Publicity of oxygen
Do you want to know the latest drink trend? Oxygen. A press release appeared in my inbox recently announcing the arrival of Vodka O2 - it's true; the world's first sparkling vodka has hit our shelves. Created and distributed by International English Distillers (020 7431 9320), it took 18 months to perfect a process that many thought impossible. Why? Taste, apparently.
Says creator Phillip Maitland: "The oxygen bubbles create an exceptionally smooth-tasting vodka, and they stimulate the taste-buds, accentuating the flavour of foods served with or alongside." So it's nothing to do with the idea that the alcohol might be delivered into the bloodstream more quickly? "It doesn't make it any faster going into the bloodstream," declares Maitland, "though I would say that it gives you a definite lift - and it adds a new twist to the martini."
And he won't tell you exactly how it's made - that's protected with a patent to ensure its secrecy. How fizzy is it? Think Hildon Gently Sparkling rather than Perrier's brash bubbles.
The drinks manufacturer has also developed a range of "tapastinis" to back up its taste-bud claim - a rather scary combination of tapas and martini, including flavours such as caviar and oyster, Jelly Bellys and chocolate. It's currently being distributed by national bar chain Revolution but will roll out nationally throughout the year, and costs £21 (retail) for a 700ml bottle.
Oxygen is, unsurprisingly, also the key ingredient in Oxygizer, a mineral water that contains 35 times more oxygen than regular mineral or tap water. It's claimed by its Austrian creator to boost the immune system, eliminate toxins and make cardiovascular activity easier, as the heart needs to work less to provide oxygen to pump round the body.
It's also rather dandy with whisky, according to UK distributor Nick Coffer at HipEau (020 7359 5035). "Mixologists are telling me that because it's so light and soft, it works well with whisky," he says. Bars and the odd hotel, such as those in the Berkeley Group, have been quick to snap it up. "The water is not from a magic source or anything, though it is a certified mineral water," says Coffer. "Medical-grade oxygen is added by a process called implosion - though its inventors won't tell me how, exactly."
"If you drink it on a regular basis, you can train for longer - skiers love it," Coffer declares. London's Evening Standard rather liked it, too. In a recent water taste test, it was voted second after Ashe Park.
But does it deliver alcohol more quickly into the bloodstream? "You've hit the crunch question, and I don't have an honest answer for you," says Coffer. "All the anecdotal evidence to date suggests that it does, but we're keen not to hype this, or that it's a fountain-of-youth thing."
What does it taste like? It has a curious, creamy softness. Cost? The Beer Seller (www.beerseller.co.uk) has it for £9 for a case of 12 x 50cl bottles. n
Shorts
Achieving closure
Pub chain Wizard Inns is running a consumer trial to test the reaction to Stelvin screwcap closures among its customers in a head-to-head with cork closures, using Caliterra wines from Chile. The trial will take place over three months in 60 of its pubs and bars to see whether its customers prefer their Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (available through Hatch Mansfield on 01344 871800) under screwcap or cork.
Once the trial is completed, it will then decide whether to make the switch to screwcap. Says commercial director Ed Heaver: "I am 100% behind Stelvin, as it ensures that every customer gets a crisp, fresh glass of wine every time. However, it is important that we listen to our customers and, no matter how good the technology, if it isn't right for our customers, we won't buy it."
Old Spain
This week only, London tapas bar Rebato's celebrates its 20th anniversary with 20-year-old prices - which include the wines. Torres dominates, and Vi¤a Sol and Sangre de Toro are being offered at £4.95 a bottle.
Unlimited Champagne
London's Swiss"tel The Howard is offering unlimited Champagne with its new afternoon tea. Served between 2.30pm and 5.30pm in the lobby of the London hotel, it costs £29 per person and includes the usual line-up of goodies. The Champagne is Jacquart.
Vodka class
New Zealand vodka brand 42 Below is to hold a "vodka-ology" event at New Zealand House in London on 6, 7 and 8 April, 2-4pm and 6-8pm each day. For details call Louis de Rohan on 020 7292 9932.
New France online
The French Wines Campaign has a new website providing "comprehensive information of French wines in an accessible, user-friendly way". The site, www.wines-france.com, offers a choice of four languages, and is part of a drive to widen the appeal of French wines.
