The Best Whiskey for Irish Coffee

Winter warmer season is in full swing, and wrapping your hands around an Irish Coffee warms the body and soul like little else... but only if the whiskey is spot on. Whilst they’re super easy to make, picking the ideal whiskey for however you like your Irish Coffee is the most important part, so pick your star of the show from the list below!

Powers

Dating back to a staggering 1791, Powers is the traditionalist’s whiskey option for their Irish Coffee. It’s got great complexity for the under £30 price point that will add layers to your coffee and keep it interesting until the end. It’s really smooth with gorgeous buttery shortbread notes, caramel and even a hint of chocolate adding to the indulgent experience.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.90

Jameson Stout Edition

Jameson tops the sales charts for Irish whiskey across the globe and whilst their original is a fantastic beginner’s option for Irish Coffee, their stout-seasoned barrel-aged edition is a level up. Alongside the signature easy-drinking smoothness and subtle fruitiness we expect from Jameson, this innovative mix boasts lingering chocolate, coffee and butterscotch notes that are dying to be the star of your next Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £23.99 / US $36.99

Slane Whiskey

Slane is stunning for the price with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Three different casks are used (seasoned casks containing bourbon, sherry and oak) to create a really full and satisfying taste, with rounded buttery vanilla notes. There are also hints of baking spice so it’s ideal for an Irish Coffee with a bit of heat behind the heat if you know what we mean. Indulgence in a mug!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 // US $32.99

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

For just over £20, Kilbeggan is steadfast and reliable for an Irish Coffee. Smooth, light and more noticeably, it’s distilled twice rather than three times over so retains earthy peaty qualities that will go perfectly with certain coffees. Kilbeggan is named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland and the distillery itself is claimed to be the oldest of its type in the entire country, so it’s a taste of history too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 / US $35.99

Roe and Co

Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels and a blended mix of single malt and grain whiskeys, this Master award winning expression is spot on for an Irish Coffee with full and deep flavours. There’s creaminess, velvet texture, lofty notes of spiced pears, mellow vanilla and toasted oak that feels perfectly rich and warming for winter.  

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £31.95 // US $38.99

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

This is another whiskey that has a Master award sitting in its cabinet, but it’s more unusual. The malt and grain blend matures in ex-bourbon but is then moved to rum casks for a whole year before being bottled without chill-filtration. The texture is super smooth and behind that is bold flavouring that you can bet won’t die in the heat. Fruitiness from the rum entangles with vanilla and caramel cream for a wonderfully rich and varied palate. Combined with the coffee, there will be serious flavours happening so it’s got to be worth seeing if you love it.   

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $39.99

The Sexton Single Malt

Sexton is the go-to Irish Coffee whiskey for quite a few bartenders and that’s because of the delicious and authentic flavour. Made from 100% malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills, it’s then aged in Oloroso sherry casks imparting an inviting fruitiness. Vanilla, dried fruits and honeycomb sweetness are bold but restrained in the right places. The only negative is that the gorgeous vintage bottle makes it difficult to see how much you’re getting through, and when you take your first sip, you’ll see why that may present an issue.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £30 // US $29.99

Sliabh Liag Silkie Blended Irish Whiskey

The Silkies of Irish legend are seals that shapeshifted into irresistible beings on land, and it looks like some of them then transformed into whiskey bottles too because this is just as irresistible. Made in Donegal at the relatively new Sliabh Liag distillery, it is fruity and balanced with precision. From apricot on the nose, to honey on the palate and toasted caramel on the finish, there’s a sweet vein running throughout but it’s surrounded by plenty of character and intrigue that will easily shine through a hot Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £30.45

Green Spot Single Pot Irish Still Whiskey

This is a fabulous single pot still whiskey that’s been impressing critics for some time. Bourbon and then sherry casks create an enchanting nose of apple, malt, sugary porridge, creamy vanilla and tropical fruits, which opens up to a soft and spicy palate that feels interestingly fragrant yet woody. Far from being a whiskey that drags its feet, this is super light and complex and perfect for a sophisticated and endlessly rewarding Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £39.99/ US $76.99

If you’re looking for the perfect Irish Coffee recipes, look no further, we’ve done the hard work for you!

8 Stunning Mocktail Recipes You Need to Try

We all know mocktails can easily totally miss the mark, but these 8 recipes are delicious in their own right with zero compromises. Whatever alcohol-free bottle you’ve got stocked; we’ve got the perfect mocktail for you to put it in.

Simple to make, gloriously refreshing and with the special feeling a cocktail should always come with, check out the magical mocktails below!

Tropical Passion Nojito – for the rum lovers

This mocktail is the perfect tropical getaway. If you can find a white rum alternative that’s ideal, but darker alternatives will be fine too because it’s unlikely that the No-Lo will smother the delicate flavours. The passion fruit just lifts the flavour with extra sweetness and adds a lovely touch of tartness that really adds to the refreshment. A glass of summer!

Ingredients
50ml No-Lo Rum
20ml passion fruit juice/1-2 slices of passion fruit
15ml sugar syrup
1 fresh lime
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water

Method
Muddle the mint, lime juice and passion fruit and add your rum alternative. If your passion fruit is particularly sweet, you may want to skip out the sugar syrup but we like it left in. Top up with soda, plenty of ice and garnish with passion fruit, mint, or lime – whatever you have left basically!

Orange Square – for the vodka lovers

This is essentially an orange Moscow Mule, made using one of the top-notch vodka alternatives out there. The warmth and zip of the ginger balances wonderfully with light and bright orange and lime, but it’s mellow enough for the No-Lo to cut through as the show stealer. It looks delicious and tastes even better. Enjoy!

Ingredients
50ml vodka alternative
15ml lime juice
100ml ginger beer
30ml fresh orange juice
Orange slice (garnish)
Mint leaves (optional garnish)

Method
Strain freshly squeezed orange and lime juice into your glass and add your ‘vodka’ and ginger beer. Feel free to add a full slice of orange in there too. Garnish with an orange slice (we just can’t get enough) and some mint makes for a nice flourish too. Nom!

