Fizz with Flair: What Sets Champagne Apart from the Rest?

Depending on who’s counting (and how patient they are), a single glass of Champagne contains somewhere between two and 11 million bubbles. Impressive, sure - but the magic of Champagne isn’t just in the fizz. It’s in everything behind it.

First things first: Champagne is a legally protected name. Only sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France (northeast of Paris) can use it. Anything else is just bubbly.

Yes, a few American producers still label their wines “Champagne,” thanks to a loophole in historical trade agreements. But let’s be honest: when we say champagne, we mean actual Champagne.

Why is Champagne considered to be so special?

It’s all about terroir - that untranslatable French word that wraps up climate, soil, geography and a little bit of magic. Champagne’s cool temperatures and chalky soils are perfect for growing three key grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These are blended in varying proportions to create the styles we know and love.

Then there’s the method. Champagne is made using the traditional method (méthode champenoise, if you’re feeling fancy), where the second fermentation - the one that makes the bubbles - happens inside the bottle. It’s time-consuming, expensive and labour-intensive. But the payoff is finer bubbles, greater complexity and that creamy, brioche-like texture you just can’t fake.

What made Champagne so famous?

No other wine is so wrapped up in mystery, glamour and mythology. Queen Victoria favoured Perrier-Jouët, Churchill swore by Pol Roger, and James Bond … he’s a Bollinger man.

As for Dom Pérignon - the monk who supposedly invented Champagne and shouted “I’m drinking the stars!” - it’s a lovely tale, but total fiction. Sparkling wine existed well before Dom’s time. The method was described in 1662 by English scientist Christopher Merrett - and those sturdy glass bottles that keep the fizz from bursting out? Also, English. You're welcome, Champagne.

Dom Pérignon, for his part, actually tried to remove bubbles from wine. But he did help refine the process, laying the groundwork for what would become the world’s most iconic sparkling wine.

Which champagne should I choose?

Well, there are different styles for different occasions and moods. Some of us queue for Beyoncé tickets, others listen to Brahms in their car - and, sometimes, the same person does both. Champagne styles work the same way: each has its fans, but you don’t have to pick just one. Let’s pop the cork on five bottles - and two English curveballs - each with its own story.

Veuve Monsigny No.3 Champagne Brut

Think of Non-Vintage Champagne as a chart-topper: it’s everywhere, accessible, and hard not to love. About 80% of Champagne is non-vintage, blending wines from different years to keep the style consistent.

But don’t dismiss it. NV Champagne is the house’s calling card. Recreating the same profile year after year - no matter the harvest - is like Beyoncé still being Beyoncé, whether she’s doing country or punk rock.

This £15 Aldi-exclusive bottle is proof that good NV doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Made by Philizot et Fils, it’s been racking up medals since 2010 and won gold at the 2025 World Champagne Awards.

Expect aromas of apple turnover and lemon shortbread, with bright citrus, minerality, fine bubbles and a warm finish. It’s not about luxury; it’s about joy. Pair with manzanilla olives, a good hot dog or crispy fried chicken.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.49 - Aldi

Canard-Duchêne Vintage 2018 Champagne

Vintage Champagne is a snapshot of a single, standout year. Aged for a minimum of three years (often more), it delivers richness, depth and complexity. Drink now - or let it evolve in the cellar.

2018 is already being hailed as “exceptional.” A rocky spring gave way to a golden early summer, with beautifully ripe grapes and soft acidity.

This bottle comes from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards and spent over six years on lees in Canard-Duchêne’s chalk cellars.

With aromas of juicy peach, honeysuckle and melon, on the palate, it’s pure energy - lemon peel, clotted cream, wild raspberries, and a creamy texture. The nutty, lingering finish is made for Comté cheese. A love story in a glass, quite literally - this house was founded in 1868 after a barrel-maker fell for a winemaker’s daughter. Romantic and delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £35 Mix Six (38 per bottle) - Majestic

Collery Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

Blanc de Blancs means 100% Chardonnay. In blends, it brings brightness. Solo, it’s zesty, refined, and full of promise. This one? Very much worth watching.

Collery picked up its first gold medal in 1904, and it’s barely stopped since. The secret is in a perfect combo of terroir, grapes from Grand Cru vineyards, and the careful hand of cellar master Julien Lefevre.

