‘World’s strongest gin’, Jurassic Park actor’s whiskey collaboration, brewer creates Burnham beer

‘World’s strongest gin' launched

Kent-based scientists, Dr Andrew Reason and Dr Norman Lewis, have created what they believe to be the World’s strongest gin; Anno Extreme 95% ABV Gin.

While the world’s strongest gin documented was believed to be 82.5% ABV and made in Sweden, Marden-based Anno distillery has surpassed expectations by creating a juniper and subtly citrus gin with hints of liquorice. 

“We wanted to make a gin which packs more punch and flavour drop-for-drop than any other spirit in the world,” Dr Reason explained. 

“As scientists we really wanted to push the limits of possibility and create the spirit of alchemy, turning something ordinary into something extraordinary.”

Seven Bro7hers creates Andy Burnham brew

Salford-based brewery Seven Bro7hers has teamed up with a number of Greater Manchester’s hospitality businesses and cashless tipping solution Tipjar to raise funds for the city region’s embattled hospitality workforce. 

The brewer has launched Andy Burnham inspired IPA King of the North in tribute to Mayor and his tireless pursuit of Government support for Greater Manchester amid Covid-19 restrictions. 

Thew 5% New England IPA featuring a QR code on the back of cans which drinkers can scan to give a 'tip', was brewed on 4 November.

The new pour will be sold online for £4 through the Seven Bro7hers web shop and will also be available via a number of venues including BrewDog bars. 

“We can’t ignore the Covid rates across our region but many businesses have been impacted by the constant rule changing and restrictions,” Keith McAvoy, CEO of Seven Bro7hers said. “Tier three has seen some establishments close, and they won’t open their doors again.  

“Mirroring the spirit of Andy Burnham sticking up for his region, we want to back our sector too and do something to help, that’s why a percentage of sales from the ‘King of the North’ will be donated to hospitality charities.” 

Seven Bro7hers currently runs two beer houses in Manchester, Middlewood Locks and Ancoats, as well as a bar on the outskirts of MediaCityUK from its Salford taproom.

Campari UK to distribute Ancho Reyes and Montelobos  

Campari UK took over the distribution of super-premium brands Ancho Reyes and Montelobos on 2 November, with the brands joining the likes of Appleton Estate, Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier as part of the Campari Prestige portfolio.

Ancho Reyes Original and Ancho Reyes Verde are handcrafted Mexican chilli liqueurs, made using a 1920’s family recipe with handpicked poblano chillies native to Puebla, Mexico. 

Montelobos, named after the “Mountain of the Wolves”, is the first certified mezcal from the Mexican city of Puebla. Organically cultivated and sustainably sourced, it is meticulously crafted by artisanal producers. 

“The acquisition of both Ancho Reyes and Montelobos will further diversify Campari UK’s growing prestige portfolio, with the addition of a unique, award-winning Mexican liqueur and an artisanal mezcal,” Campari UK’s managing director Brad Madigan said of the acquisitions. 

“As both distinctive and super-premium brands, Ancho Reyes and Montelobos are a perfect fit, we are thrilled to have them as part of our ever growing prestige portfolio.  

“I would like to thank the team at Mangrove for their commitment in establishing these brands in the UK market, we’re looking forward to further building on their great work.”

Innis & Gunn releases Quarter Cask Edition

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn has collaborated with London-based photographer Olivier Barjolle to mark the launch of its latest limited-release, Quarter Cask Edition. 

Quarter Cask Edition is Innis & Gunn’s fourth limited edition release this year following Islay Whisky Cask and Rye Whiskey Cask beers, as well as the brand’s 100-day matured Scrubs Lager Beer. 

The brewer has teamed up with Barjolle to commission and collaborate on a photography series which explores the connection between the cask and beer, which saw him explore the new brew by studying the details of the quarter cask both inside and outside his studio. 

“Maturation of beer in cask is the reason that Innis & Gunn started out in the first place – it set us apart as true originals in the world of beer – so we’re huge advocates of the process itself and the fantastic flavours that it can create,” Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master Brewer at Innis & Gunn, said. 

“Quarter Cask Edition is a perfect example of what can be achieved when beer and cask come together. It tastes truly delicious and we cannot wait for our drinkers to give it a try.” 

Teeling Whisky and Umbrella London launch new collaboration pours 

London brewery and cidery, Umbrella London, has announced a partnership with Dublin's Teeling Distillery to bring two new limited-edition collaborations to market; the Umbrella London Ginger Beer finished Teeling Whiskey and a Teeling Whiskey finished Umbrella London Ginger Beer. 

