Scapegrace Black, a naturally black gin from New Zealand, is being launched in the UK, joining Scapegrace Classic and Scapegrace Gold in the portfolio distributed by Hi-Spirits.
The latest premium gin from the award-winning Scapegrace distillery in New Zealand, Scapegrace Black uses a unique collection of natural extracts to achieve its deep black colour, which strikingly changes to shades of red and purple when mixed with tonic.
The natural botanicals include aronia berry, as well as saffron, pineapple, butterfly pea and sweet potato. Each of the extracts is distilled at precise temperatures in a defined sequence in order to create the unique black colour.
On the palate the black gin is full-bodied, with a menthol like crispness, which is naturally chilling and fresh with a hint of spice. The finish is long-serving, with naturally candied, tropical yet earthy flavours.
Just six months after its launch in September 2019, Scapegrace Black has become New Zealand’s fastest growing gin SKU and is the second best-selling flavoured gin in the market.
Hi-Spirits is focusing on premium bars as the core market for Scapegrace Black, with its unique visual appeal and distinctive flavour bringing a new dimension to cocktails and mixed drinks.
Poppy Croft, Hi-Spirits marketing manager, says “we’re delighted to be bringing Scapegrace Black to the UK after its successful launch in New Zealand last year. Scapegrace has always challenged perceptions of gin, and Scapegrace Black offers gin lovers something genuinely different on the back bar.
“As well as its unique, complex flavour, the burst of colour when the black gin is mixed with tonic makes it a memorable serve for customers.”
Scapegrace Black has an ABV of 41.6%, with an RRP of £35 for a 70cl bottle. It will be available in the UK from April.
Scapegrace is distilled using spring water sourced from New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and in 2018 was awarded the best London Dry Gin in the World at the prestigious London International Wine & Spirits competition.
Scapegrace is a traditional word for a rogue, and the brand celebrates gin’s sometimes murky history with its black-tinted bottle, which has a shape based on an antique genever bottle.
Alongside Scapegrace Black is Scapegrace Classic, a 42.2% ABV complex, artisan dry gin which combines classic juniper, lemon and orange notes with subtler floral and spice undertones. Scapegrace Gold is a 57% ABV Navy-strength gin with a unique thee layers of citrus including the introduction of tangerine.
The signature serve for Scapegrace Black is:
• 45ml Scapegrace Black
• Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic
• Two slices of Granny Smith apple to garnish
Method: Fill glass with ice, add Scapegrace Black and top with Tonic Water. Garnish with the two apple slices.
For more information, please contact Hi-Spirits on 01932 252 100, email enquiries@hi-spirits.com or see www.hi-spirits.com. The full Hi-Spirits portfolio is online at www.hi-spirits.com/brands/.
