A Thai Talisman

Prakaan Distillery, Thailand

Thailand invokes certain images. Scenes from the Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach come to mind. Bright sunshine, pristine white sand and turquoise seas and heat. This is the idle people expect to experience when they visit Thailand. Until this year I had never visited but always thought I would and experience the country as described above. My home country has certain similarities. On the west coast of Scotland are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Thailand the sands are white, and the seas turquoise and crystal clear. There is just one thing missing: the heat. However, there is something my home country makes which Thailand could not offer, and that’s whisky. Until now.

My primary motivation for visiting Thailand this year was to visit their first Single Malt Whisky distillery and taste the whisky it is producing. I did not see one beach on my week-long visit, and the beach wasn’t missed. Instead, I experienced a different side of Thailand. The un-talked about interior.

The company which built the distillery owns many businesses. From hotels and restaurants, a logistics company which operates all over Thailand, and their biggest operation, a beer company, and it is in the same town as a brewery that the whisky distillery is found. The company is called Thai Beverage and their move into making Single Malt Whisky might seem an unusual one for predominantly a beer company in the tropics, but they have form. International Beverage, a subsidiary of Thai Beverage owns four of the best and most traditional distilleries in Scotland. In the far north, they own Pulteney and Balblair, Speyburn and Balmenach in Speyside and just to the east of Speyside, Knockdhu distillery.

Although in Thailand Thai Beverage is known for beer, they have plenty of distilling experience. Some of the great Thai rum brands have been and are still produced by them. They have a rum distillery which they have owned since the 1970’s.

The whisky distillery, unlike their rum distillery is nowhere near Bangkok. It is in Kamphaeng Phet a lesser-known corner of Thailand not frequented by tourists in search of white sands or azure waters. Instead, it sits nestled within the Western Forest Complex, a vast and largely untouched tract of wilderness recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s rich in biodiversity and surprisingly, it’s perfect for whisky making.

The features in the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park include archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Mueang Chakangrao to the east of the Ping River and Mueang Nakhon Chum to the west. The whole site covers much of the town and is surrounded by a distinctly shaped wall. It is this heritage site and its surrounding wall which give the whisky its name, Prakaan. Prakaan translates as ‘wall’ or ‘fort’, a tribute to the ancient stonework that once encircled Kamphaeng Phet. Like the whisky, it stands as a symbol of strength, endurance and cultural identity. A section of this wall is the emblem on the whiskies label, and the bricks make up the texture of the bottle. It roots the whisky with a true sense of place.

The water for the distillery comes from deep underground, the source of which flows through the Western Forest Complex and includes Khlong Lan Waterfall. Not far from the distillery the waterfall is a spectacle sitting within the forest, which in itself is a magical place, the waterfall is elegant yet powerful, much like the whisky and well worth seeking out.

Beyond the sense of place in the landscape the whisky evokes, it also has a sense of place rooted in the people, and food. There is a great love for Thai food all over the world, from Khao soi fragrant noodle soup, river prawns, which are the size of small lobsters, an abundance of fresh vegetables and even sticky mango rice, the food in Thailand is incredibly diverse with different regions producing different style.

With all these influences it would be understandable if the whisky didn’t quite manage to encompass that whole sense of place, yet somehow it does, and this I think comes from a tradition rooted in Whisky’s home country of Scotland. All of the International Beverage distilleries are in the highlands, Speyside is in the greater highland region, so Speyburn is still highland. Highland whisky tends to be elegant and fruity. It’s this fruit forward character which Prakaan has in spades. The team at Prakaan, beyond having incredible backgrounds in biochemistry and distilling in Thailand, have spent two years with the teams in Scotland learning about and making single malt Scotch Whisky. The elegance of Scotch shines though in Prakaan, as does the fruit forward nature of the whisky. It is this fruit forward nature which also gives Prakaan its unique identity. Like some highland whiskies, there are a lot of tropical fruits found in Prakaan, and those fruits are diverse and range from light banana and touches of pineapple to guava, passion fruit and dragon fruit which is integral to Thailand. These tropical fruits are joined by honey, citrus peels and touches of ginger, and milk chocolate sit in the background. The back palate allows spice to develop which runs all the way through the finish. These flavours are added to in the Double Cask expression with typical Oloroso sherry cask character which are used for 18 to 30 months. These casks give raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and dates. Their final expression the Peated Malt has a ppm of 45 in the barley and is lightly peated at 3ppm in the resulting whiskey. The peat is imported from the highland of Scotland giving rich BBQ smoke and oily, earthy peat beyond the tropical fruit notes.

All this fruit flavour is rooted in fermentation which lasts for 72 hours giving fruity flavours and starts at 18- 20°C and is kept under 35°C with cooling jackets. All this flavour shines in their ex-bourbon cask expression. For me ex-bourbon cask maturation allows the spirit character to shine and shows its true character. The spirit from Prakaan is very characterful and this comes through in the whisky well. This character also allows for other types of maturation without losing that distinct character. There are two other expressions in the Prakaan line up. One which has ex-sherry cask maturation included, and a peated expression. Both of these show off their different flavours. The maturation has been deftly handled. In the heat of the tropical sun, it takes skill and care not to overcook the spirit. The warehouses have been built in such a way to help this. By being recessed into the ground by a few metres, the base of the warehouse is cool, and by having huge doors which can open for airflow, the ambient temperature in the warehouse is much cooler than the shade temperatures outside and can be temperature controlled. There is no humidity control, and the angels share reflects this with 13% being lost to the angels in year 1, and then 10% in year two, 9% in year three and 8.5% in year 4, so the volume of liquid loss over the years is considerable, but the abv only decreased 1-3% over the first 5 years. This is all normal for the tropics. Prakaan doesn’t have an age statement on their whisky, and nor should they, as with tropical aging, age is irrelevant, however some of the whisky is older than you would imagine. They first filled barrels in April 2018, so one can work it out from there.