Palo-no – for the tequila lovers

There is an increasing number of more than credible tequila alternatives coming out in recent times, making use of that same agave flavour. This vibrant mocktail is a perfect way to enjoy those distinctive flavours without the alcohol. With sharp grapefruit juice and lime, it’s bittersweet, sour and a little salty, just like a good Paloma should be!

Ingredients
50ml tequila alternative
50ml fresh grapefruit juice
Soda (to top up)
15ml fresh lime juice
10ml agave Syrup
grapefruit wedge (garnish)
salt (garnish)

Method
Add ice and all ingredients except for the soda to your shaker and shake shake shake. Strain into a highball glass and top up with more ice and soda. Voila!

Whisky Sour Mocktail – for the whisky lovers

This will work for your favourite whisky alternative, but also those No-Lo creations that don’t fit as neatly into one category. If it’s got smoky and woody notes, or subtle caramelly vanilla notes, or if you just feel it has characteristics like whisky, then this silky sour is a safe bet.

Ingredients
60ml whisky alternative
30ml lemon juice
10ml sugar syrup
15ml egg white / aquafaba (chickpea juice)
2 dashes of aromatic alcohol-free bitters (something like Æcorn)

Method
Shake everything without ice first, then add ice, shake hard again, and strain into your glass. You can skip the egg white/aquafaba and bitters if you like, but you’ll miss out on the easy-drinking texture and added layers. As is always the case with cocktails though, do what you want!

Basil Gimlet – for the gin lovers

This is a more aromatic option that will suit a herbaceous gin alternative down to the ground. There are a few different ways you can do this, but we prefer elderflower and lime cordial with some peach for sweetness instead of syrup. It’s a botanical bliss, with tangy citrus and fragrant herbs giving enough space for the No-Lo to shine through.

Ingredients
50ml gin alternative
10ml elderflower cordial
10ml lime juice
10ml lime cordial (if not, then more juice and syrup)
Around 5 basil leaves
1 slice of peach (garnish)

Method
Muddle the basil thoroughly and then simply shake everything before straining over ice. Garnish with a sweet slice of peach and basil leaf and you’re all set.

Top Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, then some mint tea syrup (1:1 mint tea: sugar syrup) adds an intriguing cooling earthiness to this.

Apple Pie Sangria Mocktail – for the wine lovers

Simpler than it first appears, this a really nicely balanced mocktail that elevates a white wine apple spritzer to new levels. A sip of your No-Lo wine with sweet apple and sour lemon, underlined with vanilla syrup and honey and cinnamon on the rim is absolute heaven.

Ingredients
40ml wine alternative (preferably white, like Chardonnay)
40ml apple juice
20ml lemon juice
Dash of vanilla syrup
Honey, cinnamon and sugar(for rim)
Apple slice (garnish) 

Method
A simple syrup is always heating equal parts sugar and water, and we recommend vanilla pods to get the flavour here, but you could use vanilla essence. Shake your juices with the ‘wine’ and this syrup until it feels cold to the touch. Roll the rim of your glass in honey and then cinnamon sugar so it sticks evenly. Strain your creation over ice and garnish with an apple slice to top it off. Glorious.

Pink Fizz – perfect for the bubble lovers

If you’re looking for something simple and refreshing, this is it. It’s fun, bursting with citrusy tang and refreshing till the last drop with those beautiful bubbles. Pretty much any sparkling alcohol-free wine of good quality will suit this mocktail, so it’s super easy to pull together with whatever you’ve got in. Sometimes simple is best!

Ingredients
50ml sparkling wine alternative
15ml simple syrup
50ml grapefruit juice
Grapefruit slice (garnish) 

Method
No complicating this one, just give everything a good stir and serve chilled!

Prohibition CBDaisy – perfect for CBD lovers

The Prohibition Daisy goes way back to an era when drinkers were forced to get creative. So, in that spirit, we’ve added a CBD spin so you can unwind because isn’t that what cocktails are for? It’s super fruity, invigoratingly fresh and CBD replicates the relaxation of a boozy cocktail without the hangover!

Ingredients
30ml orange juice (ideally fresh)
15ml lime juice (ideally fresh)
15ml lemon juice (ideally fresh)
30ml pineapple juice
30ml raspberry syrup (like Monin)
CBD Bitters (like OTO) 

Method
The more freshly squeezed juices the better here. Shake everything with ice and strain into a glass with crushed ice. And remember to check your CBD amounts before adding!

We’ve kept it brand free so you can use whatever alternatives you might have in the cupboard, but if you need ideas for the best No-Lo drinks to buy then look no further! Check out our favourites here!

The 12 Best Scotch Whiskies to Sip This Burns Night

It doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to have a dram or two on any evening of the year, but there is one night of the year that gives me a reason to open something very special. A very special whisky means different things to different people on different budgets and at different points on their whisky journey, so suggesting whiskies to try for Burns Night can be tricky.

Within this article, I am choosing the best whiskies I have tried over the last year or whiskies I have loved for many years at every price point beyond the bottom shelf of a supermarket. I will be brief with a few of them as I have written about them before extensively, and for others, which are new to me or the market I will try and give a fuller view of why they should pass your lips. Whether it be budget or blowout, I hope there is something here that whets your appetite for Burn’s Night.