Five years on the lees brings depth and award-winning finesse. Expect nectarine, citrus peel and spring flowers, with hints of toasted hazelnut. The palate offers grapefruit, pear and a sea-breeze salinity. Excellent with scallops, oysters, or young Camembert.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £33 Mix Six (60 per bottle)- Majestic

Pommery 'Brut Rosé Royal’ Champagne

Rosé Champagne looks pretty, but it’s also serious food wine, structured and often pricier. Why? It takes more effort to make. Champagne rosé is often created by blending a little red wine into the base white, which demands care and precision.

Madame Louise Pommery wasn’t just the “Lady of the Roses.” She also helped steer Champagne towards a drier, Brut style, winning over British drinkers in the 19th century.

Her legacy lives on in this elegant blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Think Sunday garden party: warm pancakes, strawberry jam, roses in bloom. It’s fresh, balanced and effortlessly stylish.

Perfect with duck in orange sauce, or spring lamb. Regal, romantic and quietly powerful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £40- Waitrose

Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

Blanc de Noirs means white Champagne from black grapes, usually Pinot Noir and Meunier. Expect richness, body and bold berry notes.

Marilyn Monroe once said she woke up with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck. And honestly, we get it. This wine has presence. This version won a trophy and gold medal at the 2025 International Wine Challenge. It’s Extra Brut (less sugar), but the dryness is sleek and invigorating.

Made from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier, aged for three years on lees. It opens with grilled peach, raspberry and warm baguette aromas. On the palate: bright citrus, honeyed depth, and a nutty finish. Pair with foie gras or aged cheese - or tuck it away. With the right care, it’ll age gracefully for years.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £63.50 - The Whisky Exchange

Is Champagne still untouchable?

For centuries, yes. But now, English sparkling wine is snapping at its heels, winning blind tastings and major awards.

Why? Warmer summers mean better-ripened grapes. Southern England’s chalky soils are nearly identical to those in Champagne. And English winemakers have upped their game massively.

So, if you’re looking for a Champagne alternative, you might only need to look across the Channel, or the next county over.

Sugrue, The Trouble With Dreams 2020, South Downs

The chalk ridge of the South Downs is England’s answer to Champagne - and Dermot Sugrue is one of its pioneers. He helped put Nyetimber and Wiston on the map, but now he and Ana Sugrue are pouring that knowledge into their own label.

Their 2009 magnum won Best Sparkling in Magnum at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards. That one is sold out (no surprise). But you can still grab the 2020 - only 7,500 bottles made.

A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this bottle is all English charm: sea breeze, sun-warmed chalk, orchard fruit and poise. Age-worthy until at least 2035. A dream with altitude.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £49- Sugrue South Downs

Chapel Down Rosé Sparkling

Each year, Decanter names just 50 wines as Best in Show - their highest honour. In 2024, only one English wine made the cut: this ethereal, traditional-method rosé from Kent. That’s three Best in Show wins now for Chapel Down, and a big red pin on the global wine map for England.

It’s an unusual blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier - and a twist of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir Précoce (an early-ripening, floral version of Pinot Noir).

The result is light, elegant, and completely summery, with strawberry, redcurrant and peony petal notes. It’s made for summer pudding, picnics or just a patch of sunshine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £32 Mix Six (34 per bottle)- Majestic

So, there you have it. Five standout Champagnes worth popping. Intrigued by those English sparkling curveballs? Discover more sip-worthy bottles here.

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

Foxhill Manor: Luxury Without Limits

Tucked away within the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Foxhill Manor is not just another five-star retreat. This eight-bedroom hideaway redefines what a luxury escape can feel like, blending manor-house grandeur with a spirit of playfulness and indulgence. It’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to loosen the tie, ditch the schedules, and sink into an experience that feels as if it were designed just for you.

A Manor with Personality

Perched on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate, Foxhill Manor wears its history with style. Each corner of the property radiates classic charm, yet the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed. Guests are encouraged to treat the manor as their own: wander into the pantry for a late-night snack, curl up in a reading nook with a glass of wine, or flop down in The Dencinema room with a bowl of popcorn and your Netflix password. It’s this blend of grandeur and informality that gives Foxhill its magic.

