Celeb chef teams up with craft brewery, ciders from Brothers and Cider is Wine

Singh gets Fierce with beer range

Scottish celebrity chef Tony Singh has announced the launch of a range of beers working in collaboration with Scottish Brewery of the Year, Fierce Beer.

On his first foray into the drinks market, he said: “I’ve been looking to create something different and felt there was a gap in the market for a range of premium beers with a distinctly Indian twist that are great on their own but could also complement curries. I wanted to have a bit of fun with ingredients and flavours, and I feel we’ve created two cracking launch beers that will have everyone talking.”

Kicking off with Indian Lager infused with cardamom and Citrus Pale Ale infused with lemon zest and coriander seed, the refreshing character is at the heart of each beer. The colourful packaging and striking designs include a paisley print as a nod to both Singh’s Indian and Scottish roots.

Dave Grant, managing director of Aberdeen-based Fierce Brewing, which won 11 awards as well as the coveted Scottish Brewery of the Year at the Scottish Beer Awards last October, said: “We’re proud to be producing this range for Tony and we feel there’s nothing else quite like it in the marketplace. We know consumers are looking for something different and aren’t afraid to be experimental, so we believe these beers will be well received.”

An initial contract has been secured with the Marriott brand Moxy, which will be the first hotel group to stock it, kicking it off in its brewery-themed hotel at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge.

Singh added: “It was great to work with the team at Fierce Beer who have an innovative approach to creating beers and I really respect their passion for the craft.  I’m just really excited for people to try them for themselves and see what we’ve produced.”

Currently available as 30-litre kegs and 440ml cans, the beer can be purchased directly from Fierce Beer with plans to extend the range further over the next 12 months.

Cherry good idea from Brothers

Fruit cider producer Brothers Cider has announced it is expanding its range of flavours with the addition of new variant Cherry Bakewell.

Brothers said as consumer demand for innovative flavours continues to increase, cherry is trending up 32% in the categories of strongest and future flavours to watch (source: Doehler Alcoholic Flavour trends 2021).

Cherry Bakewell will be rolled out across both on and off trade as well as via the Brothers website from the end of March. Emulating the much-loved quintessential British tart, the cider is full of cherry flavours and a hint of frangipane. It will be made available in 330ml and 500ml bottles at 4.0% ABV and is also vegan friendly and gluten-free.

The new product launch from Brothers follows the success of its 2021 flavour launches Pink Grapefruit and Honeycomb, as well as the return of Cloudy Lemon.

Brothers senior marketing manager Nicola Randall said: “We are well-known for our exciting and innovative flavours, therefore we are confident that Cherry Bakewell is the perfect addition to our portfolio. The flavour itself feels relevant and one that will land well with our audience, and the nod to the classic treat is another fantastic way to celebrate and align with our heritage as a brand.”

Schweppes launches four products

Schweppes has launched a line of new products to the market – a Grapefruit Slimline tonic and three flavours in 600ml glass bottles.

Schweppes Slimline Grapefruit Tonic is said to be a “refreshingly dry and crisp tonic with a deep citrus taste” and takes inspiration from the growing trend among bars to garnish drinks with grapefruit, as an alternative to lemon.

The Grapefruit Slimline Tonic (RRP £1.60) was released last month and is available in a one-litre PET bottle with plans to add to its packaging types in future.

Meanwhile, the flavours in the 600ml bottles range are Indian Tonic, Slimline Tonic and Elderflower, which were also released last month.

New aperitivo from Doghouse Distillery

London-based spirit maker Doghouse Distillery has launched an aperitivo called Doppelgänger, which is bottled 20% ABV, to its growing portfolio.

The latest product launch from the Battersea-bred distillery is available now in a 70cl (RRP £21.50) and 5cl bottle format (RRP £12.95 for spritz kit) on Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, the Doghouse Distillery website as well as selected wholesalers and premium retailers. Doppelgänger can also be enjoyed in a vast selection of bars and pubs as it grows its presence across on-trade channels.

Doppelgänger’s flavour profile includes citrus, rosella (hibiscus), mountain roots and herbs, and is claimed to create a delicious bitter-sweet flavour “perfect for enjoying on sunny afternoons”.

Doghouse Distillery founder Braden Saunders said: “Doppelgänger is the perfect spirit for kick-starting your afternoon or evening with good friends and great music. We’re really happy with the outcome of the latest addition to our portfolio – the liquid’s bold look and taste will provide people with a new high-quality English made spritz serve, to be enjoyed in the garden, next to the pool, by the river, at a picnic in the park.”

Two new variants for Cider is Wine

Cider is Wine, which has a mission to connect small cider producers with great standards to potential consumers, has added two variants to its English Wine Project.

