
Pre-mixed cocktail maker, Liberation Cocktails, has launched on-tap cocktails to target the on-trade alongside its signature range of canned and bottled serves.
George Workman, managing director of Liberation Cocktails, explained: “Whether you are a bartender or bargoer, we are confident you will love the cocktails we have created.
“Often, the assumption is that on-tap is poor quality and we want to change that.
“Our on-tap cocktails give the trade a compelling solution to meet the growing demand for a quick, but premium cocktail service.
“With hospitality reopening and demand set to soar as we move into Q2 and Q3, we want to collaborate with exceptional bars, pubs, hotels and restaurants on a long-term basis to ensure Liberation Cocktails are a ‘must stock’ product to excite customers and boost sales.”
Signature Brew creates gluten free IPA
North London-based Signature Brew has announced the launch of 4.7% ABV gluten free India Pale Lager, Rewind and the re-launch of 4.6% ABV seasonal special, fruited gose sour, Pink Vinyl.
Rewind is a gluten free, India pale lager boasting hits of pine and citrus that is both gluten free, and vegan as standard.
Signature Brew has also re-released fan-favourite, Pink Vinyl, a fruited sour that oozes black cherry and raspberry flavours finished off with a crackle of sea salt and a hit of hibiscus.
Bladnoch Distillery launches Vinaya release around the world
Scottish Lowland distillery Bladnoch has announced the global release of its Bladnoch Vinaya Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which boasts notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate.
“As we embark on the 204th year of Bladnoch Distillery, the launch of Vinaya feels particularly significant,” master distiller Dr Nick Savage explained.
“It is important for us to show gratitude to the previous custodians of this historic brand and estate as we move forward into our most ambitious year yet. Vinaya is a stunning expression of Bladnoch’s style and we’re excited to share it with the world.”
‘Vinaya’, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to the distillery’s founders.
“As the name suggests, Vinaya was inspired by teachings throughout the distillery’s heritage,” Savage continued. “From our original founders to our new era, we wanted to showcase the Lowland style of Bladnoch Distillery.
“By using first fill ex-Bourbon barrels, we’re able to highlight the floral notes from the distillery character and a refreshing, citrus sweetness.
The first fill ex-Sherry casks then add a subtle rich body to the whisky, and mouthfeel to the experience, finishing with notes of chocolate.
“These individual aspects combine in the whisky to showcase the classic aspects of our distillery.”
Campervan Brewery reveals two latest Lost In Leith releases
Based in Leith, Scotland, Campervan Brewery has paid a tribute to its roots with the launch of two iterations of the classic Scotch Ale – Old Fashioned Wee Heavy, inspired by the famous whisky cocktail, and Salted Speyside Wee Heavy, which aims to recreate the taste of salted caramel flavour.
At 8% ABV, Barrel Aged Wee Heavy has been created as a tribute to the Old Fashioned cocktail and has matured in Speyside Whisky barrels for four months. Campervan aged the beer on orange peel and cocktail bitters.
The second 8% ABV Barrel Aged Wee Heavy has also been matured in Speyside Whisky barrels. Campervan added a touch of West Coast Scottish sea salt and bottle conditioned with muscovado sugar to pay tribute to the classic salted caramel flavour.
“After releasing several beers aged in Bourbon and wine barrels, we wanted to explore a style closer to home,” Patrick Smith, brewer at Campervan Brewery and leading the Barrel Project said.
“Speyside is the heart of Scottish whisky so it is a great place to source barrels. The Wee Heavy is a traditional style and we’ve given each beer a slight twist to elevate the flavours.”
HonestBrew collaborates with Northern Monk to create exclusive beer
Craft beer retailer HonestBrew has announced a new collaboration with Northern Monk Brewery to create fruit-first pale ale Field Days.
"With lockdown restrictions set to ease, we wanted to share our optimism for the coming months with a beer to enjoy outdoors with friends and family,” Michael Alcock, CEO of HonestBrew, said of the collaboration.
“With independent breweries also looking ahead to brighter days, we’re delighted to further deepen our relationship with Northern Monk and celebrate this moment together."
Russell Bisset, founder and managing director at Northern Monk, added: “We’ve teamed up with HonestBrew to make a beer that symbolises positivity.
“Field Days is a nod to an upcoming spring and summer filled with friends and family, re-capturing the memories and experiences that we all missed out on last year. We’re looking forward to (safely) sharing a few cans of Field Days in the sunshine with our loved ones this year.”
Seven Bro7hers to launch 'peanut butter on a jaffa cake' beer
Salford-based brewer Seven Bro7hers is launching a limited-edition “Peanut Butter on a Jaffa Cake” Stout to kick of its seventh birthday celebrations.
