The latest new product development across beer, wine, spirits, RTDs and low & no.
SPIRITS AND LIQUEURS
Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old Cask Strength 2025 Edition
56.4% abv
£90
USP: Bunnahabhain distillery, based on Islay, has revealed its annual small-batch cask strength release. Following three previous editions, the liquid is matured in Bunnahabhain’s coastal warehouses, drawing predominantly on second-fill Oloroso casks selected by Master Blender Julieann Fernandez. The liquid has a palate of sweetness, soft oak, dried fruits and spice.
The Fifty Collection
49.8% abv
£42,500.00
USP: The Balvenie has unveiled the Second Edition in The Fifty Collection, a rare single cask expression drawn from a European Oak refill butt filled in 1973, combined with an American hogshead, also filled in 1973. The distillery has said the mixture of the two casks creates tasting notes of oak, molten dates, currants, citrus, honey and a buttery finish. Only 97 bottles have been made.
The Vanguard Series
46.3% abv and 48.3% abv
£100 and £2,5000
USP: Fettercairn Distillery has announced The Vanguard Series, a set of whiskies inspired by master whisky maker Gregg Glass’ unique synaesthetic tasting notes based on colour. The distiller said it wanted to explore how we experience flavour through the senses. The series, set to span three years, begins with two inaugural releases: a 29-year-old and a non-aged statement.
Bowmore Tokenized Whisky
US$5,500
USP: Bowmore is launching its first-ever line of tokenized whisky bottles in collaboration with Avalanche. The partnership uses Avalanche’s C-Chain so that each uniquely numbered bottle is also minted as a digital NFT, linking the physical product with digital proof. The inaugural drop is the Collector’s Edition series, which includes Bowmore 30-Year-Old, special glassware and an opportunity to meet Ava Labs founder and CEO Emin Gün Sirer.
Octomore launch, Series 16
58.1% abv – 61.6%
£140 – £195
USP: Bruichladdich Distillery has unveiled its annual Octomore launch. The four-expression line-up includes Octomore 16.1, matured in first fill bourbon barrels; Octomore 16.2, housed in Oloroso and Bordeaux casks before being finished in Madeira and Portuguese Moscatel; Octomore 16.3, aged in Bourbon, Sauternes and Pedro Ximénez casks; and Octomore 16.4, which will be released later in November.
Glenfiddich 16-year-old
43% abv
£75
USP: Glenfiddich has released a 16-year-old whisky in celebration of its partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One team. The liquid will be available in select Waitrose stores and online from the end of September and has notes of maple syrup and caramelised ginger alongside fresh fruit salad and Chantilly cream.
Witchmark Single Origin New Make Spirit: Distillers Cut
60% abv
£54
USP: Witchmark Distillery’s new liquid is drawn from copper pot stills and bottled at 60% abv. It is created entirely from on-site barley grown in the fields of the Fonthill Estate. It has a nose of fresh, clean malty notes. Meanwhile, the palate is creamy and smooth with biscuit notes and hints of apple tart. Only 300 bottles of the whisky will be produced in the limited first run.
East London Threads: Blended Whisky
42% abv
£42
USP: East London Liquor Co have partnered with Compass Box founder John Glaser to launch a new whisky. According to the producer, the liquid aims to capture everything that defines East London through texture, individuality and funk. The tasting notes are chocolate dipped strawberries, cherry blossom and smoke with rum and raisin, white peach and dried banana on the palate.
Chivas Regal Crystalgold
40% abv
£51
USP: Chivas Regal has debuted its first clear spirit drink with Crystalgold. Created by master blender Sandy Hyslop, the liquid is created through a bespoke distillation process that extracts the colour from a golden oak-aged spirit.
NietsCo
0.0% abv
£23 – £36
USP: The alcohol-free distillery NietsCo has launched in the UK with a debut range in Fortnum & Mason. Founded in Belgium by entrepreneur Alexandre Hauben, NietsCo is launching with flour flagship products. They include Havaniets №1 0.0%, a barrel-aged dark spirit; Botaniets Original 0.0%, an alternative for a gin and tonic; Botaniets Ginger Yuzu 0.0%, created for citrus-led serves; and Aperiniets – Aperitivo Originale 0.0%, made for spritzes and aperitivo cocktails.
Del Suelo Mezcal
45% abv
£60 – £90
USP: Mezcal brand Del Suelo has launched in the UK through Kirker Green Spirits. Created by co-founders Alí Rogelio Ramírez and Gregory Buda, the brand is launching on-trade and in specialist retailers across the UK, Europe and Singapore. The selection includes four mezcals: Del Suelo Espadín, Del Suelo Liso, Del Suelo Tobalá and Del Suelo Madrecuishe. The brand said that each spirit can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails like an Oaxacan old fashioned or mezcal margarita.
