Big Drop Brews Up Alcohol-Free Multipacks

As part of the That's Food and Drink Wine and Beer Festival we look at the offering from the Big Drop brewery.

Leading alcohol-free brewer, Big Drop, is introducing a range of packaging solutions that are aimed at appealing to the wholesale, convenience and cash & carry markets.

Cases of 12 x 330ml cans of beers re being outer-wrapped in Big Drop's distinctive style of labelling and will contain either 4 or 12 packs of its most popular 0.5% abv SKUs Paradiso Citra IPA and Pine Trail Pale Ale. Pine Trail is the only alcohol-free beer to have twice won 'World's Best' at the World's Beer Awards, while Paradiso has not only won a World's Best but was also UK winner in a full-strength IPA category at the World Beer Awards, beating 6% abv beers into second and third place.

The new formats will also include the boldly-styled 'Big Explorer' and 'Big Hello' 8 can multi-packs that were trialled in Waitrose stores in 2021, aimed at catering for the growing number of 'sober-curious' consumers looking to try different styles of AF beers.

Big Drop currently has a large portion of the UK covered through a range of wholesalers such as Nectar, Eebria and Matthew Clarke. 

But it is very aware that it's underrepresented in the cash & carry and convenience trades and is obviously keen eager to address this situation by recruiting suitably skilled staff members like Tom Reilly, who recently joined Big Drop from Kopparberg as a National Account Manager.

According to IWSR, 2 in 5 UK Adults are now consuming low or no alcohol drinks, with beer and cider making up the largest category at 75% volume share. Beer sales increased by a respectable17% in 2001. The market is also forecast for healthy growth of over 10 times as quickly as regular alcoholic drinks. 

Rob Fink, who is the CEO and co-founder at Big Drop said: “Feedback from retailers and the trends we have observed in our own online shop gives a strong indication that consumers are increasingly confident to purchase Big Drop in larger formats, plus exploring the wider range of styles of beers that we offer."

He went on to say: "The no and low beer category has so far been led by multiple retailers in the UK, but cash and carry and convenience shops are now starting to pay attention to this trend.

"Our packaging certainly draws attention and will give stockists the opportunity to have bold, vibrant pallet displays in depots that will drive engagement with the retailers.”

To learn more or to receive samples, you can email to sales@bigdropbrew.com or visit www.bigdrop.com.

I have tried Big Drop ales and my favourite is Pine Trail Pale Ale and it is easy to see why it has won so many awards.

Robinsons Brewery appoints first ever manager from its Apprentice Programme

Will at Robinsons’ Royal Ship

We continue the That's Food and Drink Virtual Wine and Beer Festival with this story from Robinsons Brewery.

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Robinsons Brewery, which is a family-owned brewery  has emphasised the success of its first ever pub manager from their Apprenticeship Programme, Aspire, which they introduced back in January 2019.

Aspire is a learning and development programme which is centred around hospitality but which is enhanced with bespoke training.

William Bassett began as a team member five years back, when he was 26 years old. years ago at Robinsons’ Royal Ship pub. 

Will has now taken over as General Manager at the Wynnstay Arms in Ruabon, Wales, after gaining a great deal of experience and knowledge during his training programme. 

Will was in Robinsons’ first apprenticeship cohort, and after completing Level 3 Hospitality supervision he is now continuing on his apprenticeship programme qualifying for Level 4 Hospitality Management.

Susan Forbes, who is People Development & Compliance Manager, Robinsons Brewery, said: “Will returned after furlough and showed great determination and loyalty. He was well deservedly given promotion to Assistant Manager and has since worked in other of our pubs to gain more valuable experience as part of his development. He has begun his role as General Manager at the Wynnstay, we wish him the best of luck and know just how great he will be.”

Will said: “After five years with Robinsons I am really excited to be looking after such a beautiful pub as the Wynnstay Arms. The brewery has really supported me through my journey and every step of the way, they have delivered their promises to support my ambitions. As the next Aspire cohort launches, I am hoping to use this experience to show how rewarding a career in hospitality can be and how if you stick with Robinsons, they will stick with you! Now I’m just really excited to get stuck in!”

For more information on the Wynnstay Arms and to book a table or room, visit https://wynnstayarms.pub/.

Visit www.robinsonsbrewery.com to learn about the company.

