NEW PRODUCTS ROUND-UP
Hendricks releases limited-edition variant
Hendricks unveils new fruity limited-edition flavour
Hendricks Gin, the sixth best-selling gin in 2023 according to The Drinks List 2024, has announced a new limited-edition expression from its Cabinet of Curiosities series, Hendricks Grand Cabaret.
The new serve has been crafted by Hendrick’s master distiller Lesley Gracie, who was inspired after reading about a stone fruit named ‘eau de vie’, which was served with a dash of gin and scented with rose in the early 1900s after gaining popularity in Paris.
Hendricks Grand Cabaret (43.4% ABV) “experiments with unusual combinations of botanical fruits”, the brand said, boasting notes of rich stone fruits alongside sweet herbs.
Gracie said: “When you put these different stone fruit flavours together, they give you a rich depth of flavour with great brightness and lightness. I also added the sweet herbs to round out the vibrant fruit.
“This is the first time I’ve experimented with stone fruits in Hendrick’s Gin, and I love how it adds a decadent depth of flavour and yet still has the signature refreshing lightness of Hendrick’s”.
Hendrick’s global brand ambassador Ally Martin advised the gin was best served simply with a premium tonic.
She added: “This is a bright, bold gin with rich depth and layers of flavour and yet is still refreshing and light.”
Hendricks Grand Cabaret Gin is available now from Master of Malt in 70cl bottle format at RRP £34.95.
HENDRICK’S GRAND CABARET ROYALE RECIPE:
Ingredients:- 30ml Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret
- 30ml Cranberry juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel
- Combine ingredients in a champagne glass
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel
Adnams and Vocation launch second collaborative brew
Southwold-based brewery Adnams has expanded its beer range with the release of a new India Pale Lager, Balmy Days, crafted in collaboration with West-Yorkshire's Vocation Brewery.
The new 4.3% lager marks the second collaborative launch from the breweries, described as a "distinctive mixed-style brew".
Balmy Days combines elements of a white beer with the characteristics of a lager to offer a zingy taste upfront alongside a refreshing hint of acidity and a crisp finish, mixing the refreshing qualities of a Cold Session IPA with the ripe fruit and spice of a White IPA.
Wheat and extra-pale malts also create a light character, while lemondrop hops and orange peel add fragrant aromas of sweet citrus fruits.
The new serve is available in both keg and cask format now as well as in 440ml in cans, priced at £32.99 for 12x440ml cans direct from Adnams.
Cîroc enters RTD category
Diageo has entered the RTD range with the introduction of two new cocktails crafted using its Cîroc Vodka brand.
Cîroc Summer Citrus and Cîroc Tropical Passion, both 5% ABV, are available in 250ML formats across a variety of wholesale channels in 250ml can format priced at £2.85 per single serve.
Diageo brand manager for Cîroc Conor Brown said: “Cîroc is well known for flavour innovation, with popular limited-edition flavour variants, like Summer Cirtus, having been made a permanent fixture of the portfolio due to demand.
“The brand’s move into the RTD space feels like a natural progression, giving our customers the opportunity to excite and intrigue their guests with brand-new, super-premium RTD options, particularly as we approach summer."
This comes as industry experts recently told The Morning Advertiser trends within the RTD category were shifting as younger drinkers explored the category more. Read more on RTD trends pubs need to know here.
Cawston Press introduces new sparkling cloudy lemonade
Cawston Press has introduced the latest edition to its sparkling juice drink range, Sparkling Cloudy Lemonade.
Made using pressed fruit juice, freshly squeezed lemons and lemon extract, the new variant joins the brand's other sparkling flavours, including Elderflower, Rhubarb, Cloudy Apple and Ginger Beer.
Cawston Press head of sales Ben O’Connor said: “Our customers in hospitality saw an increased demand from consumers wanting a Lemonade done the Cawston Press way – made with simple clean and familiar ingredients, and free from artificial sweeteners, colours and preservatives, with no added sugars and not from concentrate– leading us to create Sparkling Cloudy Lemonade”.
