The VSOP – bottled at 40% ABV – is aged for a minimum of four years in a combination of ex cognac, whisky and bourbon casks. It is distilled from the molasses of homegrown sugar canes, matured in oak and bottled at the Medine Estate on the Island of Mauritius.   Jean-Francois Koenig, master distiller at Medine Distillery, said: “Following the successful launches…

McCallum will be supported by a 15-strong blending team – with 400 years’ combined experience – dedicated to batch producing its premium Scottish Leader blends. McCallum said: “Being at the forefront of such a forward-thinking brand is really refreshing. The collaborative approach will allow us to excel in producing the unique, quality blends that Scottish Leader is known for, while also creating the opportunity for…

Speaking at the Gin Guild Ginposium yesterday, Miles Beale said: “If people vote yes we might simply be treated as a third country, in which case, UK products would be liable to EU customs duties, local excise duties and the movement of goods into the EU would be curtailed. That is certain. “What the overall cost and impact of that is, we can’t quantify and…

“The announcement was made without any consultation and frankly we were bitterly disappointed,” chief executive Miles Beale said at the Gin Guild Ginposium, London. “The lack of foresight and the continued reluctance of the Department of Health to engage on this issue is unacceptable.”   The new recommendation of 14 units of alcohol, or seven pints of beer a week, was introduced in…

Cîroc master distiller Jean-Sébastien Robiquet developed the liquid by blending a combination of Cîroc with real citrus extract from the peels and oils of pink grapefruit. Head of Diageo Reserve GB, Nick Temperley, said: “Cîroc is leading the way for innovation in the luxury vodka category and responds to evolving consumer tastes. Cîroc Pink Grapefruit is a fantastic summer spirit and we’re confident it will…

The “radical departure” in packaging follows the Port house’s 225th anniversary celebrations last year. Rupert Lovie, Sogrape marketing manager, told DI: “We are shaking up the category a bit and trying to break from traditional cues.” Sandeman worked with design agency Stranger & Stranger over an eighteen-month period to create the new packaging that is designed to “evoke the premium cues of single malt whisky”.  More traditional dark bottles…

McGuigan and Torode said they took a risk on the second in the MT collaboration series and have created an “everyday wine for everyone.” Torode added: “Rosé has no pretension. It is perfect for brunch and really does go with everything. Rosé is the future.” Pinot Noir Rosé will be available from June in the UK at a RRP of £10. McGuigan also announced the…

Mr Gladstone’s Curious Emporium Rhubarb & Custard and Pear Drops are made with 100% natural flavours and aimed at ‘the beginners’, 25 to 35 year olds. “I think we have got something that adds value to the category,” Neil Anderson, marketing director at Kingsland told DI. “It has taken a year from a blank piece of paper to creating these products and anything is possible.” Kingsland…

________________________________________ A STORM OF CHANGE is on the horizon for white rum. The Havana Club trademark is a hot topic of debate which continues to rage. Since beginning to write this feature, half a dozen press releases have been distributed with counter statements to the litigation announcement and what – if it finally happens – this could mean for Pernod Ricard…

_________________________________________________________ THE BAR HAS BEEN BOTTLED; batched, pre-mixed cocktails are everywhere. In an age of convenience, it is little wonder that something that is all but poured into your mouth is a popular choice for many. And consumers are increasingly willing to pay extra for a handmade and premium product that’s ready to imbibe at an ambient temperature or…