Eisberg Wine

First wines in the That's Food and Drink Virtual Wine Festival is Eisberg Alcohol Free Wines

At one time if you wanted the pleasure of drinking wine but without the alcohol, Eisberg was your only option.

Now Eisberg has been joined by many other alcohol free wine producers. But Eisberg is still there and is still the name most people associate with alcohol free wines.

Some would be tempted to rest on their laurels, but that's not the Eisberg way! Over the years Eisberg has updated and refined its offering to the wine drinking public who want the taste of wine but without the alcohol. Some people don't consume alcohol for religious reasons and other for health reasons. But everyone needs good, tasty wines.

Which is where Eisberg comes into its own.

There's their Sauvignon Blanc.  It is a light and delicate version of this wine type which has a nice bouquet and a good, fruity finish to it.

Next we look at their Chardonnay

It is a delicious and fresh Chardonnay. There are citrus notes and a touch of vanilla, too. The one thing that is missing? Just the alcohol, of course!

Sparkling Blanc

This is, I have to admit, my favourite wine in the range. It's light, crispy, fizzy, with a delicate citrusy edge and  it loves to be served chilled! 

Sparkling Rose is another firm favourite. It is juicy and ripe tasting and is filled to the last bubble with red fruit notes. 

Eisberg point out that you can use their wines to make cocktails and also in cooking, too. They taste so good that if you are going to use them in cooking I'd suggest buying at least two bottles one for cooking with and one for drinking!

To find out where you can buy Eisberg wines visit https://eisberg.co.uk/stockists/

On Amazon 6 bottles of Eisberg Sauvignon Blanc will cost £41.73, plus delivery. 6 bottles of Sparkling Rose will cost  £21.87.

The That's Food and Drink Virtual Wine and Beer Festival is on the way

After the continuing success of our Virtual Tea Festival, That's Food and Drink will be running a Virtual Wine and Beer Festival.

Our friends in the industry will be helping us to source wines and beers that you might not have heard of.

We will let you know what is available, where you can buy them and how much they will cost.

If you have wines or beers that we can help you to promote (for free. We don't charge!) please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.

Tea India brings real tea from India

As part of the continuing That's Food and Drink Virtual Tea Festival we look at the offerings from Tea India.

"Tea India was established when its founder immigrated from India to the west back in 1981. He brought his own family's tea recipes and the  time-honoured traditions of chai. 

"Together with master tea blenders, who also hailed from India, he created a range of genuine and authentic tea blends inspired by their motherland. 

"From rich spiced chai to single estate regional teas to wellness blends infused with authentic Indian herbs, each blend offers something unique and indulgent.

"Tea India’s tea is sourced from some of the most established tea gardens in India, each of which sits in a unique region of the country, rich in natural beauty and culture. Single-estate teas benefit from the mix of soil and climate in their region, with the very best picked for your cup.

"Masala Chai is a traditional spiced chai taking the heat and sweetness of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and anise. Using his family recipe, Tea India’s master blender has taken these heart-warming spices and the finest quality Assam tea to create a truly authentically Indian chai experience. Inspired by aromatic Indian spices and flavours he has also created sweet cardamom chai, spicy ginger chai, warming turmeric chai, and indulgent coconut chai. Each Tea India chai honours the traditions that go along with a cup of tea: family, home, heritage, and comfort."

The above information was very kindly provided to us from Tea India, for which we are very grateful.

But what about the tastes of the teas?

I was introduced to the magical tastes of genuine chai by my wife whose family also hails from India so any teas that claim to be Indian have to pass her stern test.

We are tasting Masala Chai, Cardamom Chai and Coconut Chai.

I had not heard of Coconut Chai before and we found that it is a very tasty chai blend which tastes and smells of real coconuts. And is nicely creamy.

It's a great morning blend and really motivated me to get on with the day's work!

Cardamom Chai from Tea India has a real and genuine cardamom taste to it, which is aromatic and heart-warming. Ideal for a cold British winter!

Masala Chai from Tea India is certainly my favourite blend of tea from Tea India. Might this be because this was the blend of chai that my wife introduced me to? Possibly!

It's aromatic, warming and delightfully spiced and herbal.

What is available?

Tea India Masala Chai: A rich, warming blend of black tea, cinnamon, cloves and anise for a distinctive 'real' Chai experience. RRP £2.89 for 40 bags.