Distillery manager Boyd

Prakaan isn’t trying to be like Scotch, it has its own identity, but the quality is formidable and the overall experience of visiting Prakaan is impressive. The distillery is state of the art and fully automated, yet the skill in their whisky making is rooted in tradition and culture, people and place. These characteristics will sound familiar to Scotch Whisky drinkers and show that Scotland and Thailand as well as having pristine beaches and pure blue seas, now have great whisky in common too.

Colin and Boyd at Prakaan in Thailand

Prakaan Select Cask
Full of tropical fruit and ex bourbon cask flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £49.96

Prakaan Double Cask
Rich with baking spice, chocolate and signature tropical fruit.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £62.46

Prakaan Peated Cask
Tropical fruits, smoke and earthy flavours and aromas

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £54.13

If you’ve enjoyed discovering the first single Malt whisky from Thailand and your appetite has been peaked for something Thai, then how about booking a great Thai restaurant in London here.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The Dalmore Unveils Second Annual Distillery Select Series

If there’s one thing whisky lovers know about The Dalmore, it’s that the Highland powerhouse doesn’t do things by halves. With a history stretching back to 1839 and a reputation for rich, chocolate-orange house style draped in luxury, each release has collectors and connoisseurs leaning in closer. Now, following the sell-out success of last year’s debut, The Dalmore has lifted the curtain on its second annual Distillery Select Series - and it’s a trio worth talking about.

The Distillery Select Series is all about uncovering hidden gems from the distillery’s famed warehouses. These are parcels of spirit chosen for their singular dimension of character, bottled at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and nurtured until The Dalmore’s master whisky makers declare them ready. Think of it as the inside track to some of the distillery’s most intriguing treasures.

Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish – 13 Years Old

First up is the Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish, a 13-year-old expression bottled at 51.3% ABV, priced at £350, with just 1,002 bottles released. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before a two-year slumber in Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, it’s brimming with charm. On the nose, warm citrus fruits mingle with black toffee, sugared almonds, and ginger spice. The palate unfolds with poached peach, balsamic whispers, chocolate mocha, and soft liquorice, while the finish brings waves of tropical fruits, exotic spice, and lingering berry richness. A dram of finesse indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.3%
Price: £350

Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish – 17 Years Old

Ratcheting up the rarity, the Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish comes in at 17 years, 46.8% ABV, and a cool £1,000 - though with only 252 bottles available, blink and you’ll miss it. Finished in sweet wine barriques from Bouvet Ladubay in France’s Loire Valley, this whisky is a tapestry of flavour. Aromas of damson plums, marmalade, and Madagascan vanilla invite you in, before poaching spices, Demerara sugar, and bright orchard fruits take over the palate. The finish is an indulgent mix of Tahitian vanilla, caramel, and soft baking spice - a dram that dances between elegance and decadence.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Price: £1,000

Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish – 28 Years Old

The jewel of the collection, however, is the Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish, a venerable 28-year-old presented at 48.2% ABV, with a mere 49 bottles available worldwide. Price? £5,500. This extraordinary whisky spent its final four years in 1997 vintage Colheita casks from Graham’s Port, the very year it was distilled. The result is liquid velvet: aromas of exotic fruits and damson plums, a palate of roasted pineapple, raspberry coulis, coffee beans, and Seville orange, with a finish of star fruit, liquorice, dark cacao, and allspice. Quite simply, a deepened beauty.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.2%
Price: £5,500

The collection launches globally on 11 October 2025, available online at The Dalmore website and at select boutiques in Spain, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Members of The Dalmore Guild will get an exclusive two-day head start.

With the inaugural Distillery Select Series of 2024 snapped up by collectors in record time, expect this year’s trio to follow suit. Each bottle captures The Dalmore’s artistry in miniature, proving once again why the stag remains one of whisky’s most coveted emblems. Thirsty for more? Click here.

Forget Pimm's: The Best Summer Cocktail for Your Next Picnic Is Here

There’s a new picnic essential in town, and it’s filled with history, a splash of sophistication and a whole world of flavour. Meet Port & Tonic (aka Portonic): the summer serve that’s been quietly making waves in Portugal and is finally ready for its moment in the UK sunshine. 

Port & Tonic is refreshingly crisp and super simple to make, and yet it packs a punch of complex flavours that rival any of your classic spritzes. Whether you find yourself on a sunny rooftop or at a delightful garden lunch until sundown, the Port & Tonic is the chilled-out hero you didn’t know you needed. Until now. 

Has Port Always Been Popular in the UK?

