Absolut Vodka unveils paper bottle, New York Distilling Company and Trois Rivières distribution deals

Lockdown launch: Mooze 12% ABV gin alternative 

Gin alternative Mooze was created during lockdown 2.0 when founder Mel Sims wanted to moderate her alcohol intake after her hospitality business was forced to close. 

The 12% ABV, 18 calorie per serving, vegan-friendly pour is described as a “middle of the road” rather than “extreme” alternative to gin. It is also sugar and sweetener free. 

The spirit goes through the same distillation process as gin, with its founder stating the 12% ABV means that the botanicals – juniper, cucumber, orange zest, clementine zest, macadamia nuts and coriander – come through into the drink better.

Square Root and Cloudwater Soda release Grapefruit Hopped Iced Tea soda 

Craft soda brands Square Root and Cloudwater have combined their respective expertise in seasonal fruit and hops to create a single-batch Grapefruit Hopped Iced Tea.

Produced and packaged at Square Root’s East London Soda Works, the alcohol-free serve mixes Simcoe and Amarillo hops with the zest from delicious Sicilian pink grapefruits, and green tea from Good And Proper.

“We're huge fans of the work Anja, Paul and the rest of the team at Cloudwater are doing to put mindful drinking on the agenda in the craft beer space,” Square Root co-founder Robyn Simms said. 

“Their sodas are produced with the same dedication and commitment to quality, creativity and flavour as their beers, and working with them on this recipe (albeit virtually) has been a blast.

“The pink grapefruits used in this limited-edition soda are sourced by our trusted growers at Laudani Farms in Sicily. The soil found there creates the perfect, fertile growing conditions for juicy and sweet citrus fruits, which we import by the tonne (literally) to be zested and juiced here in east London.”

Eden Mill unveil first peated expressions of unique Hip Flask Whisky Series 

Award-winning St Andrews-based distiller Eden Mill launched two new expressions of their Hip Flask Whisky Series in time for Burns Night on 25 January. 

Hip Flasks no #16 and #17 are the latest instalments in the special project launched in 2018 and are the first peated expressions in their collection.

Eden Mill co-founder Paul Miller said: “At the heart of the Hip Flask series was a desire from us to allow as many whisky drinkers as possible to have the chance to savour and enjoy our progressive range of single cask expressions of Eden Mill single malt scotch.

“We hope everyone will enjoy these new expressions in a project we have been very passionate about since we first started distilling whisky in St Andrews. The 20cl bottles have become real must-have purchases for whisky fans across the UK and beyond.

“We look forward to bringing fans on the next stage of our Eden Mill single-malt whisky journey; we anticipate the completion of our new distillery near St Andrews next year and the goal of carbon neutrality in our whisky distilling by 2025.”

Stirling Distillery releases Sons of Scotland single cask whiskies

Stirling Distillery has released two new single cask whiskies under their Sons of Scotland label, which it claims are the first released from the Stirling Castle rock. 

Having produced gin next to the historic castle since mid-2019, Stirling Distillery co-founders Cameron and June McCann have now created two single cask whiskies named after historic Stirlingshire distilleries Cashly and Arngibbon.

“We’re pleased and proud to be releasing whisky from the Castle Rock. What makes us especially excited about our Sons of Scotland range is the chance to start a new chapter in Stirling’s whisky history while celebrating Stirlingshire’s rich whisky making heritage,” Cameron said.

“As an independent business, we consider ourselves to be the luckiest people in the world to be able to do what we’re doing in one of the world’s most famous historic locations,” he continued.

“The chance to share some delicious whisky with the local community, fans, and friends, as well as to contribute to Stirlingshire’s whisky heritage is a dream come true."

Spirited Union rum adds Organic Coconut expression  

Amsterdam-based botanical rum maker, the Spirited Union, has launched a new Organic Coconut expression in the UK. The new flavour, already available in the Netherlands, will roll out internationally from February 2021. 

Organic Coconut is the latest expression in a range which launched in 2019 with Spirited Union Spice & Sea Salt and Spirited Union Lemon & Leaf. 

The new variant also joins recently launched flavours, Queen Pineapple & Spice, Sweet Orange & Ginger and Pink Grapefruit & Rose. 

Spirited Union founder Ruben Maduro said: “We are continuing our mission to introduce a flavour driven approach to rum by avoiding fake additives and artificial aromatics, common in a lot of rums in the market today.  

“Having lived and worked in Aruba in the Dutch Antilles, I looked to warmer climates for inspiration for our botanicals for this new expression. Organic Coconut has a taste of the tropics with a slightly nutty, sweet and creamy coconut flavour.”

Herbarium Distillation 29 unveils 0% ABV pour​ 

New 0% ABV botanical spirit Herbarium Distillation 29 is hand-distilled in small batches in traditional copper stills and made from 100% natural ingredients according to its founders.

