Low alcohol sparkling mead from Bemuse, beer brand Allsopp's revived, Long Shot hard seltzer draught launch

Low-alcohol mead range launched to meet consumer demand ​

Bemuse, founded by entrepreneurs Nataliya Peretrutova and Anna Chalov, has launched a low-alcohol sparkling mead in response to consumer demands for more low and no-alcohol options. 

Bemuse meads have a pleasant, natural colour, similar to sparkling white wine but have only 0.5% alcohol and 40 calories per can. 

Co-founder Anna Chalov said: “Mead is made by fermenting honey and has been produced for thousands of years, with evidence pointing to mead being produced up to 9,000 years ago. The Romans loved it, the Medieval Britons used it as sparkling table wine and Tutankhamun’s tomb was even reputedly stocked with it. “

The new launch is available in four natural flavours from the sweeter and fruitier (Raspberry) to herbal (Tarragon, Basil & Hops), spicy (Ginger & Cardamom) and craft beer style (Hops). 

Hard seltzer brand Long Shot launches on draught

The Long Shot hard seltzer range range - Grapefruit; Raspberry & Blackcurrant; and Strawberry & Rhubarb - are now available in 30 litre kegs enabling pubs to serve the product on draught. 

The Long Shot range is 4% ABV, gluten -free, suitable for vegans, low sugar, keto friendly and just 160 calories per pint.

The brand has already launched at the German Kraft bar in Mercato Metropolitano as well as other independent bars and venues in London and around the UK.

Founder Hugo Hodgson said: “Our refreshing Hard Seltzers are flavoured with real fruit juices and we never use any artificial ingredients, acids or preservatives in our cans. People are increasingly opting for cleaner, more health conscious drinks when shopping in the supermarket or drinking at home. We wanted to go one step further and give drinkers the option of choosing a healthier alternative when they are out too! Look out for us at your local soon.”

Allsopp’s brand returns after 62 years ​

Jamie Allsopp, seven times great grandson of pioneering brewer Samuel Allsopp, has relaunched the beer brand after finding the sole surviving ledger of his family’s recipes in existence. 

Allsopp’s Pale Ale and India Pale Ale have been brewed and relaunches to the market.  The pale ale, which is 4% in cask and 4.4% ABV in 500ml bottles is described as “Pale gold and bright, with light bready, cereal and citrus notes on the nose”. 

The India Pale Ale is 5% ABV in cask and has a 5.6% ABV in 500ml bottles. 

It is described as being darker and clearer than most modern IPAs. Tasting notes said: “Malt and hops combine on the nose to create notes of fresh hay, citrus and dark fruit, with a hint of caramel.” 

Non-alcoholic flavoured vodka offers alternative 

Elegantly Spirited has launched of STRYKK NOT VANILLA V*DKA, the non-alcoholic spirit alternative for vanilla vodka cocktails.

It is infused with Madagascan vanilla beans, is 0.5% ABV and contains 0g sugar. It taps into the popularity of serves such as the Espresso Martini and Passionfruit Martini, which alone accounts for one in five cocktails served in the UK^. ​

This launch increases STRYKK’s core spirits range to four products. STRYKK NOT VANILLA V*DKA joins STRYKK NOT G*N, STRYKK NOT R*M and STRYKK NOT V*DKA which were launched into the UK on-trade in 2018. 

Elegantly Spirited ceo and co-founder of STRYKK, Alex Carlton said: “With 8.6m drinkers looking to reduce their alcohol intake^, ​STRYKK NOT VANILLA V*DKA represents a huge trade-up opportunity, giving consumers a non-alcoholic alternative to a favourite flavoured spirit. “ 

Mermaid Gin launches first RTD​

Mermaid Gin, based on the Isle of Wight, has launched its first-ever RTD – a blend of its signature gin paired with Indian light tonic. 

The launch comes in the wake of the continuing success of the brand – its year on year growth in 2020/21 is 57%, following 90% in 2019/20 and a predicted 100% explosion by the end of 2022.

The can is printed and plastic-free, plus 100% recyclable. Orders are despatched to trade customers in plastic-free packaging, while the brand remains emphatically Net Zero.

Xavier Baker, co-founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery said: “After a brilliant response to the launch of the Mermaid brand and with people staying closer to home, enjoying staycations and local events, we decided now was the time to broaden Mermaid’s reach. 

Wild Life Botanicals launches into cans

Wild Life Botanicals, the sparkling dealcoholised wine, is launching its first 250ml cans. 

Based in Cornwall, Wild Life Botanicals, is just 0.5% ABV and has over 60% fewer calories than Champagne or Prosecco

Now available in three formats including the original 75cl bottles and the 20cl mini bottles in both ‘Nude’ and Blush’, the new Wild Life Botanicals cans are a perfect addition to drive trial and single serve options in the ontrade, it said. 

Wild Life Botanicals is also enriched with eight active vitamins and minerals.  

Ellie Bradshaw, founder of Wild Life Botanicals, said:“​There’s a real shift in the landscape and the ‘Low & No’ alcohol sector is a category in its own right that has mainstream appeal based on occasion, time of day, medical or lifestyle choice. Soft drinks will always have their place – but just because you don’t want the alcohol why should choice or experience be compromised?"

English sparkling wine launches into on-trade

Harlot, a charmat-method sparkling wine made in England, has been launched into the on-trade. 

There are two variants of the sparkling wine, which has been created by MDCV. These include a 12.5% ABV Harlot Brut, which is a blend of ​Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay.  It is reported to be  is bursting with aromas and flavours of English elderflower, pears and ripe apricots.

The Harlot Brut Rosé, which is also made with Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, benefits from contact with the Pinot Noir’s skins. It is said to show vibrant aromas and flavours of English pears, ripe red apples and strawberries.

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Mid-proof spirits category gets reduced ABV option​

LUXLO-For Gin Lovers, offers a reduced ABV with a juniper-led drink, appealing to those that want a mid-week or weekend drink without the calories or ABV.

LUXLO-For Gin Lovers is 28kcal per 25ml measure with a reduced ABV of 20% - making a LUXLO ½ a unit per serve.  There are four flavours: Ginny, Blood Orange, Pomegranate & Raspberry, and Passion Fruit. 

 “After being unable to find a mid-proof drink that wasn’t too sweet or overpowering in terms of flavour, I decided to create a spirit for the mindful drinker who wanted to drink less but drink better,” founder Steve Adams said.   

“Consumer demand for lower ABV drinks is at an all-time high with Gen Z drinking less alcohol and with a preference for quality spirits and high-end cocktails. Although there are plenty of options in the wine and beer categories, there’s nothing in the mid-proof spirit category, unless you want an incredibly sweet sherry, cherry brandy liqueur or cream based, calorie laden drink. These were not an option for me, so I began developing LUXLO”.