What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches, from whisky to tequila
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire
Johnnie Walker, the number one Scotch Whisky in the world, has launched Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire exclusively in the travel retail sector.
The all-new blend, now a permanent part of the Johnnie Walker line-up for travel retail, has been created using only 1 in 10,000 casks from the Johnnie Walker reserves of aged Scotch.
The blend of the brand’s rarest Scotch whiskies finished in hand selected XO Cognac casks creates a Scotch ‘with all the depth of flavor you would expect from Johnnie Walker Blue Label, but with an inherent smoothness and sweetness’.
Xordinaire follows in the footsteps of the original Johnnie Walker Blue Label launched for travel retail three decades ago.
Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker said: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire is an exuberance to be shared, a sumptuously smooth Scotch with a soft spice after-taste. This is a luxurious and vibrant Scotch bursting with notes of dried fruit, toasted toffee and sun-ripened black cherry. Bright orchard fruits shine through velvety smoothness, with flashes of peach and soft spice surging upward.”
Andrew Cowan, Managing Director of Diageo Global Travel, added: "Our goal is to enhance and confirm Johnnie Walker Blue Label a symbol of luxury that appeals to a wide range of spirit enthusiasts. With this new expression of the iconic Blue Label, we've crafted an offering that caters to both aficionados who seek exclusivity and those looking for a sweeter and smoother flavour experience.”
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire is bottled at an ABV of 40% and is available across key airports across the globe at a RRP of £335/$399 for a 1L bottle.
Wine x whiskey
US wine brand The Prisoner has announced the return of their Complicit Red Blend: a ‘convention-defying’ collaboration with fellow Constellation Brands drink High West Whiskey.
Unveiled in November 2022, Complicit now returns in limited quantities and is exclusively available online or in The Prisoner Wine Company Tasting Room in St. Helena.
The 15.9% wine blends Californian Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.
Bridgerton-inspired creamers and iced coffee
International Delight has debuted a line of limited-edition creamers and iced coffee inspired by top Netflix show Bridgerton.
Berries & Crème Creamer, English Toffee Creamer and Iced Coffee Berries & Crème will hit shelves in the US at the end of the holiday season (Bridgerton season 3 will be released in May).
"International Delight captures the attention of the next generation of coffee drinkers through unique, pop-culture-driven limited time offerings. With our new flavors inspired by Bridgerton, we're rolling out the horse and carriage for moments of over-the-top flavor celebration," said Kallie Goodwin, Vice President of Marketing, Coffee Creamers for Danone North America.
"The pageantry and opulent aesthetic of Regency era Britain made Netflix's Bridgerton the perfect collaboration opportunity to introduce our coveted Berries & Crème creamer and iced coffee and English Toffee creamer to our flavor-obsessed fans."
Flinders Rustic Luxury
Australian brand Flinders Gin has launched its latest creation, the vodka Flinders Rustic Luxury.
The vodka’s sweet aroma, coupled with a creamy profile, is achieved through the use of potatoes in its creation, alongside South Australian water, complemented by hints of citrus and pepper. The vodka is best enjoyed neat or with a premium mixer.
Alby Trotta, owner of Flinders Gin and artisanal products creator, drew inspiration from the enchanting starlit nights above the distillery in the heart of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Trotta envisions the vodka to ‘evoke a sense of connection to something greater’, urging consumers to appreciate the experience and gain perspective.
The label on the 500ml bottle features ‘Astrid,’ artwork by South Australian artist Johnny Hilhorst, displayed prominently alongside metallic stars.
Don Julio launches in India
Diageo tequila brand Don Julio is launching in India this month.
The portfolio in India consists of Don Julio Blanco, Don Julio Reposado and Don Juilo Anejo, and the luxury spirit Don Julio 1942.
India has seen a ‘massive surge’ in desire for luxury consumption in the recent years, notes Diageo.
Shweta Jain, Chief Business Development Officer, Diageo India, said: “Tiera de Don Julio is not just the vibrant world of Tequila, it’s a love letter to the Mexican culture. It has been the serve of choice for the luxury explorers around the world, and it gives us so much joy to bring it to India.
“Don Julio is crafted with love and at its heart is a creation process which can be savored when sipped neat or as a Don Paloma, Margherita or a Picante. This iconic launch is here to revolutionize India’s luxury landscape.”
Pernod Ricard introduces prestige malt whisky in China
Pernod Ricard is introducing 叠川The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky in China.
The Paris-headquartered wine and spirits giant says its vision is to create a prestige malt whisky made in China, with the launch representing the first-ever product for The Chuan.
The Chan ‘embodies the rich and layered terroir and local craftsmanship’ from Emei Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where year-round precipitation coupled with summer heat creates an good environment for whisky-making that increases the intensity of flavors with more evaporation.
Chinese ingredients are fused into the process: such as the use of both European and Chinese barley, and three types of oak from three continents (Bourbon casks from America lead the elegant vanilla and fruity aroma, then the pronounced sweet notes from sherry casks of Spain, creating a rich and full-bodied whisky. Finally, the proprietary 单岭 Chinese Single Oak casks imbue The Chuan whisky with a long finish of sandalwood and mandarin peel on the palate.)
Pernod Ricard has also announced the opening of the The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery Experience Centre, on the grounds of the Emeishan distillery.
The site sources 100% renewable electricity, while Pernod Ricard has invested in the development of Sichuan via local agriculture, whisky making and tourism.
