Trio launch CASK Liquid Marketing

Three drinks industry moguls have teamed up to launch CASK Liquid Marketing, dealing with PR, brand development and consultancy for a portfolio of specially-selected premium spirits.

Stuart Elkins, formerly sales and marketing director at Inspirit Brands, has joined forces with distillery, brewery and nightclub owner Rolf Munding and ex-Inspirit Brands UK sales manager Richard Herbert to launch the venture, which promises to work closely with brand owners to further develop and maximise the potential of their brands in the UK.

Their goal is to not only build existing brands, but also develop a CASK-owned range of spirits to include a small batch London gin and vodka.

The CASK portfolio comprises: Ocho Tequilas (Mexico); Elements 8 rums (St Lucia); Vestal vodkas (Poland); Merlet liqueurs & cognacs (France); Kigo Shochu (Japan); The Bohemian Brewery (Czech); The West Country Brewery (UK); The Wooden Hand Brewery (UK).

The first venture for CASK is a nationwide Road Show, taking place this summer, where brand owners and ambassadors are confirmed to host masterclasses and invite bartenders to compete in regional cocktail competitions. Cities to be visited include Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Brighton and London where a two-day series of masterclasses, cocktail demonstrations and competitions will take place.

A CASK statement said: “The full brand portfolio will be incorporated in the Road Show ensuring maximum impact and introducing the UK bartenders to CASK’s brands in a local and informative setting.

“Too often regional areas in the UK get overlooked by brands, CASK are aiming to interact with as many bartenders as possible during the shows.”

Tomas Estes, European ambassador for Tequila and creator of Ocho Tequila, Tony Conigliaro, Andreas Redlefsen of Elements 8 Rum and Andres Masso are some of the experts confirmed to take part.

The CASK website, Facebook site and Twitter went live on 14 June to tie in with the launch event.