Adriatico Zero
0.5% abv
£23.65
USP: Adriatico Amaretto has announced the launch of its non-alcoholic expression, to be distributed by Maison Ferrand in the UK. The liquid contains 50% less sugar than traditional amaretto liqueurs, and is vegan and gluten-free. The brand said it has the same taste as the full alcohol version and is infused with roasted almonds.
Wire Works Port Cask
50.2% abv
£65
USP: White Peak Distillery has launched the latest liquid in its Wire Works Provenance Core Range: Wire Works Port Cask. According to the distiller, the latest product has a nose of Bakewell pudding, milk chocolate, cinder toffee and candied ginger. It has a palate of strawberries and cream, marzipan, lemon curd and vanilla fudge. Finally, a finish of cherry pie filling, bonfire toffee, hibiscus and eucalyptus.
Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Cask Strength 2025
53.1% abv
£275
USP: Bunnahabhain distillery has launched the second edition in its 21 Year Old Cask Strength series. Compared to the 2024 release, the distiller said that this version has become subtler than the previous, characterised by a silkier texture that allows candied oranges and florals to come through.
APEX Terroir Series
54.2% abv – 57.4% abv
£85 – £102
USP: M&H distillery has launched its APEX Terroir Series: a collection of four single malts, each of which has been matured in different climate zones across the country. Included in the series is Apex Terroir Dead Sea, matured at 351 meters below sea level; Apex Terroir Jerusalem Mountains, matured at 578 meters above sea level; Apex Terroir Negev Desert, at 563 meters above sea level; and Apex Terroir Sea of Galilee, at 154 meters below sea level.
Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection
Various abv
$85, $120, $140 in global travel retail only
USP: The Glenlivet has launched a Cask Master’s Collection with 14, 15 and 19-year-old expressions. The Glenlivet 14-Year-Old is matured in American and European oak and has notes of baked apple and citrus zest. The Glenlivet 16-Year-Old is aged in American oak and has notes of toffee and ripe plum. Meanwhile, the 19-Year-Old is matured in American, European and Scottish oak with notes of stewed apples and blackcurrant spice.
DropWorks limited-edition drops
52.3% abv
£64.75
USP: DropWorks distillery is launching a series of hand-selected special editions. The inaugural distiller’s drop will launch with 450 bottles. Matured for 17 months in a rare English Sweet Chestnut cask, the distillery said it will deliver a refined yet playful expression of maturation.
Aureus Vita
61.8% abv
£169 (Fortnum & Mason exclusive)
USP: Aureus Vita is a Fibonacci Dry Gin, created using the first-of-its-kind Fibonacci-Hall distillation method. Inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, otherwise known as the golden ratio, the process draws on mathematics. According to the brand, the resulting gin is in perfect balance. The two signature botanicals, juniper and baobab pulp, are harvested in November and used within three months.
Botivo Wintery Botanical
0% ABV
£30
The no-alcohol aperitivo brand has released a seasonal limited edition. The drink takes Botivo’s bittersweet base of British apple cider vinegar, gentian and honey, and adds date molasses, cloves, allspice, vanilla and saffron to create a drink that the company bills as “the festive season in a glass”.
WINE AND SPARKLING
2022 Freienfeld Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva
Price TBA
USP: Cantina Kurtatsch is releasing the first Freienfeld vintage crafted by winemaker Erwin Carli: 2022 Freienfeld Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva. The liquid is made from a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, grown on the slopes of Cortaccia. It is said to have a rich fruit profile and an alpine freshness.
Vinca Rosé
£9
USP: The organic wine company Vinca has added a Provence-style Rosé to its aluminium bottle range, available in 26 Booths supermarkets across the north of England. The liquid is made from Syrah and Nero D’avola grapes grown in Sicily. It has notes of red fruit, spices and a crisp finish. It joins the red and the white wine from Vinca.
Veuve Clicquot and Simon Porte Jacquemus collaboration
£185
USP: Veuve Clicquot has collaborated with French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus to release a reinterpretation of La Grande Dame 2018, the Maison’s prestige cuvée. The limited-edition bottle is recognisable by its handwritten logo and signature by Porte Jacquemus on an irregularly edged yellow label. It is available from 10 September at Selfridges.
te Pā Signature Series Reserve Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2024
£14
USP: Made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the new wine from te Pā has tasting notes of nectarines, ripe citrus, vanilla and spicy oak. The producer said that the fruit was hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed before being aged in French oak cigar barrels. It’s best served with seafood and light poultry dishes.
te Pā Signature Series Rosé 2025
£10
USP: Also from te Pā, the Signature series Rosé is made from 93% Pinot Noir, 5% Riesling and 2% Merlot. It has initial aromatics of white flowers, crystallized ginger and red berry fruits, with subtle base notes of aniseed and musk. The producer said that the liquid was fermented in stainless steel.
