Living Souls whisky quartet
Scottish spirits brand Living Souls has released its latest collection of whiskies, includes a peated experiment and an ultra-rare 40-year-old blend. The range, which follows last November’s Batch #1, comprises Ninety-Nine & One, a 46.3% abv whisky that is a blend of a heavily peated island malt with a touch of grain (£58.50); 10-Year-Old Balblair, a 46% abv Highland single malt finished in Limousin oak XO octaves (£55); 25-Year-Old Dumbarton, a 50.5% ABV) single grain from the closed Dumbarton distillery (£82); and 40-Year-Old Blended Scotch, a 45.1% abv rare blend of 40% malt (including Glenfarclas, Fettercairn, and Glen Garioch) and 60% grain, mostly from the closed Cambus distillery, drawn from ex-Islay sherry butts (£125).“This batch is where we really start to show the range of what Living Souls can offer,” says co-founder Calum Leslie. “From a happy accident that turned into a bold, peated experiment, to an ultra-rare 40-year-old blend drawn from closed distilleries, each whisky is bottled with intention, created to express something distinctive and memorable.”Sake ONO
Sake ONO
Newly launched in the UK, Sake ONO is a premium sake brand described as blending centuries-old Japanese brewing traditions with a modern approach. The brand’s inaugural expression is a Junmai Daiginjo that is brewed with four ingredients - rice, yeast, water, and koji - all sourced locally from Niigata in Japan. The result is a smooth, versatile sake with honeydew, lemon peel, white floral, and green apple notes, underpinned by umami undertones, that pairs with dishes including oysters and beef tartare. “We believe Sake deserves a new chapter, one where it is celebrated beyond its traditional context,” says Lana Buchanan, CEO of Sake ONO. “We’re here to show that Sake can be as sophisticated and versatile as any wine or spirit, whether served chilled in a wine glass or mixed into a low-abv version of a classic cocktail.”
Altamura premium vodka
Italian-based Altamura Distilleries has launched its premium vodka in the UK. The 43% abv vodka is made using 100% Altamura wheat, a heritage grain cultivated for over two millennia in Italy’s Puglia region and is distilled using a process that preserves the distinct flavours of the wheat. The vodka is described as having subtle flavours of aniseed, pepper and lemon zest.
Botivo x Ottolenghi
Botivo and Yotam Ottolenghi have joined forces to create a limited-edition non-alcoholic botanical aperitivo that is inspired by the Middle Eastern flavours that define the latter’s restaurants. Those that secure a bottle can expect Botivo’s bittersweet botanicals combined with pomegranate molasses, black lime, cardamom and rose. Ottolenghi’s central London restaurants ROVI and NOPI will be serving cocktails featuring Botivo x Ottolenghi to celebrate the launch. “Ottolenghi is the brand every foodie wants to collaborate with, so working with Yotam and his team to bring this to life has been a dream,” says Botivo co-founder Imme Ermgassen. “We’re both brands that celebrate flavour, feasting, and the highest-quality ingredients - it’s the perfect match.”
Franklin & Sons Apple and Pear
Soft drinks company Franklin & Sons has launched its latest variant in time for the summer. Its Apple and Pear soft drink, which is available to the on trade and directly to consumers, aims to offer a strong flavour profile that celebrates two British orchard fruits, according to the drinks company, and is designed to capitalise on the burgeoning market for apple and pear flavoured variants.
Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s has released its first permanent age statement whiskey in over 100 years. The distiller’s new limited-edition 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey is limited to only 2,500 bottles in the UK. The whiskey’s recipe remains the same as Jack Daniel’s classic Tennessee Whiskey, comprising 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, with the end result a more complex, hand-crafted whiskey with a rare flavour profile. Bottled at 97% proof, a first for the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old has hints of dry fig and raisin, combined with oak, butterscotch and soft fruit and smoke on the palate, finishing with notes of sweet tobacco and spice. “We’ve been experimenting over the last decade to hand craft a whiskey with a rare flavour profile, to give Jack Daniel’s loyal consumers a taste of something new and exciting while honouring our heritage,” says Jack Daniel’s master distiller Chris Fletcher.
Sandford Orchards limited edition 2024 Vintage Perry
Devon-based Sandford Orchards has launched a limited edition 2024 Vintage Perry. The 7.5% abv perry is available in 750ml bottles from Sandford Orchards alongside select retailers and guests at Deer Park Country House in Weston. It is made from Blakeney Red, Green Horse, Brand and Gin pears, and has notes of ripe pear with a citrus acidity and pairs perfectly with roast chicken, creamy pasta or grilled fish, according to Sandford.
BLOODY Virgin Mary carton
Drinks brand BLOODY is making it even easier for bars and restaurants to make Virgin and Blood Marys with the launch of the Virgin Mary carton. Available in a one-litre Tetra Pak, the drink blends tomatoes, fresh lemon, fiery horseradish, jalapeño-infused pickle juice, hot sauce, and Henderson’s Relish and provides a hassle-free and cost-effective cocktail solution for venues. Each carton contains between six and eight servings and is available in cases of six, with a 12-month shelf life. The product is also vegan-friendly and stays fresh for up to five days once opened.
The Lakes Distillery Signature whisky
The Lakes Distillery has launched its first permanent style of sherry-led whisky. Called Signature, the 47% abv single malt is made using the distiller’s technique of élevage – traditionally associated with fine wines and cognacs, and a rarity in the world of whisky-making – which involves making intentional changes throughout the spirit’s maturation to nurture desired characteristics. By altering the location and climate of maturing casks, moving the whisky between cask types, and combining whisky from different casks, élevage provides numerous possibilities to develop new flavours. Signature is described as having aromas of rich polished oak, dried fruits, pecan nuts, dark chocolate and orange zest with baking spices, sweet sultanas, raisins, and figs on the palate. It is available at £85 a bottle from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and House of Malt as well as the distillery directly.
Majestic to buy Enotria&Coe
Majestic has entered into a formal agreement to acquire the leading premium wines and spirits supplier Enotria&Coe. The combination would accelerate Majestic’s ambition to become the UK’s pre-eminent supplier of wines, beers and spirits, enabling it to improve value, choice and service for its on-trade partners, it says. Founded as Enotria Wines by Remo Nardone in 1972, Enotria&Coe works with a range of more than 300 producers. The business supplies a number of premium restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues, including Gaucho Group, Rick Stein Restaurants, Hotel du Vin/Malmaison, Bancone and L’Enclume. “We are pleased to have entered into a formal agreement to acquire Enotria&Coe,” says Majestic CEO John Colley. “It is a business we have competed against and admired for a long time, with a quality proposition and cultural values that align very closely with what we already do at Majestic. We believe this is a compelling strategic combination and can see huge potential to further enhance Enotria’s proposition and profitability as part of the Majestic group.”