The monthly round-up of what’s new in low/no, beer, cider, wine, spirits, RTDs and mixers.
WINE
Laithwaites x Alex James Britpop
£23
USP: Britpop is an English sparkling wine launched by Blur’s Alex James and made by Furleigh Estate. Liz Smith, wine director of Laithwaites, said: “Britpop sparkling English wine delivers on all levels – delicious taste, food friendly and great value for money. Furleigh Estates and Alex James are the perfect partnership and Laithwaites is delighted to have exclusive distribution.”
The Language of Yes 2020 Syrah and 2020 Grenache
£44 each
USP: The new Californian vintages are the result of a collaboration between E & J Gallo and winemaker Randall Grahm. Described as a “Californian iteration of classic French wines”, both are made using grapes from the Rancho Réal vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley – one of the coolest growing sites in California.
Adnams Petit Chablis, Domaine Roy, 2021
£18.99
USP: Adnams latest vintage is made from 100% single vineyard Chardonnay from Domaine Roy in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis. It is said to have flavours of apple and lemon with a “refreshing acidity”.
Paxton Wines Baterista Shiraz
£36.99
USP: The limited-edition Shiraz is the result of a partnership between Australian organic and biodynamic producer, Paxton Wines, and The Killers drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. North South Wines, Paxton Wines’ UK importer, will be supplying 120 of the 800 bottles available for the UK independent trade.
Campaneo Sauvignon Blanc
£6 (75cl) or £15.19 (2.5l bag-in-box)
USP: Kingsland Drinks has expanded its Campaneo range with the addition of a Sauvignon Blanc. The launch is also coupled with the introduction of bag-in-box wines for the Savingnon Blanc and Campaneo’s existing Tempranillo wine.
Bolgrad Ukrainian wines
£10
USP: From August 2023, six wines from Ukraine will be available across the off-trade via Kingsland Drinks. The Bolgrad range is varietal-led with a Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay (with 15% Aligoté) and a Chardonnay Sukholimansky (an indigenous relative of Muscat) in white wines, along with a Pinot Noir rosé. And in red wines, the brand offers a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Saperavi (native of Georgia).
A “project wine”, Odesa Black (Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon crossing), will join the range later in the year.
Pepperjack Shiraz
£10-12
USP: Treasury Wine Estates is bolstering its offer in the UK with the launch of Australian brand Pepperjack Shiraz (14% abv), across grocery this summer, with Pepperjack now available in Asda.
Hampton Water 2021
£20
USP: Hampton Water rosé is a collaboration between musician Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse and French wine heavyweight Gérard Bertrand. The Languedoc wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and it is available at Ocado.
SPIRITS & LIQUEURS
Càrn Mòr Porter Cask
54.8% abv
£68
USP: The single malt was created as part of a collaboration between Càrn Mòr and Wasted Degrees brewing. First distilled in 2012 at Glen Ord Distillery, the liquid was then matured for 9 years in bourbon barrels before being transferred to a Wasted Degrees porter cask for an additional year. The release is limited to 428 bottles.
Zubrowka Biala Vanilla
37.5% abv
£18.95
USP: The latest addition to Zubrowka’s Biala range is infused with Madagascan vanilla, and described as the ideal “base for many classic cocktails”. Zubrowka’s flavoured portfolio also includes its Biala Winter Rye and Rose Liqueur.
Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve 2023
54% abv
£145
USP: The fourth edition of Black Tot’s Blender’s Reserve rum uses a method in which one third of a previous blend is held back for another year and blended again, resulting in a “perpetual blend”. This year’s rum combines the Master Blender’s Reserve 2022 with original Navy Rum from 1970, and will be released on July 31 to commemorate the anniversary of when the British Navy discontinued the daily rum ration in 1970.
Spar raspberry vodka
£14.99
USP: Spar’s own-label vodka is the latest addition to the retailer’s vodka range as it looks to tap into the flavoured vodka trend. Adam Georgiou, senior brand manager for own label BWS, said: “Flavoured vodka is a growing sector of the spirits market and within the category, raspberry has proven to be the consistent crowd favourite.”
Ramsbury Raspberry and Wildflower Honey Gin
38% abv
£36
USP: The limited-edition launch is made from raspberry juice and honey harvested from Ramsbury’s estate in Wiltshire. It combines these ingredients with Ramsbury’s original juniper base for a “sweet yet refreshing blend”.
Ancnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition and Peatheart Batch 3
43% abv and 46% abv respectively
£40 and £55
USP: Ancnoc has added two new whiskies to its peated range. Sherry Cask Finish – a non-aged single malt with notes of vanilla and spices – is a permanent addition to the range, while Peatheart Batch 3 is a limited launch with 1535 cases available.
The Glenturret Core Collection 2023
From 42.6% abv
From £62
The first five whiskies in the 2023 core collection are made up of Triple Wood, the 7 Years Old Peat Smoked, 10 Years Old Peat Smoked, 12 Years Old and 15 Years Old. Joining the five new expressions in the 2023 collection are three rare single malts – a 25 Years Old, limited to 210 bottles, The Glenturret 30 Years Old, limited to 500 bottles, and the 35 Years Old, with 185 bottles available.
BEER & CIDER
Cotswold Prime Cider
4.6% abv
£TBC
USP: The latest launch from the Cotswold Cider Company is part of its ‘Cotswold Range’ which focuses on classic cider styles. It is described as medium-dry and has flavours of “rich baked apple and soft spice”.
