28 minute read
A Christmas selection
At this time of year pubs would normally be at their busiest in the run-in to the Festive Season. But what’s in store for this year? All we can be sure of is that there will be plenty of Christmas product out there to tempt the consumer - and that the unseasonal staging of the World Cup can only operate to the further advantage of both the on- & off-trade. We take a look at the Christmas drinks market.
Christmas offers the licensed trade a host of opportunities to sell more product, to have the consumer trade-up, fuelled this time by the first ‘normal’ Christmas since 2019. Indeed December could be a bumper month for the on-trade.
According to an Opus survey by NielsenIQ more than half (55%) of consumers plan to visit the on-trade over the Festive period and there are even opportunities to attract the 27% who’re ‘unsure’ for now.
December also brings the World Cup when just over half (51%) plan to watch games in pubs and bars. For operators and suppliers, balancing the needs of soccer fans with those of Christmas party-goers is going to be crucial.
All this will undoubtedly see a boost in on-trade sales this year albeit to the detriment of what would otherwise have been two widely separate sales seasons.
SPIRITS
Hendrick’s Gin
To celebrate the season, why not Put a Little Hendrick’s in Your Holidays with a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin?
Hendrick’s Gin is a marvellous present to complement the Winter festivities.
Distilled by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, it’s infused with a combination of Rose, Cucumber and 11 of the finest botanicals from around the world.
This Premium spirit is inspired by merriment and individuality, making it the ideal libation for any festivity.
Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Lunar and the newly-released Neptunia would also make for an unusual gift this Christmas season.
Try the Hendrick’s French 75 Cocktail this Festive period:
Ingredients: 1 1/2 parts Hendrick’s 1/2 part simple syrup 1/2 part Lemon juice Top with Champagne Lemon twist to Garnish
Method - add Hendrick’s, simple syrup and Lemon juice to a Cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled flute. For further information visit www.hendricksgin.com. Distributed By Richmond Marketing.
Tullamore DEW
The Festive season is fast approaching and a bottle of the original triple-blend Tullamore DEW, crafted in the small town of Tullamore since 1829, makes the perfect choice this Christmas period.
Although every Irish whiskey offers something unique and interesting, no others offer the rare combination of blending three whiskeys, each tripledistilled and left to mature in three different barrel types.
This gives Tullamore DEW a complex flavour with a smooth finish.
If your customers are looking to try something slightly different this Christmas, Tullamore DEW XO Rum Cask Finish has sweet tropical flavours and is delicious on its own or added to a Festive cocktail. Alternatively, Tullamore DEW 12 Year-Old and Tullamore DEW 18 Year-Old are beautifully matured.
For further information, visit www.tullamoredew.com.
Distributed by Richmond Marketing in Ireland.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka for the Holidays
For the perfect holiday gift, you can never go wrong with craft vodka. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is America’s Original Craft Vodka and one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in Ireland, states the company. In 1995, sixth-generation Texan Bert “Tito” Beveridge obtained the first legal permit to distill in Texas and created Tito’s Handmade Vodka on a plot of land in rural Austin where he built a small shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts and batch-distilled his corn-based, naturally gluten-free vodka.
Today, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is available in over 140 markets including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. It’s distilled and bottled by Fifth Generation Inc in Austin on the same land where the whole thing started.
Tito’s is also highly committed to community causes, charitable organisations and disaster relief efforts across the world through the brand’s ‘Love, Tito’s’ initiatives including especially pet welfare efforts. In Ireland Tito’s is represented by Comans Beverages.
The Heart of Christmas Celebrations
Named ‘Best in Ireland’ at this year’s Gin Guide Awards, Xin Gin’s Festive red and gold design makes Xin the ideal Christmas serve.
An Irish gin with an Asian heart, Xin’s Founders Michelle & Gareth McAllister wanted to merge what they loved about their two homes. The word itself means ‘heart’ in Mandarin and was designed to help family and friends celebrate special occasions.
The design of the bottle, ancient celtic swirls contrasted with a modern eastern aesthetic, reflects the liquid inside – a perfect balance of European and Oriental botanicals. A gift that keeps on giving, the stunning bottle doubles as a vase or candlestickholder when emptied.