Néphalia
0.0%
Price tbc
USP: Castel Freres has launched a 0.0% wine brand. Inspired by the ancient Greek, the name means sober and self-controlled. The range includes four wines: a Chardonnay, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Rosé and a Sparkling Blanc de blancs.
Roebuck Classic Cuvée 2019
£38
USP: Roebuck Estates has announced the release of its Classic Cuvée from 2019. The liquid is made from 50% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay and 11% Pinot Meunier. All of the grapes were whole-bunch pressed with a small proportion partially fermented in aged Burgundian oak barrels for around seven months. This was followed by an extended period of lees ageing in bottle.
Eisberg Be Free
£6 for 4 cans
USP: Alcohol free wine brand Eisberg have launched a series of alcohol-free wine cans: Be Free. The Sparkling White has notes of juicy peach, apricot and crisp apple. Meanwhile, the Sparkling Rosé has notes of strawberry, watermelon and grapefruit.
Somerset Cuvée
£40
USP: Aldwick Estate has unveiled a limited edition of its Somerset Cuvée, a traditional sparkling wine made in the county. The grapes for the wine were harvested in 2021 and are a blend of Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir. The winery commented that only 500 bottles will be available to purchase this year, from either the website or directly from cellar door.
Bijou Lumea Provence Rosé
£18
USP: Bijou has launched a Provence Rosé crafted from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The grapes are sourced from three parcels in Côteaux Varois en Provence which are on east-facing slopes, ensuring “even ripening”. The winery said, “the vineyards’ altitude (300–420m) and clay-limestone soils create ideal conditions for producing structured, aromatic and balanced rosés.”
1086 Rosé 2016
£175
USP: 1086 Rosé 2016 is the finest expression of Rosé at Nyetimber, according to the winery. A salmon pink in colour, the wine has aromas of apricot, cherry, summer blossom and panna cotta. On the palate, there are flavours of raspberry, quince and shortbread, with a subtle minerality. From the 2016 vintage and bottled in March 2017, the blend is made up of 72% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir. It has spent more than 60 months on lees and was created by winemaker Cherie Spriggs.
Waitrose Loved & Found Vidoc
£9.25
USP: Bordeaux-based producer Tutiac has just released a new wine under the Waitrose Loved and Found label. Created from Vidoc, a grape variety that is resistant to vine diseases like mildew, the wine is developed to withstand climate change. The liquid is fruity with sweet black cherry flavours and a touch of spice. It’s made in a stainless steel vat and described by Waitrose as “a red that goes with anything”.
The Ned, Sauvignon Blanc, Bag in Box
£24
USP: The Sauvignon Blanc from The Ned has been launched in a bag in box format, available at Waitrose. After seeing UK success for its 75cl bottle, the brand launched a 1.5l option. The wine has notes of lemon and citrus with undertones of tropical fruits.
RTDs & MIXERS
Malibu Punch
10% abv
£3.50
The Pernod Ricard-owned brand has expanded its RTD portfolio with Watermelon, Peach Tea and Piña Colada Punch cocktails in 23.7cl cans. It said the products were aimed at “higher-energy social occasions, from pre-drinks and house parties to festivals and spontaneous get-togethers”.
This Is Skinny
4% abv
£28.95 for 12 cans
USP: Created by personal trainer and nutritionist Anna Shabalina, This Is Skinny is a low-calorie cocktail range launching across the UK. Tapping into the wellness trend, the range includes Long Island with Earl Grey, Mojito with Rhubarb and Passion Martini with Strawberry, all of which are under 65 calories and 4% abv.
Big Sipz
14% abv
£4.50
USP: DRTY Drinks Distribution has bought Big Sipz to the UK following its initial launch in the US market. Launched in four flavours, the high strength RTD line includes Lime Margarita, Strawberry, Purple Punch and Blue Raspberry. Each drink is 14% abv and will be rolling out online and in convenience stores over the autumn period.
Smirnoff Crush RTD
6% abv
£3.60
USP: Smirnoff has introduced a new brand of RTD’s to the UK, following the success in the Australian market in 2022. The Smirnoff Crush RTD comes in two flavours: Mango & Peach and Lemon & Lime. The brand said it was aiming at a consumer who wanted a larger RTD drink. The product is a 44cl can.
