Top 10 drinks launches from April
From tech-led English wines to celeb-backed spirits, these 10 recent launches highlight emerging trends and fresh directions across the drinks industry. The post Top 10 drinks launches from April appeared first on The Drinks Business.
From tech-led English wines to celeb-backed spirits, these top 10 recent launches highlight emerging trends and fresh directions across the drinks industry.
Although known for its cognac, ABK6 has expanded into Bordeaux wines following the acquisition of 126 hectares of vineyards in December 2023. The ABK6 Bordeaux white is crafted from Sauvignon Blanc (76%), Sémillon (12%), Colombard (7%), Sauvignon Gris (3%), and Muscadelle (2%). Developed with the knowledge of Rolland & Associés and winemaker Adeline Magère, this release marks a new chapter for ABK6 as it brings its craft into the world of wine. RRP: £13.50.
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Bodega Cuatro Rayas has launched a 0% Vendimia Nocturna. Meaning ‘Night harvest’ in English, the new alcohol-free white wine retains the essence of 100% Verdejo. With a smooth texture and vibrant finish, it pairs well with seafood and rice dishes for those who are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to their usual white option. The release follows an already exciting year for the DO Rueda cooperative. In March, at trade show ProWein in Düsseldorf, Master of Wine Tim Atkin named Cuatro Rayas “Cooperative of the Year” in the ‘Rueda 2025 - Top 100 report. This is the second time the winery has recieved such recognitoin. RRP: £7
Beaulieu 58 Wines is bringing technology to English winemaking, applying agricultural technology and sustainable techniques to vineyard management. Founder Sandy Booth, a leader in high-tech fruit farming, has integrated AI, robotics, and controlled growing conditions, methods typically used in soft fruit production, to optimise grape cultivation in the New Forest. Crafted by Swiss winemaker Guillaume Lagger, Beaulieu 58 Rosé blends Pinotin (75%) and Cabernet Jura (25%), harvested and pressed together. The result is a medium-bodied rosé with ripe red fruit, citrus zest, and a smooth, refreshing finish. A bold step forward for UK viticulture. RRP: £15
Founded with a mission to promote sustainable viticulture, California-based Kind of Wild has released an orange Grenache Blanc. The direct-to-consumer company sources organic, vegan-friendly grapes globally, ensuring wines that reflect terroir while supporting a healthier planet. At 11% ABV and 95 calories per glass, this skin-fermented Grenache Blanc from the South of France is a bold expression of this philosophy. Offering a vibrant, textured alternative to traditional reds and whites, it highlights Kind of Wild’s passion for regenerative farming and eco-conscious winemaking. RRP: US$26
Jack Daniel’s may be one of the most recognisable whiskey brands in the world, but it still knows how to surprise. For the first time in over a century, the Lynchburg-based distillery has released a 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, its oldest age-stated release in modern history. The whiskey joins Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old (Batch 3) and 10-Year-Old (Batch 4), continuing the brand’s history of long-aged expressions. Bottled at 63.15% ABV, the 14-Year-Old delivers rich layers of sweet bakery spice, cinnamon, and butterscotch, giving way to aged oak and pipe tobacco. RRP: US$149.99
Tequila cocktail brand Pimentae has introduced its Grapefruit Margarita, blending pink grapefruit, Tequila, and agave sweetness. The citrusy new number offers a convenient cocktail option, ready to pour over ice or top with soda water for a Paloma-inspired serve. Its arrival is well-timed, since Bacardi’s latest Cocktail Trends study reported the growing popularity of the Paloma among consumers. Available in 125ml cans, with bottles, bag-in-box, and keg formats launching in April. RRP: £4.25
Jason Momoa, best known for his role as Aquaman, has expanded his creative ventures with the UK launch of Meili Vodka, a brand he co-founded with designer Blaine Halvorson. The Hollywood star recently visited London, celebrating the launch with bar appearances and a party at Gilgamesh. Developed over nine years, Meili Vodka is crafted in Montana using water sourced from a 300-million-year-old aquifer, known for its purity and unique mineral content. RRP: £43.20
Globetrotting mixologist Nico de Soto has spent his career experimenting with flavour combinations, making his mark with bars like Mace in New York and Danico in Paris. A longtime champion of pandan, an aromatic Southeast Asian plant often likened to vanilla, de Soto has now partnered with French distiller Gabriel Boudier to create Kota Pandan Liqueur. Made by steeping pandan leaves in neutral spirit before distillation, the liqueur captures notes of vanilla, coconut, and buttered biscuit. RRP: US$34.99
Bristol based Moor Beer, founded in 1996 and revived in 2007 by Californian-born Justin Hawke, has reworked the US-inspired Imperial Black Ale, but at a more sessionable strength. Known for its bold, unfiltered beers, all their products are natural and vegan friendly. At 4.5% ABV, Illusion delivers the intense hop character of a pale ale but with a deceptively dark body. Special German malts provide depth without the bitterness of traditional dark beers, while American hops bring bright aromatics. Originally a limited release, Illusion may return, if Moor can secure the right ingredients. RRP: £3.20
The Marlborist 2023 Pinot Noir
The Marlborist is a collaboration between experienced New Zealand wine figures, including ex-Greywacke winemaker Stu Dudley. Recognised as an exciting new winery, the project focuses on sustainably sourced fruit and minimal-intervention winemaking. Their 2023 Pinot Noir hails from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, made from organic and biodynamic vineyards. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged for 11 months in French oak, the wine offers aromas of boysenberry, Black Doris plum, and lavender, with fine tannins and a dry, earthy finish. RRP: £27.99ABK6 Bordeaux
Although known for its cognac, ABK6 has expanded into Bordeaux wines following the acquisition of 126 hectares of vineyards in December 2023. The ABK6 Bordeaux white is crafted from Sauvignon Blanc (76%), Sémillon (12%), Colombard (7%), Sauvignon Gris (3%), and Muscadelle (2%). Developed with the knowledge of Rolland & Associés and winemaker Adeline Magère, this release marks a new chapter for ABK6 as it brings its craft into the world of wine. RRP: £13.50.
