The latest new product development across beer, wine, spirits, RTDs and low & no.
SPIRITS AND LIQUEURS
The GlenAllachie Lunar New Year Limited Edition Single Malt
48% abv
£78.99
USP: The GlenAllachie distillery has released a limited-edition single malt celebrating the Lunar New Year. The distillery said it was inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse, where the seventh animal meets the fire element. The expression combines Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry cask influence with high-char Appalachian Virgin Oak to create a fire flavour. The whisky has flavours of mocha, spice and honeyed sweetness.
Yesteryear
52.3% abv
£69.95
USP: The London Distillery Company has launched a six-year-old single London Rye Whisky, Yesteryear, a reimagination of the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP). The original liquid has been returned to wood for an additional two years of maturation, resulting in a “recontextualised” expression.
House of Rum Foursquare bottling
60.5% abv
£129
USP: House of Rum has released a cask strength single vintage bottling of Foursquare rum at cask strength. Distilled in 2010, the brand said the liquid has notes of sun-dried fruits and spicy hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. It has gone through five years of tropical ageing in American oak ex-bourbon casks followed by eight years of continental ageing in the UK in an ex-Scotch whisky cask.
Tomatin 10-Year-Old whisky
40% ABV
£42
USP: Whisky distillery Tomatin has released a bourbon matured 10-year-old single malt whisky. While many whiskies from the distillery have been matured in sherry, port or wine casks, this liquid has been matured exclusively in bourbon casks. The result is a sweet, fruity, buttery profile. It is sold in Waitrose and on Amazon.
Caol Ila single cask #1288
51.7% abv
£999
USP: Independent bottler Rare Find has released a 42-year-old single cask single malt for its 10-year-annuversary. The Caol Ila single cask #1288 is drawn from refill hogshead #1288. It offers aromas of Cuban cigars and candied tropical fruits alongside earthy peat smoke. The palate offers banana and lemon together with minerality and smoke.
Benriach 31-year-old limited edition
48.1% abv
£700
USP: Speyside single malt Scotch Whisky Benriach has launched a new 31-year-old limited edition expression in partnership with Stefano Contiero. According to the brand, the expression is a rare smoky vintage from 1994, paired with artwork generation by Contiero.The liquid has notes of yuzu, honey and juniper smoke alongside chocolate, hibiscus and spiced orange caramel.
The Lost Close No. 2
57.6% abv
£100
USP: Port Dundas Distillery has released The Lost Close No. 2: a 25-year-old single grain from Port Dundas. Opening with an aroma of aniseed and vanilla extract then moving into peppery warmth, before changing to marzipan sweetness, the liquid is said to be smooth and light. Only 190 bottles have been produced.
Botivo x Ottolenghi
£32
USP: Ahead of dry January, non-alcoholic producer Botivo has partnered with Ottolenghi to release a limited edition botanical aperitivo. Including pomegranate molasses, black lime, green cardamom and rose, the product can be served by itself or as part of a cocktail. Founder of the brand Imme Ermgasson, commented that the last launch with Ottolenghi sold out in 6 days.
Shanky’s Whip Golden Ostrich Head Bottle
33% abv
£39.99
USP: Shanky’s Whip have released a limited-edition ceramic bottle for its Irish liqueur this Christmas. Shaped as a giant ostrich head, which plays homage to the brand origin story, the bottle contains a liqueur which blends whisky with vanilla and caramel flavours.
Sound of Sleat Batch Strength
60.2% abv
£75
USP: Torabhaig Distillery, based on the Isle of Skye, has released a super smoky batch strength whisky, made to evoke bonfires, sea spray, citrus and spice. Named after the stretch of sea that separates Skye from the mainland, Sound of Sleat Batch Strength is 60.2% abv. It can be purchased at The Whisky Shop.
Sunshine Punch Orange Cream Liqueur
18% abv
£25
USP: After having launched in 30 US states, Sunshine Punch Orange Cream Liqueur is coming to the UK. Created with rum, cream and citrus flavours, Sunshine Punch can be served over ice or used to create a punch. The brand said it is aimed at consumers aged 25 – 40.
