The spirits industry’s best (and worst) April Fool’s jokes
The Spirits Business editorial team was on high alert all morning in a bid to make sure we didn’t fall victim to any of these April Fool’s Day pranks.
Now that midday has passed, we’ve reviewed all of the ‘too weird to be true’ news stories that have crossed our desks this morning… would you have fallen for any of these pranks?
Master of Malt’s Dalry Milk whisky
The team at Master of Malt have done something quite peculiar this April Fool’s Day, and they’ve gone and created a product that you can actually buy.
Using the branding of Dairy Milk chocolate, they’ve created a 16-year-old single grain Scotch whisky called Dalry Milk, created by the North British distillery in the Gorgie & Dalry area west of Edinburgh. In a post on Instagram, Master of Malt explains: “It’s a 2:1 ratio of oloroso and palo cortado cask matured single-grain, finished off with a chunky square of nostalgia and a scent that takes you back, like a reminder of an old chocolate bar wrapper from days gone by.”
Click through to the website and there it is. Available to purchase for £39.95. The tasting notes make it sound pretty spectacular; we’d be lying if we said we weren’t tempted to buy a bottle… but will the joke be on us come delivery day?
Jagermeister Fragrance No56 diffuser
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For those who like their home to smell like the aftermath of a house party that has seen a few too many shots spilled on the carpet, Jagermeister’s submission for this year’s prank is a diffuser that emits the smell of the 56 herbs and spices that go into making the herbal liqueur. “Bring the bar smell home,” it says. No thank you.
Bols Cocktails’ Margarita toothpaste
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We’ve (not) been saying it for years: If only there was a way to pre-game while you brush your teeth! Bols Cocktails have answered the prayers of literally no-one with a Margarita toothpaste, infused with the taste of Bols Blue 1575.
Now, we appreciate the want to avoid delay when it comes to enjoying a Margarita, but a line probably needs to be drawn somewhere, and we draw it at dental hygiene.
Forza Wine Frittini Martini
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This prank from south London bar Forza Wine may have back-fired, as the comment section on the Instagram post is now filled with drinkers saying they’d happily order the ‘for April only’ Frittini Martini – a cocktail made with aioli fat-washed vermouth and fritti-infused vodka, garnished with a deep-fried frittini rosette.
“I would 100% order this”, says one user. “I’m not against this”, says another. Maybe we should watch this space for the real deal soon?
Duppy Air
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Unveiling its “boldest release yet”, Duppy Share rum has bottled Caribbean air for those who want to inhale a whisper of sea breeze alongside carnival energy, mischief and 100% vibes.
To be honest, this sounds like the kind of thing Gwyneth Paltrow might stock on Goop and as such, we reckon there is definitely a market for it. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to the bottles of rum.
Langleys Fish & Chip Gin
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“Made in England, made for the bold” – That is the tagline of the jovial ‘new flavour’ from Langleys Gin, which harnesses all the notes of a traditional fish supper.
With savoury flavours making gains in the spirits world, its not too much of a stretch to believe a brand would turn to one of the UK’s most treasured dinner time treats for new flavour inspiration, though we’d put money of the fact that no-one has ever wished their G&T had more fishy notes…
The Cocktail Club’s Prawn Cocktail
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“Have we completely lost the plot?” asks party bar chain The Cocktail Club. Yes, yes you have. This is unhinged.
Starting with a double shot of pink gin, a good squeeze of mayonnaise, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a spoonful of sweet chilli sauce and two healthy spoonful’s of prawn cocktail mix all added to a shaker alongside a sprinkling of paprika. This concoction is then shaken over ice and double strained into a coupe before being garnished with a lettuce leaf and a few extra prawns to create The Cocktail Club’s perfectly pink April Fool’s Prawn Cocktail.
Absolut Salt
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Pernod Ricard’s Absolut Vodka brand is known for its flavour innovations, but we’re glad this idea has only seen the light of day as a prank.
Harnessing the flavours of the ocean, Absolut Salt is described as “a spirit crafted by the sea” that bring “the depths of the ocean to your glass”. A great one for fans of swimming with a broken snorkel.
Served Pickle-rita
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Pickles are all the rage these days, so there is the smallest chance that this new release from Ellie Goulding’s ready-to-drink brand might be the real deal… but is this actually a step too far?
“You asked for bold and unexpected flavours, so we delivered,” the brand says. “Pickle-rita, a tangy twist on our classic Marg! Made with real pickle brine for that punchy tang, fresh lime juice for balance, Founders Reserve premium Tequila for a smooth finish”.
The Dead Rabbit – The Rabbit Hole
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We love a secret, hidden bar, and we were initially excited to see that New York’s The Dead Rabbit was planning to open one… until we read the details of ‘The Rabbit Hole’.
“The Rabbit Hole will be the only place in Ireland where you can order cocktails from an exclusive menu, created by the team behind The Dead Rabbit – named the World’s Best Bar. Access is by password only. Guests will need to burrow beneath ground to access the space. The room seats no more than six people. Free carrot with every cocktail ordered. Launch date to be revealed in the coming weeks.”
Some things are too good to be true.
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