#WeekInPictures: casks, new openings and the Green Awards
A steady run of launches, tastings and new arrivals kept the trade busy this week, while the Green Awards offered a timely look at how producers are approaching sustainability in practice.
Ancestral Cask 25.2 at Kerridge’s Bar and Grill
At Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, the launch of Ancestral Cask 25.2 turned on the moment Maître de Chai, Charles Braastad first came across the barrel in his mid-twenties, already three decades into its long drift by a damp Charente wall. Evoking Suede aromas, with hints of walnut, candied citrus, and vine flower, the Grande Champagne reaped elixir was poured beside beef Wellington. One of the last casks bound with chestnut hoops from Delamain’s own cooperage, it yields just 180 bottles (at 43.6%); he poured number 107.
A Ratafia of England at Lower Wine Bar
We discovered a Ratafia of England at Lower Wine Bar, shaped from whole-grape Pinot Noir eau de vie, concentrating the perfume of 33kg of Langham fruit per litre before a year’s rest, then blended with fresh 2025 juice from the same vineyard pressed without maceration. Only 517 halves exist, a meeting of plant, climate and the hands of Tommy Grimshaw and Barney Wilczak. Pear blossom and rosehip notes found unlikely company with canned sardines from Sea Sisters, Bridport.
Pantalones Tequila pops up at Waitrose Canary Wharf
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Pantalones Tequila has arrived in select Waitrose stores and a pop-up at Canary Wharf offers tastes of the Blanco with a chance to try the croquet pitch after purchase. The brand, founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, keeps its tone informal and the Tequila straightforward and bright.
Masi Wine Bar and Restaurant opens at Verona Airport
Masi Agricola and Lagardère Travel Retail Italia have opened a Masi Wine Bar and Restaurant inside Verona Airport. The space brings the Masi Wine experience into a setting shaped for travellers, with the full range of wines poured beside dishes that move between Venetian tradition and wider influences. Cicchetti appear for those passing through.
The Drinks Business Green Awards 2025
The Green Awards continued to show how environmental thinking is being woven into daily practice. Sogrape was recognised for reshaping transport, Viña Artesano for a biodiversity-led launch and Emiliana for its extensive vermicompost work. Domaine Lafage was awarded for water research that improved both resilience and fruit quality. The Wine Society was named retailer of the year after significant reductions in glass and further hedgerow planting. Stephen Cronk was recognised for his role in regenerative viticulture and Tony Cleary MBE received the lifetime award for his long commitment to renewable energy across the UK wine sector.
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