Kopparberg unveils new cider flavour
Kopparberg, which is partnered with Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I (BBG), has announced the release of its latest product, Crisp Apple (4% ABV).
Offering the taste of Kopparberg’s classic apple cider alongside a slightly sweeter profile, the new product aims to attract a new audience and offer an alternative to traditional cider brands.
The serve has been predicted to be popular with younger drinkers, after data from Savanta BrandVue’s Most Loved Drinks Brands 2023 Report showed Kopparberg was the most popular cider brand with 18-34 year old drinkers between July 2022 and 2023.
Kopparberg founder Peter Bronsman said: “Taste spearheads everything we do at Kopparberg and there is no brand that understands younger drinkers better than we do.
“With a growing demand for modern apple ciders, we are thrilled to be able to bring Kopparberg Crisp Apple to market in 2025 to ensure drinkers can access the products they want, from the brands they love.”
Crisp Apple will be available across all channels from Wednesday 1 January next year on draught as well as in bottle and can format.
BBG UK&I president Brian Perkins said: “Kopparberg’s ability to meet evolving consumer tastes with new flavours is a key reason behind it being the leading brand in fruit cider in the UK.
“With the rise in apple cider as a preferred choice in the category, the product will not only attract existing fans, but also build new brand fans. We’re confident it will be a big hit across both the on and off trade and we look forward to seeing the reaction.”
Adnams brings back vintage brew for Christmas
Suffolk-based brewer Adnams has bought back one of its vintage serves for a limited-time only.
Adnams Tally-Ho, a barley wine described by the brand as “flavourful and full”, has been added back to the Southwold brewery’s line-up just in time for Christmas.
Dark mahogany red in colour, the strong ale has been brewed at Adnams since 1880.
Returning in refreshed packaging for a limited time only, Tally-Ho boasts a “Christmas cake richness and warmth” with flavours of raisins, dark chocolate and toasted bread, the brand said.
In addition, the extended maturation period creates a “smooth and round mouthfeel”, tempered by a caramel sweetness.
Adnams Tally-Ho is available now at RRP £30.99 for 12x330ml bottles direct from the brewery’s webshop.
James May launches limited-edition gin flavour
James May has introduced a limited-edition flavour to his gin brand, James Gin.
Earlier this month the ex-Top Gear host turned publican released a ‘Turbo’ version of his Asian Parnsip gin, which features an “extra spicy” hit of horseradish alongside the sweetness of the parsnip.
The gin also boasts botanicals of ginger, caraway seed, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, cardamom, grains of paradise, liquorice root, sweet orange, juniper, angelica root and coriander seed.
For a limited-time only, James Gin Asian Parsnip Turbo (40% ABV) is available direct from the brands webshop in 700ml bottles at RRP £44.99.
May said: “This is a limited-edition gin of 500 bottles, unless you really like it, in which case we may unlimit it.
“The turbocharging of regular Asian Parsnip is achieved through the addition of horseradish, an idea that formed in the mind of master ginsmith Hugh Anderson as he contemplated another grim winter in his freezing distillery. Ideal with a beef sandwich.”
In addition, May also published a cocktail book this month in collaboration with the pub he co-owns, the Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire.
The new gin joins May’s portfolio of flavours including California Dreamgin', a mushroom & patchouli gin, and London Drizzle Gin, which offers notes of umami and beetroot.
Read The Morning Advertiser’s Big Interview with James May here.
Dartmoor launches limited-edition festive beer
Dartmoor Brewery has announced the launch of a limited-edition festive beer.
Aptly named Christmas Ale, the light-bodied brew offers notes of Christmas spice, pudding fruit, and a biscuity finish.
The 4.5% ABV ale is currently available on cask at select pubs across the Southwest and is available online from Dartmoor, priced at £16 for 8x500ml bottles.
Dartmoor brewery managing director Ian Cobham said: “Our Christmas Ale captures the essence of the season – it’s warm, inviting, and made for sharing.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers and community for their support over the years. Cheers to a festive season filled with good times and great beers.”
Innis & Gunn unveils eighth annual vintage stout
Innis & Gunn has launched Vanishing Point 08, the 2024 edition of its 11% ABV Imperial Stout.
Matured for 365 days in Caribbean casks from The Glenlivet, the brew uses Super Styrian hops, with ale malts, amber and chocolate malts and roasted barley.
The limited-edition brew, which is best served chilled in a brandy balloon or large red wine glass, marks Vanishing Point’s eighth vintage offering.
Innis & Gunn founder and master brewer Dougal Gunn Sharp said: “Stouts are creating a lot of noise, and the higher strength Imperial Stouts, which we have been brewing for eight vintages, are finding a new fan club.
“Continuing our collaboration with our friends at The Glenlivet, Vanishing Point 08 took us to an unexpected place, the Caribbean, as this year’s beer was matured for several months in casks used for The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve.
