Christmas. ARE YOU READY

CHRISTMAS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BUSIEST TRADING PERIOD FOR LIQUOR RETAILERS SO TO HELP TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF WE’VE COMPILED A LIST OF WHAT WILL BE ON TREND THIS FESTIVE SEASON.

RIUNITE PROSECCO

Christmas is known for spending time with loved ones, and Riunite’s tagline is appropriately ‘This is R moment to Riunite’. Recently named Prosecco of The Year and taking out gold at the Melbourne International Wine Competition, Riunite is rich with Italian heritage, beginning when a small group of wine producers came together to explore a shared passion for making great wine. Today, Riunite is produced by Italy’s largest exporter of Italian wines. Prosecco consumption is growing at 46 per cent and Riunite is a fine example of why. It’s light, fresh and clean with notes of crisp apples and pears.

RRP: $16.99 Distributed by: Kollaras & Co

TOVARITCH VODKA

Tovaritch is famously known for being Russia’s most awarded vodka, with The Drinks Business recently reporting that it’s on track for its 105th award. Gluten free, organic and non-GMO, Eugenio Litta Modignani, CEO of Tovaritch commented, “These organisations signify our brand’s ever-growing international recognition as a top-quality vodka”.

RRP: $39.99 Distributed by: Kollaras & Co

LANSON PÈRE ET FILS BRUT NV

Lanson Père et Fils NV Brut was named after the name of the House when it was originally founded in 1760, and is the new release available exclusively through the on-premise and selected independent wine stores. Faithful to the House style this cuvée is produced according to the traditional winemaking method privileging wines with no malolactic fermentation, to keep natural, fruity, mouth-watering flavours with an exceptional freshness. Lanson Père et Fils is an enriched evolution of the classic Lanson Black Label, composed of 50 per cent Pinot Noir, 35 per cent Chardonnay, 15 per cent Pinot Meunier, 100 crus among which half are Grands and Premiers crus and minimum 30 per cent of reserve wines from 10 different vintages, aged four to five years on lees and a dosage of 7g/L.

RRP: $65 Distributed by: Lanson

MATSO’S MANGO BEER

Matso’s Mango Beer is the perfect match for an Australian summer. It combines full fruit aromas with a sweet dryness. It’s easy drinking and balanced, with a refreshing hint of mango and perfect for summer. With Matso’s recently acquired by Gage Roads Brewing Co and represented by its Good Drinks sales and marketing team, the brand will be given a significant national marketing push this summer – helping promote the stock in your store.

RRP: $23.99 per six-pack Distributed by: Good Drinks

ABSOLUT DROP LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE

Love is the most powerful force in the world. Absolut’s latest campaign celebrates the power that love has, to create a more open world and make a real difference to people’s lives, especially in places where hate-speech and intolerance is widespread. This was the inspiration behind the Absolut Drop limited edition bottle, a part of the Create a Better Tomorrow campaign. The bottle design contains ink taken from hate signs around the world, repurposed to spread a message that radiates positivity. The limited edition bottle is available now in two colourways from leading liquor retailers.

RRP: $59.99 per 700ml bottle Distributed by: Pernod Ricard Australia

KAHLÚA ORIGINAL COFFEE LIQUEUR

Originating in Mexico, Kahlúa has become the number one selling coffee liqueur in the world. Kahlúa Original Coffee Liqueur is the hero ingredient in one of Australia’s favourite cocktails; the Espresso Martini. And it’s no surprise that Australia’s love of the Espresso Martini spikes over the Christmas holiday season. Kahlúa Original Coffee Liqueur is available now from leading liquor retailers.

RRP: $31.99 per 700ml bottle Distributed by: Pernod Ricard Australia

MUMM CORDON ROUGE

Mumm Cordon Rouge is Australia’s number one Champagne and has unveiled a brand-new look paying tribute to the iconic ‘Red Sash’. Mumm’s contemporary new design makes it the perfect Champagne to celebrate with loved ones through the Christmas season.

RRP: $81.99 per 750ml bottle Distributed by: Pernod Ricard Australia

8. JACK DANIEL’S NO.27 GOLD

The super-premium glass Bourbon category is growing as American whiskey in particular is seeing increased interest and trade-up. The Jack Daniel’s No.27 Gold is a unique offering from the Jack Daniel Distillery and is one of only two expressions from the distillery that is mellowed through the charcoal twice, and is the only one to see finishing in a maple wood barrel as part of a special maturation process particular to this expression. It allows the opportunity to trade up existing Jack Daniel’s drinkers and is the perfect gifting solution coming into the festive period.

RRP: $150 per 700ml bottle Distributed by: Brown-Forman

JACK DANIEL’S SINGLE BARREL

The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel expression from the Jack Daniel Distillery is the only offering from the distillery that is bottled from a single cask and is bottled at a higher presentation proof. It is again an opportunity to trade up existing Jack Daniel’s drinkers and reward themselves or others going into the important gifting period, with a unique expression. The premium American whiskey category is booming within Australia and the upcoming festive period is the perfect opportunity to capitalise on this trend.

RRP: $90 per 700ml bottle Distributed by: Brown-Forman

JACK DANIEL’S & GINGER BEER

Jack Daniel’s and Ginger Beer is presenting a new alternative in the RTD space with a lighter, more refreshing flavour offering that launched right at the start of the warmer months across the country. Consumer trends in soft drinks and mixers is leaning towards drier mixers versus sweet, and we are seeing non-cola mixers driving sustained growth in the category. Jack Daniel’s & Ginger Beer mixes Tennessee whiskey with crisp ginger beer with and a squeeze of citrus, and will help drive recruitment to the category and open up new drinking occasions for consumers.

RRP: $22 per four-pack Distributed by: Brown-Forman

D’ARENBERG THE PEPPERMINT PADDOCK

The Peppermint Paddock Chambourcin Shiraz Graciano NV is a refreshing style with a psychedelic purple hue that will get any party started. The palate is full and fresh, slightly sweet, showing strong flavours of mint, black fruits and Christmas spice.

RRP: $28 Distributed by: D’Arenberg

GINGLE BELLS

The Wild Hibiscus Flower Company has come up with the perfect way to bring the holiday spirit to every event and gift exchange. Its newest specialty product ‘Gingle Bells’ is a gift set of six floral gin baubles, guaranteed to spread the Christmas joy in the form of a unique gift, celebratory cocktail or beautiful party decoration. The eye-catching baubles are filled with Australian Dry Gin sourced from master distiller Reg Papps, who was named one of the top five gin distillers in the world at the 2017 World Gin Awards in London. The gin is then infused with six different natural botanicals for a distinctive flavour and colour. The gift set includes two 54ml baubles at 37 per cent alcohol volume and four 50ml baubles at 40 per cent alcohol volume.

RRP: $79 Distributed by: Wild Hibiscus Brewing Company