M&S debuts ‘affordable’ spirits range

Marks & Spencer has launched its Distilled spirits range to make drinking at home 'more affordable’.

The 10-bottle collection was described as the biggest shake-up to the UK retailer’s spirits range in recent years, and includes vodka, gin, rum, brandy, whisky and Tequila. Jenny Rea, lead product developer for spirits at Marks & Spencer (M&S), said: “We know many of our customers discovered their inner mixologist over the past two years while bars and pubs were closed, and so like to keep their drinks cabinets well stocked with the essentials. “Our new Distilled range is all about helping them to find the best versions of their favourite spirits at a great price, so they can continue to enjoy the classics while also experimenting with new cocktail creations." All three vodkas in the range are distilled five times and charcoal-filtered for purity, while the three gins are triple-distilled and made with M&S’s 'exclusive' blend of seven botanicals. All are made with British grains and have been distilled in Oldbury, England. The blended Scotch whisky and XO brandy have both been given further ageing time – eight and five years, respectively. The whisky offers a smooth, honeyed and rounded taste, while the brandy boasts rich and fruity notes of vanilla. The spiced rum expression is a Caribbean rum blend from Guyana, and has notes of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. All are made without any artificial colourings or flavourings. The range also includes M&S’s first own-label Tequila. The peppery silver-grade Tequila is made from Blue Weber agave and is produced in collaboration with a family-run distillery in Guadalajara, Mexico. All but the blended Scotch, which rests at 42% ABV, have been bottled at 40% ABV. The bespoke 700ml bottles for all 10 spirits are made from 100% British glass. The bottle tops each feature an individually coloured seal. Each spirit is priced at RRP £18 (US$20.83). The collection will be available to purchase from M&S stores and online from 8 September. M&S currently stocks branded spirits including Dangerous Don mezcal, Carthy & Black cream liqueurs, and Irish whiskies from the Walsh Whiskey Distillery.