Bedrooms with Character

With only five bedrooms and three suites, Foxhill Manor feels more like a grand private home than a hotel. Each room has its own distinct personality, creating a sense of intimacy and individuality.

The Juniper Room offers a spacious ground-floor layout with a freestanding bath that practically demands a long soak. The Birch Room brings elegance with bespoke furnishings and a welcoming seating area. For art lovers, the Chestnut Room is adorned with unique pieces and a king-size bed at its centre, while the Maple Room is bright and airy with serene garden views. The Willow Room, with its floral décor and iron bed, evokes the charm of a countryside cottage.

Suites offer an extra touch of theatre. The Beech Suite pairs nature-inspired wallpaper with a claw-foot tub. The Hazel Suite delivers playful character, with its Chesterfield sofa and window seat overlooking the Vale of Evesham. Most striking of all, the Oak Suite boasts twin freestanding bathtubs positioned by the bay window, making it a dream for couples looking for a romantic escape. Each space strikes its own balance between homely comfort and refined design, ensuring every stay feels personal.

Dining Without Boundaries

One of the highlights of Foxhill Manor is the daily chef’s menu. Here, “personalised dining” isn’t a marketing phrase — it’s the core philosophy. Forget rigid meal slots and fixed menus. Instead, Chef James Sleep meets with guests to design meals around their preferences, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. Whether it’s a light salad with a zing of Cotswold herbs or a decadent dish showcasing game from nearby estates, every plate feels both spontaneous and thoughtful.

It’s this sense of freedom that impresses most. Dining here feels less like ordering from a menu and more like having your own private chef, crafting each dish with care and creativity.

The Bar That Keeps on Giving

Foxhill Manor takes the concept of an “open bar” and elevates it into something rather special. Guests are free to help themselves to a treasure trove of spirits, mixers, and house Champagne, with cocktails shaken up on request. The breadth of choice is impressive — whether it’s a crisp G&T, a smoky whisky nightcap, or something bright and bubbly to kick off an afternoon, the bar has it covered.

For wine lovers, the list is equally pleasing, offering both familiar favourites and local surprises. Combined with the welcoming attitude of the staff — who happily encourage a glass in hand while roaming the house — it makes the experience feel more like staying at a private country house party than at a hotel.

Grounds of Sublime Beauty

Of course, no Cotswolds escape would be complete without its surroundings, and the grounds here are sublime. Stroll out of the front door and you’re greeted with sweeping lawns, woodlands, and views across the Vale of Evesham. It’s the kind of place that slows the pulse and quiets the noise of everyday life.

For those in the mood for something more invigorating, the estate has plenty of trails and pathways for brisk walks before returning to the comfort of the manor. But equally, there’s immense joy in simply sitting outside with a glass of Champagne, letting the scenery do the talking.

The Magic of the Hot Tub

And then there’s the hot tub — a feature that deserves its own spotlight. Nestled outdoors with panoramic views, it feels particularly magical at dusk when the sky blushes pink and the estate falls quiet. For couples, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting. Bubbles in the glass, bubbles in the tub, and the gentle hum of nature all around. It’s the kind of memory that lingers long after checkout.

Beyond the Manor

Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the House Spa at sister hotel Dormy House, where an infinity pool, hydrotherapy hot tub, and thermal suite await. It’s a seamless extension of the indulgence, offering yet another layer of relaxation. Add in the complimentary transfers into the chocolate-box village of Broadway and Foxhill really does tick every box, from countryside seclusion to local exploration.

The Verdict

Foxhill Manor isn’t trying to be a traditional luxury hotel. It’s carving out its own category: intimate, indulgent, and joyfully free of rules. This is a rare kind of luxury — not one defined by formality or hushed tones, but by the freedom to make yourself completely at home in surroundings that are anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a celebratory weekend, or simply a chance to spoil yourself rotten, Foxhill Manor delivers in spades. With nightly rates starting from £920 for two (including the Full Fox all-inclusive experience), it’s an investment. But for those special occasions when you want everything — food, drink, comfort, and service — to be utterly seamless, this Cotswolds gem proves itself worth every penny.

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.

Aperitivo Hour: Why Vermouth Deserves a Spot in Your Glass

There is something oddly amusing about watching one’s English brother, alongside his English friends – expats in Barcelona – repeatedly order and sip vermouth. The scene holds both humour and potential. It is elegant and charming, and even a little absurd.