Cuatro Rayas NIGHT HARVEST 0%
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Bodega Cuatro Rayas has launched a 0% Vendimia Nocturna. Meaning ‘Night harvest’ in English, the new alcohol-free white wine retains the essence of 100% Verdejo. With a smooth texture and vibrant finish, it pairs well with seafood and rice dishes for those who are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to their usual white option. The release follows an already exciting year for the DO Rueda cooperative. In March, at trade show ProWein in Düsseldorf, Master of Wine Tim Atkin named Cuatro Rayas “Cooperative of the Year” in the ‘Rueda 2025 - Top 100 report. This is the second time the winery has recieved such recognitoin. RRP: £7
Beaulieu 58 Rosé
Beaulieu 58 Wines is bringing technology to English winemaking, applying agricultural technology and sustainable techniques to vineyard management. Founder Sandy Booth, a leader in high-tech fruit farming, has integrated AI, robotics, and controlled growing conditions, methods typically used in soft fruit production, to optimise grape cultivation in the New Forest. Crafted by Swiss winemaker Guillaume Lagger, Beaulieu 58 Rosé blends Pinotin (75%) and Cabernet Jura (25%), harvested and pressed together. The result is a medium-bodied rosé with ripe red fruit, citrus zest, and a smooth, refreshing finish. A bold step forward for UK viticulture. RRP: £15
Kind of Wild Grenache Blanc
Founded with a mission to promote sustainable viticulture, California-based Kind of Wild has released an orange Grenache Blanc. The direct-to-consumer company sources organic, vegan-friendly grapes globally, ensuring wines that reflect terroir while supporting a healthier planet. At 11% ABV and 95 calories per glass, this skin-fermented Grenache Blanc from the South of France is a bold expression of this philosophy. Offering a vibrant, textured alternative to traditional reds and whites, it highlights Kind of Wild’s passion for regenerative farming and eco-conscious winemaking. RRP: US$26
Jack Daniel's 14-year-old Tennessee whiskey
Jack Daniel’s may be one of the most recognisable whiskey brands in the world, but it still knows how to surprise. For the first time in over a century, the Lynchburg-based distillery has released a 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, its oldest age-stated release in modern history. The whiskey joins Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old (Batch 3) and 10-Year-Old (Batch 4), continuing the brand’s history of long-aged expressions. Bottled at 63.15% ABV, the 14-Year-Old delivers rich layers of sweet bakery spice, cinnamon, and butterscotch, giving way to aged oak and pipe tobacco. RRP: US$149.99
Pimentae's grapefruit Margarita
Tequila cocktail brand Pimentae has introduced its Grapefruit Margarita, blending pink grapefruit, Tequila, and agave sweetness. The citrusy new number offers a convenient cocktail option, ready to pour over ice or top with soda water for a Paloma-inspired serve. Its arrival is well-timed, since Bacardi’s latest Cocktail Trends study reported the growing popularity of the Paloma among consumers. Available in 125ml cans, with bottles, bag-in-box, and keg formats launching in April. RRP: £4.25
Jason Momoa’s Vodka
Jason Momoa, best known for his role as Aquaman, has expanded his creative ventures with the UK launch of Meili Vodka, a brand he co-founded with designer Blaine Halvorson. The Hollywood star recently visited London, celebrating the launch with bar appearances and a party at Gilgamesh. Developed over nine years, Meili Vodka is crafted in Montana using water sourced from a 300-million-year-old aquifer, known for its purity and unique mineral content. RRP: £43.20
Kota Pandan Liqueur
Globetrotting mixologist Nico de Soto has spent his career experimenting with flavour combinations, making his mark with bars like Mace in New York and Danico in Paris. A longtime champion of pandan, an aromatic Southeast Asian plant often likened to vanilla, de Soto has now partnered with French distiller Gabriel Boudier to create Kota Pandan Liqueur. Made by steeping pandan leaves in neutral spirit before distillation, the liqueur captures notes of vanilla, coconut, and buttered biscuit. RRP: US$34.99
MOOR BEER ILLUSION
Bristol based Moor Beer, founded in 1996 and revived in 2007 by Californian-born Justin Hawke, has reworked the US-inspired Imperial Black Ale, but at a more sessionable strength. Known for its bold, unfiltered beers, all their products are natural and vegan friendly. At 4.5% ABV, Illusion delivers the intense hop character of a pale ale but with a deceptively dark body. Special German malts provide depth without the bitterness of traditional dark beers, while American hops bring bright aromatics. Originally a limited release, Illusion may return, if Moor can secure the right ingredients. RRP: £3.20 
