The Best Spirits for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s day is all about love and couples so I’ve put together pairs of spirits I love from each of the main spirits categories. These are not, one for him or her, as I don’t believe in imposing flavour on anyone. These are simply pairs of the best examples of spirits I’ve tasted recently, and if you needed to replace your other halves favourite spirit in time for Valentine’s Day, then I don’t think you’d go wrong with any of these.

The Best Tequila For Valentine’s Day

Mijenta Blanco 

There is tequila I used to drink in my youth, mainly with salt and lemon, late in a bar whilst in Edinburgh at university, and this is about as far removed from that style of Tequila as you can get. It is elegant and vibrant with fruity flavours and delicate agave notes running all the way through the palate. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave and bottled with no filtration, Mijenta supports whale conservation and partners with The Ocean Foundation. They also use local glass, and the labels are created using agave waste. There is a feel-good factor to this lovely tequila, just as it makes you feel good whilst drinking it.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: UK £54.95 // US $49.99

Volcan De Mi Tierra Blanco 

Created with a blend of Blue Agave from both the highlands and lowland of Jalisco, the agave is grown in the shadow of the volcano, hence the name. The volcano erupted over 200,000 years ago and created rich volcanic soils which are perfect for growing agave. This Tequila has lots of complexity and is great for sipping, using in a Paloma, and it makes a mean Margarita as well.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: £44.74 // US $48.99

The Best Gin For Valentine’s Day

Mermaid Pink Gin 

This pink gin is unlike many others. It is vibrant and not too sweet. It still has the Mermaid Gin at its heart, and the fruity extra flavour comes from an infusion of strawberries grown on the Isle of Wight, where this distillery is found. The strawberries mix well with the original botanicals, and it makes a brilliant G&T, especially if topped with strawberries! The pink hew is just enough to let you know this is a pink gin and therefore to expect lots of fruitiness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find it Here: £37.99

Kyrö Pink Gin

Made in Finland, the team at Kyro has attempted to make a pink gin for everyone. Well, I’m not sure about that, all I do know is that this is my favourite pink gin ever! If it’s others as well, then that just goes to show they’ve been pretty successful. Made with foraged strawberries, rhubarb and lingonberries, there is a creaminess to the gin, and it tastes very fresh and not artificial at all. I’m sure this would be great in cocktails, but above all, it makes a very refreshing G&T. 

Size: 500ml
ABV: 38.2%
Find it Here: £29.95

The Best Vodka For Valentine’s Day

Dima’s Vodka Ukrainian Three Grain

This vodka not only tastes brilliant but is doing something to put right some of the wrong in the world. £5 from every sale gets donated to Ukraine to help the war effort. Back to the vodka, it’s made from three grains giving a lovely depth of fruity earthy flavours and is brilliant chilled a little with a little pickle - just how it’s drunk in its home country. It also makes excellent cocktails, not just in flavour, but the vodka has a creamy mouthfeel which helps everything slip down nicely. As they say in Ukraine: Budmo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: £35

X Muse

Made in Scotland from a blend of two heritage varieties of barley, Maris Otter and Plumage Archer, this vodka has huge complexity of flavour and great texture. X Muse, pronounced Tenth Muse, reflects the sum of its parts, blended together as the tenth muse was a sum of all other nine in mythology. Not just an interesting story, it’s one of the best vodkas I’ve tasted in recent times.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: £55.74

The Best Whisky For Valentine’s Day

Glen Moray Port Finish

Glen Moray creates the best value single malt whisky by far, and this expression is no different. This port finish is part of the Glen Moray Classic range and has had an eight-month finish in a port cask. This not only gives delicate red fruit flavours alongside those classic orchard fruits and honey, but a slightly pink tinge. Well, it is Valentine’s day.
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: UK £26.90 // US $34.99

GlenAllachie 11

GlenAllachie is becoming known for its use of different oak finishes and maturations, and here we have a whisky first matured in American ex-bourbon casks for nine years, and then finished in ruby port casks. There are lots of caramel, honey, and vanilla notes, but also red berries and some hedgerow fruit as well. There is a rich hew of pink, and this whisky goes to show that as long as the casks are good, single malt doesn’t have to be old to be very good.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find it Here: £81.15

The Best Brandy/Cognac For Valentine’s Day

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

Back in 1738 it was illegal to plant new vines on your land, until Louis XV gave permission to Rémy Martin. This was the Accord Royal of 1738 of which this cognac gets its name. There are lots of complex citrus fruits, with orange being predominant, and caramel and a touch of spice. Smooth and very easy to sip on a winter’s evening, it also makes a good long cocktail too. Add a little ginger ale, a dash of lime and a sprig of rosemary, and all you’ll need is the sun to top it off.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: UK £52.50 // US $69.99

Hennessy XO 

This is the Cognac that started the XO movement. The name was given to the Cognac by Maurice Hennessy in the 1800s. First bottled for friends and family in 1870, it uses a blend of more than 100 eaux-de-vie from Petite and Grand Champagne regions of Cognac as well as Fins Bois and Borderies. It is a deep brooding cognac with lots of dark chocolate and orange flavours. Perfect with a cigar, but as I found out on my last visit to Hennessy, brilliant in the heat of the day in a fishbowl glass and plenty of ice. Magnificent.

 Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: £164.99 // US $199.99

The Best Rum For Valentine’s Day

Ron Abuelo XII Two Oaks 

Matured in two different types of oak cask, this rum from Panama is rich and smoky, but has a sweetness running through the whole palate making it smooth and deeply drinkable. Aged for over a decade in ex-bourbon casks, it was then transferred into heavily charred virgin American oak giving the rum its smoky deep character.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: £46.95

Duppy Share 40%

This rum is created from blends of Jamaican and Barbadian rums. The former gives lots of fruity flavours and the caramel, baked banana flavours are typical of Barbados. The rums are up to five years old and the resulting rum is smooth with lots of tropical sweetness working well by itself or in any rum cocktail, especially a daiquiri. The name is taken from the Jamaican spirits called Duppies which stole rum across the Caribbean.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: £26

Words by Colin Hampden-White

If you’re looking for more Valentine’s/Galantine’s Day inspiration then why not check out our Beautiful Pink Gins guide or perhaps Sparkling Wine is more up your street?

The Best Gastropubs in the UK 2023

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs of 2023 has been assembled for another year to answer the question, ‘what is the best gastropub in the UK?’, so who has been crowned?

More than 100 industry professionals had the job of judging the finest gastropub’s offerings and whittled it down to these 10 as the very best so without further ado, let’s enter gastropub heaven.

10. The Red Lion and Sun, London

There’s been a pub on this site in leafy Highgate Village since the 16th century, but with it securing another Top 10 placing, it’s safe to say it’s probably never been this good. Just as delightful warming by the log burner inside or in the beautiful garden, The Red Lion and Sun is famous for its extensive wine list (it’s seriously long!) and in terms of food, producers are carefully selected with fresh ingredients rotated in a menu changing everyday offering, ‘rustic, modern British pub food’. In particular, tables for the Sunday Roast are like gold dust but it’s well worth persisting.
Website

9. The Fordwich Arms, Kent

They say the best things come in small packages, and inside England’s smallest town of Fordwich is The Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms. The gorgeous red brick-green ivy combination overlooks the River Stour in Kent, and The Observer’s Young Chef of the Year 2016 presides over local Kentish ingredients in the kitchen. There is a choice of tasting menus including vegetarian and each with an optional wine pairing to top it all off.  On a sunny day by the river, the terrace seating here really is some of the most beautiful in the country.
Website

8. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow

This is the only pub in the UK to earn two Michelin stars, a feat never achieved before. With Tom Kerridge at the helm, this rustic whitewashed pub hosts a culinary spectacle that attracts people from all over to try dishes like duck liver parfait with orange chutney and toasted brioche and the signature chocolate and ale cake. Once guests have finished all that, they can also stay at one of the many luxurious cottages owned by the pub that include a hearty breakfast come morning.
Website

7. The White Swan, Fence

Somewhat unassuming from the outside, The White Swan in Lancashire is much more than the typical villager boozer it imitates. Tom Parker’s skills in the kitchen were rewarded with winning the 2019’s Great British Pub Awards Chef of the Year and a Michelin star, given for a rotation of themed nights and specials such as lobster soup and Whitewell partridge with smoked bacon. In the past, two courses have cost £30 and three for £40 but with an influx of praise and planned renovations, it’s a safe bet that this may be going up.
Website

6. The Angel, Hetton

Nestled in the sublime North Yorkshire Dales, The Angel has claims of being the UK’s original gastropub, with drink and dining origins dating back to the 15th century. The reimagined pub food like Loire valley rabbit loin, monkfish, quail, venison, and Tahitian Vanilla cheesecake won a Michelin star after Michael Wignall’s takeover, and he also happens to have won the 2022 Chef of the Year... so you’re in safe hands.
Website

5. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells

Brothers Chris and James Tanner saved the pub from being demolished for flats and after serious TLC, it launched in 2014 and is now adored for its modern British cuisine using mostly local fresh ingredients. In one half of the pub, you’ll find dishes like goat’s curd with beetroot, walnut and clementine being served, but the other has been retained as a stylish bar space to maintain the community feel – a true gastropub.
Website

4. The Sportsman, Seasalter

Overlooking the Kent coast, The Sportsman has been a stalwart of the Top 50 Gastropubs list for years now, with chef-patron Stephen Harris laser-focused on the menu reflecting the surroundings. From making his own salt from the neighbouring sea to using meat from Seasalter farms around the corner, almost everything is sourced from the land surrounding the pub. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, the highlight of the five-course is the slip sole grilled in seaweed butter... using seaweed picked from the adjoining beach of course.
Website

3. Freemasons, Wiswell

In 3rd place is yet another one of Lancashire’s stunning gastropubs and that’s Freemasons in the charming Ribble Valley. Alongside an array of experimental dishes merging local and world flavours like roast loin and kofta of lamb with BBQ lettuce, miso aubergine and mint yoghurt, the pub offers four guest rooms and a unique Chef’s Table that sits at the heart of the kitchen action. With a husband-and-wife duo covering both the kitchen and front-of-house in award-winning fashion, this is very much still a pub, just a spectacular one.
Website

2. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge

This year’s runner-up is last year’s winner and also 2023’s host, a 16th-century inn with all the crooked ceilings, log burners and beams you expect, not to mention the lush greenery outside. Alongside over 60 wines and a range of mouthwatering craft beers, home-made cordials and local fruit juices, dishes are a curious ‘Britalian’ blend, mixing it up from traditional pub cuisine. Expect offerings like celeriac and mushroom lasagna, halibut with avruga caviar sauce & seaweed potatoes, and the trademark unruly chocolate tiramisu. The achievements of Owner Brendan Padfield are amplified by the fact that a fire destroyed parts of the building just 12 weeks after opening, but since then it’s truly been onwards and upwards!
Website

