Liquid assets: the latest drinks releases for April
The Balvenie unveils new expression
The Balvenie distillery has unveiled its French Oak 16 year-old expression, a new cask finished whisky for its Flavours of The Balvenie range. Inspired by the distillery team’s travels to Europe’s wine making regions, the new expression explores fortified wine Pineau des Charentes, which is made from fresh, unfermented grape juice or a blend of lightly fermented grape must and to which a cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured. It marks the first use of French Oak in the distillery’s 129-year history. The 46.9% abv whisky is matured for 16 years in traditional American oak whisky barrels to develop the distillery's distinct notes of warm honey, and is then finished in Pineau French Oak casks, which The Balvenie says imparts a ‘velvety sweetness with notes of grapefruit, geranium, glazed fruit, and ginger’.
Searcys' sparkling wine
Searcys has released its first own label English sparkling wine to mark its 175th anniversary. Made in In collaboration with Greyfriars Vineyard in Surrey, the new Searcys Classic Cuvée, Brut, English Sparkling Wine is a blend of the three traditional Champagne grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The new wine is available across its 19 venues and restaurants including Searcys at The Gherkin, St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar, 116 Pall Mall, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, the Barbican, The Pump Room in Bath and The Orangery at Blenheim Palace.
It's in the can for Everleaf
Non-alcoholic aperitif brand Everleaf is launching its signature serve, the Everleaf Spritz, in 250ml slimline cans for the first time this spring. The launch of the botanical-based drinks into cans puts Everleaf into the ready-to-drink category for the first time, a market which is expected to continue to increase its market share over the next few years. Everleaf launched with its Forest flavour in 2019, and later introduced Mountain and Marine variants in November 2020.
East London and the Nordics collide
The national spirit of Scandinavia has been given an east London makeover thanks to a partnership between East London Liquor Co, craft distillery Stockholms Bränneri and Belgravia-based drinking and dining destination Pantechnicon. Pantechnicon Akvavit is a barrel aged expression of the herbal drink that uses ex red wine casks from Germanier in Switzerland. The 42% abv drink, which is made using dill flower, elderflower and juniper, is described as being "grassy, dill and pine-forward" with a gentle sweetness thanks to its anise and liquorice notes. It is suggested that it is enjoyed with tonic or even mixed with champagne for an interesting summer drink.
London Essence turns to pink
Premium mixer brand The London Essence Co. is added a Pink Grapefruit Soda to its existing range of tonics and sodas. Launching later this month,the new premium mixer will be available the on-trade and is made using a blend of pink grapefruit and lime leaf distillate, which the company says delivers a contrast to the sharp citrus flavour. The drink has been designed to be paired with tequila, vodka or rum for use in cocktails such as paloma, vodka soda and mojito.
Château d’Yquem's 2019 release
Château d’Yquem has released its 2019 vintage having announced last September that it was postponing its release. As part of the release, the house is launching a ‘Lighthouse’ program, which is a partnership with hospitality venues around the world, including Annabel’s, Portland, The NoMad and Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in London, designed to show Yquem’s versatility and universality. Priced at £250, the 2019 vintage is available now at Berry Bros.
Gordon’s goes tropical
Gordon’s has added a new variant to its growing gin portfolio. Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit joins its range of flavoured variants including Pink Distilled Gin, Sicilian Lemon, Mediterranean Orange and White Peach and has been created to give drinkers a new option for the summer months. “This new innovation will continue to engage the interest of gin drinkers as well as recruit a new audience into the category. Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin exudes passionfruit to perfection and is a fantastic option for people seeking new ways to enjoy their favourite G&T,” says Jessica Lace, head of Gordon’s GB.
Jägermeister doubles up its kit
Mast-Jägermeister UK is introducing its next generation of tap machines including a brand-new double tap machine to house both its Jägermeister and Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee expressions. Three pieces of ice-cold equipment are being offered to operators to help drive their rate of sale: a three-bottle single tap, a double tap ‘dual’ bottle (for Jägermeister and Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee) and a single bottle tap machine. The new equipment has an upgraded look and feel with built in lighting for strong bar visibility.