Part of a series which will launch throughout the year to mark the July anniversary, each beer will explore the interests, personalities, and quirks of the seven McAvoy brothers who founded the brewery as they toast this landmark occasion.
Kicking off the series is brother number six, Kit, who has crafted a 7% ABV stout inspired by his favourite childhood snack – peanut butter on a Jaffa Cake.
“The idea came from a snack I created for myself as a child,” Kit said. “I loved peanut butter and I loved Jaffa Cakes and one day – like kids do – I thought why not try them together. I can safely say it is still one of my favourite snacks to this day, and something I am constantly introducing people too.
“This year we celebrate seven years in business, which is a special birthday for us. We wanted to commemorate the anniversary with a series that celebrates our family and seven years of hard work – seven years, seven beers, seven unique ideas.
“It has been really fun taking well-known beers and flavours back to the drawing board and getting inventive with the brewing team. We are enormously proud of the last seven years and we hope people join us in celebrating this landmark.”
RedLeg Tropical Rum revealed
RedLeg Rum Company has announced the launch of new RedLeg Tropical Rum, the third flavour extension for the brand.
The new flavour will build on the success of RedLeg Spiced Rum as well as existing expressions RedLeg Pineapple Rum and RedLeg Banana Rum.
RedLeg Spiced Rum is distilled in the Caribbean, rested in oak barrels and infused with Jamaican ginger and vanilla. The new flavour adds a blend of natural mango, guava and passion fruit.
Commenting on the launch, Sarah Kingsbury, marketing manager at RedLeg Rum Company, said: “Following the success of existing flavours RedLeg Pineapple Rum and RedLeg Banana Rum, we’re excited to introduce RedLeg Tropical Rum to the family.
“The flavours have been instrumental in recruiting new consumers to the brand and have delivered incremental sales, and we’re confident that RedLeg Tropical Rum will continue to build on this success.”
Crystal Head Vodka launches 2021 Pride campaign
Founded by actor and musician Dan Aykroyd in 2008, Crystal Head Vodka has announced its 2021 Pride campaign with the launch of the Crystal Head Pride Magnum in tandem with leading UK LGBTQ+ charity, Kaleidoscope Trust.
Available from 1 June, the rainbow coloured skull bottles are designed to celebrate diversity and equality and inspire freedom of expression and creative.
The brand will join forces with its UK distributor, Cask Liquid Marketing, with both businesses offering a contribution from each bottle sold to Kaleidoscope Trust.
“The support of Crystal Head Vodka Pride allows us to continue funding successful projects and sends an important message: The pressing LGBT+ human rights challenges of our day,” Phyll Opoku Gyimah, executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust said of the partnership.
“These can be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – or companies that care like Crystal Head Vodka."
Dan Aykroyd added: “We are proud supporters of the LGBTQ+ community not only from the profits of the Crystal Head Pride bottle but through continuous global efforts throughout the year.
“We are fortunate for our partnership with Kaleidoscope Trust and all the impactful work that they do for the community.”
Kopparberg adds Mixed Fruit Tropical Cider to range
Swedish cidermaker Kopparberg has kicked off summer 2021 with a brand-new Mixed Fruit Tropical serve – a twist on its blackcurrant and raspberry Mixed Fruit flavour.
Rob Salvesen, head of marketing at Kopparberg, said: “We’re famous for delivering premium fruit refreshment in all of the original flavours you’d expect from the brand, whilst also keeping close to the latest trends in the drinks industry.
“This new variant, based on a surge in demand for tropical flavours, is a twist on our hugely popular classic Mixed Fruit cider, which is already synonymous with summer.
“Partnered with our very first limited-edition bottles and cans, we know that this new variant will define that first sip of a truly unforgettable summer.”
Bombay Sapphire reveals two new RTD expressions
Bombay Sapphire has announced the launch of two new RTD expressions, Bombay Bramble & Tonic and Bombay Sapphire & Light Tonic.
Bombay Sapphire & Light Tonic is simply created by blending the brand’s London dry gin with a light tonic while Bombay Bramble & Tonic is made using berry flavoured Bombay Bramble.
“Summer is just around the corner and the popularity of ready-to-drink just continues to grow,” Natasha Curtin, Bombay Sapphire global vice president said.
“Whether it’s al-fresco events, relaxing at home, entertaining friends or on the move, the pre-mix is skilfully crafted to showcase the signature juniper and citrus notes of Bombay Sapphire gin.
“We have also seen research that shows 90% of RTDs are consumed in the home which is testimony to the versatility of the category.
“The beauty of the Bombay Sapphire ready-to-drink portfolio comes from an emphasis on convenience but not at the expense of taste or quality.
“Our expertly balanced gin is perfectly mixed with the tonic, offering our fans a premium, bar quality cocktail.”