Xin Gin is a Juniper-led Dry Gin. The sweet taste of the Asian fruit Persimmon combined with a Cinnamon kick makes it perfect for Festive cocktails. You can spice up your traditional Xin Gin and Tonic with a wedge of Orange and a stick of Cinnamon for a Festive twist.
It’s the perfect drink to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Available from Celtic Whiskey Shop, irishmalts and JC Kenny. Visit xingin.ie for more.
Meet The Busker Irish Whiskey
The Busker’s roots run deep at Royal Oak Distillery, County Carlow, a world class distillery producing hand-crafted Irish whiskey. Located on an 18th Century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region, it’s one of Ireland’s largest operational whiskey distilleries.
The brand enjoys four types of product, from single grain to single malt and single pot still, all at an affordable price.
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth: a triple combination of the best whiskey styles Ireland has to offer with rich tropical fruits and sweet Vanilla notes as the taste buds begin to experience that malt, capping it all off with a superbly balanced mouth sweetness.
The secret to our Single Grain is in choosing the highest quality spirits and combining them with our handselected casks. Take a journey with The Busker Single Grain as we start off with sweet Caramel and soft Vanilla combined with delicious Oak notes.
The Busker Pot Still is a distinctive expression. Taste buds kick-off with some beautiful intense spices balanced with some toffee as we reach that long warm finish.
Enjoy our outstanding Single Malt matured in two different woods to bring complexity where notes of fruit meet floral Ederflower as the taste opens with intense richness, landing to a sweet chocolate note.
Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Since its launch in April, istil 38 Superior Irish Vodka’s Creative Director and Co-Owner Pippa O’Connor Ormond has been “blown away” by the level of support from other female entrepreneurs.
From restaurant and shop owners to event-producers, women-owned businesses have been especially helpful in growing istil38’s Craft Irish
Vodka range so quickly.
As a result, Pippa wants to establish ‘istil 38 Collaborators’, a collective of Irish female entrepreneurs who istil 38 can engage with to amplify all their businesses.
“The istil 38 Collaborators acknowledges the female Irish entrepreneurs who’ve assisted me on our journey and whom we want to continually keep working with,” she said.
All istil 38 Collaborators are highachieving Irish female business owners and have worked with istil38 creating unique partnerships that promote both their company and istil 38.
They are Licensed Vintners Association Chair Alison Kealy of Kealy’s Pub and Lorraine Heskin of Gourmet Food Parlour and Gourmet Gifts.
For her istil 38 Collaborators promotion Alison will be selling the istil 38 Espresso Martini for €10.00 in Kealy’s for the rest of the year.
Gunpowder Gin takes Gold for Ireland
PJ & Denise Rigney (Founders and Owners of The Shed Distillery/ Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin) recently celebrated with staff at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Gunpowder Gin’s winning the International Spirit Brand of the Year at the 2022 Wine Enthusiast Star Awards.
The Leitrim brand was the only Irish brand and one of just two European distilleries to make the shortlist.
The Shed Distillery was also the only fully family-owned company in the running, competing against Dwayne the Rock Johnson’s Teremana Tequila, Brown Foreman’s Woodford Reserve and Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace (representing the US) and Moët Hennessy‘s Ardbeg representing Scotland.
The win was announced live on screen from the US to over 80 staff and local supporters gathered at The Shed Distillery.
Premium ready-to-shake Cocktails built on 20 years of experience
CKC offers unrivalled flavour, Premium ingredients and consistency delivered on every serve, sourcing only the highest quality spirits for bar-quality serves.
Unafraid to challenge category norms, CKC was founded in 2017 by two award-winning bar owners. Their creative flair, passion for their industry and sheer doggedness to be led by innovation with a planet-first mantra, has created a paradigm shift in Cocktail consumption. This has >>
Q&As with CKC Founders Anthony Farrel & Paul Byrne
1. What’s been CKC’s progress in supplying the on- and off-trade? CKC was born in the on-trade. Wanting to challenge the industry norms of how everyone thought a Cocktail should be made, CKC was created to help busy hospitality venues serve Premium, hand-made Cocktails in a fast serve, high volume capacity. Following the global pandemic in 2020 the brand pivoted to create a B2C extension and now offers high-quality serves through retail to recreate those on-trade experiences at home.
