International Vodka brand Absolut has released a Watermelon Vodka due to the growing demand for watermelon-flavoured alcoholic drinks.

Pernod Ricard, the brand’s parent company, has reported that watermelon-flavoured alcoholic beverages have grown 63% year-on-year with Google searches for “watermelon cocktails” increasing by 194% since July 2019.

Said to be ‘fresh and fruity, with natural sweetness and no artificial flavouring’, the expression is bottled at 38% ABV and is suggested to be served with lemonade or in a Spritz cocktail.

“We know shoppers have been experimenting with serves at home more than ever, which has driven the rapid growth of the flavoured vodka category, said Chris Shead, off-trade channel director for Pernod Ricard UK.

“We want to continue this momentum by adding to our range with a flavour we know consumers will love,” he continued. “Bursting with the refreshing taste of watermelon that creates the most delicious cocktails, Absolut Watermelon is primed to become this summer’s must-have drink.”

For more information, go to absolut.com

Non-alcoholic brand The Pathfinder has unveiled a meticulously crafted, non-carbonated, non-alcoholic canned Negroni.

Capturing the essence of the classic Negroni cocktail, the RTD offering is geared toward intrepid imbibers and provides a convenient companion for spontaneous outings and convivial gatherings alike.

“We’re ecstatic to chart new territories with The Pathfinder Negroni,” said Guy Escolme, co-founder of The Pathfinder. “Our mission has always been to craft bold, unforgettable flavour odysseys that defy convention. This Negroni delivers the depth and sophistication of a classic stirred cocktail, now in a format that accompanies you wherever your path leads.”

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Packaged in 200ml cans with two servings per can, The Pathfinder Negroni is a properly stirred cocktail that utilises a bespoke non-alcoholic red bitter and a non-alcoholic gin, each crafted to complement the original Hemp and Root liquid perfectly.

Available in 4-packs and 24-packs, The Pathfinder Negroni delivers the same superb quality and bad vibe-destroying properties as the original patented elixir, meticulously made for a consistently delicious libation every time.

For more information, go to drinkthepathfinder.com or connect with the brand via @drinkthepathfinder

Utah-based Whiskey Distillery High West has collaborated with Tequila brand Casa Noble to create The Noble Share, a whiskey that tastes and feels unlike any other.

Released as a limited edition, the Whiskey utilises 4 to 10-year-old rye whiskeys finished in Marques de Casa Noble añejo tequila barrels for 6 months.

A portion of the blend is finished in Amburana barrels at a char of 3 or medium toast treatments for a small period to elevate the whiskey even further. The botanical character and spice from the base rye layers of the spirit blend, and the use of the Amburana barrels enhance the blend’s complexity.

“This collaboration is something that will appeal to both whiskey and tequila connoisseurs,” explained Tara Lindley, High West’s Director of Sensory QA & New Product Development. “The dichotomy of the brands and their respective regions is reflected on the label, mirroring one another yet displaying their vastly different geographies.

“This is an exciting collaboration for the Spirits community, and High West is honoured to blend its’ whiskey traditions with Casa Noble’s heritage and offer this new expression to consumers.”

The brands liken the aroma to sunset walks through agave fields, with notes of ripe mango, ruby grapefruit, spiced apple cider, piloncillo sugar, anise, allspice berries and mesquite wood. On the palate, the whiskey presents baked pear, charred peaches, cooked agave, ginger molasses cookie, freshly fried churro, orange blossom, cinnamon bark, black liquorice, oak and leather, with a finish of pink peppercorns and dark agave honey.

“This collaboration between Casa Noble and High West is a true celebration of craftsmanship and tradition, where the bold, botanical spice of High West rye meets the refined elegance of Casa Noble’s Marques Añejo French Oak barrels,” explained Pepe Hermosillo, Casa Noble Founder & Master Tequilero. “Together, we’ve created something exceptional that bridges the worlds of whiskey and tequila.“ 

For more information, go to highwest.com

US drinks company Spritz Society has partnered its passion for high-quality, convenient cocktails with V8’s tradition of bold, vegetable-packed flavours to create a first-of-its-kind Bloody Mary Spritz.

The limited-edition flavour is made with real white wine, all-natural ingredients inspired by V8’s classic tomato flavour, and the perfect blend of spices to combine the refreshing elements of a classic spritz with the savoriness of a Bloody Mary.

“We’re excited to join forces with Spritz Society to launch this first-of-its-kind Bloody Mary Spritz,” said Prabha Cheemalapati, VP of Beverages at Campbell’s. “Bringing this beverage to market showcases our continued dedication to innovation and collaboration, and this playful take on a Bloody Mary is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.”

Available to purchase as a pack of 4 cans, each 12oz can have an AVB of 4.5%, 120 calories, and just 5g of sugar and ready to enjoy for National Bloody Mary Day on January 1st.

“At Spritz Society, we’re always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what a spritz can be,” said Zach Weinreb, Founder & CMO of Spritz Society. “V8 is such an iconic brand, and it was an honour to work with their team on this collaboration. We wanted to deliver a drink that surprises and delights, while staying true to the classic flavour profile people crave in a Bloody Mary, and we can’t wait to share it with our community.”

For more information, go to spritzsociety.com

Kentucky distillery Wheel Horse Bourbon has announced the release of their new, limited-edition, seasonal Double Oak 5-Year Bourbon.

Distilled and matured at the historic Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky, the new expression is bottled at 101 proof, non-chill filtered and is the first five-year expression from the brand. After ageing over four years in its original charred oak casks, the whiskey was transferred to new charred oak barrels to finish ageing, giving the Double Oak Bourbon a rich, oak-forward flavour.

“Double oak Bourbons have gained in popularity over the last few years,” said Stephen Corrigan, Barrel Master of Wheel Horse. “Our goal when crafting Wheel Horse Double Oak was to complement the underlying cherry note of the whiskey with bold flavours of raw sugar and cocoa.

“To achieve this, we hand-selected a group of new Char 1 barrels whose staves had gone through extended air seasoning,” Corrigan continued. “After a little more than 6 months finishing in these casks, the result is complex and balanced, and something that we can’t wait for others to enjoy.”

On the nose, the whiskey is rich with aromas of chocolate-dipped toffee and pound cake. Once sipped, sweeter flavours of demerara sugar and vanilla custard appear before revealing notes of dried cherries and cocoa. The finish lingers, offering hints of chocolate cake and pipe tobacco with brown sugar aromas.

For more information, go to wheelhorsewhiskey.com

Kentucky Whiskey Distillery Old Forester is marking 91 years since Repeal and the end of Prohibition with the release of a new, limited-edition expression: Warehouse I.

The latest addition to the 117 series features 11-year-old bourbon, which has a unique flavour profile that captures the holiday spirit.

Each bottle of the limited-edition whisky comes from barrels aged in Old Forester’s Warehouse I, resulting in a flavour profile distinct to the warehouse’s unique maturation environment. These Warehouse I barrels were heat-cycled since 2013 and chosen exclusively from the hottest floors, Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.

“Our 117 series is all about experimentation, and the characteristics of Warehouse I make it perfect for this innovative series,” Master Taster Melissa Rift added. “This one-of-a-kind bourbon is a great way to celebrate the holidays.”

Warehouse I is bottled at 95-proof (47.5% ABV) and offers orchard fruits with butterscotch, clove, and nutmeg on the palate and a slightly dry and oaky finish with pear and white pepper.

For more information, go to oldforester.com