Christmas cheer
The festive season is an ideal time for alcohol brands to drive sales, as holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, and celebratory meals often call for special beverages, writes Donna Ahern
Print19 November 2024
During the Christmas period, shoppers tend to browse more actively, whether in stores or online, providing alcohol brands brands with increased opportunities to capture attention and promote their products.
Traditionally, holiday favourites such as mulled wine, cream liqueurs, champagne, and premium wines remain popular choices. These classic beverages are often associated with warmth, luxury, and celebration, aligning well with the holiday spirit. However, there’s also a noticeable trend toward experimentation, with consumers increasingly interested in trying unique or limited-edition drinks. This openness to new flavours and brands allows companies to introduce innovative products or seasonal variations, which can help them stand out in a crowded market.
Brands that leverage festive packaging, themed promotions, and creative marketing campaigns can further enhance their appeal, drawing in customers who are looking for both traditional favourites and novel experiences. This combination of seasonal nostalgia and the curiosity for new offerings makes the festive season a lucrative and dynamic time for the alcohol industry.
Celebrate the season with the Fercullen Spicy Sour
Fercullen Falls Irish Whiskey Small Batch
As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a festive cocktail that embodies the spirit of the season.
Introducing the Fercullen Spicy Sour, a delightful creation that combines the rich, smooth flavours of Fercullen Falls Irish Whiskey with a zesty twist, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Fercullen Irish Whiskey, renowned for its perfect blend of 50% malt and 50 % grain and smooth taste, serves as the heart of this cocktail.
The Fercullen Spicy Sour brings together the whiskey’s warm vanilla notes with a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, a hint of honey, and a dash of aromatic bitters. The magic ingredient? A touch of winter spice that adds a warming kick, making this drink an instant favourite for the colder months.
To prepare the Fercullen Spicy Sour, start by combining 50ml of Fercullen Irish Whiskey, 25ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 15ml of honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Add a dash of bitters and a pinch of winter spice – think cinnamon or nutmeg. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra festive touch.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, the Fercullen Spicy Sour is the perfect companion. Cheers to a warm and wonderful holiday season!
Hennessy releases Founder’s Edition to commemorate 300 years of Irish legacy
Irish Artists, Maser and Conor Harrington, crafted the honorary founder’s edition bottle in Tribute to Irishman Richard Hennessy who founded the world-renowned brand.
In celebration of this historic moment for Hennessy, the brand hosted a party in Dublin to toast the occasion and honour Irish art, music, culture, and the rich Irish legacy that Hennessy holds close to its heart. This event was hosted by DJ and presenter, Tara Kumar who interviewed Conor Harrington and Maser, exploring their creative process and the magnitude of this pivotal point in the Hennessy Ireland story. Guests enjoyed expertly crafted Hennessy cocktails paired with gourmet food while Ireland’s top DJs provide the tunes to exciting experiential and immersive offerings.
Irish artists Maser and Conor Harrington were selected to create its historic Founder’s Edition bottle, celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of its Irish founder, Richard Hennessy. It is the perfect blend of then and now. Both artists’ work resonates perfectly with the Hennessy VS brand character: vibrant, artistic and street! A symbol of Irish pride and achievement, the original artwork will hold pride of place upon the walls of Killavullen, the Cork home of Richard Hennessy.
Supporting avant-garde art has been a long-standing tradition and today the brand continues that legacy with collaborations in contemporary street culture including with the premier basketball league, the NBA, innovative fashion designer, Kim Jones, hip-hop legend, Nas and many more. Closer to home Hennessy’s collaborations with Ireland’s creatives includes partnerships across street fashion, art & music with the likes of Emporium, Dublin Block Party, the Future of Irish Music & Irelands rap duo Travis & Elzzz.
West Cork Distillery
The West Cork Single Malt Irish Whiskey family
West Cork Whiskey began when three lifelong friends who took a chance and worked hard at it. They didn’t stop till they had built one of Ireland’s largest distilleries making some of Ireland’s best whiskey.