While the sparkling lemonade can be enjoyed on its own as a soft drink, the 67 calorie serve can also be used as mixer with vodka or gin.
Cawston Press Sparkling Cloudy Lemonade will be available from Friday 8 March from a variety of on-trade wholesalers and Amazon in can format.
Krombacher launches Unfiltered Dark
Following the launch of its Unfiltered Lager last year, German beer brand Krombacher has expanded its draught collection with the UK launch of its cloudy Unfiltered Dark Lager.
Available now in 20L keg format exclusively from Manchester-based importer Morgenrot, the new cloudy, ebony coloured 5.1% ABV serve boasts flavours of dark roasted malts and aromatic hops alongside notes of caramel, coffee and nuts with a long-lasting creamy finish.
Krombacher director for sales and marketing in the UK & Ireland, Stephan Kofler, said: “Our speciality draught collection including our Weizen, Hells and the Unfiltered Lager saw combined growth of around 37% in 2023, so it was a no-brainer to bring over the Unfiltered Dark.
"Interest in our German brewing and traditional beer styles is booming and with the European Football Championships taking place in Germany, we’re confident the Unfiltered Dark will add further depth to our line-up and provide an unassailable choice to pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants.”
Heineken releases new Moretti variant
Global brewer Heineken UK has announced the release of a new Moretti variant, Sale di Mare (4.8% ABV).
The unfiltered medium-bodied lager has been made with a hint of Italian sea salt to provide "full-flavoured refreshment".
Heineken UK on-trade director Will Rice told The Morning Advertiser: “We know the premiumisation trend isn't going anywhere and that consumers are looking for new tastes and interesting brands to elevate their experience when they are out."
Read more here.
Nirvana showcases new Chocolate Porter
Alcohol-free brand Nirvana Brewery has unveiled a new Chocolate Porter.
Marking the brewery's first new product since re-releasing its original London Porter late last year, the new serve is rich and dark brown beer that combines notes of roasted malts and chocolate alongside hints of spice, coffee and caramel.
Nirvana Brewery founder and brand ambassador Becky Kean said: “The enduring popularity of our London Porter encouraged us to go on a bit of a flavour adventure with it - leading us to the complex and indulgent notes you can get from cocoa nibs. It’s definitely one for chocolate lovers."
Nirvana Chocolate Porter is available now direct from the brewery in 330ml bottle format at RRP £2.50.
Greene King brings back two cask ales
Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Greene King is re-releasing two seasonal cask ales for pubs to order in time for spring.
The brewer is bringing back Spring Break to its Fresh Cask Releases calendar this year, which will be available for March and April to order for the bar.
Meanwhile, Hopping Special will also be returning as a limited-edition ale, available to stock from mid-March until mid-May.
Greene King head brewer Jack Palmer said: “These beers offer lots of flavour and refreshment, which is perfect for the time of year.
“Both cask ales are limited brews for 2024 and they won’t be around for long, so they are definitely worth ordering in a firkin or pin.” Read more here.
BrewDog Distilling Co enters Tequila market
BrewDog Distilling Co has expanded its spirits range with the launch of Casa Rayos Tequila.
The 40% ABV Blanco Tequila has been made from 100% Blue Weber agave, crafted in the heartlands of Mexico and harvested by hand.
Casa Rayos Tequila is available now in 700ml bottle format direct from BrewDog Distilling Co. at RRP £41.99.
Big Drop expands keg range
Alcohol-free craft brewer Big Drop has expanded its range of beers available to the on-trade in keg format.
The Suffolk-based firm said the decision was made after a trial run of the initiative in January contributed to a record sales month.
Available direct from Big Drop, Reef Point Craft Lager and Pine Trail Pale Ale will join Paradiso Citra IPA in its year-round offering of 30l key kegs, all brewed under licence at Fourpure in Bermondsey with its parent company - In Good Company. Read more here.
