Tasted by Drinks Trade: RTDs and Liqueurs

Tasted by Drinks Trade is a new weekly series reviewing the latest and most interesting products available to Australia’s liquor industry.

For the debut installment, Drinks Trade staff gives their thoughts on RTDs and Liqueurs.

GRADA Coffee + Spirit:

Our thoughts: “Really aromatic and complex coffee profile that morphs across the palate. Starts with hints of green coffee beans, leading into dark choc, brown sugar, and freshly ground coffee. Manages to remain surprisingly light and fresh, perhaps a result of the lower abv. Interesting granular texture from the coffee akin to very thick grained tannins. Sweet and soft.”

Who’s it for: “Premium coffee liqueur drinkers (eg Mr Black), along with coffee fans in general. The bottle can be shaken up and turned into an espresso martini on demand as well, making it well suited to the now well-established trend. Likely a hand-sell in most circumstances, however if your store has repeat Mr Black customers this could be an easy way to sell up.” CP

ABV: 16%
Owner/distributor: Worksmith
RRP: $55 (700ml)

Jance Honey Liqueur:

Our thoughts: “Aroma of pure honey. A notably rich, creamy and viscous profile, with a sweetness initially in contrast to the spirit base that builds and lingers. Slight dry grassy base but with a sweet honey lift on top. Real authentic honey flavour.

Who’s it for: “A unique product that would be great for home bartenders that like experimenting.” CP

ABV: 20%
Owner/distributor: Jance Distillery
RRP: $45 (700ml)

BOX Tropical Bang:

Our thoughts: “Promoted as real fruit with no artificial flavours, Box Alcoholic Juice delivers a full-flavoured experience that is would be considered easy drinking. The 330ml slimline can is bright and the offer is clear to the consumer.” AP

“Exactly as described - tropical, fruit juice that’s not too heavy with a slight carbonation freshness supporting. Tropical passoinfruit and pineapple on top of orange juice." CP

Who’s it for: “Appealing to a younger (legal) demographic, 1.2 standard drinks and packed full of tropical fruit flavours - it’s a glass of fruit juice with a 4.5% abv kick.” AP

ABV: 4.5%
Owner/distributor: exclusive to Endeavour Group
RRP: $22 (4-pack), $48 (10-pack), $105 (24-pack).

BOX Apple Guava:

Our thoughts: “Same as tropical in structure and style, but with a different flavour profile. Both apple and guava in equal forms, with a slightly spritz freshness. Our pick of the two, but both taste as described.

Who’s it for: “Younger legal drinking age demographics, or those looking for the convenience of the classic spiked juice style in an RTD format.” CP

ABV: 4.5%
Owner/distributor: exclusive to Endeavour Group
RRP: $22 (4-pack), $48 (10-pack), $105 (24-pack).

Coastal’s Hard Coco Water Watermelon:

Our thoughts: “Sweet light watermelon flavour and aroma, with quite a fresh fruit profile. Medium bodied, not overly heavy or light. The sweetness, from natural fruit sugars, offers more depth than other drinks pitched to the better-for-you trend such as seltzers, etc, however obviously doesn't cater to consumers looking for lower sugar.

Who’s it for: “Younger demographics and the better-for-you trend - low calorie, contains electrolytes, no additives, vegan. However, important to note it does have 15.4 grams of sugar per can.” CP

ABV: 4%
Owner/distributor: Coastal Drink Co
RRP: $23 (4-pack), $79 (16-pack)

Coastal’s Hard Coco Pineapple:

Our thoughts: “Similar to Watermelon but in sweet tangy pineapple flavour, perhaps with a slightly less fresh fruit profile. A good balance of freshness and sweetness.

Who’s it for: “Same as above - younger demographics and the better-for-you trend. However, important for retailers to be aware of sugar content.” CP