These are boys (now men) who were raised on British drinking culture, whose first initiation into alcohol was far less romantic than this scene. Yet here they are, turning their small draughts delicately in the Mediterranean sun, appreciating the botanical notes of a €3 aperitif as if they have just discovered alchemy for the first time.

It’s no secret that vermouth's popularity has risen in recent years. Since the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s, what was once considered relatively a niche and cutting-edge drink is now found on most menus and has trickled into the mainstream.

Known for its complex aromas and broad flavour profile, vermouth-based cocktails – featured in roughly a third of classic cocktail recipes – such as the Martini, Negroni, Manhattan, and Americano have made this bittersweet, aromatised wine a staple. Versatile in mixology, vermouth is also a strong contender as a standalone drink, either mixed with a tonic, sparkling wine or sipped neat over ice.

While it typically has a higher ABV than wine, vermouth’s relatively low alcohol content (15-22%) aligns perfectly with the growing trend toward no/low-alcohol consumption.

More appealingly, however, is vermouth’s affordability. It is budget-friendly and widely accessible, with most local supermarkets stocking household names like Martini on their shelves, the world’s largest vermouth brand, which sold upwards of 9.6 million cases in 2023.

Since the pandemic, home bartending has become a great way to enjoy cocktails in a more economical way; therefore, vermouth is arguably a must-have bottle for building a versatile at-home cocktail repertoire!

Despite the recent trademark certification of Vermouth di Torino, innovation in the category shows no signs of slowing down. Brands like The Aperitivo! Co. and Asterley Bros are embracing local botanicals native to England, showcasing the unique terroir of the UK.

More recently, quirky collaborations have also emerged, such as a limited-edition anchovy-infused vermouth created by the tinned fish brand Fishwife in partnership with Veso.

Originally launched as an April Fool’s joke, the product highlights a growing openness to innovation and bold marketing, reflecting a broader shift as savoury flavours make their way onto menus.

With a wide array of flavour options, from sweet and dry to Bianco, vermouth continues to prove itself not only as a timeless staple but also as a dynamic and evolving player in the world of drinks. Vermouth is an essential, especially during the summer-time, and whilst there are lots to choose from, here are some staple brands you should consider when starting your collection.

Vault Aperitivo, Forest Red Vermouth 

A spicy, bittersweet red vermouth from Vault Aperitivo, Forest is made using English red wine and infused with botanicals including orange peel, nettle, wormwood, pine and rosemary.

Fragrant with the essence of an English forest, it is also infused with gentian, cinchona, rhubarb, blackberry leaf and sage. Expect warm, earthy and spicy notes with hints of cinnamon and anise, as well as subtle touches of blackcurrant and cherry.

Versatile in vermouth cocktails, it can also be sipped over ice with a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon. For a smoky, sensory experience that elevates the vermouth in the glass, try briefly lighting the garnishes on fire.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.6%
Find Here: £33

The Aperitivo! Co. Rosso

Bristol-based The Aperitivo! Co. should be a staple on any bar or household shelf. A modern vermouth house launched in 2020, it aims to produce traditional-style vermouths and liqueurs, offering a range of aromatic and bitter products.

The Rosso vermouth is macerated with two types of wormwood and features notes of cola, orange, gentian, cinchona, winter spices, and black tea. It’s rich like treacle, with a glossy amber hue, offering citrus brightness and warming depth – a fabulous choice in a Negroni or Manhattan.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find Here: £24

The Aperitivo! Co. Rosé

With a uniquely perfumed and floral profile, this rosé vermouth is macerated using a raspberry eau de vie and rose water sourced from Sofia, Bulgaria. Raspberry leaf leads on the nose, followed by a delicate, floral character with subtle menthol and peppermint undertones.

Botanicals, such as orris root, chamomile and wormwood, add depth and complexity. Perfect as a gin replacement in a tonic, it also makes a delightful spritz with a wedge of lemon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find Here: £24

The Aperitivo Co. Dry

The Aperitivo! Co. Dry Vermouth is a French-inspired expression, offering a crisp and herbaceous profile with aromas of lemon zest, honeysuckle, hay and grapefruit, followed by delicate notes of elderflower, green apple, chamomile, and fennel.