Let’s get one thing straight: while port is famously Portuguese, it’s also very much a British drink. Back in the 17th century, when political tensions between England and France caused trade disruptions, British merchants turned their attention to the Douro Valley in northern Portugal.

Enthralled by the region’s bold red wines, and in a bid to stabilise and preserve them for the voyage home, they began to add a neutral grape spirit (aguardente). Thus, the fortified port wine was born, and in quintessential British style, it quickly became beloved.

Since then, a centuries-old tradition has evolved, with British names still dominating the biggest port houses to this day. Taylor, Graham, Dow, Sandeman, and Cockburn are all names that highlight the long-standing Anglo-Portuguese connection made manifest in port wine. Today, port wine is no longer just a digestif reserved for after-dinner cheeseboards. Port has evolved, and tonic is its bright and bubbly new companion. 

One Size Does Not Fit All: The Different Types of Port

Whether it’s a dusty bottle from your grandad’s cupboard, or a sleek and mysterious number fresh off the shelf, it’s worth understanding that port isn’t a one-flavour-fits-all. There’s a surprising amount of variety in these fortified wines, which is exactly what makes Port & Tonic such a customisable drink, perfect for picnics. 

Here’s a little cheat sheet: 

White Port
The go-to for a classic Port & Tonic and best suited for the ‘aperitif’ style of drinks. White port is crafted from white grapes from the Douro Valley (popular varieties include Malvasia Fina and Rabigato), with neutral grape spirit added to stop fermentation and boost the alcohol content, resulting in a fortified wine between 16-20% ABV that preserves much of the natural fruitiness from the grapes.

White port is typically semi-dry, balancing an inviting sweetness with hints of elderflower, citrus, green apples, and light nuttiness reminiscent of almonds or macadamia. 

Dry White Port
Not to be confused with its sweeter sibling, dry white port is crisp and herbal, with a more botanical-forward flavour and hints of salinity instead of sweetness.

Made from similar grapes, the fermentation process is longer to remove more sugar before the neutral spirit is added, making it drier (less sweet) and a little higher in alcohol content (18-22% ABV). After adding some tonic, a lemon peel and handful of mint to the glass really elevates the herbal and crisp savoury notes. 

Ruby Port
In the Douro Valley, it’s typical to hear the phrase: “Red wine is the true wine,” and so it follows that ruby port is classically the port of choice. Crafted from Douro Valley grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, the fortified wine is typically aged for no more than three years, with Reserve Ruby Port ageing extending up to six.

It’s youthful, deep red, full-bodied, and fruit-forward, boasting a ton of character that often offers a combination of red and dark fruit, spices and easygoing tannins. Coming in at an average ABV of 19-20%, ruby port’s lively character makes it great to drink on its own, and its flavour holds up when mixed with tonic and a slice of orange or berries. 

Tawny Port
Tawny port is the fortified wine equivalent of wisdom born from graceful aging and slow mornings. Like its ruby cousin, tawny port is crafted from red wine grapes and is aged in oak barrels for at least three years, but is commonly found as a blend of young and old fortified wines, sometimes ten or twenty years old and at times even older.

Its amber to brick red colour sets it apart, and where ruby port is vibrant and bold, tawny is mellow and complex.  Typical tasting notes are toffee and caramel, more nuttiness and sometimes fig. Whilst it has similar ABV content to ruby, tawny is one of the two renditions of port I’d recommend trying on its own, or mixed with sonic (a mix of soda and tonic) so you can let the more subtle flavours shine.

Aged Port 
Aged port is like the Rolls-Royce of port varieties. Crafted from a carefully selected blend of grapes and aged for extended periods of time (sometimes beyond 40 years), these are the pinnacle of Douro Valley’s fortified wines.

Aged ports also tend to be higher in ABV, closer to 22%, but still much less than fully distilled spirits. They offer incredible depth, much more nuanced flavour, and although they can be pricey, they are often well worth the investment. Best enjoyed on their own or with soda, a more neutral mixer that allows the layered character of the fortified wine to shine through in a subtle and stylish way.

Why Port Deserves To Be In Your Picnic Basket

Okay, knowing all about port is great, but why should Port & Tonic be a serious contender for your next summer drink? 

1. Simplicity. Two ingredients, that’s all. It’s low-fuss yet infinitely rewarding. Ice, a healthy pour, and you’re set.

2. Versatility. Thanks to such a wide range of port varieties, it’s guaranteed there’ll be something for everyone - whether they enjoy it light and floral, juicy and red-fruited or rich and nutty.

3. Lower ABV. Perfect for all-day sipping at a picnic or garden party. Since most ports sit at around 19-20%, when added to tonic, it becomes a refreshing and sessionable serve.

4. Value For Money. You can get your hands on some really good bottles without having to break the bank, not to mention you don’t need to pour very much to taste the full flavour. Then again, an extra splash is always worth it.

5. Elegance. It’s new, it’s chic, and it’s got staying power. We all deserve a good-looking glass in hand, and if you go for a garnish, it’s giving ‘picnic glow-up’. 

Which Port is Best for a Port and Tonic?

By now, you are hopefully on the hype train and keen to try some port & tonic for yourself. While Pimm’s will always have a place at the British summer table, your picnic deserves a new cocktail for this summer. Port & Tonic is fully customisable, pairs wonderfully with sausage rolls, and makes a flavourful beverage that also elevates freshly cut fruit.

