Welsh rugby heroes launch low-alcohol spirit
Four former Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby players have launched low-alcohol spirit Perthyn ahead of the big Six Nations clash this weekend between Wales and England at Twickenham Stadium.
The line-up includes Shane Williams, James Hook, Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips who have united to launch Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit: The Spirit of Belonging. Pronounced ‘pear-thin’ and taking its name from the Welsh meaning of ‘belonging’, Perthyn is a low alcohol spirit (10% ABV) that uses locally and responsibly sourced botanicals and is distilled in the Cardiff Distillery, which offers a unique and ideal climate.
It also uses local botanicals from close to Wales’s home ground, the Principality Stadium, which make for a zesty spirit with notes of citrus, cardamon and thyme.
Shane Williams, co-founder of Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit, said: “We created Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit to find a sense of belonging and share that with other individuals who value authenticity, reciprocity and quality. Perthyn is perfect for health-focused individuals who want to feel included without having to compromise on taste or wellbeing. Perthyn is a constant reminder of how you want to live, so you can try to embody that happiness and bring it with you every day.”
Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit has an RRP of £21.95.
Hendrick’s takes inspiration from Scottish coastline
Gin producer Hendrick’s will release its latest variant Neptunia that it claims combines Scottish coastal botanicals with a smooth, bright citrus finish.
Neptunia will be a limited-edition release that will be “available across most sensational retailers and bars from March 2022”.
Created at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace on the rugged Ayrshire coast of south-west Scotland, Hendrick’s Neptunia is said to be inspired by the melody of the waves and is based on a balance between citrus, floral and spice.
Hendrick’s founder Lesley Gracie said: “Most of my creations are based on memories. Hendrick’s Neptunia, for me, is that freeing feeling of the sea bottled in a gin – the wind in your hair and the salty sea breeze on your face. You have that distinctive fresh character of coastal herbs, depth of flavour from the sea botanicals and an unmistakable clean, bright citrus finish that lifts and lightens in a round, refreshing way that makes it Hendrick’s.”
Hendrick’s UK ambassador Sarah Berardi added: “Hendrick’s Neptunia is exquisite with tonic and a slice of cucumber, but if you’re embarking on an adventure with friends, try setting sail with a Neptunia Fizz. It’s remarkably easy to make and an impressive to serve up on shore.”
To make the Hendrick’s Neptunia Fizz, combine 50ml Hendrick’s Neptunia, 25ml fresh lime, 25ml simple sugar syrup in a highball glass filled with cubed ice then stir gently and top up with soda water and garnish with three slices of cucumber.
Beavertown brings Space-Born hazy pale ale back to its specials range
Beavertown Brewery is relaunching its low-calorie hazy pale ale Space-Born in time for spring.
Back by popular demand having successfully landed on Earth last year, Beavertown’s first ever hazy low calorie beer is rejoining its specials range. It is available at the business’s Tottenham Taproom, its Corner Pub near the Spurs football ground and also at its webshop.
Beavertown said it was the most talked-about special of 2021. It said: “High on haze and filled with flavour, this pale ale boasts a delicious balance of grapefruit, tangerine and tropical fruit, making it the beer to help get into the swing of spring. At 4% ABV and 98 calories per can, it’s the perfect option for drinkers looking for something on the lighter side without compromising on taste.
“Space-Born is a refreshing special that’s perfect for enjoying after work at home or at a picnic with mates. A blend of malt, wheat and oats bound together by London fog yeast, Space-Born delivers a gravity defying soft, light mouthfeel. Juicy, fruity and lower in calories.”
It is priced at £2.25 per can, with an RRP of £50 for a case of 24 cans.
SkinnyBrands unveils low-calorie IPA variant
If you think your customers want a healthier beer option, perhaps Skinny IPA is an option for you to stock.
The 4% ABV IPA from SkinnyBrands weighs in at just 89 calories per 330ml can – and is vegan, gluten-free and kosher-certified.
SkinnyBrands chief executive Adrian Hirst, who previously worked for Whitbread in sales and marketing roles, said: “Skinny IPA will offer a unique alternative for drinkers who are making conscious lifestyle decisions when choosing their food and drink. IPA drinkers deserve an alternative choice that is transparent with its calories. We want to encourage the nation to ‘just taste it’.
SkinnyBrands marketing manager Lucy Chan Chappells added: “We’re really proud to be continuing to expand the Skinny Lager brand with the launch of the Skinny IPA. There has been an unprecedented rise in new-to-market IPAs, with the global market set to grow annually at 11.4% in over next four years. Skinny IPA is set to lead the way as a lower calorie alternative IPA.”
Skinny IPA is available to purchase on Amazon UK in packs of 24x330ml cans.
If you have any new products that are being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images before Thursday at midday for potential inclusion on Friday’s article to gary.lloyd@wrbm.com.
