‘World’s first’ premium alcoholic ice tea launches

Harry Brompton’s London Ice Tea – billed as the “world’s only premium alcoholic ice tea” – has launched in Waitrose.

Harry Brompton’s – the “world’s first alcoholic ice tea” – has launched in Waitrose

A blend of Kenyan black tea, grain spirit and citrus, Harry Brompton’s is described as having a “clean and effervescent” flavour with notes of apple, raisin and toffee on the nose.

Created by former oil broker Ian O’Donohue, the family-run brand is also attempting to appeal to the mixology market with an array of cocktail serving suggestions, such as the Brompton Mule and Brojito.

“I wanted to make an ice tea that British people can be proud of, one that really tastes like tea,” said O’Donohue.

“The character of tea is similar to the grapes in wine, the flavours are influenced by the elevation of the garden, soil quality, the weather and of course, the quality of the picking.”

Lightly sparkling and bottled at 4% abv, Harry Brompton’s is now available in 56 Waitrose shops across the UK at an RRP of £1.90 per 275ml bottle.

Kate Prall, Waitrose drinks buyer, said: “As a supermarket, we are always looking for innovative small companies who have a real passion for their product. Harry Brompton’s is unique because it’s a British twist on a classic drink, which we predict will be huge in 2014.”

The RTD category has been forecast to push growth in the drinks industry over the coming year, with groups such as Suntory already announcing substantial growth in the RTD segment.