The business, which has just shy of 100 ciders, perries and fruit wines in its portfolio, has added King of the Orchard (75cl, RRP £14.99). It is made from 75% Dabinett and 25% Spartan apples fermented and matured in Bourbon barrels and Burgundian French oak and then put into bottle unfiltered for a secondary fermentation. After ageing on the lees the cider is riddled and disgorged with no dosage added before closing with cork and wine which maintains its overall dry characteristics with a Bourbon and cooked apple aroma and taste.

Meanwhile, Queen of the Orchard (75cl, RRP £11.99) is made from 75% Spartan and 25% Dabinett cider apples, which are fermented and matured in French Burgundian oak and American Bourbon barrels using a minimalist winemaker approach. The process uses champagne yeasts and the cider undergoes full malolactic fermentation in barrel with a secondary fermentation in the bottle to produce a gentle ‘Col Fondo’ fizz that heightens the complex aromas of cooked apple, cinnamon and biscuit with soft tannins.

Black Sheep IPA available in pubs for first time

Black Sheep Brewery releases latest in its seasonal cask beer range – Black Sheep IPA – which is the first time it has been available on cask for pubs.

The brewer said it has used pungent New World hops to offer fragrant notes of tropical fruits and sticky pine, and said the hops “combine perfectly with Black Sheep’s famous Yorkshire Square fermentation system to give this IPA a classic, dry finish”.

The 4.6% ABV beer is made with Citra, Simcoe, and Columbus hops, which are complemented by the drink’s pale malt blend, allowing the fruity, piney flavours to blossom. A faint bitterness completes the brew.

Black Sheep Brewery brand and communications manager Jack Scott Paul said: “Black Sheep IPA is inspired by the pioneering brewers of the US who have given the IPA style a new lease of life and we can’t wait for cask beer drinkers up and down the country to enjoy drinking this IPA as much as we have enjoyed brewing it.”

Trio from Frobishers

Soft drinks producer Frobishers is releasing a canned presse collection.

Available in three flavours, each 250ml slim can is easy to store and fits neatly into any back bar fridge.

Frobishers sales director John Breading said: “Our new canned pressé range sees our sparkler recipes reimagined into a slick 250ml can. It is exciting to see this new format open up conversations in sectors where glass isn’t so practical such as convenience and leisure and tourism. The impactful design will make them the perfect standout in any fridge.”

The variants are Raspberry and Rhubarb, Crisp Apple and Elderflower and Sicilian Lemonade.

Britvic Pink Raspberry tonic hits on-trade

Britvic is to launch Pink Raspberry tonic exclusively to the on-trade following its release of Elderflower in spring last year.

Adam Russell, director of foodservice & licensed at Britvic, said: “Flavoured mixers represent a significant opportunity to encourage consumers to trade up, especially considering that they make up 11% of mixers total share.

“Over the past year, flavoured tonics have experienced exceptional growth, as consumers who buy flavoured tonics spend more than those who opt for non-flavoured. With gin and flavoured tonics being the number one spirit and mixer for consumers, Pink Raspberry tonic is a perfect addition for outlets to add to their mixers range.”

To read the full story, click here​.

Diablesse launches pink coconut and hibiscus rum

Diablesse Rum, an independent female-owned rum brand based in Manchester, has launched the first coconut and hibiscus rum, which is also the first to naturally pink in colour.

Diablesse Rum, which also supports the Young Women’s Trust, a feminist organisation working to achieve economic justice for young women, released Diablesse Coconut and Hibiscus Rum (RRP £32) on 3 March.

The new rum is also bottled to be more sustainable Diablesse said, using 65% recycled glass (30% more than most bottles), which is much lighter, resulting in a better carbon footprint.

The company said the flavour blends natural coconut with the dry, tart flavour of hibiscus finishing with notes of frangipane, this combination has resulted in a 100% naturally pink rum and it uses a delicious, single origin demerara rum from Guyana’s Diamond Distillery as its base, a naturally sweet rum with a fantastic silky texture.

Diablesse Rum founder Cleo Farman said: “The launch of our latest addition to the range is incredibly timely as drinks with hibiscus flavours continue to gain popularity across the industry. We’re proud to be leading the way by offering the trade something truly unique, with a flavour profile that’s never been done before, at a time we know consumers are curious and thirsty for it.”

Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, which has been signed as a distribution partner for the rum, added: “Diablesse Rum is an exceptional example of a brand writing its own rules in the industry, with the launch of its naturally pink Coconut and Hibiscus rum. It brings two ‘world firsts’ into the Ten Locks portfolio, building on an already truly striking proposition.

“Diablesse is constantly breaking down barriers and seeking innovative ways to enact positive change, including identifying new ways to make its product offering more sustainable.”

Wine Club app launched by Jack Rabbit

Wine brand Jack Rabbit is launching a new mobile app for its Wine Club that will allow members to engage with the brand and redeem reward points digitally.

