‘World’s largest’ gin bottle, Pimm’s unveils Sundowner, Arsenal FC landmark lager launch

Thomas Tipple launches new aperitif spritz

Following the release of its Brunch Collection last year, drinks maker Thomas Tipple has unveiled a new aperitif spritz collection – including an alcohol-free serve Thomas Teetotal. 

Thomas Tipple aims to cater for those seeking lower calorie, as well as low and non-alcohol drinkers, using naturally sourced ingredients and no artificial additives.

Thomas Tipple Aperitif Spritz and Thomas Teetotal are 98 and 60 calories per 250ml respectively and will be available from mid-April.

Pimm’s reveals new bottle design and Sundowner variant

Pimm’s is welcoming summer with a refreshed design for Pimm’s No.1 bottle as well as new 18% ABV raspberry and redcurrant aperitif Pimm’s Sundowner. 

Available via wholesale and retailers from 24 May in a 70cl format, the new pour will also be available in bars of participating venues such as Greene King Metro, Young’s, Fuller’s and Stonegate pubs.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Pimm’s brand,” Adrienne Gammie, gins, Pimm’s, Baileys and non-alcoholic spirits marketing director at Diageo GB said. 

“Following on from nearly 200 years of success as a popular summer drinks choice, it’s great to see how we can keep the brand relevant to consumers today and continue to innovate and provide delicious new options for our consumers. 

“The new pack design provides Pimm’s No.1 with a new look and feel whilst still epitomising the British summer that we know and love.”

Hawkshead Brewery launches new spirits from beer barrels

Award-winning Lake District-based brewer, Hawkshead, has launched a range of locally made spirits aged in barrels which previously held Hawkshead Windermere Pale Ale, Hawkshead Red, Mosaic Pale Ale and Prime Porter. 

The barrels have added a distinctive and unique flavour to the gin, whisky, rum and vodka respectively.

“We’ve used wooden casks to barrel age beer at the brewery for several years, and when we started distilling at the site, our head brewer, Robin and head distiller, Max knew we could put that knowledge to good use,” Andrew Turner, head of sales at Hawkshead Brewery said.  

“If we were to make spirits uniquely Hawkshead, how would we do it? We’ve had a lot of fun experimenting with a variety of different combinations of beer, casks and base spirits, and are really happy with the final result. 

“All four spirits in the range have a really unique and characterful finish, and are a perfect tribute to the brewery and the local area. We’re really looking forward to introducing the collection to Hawkshead Brewery fans, we hope they like them as much as we do”.

Doghouse Distillery launches Doppelgänger Aperitivo 

Battersea-based Doghouse Distillery has unveiled 20% ABV Doppelgänger Aperitivo – the third core spirit in its Doghouse portfolio in addition to Baller Vodka and Renegade Gin.

It is an Italian style aperitivo and is intended as England’s answer to Aperol using citrus and hints of aromatic roots.

Jawbox Gin unveils ‘world’s largest bottle of gin’  

Jawbox Gin is set to unveil the world’s largest bottle of gin – equivalent to almost 46 standard bottles of gin – as the hospitality industry reopens for business. 

At 32 litres and standing at 73cm tall, the ‘Jawbox Giant’s Edition’ bottle is an oversized version of the brand’s Export Strength gin with an ABV of 47%. 

The one-of-a-kind bottle will be on display during May at the Observatory Bar in the Grand Central hotel, Belfast. 

“We are thrilled to launch the Jawbox Giant’s Edition,” Jawbox founder Gerry White said. “Our brand is inspired by the magnificent industrial era when ordinary men and women put Belfast on the map for hard graft and craft. 

“Jawbox Export Strength is a modern expression of this uncompromising character, a character that will once again bring the hospitality industry back to the giant it was pre-lockdown.

“The higher strength liquid is a more intense expression of Jawbox Small Batch Gin and is perfect for cocktails,” he continued. “We really wanted to create some theatre around the bottle and this huge edition with a sleek matt black finish and gold foil accented label certainly does that.” 

Camden Town Brewery launches limited-edition Arsenal lager

To mark 50 years since Arsenal Football Club took home the iconic ‘double header’ – winning both the FA Cup and Premier League in the same year, the club’s official beer partner, Camden Town Brewery, has launched commemorative 7.1% ABV Double Hells Lager.

Double dry hopped with Hallertau tradition hops, the pour is inspired by the events of 1971.

“1971 was one of the most iconic years for Arsenal and its amazing fans, so we brewed this limited-edition beer, that’s just as special as that Double, for Gooners to celebrate with,” Ashleigh Amos, head of brand experience and partnerships at Camden Town Brewery, said.

“Inspired by the away kit the team won in 50 years ago, we’ve swapped our iconic Hells Lager red for yellow and blue. The new colour is exclusive to our new Double Hells Lager, so it looks as fresh as it tastes.”

Square Root unveils new canned drinks launch  

East London-based soft drinks brand Square Root is shaking up the soda category with the arrival of its lemonade, ginger beer, cola and rhubarb soda in 250ml cans.  

The can design sees Square Root’s logo and distinctive product stickers appear both ways up on the cans. As a result, the cans must be stored upside down on shop shelves and in fridges for the flavours to be read. 

“When we first saw the designs for our new cans, we were horrified,” Square Root co-founder Robyn Simms said. “Our marketing team got a right telling off! But then we came to realise this terrible design faux pas presented an inadvertent solution to the problem of the natural sediment in our drinks. 

“The new cans are both innovative and fun, solving the problem and reflecting the quirky personality of our brand. Just don’t tell our marketing team I said that!”

“We’re thrilled to finally be able to offer our product in canned format after a successful crowdfunding campaign earlier this year,” added Square Root’s Commercial Director Nick McKay. 

“We’re seeing a rise in demand from many of our customers looking for premium drinks to-go, and our new cans are the perfect solution for them. They’re light, widely recycled and can be sold in many venues where glass bottles aren’t allowed.

“While we remain committed to bottling our drinks, we foresee cans becoming a key part of our offering this summer and beyond.”

Square Root has partnered with around 50 venues across London, including bars, cafes, convenience stores and street food traders, to launch its new cans.