Best of all, it’s easy to get hold of, but if you don’t know where to start, below is a recommended trio of options to seek out, so you know where you’re going when the picnic is on. Cheers to the new kind of summer spritz! 

Your Everyday Hero: Sandeman Fine White Port

A classic entry point to white port and one of the premier choices for your Port & Tonic. A little dry but holding on to its natural sweetness, Sandeman offers fruity aromas with gentle vanilla and light fresh finish. Enjoy it chilled on its own or mix 50/50 with tonic and a slice of lemon. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £11

Some Middle Shelf Magic: Taylor’s Chip Dry White Port

Made from a selected blend of dry white ports crafted from the Douro Valley’s Malvasia grape variety, Taylor’s offers mellow aromas, with a touch of minerality and acidity on the palate and a crisp dry finish for the perfect aperitif. Enjoy it chilled on its own or mix one-third port with two-thirds tonic and garnish with a lemon slice and crushed mint. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £18

The Top Tier Treat: Cockburn’s Ruby Soho Port

Inspired by London’s iconic Soho district, Cockburn’s delivers a rich and fruity ruby port that’s bold in character. Crafted from premium vintage red grapes in the Douro Superior region, this blend is full of jammy aromas of blackberry and toffee, with succulent notes of black cherries, red forest fruit and a peppery finish that lingers. Enjoy it neat or with a splash of tonic and an orange slice. Pairs perfectly with chocolate or cheese. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £23.95

If you like the sound of a martini, then make sure you check out these stunning versions here.

No Longer a Curiosity: The 7 English Whiskies You need to try

English whisky has been building momentum, with a focus on innovation that still pays tribute to tradition. Ever since The English Sherry Cask Matured was voted ‘best single malt in the world’ in the 2024 World Whisky Awards, English distilleries have been challenging the perception that English single malt whisky was here to merely make up the numbers. This is an exciting time to explore English whisky with a groundswell of passion and experimentation up and down the country. What unites them is their commitment to flavour and a curious mind. There is a sense of freedom: to innovate, to play and to reflect the place it is made. The seven whiskies below have been hand selected and tell a story of English whisky’s emergence as the whisky of the 21st century.

Filey Bay Flagship 

If you’re a new whisky drinker and don’t know where to start, this is the whisky for you. This English single malt whisky from Yorkshire manages to be approachable whilst having enough complexity to interest experienced drinkers. Filey Bay has a real connection to place, which carries through every step of production and through the regenerative farming practices at the centre of their approach. Growing 100% of the barley in the carefully nurtured soil on their farm yields a flavoursome barley with hints of caramel. The Flagship bottle is the essence of their style, with notes of soft vanilla ice cream, fruity with peaches and gentle oak spice. It is wonderful in a highball.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Find here: £55.75

Fielden Rye Whisky

There is a real sense of England captured in this expressive rye whisky. Also based in Yorkshire and employing regenerative farming practices, they are able to extract abundant flavour from heritage grains that are selected for flavour over yield. This considered approach to whisky making supports English farmers and enhances the biodiversity of the English countryside more widely. These efforts happily translate into a uniquely English rye whisky, which is matured in a combination of American oak casks and a selection of ex-wine casks. This is rich and inviting with notes of buttery croissant, berries, caramel and cinnamon. It works exceptionally well in an old-fashioned cocktail.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Find here: £55.75

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt

In terms of flavour profile, Cotswolds sits between the softer Filey Bay and the rich and full-bodied Fielden. Situated in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, this single malt whisky uses locally grown barley. It’s an everyday indulgence and a must-try for anyone exploring English whisky. They use a variety of barrels to include ex-Bourbon casks and STR ex-wine casks; shaved, toasted and recharred to remove a few millimetres of wine-soaked wood, toast the fresh surface, then flame-char it: the refreshed oak offers notes of raspberry and caramel that complement the malt forward creamy porridge notes. This whisky is well suited to enjoy after a Sunday stroll in the countryside.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.90

White Peak Wire Works Whisky Bourbon Barrel

Located at the old Johnson & Nephew Wire Works on the banks of a river nestled in ancient woodland, White Peaks focus on flavour and place, using spent brewers yeast from a local brewery. This whisky follows the distillery’s fruit forward and lightly-peated style, with so-called ‘inactive’ Bourbon barrels imparting minimal flavour and allowing the true characteristics of the whisky to shine. This is a great starting point with Wire Works whisky and peated whisky generally. It offers notes of vanilla sponge, lemon rind, white chocolate, and wisps of gentle smoke. and pairs really well with chalky cheese and crackers.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 53.4%
Find here: £60.75

The Lakes Signature Single Malt

The Lakes Signature is the distillery's first permanent style of sherry-led whisky. It is equally approachable to newer whisky drinkers, offering a ‘treat yourself’ moment of the sublime, while also perfect for those who enjoy sherry-forward whisky. The Lakes know that “to prosper we cannot play safe” which inspires their curiosity. Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess (formerly of The Macallan) builds layers of richness and complexity by making careful adjustments to the location and climate of the cask throughout maturation. This technique is known as élevage, and is traditionally used in cognac production. The whisky has rich notes of leather, medjool dates, figs, sandalwood and gentle oak and is well suited to quiet contemplation accompanied by your favourite album. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £78.50

