Top 10 spirits launches in April 2023
From ready-to-pour cocktails to Tequilas with a difference, April wasn't short of interesting spirits releases, as our round-up of the top 10 of the month proves.
If you're looking for the perfect base for your non-alcoholic 'G&T' this summer, Tanqueray has stepped up to the plate with its latest 0.0 release, while for those looking wanting to add a tropical kick to their Espresso Martinis, the latest launch from Australian coffee liqueur brand Mr Black will do the job. Keep reading to find out what else made its debut in April, and see here for the best of what March had to offer.Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate
After 15 years of maturation, two whiskies made from liquid created from two separate barley harvests were married to create the third-batch release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate. Each whisky was aged in American oak Bourbon barrels, before a small portion of liquid was finished in ex-Amontillado Sherry casks. The result is a limited edition whisky with tasting notes of honey, hazelnut, mandarin orange and toffee on the nose, and a palate that brings a ‘spicy mouthfeel’ with heather honey, gingerbread, hazelnut praline, fudge and a touch of clove. The finish has hints of almond marzipan, coconut and a ‘suggestion of baking fruit loaves’.Patrón El Cielo
Bacardi-owned Patrón created what is thought to be the world’s first ‘prestige’ Tequila distilled four times, called El Cielo. Patrón El Cielo is described as ‘the ultimate innovation in silver Tequila’, having been made with a ‘distinctive distillation process’ and a balance of cooked agave, which is rich in sweetness and citrus notes. According to the brand, it took more than 150 tasting sessions to perfect the final flavour profile. Master distiller David Rodriguez said: “Our goal is to achieve perfection in every drop – by using this unique, four-time distillation process, we unlocked and opened up the natural sweetness and smoothness from the agave to deliver an incredibly sweet and light tasting, smooth Tequila.”Mr Black Coconuts
Australian coffee liqueur brand Mr Black has once again collaborated with Bundaberg rum to launch a limited edition coconut-flavoured bottling, which combines Mr Black’s signature cold brew Arabica coffee liqueur with Bundaberg Small Batch Reserve rum and coconuts. Recommended served in an Espresso Martini, the liqueur is said to offer sweet aromas of roasted coconuts, vanilla, caramel, orange marmalade, and nutmeg, complemented by flavours of rich coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, oak spice, marmalade, butterscotch and coconut throughout. Tropical and punchy.Caleño canned non-alcoholic cocktails
Speaking of tropical, non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ brand Caleño took the high-tempo vibes of a mini Columbian fiesta and put them into a can last month, releasing two ready-to-drink, non-alcoholic cocktails made using its two core ‘spirits’: Dark & Spicy and Light & Zesty. Caleño Pineapple Piña Colada Spritz and Caleño Passion Fruit Martini Spritz are the brand’s debut canned serves. The former is described as a bubbly Spritz with notes of juicy pineapple, toasted coconut and complex spices, while the latter is blended with citrus, passion fruit and vanilla to deliver a refreshing, carbonated-take on the well-loved Passion Fruit Martini.The Singleton 40 Years Old
Last month, Diageo-owned The Singleton unveiled a limited edition 40-year-old single malt to conclude its Epicurean Odyssey collection – a story which proved very popular with our readers in April. The 40-year-old Singleton single malt was the third and final bottling in the Epicurean Odyssey series, and presents notes of velvet dark chocolate and rich plums. Master of malt Maureen Robinson said they “sought out specially selected Ron Zacapa XO casks for a final indulgent finish to the whisky, which deliver an intensely rich, fruity and smooth finish to bring deep notes of dark chocolate”.OP Anderson Petronella Raspberry
This latest release from OP Anderson is one to bookmark for the next time you hit the slopes. OP Anderson Petronella Raspberry launched with the aim of ‘modernising’ the schnapps (or snaps) category. Bottled at a lower alcohol strength of 25% ABV, OP Anderson Petronella is described as ‘rounded and robust’, with raspberry flavour and a touch of spiciness. It is recommended to be served with herring, salmon and fresh salads; brand owner Anora Group suggests serving the raspberry schnapps in a Spritz cocktail, and as an apéritif with ice.MoShine by Nelly
While several celebrities moved into the gin category this month, in April Hot in Herre rapper Nelly broke the mould and launched a moonshine brand called MoShine in homage to his hometown of St Louis in Missouri (MO). The brand was created in partnership with North Carolina-based Piedmont Distillers, described as one of the world’s oldest legal moonshine producers. The 30% ABV spirit is available in two flavours: peach, and passion fruit, and is a triple-distilled, corn-based moonshine. Nelly’s signature drink for the brand is The Fix, which combines the peach-flavoured MoShine with Red Bull.Sierra Tropical Chilli
When you want Tequila but with less of an ABV punch, Tequila brand Sierra has the solution: its new lower-strength expression infused with tropical fruits. The new expression offers flavours of mango, passion fruit and a hint of chilli, and is made with a base of Sierra Tequila Blanco and bottled at 18% ABV. Jessica Lopez, Sierra Tequila’s brand ambassador, said the new expression aimed to “take your party to the next level”, following the brand’s motto of ‘lead the party’. "With the unique blend of exotic fruits and the spiciness of chilli, Sierra Tropical Chilli will send your taste buds on an exciting journey and delight your party guests," she said.Grey Goose bottled Martini
Ever struggled to make the perfect Martini at home? Grey Goose’s latest innovation solves that problem, with a pre-mixed bottling of the iconic cocktail. The new Grey Goose Classic Martini Cocktail (35% ABV) can make between eight to 10 Martinis from a 750ml bottle, and combines Grey Goose vodka, dry French vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. All you have to do is shake or stir a 75ml measure from the bottle for 30 seconds over ice, pour into a glass and garnish with an olive or lemon twist.Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla 0.0%
Joining the brand’s existing alcohol-free variant, Tanqueray 0.0%, Flor de Sevilla 0.0% is Tanqueray’s latest alcohol-free bottling, crafted to offer ‘a bold, bittersweet taste of the sun-soaked Mediterranean’ with balanced, zesty flavours of Sevilla orange, orange blossom and Tanqueray London Dry’s core botanicals. “For those looking to moderate without compromising on quality, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla 0.0% is the perfect alcohol-free alternative and ideal for those relaxed early evening moments,” said Lucy Barrett, marketing manager for alcohol-free spirits at Diageo GB. It’s already available to purchase from Sainsbury’s stores in the UK, and a wider market roll-out is planned to follow later this year. Just in time for drinks-in-the-garden season.