Tea India Turmeric Chai: A truly authentic Turmeric Chai using our Master blender’s family recipe of natural spices and Assam tea. RRP £2.89

Tea India Coconut Chai: A creamy blend of black tea, coconut and spices for a delicious cup of chai.

RRP £2.89

Tea India Ginger Chai: A warming blend of black tea with spicy ginger for a heart-warming cup of chai.

RRP £2.89

Tea India Assam Tea: This strong and malty single estate Assam tea hails from the Margherita tea gardens on the low-lying plains of the Brahmaputra River delta in northeastern India. Full-bodied in taste and rich in colour, this tea will take you to the temples and silk bazaars and peaceful river islands of Assam.

RRP £3.29

Tea India Darjeeling Tea: This deliciously citrusy and delicate, our Darjeeling tea is grown on the foothills of the Himalayas, sourced from the Badamtam tea garden. Savour this cuppa and let it take you on a journey to the Darjeeling hillscape.

RRP £3.29

Tea India Kashmiri Kahwa Tea: Kahwa, or sweetened green tea blended with herbs and spices, is the traditional tea from the Kashmir region. It will transport you to crystal-clear northern lakes, the beautiful city of Srinagar with its houseboats and gondolas, relaxing gardens, and bustling bazaars.

RRP £3.29

Tea India Nilgiri Tea: This deliciously dark and aromatic single estate Nilgiri tea hails from the Craigmore estate. Whilst you enjoy your cuppa, imagine a journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Train, boating down the backwaters to Kerala, sampling rich South Indian cuisine, and visiting cherished temples and old palaces. 

RRP £3.29

Available from: www.teaindia.co.uk, and other retailers.

Journey's End Vineyards Launches Sustainable Spekboom Sauvignon Blanc

The award-winning Journey's End Vineyards, which is based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, is pleased  to announce the launch of its Spekboom Sauvignon Blanc 2021. 

This fresh and crispy, white wine is so named in honour the vineyard's latest green project, the planting of a spekboom thicket on the farm.

It will retail at £10 per bottle and should already be available at Sainsbury's supermarkets.

Since the Gabb family founded Journey's End in 1996 by the Gabb family, it has always beenat the forefront of ecological, sustainable and ethically wine production. 

It makes gorgeous wines for all occasions. And Spekboom Sauvignon Blanc is no exception to this rule. 

Made using 100% sustainably sourced Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the vine's location also influences the flavour profile of the wine. Typical of coastal wine growing regions, the vineyards benefit from the cleansing and cooling winds which help the grapes retain their fresh, clean and elegant fruit flavours.

Winemaker, Leon Esterhuizen, said: "The first thing you notice will be the intense aroma of the wine; winter melon, green apple and a lovely subtle citrus, there are also some herbal and green fig notes in the background. These flavours follow on the palate and are supported by a vibrant, fresh acidity and an elegant mouthfeel."

The wine's namesake, spekboom (Portulacaria afra and also known as 'Elephant Bush'), is a succulent native to South Africa, widely considered to be a 'wonder plant' due to its impressive abilities to absorb carbon dioxide relative to its low water consumption. One hectare of mature spekboom thicket can remove up to 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, about 7.5 times more than mature woodland.

Because natural seedlings are somewhat rare, restoration of thickets requires active replanting. As part of Journey's End Vineyard's continued promise to reduce overall carbon emissions, the company has planted over 6,000 spekboom in open areas of the farm since September 2021.

This green initiative contributed to the vineyard becoming carbon negative, as well as being recognised in The Drinks Business Green Awards 2021 as the winner of both the Ethical Company award and Water Management award. This was the second year running that Journey's End was named Ethical Company, after receiving the award at The Drinks Business Green Awards 2020, too.

Managing Director, Rollo Gabb, adds, "We're really pleased to be launching our Spekboom Sauvignon Blanc with Sainsbury's. As ever, our commitment to creating more sustainable projects on the farm continues – and we felt that the recent planting of 6,000 remarkable spekboom plants warranted a wine named in its honour. We hope you enjoy it!'

Wine Buyer for Sainsbury's, Georgina Haughton, says "We're thrilled to be introducing Spekboom into our range, offering our customers the opportunity to explore a unique South African Sauvignon Blanc, and one with great sustainability credentials. This Sauvignon Blanc from renowned Journey's End bolsters our already strong range from South Africa. Perfect as we near Spring, we're sure this new white is going to be a hit."

