BrewDog and Aspall see high abv products take flight

Both Aspall and BrewDog are putting high-strength alcohol on to the UK market, or considering doing so. The timing is of more than usual interest given the increased debate about minimum pricing and its inclusion in the Scottish Alcohol Bill.

Suffolk cider makers, Aspall, is considering rolling out an 11% double fermented cider to the UK market. Cuvee Chevallier, which has already been a hit in America, is packaged in champagne-type bottles. If it is unleashed onto the UK market, it is likely that it will be placed in ‘upmarket outlets’. Aspall is currently managed by the eighth generation of Chevallier family.

Meanwhile, BrewDog has launched Tactical Nuclear Penguin, which has an a.b.v. of 32%. The Scottish beer-makers recommend that it be drunk in spirit sized measures and enjoyed with ‘an air of aristocratic nonchalance’. BrewDog’s initial supply of Tactical Penguin sold out and the company is currently re-stocking. The ‘punk brewer’ describes its mission as being to provide a ‘beacon of non-conformity in an increasingly monotone corporate desert’.

BrewDog brought out Tactical Nuclear Penguin at the same time as the Scottish government published its Alcohol Bill, which includes proposals for minimum pricing of alcohol. The bill is supported by the BMA but opposed by both the Scottish Labour and Conservative parties. Legislation for minimum pricing has not made its way on to the Westminster legislative platform, although it has been an issue on the local agenda in Oldham. In Southampton, licensees failed to reach an agreement, in particular because of the issue of the availability of cheaper supermarket alcohol. The discussion followed concern from the police and local council over a price war, which had seen shots being sold for less than £1. BrewDog is selling Tactical Nuclear Penguin at £35 for a 330ml Bottle

01 December 2009