Mezcal brand Pensador will launches its first ‘Destilado De Agave’ (meaning agave spirit) called Pensador Especial this month. A limited edition, Inverclyde Gin - Port Strength Gin is inspired by the strong people, shipbuilding and naval heritage of Inverclyde.

By working with both categories, Pensador hopes to protect the industry while retaining the flexibility to work with independent producers making weird and wonderful spirits.” It is particularly impressive given the challenges of the last eighteen months that real resilience, innovation, and creativity has been shown in the competition entries. It is the third fruit-flavoured variety in Jatt Life’s vodka range, alongside forest fruits and orange & pineapple, which followed the launch of its original vodka in 2020 and, in common with the rest of the range, is five-times distilled using French grain, giving a smooth finish. Mike Stuart who founded the Inverurie Whisky Shop in Aberdeenshire in 2015, has launched a new company named Foghouse Spirits, which will evolve in time to include a single cask whisky range and rum. The rum brand was founded during the pandemic by Didsbury-based Lucy Wolfenden, 27, who saw a gap in the market for a more “feminine” or “elegant” rum.

The boom in Scottish gin doesn't appear to be abating, with many new gins and flavours being launched. Third expression: Pensador Especial has been sourced from the brand’s home region of Miahuatlán in Oaxaca, Mexico Homegrown honey used in new spiced rum Decorrum It also has an interesting brand story - located at Latitude 55.9°N, Inverclyde’s town of Port Glasgow played a pivotal role in Inverclyde’s naval past.

Pensador founder Ben Schroder said: “We understand certification is important to protect and nurture the rapidly growing industry but see the current structures of certification exclude key elements of mezcal culture; namely the independence of small producers and the historical context of the term. This latest release is the third in the Pensador family and will form a limited series of agave spirits that have not been officially certified as mezcal. Shots fired: Solo Espresso Shots can be kept in the fridge behind the bar New ginger ale range from Old Jamaica A wide-ranging communications investment strategy will support the product launch and aims to broaden Old Jamaica’s brand appeal, increase awareness and position the brand as the authentic alternative within the soft drinks category.Old Jamaica has launched the new ales to meet increasing consumer demand for ginger ale mixers after its research showed one in four consumers already mix its existing lines with alcohol. Stylish Islay hotel, The Machrie, recently launched its first premium own-label Scottish gin The Machrie Gin in partnership with Isle of Islay Gin. Red Door Highland Gin has released a limited-edition bottling infused with autumn botanicals just in time for the changing of the seasons. Zest for life: Jatt Life has signed rapper Mist to be the face of its brand Clear path for Foghouse Spirits

Only after months of maturation are these component wines assembled to make a single profound wine of greater complexity, the Grand Vin. Why not

The gin on everyone's lips

The Scottish Gin Awards 2021 finalists have been announced, with 67 producers and 223 gins progressing to the final stage of the anticipated awards night, which this year will be a hybrid virtual and in-person event. Joining the existing range of seven expressions, the two new flavours highlight the distinct taste of berries while showcasing new favour combinations with ingredients found in Scottish gardens. Here we take a look at a selection of new gins to try this International Scottish Gin Day, which falls on 2 October. The Machrie Gin