Wave of new spirit expressions launch, Barbados Sea Turtle Project partner rum to hit UK

Hawksbill Caribbean spiced rum partners with Barbados Sea Turtle Project

Intercontinental Brands (ICB), which counts the likes of TW Kempton gin liqueur, distilled non-alcoholic spirit Amplify and Cactus Jack’s schnapps among its portfolio, has added, 38.8% ABV Hawksbill Caribbean spiced rum to its stable.

Hawksbill has pledged 10% of its profits to the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, a charity whose work aims to recover marine turtle populations, in support of turtle conservation projects in the Caribbean helping to protect the habitat of the Hawksbill turtle. 

Uniting rums from Guyana and Trinidad, Hawksbill is blends a unique combination of flavours including vanilla, raisin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sea salt. 

“We are extremely excited about this launch, bringing something new to the emerging spiced rum market, which we are seeing a growing desire for,” Clare Gibson, marketing director at ICB which owns Hawksbill, says.

“At its heart, Hawksbill is a celebration of the Caribbean – not only producing a drink which brings joy to the people because of its superior taste and origin, but also creating something which will make a tangible positive impact on the majestic Hawksbill turtles which are so in need of our support.”

Moore House pre-bottled cocktails 

The Moore House Cocktail Company, a specialist in premium, handcrafted, pre-batched cocktails, has launched a range in new larger packaging formats to target the on-trade.

The Moore House Collection comprises Classic Martini, Margarita ‘Cristal’, Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, Manhattan and Negroni alongside seasonal editions Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and Spicy Margarita.

Stephen Moore, founder of Moore House Cocktail Company says: “We have created our premium range to offer the trade a compelling solution to meet the growing demand for pre-batched cocktails.  

“We want to collaborate with exceptional bars, pubs, hotels and restaurants to make Moore House a ‘must stock’ product range. 

“By providing on-site training, evolving the collection to include seasonal variations and the creation of branded premium barware and display units, we hope our collection will excite the trade and in turn consumers.”

JJ Whitley Vodka adds Peach & Apricot and Apple & Lime Flavours 

JJ Whitley Vodka has announced the creation of new 38% ABV Peach & Apricot and Apple & Lime vodka variants. 

JJ Whitley’s Peach and Apricot Vodka said to be best mixed with peach iced tea for a long drink, or with prosecco for a twist on a Bellini while JJ Whitley Apple & Lime is made to be paired with mixers such as cranberry juice or lemonade.

“We know that consumers are increasingly looking for quality spirits with strong provenance, and the JJ Whitley portfolio is perfectly positioned to deliver on this,” Kelly Coughlan, international marketing manager, white spirits at Halewood Artisanal Spirits explains.

“Over the past few months, we’ve seen extremely strong results with our JJ Whitley Raspberry Russian Vodka, with our 1l variant now being the biggest contributor to mat flavoured vodka growth in grocery, which demonstrates the quality of the liquid, and the growing consumer demand for quality, flavoured vodka.

“As flavoured vodka continues to see strong growth, with consumers increasingly looking for new and innovative flavour combinations, our versatile Peach & Apricot and Apple & Lime variants with their on trend flavour profiles, smooth vodka and accessible price point, will provide licensees with a strong, premium flavoured vodka portfolio to tap into this growing trend”.

Jatt Life ultra-premium orange and pineapple flavoured vodka 

The latest addition to UK drinks maker Jatt Life’s range of five-times distilled French grain 37.5% ABV vodka is infused with a blend of zesty orange and sweet pineapple flavours. 

London-based Jatt Life launched its first premium vodka earlier this year, following up with the release of its own whiskey, an Irish blend aged in sherry oak casks.

Four further vodka variants are currently in development and due to be rolled out over the next six months.

Aman Singh, marketing manager for Jatt Life, says: “Jatt Life is all about enjoying the best that life has to offer and we’re thrilled to have launched our orange and pineapple vodka, which delivers a lovely blend of flavours and can be enjoyed on the rocks.

“It’s been a challenging time to launch a new vodka brand, but we’ve had some excellent feedback from customers who really know their vodka and are appreciating the high-end, luxury taste that we work hard to create.

“We believe there is huge untapped potential for premium dual flavour vodkas and we’re looking forward to sharing more of our exciting flavours with our customers over the next few months.”

Nightingale Cider Company releases Hoppy Cox

Kent-based small batch cider maker Nightingale has unveiled its first dry hopped cider, 5.5% ABV Hoppy Cox, a lightly sparkling off-dry cider made from Cox and Jonagold apples.

The new pour is dry hopped with Ernest hops – a UK hop known for giving fruity notes of apricot, citrus, spice – which are grown at Hukins Hops, located only three miles away from the Nightingale orchards.

“Hoppy Cox is all about the delicate balance of bringing two very local Kentish and Tenterden grown flavour togethers,” Sam Nightingale, Nightingale Cider founder and cider maker, explains.

“Over the course of two years of conversations with Hukins Hops, and experimenting with dry hopping our ciders with different hops that they grow, and trying lots of different hopped ciders from around the world, we were lucky enough to get our hands on some Ernest hops, grown and kiln dried just three miles away.

“The moment the guys at Hukins Hops told me about Ernest, I felt that it could have all the right characteristics we were looking for, the new world profile- fruity, fresh with citrus and spice that could work with the wine like acid driven ciders we make.