Glen Moray Classic

The all-time best value single malt whisky on the market today. It can be found in most shops at around £20 and can occasionally be found on special offer for under that. With typical Speyside flavours of honey, vanilla and lots of orchard fruit, this is the perfect whisky to start with.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £23.24 // US $29.99

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

This is the whisky which, when asked what’s my favourite, I have no hesitation in choosing. I have listed it many, many times, like in this round-up of all the Johnnie Walker expressions. It is complex with fruit, smoke and sweetness. As Tina would say, it’s “simply the best”.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £26.89 // US $33.99

Glen Grant 10 Year Old

Another very good beginner’s whisky from Speyside, packed with flavour. This has an age statement so it is a little more expensive. Created with tall stills, there are lots of fruity flavours and lots of malty flavours, there is also a touch of peat, so for those wanting to experience a little smoke in their dram, this is a great place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £30.99

Dailuaine 16 Year Old

This is one of my all-time favourite whiskies. The balance of fruit, sweetness and wood is perfect. It is one of the few bottles in my house that is immediately replaced when it runs out. I think it is still incredible value considering it is a 16 year old and from a distillery which is rarely found in any other bottling. This is the only official one from owners Diageo and it’s hard to beat. Usually, you’ll find it for around £60 but it can be found for less, like the link below.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £45.75

Jura Seven Wood

Hailing from the isle of Jura, and by looking at the name, this whisky is clear about the way it is matured. Using seven different cask types, there is American oak and six other types including French oak, Limousin, Tronçais, Allier, Vosges, Jupilles and Les Bertranges. All this makes for a complex whisky with lots of fine oak character and a mix of orchard and white stone fruits with peach being the main one. Fine oak on the finish with some vanilla and a touch of smoke. A great way to start an island adventure.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 42%
Find it here: UK £54.89 // US $83.99

Dalmore 12 Year old

Moving into the highlands, Dalmore is one of the luxury brands in Scotch, and with good reason. Here we start to see the use of ex-sherry casks in the maturation which gives a dried fruit character, as well as fruit cake and spice. There are also delicate citrus notes and a little marmalade, and you can expect a long finish too. Complex stuff and perfect for Burn’s Night.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £55 // US $64.99

Glen Grant 15 Year Old Batch Strength First Edition

A sweet and spicy expression of Glen Grant and at 50% abv this delivers flavour in abundance. Plenty of sweet orange and orchard fruit with caramel, fine oak and vanilla. Apricot jam is dominant on the palate and spices cut through the finish beautifully. An impressive dram where the alcohol helps rather than hinders all the delicate flavours. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: £59.95 // US $80.99

BenRiach 16 Year Old

This is a new addition to the Benriach range and a great addition it is. It is unpeated and matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and virgin oak casks. Based on the original expression of the 16 year old which was made quite a few years ago now, it is a fruity Speyside with spice, toasted oak, a little dried apricot and a finish that is long and satisfying. Class in a glass.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £76.95

Octomore 10.1

Octomore is a smoky whisky on steroids. The peating levels in Octomore are said to be the highest ever in a Scotch. However, whilst making this whisky pretty extreme, there is also an elegance allowing the fruit to come through the high levels of peat. The peat is also sweet rather than ashy making it surprisingly easy to drink given the high abv. I’d add a little water to remove some of the nose prickle, but each to their own, and at least at this strength, the whisky gives you the choice. The 10.1 series is now in short supply and getting difficult to find, so if you see one, I’d go for it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £149.00

Bruichladdich Black Art 10.1 1993 29 year old

This is the 10th release of this brilliant whisky and the cask recipe is unknown to those outside of the distillery. It is even more complex than previous expressions of the Black Art with lots of chocolate, dark fruit jams and manuka honey leading to ginger, raisins, tinned peaches, tobacco, and spices. I could go on and on. It’s very impressive and although a bit of a splurge, this is worth every single penny.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45.1%
Find it here: UK £403.57 // US $699.99

Islay Single Malt 32 Year Old from the Thompson Brothers

This is incredible value for a 32 year old single malt. Although we don’t know which distillery it comes from, we do know that is is absolutely delicious. Bottled in small quantities and with the usual, unusual, and colourful label from whiskyhobo especially for the bottlers, this is a wonderful Islay whisky. With typical briny notes and lots of crushed shells, ripe olives and some ripe tropical fruits, it is complex and grows with air in the glass. Simon and Phil Thompson have become a bit of a cult in the independent bottling world, and with drams like this one, one can see why.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 49.3%
Find it here: £350

Glenfarclas 50 Year Old

This particular release of the Glenfarfclas 50 year old was created for the 50th anniversary of the owner and chairman John Grant starting in the Scotch Whisky industry. John is the 5th generation of the grant family to take the helm and it is the oldest family owned and family run distillery. It is a hugely complex whisky with sherry influence and the influence of five decades of gentle maturation. This is something very rare and special, and finding it, or any 50 year old single malt for less than five figures is also rare these days.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: £9,000

Hopefully, there is something here you can experience for the first time and make this year’s Burn’s Night a memorable one. With the world of whisky expanding very quickly these days, it is good to have a day to reflect on the more traditional home of whisky, Scotland, and all its fabulous offerings. If you’re not too sure that whisky is for you, firstly, well done for making it this far but also, why not check out these Great Alternatives for Burn’s Night?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

What is Baijiu and What Should I Try?

Have you ever asked yourself ‘what is the world’s most popular spirit?’ Is it Vodka? Whisky? Rum, even?

The answer is that it’s none of them. The world’s most popular spirit is in fact, Chinese Baijiu. With Chinese New Year upon us, here’s your comprehensive introduction to this mega spirit with 6000 years of history and 10 billion dollars worth of sales a year.

What type of alcohol is Baijiu?

Baijiu, sometimes known as Shaojiu, is a colourless grain spirit that’s massively popular in China. Most commonly, fermenting cooked Sorghum (a flowering grass plant) is chosen, but millet, barley and rice are also used and it varies a lot across the country.

‘Jiuqu’ is added too, with ‘Jiu’ referencing alcohol, and ‘qu’ is koji, which is a fungus that is also used in the production of sake and soy sauce. Just like most drinks, the choices made at this stage create distinct flavour characteristics, which brings us to the question…

What does Baijiu taste like?

Baijiu can be an acquired taste at first, particularly to a novice drinker. In its sense of texture and flavour complexity, it could be compared to whisky. As you’ll see below, styles vary, but overall, you might expect musky flavours with sweetness and over-ripe fruits. There can also be coffee and soy sauce flavouring though, so it’s difficult to pin down!

Most of the time, the white spirit falls into that 40-60% ABV range, though it’s traditionally enjoyed neat with food – particularly if it’s a premium bottle. Of course, tradition is tradition but in day-to-day life, it’s often mixed.