Mad Squirrel Brewery Post-Ride beer
3.7% abv
£4
USP: Geared towards cyclists as a “post-ride refreshment”, the beer is the product of a collaboration between the Hertfordshire-based brewery and Volt e-bikes. Greg Blesson, managing director at Mad Squirrel said: “Our post-ride beer is perfect for cyclists and drinkers who want a low abv beer that doesn’t compromise on taste.”
Innis & Gunn The Original: XX Edition
7.7% abv
£6 (330ml)
USP: Following on from The Original launch in 2003, the 20th anniversary XX Edition is a whisky cask-matured beer. The casks were laid down in 2003 after the initial launch.
Giesinger Bräu range
3.6% – 6.6% abv
£TBC
USP: Euroboozer is bringing Giesinger Bräu’s core beer range into the UK from Munich for the first time. Six beers will be available to the on- and off-trade, including Giesinger’s flagship Erhellung pale lager. Martyn Railton, Euroboozer MD, said: “We’ve admired Giesinger’s approach to Bavarian brewing for a long time, and have been fans of the beers for a while now, so we’re really excited to be working exclusively with the brewery to bring more of their outstanding beer to the UK.”
Hive Mind Nectar pilsner
4.5% abv
£4 per can
USP: Nectar is a honey-infused pilsner from mead and beer producer Hive Mind. It is the first Hive Mind beer to be available to the UK off-trade, following the recent launch of Hive’s sparkling mead in cans. Kit Newell, brand co-founder, said: “The starting point for our honey beers is always a classically brewed authentic style so Pilsner was the perfect choice when we wanted to add a lighter lager-style to our summer range. As well as a subtle sweetness which complements the malt, the honey adds wildflower notes which work really well with Pilsner hops.”
RTDS & MIXERS
Pimentae Classic Tommy’s Margarita
14.7% abv
£29.95
USP: Tequila cocktail brand Pimentae has added a classic margarita to its range which already includes a Tommy’s Spicy Margarita. It combines tequila, lime and agave, with brand owners recommending that drinkers serve with ice and garnish.
Bacardi Mango Mojito and Raspberry Mojito
5% abv each
£2 each
USP: Launched to coincide with summer, Bacardi has added two new RTD cocktails to its range. Brand owners have recommended the cocktails for summer drinking occasions, such as BBQs and festivals.
Bottlegreen range
£3.20 – £4.05
USP: Bottlegreen has released four new products: Orange & Lemon cordial, Raspberry Lemonade, Ginger Beer and Blood Orange Spritz. Sarah Lawson, head of marketing for softs at SHS Drinks, said: “Consumers love to try innovative and interesting flavours, and with a tantalising new cordial combination, a pair of permanent additions to our range of ‘light’ presses, and Blood Orange Spritz as a 2023 limited edition, we’re adding flavours that will refresh both fixtures and consumers.”
Silver Circle Distillery’s Ultimate Bloody Mary
£10 (40cl)
7% abv
USP: Monmouthshire-based Silver Circle Distillery has launched a premixed Ultimate Bloody Mary – designed ready-to-pour from a tomato soup can. The drinks is made using Black Garlic Vodka with tomato juice, apple caramel, white shoyu, jalapeno and red pepper hot sauce, with vegan Worcester sauce.
Double Dutch Elderflower Tonic
£23.15
USP: The latest flavour’s tasting notes include “delicate, lemony hints with a welcome bitter finish”. This new offering will expand Double Dutch’s core range, which features 13 tonics and mixers.
Mirror Margarita
15% abv
£25 (50cl)
USP: Mirror Margarita was created by mixologist Deano Moncrieffe, founder of London’s Hacha bar. The clear margarita will launch into Sainsbury’s stores nationwide and online this September 17. Bottles should be kept cool, refrigerated once opened and will keep for up to 12 months.
LOW & NO
Equinox Organic Sicilian Lemon Kombucha
£2.20
USP: Designed to bring new consumers to the kombucha category, Equinox’s head of grocery, Glesni Owen, said there is a “big opportunity” for the category in the UK market, adding: “Our new, lightly sparkling Sicilian Lemon Organic Kombucha has been blended by our craft brewers to deliver plenty of crowd-pleasing lemon flavour with a gentle kombucha tang.”
Agua de Madre relaunch
£10 (75cl)
USP: Agua de Madre is a naturally sparkling, alcohol-free water kefir which is described as a wine alternative. The brand has relaunched its original product with a packaging redesign for its 75cl bottles. Five flavours are available: Blood Orange, Elderflower & Apple, Passion Fruit and Raspberry, Lemon & Ginger, and Pomegranate & Hibiscus.
Spirits of Virtue relaunch
From £19 per bottle
Spirits of Virtue, the Scottish zero-alcohol spirits producer, is relaunching and expanding its portfolio. The range is marketed under separate brands including Glen Dochus, a range of five non-alcoholic whisky alternatives; Seven Giants, three non-alcoholic tequila alternatives; Pearsons, a range of five botanicals, and rum-inspired 270 West with four variants. Two non-alcoholic American whiskey alternatives fall under the Sobour brand, and five zero-alcohol vodka alternatives form the Usko brand. The redevelopment of the range and redesign saw input from creative designer Alex Bontoft, and drinks industry expert Angela Mount.
Lecap rosé
£14.99
USP: 5% abv South African rosé Lecap is launching in the UK. Lecap is made with cold-pressed Merlot grapes grown in South Africa’s Western Cape.