It started in 2003 in the back room of one of the lads’ houses in Union Hall and now they have a team of 140 people from around the local area working with them.
It’s important to them that what they’re doing helps their community and leaves something for West Cork. They’re fiercely independent and have fought to stay that way. Fought hard to keep the lights on too at times.
In more ways than one, they’re out on the edge there in West Cork, just south of the Golden Vale, they use only Irish barley, delivered every day. Maritime aging… yeah, they’ve a bit of that going on.
For them it’s about taste. There are times when all you want is a glass of good whiskey. That’s the whiskey they make. They’re not like the big brands or the small crafty ones.
They’ve gotten to a place where it’s just about what goes in the bottle. And people are starting to pick that up. They’d never say they’re a better whiskey than anyone else’s. But they’re as good as the best of them.
The core range is made up of West Cork Bourbon Cask matured, Black cask and the new exciting Maritime range which sells out in outlets across the country especially for gifting because of its unique packaging.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito’s Espresso Martini and Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, America’s Original Craft Vodka, has quickly become one of Ireland’s favourite imported spirits. This holiday season, shake up a decadent after-dinner drink that adds a jolt of bold espresso and a little sweetness to your smooth Tito’s. The ‘Tito’s Espresso Martini’ combines 60ml of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 30ml of coffee liqueur, 30ml of espresso, 15ml of simple syrup, and 15ml of creamer (optional). Just add all those ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake and strain into a martini glass, and garnish with espresso beans. Couldn’t be easier!
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which is now available in over 140 markets across the world, is distilled and bottled in Austin, Texas, on the very same plot of land where it all started more than 25 years ago when sixth-generation Texan Bert “Tito” Beveridge built a small shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts and batch distilled his corn-based, naturally gluten-free vodka. In Ireland, Tito’s is available through Comans Beverages Ltd.
Stoli Vodka, a brand rooted in tradition
Experience the legacy and quality that defines Stoli® Vodka, a brand rooted in tradition and committed to the craft of creating a vodka like no other. Every bottle of Stoli is meticulously crafted from natural grain and undergoes a rigorous triple filtration process—first through quartz sand and then through birch-activated charcoal. This unique approach ensures Stoli’s signature purity, exceptional smoothness, and clean taste, qualities that have earned it over 100 awards worldwide.
For those who appreciate both heritage and innovation in their spirits, Stoli stands as a symbol of distinction. Its versatile, balanced flavour profile makes it an ideal choice for both classic cocktails and adventurous new mixes. Whether served straight up on the rocks, or as the foundation for your favourite drinks, Stoli’s commitment to quality shines through with every sip.
Distributed in the Republic of Ireland by DrinksGenius, Stoli continues to be a leading choice for discerning vodka lovers. Discover Stoli and elevate your vodka experience.
Please enjoy responsibly.
Celebrate Christmas this year with ‘The world’s best Irish Vodka’
Cranberry Christmas Royale, Ballymaloe & i-Stil 38 Vodka
Since launching in May 2022, the team at i-Stil 38 Premium Irish Vodka have built up an impressive amount of accolades.
To begin with, it is now one of the biggest selling premium Irish vodka in the country. i-Stil 38 just won best Vodka at The World Drinks Awards. Such recognition is testimony to the hard work and dedication of i-Stil 38’s founders, one of whom is lifestyle entrepreneur Pippa O’Connor Ormond,
”The World Drink Awards have celebrated and showcased some of the best and well known brands on the planet. As a partner and i-Stil 38’s creative director, it’s very humbling to see us now sitting amongst such international giants. Irish spirits are now in massive global demand and I love being a part of it all.”
Oisin Davis of Great Irish Beverages consulted on a cocktail creation for the Ballymaloe cranberry sauce, a simple drink to mix up either at home or in a bar.