Circumstance Organic Single Grain Barley Whisky

Circumstance Distillery challenges assumptions about how great whisky is made, and delivers exceptionally flavoursome results. This is authentic, experimental, and exciting whisky. Prioritising flavour, they don’t produce single malts. Instead, they layer flavour using multiple grains, various yeast strains, very long fermentations, and a range of cask types that add a warming texture to the whisky. Committed to sustainability, they’re certified organic and carbon neutral. The result is a velvety whisky that tastes like freshly baked rhubarb crumble, with toasted hazelnuts and lemon zest adding balance. It pairs beautifully with chilled hibiscus kombucha.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47.7 %
Find here: £45.25

Woven Experience N.22 Pastures New

English whisky has its first English blended whisky thanks to the team at Woven. It represents yet another milestone, bringing together diverse approaches and styles that collectively contribute to a rich and thriving whisky scene. In doing so this bottle signifies that English whisky is here to stay. Blended whiskies are at times unfairly seen as lesser than single malts, but blending is a craft and offers the opportunity for greater complexity compared to single malts. Woven are a refreshingly modern whisky brand who are making whisky inclusive and fun. The blend comprises six whiskies, including Wire Works, Fielden, and Cotswolds. It offers notes of plums, spiced rye bread, wildflowers, and nutmeg. and pairs perfectly with a nice crisp, dry cider.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 49.1%
Find here: £54.95

Together, these whiskies represent a vibrant and thoughtful English whisky scene, deeply tied to place. Be curious. Pick up a bottle and start exploring! If you’d like to read more whisky content click here.

Cognac Uncorked: A Spirit That’s More Than Just Old Money

Cognac has long carried the reputation of being solely a luxury good - stuffy, showy - an image that, coupled with its complex history, means it is often pushed to the back of the shelf, overlooked in favour of other spirits such as whiskey.

But recently, that perception has begun to shift. In fact, Cognac has entered a golden age, presenting it with a fruitful opportunity to win over part of the Scotch market by positioning itself as a compelling, more affordable alternative to increasingly pricey whiskeys.

What is Cognac?

You may have heard the phrase, “Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac.” The reason? To be called Cognac, the spirit must come from a specific region in France, the Cognac region, located about 80 miles north of Bordeaux. It also must follow strict production rules, covering everything from grape varieties to distillation and aging. (See The Beginner’s Guide to Cognac for more on its origins.)

Is Cognac popular?

Cognac was originally born out of practicality and efficiency; yet, favoured by royalty and high society and bound by tradition, it came to symbolize prestige and ‘old money’. That began to change in the 20th century. Thanks in part to a major resurgence in pop culture, particularly within hip-hop, Cognac has seen a fresh wave of popularity. Artists like Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., and 50 Cent prominently featured Cognac brands such as Hennessy in their music and videos, turning the spirit into a symbol of success and celebration. This cultural renaissance has not only revitalised demand but also sparked innovation among brands to capture new audiences, positioning Cognac as both a timeless classic and a contemporary icon. (See: How Rap Fuelled the Cognac Comeback.)

While hip-hop’s embrace of Cognac undeniably boosted its popularity, the groundwork for Cognac’s progressive trajectory was laid long before. After World War II, Hennessy was one of the first major brands to place advertisements in black publications, such as Jet and Ebony, and use black models in their marketing. As well as this, they were one of the first corporations to hire black people into high-powered leadership roles, with African American athlete Herb Douglas appointed as a vice president of Hennessy in 1963.

Beyond its storied pedigree, Cognac boasts a rich history of authentic engagement and bold inclusivity. It stands today not just as a relic of old prestige, but as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and progressive spirit. Timeless and versatile, Cognac has proven itself a worthy player in modern mixology. Whether featured in classic cocktails, new creations, mixed with your preferred soda (ginger beer is a personal favourite), or simply enjoyed neat, Cognac is the spirit of the moment. Here are six bottles you should try…

L’Epoque Baroque

Introducing L’Epoque Baroque, a relatively new entry to the market, which made an impressive debut by earning a Master medal at The Cognac Masters 2024. Honouring the tradition, heritage and craftsmanship which has uniquely defined cognac, it is compellingly evocative of the great art movements of history - in taste and in design.

Its mahogany shade is a testament to the Limousin oak barrels in which it aged, further enriched by the golden glow of flavours. Sweeter than most cognacs, expect medjool dates, warm buttered toast and peaches as well as a textured balance of exotic fruits, Christmas cake-spice, and dark cherry. It is best served neat or on ice - after all, this is liquid art, and one can expect to be mesmerized.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £325

Remy Martin 1738

Who else is just now realizing that Fetty Wap’s intro to Trap Queen -“1738”- was a nod to Remy Martin 1738? Remy Martin is one of those cognacs that sit comfortably with just about anyone. It’s the epitome of subtle smoothness - rich with a woody and fruity aroma.

This copper-hued spirit (matching the copper stills it is made in) is elevated by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise. Satisfyingly moreish, its dark chocolate-like bitterness is balanced with notes of caramel and brioche, making it a well-rounded choice for cocktails such as the Sidecar, Manhattan or the Vieux Carré.