1. Parkers Arms, Clitheroe

Swapping from 2nd to 1st is the historical rural inn Parkers Arms. It’s difficult to stand out in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty but with blow-away modern British classics on chef-patron Stosie Madi’s menu, they’ve managed it. With enchanting rolling hills within view, you can expect super flavoursome dishes that fill you up – no ‘gels and foams’. Apart from things like spices and chocolate, if it doesn’t grow within 30 miles it isn’t on the menu. Madi says, ‘The Parkers Arms is a country pub that welcomes everyone and their dog’ like a proper gastropub should. To complete the package, there are also alluring rooms available. Delicious local food, beautiful surroundings, extensive wine and ale lists, a dog-friendly bar and somewhere to rest your head too – idyllic.
Website

The Top 50:

1. Parkers Arms, Newton-In-Bowland, Lancashire
2. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
3. Freemasons at Wiswell, Wiswell, Lancashire
4. The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent
5. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
6. The Angel at Hetton, Hetton, Yorkshire
7. The White Swan at Fence, Fence, Lancashire
8. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
9. The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury, Kent
10. The Red Lion and Sun, London
11. The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall
12. The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
13. The Harwood Arms, London
14. Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax, Yorkshire
15. The Coach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
16. The Beehive, Great Waltham, Essex
17. The Cadeleigh Arms, Tiverton, Devon
18. The Pack Horse, Hayfield, Derbyshire
19. Pyne Arms, Barnstaple, Devon
20. The Black Swan, Ravenstondale, Cumbria
21. The Moorcock Inn, Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire
22. The Guinea Grill, London
23. The Baring, London
24. The Masons Arms, Knowstone, Devon
25. Canton Arms, London
26. The Rat Inn, Anick, Hexham, Northumberland
27. The Pipe and Glass, Beverley, Yorkshire
28. The Longs Arms, South Wraxall, Wiltshire
29. The Dog at Wingham, Canterbury, Kent
30. The Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon, Powys, Wales
31. The Hardwick, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales
32. The Loch and The Tyne, Old Windsor, Berkshire
33. The Bull & Last, London
34. The White Horse, Brancaster, Norfolk
35. The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
36. The Swan, Bampton, Devon
37. The Bell Inn, Langford, Oxfordshire
38. Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh
39. The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton, Cumbria
40. The Duck Inn, Stanhoe, Norfolk
41. The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne, Staffordshire
42. The Black Bear Inn, Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales
43. Heft, High Newton, Cumbria
44. The Broad Chare, Newcastle
45. Woods, Dulverton, Somerset
46. The Gunton Arms, Norwich, Norfolk
47. The French House, London
48. The Eagle, Farringdon, London
49. The Butchers Arms, Hepworth, West Yorkshire
50. Royal Oak, Whatcote, Warwickshire

For more restaurant and bar recommendations, check these out.

Down Under’s Finest: The Best Of Australian Wine

Australia has massively diverse wine regions, some of the oldest vines on the planet and is the biggest wine producer in the southern hemisphere, so it’s fair to say there’s a lot going on!

Luckily for you, we’ve sifted through and selected the best bottles from key Australian styles so you can dive into the country’s massive pool of wine. An entire pool of wine, now that’s a thought. Once you’re finished daydreaming, we’ll start with Australia’s most popular grape varietal...

Barossa Valley Shiraz

McGuigan Shortlist Barossa Valley Shiraz

A classic full-flavoured and fruit-driven Barossa Valley Shiraz, this wine is plush with juicy plum and ripe mulberry. Because of the maturation in a blend of American and French hogsheads, there are background hints of soft vanilla and spice too. Leave it a little while to open up and it feels lovingly fresh and vibrant leaving you wanting sip after sip. The slight acidity would cut through grilled meats and hearty vegetable dishes very nicely as well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £15

Barossa Ink Shiraz

Drawing on grapes from the entire Barossa area, the resulting liquid is packed with intensity with plenty of mocha notes from the oak ageing as well as fruit-forward berries. Let it breathe for an hour before drinking to really let the flavours sing. Hearty meats and steak would pair fantastically with this bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10

Eden Valley Riesling

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2021

Australia is second only to Germany for Riesling production, and this is one you can rely on. It has an intense nose of minerality, lemon and lime, with more orchard notes on the palate – green apple and pear lead the show. It’s crisp and dry with very gentle herbal and floral touches before minerality returns on the finish. Leave it a while to open up for the best results. This Riesling would be great with tonnes of different dishes from seafood to salty meats and cheeses, and even spicier options – you really can’t go too wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £16.75 // US $19.99

Not Your Grandma’s Riesling 2021

This is a bone-dry Riesling has that quintessential in your face citrus acidity with lemon and lime upfront and softer apple and pear behind. There’s a lovely salinity and steely minerality wrapped up in a sumptuous mouthfeel and all in all, it feels powerful on the palate. It’s another wine that can cope with stronger food flavours too so well worth picking up and come on, we’ve got to mention the label!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16.50

Rag & Bone Riesling 2020

From The Magpie Estate, this is a classic Eden Valley Riesling with lots of ripe fruit flooding the nose, most significantly fresh lime and minerals. Crisp citrus unfolds on tasting with more lemon than lime and a touch of sweetness in what is a stunningly fresh and balanced wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.75

Margaret River Chardonnay

Filius Chardonnay

Australia has been making expert use of this grape in modern times, particularly from slightly cooler parts like Margaret River on the west coast. The first vineyard there was Vasse Felix, which created this fragrant fruit-forward Chardonnay. There’s the zip of lemon, with aromatic peach, mango and pear, and a touch of white pepper. It’s full bodied with buttery softness in the mouth and bakery characteristics, but with a slight acid crunch to cut through the sweetness with precision. Mouth-wateringly moreish!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £18.20 // US $25.99

Flametree Chardonnay 2020

Flametree Wines sits on the beautiful shores of Geographe Bay where Margaret River begins. Their previous vintage won Decanter Magazine Wine of the Year in 2021 and the follow-up doesn’t disappoint. The 9 months of oak ageing give a lovely toasty spice that verges on buttery pastry, and that’s lifted by white peach and tropical citrus. Super-easy drinking and balanced from nose to finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £17.49

Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay 2019

This is a fantastic showcase of Margaret River Chardonnay. Straight away it’s classic stone fruit and buttery oak on the nose, opening up to a crisp and clean palate filled with dried apricot and citrus, whilst retaining the oaky notes until the finish. Every element is restrained where it needs to be and you’ll be going back for more if you’re anything like us!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £15.50

Margaret RIVER Cabernet Sauvignon

Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

This is a seriously juicy and expressive upfront wine brimming with concentrated flavour. Think dark berries and tangy citrus but with an almost savoury earthy note. There’s a lot going on but in a good way, and it’s even better explored after aeration. It’ll sit perfectly beside any roasts you’re cooking up, particularly lamb and beef.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: UK £19.99 // US $23.99

Amy’s 2018 – Moss Wood

From Filius to another founding Margaret River estate, it’s Moss Wood with Amy’s 2018, named after the owner and winemaker’s grandmother. It’s a Cab blend with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot added in equal measure before 18 months of oak ageing. It’s elegant but structured, anchored by an oaky earthy complexity. Blackcurrant, cherry and a touch of eucalyptus show themselves, but there’s even detectable minerality and peppery spice so it’s really full of life. Critics love it so see for yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £16.99

Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – Domaine Naturaliste

This delicious ruby red opens with a lively black fruit nose with curious pepper, mint and a subtly perfumy profile. This bold character continues with nice acidity, ever-present cassis, and lovely suggestions of dark chocolate and coffee. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.50

Rutherglen Muscat

Campbell's Rutherglen Muscat

This classically Australian, rich fortified wine has been overlooked in recent times, but there are still quality producers like Campbells in Victoria. Made in a similar way to sherry, new wine is introduced to older barrels and the result is liquid nectar that is dangerously moreish. It’s sweet with raisins and caramel and makes for a stunning dessert wine. Indulge yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17.5%
Find here: £12.99 Waitrose

Others

Kooliburra Sparkling Shiraz

You don’t find a sparkling red every day, and less so one that’s worth buying but this represents incredible value. Australia has been producing wonderful sparkling Shiraz for some time now and it’s underappreciated. Blackberry and rich raspberries cut through refreshing bubbles for a wine that’s best served only slightly chilled. Serve with saltier cheeses and grilled meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £5.99 Aldi

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2020

Coonwarra’s cool climate and renowned terra rossa soils have established a global reputation, producing some of Australia’s best reds. This Shiraz is bright and silky with an elegant mulberry and blackberry notes. Delicate oak adds support without dominating the character, and very gentle warming spice sees through the finish. Every sip is interesting with no one note dominating. Try it with beef or even something with spicier dressings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.4%
Find here: £11.75

Penfolds Max’s Shiraz - Cabernet

This is a fitting tribute to former Chief Winemaker of Penfolds, Max Schubert. You’ll find generous notes of rich fruit from the Shiraz alongside a solid Cabernet Sauvignon structure to create a seriously loveable wine. Subtle chocolate, coffee and vanilla hints combine magically but don’t overstay their welcome. Impeccable balance and perfect for stews and red meats, this is a wine of real quality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £20 Tesco // US $19.99

The Good Luck Club Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Another wine from the prestigious Magpie Estate in the Ebenezer District, this intriguingly labelled bottle is 24 months aged in French oak leading to great structure and bold flavours. Mellow vanilla and oak sit beneath damson, blackcurrant, and blackberry, all wrapped up in a gorgeously smooth mouthfeel that more than hits the mark.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.95

If you’re in the mood for some other Australian gems, we’ve harvested the cream of their crop here.

What is Pisco and How Should I Drink It?

What is Pisco?

In short, Pisco is a grape brandy from Peru and Chile born out of the Spanish Empire’s efforts to distil grapes in South America from the 16th century onwards. But there’s a lot more to it than that! Read on to find out about its history, how to drink it, which bottles to try and great cocktails to mix it up in!

The history of Pisco

Pisco is one of those drinks that is incredibly popular in its native region but hasn’t yet found wider popularity across the world, and it’s history is a very interesting one.

In 1493, the Spanish conquistadors invaded huge areas of South America and expanded their empire for centuries to come, including modern day Chile and Peru – the two claimants to the Pisco throne.

The origins are not set in stone, but it is widely believed that Spanish settlers developed it as an alternative to imported brandy from Spain. As it is today, the region was tailor-made for wine making so the story goes that through the Peruvian town of Pisco (near a river of the same name), the Spanish set about using the spirit to fortify wine. However, by the 18th century, once they discovered how delicious it tasted, they cut out the middle man and just drank Pisco instead. But that’s just one version of events…

The Chilean narrative is that it originated there. The word, ‘pisco’ translates to bird and was used all along the Pacific coast including Chile. Nowadays, over 90% of Pisco produced is still consumed in Chile. The difference isn’t just location either because they end up being completely different drinks.

What are the different types of Pisco?

Pisco varies massively, but generally it’s clear or with a slightly yellow hue. It can be dry or semi-sweet, contain varying levels of ‘burnt’ wine flavour, have the earthiness of a tequila, and every pisco is different in terms of herbal, floral and fruity notes.

Peruvian Pisco is tightly bound by both tradition and regulation. Just 8 grapes are allowed, and it can only be made in certain regions. There, it rests for three months but nothing else is added. No water, nothing. Within this there is Pisco Puro (one grape), Pisco Acholado (a variety of grapes) and Pisco Moste Verde (partially fermented for sweeter liquid).