Baijiu can be roughly split into four styles, each using different ingredients, ageing vessels, and ageing duration. So…

What are the different styles of Baijiu and how do they taste?

Light Aroma: Light, elegant and subtly floral. Traditionally made in a stone vessel with sorghum. Hails from the north, around Beijing.

Strong Aroma: Fruity, tropical, aniseed, complex. Multiple grains but aged in mud pits. Hails largely from Sichuan province in the southwest.

Sauce Aroma: Umami, soy, bean. Mostly sorghum but with multiple fermentations in stone brick pits.

Rice Aroma: Sweeter and mellow. Hailing from the south and often the lowest grade.

Baijiu is a massive industry, so of course there are sub groups innovating with different aromas all the time. ‘Chi’ aroma can be infused with pork fat for example, as well as sesame aroma and medicine aroma. The good news if you like baijiu is that there’s so much to explore.

This variety is part of the reason Baijiu is so popular in China. It dates back thousands of years, there’s almost certainly a specific type that appeals to you, it’s claimed to have certain health benefits and it plays an important role in Chinese culture. Like Vodka in Eastern Europe and Rum in the Caribbean, spirits can become much more than just a drink.

How do you drink Baijiu?

A lot of people wonder if you should drink Baijiu cold and unlike many spirits in other parts of the world, ice isn’t always a go-to. It’s often served, as mentioned, neat and at room temperature or even slightly warm in very small glasses.

Usually, there’s food present or an occasion to celebrate. It’s a social drink and is often shotted, rather than sipped. But, with so much variation, you’ll find people drinking it in all kinds of different ways, so do whatever you like!

3 Baijius to Try

Ming River Sichaun Baijiu

This is a clear sorghum gain Baijiu from the oldest operating distillery in China – Luzhou Laojiao. Fermented with wheat yeast in earth pits, the 2 month old mash is then distilled in small batches in a traditional Chinese still for up to 2 years. Instantly on the nose, it’s very fruity with melon, mango and pineapple coming through, with a baked earth richness following. It’s super smooth and deceptively gentle with a clean but flavoursome feel. Enjoy it neat first but then experiment in cocktails (check out the ones below!)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £36

Fen Chiew 5-Year-Old Chu Yen Ching Baijiu

The vibrant golden green here is from bamboo-leaf, which is also what ‘Chu Yen Ching’ refers to. This Baijiu is a completely distinctive taste, with an instantaneous spicy tang making way for lemon, honey and citrus. It has a more medicinal profile though, with a crisp herby and peppery finish. It won’t be a guaranteed hit with everyone, but it's a diverse tasting experience that some will absolutely love.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £60

Fen Chiew Blue Flower Baijiu

The strongest Baijiu of the three, Fen Chiew’s Blue Flower arrives in style, with a gorgeous traditional design. It opens up to an intriguing herbal palate. Think rosemary, sage, saffron and umami notes. Lifting the liquid is tangy orange for an intense finish. Serve it neat!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £150

3 Baijiu Cocktails to Try

Baijiu Highball

This is one of the simpler Baijiu cocktails to pull together. The pineapple shines through, and the lime juice cuts through very pleasantly. Very clean and refreshing to sip on with plenty of subtle notes to keep you intrigued until the final drop.

Ingredients
60ml Baijiu (try Ming River)
Tonic (to the top)
Lime squeeze

Method
Just add your Baijiu first then pour tonic to the top and stir gently with fresh lime.

The Golden Empire

Baijiu’s intriguing use in mixology has been a big part of its newfound international popularity and this cocktail won a Fenjiu (Baijiu producer) cocktail competition a few years ago. It’s a golden, moreish concoction blending sherry, vermouth and Baijiu, created by Andrea Dionori of the Crazy Bear. Expect refreshment, sweetness and a cocktail unlike anything you’ve had before.

Ingredients
35ml Fenjiu Baijiu 10 year old.
10ml White Vermouth (preferred: Cocchi Americano)
7.5ml Palo Cortado sherry
10ml Homemade Palo Santo cordial (optional)

Method
Simply shake well with plenty of ice!

The Royal Rabbit

This is a lovely, sweeter Baijiu cocktail that might be ideal if neat Baijiu is a bit too much for you at first. With underlying tartness from the lemon and raspberry juice, it’s crisp and refreshing with the perfect amount of sweetness, really bringing out any fruity notes from your chosen Baijiu.

Ingredients
50ml Baijiu
40ml Raspberry juice
Top up with lemonade
Garnish with fresh raspberries

Method
Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined and finish with some ripe raspberries for the perfect flourish.

If you’re in the mood to explore iconic spirits synonymous with other countries, then check out our article on Tsikoudia, a Cretan Hidden Gem!

The Best Whisky Alternatives For Burns Night

January 25th brings Burns Night, the birthday of The Scottish Bar, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. His classic works like Auld Lang Syne are known across the world, and traditionally, haggis and Scotch are served after reading Rabbie’s words to ‘address the haggis’.

It’s the perfect excuse to pour out a special dram, but believe it or not Scotch lovers, not everyone loves it! So, whether it’s wine, spirits, or even alcohol-free drinks you’re looking for, these are the best alternatives to sip on during Burns Night, that give nods to the event without going the whole hog, or the whole haggis. Enjoy!

