news Miller Brands has launched a new spring/summer advertising campaign for Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer across the UK. Complementing previous successful campaigns,“Primavera 2012” continues to celebrate timeless Italian style, passion and authenticity. Captured in and around Lake Como, the new cinema and outdoor campaign encapsulates the spontaneity and charm of Italy in summer. It will be completed by print and digital advertising in style media.View the new ad at www.facebook.com/ peroniuk Miller Brands is carrying out “experiential” activity in bars and pubs around the UK for its Czech beer Kozel. Promotional staff are hosting an interactive game Czech Mates which challenges consumers to answer questions about their friends. If they answer three questions correctly, they win a two-for-one Kozel beer token redeemable at the bar.The activity is running until the end of 2012 to encourage consumer trial and support sales in outlets. Wells & Young’s has introduced two limited-edition beers drawing on the heritage of its portfolio acquired with McEwan’s and Younger’s in October last year. McEwan’s 80/- Cask and Younger’s No 3 Cask, which are both brewed in Scotland, are available in cask from distributors including Heineken, National Drink Distributors members and wholesalers in Scotland and across the UK.
On-trade push for Freixenet with Matthew Clark
Freixenet Group has signed an agreement with drinks supplier Matthew Clark to make its cavas and a selection of its still wines available across all sectors of the on-trade. The Spanish company hopes to drive significant growth by widening distribution for its brands in the UK on-trade, including the top-end Elyssia cavas and the group’s still wine brand Mia. Gerald Chislett, Freixenet’s newly appointed trade sector manager, said:“We see a fantastic opportunity to develop the sector and will be highlighting the quality factors of cava in general, while recommending various levels of Freixenet cava to suit the commercial aspirations of different outlet styles.” Simon Jerrome, Matthew Clark’s purchasing director for wines, added: “We are delighted
Honey due from Jim Beam
Maxxium UK is launching a honey-infused bourbon for its Jim Beam brand after last year’s successful introduction of black cherry-infused Red Stag. It is made with four-yearold Jim Beam, slowly infused with natural honey to produce a sophisticated, deep and rich flavour profile with a sweet honey finish, with ABV of 35 per cent. It is being promoted for drinking neat or mixed in long serves. Maxxium UK’s marketing controller for imported whiskeys, Eileen Livingston, said: “The addition of Jim Beam Honey to our growing portfolio forms part of our increased investment in the brand to drive interest and growth in the bourbon category through innovation.”
to be introducing this new range from Freixenet, building on the work we have already done with Codorníu in the UK’s on-trade. We understand the growing popularity of cava and are pleased to offer our on-trade customers a variety of cava from the two market-leading producers.” Wine and spirits supplier Bibendum has also added cavas from Freixenet Group’s premium Segura Viudas range to its portfolio alongside the core Freixenet offering.The five Segura Viudas expressions are Brut Reserva, Brut Rosé, Brut Vintage, Reserva Heredad and Torre Galimany.
Leading bar designer creates whisky ritual
Designer Lee Broom, who worked on London bars such as the Nightjar and The Lost Society, has created a new limited-edition serving ritual for Ballantine’s 12 Year Old whisky. It features a crystal decanter that breaks into three sections – the base acts as a whisky glass, the middle section contains ice cubes or can be another glass, and the top can hold water or a mixer.The top two sections could also be used to hold cocktail ingredients. It was launched at last month’s Salone Del Mobile show in Milan, where Broom’s showcase was inspired by the interior of a British pub.
Japan triumphs in whisky awards Freedom Brewery has released new tankards as an alternative to glassware in the on-trade – incorporating QR codes.When scanned by a smartphone, these codes direct people to the Freedom website.They are also being added to the bottles’ labels.
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Yamazaki 25-year-old-single malt whisky from Suntory in Japan has been named the world’s best single malt whisky at the World Whiskies Awards. Japanese whiskies continued their dominance of the annual awards, organised by Whisky Magazine, with Nikka gaining the title of best blended whisky for the fourth year running with Taketsuru 17 Years Old. For the first time, a South African
blend,Three Ships 5 Years Old, took the title of best blended whisky. Best North American whiskey was Eagle Rare 17 Years Old from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, while best grain whisky was Greenore 15 Years Old from Ireland. Best new release was Scotch whisky Black Bull 40 Years Old from Duncan Taylor & Company, and best whisky liqueur was Dunkeld Atholl Brose.