Getting into the spirit at the fair

The Drinks Report highlights some of the new spirits product launches at the London International Wine Fair and Distil this year. . .

Ehrmanns presented new products from the Fair Spirit Company - the world's first premium Fairtrade spirits producer, encompassing Fair Vodka, a Bolivian quinoa-based vodka, and Fair Goji Berry, a liqueur made from Himalayan-sourced berries.

Hayman Distillers launched Hayman's Sloe Gin made using wild English sloe berries.

Global Premium Brands celebrated the launch of the super-premium brand Gin Mare with an on-stand competition to identify its signature Mediterranean botanicals. 

Natur Andino launched a new premium vodka. Vorsch is a five-times distilled vodka made in Argentina from 100% distilled fermented fruit. The portfolio also includes a premium Malbec Spirit, 100% natural and made from fermented distilled Malbec grapes, which can be enjoyed neat or as part of a cocktail.

Sacred Spirits Gin was joined by a new Sacred Spirits Vodka, both are produced at Ian Hart's microdistillery in Highgate, North London.
Sacred Gin contains 12 botanicals, including Boswellia Sacra (a type of Frankincense, from which the brand name is derived), each of which is distilled separately in glassware under vacuum at very low temperatures, which is designed to yield a lush, fresh, aromatic distillate.
The Sacred Vodka is produced in the same way, but using Indonesian Cubeb as the primary botanical, instead of Juniper. This results in a beautiful creaminess on the palate, followed by warm Indonesian spice.
Distiller Ian Hart introduced his new range of botanical distillates, which includes pure juniper, pure angelica, and pure orris, which allow micologists to create their own bespoke gins.

Burlington Drinks showcased a range of value spirits designed to meet the entry-level price in the UK and internationally. New additions to the range included Caracelli Black Sambuca - with an infusion of liquorice giving a twist to the traditional Italian aniseed liqueur base, packaged in 70cl bottles with an ABV of 35%. New packaging was unveiled for the Ron Calados white and dark rums, as well as Aberdour Piper Scotch Whisky, which benefits from a more premium look.

1 May 2010 - Felicity Murray