By Felicia Nwosi

Nigeria Distilleries Limited (NDL) has unveiled its latest innovation, Encore Aromatic Liqueur, a bold herbal infusion designed to disrupt the Nigerian liqueur segment.

The new offering was introduced at the company’s 2025 Distributors Conference,themed: “Stronger Together: Thriving in 2025., held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, attended by key industry stakeholders, trade partners, and distributors nationwide.

Positioned as a new taste frontier for modern Nigerian consumers, Encore blends rich herbs with natural ingredients to deliver a bittersweet profile crafted for versatility. Described as a “taste maker,” the liqueur is intended to appeal to those who crave distinction and experimentation in their drinking experience.

Speaking at the launch, Group Executive Director, Mr. Ade Rosiji, emphasized that Encore was developed   as a lifestyle Liqueur  statement. He explained that its uniqueness is very distinct due  to its diverse attributes especially the extra touch of taste of herbs.

He noted that being a new brand, it is already well-psitioned for competitive advantage because of its source of origin.

“This brand was born from a desire to create something both elegant and distinctive,” he said. “Encore is not just another product on the shelf, it’s a celebration of refined taste and individuality.”

Rosiji traced the legacy of NDL from its heritage brands like Seaman’s Schnapps to its present-day drive to stay relevant with more adventurous audiences.

Category Manager, Gbemileke Lawal, also spoke to NDL’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation. Lawal highlighted several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality and consumer experience, such as premium packaging, anti-fraud bottle capping technology, and loyalty programs for distributors. He explained how NDL’s products continue to be integrated into the cultural fabric of Nigeria, with the brand playing a central role in various celebrations and cultural events. “We’ve ensured our presence at key events, offering exclusivity during major cultural festivals to strengthen our brand presence.”

Lawal also addressed concerns around counterfeit products in the market, emphasizing that NDL has taken significant steps to protect its brand equity and regain consumer trust. “We’ve put technology in every bottle to ensure authenticity and protect our consumers. At NDL, we are committed to innovation that upholds the integrity of our products and ensures that our distributors and consumers are always confident in the quality of what they’re receiving.”

Olusegun Akinyemi, Senior Marketing Manager for Encore, Lords, and Oriki, highlighted the uniqueness of the product’s positioning.

He described it as a balanced, mid-strength alcoholic drink that can be enjoyed plain à or mixed. “For Nigerians who are brave and ready to explore, Encore is a true taste maker. It’s not too strong and not too mild, just right for those who want to create their own flavor experiences,” Akinyemi said.

Akinyemi likened it to a “new screwdriver” on the market, crafted from root extracts to offer a bittersweet taste.

“This isn’t whiskey, gin, or brandy. It’s something entirely different—first of its kind. Encore gives young Nigerians the freedom to experiment, to create, and to drink with purpose. Every day is a new day, and Encore is there to match that energy. With Encore, we’re introducing a modern twist to the liqueur category. It’s made for the confident, the curious, and the classy.”

In a strategic move to protect its consumers and brand equity, Executive Director Mr. Wale Majolagbe announced the introduction of proprietary anti-fraud features, including custom-designed caps unique to each product line, which are signatures of authenticity. Every bottle of Encore is secured with innovation,” Majolagbe said, reinforcing NDL’s commitment to safety and trust.

He also commended the company’s internal teams for their relentless pursuit of excellence, stressing that Encore is the result of cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and a strong understanding of evolving consumer tastes.

With the launch of Encore Aromatic Liqueur, Nigeria Distilleries Limited is not only expanding its portfolio but also redefining how herbal liqueurs are perceived and consumed in the local market.

It is a confident stride into uncharted territory, blending tradition, creativity, and bold flavor to meet the evolving aspirations of Nigerian consumers.