WINE

Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz

Another fantastic wine drinker’s choice for Burns Night is this Double Barrel Shiraz... because it’s literally aged in Scotch whisky barrels! Available in almost all supermarkets, this Jacob’s Creek range includes other wines finished with Scotch, but the Australian Shiraz is really top notch. It’s first matured in traditional oak wine barrels, building richness and elegance with hints of blueberry and ripe plum. Finishing in Scotch barrels leaves for a seriously moreish easy-drinking smoothness as well as vanilla and charry oak notes. It’s a fantastic food-friendly Shiraz that would sing alongside beef, mushrooms, and blue cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £10 (usually £12!) Sainsbury’s // US $21.99

1000 Stories Chardonnay

1000 Stories make a number of wines, with each fermenting in charred barrels that once housed iconic Kentucky bourbon. We’ve picked out their Chardonnay which reimagines the Cali classic without losing the characteristic of what makes the full-bodied grape so loved. The result is lush, charred vanilla and toasted caramel perfectly balanced by the more familiar baked apple and pear. The inclusion of a little Viognier adds even more intrigue with tropical hints in the background. Gorgeous!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5% 
Find here: UK £16.50 Tesco // US $16.99

SPIRITS

Mount Gay XO Triple Cask Blend

The peak of rum heritage is Mount Gay who release some absolute crackers, and the dark and brooding XO is right up there. Resting for between 8-15 years in a combination of American whiskey, bourbon and Cognac casks creates a precision balance. A lovely oakiness underlines everything, decorated with inviting notes of waxy pear and sticky toffee fig pudding. Full-flavour, impossibly smooth, and finally the very gentle warming spice that you need on Burns Night – it’s the best rum option to replace Scotch. Try it with a large coconut water ice cube to really accentuate the coconut notes too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £54.59 // US $64.99

Firkin Gin Islay Cask

Firkin Gin produce some delicious gin, many finished with wines and whiskies. We even tried their Côtes Du Roussillon in, ‘The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky’, but on Burns Night, gin lovers should go to their Islay Cask! Best known for Scotch, Firkin Gin have imparted that Islay character into this London dry-style gin by resting it in oak casks that used to house local whisky. In amongst the juniper, lime and honey botanicals, peat smoke wafts through on the nose before distinct vanilla and sea-breeze notes on the palate. The peppery finish ties up the peaty elements nicely, for a gin that is both light, zesty, and coastal, but smoky too. Explore it neat but perhaps serve with ginger beer after that.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £34.99

Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo Tequila

Raised in Texas but born in Scotland, Michael Ballantyne founded the award-winning Storywood to produce tequila, ‘with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland’. It’s unusual to see Speyside and Tequila in the same sentence, but the 100% blue weber agave añejo matures in Scotch casks from the area for 14 months to create one of the most uniquely layered tequilas around. Think caramelised nuts and toasted oak, intertwining with the earthy and vegetal agave that sits at the heart of it. Innovative and well worth a try to see if the combination is a hit for you!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.30

Kalak Peat Cask Vodka

Another expression you don’t see often but just so happens to be the perfect alternative to Scotch for Burns Night... cask-aged vodka. Kalak’s crisp Irish malted barley vodka is distilled four times and finished in virgin American oak casks charred over Irish peat fires. What an image that is! A mellow smoke coats the bakery profile of vanilla, gingerbread, and cream wonderfully. The whisky presence is far from overbearing if you’re worried about that, it just adds a new toasted layer to the existing characteristics. We think this would also create some really unique cocktails, like a Smoky Martini. Cheers to Rabbie!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.90

Beeble Honey Whisky Liqueur

If you’re anything like us you’ll be instantly curious about that distinct honied hue and giant bee, and even more intrigued about what ‘honey spirit’ is. When the founders began their first hive, they found it difficult to avoid wasting the honey that stuck to the frames. They tried soaking them in whisky and the first Beeble batch was born. They now have over 130 sustainable hives, and still only use honey, water, and whisky. English apple blossom honey blends with Scotch for a super silky and floral bottling at just 30%. If you really don’t like whisky, then maybe stay clear but if you want to explore a much easier drinking sweet liqueur version, then this is a must try. It won a Great Taste Award in 2020 for its original flavour so see what you think!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 30%
Find here: £32

NO LO

Feragaia

If you don’t drink alcohol but still want to sip on something special for the celebrations, then how about Feragaia? It’s a Scottish alcohol-free spirit combining 14 wild botanicals including chamomile, bay leaf and seaweed with local Scottish water. The grounding spices like pink peppercorn work well with the coastal Kelp and fresh lemon and blackcurrant for a really balanced and clean feeling of flora and earth. It might look like a very pale whisky, but Feragaia doesn’t intend to try to replicate a spirit, instead they hope that this stands in its own right as its own thing. Bravo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.94

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Crossip has a great range of booze-free spirits, but it was Dandy Smoke that picked up The Independent’s Best Overall Non-Alcoholic Spirit of 2021, and it has that Scotch profile we’re looking for. It’s smoky (obviously!) and velvet smooth with satisfying viscosity, which is important because a thin feel can be an issue with booze-free spirits. Underneath the enjoyable texture are layers of warming spice with a subtly medicinal punch not dissimilar from Islay expressions. It’s a smaller bottle than most but a little goes a long way with this one. Try it with cola or ginger ale, or even at the base of a fresh mocktail!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22

If after all that you’ve come full circle and just want quality Scotch for Burns Night, then check out our list of the very best, from budget to blowout.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The 10 Best No-Lo's For All Drinks Lovers

Year after year, no or low-alcohol drinks seem to get better and better, so we’ve picked our best up-to-date alternatives to your favourite spirits below! These beautiful drinks feel like a treat, not a compromise, so whether you’re a seasoned No-Lo explorer, or just experimenting for Dry January, pick out your go-to alternative here... let’s get started.

BEST RUM ALTERNATIVE

Caleño Dark & Spicy

Caleño produces non-alcoholic spirits inspired by the vibrancy of Colombia, and their Dark & Spicy release is a wonderful bottle in the vein of dark rum. It’s built around the tropical tang of pineapple, with a pleasant gingery kick, vanilla pods, subtle coconut, and a splash of lime. They’ve nailed the profile and serving it with ginger ale gives it the extra kick for more of a spiced rum feel if you’re looking for that.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%      
Find here: £17.99

BEST TEQUILA ALTERNATIVE

Mockingbird Spirit

For all you tequila lovers, Mockingbird uses Mexican blue weber agave just like tequila and the similarity in taste is remarkable. All those familiar notes are there, with the slightly smoky and sweet profile, but without the hangover that may follow! In fact, Mockingbird includes pure ashwagandha for added health benefits. It’d be perfect in a Margarita mocktail or as an inventive mixer.