2. Best-sellers? Espresso Martini, Pornstar Martini and Bramble are amongst our top-sellers. We notice regional differences across the portfolio – for example, there’s a sweeter palate in Northern Ireland, so flavoured Daiquiris are big sellers there versus the South where it’s Whiskey Sour. 3. Having seen the growth in Cocktailsto-go - particularly in the US - during Lockdowns, what are the advantages of using CKC bottled Cocktails in the on-trade rather than simply ask the barstaff to make them? Many of the skilled and experienced workforce have fled the industry, never to return. This has created a staff shortage, a vacuum of skilled bartenders and mixologists, pivotal to the incremental value to be added to hospitality outlets across the globe through Premium Cocktail serves. CKC offers a fast pour solution for a Premium, hand-made Cocktail which can be served in 30 seconds from order to garnish. “Consumers continue to treat themselves to higher-end products while also becoming more comfortable with making Cocktails at home, having done so during the Lockdowns – a learned behaviour that consumers can quickly pivot to when inflation hits.”
4. How can CKC help the on-trade keep consumers in venue as a viable alternative to the Cocktails-to-go movement? It’s all about choice – consumers are experimenting more than ever – and where the on-trade can win is by offering the consumer something new. We can offer venues a tailored and bespoke Cocktail menu. The product requires the bartender to shake before serving, allowing the venue to keep that flair element for a true ontrade experience. >>
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5. Should vintners consider using CKC to cover the growing on-trade demand for Cocktails-to-go? Definitely. CKC offers a Premium, quick-pour Cocktail solution that increases venue penetration, reduces waste and dramatically reduces consumer waiting times – which, as a result, can reduce labour costs, increase revenue and enhance profit. 6. Is the emergence of RTD Cocktails creating an opportunity to bring sprits-based RTD Cocktails to new occasions? Absolutely. Historically, Cocktails were only served in certain venues – either destination high-end Cocktail bars or venues that could cope with demand. The ready-to-shake movement has opened the opportunity to serve Cocktails within any venue or space and we’re seeing huge opportunity within HORECA which was simply never there before.
<< allowed anyone to pour an awardwinning, hand-crafted Cocktail into a glass within 30 seconds - perfect for busy bars, restaurants, event spaces and hotels.
CKC offers this range of high quality serves in a 700ml Non Returnable Bottle or a 10 Litre Bag-in-Box, now available to buy through Noreast.
Finisher’s Touch wins Gold
Finisher’s Touch (12 Y-O Single Malt finished in Justino’s Madeira) won Gold as overall winner in the Single Malt 12-15 Years-Old category at the 2022 Irish Whiskey Awards in Pearse Lyons Distillery recently. This completes the hat-trick of awards for our Generation Trilogy releases (celebrating six generations of Ryans in whiskey). Toomevara 10Y-O (finished in Château du Breuil Calvados) won Double Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits and Haddington 11Y-O (finished in old Guyana rum) won a Gold at last year’s Irish Whiskey Awards.
Finisher’s Touch, our most ambitious release to date, entailed Bourbon and virgin Oak casks sent 3,000 kms overland and by sea to Madeira island and Juan Teixeira of Justino’s, seasoned there with excellent Madeira wine, then brought back to our Dublin bonded warehouse and finishing hall, filled with the finest aged malt as the finishing began.
When Finisher’s Touch announced its readiness we bottled it ourselves, an exclusive release of 3,500 numbered and signed by family scion Eunan Ryan.
Generation Trilogy is also available as a pack of three x 50 ml bottles.
Contact; SM cathal@ circulateonline.com, JRW eunan@cult-drinks.com.
Seignette Cognac
A contemporary homage to the original Seignette Cognac established 200 years ago, Seignette VS’s fresh aesthetic and depth of flavour is set to engage a new generation of spiritlovers and inspire bartenders with its compatibility for Cocktails and mixed drinks. The Seignette family can be traced back to the 17th Century Western French coast, known as prominent traders in salt and Cognac in the La Rochelle region. Their coat of arms is recognised by a swan, which historically populated the banks of the Charente River in Cognac as well as being a symbol of power, grace and elegance. The swan features on the Seignette VS label in tribute to the family’s legacy.