But why not try it in a twist on the French 75 as a replacement for gin, or try it mixed with Amaretto in the lesser-known cocktail - the French Connection? It is, after all, a French spirit - so keep it on-theme.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £59.75

Martell Single Cru Petite Champagne Cognac

For cognac lovers, the Martell Cru range offers something to truly sink your teeth into. This expression is part of the Martell Single Cru collection - a range crafted using distinctive eaux-de-vie sourced from a single terroir.

Aged extensively, this Petite Champagne cognac delivers an intense yet vibrant profile on the palate. Each bottle captures the unique terroir of its origin, with the environment, climate and topography of the region uncovered in every sip.

The first edition of Single Cru is a great starting point to geek out on exploring the distinction between the cognac regions. It is intense yet bright on the palate - fragrant with aromas of orchard fruit and red and black berries. It is also nutty and floral, with the chalky soils the petit champagne is grown in producing a vigorous and fine expression on the palate.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £87.95

Ferrand 2018 Mother’s Measure Cognac

Maison Ferrand was founded by the Ferrand family, one of the oldest wine-growing families in the Cognac region. Over the years, they’ve cultivated a strong reputation for innovation in the cognac world, frequently experimenting with unique finishing casks, as demonstrated by the Ferrand 2018 Mother’s Measure Cognac.

Aged for three years in French oak and then finished in a cask previously used for Banyuls, this expression reveals aromas of black and candied fruits. On the palate, expect spicy ginger, vanilla, summer flowers, toasted almonds, and sticky toffee. The nose opens with juicy peaches and honeysuckle, while the youthful naïveté of the eau-de-vie brings a light and springy character, grounded by the earthiness of oak and uplifted by the subtle sweetness of the fortified wine imparted through the finishing cask.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £94.95

Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO Cognac

The story of the Frapin house begins long before Cognac. Winemakers by trade, the Frapin family can trace its roots back to 1270. A pinnacle of Maison Frapin, the Château Fontpinot XO is the only château in the Premier Cru region to hold the prestigious title of 100% Grande Champagne with international acclaim.

Distilling the eau-de-vie on the lees (meaning the wine is distilled with the sediment of dead yeast cells) allows for a rich aromatic integration, adding depth, complexity, and the signature characterful rancio to the final product. A refined and sophisticated expression, its deep amber colour is the result of long aging, particularly in dry cellars, which imparts a delicate and elegant bouquet of aromas.

Rich flavours of tobacco and stone fruit come through first, complimented by hints of apple, raisin, date, and prune. It has a smooth, lingering finish with touches of fig, hazelnut, and gentle woody notes.. A perfect pairing for rich cheeses like goat or sheep’s milk varieties and gamier meats such as duck or lamb, it also satisfies a sweet tooth, matching beautifully with chocolate and macarons. Elevate your after-dinner digestif with a glass of this fine Cognac - rich in heritage and character.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find Here: £125

WV Baker 2015 Rare Pale Cognac 6-Year-Old Single Estate Colombard

Making a lighter dent in your bank balance, Rare Pale is a six-year-old cask distilled in 2015 and recently awarded ‘Rising Star 2025’ status by The Whisky Exchange.

Merging both British and French influences, WV Baker began as a love story between a French girl and an Englishman who met in Saintes, a Roman town at the heart of the Fins Bois region. This is where Benjamin Baker grew up, surrounded by the world of cognac, living and breathing eau-de-vie.

After walking away from a potential career in the Air Force, he carved out a path in cognac instead. In 2020, he founded his own company, focusing primarily on younger expressions, a road less travelled in a tradition-rich industry.

This bottle, his first release, was distilled from Colombard, a rare grape variety in a region dominated by Ugni Blanc. Straightforward and gentle, this cognac delivers earthy, agricultural notes alongside wildflowers, orchard fruits like pear, and a subtle hint of honey. A spicy, warming finish adds dimension to its simplicity. With touches of kiwi and a saltwater flourish, it’s soft, rounded, and effortlessly drinkable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.7%
Find Here: £47.50

If you would like to find out even more about Cognac, why not watch The Three Drinkers in Cognac on Amazon Prime?

Martini Myths, Legends and the Perfect Pour

Few cocktails enjoy the title of ‘icon’ like the martini. Fewer still conjure up as much intrigue, mystique, and timeless allure. The martini has long been the drink of choice for secret agents, Hollywood titans and cocktail purists alike. Whether it’s served bone-dry, wet, dirty, with a twist or shaken within an inch of its life, the martini is more than a drink - it’s a statement.

However, with such great renown also comes great confusion. What exactly is a proper martini? Why are there so many versions? And perhaps most importantly, is there such a thing as the perfect pour?

Let’s sift through the centuries-old history of the martini, uncover the subtle truths behind each tale, and find out why it deserves a spot on everyone’s drink list.

The Original MARTINI

There’s a lot of conflicting noise about the origins of the martini, but most agree that it emerged sometime around the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The most widely accepted theory tells us that the Martini is descended from the Martinez, and yet we immediately face a problem: the origin of the Martinez is itself under dispute. The obscure ancestry of the Martini fosters a hotbed of storylines open to interpretation. It's this air of mystery that elevates it from a cocktail to its legendary status.

The Myth of Rules

“This is how you should make a Martini.” You’ve probably heard that before, but such a statement is fiction. While there are guidelines for making a Martini, it really is up to personal preference.