“The resulting beer is packed with flavour; rich, complex yet mellow with an espresso and toffee backbone and hints of tropical fruit.”
Innis & Gunn said its Vanishing Point 08 is a “versatile beer” for pairing with foods, from mushroom pâté to meatballs or moussaka, or butterflied lamb and barbecued foods, as well as Oxford Blue or Roquefort cheeses plus haggis, grilled steaks or spiced apple tart.
Vanishing Point 08 is available now direct from the Innis & Gunn webshop at RRP £15 per 500ml bottle.
Ricky Gervais’ vodka brand releases three new flavours
Yorkshire-based brand Dutch Barn Vodka, which is co-owned by Ricky Gervais, has released a trio of new flavoured vodkas - Black Cherry, Mediterranean Citrus, and Balinese Vanilla.
Crafted by infusing each natural flavour into the 70-times distilled Dutch Barn orchard Vodka base, the small batch production technique results in a vodka that is “bold in flavour yet smooth in finish”, the brand, which is B Corp certified, said.
Dutch Barn Vodka chairman Chris Fraser said: “We’re thrilled to bring a fresh twist to the vodka landscape, especially as consumers are turning away from gin in search of something different, but also better quality.
“Our mission is to create the best-tasting vodka on the market while staying true to our British roots and sustainable practices. We know people want quality and authenticity, and with these new flavours, we’re delivering just that.”
The new serves, which are all between 38% and 40% ABV, are availble now direct from the Dutch Barn webshop in 70cl bottle format at RRP £32.
Suggested serves:
Black Cherry Vodka Amarena
Ingredients:
- 45ml Dutch Barn Black Cherry Vodka
- 25ml Espresso liqueur
- 2 dashes Chocolate bitters
- Dark cherry (for garnish)
Method:
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
- Shake well and pour over ice into a rocks glass
- Serve garnished with a sliced dark cherry
Mediterranean Citrus Vodka Cosmo
Ingredients:
- 50ml Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
- 15ml Triple Sec
- 25ml Pomegranate juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
- Shake well and strain into a glass
- Serve garnished with a fresh orange peel twist
Balinese Vanilla Vodka Coconut Flirtini
Ingredients:
- 50ml Dutch Barn Balinese Vanilla Vodka
- 50ml Pineapple juice
- 50ml Coconut juice
- 7.5ml Sugar syrup
- Champagne (to top)
- Desiccated coconut (for glass rim garnish)
Method:
- Rim a Martini glass with desiccated coconut
- In a shaker, combine Dutch Barn Balinese Vanilla Vodka, pineapple juice, coconut juice, and sugar syrup with ice
- Shake well and strain into the prepared Martini glass
- Serve topped with champagne
Moor Beer Company introduces new cask bitter
Independent award-winning Bristol-based brewer, Moor Beer Company, has introduced a new session bitter.
The 3.4% ABV amber-coloured bitter, availble in 9g casks, is said to offer deep and malty flavours from classic British hops with nutty elements on the nose and palate.
Moor added the brew pairs well with a ploughman’s lunch or a hearty plate of fish and chips.
Pubs looking to stock Moor Bitter should contact the brewery for details.
Chivas Regal announces new expression
Chivas Regal has released details of its latest Scotch whisky expression.
Extra Smoky Cask Selection combines the richness of the traditional Chivas Regal house style with the gentle taste of smooth smoke.
The new expression features rich notes of spiced apples and roasted chestnuts on the nose, with fresh cranberries, sweet caramel, and gingerbread on the palate – finished with star anise and a warming touch of bonfire smoke.
Chivas Regal master blender Sandy Hyslop said: “With a focus on quality and a spirit of innovation, we are always seeking to elevate the experience for the modern whisky drinker – and Chivas Regal Extra Smoky Cask Selection does just that.
“By driving the idea of adding ‘extra’ flavour to our whiskies through new and exciting extra cask finishes, we are responding to consumer demand and exploring new flavour profiles in Scotch.
“The deep and rich notes in our latest expression bring a new and sophisticated edge to the Chivas Regal Extra range, offering whisky lovers a smooth and smoky tasting experience.”
Chivas Regal Extra Smoky Cask Selection launched exclusively in Turkey last month and is expected to be rolled out globally next year.
Cheeky Swank releases new creation
Spirits brand Cheeky Swank has released its newest creation, Blue Razz Vodka.
Blue Razz has been “meticulously” distilled five times to capture the tangy sweetness of ripe blue raspberry, ideal for mixing, sipping, or elevating cocktails, the brand said.
The new flavour joins Cheeky Swank’s existing portfolio, including Banoffee Pie and Sherbet Lemon.
Venues looking to stock Cheeky Swank have been advised to contact the brand directly.
- Check out the previous round-up here
- To feature in the next new products round-up please contact rebecca.welleer@wrbm.com