Honey Heaven Teas

Continuing with the That's Food and Drink virtual tea festival we take a look at the teas from Honey Heaven.

The herbs and spices used in the tea blends are all grown in Hungary (except for one, which I'll tell you about later) and guaranteed to be 100% organic and are made to a natural naturopath approved formulation.

We start with Refresh tea blend.

This blend contains peppermint, rosehip, hibiscus and lavender.

It is easy to make and also easy to drink. one or two teaspoons of tea, pour 250ml of water (that's about 8.8 fluid ounces) that should be 90 to 100c in temperature.

You should steep it for 10 minutes and then strain it and it is ready be drunk. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar, or drink it unsweetened. It's delicious either way, there's a good blend of flavours combing the peppermint, though the hibiscus rosehip and lavender also make themselves known.

It is designed as a tea to refresh the mind and calm the spirit and does this very well indeed.A particular favourite of my wife and myself is the Honey Heaven Oolong Detox.

It is a combination of oolong tea, ginger, cinnamon and gingko biloba.

You can definitely taste the oolong tea, but the ginger and the cinnamon spices really do give this particular blend of tea some spicy, warming oomph!  And the recommended three cups a day will help you to detox but in a natural way.

Preparations for this tea are exactly the same as for the Refresh blend. 

Now we look at the Honey Heaven Morning Time tea blend.

If you want a drink of tea to set you up for the day which doesn't contain a nerve shattering jolt of caffeine, then Morning Time tea blend is going to be your cup of tea. And quite literally, too.

It's ingredients are rosehip, hibiscus and calendula which combine together to deliver a cup of tea that is refreshing but with a fruity undertone to it, which makes for an extremely refreshing cup of tea.

Something that is a little different in the range is the Energise CBD Herbal Mate Tea. 

It contains Mate tea, orange peel, lemon peel, elderflower, rosemary and rose petal. Plus there is organic hemp which is harvested in Ireland.

Having drunk it it reminds me of an advert for a stout that was widely seen as a rival to Guinness. An older chap would say: "It looks good, it tastes good and by golly it does you good!" And that's pretty much my view of the Energise CBD Herbal Mate Tea. Obviously my judgement isn't scientific, but I know how it tastes and how I felt it made me feel better.

The instructions for preparing this tea are a little different to the other tea blends in the range. one to two teaspoons of the tea, but the water needs ideally to be a little bit cooler, between 70 to 80c. However, the steeping time and the amount of water used is about the same.

Obviously if you are making a cup for two or more people just double or triple the amount of tea and water that you use.

Other blends of tea are available and they also sell CBD oils, meads, honeys, Organic Hungarian Acacia Honeycomb, skincare products, etc.

To learn more please visit them at www.honeyheaven.co.uk

A Little Cup Tea Company

As part of our virtual tea festival, That's Food and Drink would like to introduce our readers to the teas that are supplied by the A Little Cup Tea Company.

The first tea we tried from their range was their Lemon Grey. It is a classical tea, Earl Grey, but with an extra special twist.

As well as the more usual natural Bergamot flavouring this blend contains Sri Lankan Black Tea, Rose Petals, Lemon Thyme and Rosemary.

The water temperature should be at boiling point and the recommended brewing time is three minutes.

Although this blend is suitable for drinking with or without milk I, a confirmed milk in my cup of tea person, really enjoyed it without milk. Which surprised both myself and my wife!

It delivers a delightfully refreshing cup of tea with a floral hint from the rose petals and a herbal undertone from the rosemary, with a zippy hint of lemon from the lemon thyme. However confirmed Earl Grey aficionados will appreciate the underpinning of the bergamot. 

You'll also be pleased to know that the tea bag, the pouches and the clear bags are entirely free of plastic and completely biodegradable. 

The next tea we tried in their range is the jauntily named Easy Feeler. A jaunty name but a tea that is clearly designed to help you relax.

It's described as a Sleep Tea Blend and believe us, it does work! The ingredients of this tea are Chamomile, Linden Blossom (which is from Lime trees), Cardamom, Apple Pieces, Rosehip, Hibiscus, Rose Petals, Orange Peel, Lavender and Natural Flavouring.

Brewing instruction are as for their Lemon Grey Tea, but they do specify no milk when you serve it.

The taste is a nifty blend of essences of floral and fruity flavours with a hint of lavender peeping through. 