Seignette VS is a modernday Cognac with notes of dried Apricot, Vanilla and hints of Honeysuckle on the nose, followed by Oaky Vanilla notes, a touch of citrus and a long, creamy finish on the palate.
Paddy’s Share
Triple-distilled in County Cork and blended with malt in Sherry barrels for its unique taste, Paddy’s Share boasts 47% ABV, a bold robust flavour and a distinctly nutty, malty and charredwood character.
Paddy owes its name to the legendary distillery salesman Paddy Flaherty. Famed throughout his native County Cork for buying rounds of his favourite tipple, he became so synonymous with the whiskey he sold that in 1913 the distillery owners paid him the ultimate tribute by renaming the whiskey ‘Paddy’ in his honour.
Paddy, our most gregarious whiskey salesman, stood for two things: good times and great whiskey.
Now, 100 years later, we honour Paddy’s legacy with Paddy’s Share.
For more information visit Hi-Spirts.ie.
Paddy Irish Whiskey
Paddy is distilled three times. Using the finestquality barley and water from Ireland’s East Cork countryside ensures a whiskey which is particularly light, wellbalanced and pure.
Paddy Irish Whiskey is the perfect choice this holiday season for classic Winter warmers such as the Hot Whiskey and Irish Coffee.
Disaronno - the world’s favourite Italian Liqueur
Disaronno enjoys cult status as an Italian style icon: smooth taste, unmistakable aroma, unique and distinctive bottle design, original square cap and golden label that adds a sense of contemporary elegance and style.
Disaronno is the proud ambassador of the Endless Dolcevita, telling a story through the iconic postcards of the Italian beauty.
Disaronno Amaretto captures the senses with its amber colour, rich aroma and incomparable taste which has made it the world’s favourite Italian liqueur. Amaretto, which means “a little bitter” in Italian, is an Almond-flavoured liqueur.
How to make a Disaronno Sour
With over 100 perfect mixes, Disaronno Sour is a unique and refreshing drink in which the distinctive notes of Disaronno blend with the scent of freshly-squeezed Lemons. It’s easy to make too. All that’s required is 50ml of Disaronno, 25ml of fresh Lemon juice, 5ml of sugar syrup and egg-white.
Shake all the ingredients with ice and serve with a garnish of Lemon.
For more Cocktail ideas from Disaronno check out Disaronno.com.
Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam. Tia Maria is a sweet liqueur with a strong coffee character and a complex aromatic structure. Made with Madagascan Vanilla, Jamaican rum and 100% Arabica coffee, Tia Maria has a classic roasted fullbodied and rich taste. An exclusive cold brew extraction process gives it its distinctive intense coffee aroma followed by notes of chocolate and pipe tobacco, caramelised cane sugar and Vanilla.
The Tia Espresso Martini has been the classic evening pick-me-up since its creation in the 1980s. Tia Maria is the must-have ingredient for this classic Cocktail.
Learn how to make The Perfect Espresso Martini
All you need is: 25ml of Tia Maria, 25ml of vodka, a single or double shot of espresso and coffee beans to garnish. Fill a Martini glass with ice and set aside to chill. Pour Tia Maria, vodka and espresso into a Cocktail shaker. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice. Shake the ingredients together. Empty the Martini glass of ice. Pour in the contents of the shaker using a strainer and sieve into the glass. Finish with three coffee beans.
Check out TiaMaria.com for more cocktail inspiration.
Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Cointreau
Cointreau has launched a redesigned liqueur bottle made from “two-thirds recycled glass”. Describing the brand refresh as the “most momentous of its kind in 140 years”, both bottle and label have been altered.
Looking to boost its sustainability credentials by using recycled glass, convenience and practicality were also considerations when redesigning the bottle which has been made four millimetres taller to facilitate grip and make it easier to hold. Similarly, the newly-textured cap provides better grip for an easier twist-off while simulating the skin of an Orange.
However the bottle still displays traditional design features including the Cointreau medallion.
Spirit-lovers recognise Cointreau as a core building block in creating Premium Cocktails. It’s the cornerstone of more than 350 internationallyrenowned Cocktails such as the Margarita, Sidecar and Cosmopolitan. It enhances Cocktails with its perfect balance.
