WKD, Stella and Jura announce new products

New Berry Blast from WKD

WKD has announced its latest recruit to the SHS Drinks RTD range, Berry Blast (4% ABV).

Bold in appearance and taste, WKD Berry Blast aims to stand out on any back-bar, targeted at the 18-24 year-old market.

With four times the consumer awareness of other RTD brands and sales up 24% over the past two years, according to Brand Health Study and CGA respectively, WKD's latest offering starts in a strong position. 

WKD at SHS Drinks head of brand Alison Gray said: “Berry is set to be the next big thing in RTD flavours and our eye-catching Berry Blast packs are going to ensure WKD is front and centre and grabs attention in pubs and bars.

"Our target market actively seeks out innovation and new variants; they expect WKD to deliver new products on a regular basis and our latest offering will not disappoint.

“Our consumers tell us when they get together with mates to socialise and enjoy WKD on nights out, they always have a great time. Now, with the launch of our latest fruity variant, we can really inspire them to get together and have a Blast.”

WKD Berry Blast is available from wholesalers such as Matthew Clark and HB Clark.

Stella Au Natural  

Premium lager brand Stella Artois has gone back to basics with the launch of its new unfiltered variant.

Stella Artois Unfiltered (5% ABV), a golden lager in its purest form, is available from Waitrose and Tesco at RRP £14 for a pack of 12x330ml.

Stella Artois Europe brand manager Meg Chadwick said: “Not many people know that beer originally wasn’t filtered - we’re so excited to be taking it back to its roots with the launch of Stella Artois Unfiltered. 

"The concept is a simple one - by skipping the filtering stage, we’ve produced beer in its purest and most natural form. Flavoursome, refreshing and truly Beer, au Naturel. 

"Yes, it’s a hazy beer, but it’s one of our smoothest yet! And it’s thanks to that haze Stella Artois Unfiltered is authentically delicious. Think impeccable taste - and it’s here just in time for BBQ season, post-work drinks, picnics, and days in the sun."

And then Accolade announces two new wines 

Launching in June, Accolade Wines has announced its latest alcohol-free wine collection, &then.

The collection will initially launch with two varietals; a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay, with a 125ml glass containing just 25 calories and 1.5g of sugar.

Accolade Wines Europe marketing director Tom Smith said: “&then is launching at a time when health and wellness is on many shoppers’ minds, with 54% of global consumers concerned about their physical and mental health and 46% actively trying to reduce their alcohol intake.

"Mid-millennials in particular are looking for stylish and contemporary zero-alcohol alternatives without compromising taste or enjoyment – which is another big step in wine being able to compete with other zero alcohol categories.

“Utilising the Zero Tech X technology, we’ll be using this process across our Accolade Wines portfolio, with &then starting with a premium wine base from South Australia.

"This product gives people who are moderating their alcohol a truly high-quality zero-alcohol alternative that showcases the flavours and characters of full-strength wine."

&then will be available direct from Accolade in 750ml bottles at RRP £8.

Climate positive vodka 

Sapling Spirits has launched its new limited edition Citrus Vodka (40% ABV) in partnership with Fortnum and Mason.

Inspired by the fact 3.8m tonnes of citrus peel is thrown away in the UK each year, Sapling's new variant, of which only 396 bottles have been produced, is good for the planet as the company plant a tree for every bottle sold with 40kg of lemon and orange peel waste creating the zesty taste of Sapling, making this vodka climate positive. 

Made in the Cotswolds, Sapling Vodka is distilled four times from wild farmed wheat, then blended with charcoal filtered, deionised water, resulting in a creamy, fragrant and zesty spirit with a touch of sweetness, best enjoyed on the rocks or in vodka cocktails such as the Sgroppino. 

The Fortum's and Sapling Citrus Vodka is available at RRP £42.50.

Hogs Back brewery celebrates 30 years

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Hogs Back Brewery has rebranded its flagship ale Tongham TEA, in honour of its home village in Surrey.

The Tongham TEA, which stands for Traditional English Ale, rebrand will appear on its 500ml bottles as well as on new pump clips, glasses and other marketing support in the on-trade.

A full bodied, well-balanced bitter, Tongham TEA, the breweries debut beer in 1992, is brewed using English Malt with Fruggles hops, gently fermented to provide a dry finish. 

Hogs Back managing director said: "Returning to this name reflects the strong affection beer drinkers in our Surrey heartland have for both the beer and the brewery."

Rathfinny releases 2018 vintage 

Family owned Sussex based wine estate, Rathfinny, has announced it's latest release, 2018 vintage Blanc De Noirs (12% ABV).

Available from Lea and Sandeman at RRP £38.95 a bottle (or £36.95 case price), Rathfinny's Blanc De Noirs is translucent saffron in colour and crafted in the traditional method from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier with notes of mulberry and almond blossom on the nose.

Created in 2018, which was of the warmest summers on record, the newest serve from Rathfinny benefitted from fruit with the ideal balance of sugars and acidity which pairs well with bbq pork, crispy duck in hoisin sauce or Japanese Nimono dishes.

Rathfinny Wine Estate co-owner Sarah Driver said: “The winery team at Rathfinny have crafted a beautiful Blanc de Noir that retains the integrity of the pristine grapes that were grown and harvested by our vineyard crew and local community.

"The ripe red fruits and low dosage (3.5g/l) showcased in this wine are a true reflection of the Rathfinny house style. We can’t wait to share our latest release."

Whyte and Mackay new Jura variant 

Whyte and Mackay has created a new variant, Jura 14 year old American Rye Cask (40% ABV).

In celebration of all things great about Jura, Scotland, the whisky makers latest offering is a gold coloured single malt with aromas of honey balanced with exotic spice notes alongside Jura's classic citrus and vanilla nose, matured in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels to add floral characteristics.  

Whyte & Mackay whisky maker an blender Gregg Glass said: “The vibrancy of this new whisky gives it real personality and flair, whilst very much staying true to the character of Jura. 

"In celebrating the island and its community, its vital to create a whisky which offers layers of flavour and a touch of complexity, as it perfectly reflects our inspiration. 

"With every sip of this 14 year old, you’re transported to our island in spirit, a gift from our tiny island community but too good to keep to yourself”

Launched in the UK in March, Jura 14 Year Old American Rye Cask is available now in 70cl bottles from Master of Malt at RRP £41.95.

Rudgate Brewery releases Nordic inspired 'Pilsnor'

Another 30 year celebration to close this weeks round up, award-winning Yorkshire based Rudgate Brewery has launched its first lager.

Drawing inspiration from classic European Pilsner's and brewed using yeast from Berlin, Rugate Pilsnor (4.7%) is a crisp and clean, easy drinking beer.

Rudgate consultant brewer Carl said: “The brew sits between a clean, crisp, harsher German Pilsner and the full bodied flavour and structure of a Czech Pilsner, without the bitterness.

Originally thought of by Rudgate's managing director Craig, the release of Pilsnor last month had been postponed for two years due to Covid.

Craig said: “For several years we have been aware of a gap in our portfolio for a lager and decided to go with a traditional style as our first offering as it most suited our brewery and what we are all about.

"As we are primarily an ale brewer our knowledge of lager brewing is limited so we brought in Carl who has been a friend of the brewery for several years to assist us in this new venture.”

The serve is available direct from Rudgate in 500ml bottles in cases of 12 at RRP £29.50.

If you have any new products 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 Erorppn.jryyre@jeoz.pbz​​.​