Release Radar: Four Pillars x Lark gin, Altamura Distilleries arrives to Aus, Bundaberg Lamington, & more

Four Pillars Lark Whisky Barrel Gin

Four Pillars’ has announced the details of its latest Whisky Barrel gin release made in collaboration with Lark Distillery. 

Launching on April 23, the new gin is the first in a series of extremely limited releases being produced through the partnership between the two spirits producers. The small run of this release has been made by transferring gin aged in barrels for over four years into Lark whisky barrels for a finishing process of six months. The final product is bottled at a natural cask strength of 56.8% and is brimming with notes of dark spices, preserved citrus, and malt.

In the lead up to the release, Four Pillars entered the gin into the World Gin Masters where it was awarded the title of Master, the competition’s highest available accolade.

“This remarkable gin shows rich Sherry, coffee cake and walnuts [and] soft vanilla notes,” said the judges.

For more information and to sign up to be notified once released, visit the Four Pillars website.

Bundaberg Toasted Lamington Flavoured Rum

Bundaberg has announced a new limited edition rum, the Bundaberg Toasted Lamington, ahead of winter.

Made by blending Bundaberg’s signature UP rum with a mix of toasted chocolate, coconut, and vanilla lamington flavours, the new limited-edition product forms part of Bundaberg's Campfire Winter Series and is designed to be the ultimate drink for sharing around a campfire with mates.

Bundaberg Toasted Lamington Flavoured Rum is bottled at 37% and will be available nationally from April 22 at an RRP of $55. 

Altamura Distilleries has arrived to Australia

Italy’s Altamura Distilleries' namesake vodka is now available in Australia as part of an expansion of its international presence. 

The Australian launch coincided with the recently completed Maybe Cocktail Festival, in which Altamura sponsored a Dean and Nancy guest shift featuring international bartenders' Salvatore Calabrese from Il Maestro and Federico Pavan from Donovan Bar. 

Altamura Distilleries' premium vodka, which is known for its unique umami flavour, is being imported into Australia by Aperitivo & Co where it will retail for an RRP of around $90-$99. 

“We are excited to introduce Altamura Vodka to the vibrant Australian market,” said Frank Grillo, Co-Founder of Altamura Distilleries. 

“Our journey into the Australian market marks a new chapter in Altamura’s global legacy, and we are confident that our partnership with Aperitivo & Co. will ensure a successful debut.”

Heineken launches ‘The Boring Phone’ 

Heineken has partnered up with US retail marketplace Bodega for the launch of ‘The Boring Phone,’ a no-frills phone designed to appeal to the growing portion of young consumers embracing the digital detox.  

The phone is being produced by Human Mobile Devices (HMD) and will be unveiled for the first time today 18 April at Milan Design Week. 

“We could all do with a break from the constant distractions of smart tech; something our research has shown is even more important to our Gen Z and Millennial consumers,” said Nabil Nasser, the Global Head of Heineken®. 

“When we spoke to them about their smartphone usage, we quickly realised that many feel they are habitually distracted when socialising by their device but also admit they didn’t want to go completely phone-free. 

“In creating The Boring Phone we have gone back to basics, we have dialled down the tech to help people truly connect over a beer, without any distraction from the constant buzzing and dings.”

Currently, no plans for an Australian launch or details about pricing have been announced. 

West Winds Grapefruit Gin & Tonic

West Winds Distillers have announced a new addition to its RTD lineup in the form of the West Winds Grapefruit Gin & Tonic. 

The new offering has been crafted using a base of the West Winds Navy Strength Broadside Gin, imparting a slightly salty note supported by the subtle bitterness of the grapefruit. 

The 3.5% abv is designed to be perfectly suited to hot summer days by the beach.

The West Winds Grapefruit Gin & Tonic is available now at an RRP of $22 per 4-pack or $110 per case of 24.