For more than 30 years the finest Orange peels are carefully selected by Master Distiller Carole Quinton to create the definitive Orange liqueur, producing, “A masterpiece crafted through the unique distillation of all-natural sweet and bitter Orange peels, resulting in a crystal-clear liqueur that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness”.
Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Remy Martin
As a result of its masterful production and generations of tradition in Cognac, today Rémy Martin produces Cognacs Fine Champagne including Rémy Martin XO, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal and Rémy Martin VSOP.
VSOP is composed of eaux-de-vie exclusively from Cognac’s highestquality vineyards, the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Such eaux-de-vie offer an exceptional ageing potential and are known as Cognac Fine Champagne.
REFRESHMENT
In 1927 Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master André Renaud created the very first VSOP Fine Champagne. This prestigious appellation would be officially recognised 11 years later as an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée - a specific growing area protected by French law.
Accounting for one in three bottles of VSOP consumed worldwide, Remy Martin is the benchmark for the VSOP category and is blended from spirits aged from four to 12 years. This latest version finishes the Cognac in old barrels for a year before bottling.
It’s extremely versatile, so you may enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in Cocktails.
We recommend drinking it with ginger ale or as Remy Grand Tonic made by mixing Remy Martin VSOP over ice, topped with tonic and finished with a wedge of fresh Lemon.
Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Refresh your G&Ts and elevate your cocktails with Bombay Citron Pressé
Bombay Sapphire has unveiled a new creative expression with Bombay Citron Pressé - a vibrant gin that captures the taste of freshly-squeezed Mediterranean Lemons.
Inspired by the classic Tom Collins cocktail, adding a modern twist, this lively addition to the Bombay Sapphire product range of premium gins offers a taste experience and an eyecatching colour created with a 100% natural fruits infusion and no added sugar.
Certain to refresh drinks repertoires, Bombay Citron Pressé is the perfect gin for elevating simple Cocktails and inspiring creative twists for Cocktail aficionados.
Instead of adding artificial additives or sugar, it contains hand-picked Mediterranean Lemons which have been harvested early in the season to capture their zesty, citrus notes before being hand-peeled and concentrated to create a 100% natural fruits infusion.
This infusion is then expertly married with the brand’s vapour-infused gin – perfectly balancing the taste of freshly squeezed Lemons with the Juniper notes of the gin. As with all Bombay Sapphire gins, there are endless possibilities for Cocktail experimentation. With its natural colour and taste, Bombay Sapphire is the perfect canvas for gin fans to celebrate their Cocktail creativity. Bombay Citron Pressé epitomises this with a refreshing twist on the classic Gin & Tonic, garnished with a squeezed Lemon wedge.
BEER
Asahi Super Dry
Asahi Super Dry has announced its partnership with World Rugby as the official beer for the Rugby World Cup 2023, kicking-off next September in France.
Japan’s leading beer will be served at all venues for the tournament and will be showcased to a global audience of over 800 million rugby fans.
The partnership will drive mass awareness and trial of the brand globally. A shared passion for excellence and creating unforgettable moments unite both parties as does the desire to break from conventions and create a taste for the unexpected.
Asahi Super Dry was first launched in Japan in 1987 as the first dry beer with a crisp and refreshing taste, revolutionising the beer industry there.
It’s now the #1 beer in Japan & the #1 Asian beer on the Irish market.
Brewed with precision to the highest quality standards under the supervision of Japanese master brewers, Asahi Super Dry’s advanced brewing techniques also deliver a quick, clean finish, introducing an entirely new genre of beer to Japan & to the world.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Shoppers are trading-up this Christmas, with Super Premium lager growing ahead of the category at over 16%. The Super Premium lager space is now comfortably bigger than standard lager, holding an 18% value share.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro has benefited from the ongoing trend towards Premiumisation, resonating with the Irish consumer. Total Peroni volume is up 65% YTD vs 2019 and at over 3% vs Total Lager.
The range also includes Peroni Gluten Free for those looking for gluten-free alternatives.
The brand has been brewing with Italian passion and flair since 1963, launching a 0.0% version this year.