Passoã RTD range
5% abv
£2.50
USP: Passion fruit liqueur brand Passoã has entered the RTD market. The brand, which is from France, has announced two flavours of RTDs: Passoã Passion Fruit Martini and Passoã Pink Lemonade Spritz. The rollout in the UK follows an initial launch in Europe. Both products have a lower abv of 5% and are naturally flavoured.
The Lost Explorer Agave Gift Set
Various abv
£45
USP: Mezcal and tequila brand The Lost Explorer has released an Agave gift set with Lockdown Liquor & Co. The set includes a Passionfruit Martini, a Mezcal Picante and a Mezcal Negroni. All are ready to drink once shaken with ice.
Spiced ‘n’ Stormy
8% abv
£4
USP: SLY DOG rum has released an RTD which it says is ideal for autumn. The liquid combines ginger beer, lime, bitters and SLY DOG rum. The producer said it wants consumers to discover “just how good spiced rum can taste.”
White Rose
0.0% abv
£3.25
USP: L.A Brewery, which has positioned its tea as a premium non-alcoholic alternative, has announced the launch of its White Rose drink in a 25cl can format. Describing itself as a natural alternative to wine or Champagne, the brand said the packaging enables al fresco drinking. It can be purchased on Amazon, Ocado or Delli Market.
Jameson Ginger & Lime Can
5% abv
£2.39
USP: Jameson is bringing back its Ginger and Lime Can in a larger 33cl format, previously 25cl. The brand said that the product is aimed at a key consumption pool for RTDs, which is 19-24 year olds. The liquid can be purchased from Tesco, Co-op, Morrisons, Waitrose, Bestway and Dhamecha.
Jam Doughnut Daiquiri
8% abv
£2.50
USP: The Drinks Bureau has launched a Jam Doughnut Daiquiri in Morrisons in advance of Halloween. The limited-edition drink combines white rum with strawberries and lime to create a sweet but “easily quaffable” product. The brand said that the launch follows a surge in popularity of jam doughnuts in Morrisons.
BEER & CIDER
Nirvana Buttercup
0.5% abv
£2.50
USP: Alcohol-free brewery Nirvana has released a double dry-hopped pale ale named Buttercup. Available in 330ml cans, the beer is the second limited-edition release of the year from Nirvana, following Blossom, a hazy pale ale. The liquid is said to have notes of peach, lychee and citrus. Like Blossom before it, the artwork for the can was created by Leyton artist Carl Stimpson and takes inspiration from the cult cartoon The Powerpuff Girls.
Ghost Ship Session IPA
3.4% abv
£13.99 for 8x50cl bottles
USP: Adnams has launched Ghost Ship Session IPA, available online and in Morrisons. The liquid has an abv of 3.4%, making it a lower alcohol option than the original Ghost Ship Pale Ale at 4.5% abv. The brewery said this is in response to a demand from consumers wanting to moderate their alcohol content. It further commented that the drink has notes of lime, orange and lemongrass.
Chouffe IPA
9% abv
£3.25
USP: Belgian beer brand Chouffe has introduced Chouffe IPA to the UK. Brewed in Ardennes, the IPA has an increased number of hops compared to the brewery’s other options while retaining fruity and spicy notes. To start with, Waitrose will be the first UK supermarket to launch the product as part of its autumn/winter beer and cider shakeup. Supermarket beer and cider buyer Jourdan Gabbini commented on the increasing popularity of Belgian beers in the shop.
Sun and Stone Lager
4.5% abv
£27 for 12 x 44cl cans
USP: Taybeh Brewing Co, Palestine’s first microbrewery has partnered with Brewgooder to create Sun & Stone lager, which is now sold at Co-op and on the Brewgooder website. The Mediterranean-style lager is brewed with German hops and is bright and easy drinking, according to the brand. The artwork on the can is created by illustrator Nouri Flayhan.
Roley’s Super Natural Lager
4.4% abv
£12 for 4 x 33cl cans
USP: New beer brand Roley’s has launched its Super Natural Lager. According to the brand, the liquid has 35.8% fewer calories than other mainstream lagers of the same abv. It markets itself as a healthier lager created to support active lifestyles. It aims to appeal to health-conscious drinkers.
High & Dry
0.4% abv
£11 for 4 cans
USP: A new functional lager brand has been launched in the UK. High & Dry is an alcohol-free drink which combines British malted barley with Czech saaz hops. It has notes of lime, tangerine and lemongrass and the addition of functional mushrooms. The brand is co-founded by Hawkstone senior brewer Donncha Burke and Clarkson’s Farm alumni, Louis Church.
