Kingsland unveils new craft spirit business

UK drinks supplier Kingsland Drinks has unveiled the name and first brands in its new standalone artisan spirits business, which was announced last month.

The new Manchester-based company, which will focus on the premium and craft spirits has been named Ten Locks, in reference to the Manchester Ship Canal, along which its sister company Kingsland Drinks is based.

The first brands in the portfolio comprise Indonesia rum brand, Nusa Cana Rum, Australian Applewood Gin, whose botanicals include rare desert limes, Australian wattle seed and aromatic peppermint gum, and the West Cork Irish Whiskey, which comprises three skus, Cask, Black Cask, and an Oak Charred Cask.

All three will be available to the trade in October, with more releases pending.

The business is being headed up by Becky Davies who joined the Irlam-based company in March as head of spirits from spirits importer and distributer Mangrove Global.

Davies said was hugely excited about the portfolio, noting that the first spirits were brands of quality, distinction and purpose that could bring “new tastes, fresh perspectives and true sense of excitement to the on trade and off trade”.

“With their defined and clear proposition we know each brand has a commercially relevant place in the market, and will quench the thirst of consumers seeking brands that demonstrate authenticity, credibility and quality, whilst taking measures to ensure and improve elements of sustainability and ethical practices,” she said.

“From product development and brand building to industry-leading consumer and market insights, we’re assembling a portfolio of drinks that will add value across a range of drinks categories and, ultimately, be profitable partners to our customers.”

When the new company was first announced, Kingsland Drinks’ executive chairman Andy Sagar said Kingsland Drinks was keen to support the growth and footprint of the new company across the industry, saying that its offering would be “a welcome shot in the arm of premium drinks”.

Although the two companies will exist independently, Ten Locks is set to benefit from Kingsland’s route to market and end-to-end category service, the Irlam-based company confirmed.