BrandsBriefs

Thwaites ditches super-brew

Lancashire brewer Daniel Thwaites has removed a super-strength lager from sale because of concerns over responsible drinking. Lee Williams, the brand's marketing manager at Thwaites, said: "Having assessed the marketplace for this off-trade product - Stein Super, an 8.5% abv lager - we believe as a responsible operator that it should no longer be produced. We are really concentrating on producing beers that are mid-strength, from 4% abv to 4.5% abv, as this is emerging as a popular choice among consumers. We don't believe that super-stength lager has a place in the range."But Thwaites will continue to produce the 5% abv Stein Pils lager brand.

Toffee tastings for Dooley's

Toffee and vodka cream liqueur Dooley's has planned a raft of sampling activities for the run-up to Christmas, including attendance at the BBC Good Food Show at the end of November.

Grey Goose joins Armani set

Grey Goose vodka is teaming up with Emporio Armani and HIV charity Red to launch a new cocktail. Grey Goose Dolce Vita is a blend of the vodka, fresh pomegranate and pink grapefruit juices, Campari and fresh lime. It will be served at selected London clothes stores until the end of December.

Aspall cider house to grow

Suffolk-based cider producer Aspall is investing £500,000 into its cider house to increase capacity and grow the production team. Sales and marketing director Barry Chevallier Guild said the investment would help maintain quality and service levels for the cider. He said: "Maintaining the quality of our products is our highest priority. The new equipment gives us additional capacity while the new team will help us to manage the business more effectively."

Beafeater sponsorship

Pernod Ricard's premium gin brand

Beefeater is sponsoring the New Diffords Guide to London's Best Pubs and Bars.

The venues in the guide are divided into

17 London regions and every entry is given marks on a number of factors, such as "beer", "wine" and "views".