Chilean Pisco on the other hand is far more relaxed. Thirteen grapes are allowed and once distilled, producers are free to bottle it straight up or age it in various oaks.

Within their own borders, they both slap Pisco on the label of course, but once one crosses over to the other the rivalry continues. If you’re on the lookout for Peruvian Pisco in Chile then you’ll be there forever, because it will actually be labelled as a more generic fermented drink or grape distillation.

How do you drink Pisco?

Pisco can be consumed however you like and is a versatile drink. Just like whisky, tequila or any spirit, if you can find premium quality bottles, it can be enjoyed on the rocks.

Alternatively, in Peru, you’ll find macerado (pisco infused with herbs and fruits) in most bars. Intense in flavour, these macerados often go into the most popular way to drink Pisco outside of South America – a refreshing cocktail.

Which cocktails can you make with Pisco?

Loads! The Pisco Sour is by far the most famous and popular with its enchanting mix of sweet and tart flavours, silky texture, and herbaceous undertones.

Something slightly easier to pull together that’s just as tantalising is a Pisco Highball.

The recipes for these are below, but there’s also the Pisco Punch, The Chilcano, Andean Dusk, El Capitán and tonnes more. 

Pisco Sour

Ingredients
30ml Pisco
15ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
1 egg white
Angostura bitters

Method
Add everything except the Angostura and dry shake thoroughly. Add ice and repeat until it feels chilled. Strain into a pre-chilled glass and garnish with 4 or so drops of Angostura bitters. To give it a special touch, use a toothpick to swirl the bitters into the mix creating a colourful pattern.

Pisco Highball

Ingredients
50ml Pisco
120ml Ginger ale
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Lime wedge to garnish

Method
Simply fill a tall glass with ice and pour your Pisco over the top. Add in the lime juice, top up with ginger ale and stir gently before a lime wedge on the rim. Voila!

Which Pisco should I try?

Vinas De Oro Acholado Pisco

Vinas De Oro is a prestigious Peruvian Pisco that uses Quebranta & Italia grapes from the renowned Ica Valley. Traditionally, no water or anything else in fact is added after distillation so it’s incredibly pure with herbaceous, citrus and floral aromas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £29.95

Pisco El Gobernador

Over to Chile for Pisco El Gobernador meaning, ‘The Governor’. Made from Muscat grapes, the intensely floral aroma opens up to a super fresh and well-rounded flavour, with earthy orchard fruits, sweet peaches and zesty orange.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99

Waqar Pisco

More Chilean Muscat Pisco here from a generational family-run Tulahuén producer. This is an in-your-face aromatic and fruity Pisco that’s bursting with intensity with strong pear, grape and strawberry before a refreshing finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.44

La Diablada Pisco

La Diablada references a dance that interprets a battle of angels and demons, if that wasn’t already clear from the beautifully chaotic illustration! This is a more herbal Pisco using four different grapes for a really fresh and vibrant feel.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.44

If you love exploring drinks from around the world that are yet to become staples in America or Europe, then our guide to Baijiu is a must too! It is the most drunk spirit in the world after all.

The Top 8 Flavoured Vodkas You Need to Try

A fantastic original vodka is difficult to surpass and let’s be honest, in the past the world of flavoured vodka has released some shockers trying to do so. However, there are some absolute gems too.
Whether you just want to try something different or you’re looking for some innovative mixology must-haves, here are some of the very best flavoured vodkas that got it spot on and have the awards to prove it.

Eccentric Cardi Bay Vodka

Scooping the top Master award at the latest Vodka Masters, Cardy Bay references Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and that’s because this vodka is inspired by the yellow gorse flowers growing in that area – not your everyday vodka flavouring! They create a distinctly floral coconutty vanilla flavour to the expression for a wonderfully rich and creamy feel. We appreciate the effort put into the bottle too – this really feels a vodka that’s had a lot of work put into it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Koskenkorva Vodka Sauna Barrel

With just 2200 people living there, the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva is the production home of this fantastic vodka. We’ve mentioned their original bottle before, and Sauna Barrel has all the same pure smoothness but with hints of smoky heat, hence the name. The flavouring comes from resting in oak barrels picking up on the bourbon smokiness they used to contain. The infusion is subtle, and although the idea of a Finnish sauna doesn’t make the mind immediately jump to delicious drinking, it absolutely works! It’s another Master award winner, so find out for yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5% 
Find here:  £21.49

Manchester Spirit Grapefruit Vodka

This British vodka uses rotary evaporation (roto-vap) techniques to extract the pure zingy vibrance of fresh grapefruit, with no chemical flavouring used. It’s 100% natural and tastes it, with a clean but creamy mouthfeel. The bitterness is perfectly balanced, and we’d recommend topping this with soda or as an extra juicy citrussy Cosmo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30

Absolut Lime

The original Absolut bottle, inspired by medicine bottles of a bygone era, is eye-catching enough, but the enchanting green hue of Absolut Lime is even more striking. Inside, it’s bursting with a tangy citrus kick from all-natural lime with no added sugars. It’s produced in Sweden like all other vodkas from the range so has the same smoothness and minerality, but with that refreshing lime and slightly sweet finish. This could easily be a new cocktail kit essential for citrussy twists on the classics.

