Australian brewer of VB, Cascade and Carlton Draught beer brands, Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), has expanded its spirits and RTD offering for the first time in several years with the release of four new products.

The new products fall within the mid-strength RTD and premium categories and support CUB’s Cougar and Black Douglas RTD ranges specifically.

The mid-strength options will extend to Cougar Mid Strength 3.5% Bourbon & Cola and The Black Douglas 3.5% Scotch Whisky & Cola, while the new premium products include Cougar Black 6.0% Bourbon & Cola and The Black Douglas Premium Strength 6.0% Scotch Whisky & Cola.

CUB’s General Manager of Spirits and RTD, Dean Robinson, said the releases tap into new consumer insights, which show support for the mid-strength RTD and premium categories, with premium RTDs in particular the fastest growing segment of RTDs currently.

“RTDs are occasion driven with more than half bought when people want to kick back and enjoy time with mates or are at social events with friends,” he said.

The premium SKUs will be available in a four pack and 10 pack, due to the fact that the format currently represents more than 20 per cent of all RTD sales in Australia. The mid-strength SKUs will be available in six packs only.

Robinson said the additions to CUB’s spirits portfolio is a step in the right direction for pubs and outlets who wanted to be able to provide a greater balance in the ready to drink space.

“It’s been a while, but we think our customers will welcome the products coming into the portfolio.”