The spring is traditionally a time for new product development, with producers looking ahead to the warmer weather and celebration seasons. 2022 is no exception, as brands from across the major drinks categories have introduced innovative expressions.
Spirits and RTDs
Archie Rose targets the on-premise with Fundamental Spirits Range
Designed to complement Archie Rose’s more premium Signature Range, Fundamental Spirits consists of True Cut Vodka and Straight Dry Gin, with a Double Malt Whisky to follow in 2023.
Will Edwards, Archie Rose Founder, said he the range was a milestone moment for the distillery.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch the Fundamental Spirits Range as it signifies a huge moment for Archie Rose as a business.”
“Our goal has always been to bring high quality Australian spirits to the world, and the Fundamental Spirits Range is a significant milestone in our efforts to achieve this,” Edwards added.
The products feature a longer neck and lighter weight than Archie Rose’s Signature Range, with the distillery saying the range is ‘built as the perfect Australian alternative for the rail, shelf, festivals and events.’
True Cut Vodka retails for $54.99 and Straight Dry Gin for $64.99
Jack Daniel’s to release Tennessee Apple and Soda RTD
Jack Daniel’s is another brand with summer firmly in its sights. The American whiskey giant has introduced an RTD version of its popular Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, complemented by soda water.
Emily Nget, Assistant Brand Manager for Jack Daniel’s, said the new product responded to a design for easy summer drinking amongst consumers.
“With Tennessee Apple & Soda, we have created a drink that mixes the unique whiskey profile of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with juicy green apple and a refreshing soda mixer. The end result is a flavour forward and sessionable pre-mix beverage that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.”
“Our latest NPD proves we’re listening to consumer demand and continuing to lead the industry,” Nget added.
The RTD clocks in at 4.4 per cent ABV, and has an RRP of $23 per four-pack. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple & Soda will be available in retail nationally, and in select on-premise venues.
Australian Distilling Co celebrates Cats flag with Geelong Gin
Australian Distilling Co (ADCo) opened its Geelong distillery at just the right time, with the Cats winning the AFL Grand Final the weekend before last.
Now the company has launched a commemorative gin to celebrate the 2022 Premiers, in partnership with the Geelong Cats. The gin features the team on the label, and has a ‘subtle overtone of raspberry sweetness helps to balance the peppermint gum and black pepper flavours,’ according to the producer.
Michael Hickinbotham, ADCo Founder, said: “We want to celebrate the flavours, the spirit and the stories of Geelong and making our gin in Geelong is the best way to do that.”
The gin is sold in 700ml bottles and retails for $110, available from the ADCo website.
Poor Toms announces re-release of Piña Colada Gin
Something of a cult-classic, Poor Toms distillery first released the Piña Colada Gin as an exercise in escapism during the start of the pandemic, when the run of 5,000 bottles sold out in 72 hours.
The bottling begins with a classic juniper gin, to which pineapple, coconut, lime, pandan, nutmeg, and all spice have been added.
Poor Toms Head of Innovation, Sean McGuire, commented on the release, saying: “For this re-release we wanted to redevelop the liquid to showcase more of that juniper and spice backbone whilst still blowing people away with pineapple and coconut. Everyone has a different idea of what a Piña Colada is – and to think about it as a gin spirit really gets people talking.”
The full bottle release (RRP $82) is joined by a Piña Colada Gin Spritz RTD (four-pack RRP $24), available in both independent and national retail.
Bacardí produces canned cocktails
Another brand targeting the tropical is Bacardí, releasing two canned cocktails – a Raspberry Mojito and a Piña Colada.
Bacardi-Martini Brand Ambassador, Loy Catada, said: “We are seeing more and more people reaching for canned cocktails, with an increase of 24 per cent this year alone across Australia.
“Mojito and Piña Colada rank amongst Aussie’s top three cocktails of choice, so we are thrilled to be introducing the new Bacardí Raspberry Mojito and Bacardí Piña Colada canned cocktails, offering our drinkers’ quality and convenience when it comes to their favourite cocktail.”
Bacardí is supporting these releases with ‘Sounds of Summer’, a partnership with entertainment company Mushroom Group, which will see consumers going into a draw to win tickets to gigs around Australia this summer.
Four-packs of both products retail for $24.99.
Kraken launches ‘Black Mojito’ RTD
Described as a ‘dark and fiercely refreshing twist on the classic mojito’, the RTD from spiced rum brand Kraken combines the spirit with ‘natural flavours of mint and lime’ and soda.
Proximo’s Spirit Specialist, Hayley Dixon, commented on the release.
“Kraken Black Mojito offers on-the-go convenience with the premium taste of a freshly mixed cocktail. Whether you’re having a summer BBQ with a few close mates, watching the footy, going camping or looking for the perfect games night drink, all you need to do is simply crack open and enjoy.”