The app from Jack Rabbit, which took five of top 10 places in the wine category of The Drinks List in November 2021​, will make it easier for members to be rewarded and demonstrates the brand’s continued investment. The app will also provide helpful tasting notes, information on wine varietals and food and wine pairing advice, as well as displaying the Jack Rabbit wine catalogue.

The Wine Club is now in its eighth year and Jack Rabbit ‘bunny’ points were previously required to be physically cut out from the wine’s outer cases, then shared in the post to be redeemed but a unique code will allow users to build points to redeem free PoS to use in outlet, or on other items such as iPads and gift cards.

Tom Smith, marketing director – Europe, at Accolade Wines, said: “The Jack Rabbit Wine Club was created to reward our customers for stocking the industry-leading Jack Rabbit wines. As the club approaches a decade in existence, we wanted to show our appreciation and give more back to our members.

“We pride ourselves on the hand-selected range of gifts, incentives and POS items that make up our rewards catalogue. Now, with the increased functionality of the Jack Rabbit app, we can offer new and innovative ways to reward our members. Our new app is just one of many exciting developments we are launching this year for Jack Rabbit.”

New bottle from honey-infused spirit brand Keepr’s

Keepr’s honey-infused artisan spirits has unveiled a new bottle design and branding, encapsulating the brand’s natural connection to British bee conservation and beekeeping.

Launched to pubs and bars yesterday (3 March), the bee-themed bottle design is made from 50% recycled glass and celebrates honeybees, British beekeeping and the brand’s infusion of 100% pure British honey in its spirits.  

Distilled, produced and distributed by The British Honey Company, the Keepr’s range features five craft spirits, including Classic, using a London Dry base; Raspberry and Honey Gin; Elderberry & Mulberry and Honey Gin; Smoked Honey Infused Bourbon; and Honey Infused Spiced Rum.    

Stuart Fritz, commercial director at Keepr’s, said: “Our new bottle is a visual celebration of our natural heartland; Keepr’s’ connection to nature and the passion we have for our craft go hand in hand. The result is a premium, beautifully executed range of premium spirits that will appeal to bartenders, pubs, bars and restaurants, and hospitality outlets.”

Keepr’s 70cl bottles retail at the new RRP of £34. It was previously £37.50, with Smoked Honey Infused Bourbon retailing at £42.   

Single Madeira Cask from Cotswolds Distillery

The Cotswolds Distillery is set to launch a new limited single cask release called Cotswolds Distillery Single Madeira Cask.

This limited-edition expression is the first of the Cotswold Distillery’s Single Cask Series for 2022. Cotswolds Distillery Single Madeira Cask was matured in a single French oak cask, which previously held Madeira. The cask was filled on 29 April 2016 and bottled on 3 Feb 2022 at a cask strength of 59.5% ABV.

Cotswolds Distillery founder Dan Szor said: “We’re excited to launch our limited series of single cask expressions this year. These unique expressions will be released a few times each year in small batches at cask strength and show off our rich and fruity spirit at its pinnacle. For this release, we have aged our spirit for full term maturation in a single first-fill cask which has previously held the Portuguese fortified wine of Madeira, resulting in a deliciously sweet single malt whisky.”

It has an RRP of £94.95 and is available to purchase as an exclusive from Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour.

Blended barley vodka from X Muse

X Muse, a new brand of blended barley vodka is set for release.

Handcrafted in Scotland, X Muse, pronounced ‘tenth muse’, is claimed to be the first blended barley vodka inspired by the spirit making traditions of Scotland. Drawn from the history and experience of Scottish spirit-making, heritage barleys and the purest water, it has been three years in development under the stewardship of former Pernod Ricard global director of creativity and luxury Vadim Grigoryan and Robert Wilson, co-creator of Jupiter Artland and co-owner of natural medicine manufacturer Nelsons.

X Muse’s bottle was created by award-winning design agency Stranger & Stranger and features the curving lines of Cells of Life, the monumental land art commission by architect and artist Charles Jencks that frames the Jupiter Artland aquifer from which the spring water for the vodka is drawn.

Lakedown launches American red ale           

Microbrewery and taproom operator Lakedown Brewing Co is launching a canned ale to its range of craft beers.

Lakedown American Red (440ml, 4.8% ABV) is said to be “rich, smooth and malt-forward” and will be available at its East Sussex taproom and its website.

Lakedown said: “The deep red pour combines Magnum, Mosaic and Centennial hops to create a delicious ale with a strong and well-rounded stone fruit flavour. The after notes hint spice and gentle bitterness, making it the perfect year-round beer”.

Lakedown is located by the spring-fed lakes that Roger Daltrey of The Who built in the 1970s as a peaceful oasis to escape the mania of touring.

Its other beer include a porter, Pilsner, English Pale, Pale Ale, New England IPA, Best Bitter and IPA.

If you have any new products that are being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images before Thursday at midday for potential inclusion on Friday’s article to tnel.yyblq@jeoz.pbz​​​​​​​​​​​​.