KBE introduces Kingfisher Zero
World beer, cider and spirits company, KBE Drinks, has launched Kingfisher Zero, an alcohol-free variant of its biggest brand.
Kingfisher Zero embodies the same flavour as Kingfisher Premium, without the alcohol, brewed from only natural ingredients to replicate the taste.
This comes as figures from the Portman Group’s sixth annual survey in partnership with YouGov recently revealed 44% of consumers aged 18 to 24 consider themselves either an occasional or regular drinker of alcohol alternatives, compared to 31% in 2022.
Kingfisher senior brand manager Andy Sunnucks said: “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Kingfisher Zero, a long-requested addition to our portfolio.
“After successfully repositioning the brand last year, we want Kingfisher to continue to lead the Indian beer category and have a credible offering to meet the current growth in alcohol free occasions.
“It was also important to us that we’re not just ticking a box and the new liquid is not only of good enough quality to replicate the original, but also stands on its own as a quality drink.”
Kingfisher Zero is available to outlets now in 330ml bottles with a wholesale RRP of £19.99 for a pack of 24 bottles.
Busker unveils new single pot still whiskey
The Busker Irish Whiskey has revealed its latest expression, Small Batch Single Pot Still (46.3% ABV).
Marking the award-winning brands first small batch offering, the new serve has been matured in first-fill bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry European oak butts, producing notes of leathery tobacco, autumnal fruits and caramelised balsamic tones alongside oak and sandalwood.
The expression’s master blender Caroline Martin said: "It’s with great pride we reveal The Busker’s new Small Batch whiskey addition. It is an exquisite example of single-pot whiskey perfection, showcasing The Busker’s opulent flavours that are full-bodied, bold, powerful, and well-rounded.”
Busker Irish Whiskey Small Batch Single Pot Whiskey is available now direct from the brand’s website in 700ml bottle format at RRP £45.
Lucky Saint expands portfolio with new IPA
Alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint has expanded its portfolio with the addition of its Superior Hazy IPA.
Lucky Saint’s Alcohol-Free Superior Hazy IPA brings together New World Hops and California Ale Yeast alongside a combination of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops, resulting in a juicy, hazy IPA with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and fresh pine.
After being in development for two years, the launch marks the second beer for Lucky Saint and its first release since the brand’s inception five years ago, joining its award-winning alcohol-free Superior Unfiltered Lager.
Founder of Lucky Saint Luke Boase said: “Five years after the launch of Lucky Saint’s Unfiltered Lager, I am beyond excited to announce our Alcohol-Free Hazy IPA.
“I’m extremely proud of the IPA we’ve created, following two years of development. The ambition was to brew an alcohol-free IPA that captures the magic of new world hops, balanced with exceptional body and the perfect level of bitterness. Here’s to the next five years.”
Lucky Saint alcohol-free Superior Hazy IPA, which is also sugar free, is availble now direct from the brand’s webshop in packs of 12 or 24x300ml cans at RRP £22 and £42.50 respectively.
Hattingley Valley releases two new wines
Award-winning Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley has announced its two latest releases – the STILL Pinot Noir 2022 and the STILL Chardonnay 2022.
Made using the 2022 harvest, which the brand described as a “fruitfully long and warm year”, the new offerings are available now in 75cl botlle format direct from Hattingley Valley websop at RRP £25 per serve.
The STILL Pinot Noir 22 (11% ABV), has been crafted using 100% pinot noir grapes, handpicked and destemmed, the grapes are then pressed off the skins before being transferred into old French Oak barrels for a nine-month long malolactic fermentation process prior to bottling.
Bright ruby in colour, the wine boasts aromas of red fruit, with the palate revealing candied cherries, cooked fruit and rich dark chocolate.
At 12.5% ABV, the STILL Chardonnay variant from Hattingley has been made using 100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed chardonnay grapes, with 76% of the total blend barrel fermented, of which 19% is then aged in those barrels for approximately eight months.
The remaining 63% of the total blend goes through malolactic fermentation, resulting in a vibrant wine, with aromas of lime, blossom, candied pear and tart nectarine on the nose.
Two Tribes adds new tropical IPA to range
Two Tribes Brewery has revealed the latest addition to its portfolio of beers, Magic, a tropical lite IPA crafted as a low carb and low-calories beer with an ABV of 3.5%.
A blend of citrus and red berry flavours with aromas of gooseberry and passionfruit, Magic caters to those “seeking a flavourful, but lighter drinking experience”, Two Tribes said.
Founder of Two Tribes Justin Deighton said: "Our new lite IPA is a great addition to our ever-growing collection.
“We are proud to release such an all-round product which delivers for anyone seeking a lighter product, whilst not compromising on taste or quality."
Launched last month across the Electric Star pub estate in London last month, Magic is now available across all on-trade platforms and direct from the Two Tribes website.
Hive Mind launches new range of blended spirits
Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co has introduced a new range of honey distilled and blended spirits.
The first to be released will be its Spiced Honey Rum (37.5% ABV), blended with Hive Mind’s bees in the Wye Valley and surrounding area.
Hive’s Honey Spiced Rum has been created with a base rum on molasses at its Caldicot meadery, which is then sent to be distilled by The Spirit of Wales Distillery in Newport before being returned to be spiced and blended with the Wye Valley honey.
Hive Mind Spiced Honey Rum is available now for a limited time direct from the Hive Mind website, Craft Drinks Co, Pig’s Ears and Blas ar Fwyd in 500ml bottle format at RRP £34.
Next to launch in the range will be a Honey Spirit, distilled from Hive Mind’s Traditional Mead.
Hive Mind Mead and Brew Co co-founder Kit Newell said: “We’ve been working behind the scenes throughout 2023 to develop a unique range of spirits to add to our catalogue of traditional and sparkling meads and honey beers. Showcasing honey in another style of drink really highlights how versatile it is.
"Brewing the base rum on molasses in-house gives us control of the process and means we are able to put our creative stamp on every part of its creation. We’re then able to use our blending experience from years of mead production to balance the honey and spices in the final spirit, making sure the honey shines through.”
The brand also introduced a new charity serve last month, Zambian Forest Honey Mead (14.5% ABV), in collaboration with Bees for Development, launched in celebration of the charity’s 30th anniversary.
Brewed to the same recipe as Hive Mind’s Traditional Mead, the new variant uses organic Zambian Forest honey, giving the drink a distinct amber colour and a unique flavour profile with complex herbal and spiced notes.
As well as supporting beekeepers in Zambia by purchasing the honey,10% of profits from sales of the new mead will be donated to Bees for Development by Hive Mind.
Hive Mind Zambian Mead is available in 70cl bottle format at RRP £30.00 direct from Hive and through the Craft Drink Co.
- If you have any new products being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images for potential inclusion to Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com . The Next round-up will be published on Thursday 1 February. Check out the previous round-up here.