Lightly savoury with a clean and bitter finish, it is perfect for a vermouth-forward Martini, a citrusy Americano twist or a refreshing tonic highball. Its balanced botanical complexity also makes it excellent when cooking, adding an aromatic lift to risottos, pasta sauces and seafood dishes. Elegant and floral, yet grounded by citrus and dry depth, this vermouth is great for cocktails and for culinary use.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find Here: £24

Cocchi Americano Bianco

Cocchi Americano Bianco’s name derives back to the late 19th-century American trend of drinking vermouth with soda (Americano) as seen in the cocktail of the same name. Made from a base of white grapes from Piedmont, the wine is fortified and infused with a blend of botanicals.

Expect aromas of pistachio and poached pear, along with notes of honey, cherry, vanilla, elderflower, and black forest fruits. On the palate, it offers glacier cherry, peach, and a green, citrus-herbal freshness, rounded out by a touch of orange peel.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find Here: £27.25

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

Cocchi Rosso is made with red wine and follows a family recipe that dates back over 100 years. Macerated with herbs and spices such as gentian, rose petals, vanilla pods, cinchona, and citrus, it offers a rich and intense profile.

Bursting with red fruit flavours and a touch of ginger spice, it has a syrupy sweetness reminiscent of rhubarb and custard, strawberries, and finishes with a lingering layer of fig and plum.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find Here: £26.75

Caprano Bianco

With a bouquet of citrus and exotic fruit, Caprano Bianco vermouth has winey, velvety tones with a semi-sweet, semi-dry profile, perfect for any occasion.

Made by the same producers as the renowned Antica Formula, another fabulous staple, it features notes of almond and cocoa, complemented by a bright citrus lift and hints of vanilla. The palate finishes with a pleasant bitterness and a lingering fruity character.

Size: 1L
ABV: 14.9%
Find Here: £19.75

El Bandarra Al Fresco

Macerated with Grenache wines and Mediterranean botanicals including liquorice, mint, rose, and citrus, this vibrant vermouth from Barcelona truly packs a punch.

Sunshine in a glass, it offers notes of orange, strawberry, and grapefruit, delivering a bittersweet balance that perfectly captures the aperitif spirit of tapas, friends, and refreshment. Whether mixed with cava or tonic, it lends itself beautifully to a longer serve, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed, sun-soaked drinking experience.

Size: 1L
ABV: 14%
Find Here: Currently £23.75 on offer.

To see more from DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Adele, including her Cognac recommendations, make sure you 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.

7 Unique Summer Drinks That Deserve a Spot in Your Glass

Summer has a way of slowing everything down. The heat makes you pause, and the sunshine draws you outside. The days stretch long, and the nights feel even longer - until they’re suddenly gone. So, it’s worth making the most of it. Sit in the garden with some ‘picky bits’ and enjoy drinks crafted with care. Not just another white wine or the same old gin and tonic - there’s nothing wrong with either - but there is a lot more out there to enjoy.

Think drinks with a story. Bottles that shine in the sun and are full of summer flavour. From English fine cider and French apéritifs to floral Cognacs and fruit-forward whiskies, these are summer-ready drinks full of character. They’re versatile, too - perfect for long drinks like Cognac and soda, a combination that will keep you cool in the warm weather. In fact, all of these drinks work beautifully with soda. And soda loves summer. 

Find & Foster Natura Pastorum 2020 Cider

Find & Foster make fine cider in Devon, working to regenerate historic orchards and preserve traditional English cider-making. Natura Pastorum 2020 is a medium-dry sparkling cider crafted using the traditional Champagne method. It spends two years on lees, adding complexity and a soft, rounded mouthful.

Expect notes of fragrant apple, orange blossom, lemon and gentle honey. Elegant and expressive, it is the kind of bottle to have chilled and ready for long afternoons outside. Best served chilled in a wine glass, where it can open up in the sun.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 6%
Find Here: £21.00

Jean Luc Pasquet Marie-Framboise

Jean-Luc Pasquet is an organic Cognac producer behind some of the region's most exciting expressions. Marie-Framboise is a raspberry apéritif made with locally grown organic berries - and it’s shaping up to be a modern classic. It bursts with vibrant raspberry character and carries layers of complexity.

