ØKAR Island Bitter and ØKAR Coffee Mocha Liqueurs are available now to the UK drinks trade for the very first time from Irlam-based purpose-led drinks firm, Ten Locks. Crafted on the land of the Peramangk people, who are the traditional owners of the Adelaide Hills, the liqueurs encapsulate the unique native botanicals and culture of Australia.
The two liquids will be the third and fourth products to join Ten Locks’ portfolio from Applewood Distillery, joining Applewood Coral and Applewood Gin, which have already proved a hit in the UK, having secured listings with Daisy Green Group and New World Trading’s The Botanist Fascia.
Both brands, produced by the leading distiller, form a growing collection of sustainable Australian drinks that exhibit a true passion for creating craft liquids that capture the unique heritage and natural resources of the country.
ØKAR Island Bitter uses some of the rarest and ancient ingredients on earth, all native to the coastal rainforests of Australia, to create a juicy, vibrant and bitter taste. Described as ‘bitter in the back and a party in the front’, it’s an Australian twist on traditional Italian Amari, and presents the opportunity to create next level Negronis at a time when the serve is being embraced by consumers on premise and at home.
ØKAR Mocha is the first truly Australian coffee liqueur. It oozes Australia’s café culture by blending an eclectic mix of Mexican, Brazilian and Papuan coffees with native Wattleseed, Cacao, Coconut and Davidson Plum. The outcome is a beautifully crafted liqueur that shakes up an Espresso Martini or can be enjoyed neat over ice.
ØKAR leads with integrity and has been awarded B-Corp status as a result. Its motto – “Here for a good time & a long time” – aligns perfectly with Ten Locks’ drive to strive forward focused on enacting positive change in the industry. ØKAR uses native Australian ingredients to create demand for plants that grow in the country’s harsh climates, works with local independent farmers to give back to the community, reduces logistic emissions and has invested in solar energy to offset its carbon footprint.
Becky Davies, Head of Commercial at Ten Locks, stated: “Set to be a trailblazer in vermouth’s renaissance because of its taste and innovation credentials, plus its commitment to work in harmony with the environment, ØKAR is a perfect fit for conscious consumers that want to discover vibrant new spirit brands. Its authentic nature and clear conscience play perfectly into the growing wave of bars and venues working to create more eco-friendly drinks menus, whilst also offering premium retailers a premium craft vermouth to draw consumers in.
“ØKAR is infectiously fun, from its innovative, fresh and modern branding to its bold flavour profiles that give classic cocktails a distinctive twist. Coupled with its drive to create beautiful spirits in a way that benefits everyone, it’s a natural fit for the Ten Locks portfolio – we’re excited to be part of the driving force behind its launch in the UK.”
Laura Carter, Managing Director at ØKAR, added: “We’re proud of the sunburnt country ØKAR calls home, which is why we’re on a mission to craft fantastic drinks that reflect Australia’s awesome continent and culture. UK consumers are on the hunt for brands that are authentic, and ØKAR is the perfect solution. As a sustainable Australian spirit that works to improve agriculture standards, reduce energy usage and waste whilst also supporting the local community, it lends itself perfectly to decision makers seeking more eco-friendly – yet still playful – brands to stock. In Ten Locks we have a found a partner who shares our culture for doing things the right way.”
ØKAR Island Bitter (24% Abv – 700ml) and Coffee Mocha (20% Abv – 700ml) are available to the UK on trade and specialist retailers now via Ten Locks, with gift pack options also available in the lead up to Christmas.
ØKAR joins premium drinks brands Savoia, EasyMixt, Sollasa, Ace + Freak, Cambusier, Bourgoin Cognac, Salford Rum, Mary White Vodka, Nusa Caña Rum, Applewood Gin, Diablesse Rum, Banhez Mezcal, El Tequileño, Langley’s Gin, Redwood Empire and West Cork Irish Whiskey in Ten Locks’ progressive portfolio of drinks brands with a difference.