The Kraken Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt Rum
40% abv
£20
USP: The Kraken have brought back its Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt Rum for the festive season. Set to become a permanent part of the collection, after previously being limited-edition last year, the variant is a sweet and salty twist on the brand’s classic spiced rum. It has toffee notes and a smooth buttery vanilla finish.
The Whisky Barrel Orkney 16-Year-Old 2009 Unicorn
60.8% abv
£79
USP: The Whisky Barrel has released Orkney 16-Year-Old 2009 Unicorn, an exclusive single-cask made in the Kirkwall distillery. It is drawn from single first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead (#TWB1039) and bottled at natural cask strength 60.8% abv. There will be 282 bottles made.
Speyside single malt Scotch Whisky Benriach
48.1% abv
£700
USP: Benriach has launched a limited-edition 31-year-old expression in collaboration with artist Stefano Contiero, known for his digitally generated artwork. The bottle and giftbox was created by Contiero after tasting the liquid, using swirling images to capture the complexity of the liquid. The whisky is from the 1994 vintage and has been aged 31 years.
Marmalade Rum
37.5% abv
£42
USP: Salford Rum and Duerr’s have collaborated to make a limited-edition Marmalade Rum. The two companies have created the liquid by distilling rum with Seville orange marmalade, orange peel and almond. It is then finished with sugar, some more almond and ginger. The product has been released before Christmas and comes with a gift box.
WINE AND SPARKLING
Kopke 80-year-old Tawny
£800
USP: Kopke has launched its first 80-year-old Tawny, a blend the producers say celebrates the passage of time. Created from a library of aged ports, the new release marks a new category recognised by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto. Tasting notes for the drink include exotic wood, herbal notes, greenery and a delicate spice. On the palate is tangerine peel, dried apricot, liquorice, coffee and clove.
Abbotts & Delaunay AOP Languedoc wines
£13 per bottle
USP: Exclusively to Majestic, Abbotts & Delaunay have launched two new wines into the UK market. The winery from the Languedoc region has launched the Abbotts & Delaunay AOP Languedoc Blanc 2024, a blend of Grenache Blanc and Vermentino and the Abbotts & Delaunay AOP Languedoc Red 2024, a blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah.
Bolney English Rosé
£17
USP: Bolney Wine Estate has released a English Rosé made with 100% Pinot Noir. At 11.5% abv, the liquid is rose gold colour and has notes of strawberry, watermelon and peach blossom on the nose. The palate has balanced acid with a dry finish.
Faustino Gran Reserva Blanco
£20
Rioja producer Faustino has launched its premium Gran Reserva Blanco in Waitrose. The brand said it is responding to the increased interest in Spanish white wine. The liquid is made of a blend of Viura and Chardonnay grapes. It joins Faustino’s VI Tempranillo Rioja, which is also listed in Waitrose.
Loxwood Meadworks
11% abv
£29.95
USP: After several years in store, Fortnum and Mason have launched a co-branded bottle with Loxwood honey in time for the festive season. The English honey wine is available in F&M stores. It has notes of vanilla, white blossom and lemon zest, with a hint of herbs.
The Ned Skyscraper Pinot Noir and The Ned Skyscraper Chardonnay
14% abv
£16 and £14
USP: The Ned has launched two new wines from its Skyscraper series into Majestic. The Pinot Noir has notes of black cherry, oak spice and earthiness. It’s aged in a mixture of old and new 500l oak puncheons for nine months. Meanwhile, the Chardonnay is aged for eight months in French oak, with regular lees stirring. It has notes of stone fruit, citrus and toasty oak.
BEER AND CIDER
Nirvana Chocolate Milk Stout
0.5% abv
£2.50 for 33cl can
USP: Following it success in 2024, alcohol-free brewery Nirvana has brought back its Chocolate Milk Stout for the festive season. Flavoured with dark chocolate and vanilla, head brewer James Rabagliati has called it ‘decadent’ and ‘indulgent’. The beer has notes of toffee, caramel and lightly roasted coffee. It pours with a thick head.