Enjoy it over ice or with soda, but it really shines when splashed into sparkling wine or fine cider, such as Find & Foster. The raspberries are macerated for up to three months, developing notes of freshly picked raspberries, dates, blackcurrant leaf and mint, making it a real taste of summer.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find Here: £24.50

Savoia Orancio

Savoia Orancio is an orange wine aperitivo blended with spice and citrus, making it perfect for a refreshing Spritz. It’s a fresh, modern take on the Italian aperitivo tradition. Orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes on their skins, which adds complex aromatics to the glass.

Its bittersweet balance unfolds gradually with the orange wine and spices working together, as the flavours evolve over time. Notes of bitter orange, lime and bergamot meet ginger, pomegranate and a hint of saffron. It's made for sunny evenings, shared plates and great company.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17.2%
Find Here: £21.95

Bruichladdich Whisky: The Classic Laddie

Bruichladdich’s (pronounced BROOK-Laddie) is a barley-forward single malt Scotch whisky with bright fruit notes and a deep connection to place. The distillery champions sustainability and, through its commitment to reconnecting ‘whisky and agriculture’, it uses 100% Scottish barley in its whiskies. They describe the colour of the whisky as ‘sunlight on early summer barley fields’ - and that is how it tastes too.

Bottled at 50% ABV, it carries plenty of fruity richness and lets the barley flavour shine through. Whisky and soda come into their own in summer, and this is one of the best whiskies to enjoy in that long serve. Expect notes of pear, honey, heather, lemon and a touch of salt.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find Here: £49.90

Four Roses Small Batch Whisky

Strawberries are a real summer treat and instantly bring to mind Four Roses Small Batch bourbon, thanks to its fruity profile. Four Roses uses ten different bourbon recipes to create whiskies with a wide range of flavour profiles, making their range an excellent way to explore bourbon and discover how different flavour combinations come together.

The Small batch delivers those classic bourbon notes of sweet vanilla oak, caramel, baking spices - cinnamon, nutmeg and clove alongside lashings of ripe strawberries. It is a firm favourite for an old-fashioned cocktail, but for something lighter, try their Kentucky Lemonade cocktail, which keeps things refreshing on a hot day whilst still letting that bourbon shine.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45% ABV
Find Here: £30.50

Frapin VSOP Cognac

The fruit-forward notes of cognac make it the perfect spirit for summer, and if you’re unsure where to start, Frapin VSOP is a great choice. It is fruit-forward, versatile, and made without compromising on quality. VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale and notes that the cognac is at least four years old, giving you greater depth and richness.

Remarkably, this cognac house dates back to 1270, yet the spirit feels modern and accessible. Notes of baked apple, flowers (roses), oak, vanilla, and ginger work wonderfully in a sidecar or with soda for a refreshing fruity-sweet alternative to gin.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £58.25

Grosperrin Extra Grande Champagne Cuvée Abel Mestreau

Some moments deserve a truly special spirit. This 45-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac comes from Grosperrin, highly regarded négociant-traders who buy and bottle Cognac. It has been bottled under the historic Abel Mestreau label, originally a broker from the early 1900s whose business closed after World War I.

Grande Champagne, which refers to the growing region (also known as cru), is the most prized region in Cognac, famed for long-aging potential and finesse. This bottle offers indulgent notes of old oak, tobacco, leather, plums and warming spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), with a lingering, contemplative finish. This is a rare chance to experience history in a glass.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43% 
Find Here: £136

For more summer-ready drinks, take a look at this article on English whisky, which highlights whisky that truly shines at this time of year.

Raising a Glass to Love: Barefoot’s Fabulous 35+ Years Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Let’s start with the obvious: Barefoot isn’t just one of the most-loved names in wine, it’s a symbol of fun, freedom, and a producer of an incredible range of bottles to suit every taste bud. But there’s more than just wine bubbling under the surface: since 1988, Barefoot has proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with the LGBT+ community, championing equality and celebrating love in every form. That’s more than three decades of pairing great times with an even greater purpose - and we’re absolutely here for it.

How Did Barefoot Get Started in Supporting the LGBT Community?