Size: UK 700ml / US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £18.56 / US $26.98

Masons Citrus Vodka

Masons have thrived since expanding from gin production into vodka, and Citrus Vodka is one of their more praised expressions. The delightful tang is down to vapour infused grapefruit and lemon, cutting through the pure Masons vodka. Think brightness, freshness, and smoothness. Try it for a punchier Cosmo and you might not look back.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.80

Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka

This Polish vodka is the real deal. From 100% rye grain, it’s distilled 5 times with Carpathian water before the decadence of roasted Arabica coffee beans are added. The Espresso flavour really kicks and creates a thick, subtly sweet liquid that oozes style. Drizzle it over your ice cream, pour it over ice, or add it to your coffee and cocktails - whichever route you choose you’re going to love it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £27.99

Vestal Black Cherry Vodka

Staying in Poland, check out Vestal Black Cherry Vodka. The potato vodka base that Vestal is renowned for brings a creaminess to which luscious black cherry is added. Sweetness plays off against tart nuance perfectly, with notes of cacao and marzipan creating a surprising bakery feel. It’s rich, dark, and sweet but without the sickliness that some cherry-flavoured drinks come with. There are honestly so many great serves for this, but after trying it on the rocks, it’s also delicious with lemonade or cola, especially for drinkers with a sweeter tooth.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.89

Shanty Seaweed Botanical Vodka

We have to shout out the gorgeous bottle for this vodka first! Local to production, Dorset artist Emma Brownjohn has designed the artwork to wrap around the bottle distorting it as if viewed underwater – love it. The liquid uses a variety of interesting botanical spirits (sea buckthorn, bergamot, yuzu, galangal, wasabi for example) and of course, 5 organic British seaweeds. Each is vacuum distilled to retain the delicate notes within that umami flavour before blending with the grain spirit. The vodka is full of complexity with sea botanicals, subtle citrus and a pleasant salinity perfectly balanced in a super smooth mouthfeel. It’s about as far away from the synthetic taste as you can get and a must-try for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39

If flavoured vodka is just not your thing, then we’ve got some super straight down-the-line recommendations too, with The Best Vodkas of 2022!

The Best Whisky From Around the World Under £40

I am frequently asked ‘What is the best whisky to buy?’, and the honest answer is it depends on what you like, and how much you are willing to spend. However, if a tight budget is set there is still a lot of choice out there. I have compiled a list of the 10 best whiskies to have in a home bar from all over the world, and all at under £40. This list will include the best American, Irish, New World whisky, and of course, more than a few from Scotland. There should be something for everyone on this list, and If you drink whisky a fair amount, more than one of these should certainly grace your home bar this year.

Glen Moray Classic

Probably my most written about single malt whisky. It’s a flavour bargain in a bottle. Lots of Speyside sweet orchard fruit, honey and vanilla and for well under the set price. If you’d like to know more, there is plenty of information on our site.

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

My well documented all-time favourite whisky. It has a good amount of fruit, sweetness, caramel and a soft whiff of smoke running through it. It can be mixed well in a multitude of cocktails, as well as being sipped over ice, drunk with a little water or even sipped neat. The most versatile whisky in the world. To find out more about the Johnnie Walker range, click here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £21.99 // US $39.99

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

This list is turning out to be the GOAT list for whisky! All classic whiskies are sold all over the world, and here we have the world’s most sold single malt Scotch. It’s so fruity with apples and pears with a little honey and fine oak. Hard to beat, and along with the following whisky, the best starter whisky for anyone’s palate.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £33.95 // US $44.99

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

Glenfiddich and Glenlivet 12 year old vie for the top position of best sold single malt in the world all the time. Like Glenfiddich, this whisky has lots of complexity and lots of fruit. The Glenlivet has a slightly richer profile with some dried fruits from more ex-sherry influence, but this is a point of difference rather than extra complexity. Both are brilliant.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £29 // US $47.99

Jura 10 Year Old

 A lesser known distillery, and one of the best introductions to island whisky. Both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are used in the production giving lots of complexity with both dried raisins, honey, vanilla and white stone fruits, and a long finish. It is very smooth and easy to drink and makes a great Old Fashioned. There is a subtle layer of smoke underlying all the other flavours showing the east coast influence.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £32.49 // US $38.99

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

One of the greatest value Bourbon whiskies in the world. Four Roses is made up from 10 mash bills and four recipes which are blended to create a complex, sweet very easy going and versatile bourbon. The complexity and intensity of flavour lift this bourbon beyond most of its competitors at this price range.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: UK £30.95 // US $33.99

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

If I had to choose one bourbon to have at home, this would be it. With a mash bill that is corn dominant, but includes rye and malt, it is also triple distilled and placed in the barrels at a lower than usual abv. All this gives smoothness without the loss of flavour and complexity. Great in cocktails and just as good sipped slowly with or without ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find it here: UK £39.49 // US $36.99

Stork Club Straight Rye Whiskey 

Stork Club hails from Germany and is distilled just south of Berlin. Using a mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and German Napoleon oak, this is a bold whisky with a spicy back palate that is perfect for making cocktails, especially a highball. There are flavours of butterscotch and pepper with some citrus, especially on the finish. I’d have this rye whisky on my bar all the time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: £34.78

Nikka Days

A modern Japanese whisky for the modern whisky era. Nikka days is a blended Japanese whisky using all Japanese spirits. There are single malts from Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries and there is a delicate smoky influence that balances the malt and fruity flavours. With the rise in popularity and cost of Japanese whisky, this is great value.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £37.95 // US $49.99

Mars Kasei

This is a whisky I know little about except that it is blended using a variety of barrels using Japanese whiskies. However, I do know it tastes brilliant. It has aromas of wildflowers and a touch of smoke leading to a palate full of apples and honey and a little caramel. The finish brings in citrus and vanilla. This is a very good Japanese whisky and would deserve to grace any home.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £38.60 

Choosing the best whiskies to have at home for under £40 has been a challenge. There are still so many great whiskies to buy coming from all categories of whisky, including whiskies that would normally be thought of as expensive, like single malt Scotch and Japanese whisky. And what is exciting is that there are even more out there to explore in this price range. And if you can occasionally stretch to a little more the choice becomes even harder!