Chance Clean Cider
0.5% abv
£2.25 for 33cl bottle
USP: Chance Clean Cider is a UK non-alcoholic apple cider, created with 100% British apples. The liquid is made using traditional cider-making methods and liquored down from an initially 8.2% abv cider. The drink has notes of crisp apple, citrus, pineapple and woody tones. It is available via The Wine Society as well as on Amazon in the off-trade.
Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime and Kopparberg Mixed Fruit
7% abv
£2.50 for 50cl can
USP: Kopparberg has expanded its high-abv Sweet Vintage range with Strawberry & Lime and Mixed Fruit variants. The brand said that the launch of the liquids represents a growing category for younger consumers. It follows the success of Kopparberg Sweet Vintage Apple and Pear variants. The products will be available toward the end of November.
St Austell beer calendar
Mixed abvs
£52
USP: In preparation for Christmas, St Austell Brewery has released a beer advent calendar including 12 different brews. This year the selection includes Extra Special Tribute 2024, Gem, Tribute, Proper Job, Mena Dhu, Hicks, Maltese Falcon, Glad Tidings, Cardinal Syn, Bad Habit, Black Square 2023 and Extra Special Tribute 2025.
Brewdog Hello to Mello
0.0% abv
£6.50 for 4 33cl cans
USP: Brewdog has introduced a new alcohol-free beer that has been brewed with Magnesium, Balm Extract and Chamomile. The beer comes in two variants, Peach & Passionfruit and Lime & Mint, both of which claim to have ingredients that reduce tiredness and fatigue.
RTDS AND MIXERS
Smiling Wolf
0.5% abv
£3.80 for 25cl can
USP: Alcohol-free functional drinks brand Smiling Wolf has entered the RTD space with the launch of a four new products. Made using nootropics and vitamins, the section includes a G&T, Aperitivo Spritz, Mojito and Negroni. The brand has said that the drinks support mood enhancement, calm and focus. They can be purchased via the Smiling Wolf website, via Amazon or in 60 independent stores.
Sunnyside Spiced Rum & Ginger Beer
4% abv
£16.65 for 6x33cl cans
USP: Sunnyside Drinks has launched its third RTD SKU: Spiced Rum & Ginger Beer. The cocktail combines Sunnyside’s alcoholic ginger beer with custom-blended Caribbean spiced rum. The liquid follows two other drinks from the brand: Original Ginger Beer and Tropical Ginger Beer.
Wonderland Cocktail Co. Pina Colada
10% abv
£3.90 for 20cl can
USP: Wonderland cocktails – owned by Brewdog Distilling Co – has launched a Pina Colada RTD. The can comes in a 20cl format and combines pineapple juice, coconut milk and Wonderland’s own Duo White Rum. It’s exclusively available through Brewdog and Amazon.
Moth cocktail party pack
Mixed abvs
£22
USP: Created for the festive season, Moth has launched a cocktail party pack including eight bestsellers from the brand. Inside is a Mojito, Negroni, Spicy Margarita, Margarita, Espresso Martini, Passionfruit Martini, Cosmopolitan and a Paloma. The pack can be purchased at Waitrose.
Free AF cocktails
0.0% abv
£2.50 for 25cl can
USP: Free AF cocktails, the New-Zealand born brand, has now launched in the UK. Utilising a botanical blend which it calls Afterglow, the brand said that each sip gives the warmth of an alcoholic cocktail. The UK range includes an Apero Spritz which is described as bright, bittersweet and refreshing; a Margarita which is said to be sour, salty and tangy; and a Spiced Rumm & Ginger which is spicy and smooth.
Cointreau Cocktail Twists
12.5% abv
£4 per 12.5cl can
USP: Maison Cointreau has introduced two RTD Margarita cocktail cans. The Cointreau Cocktail Twists come in two flavours: Original Margarita and Passion Fruit Margarita, both of which sit at 12.5% abv. Both combine Cointreau L’Unique with premium tequila. The launch comes in response to research that consumers plan to elevate their drinking habits over Christmas.
