Speciality Brands welcomes Abelha cachaça to its portfolio

Speciality Brands welcomes Abelha cachaça to its portfolio

Speciality Brands has announced an exclusive UK partnership with Brazilian cachaça producer Abelha, strengthening its portfolio of high-quality spirits with provenance.

Posted on

05 August 2026

Award-winning drinks distributor Speciality Brands has announced an exclusive partnership with Brazilian cachaça brand Abelha as it continues to focus on offering high-quality liquids with provenance to the UK market.

The Speciality Brands team will aim to grow and build availability of the brand's two expressions, Silver and Gold, across both on- and off-trade channels.

Abelha is an artisanal, certified organic cachaça which was founded in 2008 by Anthony Goh, Herbert Rugel and Hal Stockley in partnership with Brazilian Master Distiller Marcos Vaccaro. It is produced on the Vaccaro family's organic farm in Rio de Contas, Bahia.

Abelha, meaning "bee" in Portuguese, is committed to only using natural ingredients and artisanal production methods. The cachaça is crafted from fresh sugar cane and made without added sugar or additives, reflecting a low-intervention approach that highlights the purity of the spirit.

Chris Seale, Managing Director of Speciality Brands, says: "We've built our portfolio around brands that offer authenticity, provenance and quality. Abelha delivers on all three. We're excited to introduce Abelha in our offering and build its presence further in bars and on shelves."

Abelha Cachaça Silver is rested for six months in open steel tanks, allowing natural oxidation to soften the spirit and develop its aromatic profile, resulting in fresh sugar cane and stone fruit notes with a smooth, dry finish.

Abelha Cachaça Gold is aged for three years in 250-litre Garapeira wood casks, delivering a more complex profile with honeyed aromatics, tropical fruit and spice. The use of native Brazilian wood enhances the spirit's natural sweetness and layered character, offering a distinctive aged expression within the category.

Abelha Master Distiller, Marcos Vaccaro, says: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Speciality Brands as we enter a new phase of growth in the UK. Their expertise in building premium spirits brands and their deep understanding of the on- and off-trade make them the perfect partner to help drive awareness and distribution for Abelha. We look forward to working with them to elevate the cachaça category and showcase its versatility to UK bartenders and consumers alike."

Abelha Cachaça Silver (39% ABV, 70cl, RRP £29.50)
Abelha Cachaça Gold (39% ABV, 70cl, RRP £36.50)

To discover the Abelha range and for any trade queries, please contact the Speciality Brands sales team.

More News

Nikka whisky lands Sainsbury's listing

The Japanese spirits brand is making its debut at Sainsbury's with an inaugural launch for its famed expression Nikka Whisky From The Barrel.

Nikka Miyagikyo 10 Year Old Single Malt returns to the UK

Nikka Whisky is launching Miyagikyo Single Malt 10-Year-Old in the UK via Speciality Brands, its first age-statement release from the distillery since 2016.

Four Michter's limited releases land in the UK this spring

Speciality Brands is releasing four limited Michter's editions, including the sought-after 20 Year Bourbon, Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash, 10 Year Rye and 10 Year Bourbon.

Cocchi celebrates cocktail history & Hanky Panky celebration

Italian Vermouth Cocchi has collaborated with the American Bar team at London's Savoy Hotel to pay tribute to one of the venue's legendary cocktails, The Hanky Panky.

Hampden Estate launches its oldest rum to date

Hampden Estate has added Hampden Fifteen, the Jamaican distillery's oldest expression, to its permanent core range in the UK via Speciality Brands.

Starward x Lagavulin whisky makes UK debut

Australian whisky producer Starward is releasing the limited-edition Starward x Lagavulin in the UK via Speciality Brands, with small quantities available at selected partners.

J.P. Wiser's 10 Year Old unveils a bold new look

J.P. Wiser's has unveiled a new look for its 10 Year Old Triple Barrel whisky, with a bold red design celebrating the brand's Canadian heritage.

Michter's celebrates the timeless Manhattan this November

Michter's the premium American Whiskey is delighted to announce the launch of Michter's Manhattan Month - a special cocktail celebration in partnership with West London's cocktail venues.

Nikka From The Barrel celebrates 40 years anniversary

Nikka Whisky marks 40 years of Nikka From The Barrel, the iconic blend created in 1985 to combine rich whisky character with distinctive minimalist packaging.