Super-strong spirit that requires only a Smidgin
A super strong 50% gin might seem out of place on a list of low and non-alcoholic drinks launches but Adnams thinks otherwise. The Suffolk-based distillery has launched Smidgin, which it describes as a high-strength gin intended to create a low alcohol serve with an intense flavour. This is achieved by distilling the spirit with 10 times the botanicals than traditional recipes for a more robust flavour, meaning drinkers need only use a small amount - 2.5ml in fact - to mix with tonic (a fancy spoon is provided to measure out the right amount). The juniper-forward gin also features orange peel, hibiscus flower, coriander seeds, cardamom pods and orris root and should be mixed with 200ml of tonic water with the addition of orange zest for the perfect low-alcohol serve. A 200ml bottle will provide a whopping 80 serves, making its £26 price tag very reasonable indeed.
STRYKK relaunches its brand identity in time for dry January
Elegantly Spirited has overhauled the brand identity and packaging for its spirit alternative STRYKK. The bold aesthetic has a fresh take on the brand and incorporates significant environmental and sustainable improvements. From this month, STRYKK’s four core spirits, NOT G*N, NOT V*DKA, NOT R*M and NOT VANILLA V*DKA are to be presented in new, bespoke premium 70cl bottles, made using 40% less glass than before. The brand’s strapline - all the spirit none of the alcohol - is embossed on the side of the bottle and the brand’s asterisk on the base. The bottle neck has been lengthened for easier handling. All plastic elements on the bottle and packaging will be removed by March 2022. “This update marks the next stage of our business growth, ensuring STRYKK has a solid and recognisable brand platform domestically and internationally and provides a clear path for development into a global brand,” says Elegantly Spirited CEO and STRYKK co-founder Alex Carlton.
New London Light heads to coast for two new flavours
Salcombe Gin has added two new variants to its New London Light brand of non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs following the success of its First Light expression. Midnight Sun and Aegean Sky have been inspired by coastal locations around the globe and created in a distillation process that uses a rotary vacuum that enables alcohol to be extracted without the removal any of the flavour. Lightly pink Midnight Sun takes inspiration from the wild Nordic regions and combines hand-picked sea berries and elderberries with kelp and pine to create a complex flavour combination while Aegean Sky is said to ‘capture the essence of the Mediterranean coast’ by combining bitter citrus and olives. Both come in 70cl bottles priced at £27.50.
Atopia’s new ‘ultra-low alcohol’ spirit
Billed as an ultra-low alcohol spirit, Atopia’s new spiced Spiced Citrus expression is clocks in at an (entirely negligible) 0.5% ABV. The product is made using natural distillates, extracts and flavours to create ‘a new generation of spirits’. Made with orange, juniper, coriander, angelica root and lemon, Atopia Spiced Citrus is designed to be served with tonic, ice and a slice of orange but can also be used as a cocktail ingredient.
Food tech start-up’s ‘climate positive drinking’ brand
Netherlands-based food tech start-up FUL has launched a three-strong range of ‘climate positive’ algae-laced sparkling RTDs. FUL Spirulina Fizz is a blend of carbonated water, FUL Spirulina and natural flavourings and is available in three flavours: White Peach, Lemon & Ginger and Lime & Mint. The striking blue-green colour of the products come from the antioxidant phycocyanin contained within FUL Spirulina. FUL says spirulina sits within a new ‘climate positive’ category of food and is a rich source with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Tuscan Tree branches out with new expression
0% distilled spirit Tuscan Tree has launched a new variant following the success of its amoro-like core product. Tuscan Tree Fiore di Sambuco Aperitivo (cloudy elderflower) is made using real elderflower blossom alongside a selection of other botanicals. Created by The Bloomsbury Club and distributed by Craftwork, the product is competitively priced at £12, vegan friendly and allergen free, with no artificial flavours, sweeteners or colours. Tuscan Tree’s original variant launched last year.
Beavertown goes non-alcoholic with Lazer Crush
Beavertown Brewery has used a new (and apparently top secret) type of yeast to create it’s first ever alcohol-free beer. Available in 330ml cans, Lazer Crush IPA is described as having a crisp and mildly malty base which is followed by a wave of fruity undertones - including and mango, grapefruit and orange - and subtle notes of pine. Lazer Crush is the Heineken-owned Beavertown’s second play for low & no category following the launch of the 2.8% Nanobot last year. “Whether a pint is alcoholic or not, it’s still a fundamental part of coming together with friends,” says Beavertown founder Logan Plant.
Bacardi shows its colours with new launch
Bacardi is helping bartenders and mixologists create low and non-alcoholic serves with the launch of non-alcoholic spirit Palette. Developed in partnership with bartenders in Amsterdam, the brand comes in two expressions – Roots and Bold. Roots is described as having a deep, complex and fragrant flavour, and is made using juniper berries, ginger and the essential oils of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, while Bold is said to have the taste of an aged spirit with woody, oak and smoky notes. The company suggests combining Roots with grapefruit soda, lime juice and tonic to make a Pink Clove mocktail or with lime juice, lime and mint cordial plus a soda water top to make the mojito alternative Gimlette Highball. Bold can be combined with lemon juice, agave syrup and mint to make a Bold Rush or served simply mixed with ginger beer. Palette will launch initially in bars and restaurants across London, including Lyaness, L’Escargot and Christopher’s.
Low2NoBev Show 2022
William Reed’s recently launched Low2NoBev Show will return later this year. Set to take place at East London’s Truman Brewery on 8-9 June, the dedicated trade event has been created to give this rapidly growing sector its own voice and support its future growth. From low-abv beers, ciders, wines and spirits to premium soft drinks, cordials and mixers, it will be the must-attend event for anyone who sources and buys low and no-alcohol beverages across retail, hospitality, convenience and the on/off licensed trade.
As well as numerous exhibitors, the event will host Quench Live, featuring a line-up of sessions and industry speakers that will address subjects across the low and non-alcoholic drinks spectrum. A full line up of speakers will be announced in due course. William Reed has worked closely with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) in developing the industry wide All Secure Standards, designed to provide the highest levels of hygiene and safety, allowing its shows to operate effectively and safely according to Government and local authority guidance.