Does it help relax you? Yes, it does. And you'll note that there is naturally no caffeine in this recipe. 

On the other hand, what if you need a bit of a boost for your day, a pick-me-up? Then there Yes Mate! energising blend of tea will really fit the bill.

It contains Ginger, Yerba Mate Tea, Apple Pieces, Rosehip, Lemongrass, Liquorice, Lemon Peel, Mallow Flowers, Orange Peel and Natural Flavouring.

Every one of the individual ingredients plays together very well and provides a delightfully fruity ensemble tea that really does give you a nifty boost whenever you need it.

Another caffeine free tea from their range is their Coco Chilli Mint. They describe it as a Warming Tea Blend, which it certainly is.

It contains Rooibos Tea, Peppermint, Coco Shells, Black Peppercorns, Red Peppercorns and just enough Chilli to give it an interesting kick. Plus some Natural Flavouring, too. 

In all it is a cornucopia of flavours, you can taste the rooibos, the peppermint, the chocolate, the peppercorns and the hint of chilli is making my tongue sing!

Other blends are available, plus check them out for special offerings, etc.

Who is behind A Little Cup? Meet George, who is not only an artist, but is also an expert and very creative tea blender.

George tells the story of how he started blending his own teas whilst he was an art student at university and providing them to other people. 

He reveals that he was troubled by loneliness at that time, but found that inviting people round for a cuppa was a great way of combating loneliness by meeting new people over a drink of tea.

George is a passionate believer in the efficacy of tea in bringing people together by the medium of tea.

George is also organising workshops that bring together tea blending and art. You can check out amazing examples of artwork inspired by tea on his website.

To learn more about ordering the tea please visit www.alittlecup.com.  

Would you like to be featured on That's Food and Drink? It's easy!

Would you like to be featured on That's Food and Drink? It's easy!

If you produce or retail food and drink you need publicity. But you need the right kind of publicity.

Rather than shouting loudly, just quietly tell select people who will be interested in what you have to offer.

Readers of That's Food and Drink visit us because they want to learn about what food and drinks are available and they want new recipes to try out for themselves or with their family members and friends.

They also want to know about food supplements, too.

If you contact us, we'll be able to provide you with your own unique post on That's Food and Drink. Sometimes as part of a special feature or as an individual stand alone post. Whichever you prefer.

We don't charge for our services but if you can send us samples, these are always very gratefully received. 

To learn more please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.

Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl

With Bioglan Superfoods you can give the one you love a Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl

And not only is it a tasty treat that they'll really appreciate, it has the added benefit of being chock full of tasty Superfoods, too!

One of Australia's greatest exports (in my opinion!) Bioglan Superfoods have been working very hard hard, harvesting the world's top quality ingredients, to make better tasting healthy products to ensure everyone can get the necessary vitamins, minerals and superfoods into their diets.

Bioglan Superfoods have also developed some tasty recipes that are quick and easy to make, all with added superfoods to give you an extra health benefit.

Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl. With Superberries

What could be better than presenting your Love with A porridge bowl filled with love and all good things? 

This Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl with Superberries was made by one of Bioglan Superfoods ambassadors, SpamellaB. It's a gorgeously pretty pink porridge with a fantastic topping of crunchy granola, berries, jam, and little white chocolate hearts.

Serves 1

10 Minutes

Ingredients

• 50g oats

• 3 tsp Bioglan Superfoods Superberries 

• 300ml milk of choice

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Top with

• Frozen berries

• Reduced sugar jam

• White chocolate hearts

• Granola

Method

1. Cook the oats in a pan with the milk for 5 minutes until thickened, then remove from the heat and stir in the berries powder and maple syrup.

2. Spoon out into a bowl then add your toppings. Enjoy!

You can find a whole host of other recipe ideas at  https://bioglansuperfoods.co.uk/.

Range available at Holland & Barrett, Amazon, Boots and Ocado.

RRP Superfood Powders: £9.99 for 70g Superberries, Green Boost, Supergreens or the Cacao Boost. £12.99 for 100g Super Protein or Beauty Protein. £12.99 for 70g Digestive Boost.

RRP for the Superfood capsules: £14.99- £16.99 for 60 capsules.

That's Food and Drink would liker to thank Bioglan for asking us to share this recipe with our readers.

We'd also like to thank SpamellaB for creating this recipe and for allowing us to use their image to illustrate this blog post.