Words by Colin Hampden-White

8 Fine Wines From China you Need To Try

Have You Tried Wine From China?

Over here in the West, you might be forgiven for not having China top of mind when it comes to listing countries that produce fine wine - or any wine for that matter. As things stand, the Chinese wine output is still tiny, especially when you compare it to China’s famous spirit ‘Baijiu’ and the amount of international wine brands that are imported. Evidence has been found of grape fermentation in China and along the Silk Road dating back thousands of years before Christ, so it’s not exactly new. The modernised industry as we see it now however is only just starting to get going - and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

How to find Chinese wine in the UK

Of course, when a country’s output is so small, we tend to not be able to find much outside the country in question. Until now, that is. With the rise of wine companies championing producers from less obvious locations or smaller, more boutique producers that would never be looked at by the larger conglomerates, we’ve never had such good access to quality wines from around the globe. One such company that exists to do precisely this is Propeller. Located in Sherborne, Dorset, Propeller have set themselves up to help producers entering the UK market for the first time to jump the numerous hurdles they’ll inevitably face. At the same time, they assist with brand positioning and marketing and help get the wines into top merchants and wholesalers. It is through Propeller Wines that we were introduced to a fantastic producer based in Ningxia, China called Xige Estate. Tasting their wines was a real treat and - if we’re honest- a bit of a surprise. Here’s what you need to know about Xige Estate in China and what you should taste.

Wine from Ningxia, China

Ningxia is a very small, autonomous region located in north-central China with thousands of years of rich history. Today, despite its extreme climatic conditions and temperature swings, it has a growing reputation for premium winemaking, with some describing it as ‘The Bordeaux of China’ or ‘China’s Penfolds’. The first winery appeared here just over twenty years ago and now, the region boasts over a hundred wineries, with more licences being applied for all the time. Around 38,000ha of vines have already been planted, comprising at least sixty different varieties and this number is expected to grow exponentially over the next ten years thanks to substantial backing from the government and private investors. At the beginning, around fifteen years ago, winemakers were cautious and stuck to the famous Bordeaux grapes. It’s true that many of these are now flourishing, but some in the industry such as Xige have been keen to do things a little differently; to experiment with other grapes to get the very best out of the terroir here - and to great effect.

Xige Estate, Helan Mountain, Ningxia

Xige Estate was founded in 2017 and finished in 2019, though the wines belonging to the estate had already been in place for twenty years. The winery is the brainchild of investor and ex-Changyu winemaker Zhang Yanzhi and was founded with the aim to show that Chinese wine deserves a place on the world stage of not just fine wine, but wine that showcases its terroir to give it a real sense of place, even on a large scale. And it’s not just the world’s wine lovers that benefit; Ningxia was previously a relatively impoverished region that is now benefiting enormously from the growing wine industry. Xige Estate, for example, directly employs 300 people, with a team of 4 -700 more alone involved and employed in the upkeep of the vineyards, which are currently spread over 2000 hectares.

Wine style at Xige Estate

In terms of style, Xige Estate is placing a strong focus on more elegant, fresh and understated wines that work wonderfully with a wide range of international cuisines rather than uber-concentrated, jammy, fruit bombs. After trialling various grape varietals over their substantial vineyards, the team at Xige Estate have found that Chardonnay, Malbec and Cabernet Gernsicht, which is possibly an evolution of Carmenere, really shine in their Ningxia terroir. Experiments continue with Marselan, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Dunkelfelder, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. Having tasted the range, it’s clear to see that with Propeller’s help, Xige estate really could be the international face of Chinese wine.

Here are some delicious wines from the estate that will delight and surprise you and any guests you show them to. Go on, do a blind tasting. I wonder if they will work out where they are from!

Try these wines from Xige Estate:

Jade Dove White 2018

A blend of Italian Riesling and Ugni Blanc, this wine is rich, golden, peachy and aromatic in a different way than you might be used to. To us, this puts it up there on the winelovers’ terroir shelf as a must-try. A fabulous choice for food with sweeter spices, fish and poultry.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at: propeller.wine

Jade Dove Red, 2018

This red is made mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon and just a splash (5%) of Merlot. Intense, red and black fruit flavours are balanced by very subtle, French oak, silky tannins and a hint of smoky minerality.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at: propeller.wine, Baythorne Wines

Jade Dove Rosé, 2019

A vibrant, fruity blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Gernischt, this pretty pink, which is made by the premium, saignée method, is fresh and elegant with notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Chardonnay, 2019

This stunning Chardonnay evokes the elegance and freshness of a Chablis with the tropical, floral, melon and honey notes of a top end Argentinian Chardonnay and the structure of a great Burgundy, thanks to fermentation and ageing in oak. Creamy but refreshing with it, this is a great white to show what the terroir at Xige can do.

RRP: £27.95
Stockist: https://www.thewineseller.co.uk, https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk, wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Malbec, 2019

Xige Estate were the first to spot Malbec’s potential in the Helan Mountain range and were the first to plant it commercially here. This Malbec brings all the concentrated, blueberry, cocoa and slatey mineral notes you’d want from a high altitude Malbec with proper, velvety soft tannins and a delicious umami note that gives it a real sense of place.

RRP: £24.95
Stockist: https://www.thewineseller.co.uk, https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk, wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019

Here we have a fine, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that could stand up to any classic, left-bank Bordeaux with its notes of slate and cedar, medicinal herbs and characteristic pop of cassis and warm spice. A fabulous wine that’s drinking now but will keep for at least five years - probably longer.