Size: 700ml                                          
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £22.99

BEST GIN ALTERNATIVE

Sea Arch Coastal Juniper

Inspired by the beautiful Devon coastline, this gin-esque creation includes a selection of gorgeous seaside botanicals. The aromatic juniper is front and centre with herbal notes of sage satisfyingly sitting behind. Grapefruit and coriander create a crisp and clean palate, whilst the sweetness of the blood orange and juicy lemon undertones adds beguiling complexity. Sea kelp and samphire, angelica and cardamon complete a fantastically well-rounded, fresh, and bright drink, leaving you fulfilled and refreshed like a long coastal walk! Simply serve with a classic tonic to unfold the vibrant citrus and seaside herbs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £17.12

BEST FOR WHISKY LOVERS

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Dandy Smoke is probably the most praised release from Crossip, an alcohol-free brand with some fantastic other releases from Fresh Citrus to Blazing Pineapple. Dandy Smoke is a must try for whisky lovers looking for a booze-free alternative, with perfect smoothness, smokiness, and warming spices. It has that slightly viscous texture required for a truly satisfying sip and underlying punchy aromas similar to Islay drams so a little really does go a long way with this one. Try it over ice with your chosen mixer (ginger ale would be perfect), or knock up some fresh mocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22

BEST FOR VODKA LOVERS

STRYYK Not Vodka

We’ve been keeping tabs on STRYYK for a while because of their Not Rum and Not Gin, and now it’s time for Not Vodka, a spirit that is often ignored in the No-Lo space. The tingling capsicum gently warms the throat, matching the sensation of Vodka sipping, with some fresh cucumber and mint flavour before a peppery finish. It feels fantastically fresh and clean but may get a little overwhelmed with a strong mixer, so we recommend some ice, tonic and lemon to bring out the zesty notes. Super refreshing!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.82

BEST VERMOUTH ALTERNATIVE

Feragaia

From the off, we should say that Feragaia doesn’t claim to replicate any alcoholic drink, aiming to stand in its own right instead. However, we think that if you’re on the hunt for booze-free Vermouth, it’s well worth a shot! Hailing from the Scottish Lowlands, it’s a distinctive blend of wild botanicals, grounded in earthy root flavours and warming spice like pink peppercorn. Complimenting well, the lighter top notes of fresh lemon, blackcurrant and kelp provide perfect balance, creating a unique mix of aromatic herbs and bittersweetness. It’s another No-Lo drink that just needs ice and a little tonic to make it sing. It’s seriously invigorating and probably like nothing else you’ve tried before!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.94

BEST CANNED NO LO

Something & Nothing Yuzu Seltzer

Winner of a Great Taste award in 2020, Yuzu Seltzer’s star is Yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit with a pleasantly sharp taste – think a blend of lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Super simple and natural, it’s just fresh grape and lemon juice added to swirl around the yuzu base to fill out the flavour, and voila! Healthy revitalising Seltzer that hits the spot.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.95 / 12 Pack £19.75

BEST NO LO COCKTAIL

Caffè Carnivale Espress0% Martini Nitro Cans

Let us introduce you to the winner of a Gold Medal at the pre-mixed masters, praised for it’s uniquely crafted sophistication. Cold brew espresso is blended with cocoa and Madagascan vanilla, with everything poised perfectly, from sweet chocolate to earthy coffee. There’s even a somewhat boozy aftertaste you may detect! A must-try for any Espresso Martini lover!

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.50 / 10 Pack £9.99 / 12 Pack £29.99

BEST NO LO APERITIF

Everleaf Forest

Everleaf is a sustainably minded brand with three non-alcoholic aperitifs in their current collection – Mountain, Marine... and our favourite, Forest. This is a fragrant bittersweet concoction with great depth of flavour and mouthfeel, and unlike many no-lo creations, it won’t get lost when mixed. The sustainably sourced botanicals like saffron, Madagascan vanilla, gentian (a purple flower imparting bitterness), and orange blossom to create a satisfying forest flavour palate with a slightly floral touch. It’s stunning complexity has won it awards, and it’s the ideal addition to many mocktails like a Spritz!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19

BEST CBD NO LO

EDI Spirited Euphoria

Last up we’re shouting out one of the Best CBD No-Lo drinks on the market, EDI aka Endorphin Dealer Institute and their Spirited Euphoria hemp spirit. Packed with 420mg of CBD, nootropics which support cognitive function and adaptogens to help ease stress, the liquid itself doesn’t replicate any alcoholic spirit in particular, but has a delightful clean mouthfeel, with a citrusy bittersweet dryness and slightly peppery woody finish. A fresh slice of orange with ice is perfect to sit back and relax with this one, adding a splash of fruit juice if you’ve got a sweeter tooth!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 420mg
Find here: £40.10

Like the sound of CBD drinks to relax you over winter? Check out 8 Of The Best here! Gin, Rum, Vodka, there are amazing options for all.

The Best Hot Toddy Cocktail Variations

What is a hot toddy?

There’s nothing quite like a hot toddy to soothe the winter chill in our bones is there? The history of the hot toddy is by no means set in stone. In India, toddy has long been a fermented palm tree sap concoction, and by the end of the 1700s, it came to mean, ‘a beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar, and spices’ in the United Kingdom.

One man credited with its popularity is Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed hot brandy, cinnamon, syrup, and water in the 1830s to his patients with flu. Now that sounds better than tablets to us!

These days, the winter warmer is loved by many to jump-start mornings, soothe colds, and sore throats, as a nightcap, or just to heat up during the chilly nights. So versatile! And the good thing about that is, there are tonnes of room to adapt the recipes...

So, without further ado, here are our best hot toddy variations, whatever you’re in the mood for, and even if you don’t like whisky!

For the traditionalists: The Original Hot Toddy

Some recipes are as simple as whisky + sugar + water, and others read more like full shopping lists, so we’ve kept it fairly simple with cloves and cinnamon for mellow and warming spice, honey for sweetness, lemon juice to cut through and of course, a gorgeous splash of whisky at the heart of everything. Balanced and beautiful, it’s soothing comfort in a mug.

