New products launched in September
Hop & Hemp Brewing has claimed it has released the UK’s first CBD-infused, low-ABV craft beer, which contains 0% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – one of the cannabinoids identified in cannabis).
The brewery said hops and hemp were old friends and the combination of full-flavoured craft brews with a twist of temp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) creates a “unique product for today’s hectic
lifestyle”.
The first two beers from the collection are Easy Times IPA and Lowdown Lager. With a 0.5% ABV, the brews are low in calories and contain 8mg of CBD per 330ml serve.
Easy Times IPA aims to deliver aromas of grapefruit and lemonade with the triple addition of American hops with a fruity taste alongside flavours of biscuit and honey.
Lowdown Lager is a crisp, golden Pilsner-style lager that has a gentle, spicy hoppiness, which precedes notes of citrus and a lingering sweetness.
For a CBD product to be legal in the UK, it must contain 0.2% of THC content or less.
Hop & Hemp spokesperson James da Silva previously told The Morning Advertiser CBD products fit into a trend of pubgoers wanting to cut down on their alcoholic intake.
He said: “Pubs are having to offer better non-alcoholic options. Drinks containing CBD are an excellent choice for those going alcohol-free to unwind without the negative connotations of alcohol.
“Drinkers can take the edge off, with no more hangovers.
“We will see pubs stocking more CBD drinks options, such as Hop & Hemp Brew Co, as a low-calorie, low-alcohol alternative for those who aren’t drinking.”
The beers are available to buy directly from Hop & Hemp at a cost of £13 for four 330ml bottles
Drink the Lixir
Lixir Drinks has launched a Ginger Ale, made using a blend of natural flavours and added citrus notes, in a bid to offer a refreshing taste with warmth. It is said to pair well with a variety of white and dark spirits such as rums, whiskies or Bourbons, Tequilas or dry and fruity gins.
Tiger’s cutting edge
Heineken has revealed Tiger beer on Blade – its eight-litre draught dispense system – to give operators the opportunity to tap into the premium beer category without the need for a cellar or large draught system. The beer is claimed to have fruity aromatic notes.
Tarty sour by North
Leeds-based North Brewing Co has created a sour beer to “push the boundaries of taste, flavour and colour in the beer world”. The Sorbet Sour is a collaboration between North and Northern Bloc Ice Cream, has a 4.8% ABV and is tart, juicy, thick and vegan-friendly.
Capital idea for rum
The Hayman family has announced the upcoming launch of Charles Mercer & Co – London’s first rum blending house for more than 100 years.
The new brand will aim to follow in the traditions of London’s rum blending houses by sourcing, blending, marrying and bottling a range of aged Caribbean rums from the heart of the capital.
Merser’s Double Barrel launches in the UK in October at an RRP of £38 with a listing in Waitrose and further blends to follow over the coming months.
Merser’s blending house will be opened to trade and consumer guests from mid-October and the brand will be distributed in the UK by Symposium.
Through the grapevine
Vodka brand Cîroc has announced the launch of a limited-edition white grape variant.
The French spirit is distilled five times before being infused with a blend of white grapes and other natural flavours in a bid to create a rich taste experience with delicate floral notes alongside hints of crisp citrus, tropical fruit and honeydew.
Cîroc White Grape will be available in a 700ml bottle across all major wholesale from mid-October with price tag of £35.90.
Dram-tastic
The Ardgowan Distillery has launched Coppersmith – the first in a series of limited-edition whiskies.
The spirit, which retails at £49.99 and is bottled at 48% ABV, is a blend of malts from Speyside and Highland distilleries, wholly matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks.