More recently, Peroni Nastro Azzurro launched 330ml slim can formats, available in a 6- and 10-pack, with the 6-pack can growing at over 252% YTD vs 2021.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is known as a major player within the Super Premium Lager category, with 94% of Irish consumers aware of the brand. Supported by it’s ‘Live Every Moment’ campaign inspired by its Italian style and heritage, the brand has come to life on TV, Out Of Home & online platforms, encouraging consumers to elevate and experience every moment with true passion & style.
The beer from ‘Ah here’...
That’s how the hilarious new campaign for 5 Lamps describes the Dublinborn-and-brewed beer.
Relaunching Bulmers Ireland-owned 5 Lamps champions the character of Dublin, its colourful people, their language and the city’s great public houses where the great and the good all mix, sharing their stories, banter and of course a few pints. 5 Lamps is a locally-brewed beer with roots planted firmly in a modern, contemporary but authentic place – Dublin. >>
Just like the beer itself, the new campaign is made to be distinctive to stand out in a very crowded category.
That sense of local is very important to an audience increasingly seeking out local brands and supporting local success stories.
The last number of years have emphasised to many that it’s good to feel that a brand ‘gets’ them and understands where they’re at and what’s important to them. The great thing is, in Dublin, everyone can feel like a local no matter where they’re from. The ‘here’ of ‘ah here’ is an important part of the campaign running on video-on-demand, social, radio, Out Of Home and in-store as well as having a strong on-trade presence.
Zingibeer
There was a hum about town this Summer over newcomer Zingibeer. Who and what is it? Father and daughter duo Kevin and Rachel Byrne have set out to establish Zingibeer as Ireland’s first and Premier ginger beer brand, a traditional ginger beer made using fermented Ginger, Lemon zest and botanicals.
At 4% ABV Zingibeer is the refreshing thirst-quencher consumers didn’t know they were waiting for…a ginger beer not only for “ginger beer drinkers”.
The newcomers to the Irish drink scene scooped up two awards already this year, winning Bronze for Ireland in the World Beer Awards and taking home Gold in the competitive category ‘fermented alcoholic beverages’ at blas nahEireann.
Uniquely positioned as the only Ginger Beer on draught, Zingibeer sets out to take its place as the clean label alternative to the draught ciders and beers that have dominated for so long. Zingibeer is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, sulphitefree and contains only natural ingredients. It’s also available in 500ml bottles in off-licences nationwide. Distributed by Grand Cru Beers. See zingibeer.ie. Phone: 01- 8307 821. Sales enquires to info@zingibeer.ie or +353879040111.
Bulmers Mulled Cider Christmas Campaign
Ireland’s Number One cider Bulmers is synonymous with drinking occasions celebrated in Summer, over ice. To capitalise on this brand strength and positive position, Bulmers will drive consumption moments and relevance in the Winter period with a Bulmers Mulled Cider Christmas campaign.
The campaign kicks-off in December with full Through The Line support.
Bulmers’ Christmas TV ad will reappear on air ensuring the brand is top of mind. This will be amplified by a heavyweight social media and Out Of Home plan.
In the on-trade a series of premium Bulmers Mulled Cider experiences will pop-up in selected pubs throughout the country giving the public the opportunity to sample Bulmers Mulled Cider in the run-up to Christmas.
In the off-trade Bulmers will be giving shoppers the chance to have the experience of hot Bulmers Mulled Cider at home.
In selected outlets, shoppers will receive the gift of a Bulmers Mulled Cider kit free with every purchase of selected Bulmers packs. See Bulmers social channels for more detail in December.
WINE
Barefoot rolls out Buttery Chardonnay in Ireland
Barefoot, the number One US wine brand in Ireland, recently rolled out its Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay to the Irish market.
“Creamy and smooth, Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay is bursting with Pineapple aromas and layers of toasty Oak that perfectly complement the smooth and delicious Vanilla finish,” states the company which describes Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay as a perfect accompaniment to an indulgent chicken in cream sauce, a cheeseboard or fresh crab, served with plenty of butter.
“Barefoot is all about creating wines that are fun, approachable and flavourful and Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay ticks all those boxes,” said Philip Lynch, Country Manager for Ireland at E&J Gallo Winery.
