Zest for life: Label 5 Original Citrus

Mar 14, 2025by Miona Madsen

The latest innovation from Scotch whisky brand Label 5 – Original Citrus – perfectly balances five flavours in one smooth sip.

Introduced in 1969 by Jean Cayard, the founder of the fifth‐largest Scotch producer in the world, La Martiniquaise, Label 5 has become one of the top‐10 best‐selling whisky brands of the 21st century. Today, the award‐winning blend is distributed in more than 100 countries on five continents. Following the last innovation – Bourbon Barrel, a single grain Scotch whisky – Label 5 has created a flavoured Scotch whisky‐based spirit drink, Original Citrus. The new flavour is made by blending the brand’s Classic Black whisky with a natural citrus flavour of lime, lemon, orange and bergamot. “We aimed to find the perfect balance between the fresh, tangy citrus notes and the character of Scotch. Our goal was to create a unique recipe resulting in five distinct notes on the palate,” said Anne Ernould, La Martiniquaise’s international senior brand manager. “The result is what we wanted: a balanced, tangy, fresh and smooth drink.” The vibrant golden‐coloured spirit offers aromas of orange, lime, lemon, and bergamot on the nose, paired with underlying hints of malt, wood, caramel, and peat. The balanced palate is driven by the freshness and indulgence of citrus, coupled with sweetness with hints of honey and the slightly peated character of Label 5 Classic Black. At the core of the new flavoured spirit drink stands the firm’s aim to innovate, answering the ever‐growing young consumer interest towards experimentation and flavour discovery. The flavoured spirits segment is rapidly growing, increasing by 46% between 2018 and 2023 (IWSR data). Flavoured whisky soared by 67% over the same period and could rise by 18.6% over the next five years. Original Citrus is offered at 35% ABV in 700ml bottles, and is designed to appeal to legal‐ drinking‐age consumers up to 30 years with its smooth and approachable flavour profile. Best served chilled, the spirit is best served with soft and sparkling drinks, such as lemonade and soda, or as the star in more elaborate cocktails.

Signature serve

This easy‐to‐make recipe for a smooth, refreshing and sparkling cocktail is perfect for any occasion. It’s an ideal companion for late‐afternoon and early‐evening gatherings, best enjoyed in good company and shared with friends. Ingredients:
  • 1 part Label 5 Original Citrus Spirit Drink
  • 2 parts Sparkling lemonade
  • Garnish with a slice of lime
Method: Fill a long‐drink glass with ice, pour in Label 5 Original Citrus, and top with sparkling lemonade. Finish with a slice of lime. S Original Citrus will feature on the Label 5 in Hall 5, Stand A15 at ProWein this weekend (16-18 March).