“With the holiday season nearly upon us, no dinner table is complete without a jar of cranberry sauce – whether it’s destined for the plate or lovingly dressed onto a sandwich, it is the perfect accompaniment to so many Christmas meals,” he said.
“I have also taken great pleasure in mixing our Ballymaloe & i-Stil 38 Vodka cranberry sauce into some very tasty cocktails, an ideal way to celebrate some Christmas cheer!”
Cranberry Christmas Royale
Ingredients:
35 ml i-Stil 38 pink berries vodka
1 teaspoon Ballymaloe & i-Stil 38 vodka cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon of lemon juice,
100 ml of dry prosecco
lemon twist to garnish.
Sip, celebrate, and save with Aldi’s Christmas wine range
Costellore Prosecco Frizzante
Kick off the festive season in style with Aldi’s fantastic range of Christmas wines. Available now in Aldi stores nationwide, this year’s range includes bargain bubbles, rich reds and winter whites – all at everyday affordable prices!
Whether you’re raising a toast, enjoying a festive feast or counting down to midnight, Aldi has the perfect wine to pair with every special moment this Christmas season. Take a look at some of the wines arriving in 162 Aldi stores this season.
Fizz the season…
Have a bubbly Christmas with Aldi’s unbeatable range of festive fizz! From marking special occasions to whipping up festive cocktails, you’ll find a super selection of sparkling wine at Aldi. Savour a glass of Aldi’s new Specially Selected Kooliburra Australian Sparkling Shiraz €9.99. Let the prosecco flow with Costellore Prosecco DOC €14.99, another new addition to Aldi’s wine range this year. For a sophisticated sparkler, try the Specially Selected Crémant du Jura €17.99 endorsed by Ireland’s leading wine commentators. Crack open the champers with Nicolas de Montbart Champagne €24.99, an easy-drinking number that’s delicious on its own or as part of a Christmas morning mimosa!
Prefer alcohol free? Aldi is also home to refreshing alcohol-free alternatives like Zerozecco or Rosé Zerozecco €3.49.
Fancy a cosy red?
Red is Santa’s favourite colour and will be yours too, when you dive into Aldi’s range of red wine. Pour yourself a glass of Specially Selected Douro Reserva €9.99, a smooth, robust red from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Discover Specially Selected Castellore Barolo €19.99, a full-bodied Italian red. Try the Specially Selected Chassaux et Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape €19.99, a standout new addition to Aldi’s wine range that is perfect for festive nights in.
At Aldi, you will also find a selection of award-winning red wines that promise to elevate every festive gathering, including Grande Alberone Red €9.99 and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru €14.99, both recipients of Silver at this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards and sure to impress guests.
Dreaming of a white Christmas…
Sip back and relax this Christmas with Aldi’s stunning collection of winter white wines. Looking for a crowd pleaser? Brighten up those chilly Christmas nights with Specially Selected Estevez Sauvignon Blanc €8.49, a fresh white wine from Chile. Enjoy a glass of Specially Selected Pouilly-Fumé €16.99, a French wine that strikes a delicate balance between citrus fruits and a hint of smoke and spice. Indulge in a glass of elegance with Specially Selected Chablis Premier Cru €19.99, a crisp, refreshing white that will go down a treat.
Something sweet?
Looking for the perfect dessert wine? With its collection of port and sherry, Aldi ought to be your first port of call. Have a very, sherry Christmas with Specially Selected Pedro Ximénez Sherry €6.99, a smooth, velvety sherry that makes for a tasty post-dinner tipple. ‘Tis the season for port. Make the most of the festive season with delicious Fletcher’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port €14.99 and Fletcher’s Late Bottled Vintage Port €12.99, ideal for festive get-togethers or even gifting.
Sips for under €7.50
Aldi is proud to stock premium quality wine at prices that won’t break the bank. That’s why it has a selection of sips for under €7.50 to help you get the party started this season, including Baron St. Jean Blanc, Rosé or Rouge only €5.99 each, Grapevine Sauvignon Blanc €7.10 and Toro Loco Superior €7.49. Now that’s fantastic festive value!