This product has an ABV of 5.5 per cent, and retails for $28.99 per four-pack.
Beer
Atomic Brewery Redfern follows up GABS success with release of Lemon Whip beer
After picking up the People’s Choice award at GABS (Australia’s largest beer festival), Atomic Brewery have released the Lemon Whip sour beer in cans nationwide.
“It’s really exciting to have Lemon Whip available in can across the country. I was surprised about how popular it was at GABS. We had people lining up at our stand before the event had even started. It was great to get the feedback from punters about how much they enjoyed it,” says Atomic Head Brewer, Nick Ivey.
At GABS, the beer was served with a soft whipped meringue on top, blowtorched on the glass. While logistics make this unfeasible for cans, Ivey believes the beer is just as good without it.
“I never wanted to make a gimmicky beer, just for the gimmick and not have the liquid stack up. The beer is delicious with or without the meringue on top, and it delivers as a full flavour experience, not just something that looks cool.”
A limited release, Atomic Lemon Whip has an ABV of 4.5 per cent and four-packs retail for $19.99.
Gage Roads creates limited release to help fund coastline clean-up
Gage Roads Brew Co and Tangaroa Blue Foundation have partnered to create a special beer to help fund the non-profits efforts to keep the coast clean.
The result is Cheeky Pash Mango Passionfruit Sour, with money from every can sold donated to Tanaroa Blue Foundation and the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database.
Gage Roads Brand Manager Mimi Crompton says this is a cause that matters to the brewery.
“Gage Roads was born out of a love for the coast and the good times it brings, so it’s important for us to help protect the places that means so much to us.”
“We first came together with Tangaroa Blue a couple of years ago with a collab limited release beer, and since then have been taking part in annual beach cleans across the country. It’s awesome to continue working with a crew that is so dedicated to such an important cause,” Crompton continued.
AMDI WA Project Coordinator, Casey Woodward, commented on the partnership.
“We are so grateful as an organisation to have the support of the Gage Roads Brew Co family. It’s always so heart-warming working with companies that align with our values and want to support our continued work in the marine debris space.”
Cheeky Pash is available in both 500ml cans and kegs, and has an ABV of four per cent.
Sapporo expands manga packaging across Australia
Japanese beer, Sapporo Premium (distributed in Australia and NZ by Coopers Brewery), has expanded its limited-edition manga packaging to all major retailers nationwide.
The campaign includes ‘impactful and bold imagery’ which tells the story for Sapporo’s Founder, Seibei Nakagawa through the traditional Japanese art style.
Kate Dowd, Coopers National Marketing Manager, said the packaging had proved a hit with consumers.
“We’ve trialled the manga cartons and asked beer drinkers what they thought. Their response was clear; Sapporo’s manga design is unique, eye-catching and authentic,” Dowd said.
“In a competitive market, Sapporo is standing out.”
The beer is available in cartons (RRP $60) and six-packs (RRP $22) in retailers nationwide. Sapporo Premium has an ABV of 5 per cent.
Wine
Heidsieck revives the roaring 20s with Champagne label redesign
Heidsieck & Co Monopole has taken inspiration from the age of Gatsby for its latest label redesign.
The company state that the new labels pay ‘homage to the Champagne House’s rich, decadent history, with the classic house coat of arms, elegant gold foil and beloved ribbon featured on the new label.’
Heidsieck’s Blue Top Brut NV, Rosé Top Brut NV and Gold Top 2012 vintage Champagne have all enjoyed a packaging revamp, with the wines retailing for $59.99, $74.99 and $85.99 respectively.
Fogarty Wine Group releases new Tassie sparkling
Fogarty Wine Group has announced the launch of a new premium Tasmanian sparkling wine, Thalia.
Named after the Greek goddess of comedy, dance and ‘idyllic poetry’, the range will include a non-vintage, a rosé and a reserve cuvée. The wines will be made with grapes from Australia’s coolest winemaking region.
Group Chief Winemaker, Liam McElhinney said he was delighted by the new range.
“I’m really excited to be launching this very special range of sparkling wines. Each of the Thalia wines offer a unique window into just how amazing Tasmania can be for world-class Méthode Traditionnelle.”
“From the freshness and instant appeal of the NV, to the complex toastiness of the reserve cuvée, these wines showcase just how important careful viticulture, meticulous winemaking and patience is when crafting superb sparkling wines.”
Thalia NV retails for $45, while Thalia NV Rosé costs $55 and Thalia NV Reserve Cuvée $65. These wines are available on the Fogarty website, and to the on-premise through recently acquired distribution partners CellarHand.