No more sipping: Time to swallow your Scotch! | 09-10-2019 |

Pernod Ricard has unveiled a range of "glassless" cocktails that use edible packaging, partly developed by Suntory Group's UK soft drinks unit. The cocktail capsules have been created for the company’s The Glenlivet Scotch whisky brand.

The ‘Capsule Collection’ redefine the way whisky is traditionally enjoyed, it says. Launched during London Cocktail Week in partnership with cocktail master Alex Kratena, the limited-edition capsules  feature whisky cocktails served in a seaweed-extract casing, one of nature’s most renewable resources. The edible capsules are 23ml in size, fully biodegradable and provide the perfect flavour-explosion experience, according to The Glenlivet. 

To enjoy them, the capsules are popped in the mouth for an instant burst of flavour, and then it is simply swallowed. There is no need for a glass, ice or cocktail stirrer.

The Glenlivet partnered with Tayēr + Elementary, a leading bar in London. Co-owners, Alex Kratena and Monica Berg, created three original cocktails for the capsules, which are inspired by the elements and flavours of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve: Citrus, Wood and Spice.

“When we saw the Collection for the first time we knew we wanted to be involved with the launch - the cocktail capsules are unique and push the boundaries of how drinks can be served. This is something we always look to do at Tayēr.” said award winning Alex Kratena.

The Glenlivet is the first spirits brand in the world to team up with capsule designers Notpla, a sustainable packaging start-up, to create this original consumption experience. The seaweed used grows at a speed of around 1m per day and actively contributes to de-acidifying our oceans. If discarded, the capsules biodegrade in 4-6 weeks.

Notpla also makes edible packaging for Lucozade Ribena Suntory, which has tested the format through its Lucozade Sport brand. More than 30,000 Lucozade capsules were handed out to runners at this year's London Marathon. “At Notpla we want to create original solutions for how to serve and consume drinks, and The Glenlivet is looking to do just the same” added Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, co-founder and Co-CEO of Notpla.

The ‘Capsule Collection’ embodies The Glenlivet’s new global campaign – Original By Tradition. Miriam Eceolaza, director of The Glenlivet, explained, “As a brand that celebrates originality, we are always looking to break the conventions that have determined how single malt Scotch has historically been enjoyed. The Glenlivet Capsule Collection does exactly that, and we’re excited to see how people react when they try our glassless cocktails”

The Glenlivet Capsule Collection was available at Tayēr + Elementary and served as an amuse-bouche on arrival throughout the London Cocktail Week in early October.

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