Please contact Aldi if you require any samples of the range of wines available in 162 Aldi stores nationwide this Christmas.
Ampersand Wines Christmas Collection
Christmas Wines Collection
This festive season, Ampersand Wines presents a selection of premium wines and Champagnes, perfect for retailers looking to elevate their Christmas offerings. Leading the lineup is the elegant Prestige des Sacres Champagne (€50), which recently won a gold medal for Best Champagne Under €80 at the Irish Wine Show. Steeped in French history from the Champagne region of Reims, where 33 French kings were crowned, Prestige des Sacres offers both refined taste and heritage, making it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations or as a luxury gift.
Also among the highlights is the Massey Dacta Sauvignon Blanc (€16), a vibrant New World white wine from New Zealand’s renowned Marlborough region, awarded a gold medal for the best New World White Wine under €20. With refreshing notes of lemon, lime, passionfruit, and lemongrass, this crisp Sauvignon Blanc offers excellent value at €16. Joining Massey Dacta are the two value-driven, gold-star-winning wines, Parlez Vous Sauvignon Blanc (€9.99) and Antares Sauvignon Blanc (€9.99), both offering exceptional quality at an affordable price point. These wines promise crisp freshness and vibrant flavours, making them perfect crowd-pleasers for festive gatherings, without compromising on value.
In addition to these award-winning wines, Ampersand offers a festive selection from Rioja Vega Wines. Both the Rioja Vega Crianza and Rioja Vega Reserva, previously titled Wine of the Year, now come with rebranded labels and free gift boxes, making them ideal for Christmas gifting. The Limited-Edition Crianza comes in a striking branded tube, while the Gran Reserva is available in gift boxes and wooden boxes of three or six bottles, perfect for corporate gifts or Rioja Vega enthusiasts.
With a broad selection of award-winning wines and beautifully packaged gifts, Ampersand Wines ensures retailers have everything needed to meet the holiday demand for premium, celebratory drinks.
For further information or to place orders, please contact your Ampersand Wines representative or call 01 4130100.
Boann Christmas Gift Guide 2024
Silks Irish Gin & Gift Pack
Carefully crafted selections from Boann Distillery in Drogheda offer something special for every whiskey connoisseur and gin lover on your Christmas shopping list.
Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys (Marsala, Madeira, P.X.)
R.R.P. €69.95 per bottle
Boann Distillery combines traditional brewing and distilling methods with modern techniques to create its distinctive whiskeys. In June 2024, the distillery released its first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys to the global market, offering three exceptional expressions: Marsala, Madeira, and P.X. Each whiskey was matured in a variety of casks, giving each its own unique flavour profile.
Crafted using Boyne Valley well water and local grains, these whiskeys were made with the same spirit that won Best New Make and Young Spirit at the World Whiskies Awards in 2021. Bottled at 47% ABV with no added colour, each expression is presented in a bespoke package – an ideal gift for whiskey aficionados.
Available for €69.95 per 700ml bottle at Celtic Whiskey Shop, Molloys, McHughs, Sweeneys, Martins, Irish Malts, and other independent retailers, or directly from boanndistillery.ie/
Silks Irish Gin & Gift Pack
R.R.P. €50 (gift pack), €42.95 (70cl bottle)
Silks Irish Gin, crafted in small batches by Boann Distillery, offers a contemporary twist on classic gin. Created by mother-and-daughter beekeepers Sally-Anne and Marie Cooney, the gin features botanicals such as honey, apple blossom, and elderflower, all foraged from Boann’s own orchards. This results in a crisp gin with bright citrus notes and delicate floral aromas.
For the holiday season, a gift pack (€50) includes a 70cl bottle of Silks Irish Gin, two branded gin glasses, and a jigger, making it a perfect present for gin lovers. You can also purchase a single 70cl bottle for €42.95. Both are available for domestic and international shipping from boanndistillery.ie.