Ingredients
1 clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml hot water
35ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label is great)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Grab your favourite mug or handled glass and add the water. Mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it. Most important of all, have a taste and adapt it how you like! You can add some sugar, or some more lemon, or even a splash of whisky if it’s not got enough oomph.

For the bourbon drinkers: Ginger Toddy

Bourbon works just as well as Scotch in a Hot Toddy, so it’s just down to your preference, but we love it with the ginger here. Those warming spicy notes, with vanilla and caramel bourbon hints create a delicious bakery feel to the cocktail. This is guaranteed to leave a lovely zing in your mouth and warm you down to your toes!

Ingredients
35ml bourbon
15ml ginger syrup
100ml hot water
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Combine the bourbon, ginger syrup and hot water in your favourite mug and stir thoroughly, adding a splash of lemon juice if you want extra zing! Then enjoy!

For the cider drinkers: The Hot Apple Toddy

Now be aware that this has a serious kick to it because the water is being swapped out for apple cider. You can still add cinnamon and a clove if you wish, but if you’ve used a good cider then there should be bold enough flavours without. Along similar lines, if you’d prefer an even fruiter version, use apple brandy instead of whisky! Oh so satisfying and that subtle tang is lovely.

Ingredients
1 tsp honey
100ml apple cider
35ml whisky or apple brandy
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Method
Heat up your cider in a saucepan and pour this into your mug or glass coated with honey at the bottom. Add your whisky and optional spices and stir well.

For the gin lovers: Hot Gin Toddy

There are even options for you gin lovers out there. The Hot Gin Toddy relies on the beautiful botanicals in the gin, with the heat opening them up and giving them a new lease of life. It’s just as warming, but with a pleasantly aromatic profile that’s surprisingly light and refreshing too.

Top Tip: Dry gin will work better because the botanicals tend to react to hot water more reliably.

Ingredients
1 tsp sugar
35ml gin (dry)
100ml hot water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (garnish)
1 lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Super simple, just mix everything really well with the hot water and give it a final stir with the cinnamon stick. Make sure the water isn’t boiling hot because this may be too harsh on the gin.

For the rum drinkers: Hot Rum Toddy

Rum fits so nicely into the Hot Toddy recipe, with those warming spices and underlying sweetness accentuated beautifully. Whilst Scotch has always been the Hot Toddy go-to in the UK, rum used to be far more readily available in America, so this or brandy was usually used. Any rum works, but we would suggest dark rum for that deep caramel flavour, and the spicier notes.

Ingredients
1 tbsp honey
35ml rum (preferably dark)
100ml hot water
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Stir together everything so that the honey is completely dissolved and drop in the cinnamon stick giving it plenty of time to diffuse. Garnish with a lemon wedge to finish, and squeeze in a little juice if you prefer! Truly a fireside sipper that gives the original a run for its money.

For the vodka drinkers: Toffee Apple Hot Toddy

This may ring some bells because we recommended it as the perfect Bonfire Night cocktail when Lewis Stairs, founder of Sunday Cocktail Club joined us in Ep.96 of the Bring a Bottle Podcast. It’s gorgeously smooth, with that slightly sweeter bourbon intertwining with crisp toffee vodka. The apple juice completes the hot toffee apple vibe, and it’s a fantastic option if you’ve got a sweeter tooth.

Ingredients
25ml toffee vodka
50ml bourbon
40ml apple juice
Splash of lemon (optional)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you’ve got to do is heat everything up in a saucepan until it’s hot throughout, but not bubbling. Keep some cool apple juice behind to cool it down if needs be. We love the very subtle sour edge that the lemon provides, but feel free to leave it out – it’s your creation! Feel free to check out Lewis making it here.

For the non-alcoholic drinkers: Apple Berry Toddy

There are lots of alcohol-free hot toddy variations using different types of tea, but we wanted something that still has the boozy profile to it... just without the booze itself. Step up Crossip Rich Berry, perfect for mulled wines but also hot toddies. It’s packed with rich blackberries and cherries, and a lovely layer of spice. Obviously, there isn’t quite the power that comes from a spirit, so swap out the water for some lovely hot apple juice and it’s a warming winner with heaps of flavour.

Ingredients
25ml Crossip Rich Berry
125ml Apple Juice
Lemon (garnish)

 Method
Like every hot toddy, it’s easy to pull together. Just heat everything together and decant! A little squeeze and garnish of lemon is a nice finishing touch. The only difficult bit is trying not to finish it all in one sitting!

If you are looking for more delicious drink ideas this January, why not check out our recommendations for the best no and low alcohol drinks?

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Top 10 Vineyards of 2022

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed the top wine destinations for 2022, and with more countries than ever before featured in the Top 100, the competition was intense and diverse. If you’re a wine lover looking to plan your 2023 holidays, then this is the perfect place to start…

10. Bodega Garzón

Built into the hills of Maldonado in Southern Uruguay is the ambitious Bodega Garzón winery. The first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) vineyard outside of North America, it produces 2.2 million litres of pristine wine and uses the natural climate, wind energy, gravity and much more to cause minimal disturbance to the surrounding areas. Their signature Balasto wine is incredibly elegant and expressive, but even if no wine ever made it to bottling, this place still sounds worth visiting! It’s just an hour’s drive from renowned beach resorts like Punta del Leste, it has horse-drawn carriage tours of the vineyards, hot air balloons, an 18-hole golf course, sommelier blending sessions, and presiding over everything is expert chef Francis Mallman, the ‘master of smoke’ who teaches there and finishes the lesson with a four-course wine-paired lunch! What a weekend that could be! 

Placement in 2021: 4th 
Book your experience here!

9. Catena Zapata

Behind the fascinating architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids, the Catena Zapata winery is home to Argentina’s most famous wine family. You can undertake fascinating tours of the vineyard, which was founded way back in 1902, discovering how it pioneered the resurrection of Malbec and its usage of extreme high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills. You can even taste the signature Malbec from the barrel paired with tapas in guided walk throughs! The Adrianna vineyard in particular is the epitome of Argentina’s highly distinctive elevated terroirs with breath-taking wine and views to boot.