RRP: £24.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N50, 2018

Another truly premium wine, the N50 is exceptional. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Gernischt taken from Xige Estate’s finest vineyard plots, this wine has achieved the highest critical acclaim of any Chinese wine so far, being described as ‘a masterclass in structure, restraint and elegance.’ We can only agree. It tastes fabulous now with its super-concentrated notes of blackcurrant leaf, baking spice, cedar and a slick, mineral backbone but will also go the distance when laid down, big time.

RRP: £29.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Jade Dove, Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt, 2018

At the top of the wine tree at Xige is this 100% Cabernet Gernischt, produced from vines that are 25-30 years-old, so are genuinely ‘old vines’ by Chinese standards. Here, the Cabernet Gernischt offers delicate, fine tannins and an intriguing nose of dried rose petals and Chinese herbs. So different from, say, a Chilean Carmenère to whom it’s meant to be related, this is a benchmark example of a Chinese version.

RRP: £37.95
Stockist:  wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

See more about Xige Estate here and Propeller Wine here.

Down Under’s Finest: 8 Australian Drinks You Need to Try

Australian wine is probably their most well-known alcoholic output, but there are incredible and overlooked gems to be found whatever you drink.

We’ve turned Down Under upside down trying to find the cream of the crop and have pulled together this almighty list, including gin, whisky, rum, vermouth, liqueur and even a sublime alcohol-free option so let’s waste no more time.

GIN

Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin

Over the last decade, Four Pillars have grown from a small craft distillery into multi-award-winning gin royalty. Olive Leaf is their savoury expression, using three virgin olive oils and olive leaf tea to create a gorgeously rich and subtly vegetal profile. The juniper is earthy, with herbaceous bay and rosemary and bright touches of lemon balancing out perfectly. It’s just crying out to become a martini with an olive garnish of course.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.8%
Find here: £36.45

Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin

Manly aims to produce bottles that capture the beautiful Sydney beaches around their distillery, using local land and marine botanicals like sea lettuce, pepper leaf, finger lime and orange peel. The beach lifestyle might be carefree, but decades of expertise go into this expression. With the ocean being sensed at the beginning of every sip, it’s another gin that has a savoury and ever so slightly salty element to it. However, with refreshingly light citrus playing off it it’s somewhat unusual with a sweeter finish that goes down a treat. Perfect for a layered G&T with ice and a slice of fresh lemon or orange.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.44

Ink Gin

Hailing from Tumbulgum (great name), Ink Gin uses botanicals that are local to the area to create a fresh and citrussy aroma with some elderflower immediately noticeable. The palate has a lovely peppery spice, with light orange notes before a long crisp finish that leaves you wanting more. Husk Plantation Distillery are the brains behind this creation, and it has an ace up its sleeve– it’s a colour changer! Infused with butterfly pea flower petals, it’s pH sensitive and turns pink when mixed with tonic or citrus juices. Mind you, the original colour is so nice you might not want to change it! It’s an incredible gin option for celebrating with that party trick up it’s sleeve, but the taste alone is worth the price tag.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.99

WHISKY

Starward Tawny Whisky

This is a luxury wine-finished New World Whisky from progressive Australian producers Starward. A limited-edition release, Tawny is a single malt that’s matured in fortified wine casks to give sublime flavour. It’s created in the image of an after dinner treat, so it leans towards the sweeter end of whisky, with notes of banana bread, raisins, dried fruit peel and peanut butter on the nose. The palate brings Christmas flavours to the fore. Think spiced plums, citrus, and malt and grape sweetness. This sweetness leans into the finish too, undercut by a warming spiciness that rounds everything off perfectly. This is a dram that is full of flavour throughout, and every sip feels like a treat. Nom!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £84.90

RUM

Bundaberg Rum

From the off, we should say that Queensland’s finest isn’t technically a rum. To earn that classification, rums have to be a minimum of 37.5% ABV, so Bundaberg is a whisker away. But what’s 0.5% between friends? It’s sweetness that accounts for the lower percentage here, with Demerara, molasses and underlying spices filling the nose.  The flavour is extremely distinctive, with quite a dry feel and sugary spice right through to the finish. It comes into its own mixed with cola but feel free to give it a go neat first – it divides opinion!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £34.50

VERMOUTH

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue tend to really let their wines off the leash in their vermouth range, and Wild Rosé is no different. It’s bold, fruit forwards with native Ozzy illawara plums, strawberry and rosella creating a red fruit bonanza that feels natural. It’s super versatile too, working simply with tonic, or to give a fruity lift to spritzers and cocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

LIQUEUR

Brookie’s Mac

Byron Bay brings us not only surfing, scuba diving and Bounty advert beaches, but Cape Byron Distillery who have pulled together this industry-acclaimed macadamia liqueur. The nuts are locally sourced (no really, they’re in the distillery’s garden) and mixed with Australian wattleseed to create a velvet-smooth rich nutty liqueur. Behind that, there are hints of roasted coffee and sweet butterscotch that make this an absolute winner. We’d recommend sipping it over ice, but it could also be used in cocktails like Espresso Martini, or even in desserts. Stunning bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 23%
Find here: £34.99

NON-ALCOHOLIC

Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir

Crafted in the London Dry style, this is a top-notch No-Lo option from Brunswick Aces in Melbourne. Just like above, wattleseed brings a nutty, wheaty character, joined by botanicals like lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berry and of course, juniper. It’s not flat and flavourless like some 0% gins, instead, it’s zesty with wafts of lemon and juniper, underpinned with herbaceous garden notes, aromatic cardamon and subtle nutty flavours.  It can bring a savoury base to a mocktail or tonic, but it’s definitely bold enough to cut through stronger mixers like cranberry or ginger ale too! Love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £27.49

But wait a minute… this is Australia’s finest offerings and there’s not a single wine!? Well, we’ve dedicated an entire article to that so hold off on the petitions and check that out here.