Rewind to 1988, and Barefoot’s story of allyship started with a simple yet powerful gesture: supporting a fundraiser for the Golden Gate Business Association in San Francisco, the world’s first LGBT+ chamber of commerce. That night wasn’t just about raising money - it planted the seed for what became a lifelong commitment to showing up, speaking out, and lifting every voice in the rainbow community. Since then, Barefoot has made inclusivity part of its DNA, never shying away from putting love front and centre.

Why Does Barefoot Support the LGBTQ+ Community?

Unlike other brands who have the tendency to use Pride as a seasonal marketing moment, for Barefoot, supporting the LGBT+ community is about creating a world where everyone can show up exactly as they are, without fear or judgement. Life’s simply more fabulous when everyone feels welcome. Whether it’s your identity or your favourite grape, they believe every flavour deserves its place at the table. And let’s be honest: the world’s a better place when we can all come together, kick off our shoes, and get a little Barefoot ;)

What Has Barefoot Done Over the Years That Led to This Partnership?

Year after year Barefoot has made a splash supporting LGBTQ+ communities. From partnering with InterPride in 2005 to backing same-sex marriage by donating to every LGBT+ centre in California in 2008, their support has been unwavering. They hit a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index in 2010 - and haven’t missed a beat since! They sponsored World Pride in Toronto, and more recently teamed up with Free Mom Hugs and the National Centre for Transgender Equality. One standout moment? Their 2022 partnership with LGBT Foundation’s Rainbow Buddies project, which created over 1,000 supportive conversations to tackle post-pandemic loneliness in the LGBTQ+ community. Now that’s something worth toasting.

What is Barefoot Doing in 2025 to Support the LGBTQ+ Community?

This year, Barefoot is stepping up as the lead sponsor of LGBT Foundation’s glittering 50th anniversary celebrations - a golden milestone for a charity that’s been the UK’s lifeline for LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing since 1975. Key events have included everything from a Rainbow Arts Trail bursting with queer creativity to showstopping entries in Golden Parades at Pride events, a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library, and a partnership with Google Arts & Culture to amplify queer stories across the globe. It’s all about turning up the volume on LGBTQ+ voices and celebrating 50 years of life-saving work in spectacular style.

Our Toast to Barefoot: 4 Fabulous Wines to Celebrate Love

Feeling inspired? So are we - and there’s no better way to raise a glass than with these four standout Barefoot wines. Pick your favourite and let the fun begin:

For the White Wine Lover: Barefoot Pinot Grigio


Fresh and crisp, Barefoot’s Pinot Grigio brims with citrus zest, green apple and subtle floral notes. It’s a natural match for light seafood dishes, creamy pasta, or a simple antipasti spread. Perfect for alfresco dining and picnics in the park, it’s a bottle that begs for sunny afternoons and lots of laughter your best mates.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: COOP £7.50

For the Rosé Wine Lover: Barefoot Pink Moscato

Sweet, playful, and bursting with ripe strawberries and juicy raspberries, Barefoot Pink Moscato is the ultimate partner for creamy desserts or a cheeky brunch with mates. Take it to a beach picnic, Pride celebrations, or any moment under the sun. Cheers!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%
Find here: Waitrose £8

For the Red Wine Lover: Barefoot Merlot

Smooth, velvety and oh-so-inviting, Barefoot’s Merlot is packed with juicy blackberry, plum and a whisper of chocolate on the finish. It’s the kind of red that feels just as at home alongside a hearty lasagne as it does with a cheeseboard by the fire. When the nights get cooler, this red will bring warmth to any gathering.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: Tesco £7.50 (Currently reduced from £8.50)

For the Sparkling Wine Lover: Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato

A celebration in a bottle, Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato is everything you want in a sparkling wine: vibrant, textured, and bursting with red berry notes. Toast engagements, birthdays, or Tuesdays that feel like Fridays - it’s perfect whenever you need a little sparkle to elevate the everyday.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: Tesco £7 (currently reduced from £8.25)

Barefoot isn’t just talking the talk - it’s dancing the dance, every day of the year. By championing inclusivity and celebrating individuality, Barefoot makes wine accessible, joyful, and free of pretension, just as it should be. And as they step into 2025 and beyond, Barefoot’s mission is clear: to keep raising glasses, amplifying underrepresented voices, and making the world a more welcoming, colourful place. One Barefoot step at a time.

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