Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

DQ Vodka - make mine a mini

Published: 28 September, 2011

Following the re-launch of Spirit Cartel's DQ Vodka it is now been released in mini form.

'Exotic and different' - Absolut Mango

Published: 18 August, 2011

Absolut Mango (rrp £17.29) is the latest flavoured vodka to join the Pernod Ricard-owned Absolut range.

Gordon's gin drops TV chef for actors

Published: 11 August, 2011

Grouchy TV chef Gordon Ramsay has been dropped as the face of Gordons's gin in favour of "witty conversation" from actors Emilia Fox and Philip Glenister.

Ardbeg - the Islay-gator's tale

Published: 22 July, 2011

The Ardbeg Alligator (rrp £55.00, 51.2% abv) is the latest result of years of experimentation headed by Glenmorangie's, head of distilling, Dr Bill Lumsden and team.

Insieme - Fairtrade meets natural wine

Published: 04 July, 2011

Stefano Girelli, from organic Sicilian estate, Feudo di Santa Tresa and Fair Trade South African producer, Stellar Winery, have teamed up to create Insieme (rrp £7.99).

Rubaiyat Chardonnay - a bit special

Published: 08 June, 2011

It was the first time at the LIWF for the Bulgaria Wine Club.

LIWF - De Bortoli to present Rococo rosé

Published: 11 May, 2011

Australian winery De Bortoli will have chief winemaker Steve Webber on hand, who remains true to the De Bortoli belief that "wine should reflect site and season and have a sense of place".

Diageo launches Smirnoff & Diet Cola

Published: 12 April, 2011

There was a time when vodka and cola was a drink mixed in your youth if you ran out of tonic or fresh orange.

Diageo GB brings Captain Morgan to Morgan's Spiced

Published: 07 April, 2011

Diageo GB, is bringing the figurehead Captain Morgan to its Morgan's Spiced brand in a bid to give the golden rum based spirit drink a unique personality.

Chivas and Westwood fly the flag

Published: 22 March, 2011

The doyenne of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood and whisky brand Chivas Regal, launched a luxury limited edition Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Vivienne Westwood at London Fashion Week.

It's Absolut Brilliance

Published: 22 February, 2011

Absolut is going bigger as Pernod Ricard UK announces plans to roll out a 1-litre format of Absolut Limited Edition across the multiple grocery channel.

Aimed as the ideal gift for cocktail lovers and a staple for festive parties or cosy nights by the fire, Beefeater has launched a seasonal limited edition gin, the Beefeater London Dry Winter Edition.

Roberson Wine & Orbiel & Frères

Published: 11 October, 2010

Fed up with the lack of wine available in the UK at a low enough price for Roberson Wine to retail it sub-£6 and wholesale at around £4, senior buyer Mark Andrew embarked on a hunt for a range of great, superb-value wines.

Laura Clark reviews The Criterion

Published: 16 September, 2010

Originally opened in 1875, the Criterion's lavish marble floor, gold-gilded ceiling and mirrored walls are in stark contrast to the gaudy billboards and fluorescent lights of Piccadilly Circus.

Sommelier Diary - Laurent Richet

Published: 16 August, 2010

Sommelier and head barman/cocktail specialist - Hotel TerraVina

Carol Emmas reviews Inter Beaujolais

Published: 29 July, 2010

Unless you've been residing on another planet these past few weeks, it's unlikely the hype of the 2009 Beaujolais vintage has passed you by. Xavier Barbet, vice-president of Inter Beaujolais, says this is the best vintage he's ever seen.