Placement in 2021: 7th
Book your experience here!

8. Quinta do Crasto

The earliest records mentioning Quinta do Crasto in the Douro region of Northern Portugal date back to 1615, and it soon became one of the finest vineyards in the world. Very little has changed in that regard, or indeed in some of the production methods. Their trademark Port is still made using foot trodden grapes, and it’s all unfiltered to maintain full character. You can stay in one of the four stunning suites, overlooking the rolling hills and lake below, and the family may very well join you for breakfast in the dining room. Did we mention there’s an infinity pool serving wine and tapas on the side? It’s the perfect blend of history and modernity and would be ideal for a relaxing luxury trip.

Placement in 2021: 16th 
Book your experience here! 

7. Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi is a bona fide legend of American winemaking and founded this winery, described as ‘the soul of Napa Valley’, in 1966. A tasting of the famous To Kalon Reserve range including the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is really what dreams are made of, and where better to enjoy than with views over the Mayacamas Mountains. The edible gardens that run alongside the vineyard tour are just the start of the food experience there, as you can enjoy lunch or the decadent ‘Legacy Dinner’. Mondavi’s love of wine, food and art is brought together magnificently, and that’s why this is North America’s winner in 2022. 

Placement in 2021: 40th
Book your experience here!

6. González Byass – Bodegas Tio Pepe

In Andalucía, the heart of Sherry county, sits González Byass and it has done since 1835. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, this stunning vineyard is in one point of the acclaimed Sherry triangle - Jerez de la Frontera. Palomino vines sprouting from the chalky Albariza soil produce some of the juiciest, most flavoursome grapes on the planet. What could make all this amazing sherry even better? How about 19th century cottages transformed into the charming Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe? You get your own roof terrace with views of the cathedral, a bar (of course), a pool and a spa. Finally, and arguably the best thing is that you can tour the whole estate by miniature train! Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the sherry-drinking mice scuttering (and possibly falling) around ;)

Placement in 2021: 9th
Book your experience here! 

5. Fürst von Metternich-Winneburg’sche Domäne Schloss Johannisberg

Riesling lovers, listen up. This stunning Neoclassical palace sits atop a hill not far from Frankfurt, and vines have grown there since a staggering 817! In 1720, it became the world’s first Riseling winery and went on to create popular grapes like Spätlese, Ausless and Eiswein. Even the barrels used here are made from the forests on the estate, and you can see all of that on the all-encompassing tour featuring ancient vaults, tasting booths, and finishing at the Schlossschänke tavern. If you time it right, there are often open-air jazz and classical concerts there too. It has to be the best place on the planet to drink Riesling without a doubt.

Placement in 2021: 34th 
Book your experience here!

4. VIK Winery

Let us introduce you to VIK Winery, a super sleek and quirky estate set against the majestic Andes in Cachapoal Valley, Chile. There’s artwork round every corner, contemporary titanium and bronze architecture, and 22 uniquely styled suites. Guests staying have 4000 hectares to explore, and if you’re thinking that sounds like a lot of walking then don’t worry, you can travel on horseback or mountain bike. There are just the three restaurants to pick from, all serving authentic Chilean cuisine and if it wasn’t enough drinking their sublime reds, you can bathe in them too! VIK is truly one of the most magical looking vineyards on this list. 

Placement in 2021: 8th 
Book your experience here!

3. Montes

We’re staying in Chile for the bronze medal and winner for South America, and that’s Montes. In the heart of the Colchagua Valley, there’s 6km of mesmerising botanic hiking trails, and they all lead back to this feng shui inspired complex. All roads lead to Montes! The same angels from the label hang throughout, eery Gregorian chanting is sung from the depths, and the fiery Fuegos de Apalta restaurant serves mouth watering dishes overlooking the Apalta hillsides for a wonderfully mystical atmosphere. 

Placement in 2021: 5th 
Book your experience here!

2. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal

Narrowly missing out on the top spot two years running is this Riojan masterpiece. We say masterpiece because check out those twisted aluminium ribbons over the hotel! In the gorgeous Spanish sunshine, the metal gleams to reveal all the colours that show in the bottles and wine itself. This contemporary art is juxtaposed with the 19th century bodega below, containing some of the oldest Rioja in the world. You are free to explore this seminal estate by foot, bike or horse, and the medieval villages surrounding it are crying out to be explored too. Completing the experience is an expansive golf course, the luxury Caudalie Vinothérapie spa, and Michelin-starred dining led by superstar chef Francis Paniego. You’ll see this estate appearing over and over on top wine and vineyard lists, and for a first-class fine wine experience, you can’t get much better.

Placement in 2021: 2nd
Book your experience here!

1. Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Marchesi Antinori)

After all of that you must be wondering what more can a vineyard do to get top spot? Well, Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Tuscany seems to have the answers. The Antinori family have been in and around the Tuscan region since 1385, a fact that is expressed in everything the winery does. It’s beautifully built with entirely locally sourced materials overlooking the famous countryside views and vines of Chianti’s classic Sangiovese grapes, as well as a host of others that have grown historically, like Canaiolo and Mammolo. Perfect production elements are achieved through natural and environmentally aware innovations, and in fact, from a distance the building itself looks somewhat invisible! Equal to being a winery, it is a celebration of Tuscany and heritage; from the distinctive architecture to the local produce at the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant (named after the first Antinori winemaker), to the museum space hosting exhibitions. You even finish exploring the extraordinary site in a cubed glass tasting room suspended over the barrels below. What more is there to say? The World’s Best Vineyard – and that’s official. 

Placement in 2021: 6th 
Book your experience here!

For our UK readers, unfortunately, there are no vineyards that have broken into the Top 10 just yet, but they’re rising up the ranks so one day...one day. Nonetheless, there are really magical winery experiences to be had here too, so check out our Best UK Vineyard Stays!