British beverage company Woodstar has launched a low-alcohol drink made from berries harvested in Brazil and blended in the Cognac region of France.
Although Woodstar looks like a wine, it’s not made from grapes and is actually a blend of Amazonian Acai berry, French blackcurrants, other berries, orange blossom honey, botanicals and cocoa.
It is aimed at adults who are looking to limit their alcohol consumption but who don’t want to miss out on the enjoyment of socialising with friends.
With 1% alcohol, the beverage is produced by a fourth-generation cognac maker using natural spring water found in the heart of Cognac.
The company’s consumer research showed many people are looking to limit their intake of alcohol but find the alternatives unsatisfactory because they are too dull or too sweet.
The research shows that even if not drinking, they want their drinking occasion to feel special and they want a drink that blends in when everyone else is drinking.
Woodstar claimed there is some evidence that people who are drinking wine feel more relaxed if everyone else in the group appears to be too.
Woodstar is named after a tiny hummingbird called the Amethyst Woodstar which lives in the Amazon rainforest where the Acai berries grow.
Initially the product is targeted at restaurants, specialist retailers and online. It is a joint venture between Andrew Baker, Simon Baldry and Gilles Merlet.
Said Baldry: “Woodstar is very much a drink for people who love socialising and enjoying every moment without having to rely on alcohol to impress.
“Woodstar has character on the nose, lightness in the mouth and a dry finish that suits a sophisticated palate, it actually has more complexity than the average table wine.
“At 1% proof there is no other drink on the market quite like it. Woodstar is all about freedom and choice. It is for people who want to get a lot more out of their day without being impaired, enjoying the company of people who may be drinking alcohol without any sense of being left out or on the outside. It is also a great beverage for anyone who is considering their overall wellness regime.
Merlet added: “We go to great lengths to craft such a distinctive drink, with just a hint of alcohol. The process takes a minimum of 12 weeks in our family distillery near Cognac, releasing all of its natural colour and flavour.”
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