Last Drinks – New releases

Archie Rose Bone Dry Gin

The latest installment from Sydney based Archie Rose Distilling Co. is a Bone Dry Gin, the first gin release from the new Banksmeadow distillery.

The ultra-dry finish in infused with a triple dose of juniper, coriander seed, native lemon scented gum and emerald-green finger lime. New technology is at play with a 500 litre and a 3,000 litre copper pot/column hybrid vacuum still; the only example of their kind in the world.

Vacuum stills allow “Cold Distillation”, whereby boiling points are achieved at a lower temperature, limiting the effects of heat on the botanicals.

“This release is an incredible expression of juniper, but also of what our new distillery is uniquely capable of, as there is no one else in Australia currently producing cold distilled gins in copper vacuum stills,” says Archie Rose founder, Will Edwards.

“The new cold distillation process we’re using is creating shockingly good botanical distillates – and I mean that literally.

Bottle size: 700ml (24.3 standard drinks per bottle) ABV: 44% | RRP: $89.99

Tastes Like Heavan, Smells Like Hell

The Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak has launched onto the Australia market and, as ou might expect, it delivers the classic smoke, seaweed and sea salt that Laphroig has made its own.

Distillery manager, John Campbell, is credited with one of Laphroig’s most famous tasting note: “a big peaty slap in the face. Perfect.” And he’s not wrong. On the nose you get the antiseptic lotion, cloves and smokey bacon, leather and iodine. The palate is sweeter: a full bodied mouthfeel, manuka honey, bacon and maple syrup. A richly flavoured Scotch Whisky.

C.A.N stands for Create Action Now

C.A.N is a low sugar and low calorie vodka soda mix, with attitude. Ruby Grapefruit and Pineapple & Passionfruit, C.A.N hit shelves in time to celebrate ‘Keep Australia Beautiful Week’.

C.A.N has donated $5,000 upfront to CVA’s ‘Sea to Source’ project, focused on engaging the community to stop plastics and other litter from entering our oceans at the source - keeping our waterways clean and healthy. Ongoing, C.A.N will donate 10% of all profits to land, water, and air conservation efforts.

Now that’s a can-do attitude.

Cocktails in a Box - Boxtails

Brisbane based drinks company Basic Babe brings you low calorie cocktails in a cask, Boxtails. Basic Babe is an Australian made and owned alcohol brand known for their popular alcoholic sparkling water in a can. The Basic Babe Boxtail is a low calorie drink, in three flavours, designed for convenience.

Raspberry and Lime Margarita, Passionfruit Martini and the Pink Gin Daiquiri. Selling points include: 99% sugar free and with only 60 calories per serve and still packing a punch with flavour.

Basic Babe Co-Founder, Mark Collins commented: “For the first time in history, Millennials have surpassed the baby boomers as the largest consumer group. These Millennials are seeking healthier alternatives and as such we wanted to create an alcoholic beverage that tastes just like their favourite cocktails, minus the calories. According to data from the Forbes online Canned Cocktail Report in June 2020, today’s consumers still value convenience, but they’re looking for cleaner products that allow them to enjoy a few drinks, without feeling like the health and wellness tradeoffs are too onerous.”

For more information, please visit: www.basicbabe.co

Two Barbera’s and a Dolcetto d’Alba

Negotiants Australia have released the 2019 Prunotto Dolcetto d’Alba and Barbera d’Alba, alongside the 2016 Rocce Delle Rocche Barbera d’Alba. The Punottos are retailing between $30 and $35, while the Rocce Delle Rocche is between $45 and $50 per bottle.

While most of the population is locked down, here are three wines to whisk you away to the climbs of Piedmont in the north-west corner of Italy. All three wines are great examples of their regional winemaking (DOC and DOC Superiore). The Barberas are full bodied and rich with dark berries and bitter chocolate, while the Dolcetto is a deep ruby red colour, youthful and vibrant, expressing good fruit characteristics. All are ready to drink now.