After a three-year break, French Cognac brand Hennessy has unveiled the next instalment of its Master Blender’s Selection series, Master Blender’s Selection No 5.

This Limited-Edition expression, bottled at 43% ABV, is composed of truly unique, unreplicatable blends that will never be replicated. This unique liquid is the result of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, curated under the expert eye of Hennessy’s 8th-generation Master Blender, Renaud Fillioux de Gironde.

“I wanted to pay tribute to the artisans behind the scenes – exclusive Hennessy distillers who are experts and share with us, year after year, first-rate eaux-de-vie remarkable for their purity, finesse and potential,” explained Fillioux de Gironde

“Some have been with us almost since the Maison was founded over 200 years ago. It generally takes many years of training between generations for the son or daughter of the current distiller to take over.

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“It’s with these future generations that we’ll continue to grow and offer cognacs rooted in our terroir yet deeply contemporary in nature,” Fillioux de Gironde continued.

The Master Blender’s Selection No. 5 requires an unprecedented eaux-de-vie selection process, followed by a maturing process of at least seven years in French oak barrels. It offers aromatic complexity. Renaud has selected and combined different eaux-de-vie produced by these 18 unique families of distillers, merging their characters and personalities to create an unmatched cognac.

On the nose, it presents a sophisticated world with notes of spice and candied orange, while the palate is smooth, with delightful pastry notes of cocoa and sweet spices, a comforting creaminess. Then come notes of light tobacco and candied orange.

“Being the 8th generation Master Blender is a tremendous honour,” explained Fillioux de Gironde, “and I feel privileged to be able to continue the craft that was passed down to me by my uncle Yann Fillioux.

“With Master Blender’s Selection No 5, I opted for an innovative approach blend produced in a single batch that will never be replicated – this limited edition is a celebration of the collaborative spirit and expertise in the world of Cognac.”

For more information, go to hennessy.com

French organic spirits brand, Pegasus Distillerie, has announced the launch of a fresh, smooth and transparent mint liqueur called Minty.

Crafted using three types of organic mint, grown and handpicked in the heights of the Alps: orange mint, Japanese mint, and Moroccan mint, the liqueur with no artificial colors or flavors,  is uniquely fresh and smooth.

Transporting the drinker from the crisp heights of the Alps to the soothing warmth of Morocco, the liqueur awakens the senses and unfolds with the bright citrus notes of the orange mint, while the finish lingers with the depth of Japanese mint and the warm comfort of Moroccan mint.

“I founded Pegasus Distillerie on a commitment to bringing consumers the purest refined spirits that don’t sacrifice flavor or quality, and Minty is truly an embodiment of that,” says Maxime Girardin, Founder and Master Distiller at Pegasus Distillerie.

Standing out in the rapidly-growing liqueur category with lower sugar content, total transparency and a sophisticated flavor profile, Minty undergoes several rounds of distillation using the innovative iStill technology, adding body and smoothness to the neutral alcohol ahead of the botanical infusion.

“The inspiration for MINTY came from many years of skiing in the Alps,” continued Girardin. “Experiencing the invigorating freshness of the landscape with loved ones – and a desire to bottle those memories.

“I like to refer to Minty as an “Après-ritivo” – meaning whether you’re just off the slopes, ending a padel match with friends or wrapping up a presentation at the office, MINTY is made for savoring all the little shared moments that spark joy in life.”

Minty is best enjoyed pure, on its own or simply combined with unflavored sparkling water to create a unique ‘MINTY Spark’ spritz. It is available in Florida, NY State and California and online.

For more information, go to pegasus-distillerie.com

The UK’s Hawkridge Distillers has announced the launch of its debut premium whisky, made in partnership with the renowned Berkshire-based celebrity chef, Alain Roux.

Aged in oak bourbon barrels, the Single Malt is imbued with honeyed sweetness, toasted oak, and a hint of orchard fruits.

“English whisky is on the rise, and we’re proud to be part of its exciting resurgence,” says Phil Howarth, Managing Director of Hawkridge. “With this beautiful single malt, we’ve embraced England’s unique terroir and approach to whisky-making to create something genuinely special. This is a whisky that not only honours tradition but also pushes boundaries.”

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Known for its Gin varietals, the distillery combines the finest local ingredients with state-of-the-art techniques to create distinctly English yet globally celebrated spirits.

The new Whiskey expression will launch today at selected retailers nationwide and will be available internationally soon. 