The Whistler Trilogy Mini Pack
R.R.P. €20
Looking for a great stocking filler? The Whistler Trilogy Mini Pack is an ideal introduction to Boann Distillery’s Whistler range. This set includes three 50ml bottles: The Whistler Double Oaked Irish Whiskey, The Whistler Irish Honey Liqueur, and The Whistler Irish Cream Liqueur. Each has been expertly crafted by Boann’s Head Distiller, Family Beekeeper, and Blender, celebrating the finest Irish whiskey, honey, and cream.
Beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, this trio is available for €20 from boanndistillery.ie
The Whistler P.X. I Love You
R.R.P. €61
For the whiskey enthusiast on your list, Boann Distillery offers The Whistler P.X. I Love You Single Malt, a memorable gift aged in Pedro Ximenez (PX) sherry casks. This 100% malted barley whiskey is rich with notes of sherry, dried fruits, and brown sugar after its nine months of ageing.
The full Whistler range, including this expression, is available for purchase from boanndistillery.ie
Unmistakably Guinness
Guinness 0.0
Come together this Christmas and share a perfect pint of Guinness 0.0, boasting the same great taste, quality and premium experience that people have come to expect from Guinness, just without the alcohol.
Whether it’s Christmas Day celebrations at home with family or meeting friends in the pub for a festive pint, Guinness 0.0 offers people more choice whether they chose to drink alcohol or not.
Guinness 0.0 gives people the opportunity to come together in moderation, wherever they choose to enjoy a smooth pint, with the non-alc stout available in 500ml can format in off-licences and supermarkets, as well as on draught in more than 1700 pubs across the country.
The way people socialise continues to change both at home and in the pub, and Diageo has seen an almost 49% increase in Guinness 0.0 sales over the past year.
Continuing its commitment to bring more choice, and with consumer demand for non-alc alternatives set to grow further, Diageo recently announced a €30 million investment into the production of Guinness 0.0 at St James’s Gate. Launched just three years ago, Guinness 0.0 production at St James’s Gate will increase to 176 million pints a year for the domestic and international markets, almost doubling capacity.
Guinness 0.0 is a stout that is unmistakably Guinness, just without the alcohol, featuring the dark, ruby red liquid and creamy head, hints of chocolate and coffee, smoothly balanced with bitter, sweet and roasted notes that Guinness is known for.
Crafted for company
Casamigos Tequila
Casamigos Tequila was born of a desire to craft a perfect tequila, a smooth tasting liquid that could be enjoyed without lime or salt. So Diageo did.
Casamigos’ Blanco has a smooth flavour profile that is both crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla and agave, which makes it the perfect tequila for sipping neat or enjoyed in a range of exciting and premium cocktail serves.
Casamigos Tequila was always intended to be shared with family and friends, old and new. Diageo recommends enjoying the tequila by trying a Paloma. Its Paloma cocktail serve is made by adding 35ml of Casamigos Blanco with 120ml of Grapefruit Soda and 10ml of Lime Juice to a highball glass over ice, garnished with a grapefruit wedge.
Adding touch of elegance to every occasion
Celebrate this festive season with the unmistakable sophistication of Tanqueray No.TEN—a brand with nearly two centuries of craftsmanship and the iconic choice for those seeking premium gin. Whether enjoying Christmas Day at home with family or gathering with friends for a stylish toast, Tanqueray No. TEN adds a touch of elegance to every occasion.
Tanqueray No.TEN sets the standard as the first ultra-premium gin. Distilled in small batches with the four original botanicals of Tanqueray London Dry and the addition of fresh whole grapefruits, oranges, limes and chamomile flowers, Tanqueray No.TEN brings an explosion of fresh citrus with every sip. Tanqueray No.TEN has been granted several industry accolades and is the only Gin and white spirit that has been awarded a place in the Hall of Fame at the San Francisco Spirits Awards. The smooth & delicious taste of Tanqueray No.TEN makes it the unmistakable premium choice of the Tanqueray range, an absolute staple this festive season for those looking for an elevated serve and something extra special.
