Sixth generation family member and brand heritage manager Alfred Cointreau told Drinks International the 40% abv liqueur is aimed at the on-trade and specialist off-trade and is made from 70% Cointreau, Cognac and a maceration of almonds and walnuts.

Cointreau Noir is priced at £40 for 70cl.

The expression launched in the US and Australia two years ago, but Cointreau said its release was deliberately staggered and that the roll out to other cocktail-focused markets could happen next year, starting with France and Germany.

The brand extension sold to the tune of 8,000 9-litre cases in the US last year and Cointreau said he hoped the UK market would deliver similar sales but added “Cointreau Noir is not about volumes and making a lot of money”.

The brand heritage manager also spearheaded the launch of two other Cointreau expressions last week. Exclusive to the US market, Cointreau Cherry and Chamomile are also bartender-focused line extensions.