Scotch whisky distillery Benriach has turned up the peat with the release of its ‘most intensely smoked’ single malt to date.

Although not typically associated with Speyside, the achieves at Benriach indicate that heavily peated single malts were widespread in the region during the 19th century. Their latest release, Smoke Season, pays homage to a time of year where peated spirit runs through its stills.

“Smoke Season is a special time of year in the distillery’s calendar,” said. Rachel Barrie, master blender at Benriach Distillery, “and this new addition gives both the whisky novice and connoisseur the opportunity to discover the uniquely rich, sweet and smoky character of Benriach single malt, crafted in Speyside, a whisky-making region rarely associated with peated malt.”

Matured in two different casks – American virgin oak and Bourbon barrels, the new Smoke Season whisky has been described as both ‘intensely smoked’ and sweet.

“With intensely peated spirit batch distilled every year, at Benriach we never stop exploring how the fruit and smoke aromatics intertwine and mature in a range of eclectic oak casks, either amplifying or transforming the perception of peat,” Barrie continued.

“Smoke Season is the result of exploring 100% intensely peated malt, batch distilled and matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels combined with a high proportion of charred and toasted American virgin oak casks.

“Crafted exclusively from intensely peated malt distilled in Smoke Season, the spirit is reminiscent of barbecue smoked fruit in a pine forest. American virgin oak and Bourbon barrel maturation develops sweet caramel smoke and cinnamon-spiced roasted apple, with hints of charred orange peel and hickory, concentrated at the bottling strength of 52.8% ABV.”

Smoke Season will be available gradually in global markets from February.

For more information, go to benriachdistillery.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

Italian Liqueur and Spirits brand Luxardo has announced the introduction of Del Santo Herbal Liqueur in the United States. 

A balanced blend of herb and root infusions, including achillea moscata, mace, galanga, cinnamon, carnation, aromatic calamus and many others, del Santo offers a complex honeyed-silky palate of minty freshness, rooty notes with a mellow yet with grippy alcohol bite.

“Del Santo Herbal Liqueur is an exciting new offering for the American consumer, as we’ve seen a growing passion for premium spirits and liqueurs,” said Matteo Luxardo, Luxardo Board Member and Export Director.

“We are always looking for ways to bring innovative products with deep Italian roots to the US market. As such, we couldn’t be more excited about witnessing one of our decades-old favourite liqueurs, Del Santo, quickly become a cocktail essential for seasoned bartenders and home mixologists in the US.”

Luxardo Del Santo pairs perfectly with Luxardo Maraschino Originale and Luxardo Dry Gin with lemon juice and a lemon zest garnish for a classic Last Word Cocktail. This herbaceous liqueur is also perfect in Bijou and Trato Hecho cocktails or paired with mezcal for a creative Última Palabra variation of the Last Word.

“This historic liqueur has been cherished by the Luxardo family and enjoyed by Italians for decades,” said Dan Leese, CEO of the importing company Hotaling & Co. “Now, it’s America’s turn to experience it. We are thrilled to add Luxardo Del Santo to Hotaling & Co.’s robust portfolio of cocktail and bar essentials.”

Produced in the historic Luxardo distillery in Torreglia, Italy, Del Santo Herbal Liqueur is set to become a bar cart favourite thanks to its long shelf life and flavour profile. It enables professional and home bartenders to mix a variety of delicious cocktails.

For more information, go to luxardousa.com