Former accountants, Sophie Neall and Aiden Murray, left the profession in 2024 to produce what is being billed as the UK’s first ready-to-drink Iced Chai Latte containing added prebiotic fibre. Born from co-founder Sophie’s personal exploration of gut wellbeing and the founders’ shared love of chai, they have been working hard to create a product […]
Flying start for premium RTD margaritas
Award-winning tequila cocktail brand Pimentae has expanded into the UK travel hospitality sector – its premium margaritas are available on tap and in take-away formats at major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. The premium RTD cocktail brand has been listed with Big Smoke Taphouses at Heathrow Terminal 3 (Oceanic), Heathrow Terminal 5 […]
Scottish distilleries in distress
New data from leading financial advisory and restructuring experts BTG (formerly Begbies Traynor Group) shows that 19% of all of Scotland’s distilleries are facing financial distress. In Scotland, 69 distillers, and a further 217 producers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are facing significant or critical financial issues, according to the latest business distress […]
Spicing up the rum market
Edinburgh-based Rutland Square Spirits has launched its first Chai-Spiced Rum, expanding its signature chai-inspired portfolio and blending Scottish craftsmanship with Indian soul. The launch marks a strategic evolution for the brand, already known for its Chai-Spiced Gin, as it builds a flavour-led spirits portfolio designed for global markets. Crafted in small batches and bottled at […]
Valentine’s Day all wrapped up
Last year we covered the launch of Conscious Cocktail Co, a start-up company launched by Sally Hawkins, and reviewed her excellent range of nature-inspired, ready-to-drink cocktails. Sales are going well for Conscious Cocktail Co, whose range comprises three varieties: Hedgerow Martini, Wild Spritz and Meadow Mojito. Ahead of Valentine’s Day we were re-sent all […]
VAT-free January
Throughout January, Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery is supporting its Tap customers by cutting the 20% VAT charge on all drinks. The “No VAT in the Tap” promotion at the brewery in Tongham, near Farnham, means visitors get 20% off the usual price of drinks, with Hogs Back absorbing the tax. The offer, which runs until […]
Cream of the crop
Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, only months after its launch in 2018, was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge with a score of 97, which was the highest score ever awarded to an Irish cream liqueur at this competition. The brand has since received numerous additional awards for quality, taste, design […]
Packed full of flavour
At Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine we have been introduced to many founders whose journey into the drinks industry was anything but planned. Some people launched breweries or distilleries to escape the rat race; others reached a point in their life when it was ‘now or never’ or they decided that it was time to stop […]
Just in time for Christmas
Timed perfectly for the festive season comes a new beer from Outland: Choc-Work Orange. At 5% ABV, it combines the chocolatey smoothness and comfort of a stout with citrus zest for a bittersweet finish. Choc-Work Orange is brewed with roasted malts that create a deep cocoa base while Goldings, Challenger and Target hops add zesty […]
Just can’t get enough
Yes, I know it’s the title of Depeche Mode’s classic hit from 1981, but when we sampled the three beers that were sent from the award-winning Badger Brewery, that was the overarching emotion, their beers are just so good. Some breweries can try a bit too hard to be different, but in the case of […]