For a festive treat, indulge in a Tanqueray Tiny Ten cocktail. Combine 30ml of Tanqueray No. TEN with 30ml of grapefruit cordial in a mixing glass, fill with ice, and stir to chill. Strain into a coupette glass, top with 50ml of sparkling wine for an effervescent finish, and garnish with a grapefruit peel to release its fresh citrus oil. Oozing with freshness, rounded essential oils and deliciously bittersweet with a deep citrus heart, this simple but sophisticated martini cocktail is the perfect serve for hosting at home.
This holiday season, Tanqueray No. TEN makes hosting effortless, creating an elevated experience for those seeking something truly special. Available in stores and select locations nationwide, visit www.tanqueray.com to learn more.
A perfect choice for Christmas gatherings
Santa Rita De Alcoholised Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
With the holiday season fast approaching, many are looking for festive alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, and this Christmas, Santa Rita is offering a great solution for those who wish to enjoy the taste of wine without the alcohol. Awarded Best Non-Alcoholic White and Red under €15.00 at the NOffLA Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2024-25, Santa Rita’s 0% Alcohol wines have been recognised as the perfect option for all to enjoy, from family dinners to festive celebrations.
Award-winning taste, without the alcohol
Santa Rita’s 120 De-Alcoholised Cabernet Sauvignon (2021) and 120 De-Alcoholised Sauvignon Blanc (2023) are part of a growing trend of high-quality, non-alcoholic wines that maintain the taste, sophistication, and enjoyment of traditional wines. These wines are available at SuperValu, Dunnes and Spar for €7.00, making them a smart choice for the health-conscious and an affordable option for all wine lovers this festive season.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, attending a party, or simply seeking a thoughtful gift for loved ones, Santa Rita’s 0% alcohol range offers the rich flavours of their renowned vineyards without the alcohol. This makes them ideal for designated drivers, expectant mothers, or anyone opting for a healthier, alcohol-free celebration.
Health-conscious choices for modern lifestyles
With growing interest in health-conscious consumption, Santa Rita’s de-alcoholised wines are a testament to the evolution of modern winemaking. These wines are crafted with care, ensuring that the process of removing alcohol does not compromise their vibrant flavours. The 120 De-Alcoholised Cabernet Sauvignon offers notes of ripe berries and soft tannins, while the 120 De-Alcoholised Sauvignon Blanc delivers refreshing citrus and tropical fruit characteristics, perfect for complementing festive dishes.
A thoughtful gift this Christmas
Santa Rita’s 0% alcohol wines are ideal gifts this season, offering an inclusive option for all. The Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2024-2025 recognises these wines as part of their elite collection, marking them with distinctive Award symbols that make it easy to identify in stores.
“We’re proud to see our de-alcoholised wines recognised at this year’s Irish Wine Show Star Awards,” said Terry Pennington, spokesperson for Santa Rita.
“Our 0% alcohol wines provide a sophisticated and enjoyable alternative for anyone looking to celebrate this Christmas without the alcohol, and we’re excited to offer a premium non-alcoholic option that stands out in quality and taste.”
Available Nationwide for €7.00 in Dunnes, Spar and SuperValu.
Santa Rita 120 Deep Red
Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Deep Red
A warming blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenère, sourced from our vineyards in both our coastal ranges and foothills of the Andes. The wine is deep ruby red in colour, with flavours of blueberry, plum and cassis on the palate. 20% of the wine spent 4 months in French oak, enhancing the final sweetness and complexity.
Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc
120 Reserva Especial Coastal Sauvignon Blanc
Recent Red C Consumer Research indicates that 81% of the wine-drinking population in Ireland is choosing white wines over red wines, with Sauvignon Blanc being the most common choice.
