Halewood introduces lower-ABV herbal spirit
A lower-ABV herbal schnapps, Stukaberg, is to be distributed in the UK by drinks company Halewood International, aimed at younger people on high-energy nights out. The smooth-tasting 22% product, developed by Cubic Brands, is a secret blend of selected herbs and spices, inspired by the mountains of Bavaria. It will complement Halewood’s Josef Meiers herbal …
New whisky to build interest in single-grain Scotch
William Grant & Sons is challenging convention with the release of a new brand of Scotch that aims to build interest in single-grain whiskies from Scotland. It is releasing The Girvan Patent Still Single Grain 25 Year Old, exclusively in the UK, named after the still at the Girvan distillery which is best known for …
The Melville, Edinburgh
Malcolm Gray and John Eastwood have transformed a run-down pub in Edinburgh’s west end A neglected local pub in Edinburgh’s west end has been transformed into a bright and buzzing bar by two entrepreneurs. Malcolm Gray and John Eastwood, who live in the area, were regulars in the Melville in William Street until it fell …
Search for ‘black ink’ cocktails for sea fort pop-up
A cocktail is being sought for The Kraken Black Spiced Rum that is worthy of serving in one of the most unusual pop-up bars ever – on a sea fort nine miles off the coast of Kent. The Think Ink competition, which takes place on Tuesday (October 8) in London, is calling on bartenders to …
New 40-year-old blend released for Hankey Bannister
Inver House Distillers has released a new limited-edition 40-year-old expression of Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky. Only 1,480 bottles of the whisky are being made available over a three-year period until 2015, with the first 500 coming in gilt-engraved decanters for selected markets and travel retail. Master blender Stuart Harvey has brought together rare Highland …
Wood effect creates new whiskies from Glen Garioch
Highland distillery Glen Garioch has released two new whiskies that highlight its exploration of wood. The inaugural expression in its small-batch vintage programme, the Glen Garioch Vintage 1999 has been matured solely in oloroso sherry casks for 14 years. This gives the malt its dark, sweet fruit, treacle and maple syrup notes and spicy, syrupy …
Bartenders prepare for Punch Pong final
Bartenders from across the UK and Ireland are preparing for the grand final of the Underground Punch Pong League (UPPL) Monin Bartenders’ Challenge Cup tonight (October 7). The grand final will take place at the “London Punch Pong Arena” – better known as the Arts Theatre in London’s West End – on the opening night …
Negroni twist with Grey Goose vodka by Joe McCanta
Mixologist Joe McCanta, global brand ambassador for Grey Goose vodka, transforms the classic Negroni into a French Negroni, reinventing the Italian drink with French ingredients by combining Grey Goose Vodka Le Citron, Amer Picon and Noilly Prat Rouge vermouth in equal parts.