In partnership with Umbrella London, Teeling's master distiller hand selected casks of the team's finest Ginger Beer to create a truly unique Irish Whiskey, while Umbrella London's head brewer Matt Armitage rested 500 litres of ginger beer in two used Teeling former bourbon hogshead barrels for two years, before carbonating and canning the liquid. 

Both the Umbrella London Ginger Beer finished Teeling Whiskey, and the Teeling Whiskey finished Umbrella London Ginger Beer will be distributed in the UK by Maverick.

Stroud Brewery redesign champions responsibly farmed beer 

Stroud Brewery has updated its on and off-trade brand image and packaging range revolving around a more targeted message to better engage ethical consumers. 

Founder Greg Pilley established Stroud Brewery in 2006, following a career spent understanding how food and drink is fundamental to global community cultures and how farming methods can either benefit the environment or seriously degenerate it. 

“The post Covid consumer is a more ethically minded and environmentally aware consumer” he explained. “Research shows that people are scrutinising the brands they associate themselves with and with sales of organic produce on the rise, we realised it was time we spoke more confidently about our uncompromising values as well as our great tasting organic beer.”

The new branding calls people to drink responsibly farmed beer, aims to open conversations around why change is brewing and illustrate how a regenerative approach to people and planet equals better business and even better beer.

“With everything we do we look for the opportunity to regenerate rather than degenerate,” Pilley continued. 

“We started with soil because if we continue to use non organic farming methods, our soils won’t be capable of feeding us in 60 years’ time; whereas by using organic methods, we work with nature to improve soils, sequester carbon, increase wildlife and produce ingredients as they should be."

Samuel Gelston’s launches Irish whiskey finished in actor’s wine casks

Samuel Gelston’s has announced the launch of its latest expression, a single pot still Irish whiskey matured in Jurassic Park​ and The Hunt For Red October​ actor Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks.

The new release is the result of collaboration between Gelston’s owner, Johnny Neill and his cousin New Zealand-based Sam Neil.

The liquid has been triple distilled and matured for 19 months in ex-bourbon casks, before spending a further 21 months maturing in Sam’s French oak casks, which had previously held his Central Otago Pinot Noir.  

“The Neill family have been making quality spirits for generations,” Johnny Neill, owner of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky, said. “My great, great grandfather Harry Neill set up the successful McCallum Neill & Co in Australia in 1851, and Percival, one of his younger brothers set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882 - Percival was Sam Neill’s Great Grandfather. 

“Sam and I have continued this legacy in our respective sides of the world – I’ve been focused on the creation of artisanal spirits using local ingredients, whereas he has dedicated nigh on 30 years winegrowing super premium pinot noir. 

“For the first time in 150 years, we’re bringing together the expertise from both sides of the family – the result being an incredibly exciting sweet, honeyed and very inviting Single Pot Still Whiskey”.

Zymurgorium Distillery introduces My My Apple Pie Gin Liqueur

Manchester-based Zymurgorium Distillery has added new gin liqueur My My Apple Pie to its range of gins, vodkas, rums and liqueurs.

A love letter to autumn according to its creators, My My Apple Pie seeks to capture flavours associated with the autumnal months with notes of caramelised baked apple, warm spices and a touch of golden pastry.

Jukes launches premium non-alcoholic wine alternative

The brainchild of internationally-acclaimed wine writer and critic Matthew Jukes, Jukes premium non-alcoholic wine alternative range comprises Jukes 1 the ‘white’ and Jukes 6 the ‘red’ as well as Jukes 2, a new limited-edition, bright autumnal red wine alternative.

Jukes 1 features herbal and citrus notes and is designed to be clean, uplifting and bright, while Jukes 6 contains mellow, fruity tones and has a deeper flavour. Jukes 2 contains warming spices, earthy vegetables and forestry notes. 

All three flavours are designed to be mixed with still, sparkling or tonic water, to match each consumer’s unique tastes.

Sis4ers Distillery creates gin-in-a-tin

Salford-based gin makers Sis4hers Distillery has unveiled its first range of pre-mixed gin and tonic cans.

Available in two flavours, the collection will include Sis4hers signature gin and Indian tonic, and a Sis4hers strawberry gin with elderflower tonic.    

“We are really excited to introduce our cans to the web shop and retailers, it is a great way for people to try our gins and purchase as a single serve,” Lucy McAvoy, sales and marketing director for Sis4hers Distillery, said. 

“We know as people head into winter, they are looking to have more of their favourite drinks stocked up in the cupboards or fridge, so it’s a great opportunity for us to raise the profile of our brand.”