With this in mind, Santa Rita is in the process of launching into the market (due on shelf in the next month or so) a new Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc. 85% of the grapes are sourced from Casablanca, with the remaining 15% from Leyda. The wine is fresh and herbaceous in style, with attractive citrus notes.
Raise a glass to WKD this festive season
The WKD range lineup
WKD introduces its new range of 15% ABV vodka-based liqueurs just in time for the holiday season. WKD Vibe, available in 500ml bottles, offers a lineup of innovative creamy and clear flavours to cater to varied consumer tastes. This versatile range can be enjoyed straight, layered for unique shot creations, or added to cocktails to elevate festive recipes.
The WKD Vibe lineup includes Baby G Creamy, Pina Colada Creamy, Strawberry Creamy, Blue Raspberry Creamy, Blue Raspberry Clear, and Tropical Clear.
In addition, WKD’s classic core range continues to deliver with six fruity flavours. Available in 250ml cans, 275ml and 700ml bottles, the core flavour lineup consists of WKD Blue, WKD Iron Brew, WKD Ice, WKD Berry Blast, WKD Purple Grape and WKD Orange and Passionfruit. These sparkling vodka-based drinks are ideal for festive-themed sharing cocktails or as a stand-alone refreshment.
Recognised as Ireland’s leading RTD, WKD brings a vibrant touch to every holiday gathering. For sales enquiries, please contact SHS Sales & Marketing at +353 (1) 401 6200 or info@shs-sales.ie
McGuigan
McGuigan Black Label Sauvignon Blanc
McGuigan wines continue to outperform the market as the number 1 Australian Wine brand in Ireland.
The Black Label range comprises of a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rose and Malbec. McGuigan show their innovation having introduced McGuigan Frizzante to the market this is a light style of sparkling full of lively yet delicate bubbles that give a crisp and refreshing sparkle.
The latest addition to the McGuigan Portfolio is McGuigan ZERO. Unrivalled taste, zero alcohol – for everyone, everywhere. McGuigan Zero – a trailblazer in its category. The range offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate. Launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling. McGuigan Zero is created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product.
McGuigan wines distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Graham Norton
Arguably Ireland’s favourite West Cork native, Graham Norton’s wine brand has reached Ireland’s top 20 wine brands this year. The Graham Norton wine range is produced in collaboration with New Zealand’s Invivo and Graham Norton controls every aspect of the blending process for his wines, combining southern hemisphere grapes with ‘Norton Hemisphere’ brilliance to create a super range of six wines. Invivo was founded by two Kiwi wine entrepreneurs Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in 2008. This year, 2023, Graham and Invivo will celebrate ten years of making award-winning wine together.
Graham’s range includes his best-selling (and awarded) Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand joined by a wildly popular New Zealand Rosé, Graham Norton’s Shiraz from and the most recent addition to the range is an Argentinian Malbec named He-Devil after Graham’s memoirs “The Lives and Loves of a He-Devil”.
‘MY HE-DEVIL WAS CREATED TO TURN HEADS, BREAK HEARTS AND LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE… AND IT’S DELIVERED ON ALL COUNTS.’ GRAHAM NORTON, CHIEF WINEMAKER
In relation to bubbles GN Frizzante Bianco and the GN Frizzante Rosé are wildly popular in Ireland.
Moving onto Spirits – Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gins celebrates Graham’s West Cork Heritage, the beauty and flavours of his idyllic native county and his award-winning flair for blending perfection.
Partnering with an Irish distillery was very important to Graham and that is why he decided to work with his West Cork neighbours – West Cork Distillers. West Cork Distillery is the most southerly located distillery on the Atlantic Archipelago – an area close to Graham’s West Cork retreat.
Graham – has 3 Gin’s in the portfolio: Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin, Irish Pink Gin and Irish Marmalade Gin. The latest spirit addition is Graham Norton’s Own Irish Vodka – made from potatoes it is ridiculously smooth on the palate!