A classic Martini recipe is remarkably simple: five parts dry gin, one part dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. The magic number three is at the heart of the Martini, and with a quick stir, plus a twist of lemon, you’re gifted with something clean, elegant, and delightfully aromatic.

In the real world, everyone is unique, and the same goes for martinis. A simple way to understand the drink is to compare it to jazz. Jazz is beloved for its open-mindedness: yes, there’s structure, but creativity is encouraged.

When it comes to Martinis, marching to the beat of your own drum is literally encouraged, so feel free to enjoy it however you wish. After all, it is one of the few cocktails where the bartender asks you how to make it.

A Drink for One and a Drink for All

Take a moment to envision yourself with a martini in hand. Where are you? What do you see? There are no wrong answers. You don’t have to be in a fancy hotel bar in Mayfair, nor do you need to have the finest ingredients sourced from some obscure part of the world - the corner shop at the end of the road has all you need.

Make no mistake, the martini is a deeply personal drinking experience, but the variety of preferences and rituals in how it is made invites a world of conversation bound to make you fast friends with anyone at the bar.

The martini represents the driving force behind why we go to bars in the first place: to bring people together. This applies just the same at home with our off-the-shelf ingredients. There’s no need for a swanky outfit or a posh speakeasy.

The Legend of Martini

Stories evolve, as do people, and so too does the martini with them. It is (arguably) an evolution of older drink recipes that hasn’t stopped in modern times. Rather, if anything, the variations have grown exponentially, and we are blessed to be living in a time where bartenders and the martini-curious are experimenting their tails off to find the latest fix.

Gin or vodka infused with olive oil through fat-washing, dry vermouth spiked with exotic herbs -today’s martinis are playgrounds of flavour and innovation. This is a drink that invites everyone to leave their mark, turning myth into legend with every pour.

The Perfect Pour Is Yours 

Now you know a little bit more about where the martini came from, and why it’s a drink for anyone - the only thing left to do is try one! When you do, try the different variations, so you can find the perfect pour for you, because let’s be honest: that’s what truly matters.

James Bond famously ordered his martinis “shaken, not stirred.” This isn’t wrong, it’s just a preference! Shaking introduces more air and dilution, resulting in a lighter and frothier drink. This is perfect for 007, and maybe it’s perfect for you. There’s only one way to find out!

If you’re a little stumped about where to start, here are a few tried and tested options to help you on your way. Remember, though, it’s ok to play around with it - we can all add our own twist, and in doing so, we continue to share the story of this most legendary drink.

The Classic Dry Martini

Ingredients
60ml (2oz) London Dry Gin or Vodka
10ml (0.33oz) Dry Vermouth
1 dash orange bitters (optional)

Method
Stir over ice until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

The Dirty Martini

Ingredients
60ml (2oz) Gin or Vodka
15ml (0.5oz) Dry Vermouth
15ml (0.5oz) Olive Brine

Method
Stir over ice (or shake) until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with olives.

The Reverse Martini

Ingredients
60ml (2oz) Dry Vermouth
10ml (0.33oz) London Dry Gin or Vodka
1 dash orange bitters (optional)

Method
Stir over ice until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

However you like it, the martini is your story to tell. If this has got you thirsty for more cocktails, why not check these out?

What is Purple Rain?

Purple Rain can refer to many things; a South Korean rock band, a 1989 anti-apartheid protest or even a Roller Derby Team from Dayton Ohio! However, you’ll most likely know it as the title track on the sixth studio album by the iconic singer-songwriter Prince. Released on June 25th, 1984, Purple Rain cemented Prince’s legacy as a musical sensation. Shooting to the top of the Billboard 200 record chart and earning him a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance. 

According to legend, Prince celebrated the album’s release by developing his own Purple Rain cocktail while partying at Minneapolis’s First Avenue nightclub. This magenta beverage was a variation on the Long Island Iced Tea, substituting ginger ale or soda for the bitters and Chambord for the coke. Unfortunately, this story is almost certainly a fabricated piece of Prince lore. According to Dan Piepenberg, the writer and editor who worked on Prince’s memoirs, he was never mixing drinks at First Avenue, he was only ever there to perform. 

Still, given Purple Rain’s legacy as one of the greatest albums of all time it’s well worth celebrating the anniversary with a glass of Purple Rain. This cocktail has many variants and alternative ingredients but the common issue when mixing one is getting the colour right. This is why the recipe calls for grenadine, but use too much and it will quickly lead to a sickly-sweet taste that can easily overpower the spirits. My own first attempt at making a Purple Rain resulted in more of grim dark blue rather than the luminescent purple that truly evokes the spirit of Prince. Perhaps the artist was onto something with the decision to add raspberry liquor to the mix. 

Here’s a fabulous recipe from Jack Wakelin via the BBC that you can’t go wrong with:

Ingredients:
30ml/1oz premium gin
30ml/1oz premium vodka
15ml/1 tbsp grenadine
15ml/1 tbsp blue curaçao
15ml/1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
15ml/1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
soda water
lemon slices, to garnish (optional)

Method
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour all the ingredients except the soda water and lemon slices into the shaker and shake vigorously for around 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall glass full of fresh ice and top with the soda water to taste. Gently stir to mix and garnish with a lemon slice or two.

