Top 10 football spirits for the World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2014 is finally here, and in celebration of the beautiful game, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 football spirits to get you into the football spirit!
Celebrate the start of the FIFA World Cup with one of these top 10 football spiritsA plethora of industries – from mobile phones to cosmetics – will be attempting to maximise global exposure during the World Cup, and the story is no less true for spirits.
Whether by launching a new golden football bottle design, or announcing a sponsorship with a world-famous team, spirits brands have found savvy ways of increasing their association with football.
Some of the bottlings included in this list have a slightly more subtle association, but are fitting, nevertheless, to get football fans in the party mood.
Click through the following pages to see our pick of the top 10 football spirits for the World Cup.
If you’ll be celebrating with a football-themed spirit which has passed us by, let us know by leaving a comment below.
Ardbeg Auriverdes
Translated in Gaelic as gold-green, this expression from Ardbeg was born to commemorate two events – Ardbeg Day (31 May) and the World Cup. Taking inspiration from the team colours worn by host country Brazil, Ardbeg Auriverdes comes in two limited edition bottles: an original Ardbegian dark-green colour, and a bright, shiny gold bottle sure to attract magpies, or anyone keen to hold it lofty above their head and make believe they have in fact won the 2014 World Cup all on their own. Because that’s possible.
Pitù
To really get into the Brazilian spirit, look no further than leading cachaca brand Pitù, which unveiled a colourful new bottle design celebrating its Latin American roots early this year in the run-up to the World Cup. The design is dedicated to Brazil and the World Cup, featuring luch green colours, bongos, musical notes and, of course, footballs. The brand are also promoting a signature Caipirinah serve, called the Pitùrinha,
Aperol
If you’re supporting England this World Cup, then Aperol might be the drink for you – especially if you support Manchester United. The Italian liqueur brand owned by Gruppo Campari announced a three-year sponsorship deal with the football club – thought to be the “most supported club in the world” – back in January this year. Aperol branding will appear on the Old Trafford digital advertising boards during Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One home matches.
Mickey Finn Apple Whiskey Liqueur
In 2012 Babco International released its Mickey Finn Apple Whiskey Liqueur in a commemorative golden football boot. Coveted by footie fans everywhere, the boot was released as part of a £2.5m marketing campaign to celebrate Euro 2012. Two years on and some of the boots are still doing the rounds.
Cachaca 51
Another cachaca brand which has released a new bottle design in an attempt to capitalise on the global focus on Brazil is Cachaca 51. Cia Muller de Bebidas has unveiled a redesign of its Cachaça 51 bottle, which is said to communicate “core brand values” of joy, versatility, diversity, personality and innovation. With 30% of the Brazilian cachaca market, the brand is sure to attract travelling football tourists keen to sample of the Brazilian life.
El Jimador Tequila
Brown-Forman recently unveiled new football-themed packaging for its El Jimador Tequila brand in the run-up to the World Cup. The launch, which coincides with its sponsorships of the US National Soccer Team and the Mexican National Soccer Team’s US Tour, is part of the brand’s new “Take Home the Spirit” campaign. To remain bipartisan, the colours of the new bottle designs reflect the colours of the U.S. and Mexican teams.
Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky
Sir Geoff Hurst (centre)So this inclusion is perhaps not an obvious “football spirit”, and Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky is in no way affiliated with the World Cup, but it’s new campaign featuring three footballing legends is sure to get people in the football spirit. The brand’s new £1 million sports-themed campaign, called Stand Together, features former England international footballer Sir Geoff Hurst, former international England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, and former Scottish footballer Archie Gemmill.
Haig Club Whisky
We’re sure Diageo would say this release has absolutely nothing to do with the World Cup, but David Beckham’s involvement with Haig Club is enough for us to categorise it as a football spirit. Due for launch this summer, the single grain Scotch whisky may not be available in time for the World Cup in every region. That hasn’t stopped scores of interested fans enquiring after “that David Beckham whisky” for the past two months.
Absolut Karnival
Embrace Brazil’s carnival spirit with the passionfruit and orange blossom-flavoured vodka from Absolut, created specifically to commemorate the South American country’s hosting of the World Cup. The bottle is adorned with artwork by Brazilian graphic artist Rafael Grampa, and even features a man wearing a giant mascot head costume.
Beefeater Spirit of London
England fans unite! Beefeater gin is not in any way affiliated with football, nor with the World Cup, but this Union Jack-adorned Beefeater Spirit of London limited edition is sure to fly off shelves this June/July as England fans embrace anything with a bit of red, white and blue on it. Please, remember this is a bottle of gin and not a flag. Don’t throw it over your shoulders while chanting John Barnes’ World in Motion rap. That would definitely not be responsible drinking.
