Drinks news in brief
- A group of horse racing stable staff may be feeling worse for wear following Friday evening's 8.10 Grolsch Premium Lager Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Chepstow.
The reason? No, there wasn't any insider betting, but rather the winning set of stable staff will have received nearly 13 stones worth of beer from race sponsors Coors Brewers - just over the body weight of your average National Hunt jockey.
Coors regional director Diane Rees said: "Stable lads and lasses are so often the unsung heroes and heroines of the racing industry so it's good for their contribution to be recognised."
Two premium vodka brands have been launched into the on-trade to add further variety to the marketplace.
The hype surrounding Solid XS is that it will be to the world of vodka what Cristal has become to champagne.
The 40 per cent ABV product is quadruple distilled to a 125-year old Polish recipe and will be sold in 1.5 litre magnum bottles.
Kalashnikov vodka, named after General Kalshnikov, the inventor of several assault guns, including the AK-47, is to be released in September. It has been distilled to 41 per cent ABV, something its makers describe as 'military strength'.
Toussaint, the premium dry coffee liqueur is to be distributed in the UK by United Brands.
Currently available in London outlets, United is aiming to push the brand beyond the capital.
Alistair Mutch, United Brands sales director, said: "We have a clear strategy to get Toussaint out of London and into outlets across the UK. We are convinced that it will be extremely well received."
If you are struggling to get a present for Father's Day on Sunday then you could just get the old man a beer.
A dull idea you might say but surely not if it's free?
Card chain Birthdays has teamed up with Greene King brewery to offer anyone who purchases a Father's Day card from them a voucher for a free 500ml bottle of Old Speckled Hen.
That's me sorted then...