Whether you’re a Prince fan or just chasing the perfect purple pour, this cocktail delivers showstopping flair in every sip. It’s a fun, vibrant tribute with just the right edge - much like the artist himself. Raise a glass, and let it rain. For more cocktail recipes, click here!

Why Italicus Should Be Your New Go-To Liqueur

Let’s be honest - you’ve probably seen the bottle. That tall, regal, aquamarine beauty that looks more like a sculpture than a spirit. It graces the bars of the world’s best venues and quietly winks from shelves of design-forward drinks cabinets. But here’s the thing: what exactly is ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto?

You’re not alone in asking. The short answer? It’s the new must-have for any cocktail lover seeking something refreshingly different, effortlessly elegant, and definitively Italian. Let’s break it down.

So, What Is ITALICUS?

Giuseppe Gallo

ITALICUS is a rosolio, a historic Italian liqueur once dubbed “the drink of kings.” After falling out of fashion, this floral, citrus-based spirit was revived in 2016 by award-winning spirits expert Giuseppe Gallo, who gave it it’s modern, luxurious twist.

Crafted near Turin at a family-owned distillery, ITALICUS is made using cold-infusion techniques to preserve the vibrancy of its ingredients. It stars Calabrian bergamot (think floral citrus, like Earl Grey tea) and Sicilian cedro (a fragrant, sweet citron). These are paired with botanicals like lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, and yellow rose petals. The result? A liqueur that’s light, layered, and incredibly sippable!

It clocks in at just 20% ABV, making it ideal for an early evening drink - or, as the Italians say, aperitivo.

What is an Aperitivo?

If you’re unfamiliar with aperitivo culture, consider it Italy’s golden hour ritual: light drinks, shared plates, and good company before dinner. The goal isn’t to get sloshed - it’s to ease into the evening with friends and family, flavour and flair.

Think of it as the Mediterranean answer to Happy Hour, but with more olives, better weather and far superior drinks. ITALICUS fits perfectly into this picture - elegant, refreshing, and designed to spark conversation.

What does ITALICUS Taste like?

Open a bottle and you’ll immediately notice the floral, citrusy aroma. Take a sip and you'll be greeted by bergamot’s citrusy zest, followed by soft herbal notes and a silky finish. It’s both a little sweet and a little bitter and beautifully balanced. It dances on the palate with just enough complexity to keep things interesting, making each sip feel like a slow stroll through an Italian citrus grove at sunset.

The Best ITALICUS Cocktails

ITALICUS is full of so much complex flavour that to be quite honest, just enjoying a double measure neat or over ice makes for a stunning drink, but for those mixologists amongst us that are itching to shake things up a bit, you can’t go wrong with these:

The ITALICUS Spritz

Let’s talk about Spritzes, because ITALICUS is poised to rewrite the rulebook. While other famous orange coloured Spritzes (you know who we’re talking about) continue to be a popular choice, many find its bitterness only palatable when diluted with soda water. With ITALICUS, however, no such balancing act is needed. Simplicity at its finest, this cocktail is dry, floral, and has a sophistication that elevates the entire experience. And yes, the green olive is essential - offering a salty counterpoint that makes the citrus pop.

Ingredients
50ml ITALICUS
75ml Prosecco or Champagne
green olive garnish

Method
Simply pour the ITALICUS into your ice filled glass, top up with Prosecco or Champagne and garnish with a green olive. Perfetto!

ITALICUS Margarita

Yes, ITALICUS can also play well with tequila. A Mediterranean twist on a modern classic, this cocktail is bright, zesty, and completely moreish. If you’re a fan of a classic Margarita, you have to try this floral Italian upgrade:

Ingredients
40ml tequila
20ml ITALICUS
20ml lime juice
lime or bergamot wheel garnish

Method
Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake for around 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cool to touch. Strain the ingredients into your ice filled glass and garnish with a lime or bergamot wheel. Semplice!

Beyond the Spritz and Margarita, ITALICUS shines in a range of cocktails, especially those that typically rely on orange liqueurs. Try it in a White Negroni, a French 75, or even simply with some mediterranean tonic.

What Food Pairs Well with ITALICUS?

We’ve covered how to drink it, but no aperitivo is complete without snacks. You want something that not only compliments the drink but enhances the entire experience. So, without further ado, here’s what to serve alongside your ITALICUS creation:

- Castelvetrano olives (other green olives will work well too)
- Marcona almonds
- Aged cheeses (like Parmigiano or Pecorino)
- Ricotta crostini with honey or lemon zest
- Cured meats

ITALICUS isn’t just a liqueur. It’s a bridge to a slower, more elegant way of drinking. It’s what you pour when you want something different, something beautiful, and something with a story. You don’t need to take our word for it though, the 30+ awards it has racked up since its launch in 2016 speak for themselves - and make it one of the world’s top-awarded spirits in its category.

Whether you’re refreshing your Spritz game or shaking up a Margarita with a twist, ITALICUS is the premium upgrade your drinks cabinet’s been waiting for. Ready to join he Rosolio renaissance? It’s time to pour, sip, and see what all the fuss is about. Saluti!

ABV: 20%
Size: 700ml
Find here: UK £25 (Amazon) // US $39.99 (Total Wine)