Hooch announces new flavour
Alcoholic lemonade brand Hooch has announced the release of its latest flavoured expression, Blue Hooch (4% ABV).
The latest innovation, described by Hooch as a “tropical fiesta in a can”, is an evolution of the brand’s passionfruit and mango serve, Hoola Hooch, with enhanced fruity flavours alongside the signature Hooch citrus kick to create a sessionable serve.
Replacing Hoola Hooch, the new offering is available in 440ml can format from a variety of wholesalers including HB Clark, LWC Drinks and at RRP £39.50 for a pack of 24 from Good Time.
Global Brands, which owns Hooch, head of brand Charlie Leaver said: “We're thrilled to share the release of Blue Hooch ahead of summer.
“Combining a household name with the leading flavour in traditional RTDs was just a matter of time and is sure to boost interest in the category in both on trade and off trade premises.”
Shepherd Neame releases limited-edition cask
Independent Kent-based brewer and operator Shepherd Neame has announced the latest limited-edition release in its real ale Cask Club initiative, Creekside (3.4% ABV).
Marking the fourth release in the series, Creekside is a session IPA, offering sweet summer fruit aromas of raspberry and blackcurrant with Bramlina Cross and Callista Hops used in the coppers, balanced with a combination of Caramalt, wheat and a small amount of chocolate malt.
The light amber ale’s name and pump clip designs were inspired by the tidal creek that runs through Faversham, the medieval market town where Shepherd Neame has been based for more than 400 years.
Shepherd Neame Brands Marketing Manager Rose Davis said: “Faversham Creek became a major trading port for the export of English wool in the 16th century, resulting in the town’s coat of arms being linked to the Royal Arms of England.
“We decided to name our latest brew Creekside to celebrate this history, while also using the pump clip design to reflect the Creek’s current importance to the town, as a haven for wildlife, with many colorful boats populating its shoreline.”
Launched in 2019, the businesses Cask Club aims to produce “innovative” limited-edition cask beers, incorporating “modern styles and flavors” while also “celebrating” seasonal classics.
Drinkers can get involved with Cask Club by picking up a passport at participating pubs and collecting a bespoke crook stamp for each new Cask Club ale tried.
Those who complete the passport will be eligible for an exclusive Cask Club t-shirt and will be entered into a prize draw for a weekend getaway.
Future ales in the Cask Club programme to look out for over the next few months include Citra Smack (3.8% ABV Citra Ale), Cobnut (3.8%) and Late Red (4.5%).
Brewer Scott Wilkins said: “Creekside has been rewarding to brew, showcasing how the delicate balance of malts and hops can create a flavoursome and characterful beer.
“We hope drinkers enjoy a pint of Creekside throughout June and July, with the fruity aroma and flavour the perfect addition to any summer pub visit.”
Never Say Die introduced small batch whisky
Introduced at the Epsom Derby races on Saturday 3 June, Never Say Die whisky brand has expanded its collection of small batch serves.
The second expression from the brand, which launched last year, Never Say Die is a traditional Kentucky Bourbon made with a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% rye and 12% malted barley, resulting in flavours of spice and citrus that melts into vanilla, leather and caramel, distilled in Kentucky before being ocean-aged on its journey across the Atlantic and further matured in England.
Each batch, of which there are four planned for 2023, will be available in both the UK and US, featuring a unique and balanced blend of Never Say Die recipe barrels with just 2,750 bottles available per small batch.
At 47.5% ABV with mellowed spice from a high rye grain content, the brand described the latest small batch as “complex enough for sipping, whilst also holding up in highballs and cocktails”.
Never Say Die Co-founder Martha Dalton said: “We were delighted to launch our second product at the Epsom Derby, on the 144th running of the very race that our namesake racehorse, Never Say Die, the Kentucky thoroughbred that won in 1954 derby at 33-1 odds in front of Queen Elizabeth II.
“The [latest] small batch is an approachable blend of our most interesting barrels that have been selected to complement one another to create a balanced and versatile Bourbon.
“When we set out to create Never Say Die, we always knew we wanted to be experimental with the ageing process and push the envelope of what a Kentucky bourbon can be.
“Since launching late last year, we have been overwhelmed by the positive response from both the industry and Bourbon fans alike.
“As the first Kentucky straight Bourbon to be both ocean-aged and then matured in the UK, Never Say Die is exposed to three entirely different climatic conditions, and it is this unique journey that we believe gives Never Die its distinct flavour profile.
“The salinity of the air along with the rapid temperature changes of the ocean voyage accelerate and alter the barrel ageing process.
“Beyond that, it is undeniable that the char and oak from the barrel is agitated upon the ‘sloshing’ from the maritime journey, thus imparting more flavour and colour to the whiskey”.
Never Say Die Small Batch is available now in 70cl bottle format at RRP £59.95 from the Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt.
Rich's Cider launches low alcohol offering
Rich’s Cider Low Alcohol cider is a medium sparkling cloudy cider, described by the brand as having all the “bite and taste of its alcoholic equivalent”.
Founded in 1954, all cider from the family-owned cider maker is pressed from apples that originated from within 30 miles of its farm.
Rich’s Cider third generation cider maker George W Rich Scott said:” We have always strived to give customers what they want, and the launch of our low alcohol cider continues that tradition, alongside our desire to bring a “true taste of Somerset” to consumers and businesses across the UK.
“With Ccder and interest in the low and no alcohol drinks at an all-time high, it felt right to launch now in time for the summer, so sales can be maximised for the season.”
The new serve is available now at RRP £2.10 from a variety of wholesalers.
Radlow Hundred vineyard reveals 2022 Vintage Collection
Herefordshire-based vineyard Radlow Hundred has revealed its 2022 vintage collection, including small-batch Rondo 2022, Solaris 2022 and Rosé 2022, all 12% abv.
Rondo offers hints of vanilla, darks cherries and pepper with a gentle oaked edge.
Solaris boasts notes of honeydew melon and citrus, while the brands Rose provides bursts of summer berries and lime.
The release marks the first year Radlow Hundred has released batches made solely with the vineyard’s grapes, with vines carefully paired with the Herefordshire soil and pruned by hand each winter.
Radlow Hundred, which has been farming for eight generations, planted the vines to preserve the future of farming at the estate, mindful of the changes of the natural environment.
The Radlow Hundred 2022 Vintages Collection is available now direct from the brand at RRP £16.99 per bottle.
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 Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com.
