NEW PRODUCT ROUND-UP
Bacardi and Dead Man’s Fingers grow rum range
Bacardi ready-to-drink cocktail cans
Spirits maker Bacardi has revamped and relaunched ready-to-drink Raspberry Spritz, staples Bacardi Rum & Cola and Bacardi Spiced & Cola, as well as a canned Mojito – recently voted the UK’s favourite cocktail in lockdown according to Perspectus Global.
“We know the demand for ready-to-drink cocktails is increasing as the sector has grown by 43% growth in the past two years,” Tine Van Nevel, brand Director of Bacardi Europe said.
“Consumers need convenience more than ever - but not at the cost of amazing taste, which is why we’ve brought out some of the nation’s favourite cocktails in ready-to-drink cans.
"We’re delighted Bacardi fans will get to enjoy these delicious cocktails as they savour the rest of the summer sun.”
Each ready-to-drink can comes at 5% ABV.
Dead Man’s Fingers Lime, Raspberry, Passionfruit and Hazelnut
Cornish spiced rum maker Dead Man’s Fingers is further expanding its portfolio with the launch of Lime, Raspberry, Passionfruit and Hazelnut rum variants.
With spiced rum continuing to drive top-line growth for the category, its hoped that the new additions will provide licensees with a rum range that appeals to both spirit lovers and newcomers looking to enjoy twists on familiar flavours.
“We know that rum drinkers are adventurous and keen to experiment with innovative new flavour profiles,” Sam Caulfield, brand Manager for dark spirits at Halewood Wines & Spirits said.
“Lockdown has also seen consumers getting more experimental and willing to try new alcoholic drinks, and we expect this to continue as consumers start going back out into bars and restaurants.
“Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen the Dead Man’s Fingers brand go from strength to strength and are keen to build on our trusted reputation to bring drinkers the most extensive flavoured rum portfolio on the market.
“Our new offerings have been carefully developed to reflect the latest flavour trends, whilst also tapping into the popularity of the UK’s most-loved cocktails and turning them on their heads.”
Available from July, the new variants come in 70cl bottles with an ABV of 37.5%.
Stambecco Maraschino Amaro
Fine wine and spirits company Biggar and Leith has launched craft distilled liqueur Stambecco Maraschino Amaro.
Hailing from the Vergnano family distillery, Torino Distillati in Pidemonte, north-east Italy, the fruity 35% ABV pour infuses 100% natural ingredients including sweet and bitter oranges, coriander seeds, marjoram, oregano, wormwood, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg and the unique addition of maraschino cherries.
“This approachable Amaro has a complexity to the spirit which makes it perfectly suited for cocktails such as a Stamhattan - a twist on the Manhattan and it can also be enjoyed neat on the rocks or as an ice cold shot,” Biggar and Leith founder Elwyn Gladstone says.
Robinsons Hopnik Citra
Stockport-based brewer and pub operator Robinsons has launched new keg IPA Hopnik Citra across its tenanted and managed estate following the success of its stout and Helles lager.
Originally planned for a “live launch” in late March, the reveal of the new brew was delayed when the UK went into lockdown.
“We have been reasonably pleased with our first four weeks of beer sales; cask has been a little disappointing, but we have seen beer sales in the last three weeks reach 80% of last year’s,” managing director of Robinsons’ beer division, Oliver Robinson, said. “However, what we have witnessed is a real change in premiumisation.
“Helles lager is in our top four lager brands and with the launch of Hopnik Citra that coincided with pubs reopening, we have been delighted with the feedback and sales in our first month.
“The sale of our own craft beers is also giving our licences and managers a great profit opportunity that is much needed as we continue to welcome more and more customers back.
“With Wales opening indoor trading from 3 August, we hope to see increased demand as we enter a crucial trading month for our tourist and destination sites across our estate, but especially those in Wales and Cumbria.
“At 20,000 pints so far and rising fast, Hopnik Citra IPA additionally raises 10p per pint for the NHS until the end of September.”
Whitley Neil Brazilian Lime and Strawberry & Black Pepper
Whitley Neill has launched two new, limited edition, flavours in a bid to capitalise on the latest trends within the gin category – citrus and strawberry.
“The popularity of flavoured gin is showing no sign of slowing down - driven in part by lockdown, with people becoming generally more experimental with new flavours and formats,” Kelly Coughlan, manager for white spirits at Halewood Wines & Spirits said.
“Our Whitley Neill flavoured gin variants have always appealed to those more experimental tastes, and these two new flavours are no exception – bringing beautifully balanced, fruity flavours which take inspiration from around the world.
“Perfect for creating simple at home serves or more complex cocktails, these limited edition releases are guaranteed to be a big hit with Whitley Neill fans and those who are looking to try something a bit different this summer”.
Both Whitley Neil’s 43% ABV Brazilian Lime and Strawberry & Black Pepper variants are available in 70 cl bottle formats.
Everards Amber Ale No.2
Brewer and pub operator Everards of Leicestershire has launched limited edition citrusy brew Amber Ale No.2 at 3.8% ABV
“We are really excited to be getting our limited-edition beers back out to the public, through pubs and now in these brand mini casks, which are proving very popular and something we have wanted to do for a while now,” Everards Kia Ryan said.
“The illustrations for the labels have been designed by local Artist Tom Bell who we use for all of our pump clips and celebrates the relaxed, session feel of the beer inside.”
Doña Sofía CBD infused ready-to-drink cocktails
Doña Sofía has launched what it claims are the UK's first and only cannabidiol (CBD) infused ready to drink cocktails.
Launching 5% ABV Gin & Tonic, Vodka & Lime, Rum and Cola variants infused with CBD, the brand hopes to inspire the new generation of rebellious socialites, artists and cultural inspirators.
“Doña Sofía's ethos of daring to be different, coupled with taste and affordability, it is evident that in this range which is designed for a modern lifestyle, so will appeal to those wanting an escape from the normality of current life, or, for those keeping their mind refreshed and focused in lockdown, the brand also will be releasing a range of mocktails in the near future,” the drinks maker said of its new launches.
“Whether you are looking to release your inner self or focus on your wellbeing, whatever route that may take in the coming months. Optimising yourself worth is prominent with every consumer and Doña Sofía have conceived their CBD drinks to retrofit your lifestyle for the future.”
Doña Sofía will soon add non-alcoholic versions of the Margarita, Martini and Cosmopolitan to its recently launched trio.
