Hendrick’s introduces absinthe in the UK

William Grant & Sons’ gin brand Hendrick’s has expanded its portfolio with the launch of absinthe in the UK.

Hendrick’s global brand ambassador Ally Martin said by launching absinthe, the company aims to make it more approachable.

Martin was quoted by Drinks International as saying: “We want it to be used by the most creative bartenders in the best bars around the world. We’ve kept the liquid clear and used a moderate 48% abv to rid the modern perception of absinthe, which has barely evolved in recent years.”

Created by Hendrick’s master distiller Lesley Gracie, the absinthe will be a limited edition variant with only 4,000 bottles, which will be distributed to select bars in the UK initially.

Produced at Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, Scotland, the new drink has been distilled with wormwood, star anise, neroli oil, juniper, yarrow, elderflower, orange distillate, rose and cucumber.

Absinthe is a botanically flavoured spirit and features a different palette of botanicals.

Gracie said: “I’ve added the rose and cucumber we put into Hendrick’s gin, the rose adds a floral element and the cucumber a fresh dimension, which you don’t necessarily expect from absinthe.”

Hendrick’s Absinthe will be available in two different variants, including Absinthe & Tonic and Absinthe & Ginger Ale. They will be retailed for an RRP of £40.

Last October, William Grant & Sons opened a new distillery in Scotland with an investment of £13m in order to meet the demand for its Hendrick’s Gin.