What's hitting the shelves? A wine monster, pineapple vodka and more

Nestlé and nutrition​​

Nestlé Health Science has launched compact-sized Boost drinks in the US, aiming to help people get the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

Boost Calorie Smart is a 4 fl oz, 100 calorie snack-sized drink, with 10g of protein, vitamins, minerals and calcium. It comes in rich chocolate and very vanilla flavours.

Boost Compact Drink is 4 fl oz, contains 240 calories, 10g protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium and vitamin D. It too comes in rich chocolate and very vanilla flavours.

Cooling sensation​​

Rockstar, an energy drink range from soft drink business AG Barr, will release Rockstar Freeze next month.

The drink comes in Frozen Lime and Frozen Watermelon, containing menthol flavouring along with caffeine, taurine and B vitamins. AG Barr says the drinks give a ‘cooling sensation’ in the mouth.  

Rockstar Freeze will be available in the UK in 500ml cans.

‘The Monster’​​

UK wine distributor and producer Boutinot has unveiled El Monstruo (or ‘The Monster’) – a ‘deep, dark and toothsome wine’ that takes inspiration from the legend of Ucumar, an Andean Yeti.

The Argentinian Malbec – Bonarda from Mendoza has a black label and black bottle, with a trompe-l’oeil graphic effect for visual ambiguity. The design was created by London agency Biles Inc.

The bottle was designed to ‘create a sense of foreboding and mystery,’ according to Biles.

Citrus highball​​

Suntory Spirits will release Jim Beam Citrus Highball Grapefruit later this month in Japan.

The ‘citrus highball’ drinking style – which involves squeezing fresh citrus juice into a Jim Beam highball – has become more popular in bars and restaurants recently, the company says. It is launching this new product so people can enjoy the drink at home.

It has been created through collaboration between Beam Suntory’s Japanese and US teams.

Heineken World Cup bottle​​

Limited edition Heineken bottles and packaging for the Rugby World Cup are available this month, as part of the global brewers’ association with the event.

Heineken is one of the worldwide partners of the Rugby World Cup, which takes place from September 18 to November 1, 2015.

Bourbon meets Scotch​​

Beam Suntory is launching Jim Beam Kentucky Dram this month, a limited edition premium bourbon infused with highland Scotch whisky (pictured as main image to this story).

The 40% ABV product wants to give traditional Jim Beam a hint of something new, using ‘the smokey flavour of the Scotch to enrich the smooth vanilla and oaky notes of the bourbon.’

It can be served neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.

Michael Cockram, Beam Suntory marketing director, says Bourbon is growing at a ‘phenomenal rate’ worldwide and the company is focusing on premiumisation, bourbon’s heritage, and Jim Beam’s Scottish ancestry.

Summer YuleSmith​​

The summer edition of YuleSmith seasonal beers, from San Diageo craft brewer AleSmith, is available again this year during the months of July and August.

The Double IPA has ‘orange, grapefruit and tangerine hop notes with earthy, spicy and resinous pine undertones.’

Summer YuleSmith, which has an ABV of 8.5%, pairs well with Mexican, Thai and spare rib dishes, says AleSmith.

Craft beer in cans​​

Meadowlark Brewing has introduced a new packaging format for its beers in the US, using 12 oz cans from Rexam.

Two craft beers will be packaged in the cans: Badlands Extra Pale Ale, a golden orange colour with a nose of citrus and tropical fruits and Ole Gus Scotch Rye Wee Heavy, a full-bodied ale with caramel notes.

Travis Peterson, founder of Meadowlark Brewing, said the use of cans would encourage more people to try craft beer.

Cans are light-weight, easily recyclable, block out light and oxygen, and are permitted in outdoor locations where glass sometimes isn’t, added Jo Stephens, vice president of sales and marketing, Rexam BCNA.

Time for Champagne​​

Champagne Lallier has released a new Pinor Noir based blend, a multi-vintage product coming primarily from the harvest of 2012 as well as 2002, 2004 and 2008.

The first cuvée in its Série R collection, the Champagne is 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay.

It is available in the UK for £29.99 ($46.71)

Diageo’s vodka offer​​

Flavoured vodka Ciroc Pineapple has been added to the portfolio of Diageo’s ultra-premium vodka brand.  

The spirit is distilled five times and infused with pineapple and other natural flavours.

It is the fifth flavour-infused varietal from Ciroc, following amaretto, coconut, peach and red berry (the range is pictured below).

It is available in travel retail at selected airports such as New York, Miami, Beirut and Ibiza.

Launching a new beverage? E-mail rachel.arthur@wrbm.com.​