Author Archives: producer366

Tanqueray Ten gin bottle has been redesigned giving it an Art Deco twist to reflect the era of classic cocktails. The bottle features ten facets that meet at the base of the bottle forming a “punt” inside the bottle in the shape of a lemon squeezer. Reminding one that the gin has fresh oranges, grapefruits and limes at its heart. The pale green glass retains the scarlet “T” and founder Charles Tanqueray’s signature. The gin is small batch distilled by Tanqueray’s master distiller, Tom Nicol.

The bottle is available in the US now and worldwide in Northern Hemisphere Spring.

Amarula Cream is known throughout the world. Now, after 25 years since the brand was launched a non-cream version has been shown in Stellenbosch. As with the cream it is made from hand-harvested marula fruit which is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa. The fruit is fermented near Palaborwa where the fruit grows. The fermented beverage is then moved to Stellenbosch where it is double distilled before being aged for two years in oak barrels. Now instead of blending with fresh cream the new product is reduced to 30% alcohol and bottled in clear amber glass and labelled Amarula gold. The totally unique flavour and aromatics makes for a exciting drinking on its own or with sparkling apple juice or ginger ale. Released in the South Africa now and various Duty Free outlets and scheduled for distribution in UK and Europe in September.

Gonzalez Byass has bottled six rare vintages of Palo Cortado and Oloroso dating back 10 1967. The wines dating from 1967 to 1994. They will be available only at Selfridges for off-trade sales and at the Connaught hotel in Mayfair for on-trade.
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Very sad to report the death of Michael Cox almost a year after he underwent an operation on a rare form of cancer.
Michael came from a well established Liquor trade family. His Grandfather was involved with the Wine and Spirit Trade Association and the Institute of Masters of Wine. He and his twin, David, were well steeped in the wine trade. I first got to know him well when he headed up Wines Of Chile while his brother was head of New Zealand Winegrowers UK. He was a great guy and always very kind to me. He was always cheerful and brimming with energy. A very sad loss to all and especially his family.
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Europe’s seconf largest distiller, Pernod Ricard, has announced a cost saving programme to generate € 150 million over three years to support brand development and reduced its predicted growth after poor sales in China. Continue reading →