Summer cider: Inch’s and Old Mout launches from Heineken, Toffee Apple alcohol-free

Signature Brew creates Good Vibrations

North London-based beer maker Signature Brew has revealed 5.2% ABV Good Vibrations – a hazy, golden New England Pale Ale containing stone fruit and vanilla notes.

The release coincides with the brewer reopening the doors to its Blackhorse Road Brewer’s Bar, Haggerston Taproom and Walthamstow burger and beer bar, the Collab.

Brothers Cider releases Toffee Apple alcohol-free

Brothers Cider has unveiled the latest addition to its range of unique ciders with the launch of Toffee Apple Alcohol Free. The new variant is 0% ABV as well as gluten free and vegan friendly.

Nicola Randall, senior marketing manager at Brothers said: “At Brothers we have always sought to provide meaningful innovation in the cider category, which not only has appealed to our core set of customers but piqued the interest of all consumers with our unique set of flavours. 

“We’ve entered the alcohol-free category, to ensure our customers can continue to explore and experience our exciting flavours and enjoy the quality and taste of a Brothers Cider whatever the occasion. 

“Empowering consumers with the choice to go alcohol-free when they wish, will foster greater loyalty with our brand and further consolidate our position for long term success.” 

The release of Toffee Apple Alcohol Free comes shortly after the launch of Pink Grapefruit, Honeycomb and Cloudy Lemon pours in March, joining Brothers Cider’s wider portfolio of ten variants.

6 O’Clock Gin launches RTD in tandem with chef Romy Gill

Artisanal British gin maker, 6 O’clock gin, is adding a new flavour to its ready-to-drink (RTD) range in collaboration with chef Romy Gill MBE.

Following the successful launch of 'Romy's Edition' gin in June 2020, the pair have released its Mango, Ginger & Lime Gin & Tonic RTD.

"I'm really excited to be working with 6 O'clock Gin again on this new product,” Gill explained. “Canned cocktails are undoubtedly going to be so popular this summer – especially with alfresco socialising beginning even earlier this year. I have worked closely with the team to ensure we created something truly delicious and unique – a refreshing combination of subtle spices, sweet mango and authentic Indian flavours. 

"With many of us looking to spend our summer holidays closer to home this year, we wanted to whisk people away to experience the flavours and scents of an exotic holiday. Now you can enjoy the perfect Gin & Tonic cocktail at home, on the go or wherever the spirit takes you.”

Seven Bro7hers launches red IPA birthday beer

Salford Brewery Seven Bro7hers is launching limited-edition red IPA Depth Charge as part of its seventh birthday celebrations. 

Joining its recently released Peanut Butter on a Jaffa Cake Stout, Nathan – one of the McAvoy brothers who founded the brewery – has created a hoppy 7% ABV RIPA.

“I chose to make a red IPA because I love rich coloured and flavoured beers,” he explained. “Depth Charge has an initial sweet taste from the raspberry and vanilla flavours followed by a hoppy bitterness which is balanced by soft malty notes.

“The name was inspired by friends who wanted me to make a beer and call it Depth Charge – it is a running private joke within our group, so I will leave it to your imagination, but ultimately I know it will make them smile.

“It feels great to have reached seven years with the business,” he added. “It has been a tough seven years but also very enjoyable. It is a privilege to be able to work with my brothers and family – Here’s to the next seven years.”

Portobello Road Gin launches savoury serve  

Independent gin maker, Portobello Road Distillery, has expanded its core collection with the launch of a new 42% ABV Savoury Gin which it claims combines British craftsmanship with the flavours of the Mediterranean as an antidote to overly sweet spirits. 

“Never being distillers to follow the crowd, we initially created this gin as a rebellion against the burgeoning popularity of sugar-loaded, fruity, ‘pink flavoured’ gins, the type of gin whose flavours are reminiscent of the candy shop or the dessert bar, and which typically pack a lower alcoholic punch,” founder Jake F. Burger said.

“So we instead went in the opposite direction, adding no sugar, no colour, sticking to wholesome flavours, and keeping the gin at our signature 42% abv. We very much designed this gin to be consumed before or during lunch or dinner, or in a dry cocktail like a Martini. 

“We don’t want to stomp on sweet gins, there is clearly a market for them and many are very tasty indeed, and of course, the addition of sugar or fruit to gin is nothing new – indeed throughout history gin was a sweeter product for far longer than it has been a dry product,” he continued.  

“However, many of the tautologically named ‘flavoured gins’ we now see on the market today are, in our humble opinion, not really gin at all. They are fruit liqueurs or fruit vodkas, where the juniper - if it's noticeable at all - is certainly far from being the predominant flavour. 

“We believe it’s important to protect the character of the spirit that has been such an intrinsic part of our nation’s history, whilst still embracing innovation. So that’s why we created Portobello Savoury, a new style of gin, but one that respects the traditions of the category.”

Old Mout brings new Watermelon & Lime flavour to the on-trade

Following the successful launch of a pineapple and raspberry Old Mout pour, Heineken UK is bringing a watermelon and lime variant to pubs in time for the spring and summer months. 

“In 2019, our Old Mout Pineapple & Raspberry launch was an outstanding success and we’re ready to do it all over again with the arrival of our new Watermelon & Lime flavour,” Heineken UK cider marketing director, Rachel Holms said. 

“Enjoying a flavoured cider over ice in a pub garden will be a huge pull for customers returning to the on-trade, so our latest innovation – with its dynamic flavour combination and exceptional consumer taste test results – is the perfect option this summer.”

Boatyard Distillery releases new ‘Old Tom’ Gin

Irish distillery Boatyard has launched a new batch of its 41% ABV Old Tom Gin – now available in the UK via premium drinks agency Speciality Brands. 

The new interpretation of the traditional style uses a method of resting the gin in Pedro Ximénez casks with a small quantity of sherry also added after aging. 

Made in small batches, Boatyard Old Tom uses organic wheat spirit and is distilled with eight botanicals including wild sweet gale from the family farm, juniper, coriander, liquorice, citrus and angelica. 

“Old Tom is a style growing in popularity and we  see a lot of potential to reach gin aficionados,” Joe McGirr, Boatyard Gin founder commented. “The PX cask aging blends harmoniously with the spirit and we’re very proud of the result. 

“We’ve already had fantastic feedback from the trade so we’re hopeful our Old Tom gin will attract new consumers to Boatyard.”

May UK launch for Gente de Mezcal 

Mezcal brand Gente de Mezcal will make its UK debut in May.

The brand was founded in 2014 to promote the art and work of Maestro Mezcaleros and their communities and in April 2019 received international recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the form of a Double Gold Medals for a number of its pours.  

In Mexico City, Gente de Mezcal shares its mezcal through tastings and cocktail classes at ‘El Salón’, an Airbnb experience hosted by the brand’s owners.

Heineken creates sustainable cider brand 

Heineken has announced the launch of Inch’s – a sustainable apple cider on draught, made from 100% British apples – to the UK on-trade.

“From sourcing to sustainability, we are progressive cider makers on a mission to do things properly in pursuit of a great tasting British cider that goes that little bit further to do the right thing,” Heineken UK cider marketing director, Rachel Holms, said.   

“In doing so, Inch’s will drive appeal and help recruit younger drinkers into the Apple Cider category to drive additional sales for operators.”