Drinks

Champagne Gosset Celebris Rosé 2008

In a full, expansive expression of the Gosset spirit, Celebris marks four centuries of masterful craftsmanship in the art of vinification, blending and ageing exceptional crus. The vintage collection also acknowledges the role of time in the production of champagne, from shaping the identity of a terroir to carving the character of the vintage over a decade in the cellar. The latest addition to the range – Celebris Rosé 2008 – embodies the house’s unique expertise in choosing and blending terroirs to perfection. Made from 72% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir, of which 8% is red wine, the cuvée showcases aromas of strawberry jam lifted by spices and a touch of menthol, lingering with ripe summer fruits. On the palette, the crystal-clear copper-toned cuvée offers a full-bodied tautness, with accords of ripe black cherry shot through with a blood orange note that provides a tangy freshness. The 2008 rosé pairs well with mushrooms, foie gras, poultry, lobster, strawberries and citrus fruit. www.champagne-gosset.com

Italicus – Rosolio di Bergamotto Italicus Spritz

Before the rise of vermouth, bitters and amaro in Italy, rosolio was the aperitif of choice for the King of Savoia. Created by Giuseppe Gallo – an authority in Italian spirits – Italicus is a unique reinvention of the historic Italian resolio aperitivo consumed by royalty. Made at a family-owned distillery in Moncalieri, Torino, the liqueur is born from Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian cedro lemons blended with a neutral Italian spirit and macerated chamomile, lavender, gentian, yellow roses and melissa balm from Northern Italy. The result is an aromatic and lightly spiced liqueur that balances honeyed sweetness with a rooty bitterness. Italicus is best enjoyed in a classic spritz with prosecco or champagne; alternatively, it pairs well with grapefruit soda or tonic water to create a modern spritz. In a nod to the classic Italian tradition of aperitivo hour, Italicus serves are garnished with three olives to balance the floral aromas with a touch of saltiness. The striking blue bottle design embodies the history and heritage of Italy’s distinctive regions, whilst telling the story of Rosolio’s time-honoured traditional drinking occasion of aperitivo. Since its launch in 2016, Italicus has been recognised around the world for its impressive liqueur, design and unique brand provenance. www.rosolioitalicus.com

&Soda Triple Distilled Vodka and Soda

Breaking into the rapidly growing ready-to-drink (RTD) category and challenging the existing narrative around the sector, &Soda, a tripledistilled vodka and soda has been specifically created to appeal to modern consumers with its clean ingredients and sleek design-led branding. Available in three flavours of Raspberry, Classic Lime and Orange, the canned drinks are 5% ABV, low calorie, gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free, making them a cleaner, refreshing choice for those looking for a lower-alcohol alternative. Appealing to a wider demographic with a look and feel that resembles craft beer, the brand has positioned itself as an alternative for beer drinkers as well as cocktail lovers. Rather than a last resort for those on-the-go, the category has recently been on the receiving end of modernisation with brands responding to premiumisation trends. “&Soda was born out a love of design combined with my own love for a simple yet refreshing vodka and soda and it was clear this was a real consumer need in this category,” says Barry Darnell, CEO and co-founder of &Soda. “With all the hype around the hard seltzer category, &Soda cuts through the noise with a simple, premium and ofthe-moment product and brand proposition of vodka and soda.” www.andsoda.co.uk

Campari Group The Glen Grant

Campari Group has announced the launch of the Rare Division: a curated portfolio of super-premium and above offerings led by a tailored brand building route-to-market model. With a hyperlocal focus, Rare provides an agile business approach for high-end expressions, creating an elevated consumer experience that brings each brand’s artistry and innovation to the forefront.

The ensemble of brands includes a special limited-edition offering: The Glen Grant Dennis Malcolm Anniversary Edition Aged 60 Years, launching this autumn in celebration of Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm’s 60th anniversary. With only 360 decanters available worldwide, the rare liquid marks the oldest whisky ever released by the brand. Also included is Lallier, a champagne from one of the few villages classified as Grand Cru, led by Cellar Master Dominique Demarville; Bisquit & Dubouché cognac reimagined with a focus on the brand’s avant-garde approach and unique distillation method; Russell’s Reserve, the premium, craft brand from Wild Turkey’s Russell Family; and top tier luxury offerings from the Campari Group portfolio such as the Exceptional Range from Grand Marnier. The luxurious Quintessence features the oldest Hors d’Age cognacs from the Marnier-Lapostolle family, encased in a carafe by Maison Baccarat.

The Rare division has launched in select US pilot states where the premium plus and super-premium business is concentrated. Rare Division will also continue to broaden its footprint in additional markets, enriching the offerings of each brand and exploring ways to enhance the consumer experience.

“The art of storytelling is at the heart of the Rare division,” explains Julka Villa, Managing Director of Rare Division. “The common thread throughout the portfolio is that all these brands are rooted in mastery of their craft. Their historical importance, provenance, production methods and terroir are all facets of a unique brand profile. Rare enables us to highlight these aspects in a way that resonates with consumers.” www.glengrant.com / www.camparigroup.com

Martin Miller’s Gin The Art Out of Isolation

Representing the first in a series of global initiatives to support the arts and young artists, Martin Miller’s Gin has commissioned Spanish artist Violeta Maya and Greek artist Persiis Hajiyanni to create an art installation that will be displayed at The Affordable Art Fair. The installation explores the themes of purity and transformation, which lie at the heart of the history and quality of Martin Miller’s Gin. The brand blends its English-distilled gin with the purest Icelandic spring water to produce the smooth taste and silky soft mouth feel for which it is world-renowned. The commission is one of several Martin Miller’s Gin branded experiences that will take place at the fair; in addition to hosting masterclasses with brand ambassador Rory O’Sullivan, the company will take over two bar spaces with designs inspired by the surrealist movement. The menu will include a new serve, the Bubble Bramble, featuring Martin Miller’s Original Gin blended with lemon, crème de mûre and sugar – and a bubble on top. www.martinmillersgin.com