Graham Norton’s wine and spirits are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue Wines is an exquisite, elegant portfolio of bespoke wines, crafted with passion and integrity. Launched in 2020 on Kylie’s birthday, the 28th of May, the rosé quickly became one of the most successful launches in its category ever. Kylie Minogue Wines has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a glass of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé sold every six seconds. [source: Nielsen EPOS volume sales- Total UK Off Trade to 11th March 2023]
Kylie Minogue Wines has sold 9 million bottles since launch (that’s over 43 million glasses of Kylie Minogue Wine poured) and is available to purchase in 31 countries
Kylie Minogue now has 5 Rosés in her wine portfolio – Sparkling Prosecco Spumante, Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante, Cotes des Provence, Signature Rosé and Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé.
This Signature range comprises of two wines from France including the delicate pale-dry rosé made from Cabernet and Carignan grapes, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony.
The latest addition is the delicious Prosecco Frizzante produced in the heart of Veneto on the picturesque hills of Gambellara. This wine is fresh and fragrant with a marked aromatic character rich in floral scents of acacia and wisteria flowers.
A little note from Kylie: “I am unbelievably humbled and thrilled by the global response to Kylie Minogue Wines. It has been incredible, and testimony to the amazing producers and winemakers Kylie Minogue Wines have been lucky enough to work alongside. I have been incredibly touched by the joy our wines have brought to so many people.”
Kylie Minogue Wines proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Villa Maria
VillaMaria Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Villa Maria is Ireland’s number 1 New Zealand wine brand. Villa Maria’s extensive portfolio is one the most geographically and stylistically diverse and highly-awarded range of premium wines by any New Zealand producer, fuelling consumer adoration and success across the globe. In Ireland we have the Private Bin range available most famously known for the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, yet other varietals available such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Villa Maria wines have a fresh new look for the Private Bin range, don’t worry the wine is the same outstanding quality just in a new contemporary pack. The high tier Cellar Selection Pinot Noir and the Reserve Wairau Sauvignon Blanc are also available in the Irish Market.
The most recent launch from Villa Maria is the beautiful Sauvignon Blush, Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of Merlot. Delivering the taste experience of New Zealand’s favourite white wine with a playful fun-factor that opens up a whole new occasion for Sauvignon Blanc. It’s Sauvignon Blanc. 90% Sauvignon Blanc in fact, caressed with 10% Merlot for a beautiful ‘Provence-like’ blush. Looks like Rose, tastes like Sauvignon Blanc.
Villa Maria Wines are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
BrewDog
The eagle has landed.
Brewdog has launched its newest, most sessional IPA – Wingman.
When you’re looking for a complex, interesting and infinitely drinkable Session IPA, Wingman has your back. Citrus. Biscuity. Fruity. A maverick of a Session IPA, Wingman is a smooth ride of mellow tropical fruits, piney notes and sharp citrus aroma.
Refreshing, infinitely drinkable and with a steady boozing altitude of 4.3%, you’ll want to keep Wingman by your side all night long. Prepare ground control. Refreshment incoming.
Welcome Wingman to the stage, a session IPA that’s sure to be your new go-to.
But let’s not forget the iconic PUNK IPA. The beer that kick-started the BrewDog revolution.
This scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion, synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts – full-on, full-flavour; at full-throttle.
Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee before a spiky bitter finish, this is the perfect drink to quench your thirst.
This 5.6% trans-atlantic fusion IPA is light golden in colour with tropical fruits and light caramel on the nose. The palate soon becomes assertive and resinous with the New Zealand hops balanced by the biscuit malt. The finish is aggressive and dry with the hops emerging over the warming alcohol.
This fresh, full flavour natural beer is our tribute to the classic IPAs of yester-year. The post modern twist is the addition of amazing fruity hops giving an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish.
Brewdog is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Read more: Christmas best cellars!
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