NEW PRODUCTS ROUND-UP
Baileys introduces new light variant
Baileys releases light variant
Baileys Original Irish Cream, owned by Diageo, has expanded its portfolio with the release of Deliciously Light (16.1% ABV), a reduced calorie variant of the classic whisky-based drink.
The new offering blends the brand's traditional mix of Irish cream whisky with rich cocoa and vanilla flavours but with 94 (40%) less calories per 50ml serving, best served over ice, in creamy cocktails, in a Baileys hot chocolate or poured over puddings.
Baileys Deliciously Light is availble now in 70cl bottle format at RRP £16.50 from thebar.com.
Silent Pool launches coronation gin
Silent Pool has announced a limited-edition gin in celebration of the upcoming coronation.
The commemorative gin has been specifically crafted to mark the historical occasion with the King’s “favourite Surrey botanicals”.
Presented in a decorated 70cl bottle, the serve offers notes of bergamot orange, rose petals, lavender, Early Grey Tea, Hawthorn berries and chamomile, alongside the infusion of dried plum and raspberry leaves.
Silent Pool Coronation Gin (43% ABV) is available to pre-order for delivery from the week commencing Monday 3 April from the brand’s webshop at RRP £45.
Meantime Brewery announces collaborative charity brew
London-based Meantime Brewing Company has teamed up with Record Store Day UK (RSDUK) to create Double Groove (4.7% ABV).
The new serve is the official beer of RSDUK 2023, which sees hundreds of independent record shops across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture.
Made from a mix of British and American hops, the collaborative brew will launch in bottle format on the Meantime webshop on Monday 3 April at RRP £2.20 per serve with 50p per bottle going to RSDUK’s official charity partner War Child, which supports children living in conflict zones.
Meantime head brewer Joe Gardner said, “Double Groove IPA is the ultimate hop duo.
“We’ve mixed American Citra and British Admiral hops to create a full-bodied IPA that’ll get you into the groove this Record Store Day.
“Double Groove features 50% US & 50% UK varieties, bringing together complementary flavours to create a distinct and unique beer.
“This is our third year as official beer partner to RSD UK and this beer symbolises the important relationship between the US and UK, both musically and in beer.”
Salcombe Distilling Co. introduces alcohol-free range
Salcombe Distilling Co. has announced a portfolio of non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs, New London Light, consisting of three new serves.
The production of the low-calorie and vegan range, which is also free from added sugar, has been overseen by master distiller Jason Nickels.
Inspired by gin-making principles, First Light boasts flavours of dry juniper, citrus and ginger while the brand’s Midnight Sun serve offers notes of coastal berries, fresh pine and kelp.
Lastly, New London Light Aegean Sky showcases Mediterranean sun-soaked citrus and olive.
Salcombe Distilling Co. co-founder Howard Davies said: "The non-alcoholic space is exciting and fast-growing, and has provided us with an opportunity to get creative by exploring innovative techniques and processes.
"It is a challenge to provide something alternative to alcohol that doesn’t compromise on taste, and for us to be able to achieve this whilst keeping as much of the distillation process in house as possible, is something we're extremely proud of."
All New London Light variants are available now from the Salcombe Distilling Co webshop in 70cl bottles at RRP £25.
GlenAllachie expands Virgin Oak Series
Independent Scotch whisky distillery GlenAllachie has revealed a trio of limited-edition single malts joining its Virgin Oak Series.
All 48% ABV, the new variants include an 8-year-old Scottish Virgin Oak Finish (RRP £65.99), a 7-year-old Hungarian Virgin Oak Finish (£62.99) and a 10-year-old Spanish Virgin Oak Finish (RRP £69.99).
The term “virgin oak” refers to wood that has not previously been used to age any other wine or spirit, meaning the only influence on the whisky is the oak alone, with the brand setting out to explore the impact of oak on flavour and development during the maturation process through these serves.
To create the triad of new whiskies, the spirit was first matured in American Oak (Quercus Alba) ex-Bourbon Barrels before undergoing a finishing period of approximately 18 months in the different oak varieties.
The three unusual cask types were obtained by Scotch whisky industry stalwart Billy Walker.
All three new variants are available now from a variety of wholesalers including Master of Malt.
Fungtn brings out new mushroom-based brew
Award-winning alcohol-free craft beer brand, Fungtn, has launched a new Shiitake Dark Lager (0.5% ABV).
The brand uses organic Shiitake mushrooms, malt, barley and hops to create a light toasted vegan and gluten-free beer with a biscuit finish.
Containing 500mg of Shiitake mushroom extract per 330ml can, the lager is a balanced blend of stout-like flavours and Shiitake, resulting in a crisp, light and refreshing dark lager.
Fungtn Shiitake Dark Lager is availble now from the brand’s webshop in 12x330ml packs at RRP £33.60.
Whitley Neill releases limited-edition bottle design
Another commemorative product for this week's round-up, premium gin brand Whitley Neill has launched a limited-edition bottle of its Connoisseur's Cut London Dry Gin ahead of the coronation of King Charles III.
The 70cl bottle has been designed with a patriotic red, white and blue colour scheme with the official coronation emblem on the seal of the lid.
Distilled at The City of London Distillery, the Connoisseur's Cut Gin (47% ABV) offers notes of juniper and citrus.
Halewood Artisanal Spirits global marketing director Rachel Adams said: “With an extra Bank Holiday and a weekend full of celebrations, the coronation will present a huge sales opportunity for retailers and licensees this May.
"With its rich London heritage and quality London Dry gin distilling credentials, Whitley Neill is perfectly positioned to help maximise this opportunity with the launch of this striking Limited Edition Coronation Gin offering.
"We’ve also created a range of supporting serve suggestions for those looking to celebrate the occasion with an extra special royal cocktail”.
Whitley Neill Connoisseur's Cut Coronation Gin limited-edition bottle is available to order now direct from the brand and via The Drop Store at RRP £30.
Coronation serving suggestions:
Royal G&T:Ingredients:
- 50ml Whitley Neill Coronation Gin
- 200ml Indian Tonic Water
Method:
- Add the gin over large cubed ice in a crystal highball
- Top-up slowly with the Premium Indian Tonic Water
- Garnish with a slice of Grapefruit
Ingredients:
- 50ml Whitley Neill Coronation Gin
- Spoonful of Marmalade
- Orange juice
- Lemonade
Method:
- Add gin and marmalade to an ice-filled glass and stir well
- Top up 50:50 with Orange juice and lemonade
- Garnish with lemon slices strawberries
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 and for any upcoming King's Coronation on-trade launches, please send details and images to Gary.lloyd@wrbm.com by Thursday 6 April.