“Herbarium Distillation 29 offers a unique balance of juniper, spice and citrus flavours for you to savour. It has a full and satisfying taste with a pleasing dry finish,” according to the drinks maker’s website. 

“We developed Herbarium Distillation 29 with a no compromise approach,” the drinks co-founders explained. “With a focus on purity. All the flavour comes from our hand distillation of natural botanicals here in the UK, with no other flavours added.”

“It has taken us several years to get the result we wanted – that is, a unique and satisfying taste with a great mouthfeel that you can savour in the same way you would an alcoholic drink, but there is no alcohol in the product or used in the distillation process.”

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure the purity of the product,” they continued. “Each botanical flavour release has been profiled, researched, and tested combined with their interaction to create our unique Distillation 29 recipe.” 

Non-alcoholic spirit Amplify launches pre-mixed RTD can 

Non-alcoholic distilled spirit, Amplify, has launched a pre-mixed ready-to-drink (RTD) can including the original Zing and Zest Amplify recipe mixed with Mediterranean tonic at 65 calories per can. 

Amplify is distilled and made with ingredients such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, Angelica root, lemon peel, lemongrass, and ginseng root combined with vibrant, punchy orange and citrus notes.

Clare Gibson marketing director at Amplify, commented: "We’re delighted to launch our Amplify RTD, which not only services the increasing number of individuals consciously consuming their drink, but also means that consumers can enjoy Amplify at their ease and convenience. 

“We hope the new Amplify cans can also provide inspiration for those finishing their Dry January challenge and people looking for non-alcoholic options all year round."

Absolut Vodka rolls out paper bottle

Premium vodka Absolut unveiled plans to roll out its prototype Absolut Paper Bottle from 25 January – initially in the UK and Sweden. The prototype is made up of 57% recycled paper and 43% recycled plastic 

In the UK, the trial will see Absolut partner with design-led and sustainability influencers to drive awareness of the prototypes on social media and offer consumers the chance to win a uniquely numbered paper bottle. 

Influencers are also being challenged to customise a bottle with their own design and create a unique limited-edition item for their followers to win. 

Marnie Corrigan, brand director at Pernod Ricard UK, commented: “Absolut understands the crucial role we must all play in having a positive impact on the environment. Lasting change takes time and the paper bottle explores alternative materials as part of our journey towards a sustainable future of packaging. 

“In our passion for progression, we are proud to continue our long-standing support and collaboration with the creative industries through commissioning one-of-a-kind bottle designs from rising creatives from across the UK.”

Palm Beach launches new Pineapple & Salted Caramel variant

Following Intercontinental Brands’ successful Palm Beach brand launch, the UK alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributer has unveiled a Pineapple & Salted Caramel expression. 

Clare Gibson, marketing director at Intercontinental Brands, said: “The positive response we’ve received from the brand launch only evidences what we’re witnessing industry-wide, that consumers are increasingly looking to experiment with rum-based flavours and serves.”

Campari UK takes over distribution of rum brand 

Campari UK has announced it will take over the distribution of rum brand Trois Rivières from 1 February. The brand will join the likes of Appleton Estate, Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier as part of the Campari Prestige portfolio.  

Trois Rivières Agricole rhum is a vintage Caribbean rum and the product of AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) – a protected designation of origin classification that certifies their superior quality based on strict regulation of production methods, terroir and artisanal techniques. Rhums from Martinique are the only rums in the world with AOC status. 

“With a rich legacy and history Trois Rivières premium Agricole rhum has been recognised worldwide for its extraordinary quality and elegance. Trois Rivières is an exciting addition to the growing Campari UK Prestige portfolio,” Campari UK managing director Brad Madigan said of the acquisition.

“Trois Rivières is a brilliant addition to our established Prestige Portfolio brands such as Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate and Grand Marnier, further diversifying the Campari UK offering." 

New York Distilling Company and Mangrove UK announce distribution deal 

New York Distilling Company has signed a new distribution deal with premium spirits importer, Mangrove UK. 

The independent distillery is looking to expand its market share in the UK and introduce Ragtime Rye and its range of American gins to a wider British audience. 

Led by Allen Katz, New York Distilling Company is based in the heart of Brooklyn. Alongside Tom Potter – one of the founders of Brooklyn Beer – Katz launched the distilling operation in 2011 with a commitment to lead the American rye whiskey renaissance.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Mangrove family to further promote and expand our availability in the UK,” Katz commented. 

“We have been privileged to present our distinctive Rye Whiskies and Gins to this discerning market and have always felt that cocktail and whiskey connoisseurs of Great Britain were a simple extension of our home market in New York City.”

Nick Gillett, managing director at Mangrove UK added: “I love New York as a city and I am passionate about quality spirits, so being given the opportunity to represent New York Distilling Company is something I couldn’t pass up.  

“Allen is an inspiration, and the depth and breadth of his knowledge is extraordinary and every product he produces has his hallmark of quality throughout the bottle.”