DRINKS distributor Hi-Spirits has expanded its gin portfolio after reaching an agreement to distribute Scapegrace Gin in the UK.
Produced by Rogue Society Distilling Co in New Zealand, Scapegrace is said to be batch-distilled using a restored 19th century copper whisky still with each batch individually numbered.
Tasting notes for the gin, which is distilled using New Zealand spring water that’s said to be sourced from the country’s southern alps and is infused with 12 botanicals, describe the gin as “complex” featuring “classic juniper and citrus notes with subtler floral and spice undertones”.
Marketing support for the launch of Scapegrace in the UK will include a brand ambassador and a customised branded Scapegrace camper van which will be offered as a consumer prize for festival trips as well as doubling as a pop-up bar ad being used for trade incentives.
The 42.2% ABV gin is being launched with a range of suggested serves backed by sampling activity, point of sale materials and staff training.
Dan Bolton, managing director of Hi-Spirits, said that Scapegrace represents a “great addition to our gin portfolio, as a premium spirit that carries New Zealand’s reputation for clean, fresh flavours with it”.
“Consumers increasingly enjoy a range of gins and gin serves in their drinking repertoire,” said Bolton.
“Along with offering on-trade and off-trade retailers classic and modern gins, both British and global, we’re helping them to plan their ranges and segment the gin category to meet consumer expectations.”
The Hi-Spirits deal with Rogue Society Distilling Co comes hot on the heels of another addition to the UK distributor’s gin range.
Charter Brands, which works with Hi-Spirits for the distribution of its Langley’s gin brand, has launched Langley’s Old Tom Gin.
Reviving the classic gin style for the Langley’s brand, Charter Brands and Hi-Spirits are positioning the new expression as one which offers a “growing army of gin enthusiasts a different flavour profile in cocktails and mixed drinks”.
The first new Langley’s product to be released for three years, Old Tom is said to offer a “more intense yet slightly sweeter taste” than London Dry Gin.
Mark Dawkins, co-founder of Charter Brands, said the firm had “always planned to develop other styles of gin under the Langley’s brand, and our Old Tom has been 12 months in development”.
“The style is a forgotten classic in many ways, but with interest in gin among UK consumers at an all-time high and still growing, the time is right to bring it back,” said Dawkins.