“We’re really blown away by how it has turned out and it’s a delicious addition to the Nightingale line-up that we know people will love drinking.”

Japanese whisky Nikka introduces two new expressions

Japanese whisky Nikka is introducing two new expressions – The Nikka Tailored and Taketsuru Pure Malt – to UK drinkers this autumn to be exclusively distributed by Speciality Brands.

Taketsuru Pure Malt is named after Nikka's founder, Masataka Taketsuru.

The whisky is a blend of aged single malt casks from Yoichi and Miyagikyo. While Miyagikyo remains predominant in the blend a higher portion of Yoichi is used in this new edition giving the whisky a different character. 

The main influence comes from ex-Sherry casks and Miyagikyo which has been aged in American oak.

Tomatin launches limited-edition 2006 Fino expression

Award-winning Highland distillery Tomatin has announced the release of a limited-edition 46% ABV 2006 Fino expression to the UK market.

The 2006 Fino expression was initially matured for 13 years at Tomatin Distillery in November 2006 and moved to Spanish Fino Sherry butts in November 2015.

The whisky has notes of baked apple and almond cake, toffee sauce and lemon, followed by the more savoury flavours of freshly baked sourdough, olive oil and baking spice.

“We strive to produce remarkable expressions that appeal to not only our existing customers, but to a wider audience too,” Graham Eunson, master distiller at Tomatin, says. “The 2006 Fino is a great example of our dedication to craft and excellence. 

“The combination of both sweet and savoury notes gives a finish like no other, and we hope it will entice both whisky enthusiasts and novices to try this new edition.”

The Lost Explorer Mezcal 

Arriving in the UK in October, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is a handcrafted mezcal cultivated on ancestral Miztec land in Mexico’s Valles Centrales in Oaxaca.

Each small batch of the 42% ABV pour – which has hints of tobacco, cocoa, vanilla and leather – is handcrafted by award-winning drinks maker Don Fortino Ramos, who for the past 40 years has dedicated himself to distilling mezcal. Together with his daughter Xitlali and the local mezcal-producing community in Oaxaca, their sustainable approach follows artisanal methods.

"Mezcal production is a longstanding source of employment not only for me and my family, but for the entire local community in Oaxaca,” Ramos says.  

“Today, we easily see multiple generations contribute in various ways, whether it be working on the farms, production and distillation, administration, harvesting and even packaging. 

“Crafting The Lost Explorer Mezcal has been no exception and our three varietals are a product of multiple hands from multiple families here in Mexico."

Jeremy Hill, managing director of Proof Drinks – the sole distributor in the United Kingdom – adds: “We’re hugely excited to be at the forefront of pushing the boundaries on premium mezcal. 

“The attention to detail within the brand proposition is setting the standard within this category.  

“From bottom to top, The Lost Explorer Mezcal team have gone to great lengths to build the key pillars of sustainability into their business.”

Crave natural energy drinks 

Crave is a new, healthy energy drink launching into the UK market with a trio of flavours based on popular cocktails: Mint & Lime (Mojito), Passionfruit & Vanilla (Pornstar Martini) and Pineapple & Coconut (Piña Colada).

Each serve uses a mix of natural ingredients with energy derived from organic green coffee beans, and B and C vitamins to boost daily energy levels and support the immune system. 

They are 100% vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, contain no artificial sweeteners or flavourings and are only 10 kcal per can.

“My job has often meant lots of late nights and early mornings and while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle I never found a perfect source of energy for those times,” founder Anita Rae explains.  

“I noticed that many people were looking for a similar product and the idea for Crave was born. I wanted to create something that was not only tasty but also a functional, healthy beverage.”

Vermò vermouth

Vermò, a 17% ABV modern take on the classic vermouth di Torino Rosso, is handcrafted in Piedmont, Italy, and made with a blend of trebianno and chardonnay grapes alongside 31 high quality botanicals.

The more common botanicals used include wormwood, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, juniper, orange, sage and rhubarb while Vermò also infuses less mainstream botanicals such as mint, lemon, ginger, white pepper, galangal and aloe. 

Created with a classic centuries-old method exclusive to Turin, Vermò is in the protected category of vermouth di Torino and uses only Italian wines and wormwood, an essential herb needed to create authentic vermouth.

Fallen Brewery launches Switch 

Switch, a 4.8% ABV Hazy Pale, joins Scottish craft brewer’s line up alongside the likes of Stirliner Weisse, Chew Chew, and Odyssey in its eight-strong range.

“Switch is the first beer we’ve brewed which draws influence from the New England style,” Paul Fallen, founder of Fallen Brewing says. 

“We’d previously chosen to concentrate on west coast styles but New England pales and IPAs are such great, drinkable beers. 

“It felt like the right time to make the switch and add a New England style to the range. 

“Switch isn’t a full-on murk bomb but it certainly draws on the key characteristics of being soft, juicy, and full of ripe fruit flavours. We’re delighted with the outcome so expect others to follow.”

Situated in the old Kippen Railway Station with views towards The Trossachs and The South West Highlands, Fallen Brewing takes inspiration from its railway heritage when naming its new beers. As such, Switch joins other aptly named brews including Platform C, Sleeper Pils, and Local Motive.