“‘Buttery’ is an approachable and easy to understand term that nicely expresses the creamy notes of the wine and the 13.5% ABV Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay’s success to date suggests that this is something that resonates with consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Since its launch in 2021 Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay continues to grow rapidly in the UK, up 220% over the last 52 weeks, emulating the performance of the Buttery Chardonnay category Stateside which has seen 12% growth. n
Coole Swan is the Fresh Irish Cream Liqueur Disrupting the Irish Drinks Industry
#KeepCoole this Christmas with a lighter, fresher, more versatile Irish Cream Liqueur
Coole Swan, the independently owned and family run Irish cream liqueur, is disrupting the Irish drinks industry this festive season, with unexpected serves and dynamic flavour combinations. Those who try it can expect to enjoy Irish cream liqueur like never before. The silky liquid blends effortlessly to create a stunning range of delicious cocktails.
Nothing on the Irish market compares to the versatility and quality of Coole Swan, a refreshing modern craft blend of whiskey, chocolate and cream. The perfect drink to enjoy chilled, over ice or in cutting edge cocktails with friends and family this festive season, and the ideal gift for those who enjoy superior Irish products and unique flavours.
Made in Co. Cavan, Coole Swan is a contemporary take on a classic - designed to be savoured and enjoyed whatever the occasion, for those wanting to add a drop of luxury to their every day. Coole Swan was born of a vision to reinvent Irish cream liqueur for a modern world.
The multi award-winning drink was perfected after 231 attempts to create the ultimate balance of its core ingredients: single malt Irish whiskey, smooth Belgian white chocolate and fresh Irish cream, resulting in a distinctively fresh, light, and smooth taste, expertly blended by the passionate and dedicated team at Coole Swan.
Its use of quality ingredients and modern craft has reimagined and reinvigorated traditional Irish cream liqueur, rejuvenating the drink for a new audience. Coole Swan brings a fresh Irish perspective to the world of cream liqueur, encouraging playfulness and creativity.
Coole Swan is available in Tesco, SuperValu, Dunnes, O’Brien’s and a range of independent retailers across Ireland. Available in a 700ml bottle which retails at €26.
Coole Swan CEO & Director, Mary Sadlier, says: “We’re proudly independently owned and family run, bringing the spirit of our liquid to life for a new and adventurous drinker. Coole Swan was born of a vision to reinvent a classic Irish product, a perfect blend of whiskey, chocolate and cream. We use Irish single malt whiskey and Irish cream as well as the best quality Belgian white chocolate. However, it is our spirit that is uniquely Irish and that is what we embody in the bottle: fun, the energy of youth and the desire to enjoy every day. We’re thrilled with the reaction to the product from consumers and retailers alike. Our retailers have proudly supported us as an independent brand and we’re pleased to see our sales rapidly increasing, showing there is place for a modern, fresh Irish cream liqueur in today’s market.” Customers can discover more information about this beautifully crafted Irish product and the inventive ways to serve it at www.cooleswan.com, or follow on social media for all the latest updates @cooleswan on Facebook and @coole_swan on Instagram. For adults aged 18+ over. Drink Coole Swan responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.ie for more information. • The traditional creams category is important to the industry due to its size and volume growth. In Ireland, 2021 saw 25% growth vs 2020, twice the growth rate of gin. • However, there is a ‘sameness’ about the category. Visually it has been dominated by brown bottles and images of rolling hills. • The demand for reinvigoration within the category is already being felt, consumers and trade are ready for a fresh take on creams with a focus on quality and new, more relevant ways to enjoy them. • A whole new generation of consumers are motivated by having great experiences but also by balance in their lives, ‘drink less, drink better’.
They want no compromise when they choose to enjoy a drink. This is showing up in the growth of two key occasions - ‘sipping over ice’ and premium cocktails. • Coole Swan is well placed to be the drink of choice in these occasions and for these consumers. • Coole Swan’s award-winning liquid is lighter, fresher and easier to mix than traditional creams which makes it more versatile. By offering consumers innovative serves and cocktails Coole
Swan is already benefitting from these trends. • Coole Swan represents a much-needed fresh take on how the next generation can enjoy creams; a reinvention of an
Irish classic for today’s world.