For more information, go to hawkridgedistillers.com

Global Vodka brand Absolut is getting summer-ready with an expansion of its Ready-to-Serve (RTS) and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) ranges.

Delivering convenient, bar-quality cocktails, Absolut is expanding its RTS range with two new flavors: Espresso Martini and Classic Cosmopolitan (20% ABV)

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“The expansion of the Absolut ready-to-serve cocktail line introduces new trending vodka cocktails.” explained Reshma Dhati, Senior Brand Director of Marketing, Absolut. “The Absolut Cocktails Espresso Martini is made with real espresso and Kahlúa rum and coffee liqueur, the #1 brand associated with the popular cocktail1, while the Absolut Cocktails Classic Cosmopolitan brings consumers a new way to enjoy the iconic cocktail that Absolut has been an integral part of since it entered culture in the 1980s.”

Additionally, the brand is also expanding its award-winning RTD collaboration with Ocean Spray with the releases of two new expressions: Absolut + Ocean Spray Vodka White Cran•Peach & Absolut + Ocean Spray Vodka Cran•Mango™ Canned Cocktail. The new flavors will be available in Absolut Ocean Spray 12-pack which also includes fan-favorites Vodka Cranberry and Vodka Cran•Pineapple.

But there is also more to look forward to as this spring, Absolut’s RTD Cocktails are reviving the classics without the fuss, introducing three new flavors including: Classic Mule (7% ABV), Classic Cosmo (10% ABV), and Half & Half Tea & Lemonade (7% ABV). The new flavors will be available in The Absolut Cocktails 8-Pack, which also includes the existing Berry Vodkarita flavor.

For more information, go to absolut.com or follow @absolutus

Independent bottlers World Whiskey Society has announced its latest release: Green Code Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

A distinctly eco-friendly release, Green Code is packaged in an eco-friendly, fully recyclable bottle boasting an 84% lower carbon footprint than traditional glass and five times lighter.

“We’re constantly seeking new ways to experiment, from our liquid to our bottles, and we are excited to introduce one-of-a-kind packaging that will have a positive impact on the whiskey community and beyond,” says Alex Kogan, CEO of World Whiskey Society.

“This release reflects our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, proving that great whiskey can be rich in flavour and gentle on the planet.”

Bottled at 48% ABV / 96 Proof, the Green Code Kentucky Straight Bourbon boasts a nose of butterscotch, toasted oak, sweet honey, and subtle cereal grain.

Lush and full-bodied, the expression presents layers of honey, butterscotch, oak, molasses, candied apples, and dark fruit on the palate. Finishing sweet, rich, and syrupy molasses persists with a touch of fruit and toasted oak lingering throughout. This combination makes for a balanced and nuanced experience, ending in a long and satisfying finish.

For more information, go to worldwhiskey.com

The bottled cocktail company On The Rocks, has kicked off the new year with the addition of the Lemon Drop Martini to its permanent line.

Crisp and invigorating with a delicate sweetness, the Lemon Drop Martini features layers of bright lemon, subtle notes of basil and elderflower, and a touch of vanilla for a smooth finish.

“Our cocktail lovers have spoken loud and clear—the Lemon Drop Martini is one of On The Rocks’ most requested cocktails on social media,” said Carol Robert, managing director of U.S. Ready-to-Drink at Suntory Global Spirits.

“We have crafted a cocktail that not only meets expectations but sets the standard of exceptional cocktail experiences everywhere the bartender isn’t. This timeless yet elevated addition reflects On The Rocks’ dedication to delivering excellence and craftsmanship in every pour.”

The new cocktail is designed to complement spring’s flavours, whether as a standalone indulgence or paired with seasonal garnishes like lemon and elderflower. With its bright and zesty profile, the Lemon Drop Martini is like sipping on a ray of sunshine—balancing fruity freshness with sophisticated complexity.

“The Lemon Drop Martini is a timeless cocktail, and I’m thrilled to introduce its effortless elegance in a ready-to-serve format,” said On The Rocks Brand Ambassador Joaquín Simo.

“The classic Lemon Drop starts and finishes very clean and dry, while the On The Rocks Lemon Drop gently accents that essential dryness with hints of floral, herbal, and spice notes. It’s the Lemon Drop you know and love, reimagined to match today’s growing appreciation for botanical flavours.”

the On The Rocks Lemon Drop martini will be available in 375mL and 750mL and is bottled at 20% ABV.

For more information, go to otrcocktails.com