5 CBD Drinks to Chill You Out This Autumn

CBD infused drinks seem to be all the rage right now with more and more popping up all the time. We’ve given a few a go and put together a list of some of our favourites for you to enjoy.

What are CBD drinks?

Panic not, we are not sitting here in ‘The Three Drinkers Towers’ getting high each day; we’re high enough on life as it is! CBD is short for cannabidiol which is a naturally occurring molecule produced by plants in the cannabis family and unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives you the “high” associated with marijuana, CBD does not. Recently, there has been a lot of research poured into its use and more and more information about its health benefits, including deep relaxation and stress relief, has come to light, hence the increase in the number of beverages now including it. So, enough of the chat, let’s get down to the good stuff.

Dead Man’s Fingers Hemp Rum

You can always count on Dead Man’s fingers to create an exciting drink with their large range of different flavoured rums but the product that has got tongues wagging this time is their creation of the world’s first CBD hemp rum! Expect herbal grassy notes, pine, coffee and a spicy finish. Enjoy it neat or mixed with some ginger ale - trust us, you’ll love it!

ABV: 40%
Find it here 

Silent Pool Distillers Colorado High CBD Gin

Unlike most CBD infused drinks which have 10mg CBD, this one is packed with a whopping 200mg of Coloradan CBD meaning you only need a small serve of it to feel the relaxing benefits of the CBD! Smooth with a refreshing grapefruit citrusy note, this gin is both effective and delicious. Serve it with Fever Tree tonic and a wedge of grapefruit for the ultimate drink.

ABV: 40%
CBD: 200mg
Find it here

Doña Sofia CBD Cocktails

Recently launched in the UK, this is a really lovely drink. We tried the Gin and Tonic version and found it to be really rather yummy! A lovely balance between the soft bitterness of the tonic and citrus along with the relaxing properties of the CBD make this a drink we will definitely be going back to. Their Rum & Cola and Vodka & Lime flavours should be launching later this month.

ABV: 5%
CBD: 10mg
Find them here

Weedka Vodka

An idea born in Amsterdam in 2018, what better a place we hear you say, this multiple award winning vodka is made from high-quality quintuple distilled grain vodka infused with cannabis terpenes giving it a very smooth and unique taste. Serve it neat or mix it with cola to make a very tasty cocktail.

ABV: 40%
Find it here

OTO CBD Bitters

An excellent addition to any drink, we are big fans of OTO CBD bitters. Whether it be a dash in your morning coffee, a drop in your lunchtime water or a splash in your evening cocktail, OTO’s non-alcoholic CBD bitters elevate any drink and really do feel like they calm anxiety and help you to relax.

CBD: 2500mg
Find it here

Have you tried any CBD beverages you’d recommend? If so, send us an email to sophie@thethreedrinkers.com

If you liked this, have a gander at Drinkers Discoveries: 5 New Products for your Next Socially Distanced Gathering and don’t forget to check out 12 Hilariously Unfortunate (and Downright Naughty) Drinks Names

What is rye whiskey and what should I buy?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

What is rye whiskey? Essentially, rye is a grain from which some whiskies are made. There are two main types of rye whisky: the first is American rye whiskey, which is similar to Bourbon but must be made with at least 51% rye. The second is Canadian whiskey, which, to make things complicated, can be labelled as rye for historical reasons but may not actually contain any rye in its creation.

Many other countries make rye whiskies, some of which are excellent and have recently won top medals in spirits competition. These, along with American rye whiskies, will state the fact that they are made from 100% rye whisky on the label.

American rye whiskey, as well as needing to be made from over 51% rye, is also made with corn, malted barley and wheat. It has to be distilled to no more than 80% ABV and can only be filled into barrels at no higher than 62.5% ABV. It must be aged for a minimum of two years and not blended with any other spirits in able to to be called straight ‘rye whiskey’.

In Canada, despite rye not actually having to be used, the whiskey must have a character that is historically associated with Canadian whiskey, and rye characteristics are included in that flavour profile. These days, most Canadian whiskies are blended to achieve this character trait. They blend corn and wheat in used barrels and even use a small amount of flavouring, which is created from a mash (the porridge created to make the liquid which is then fermented and distilled in whiskey making), using rye. Usually though, the blend can be as much as 90% corn or wheat.

Like elsewhere, there are whiskies that are 100% rye and Canadian whiskey has a few more rules: They cannot use barrels larger than 700 litres and the liquid must be aged for a minimum of three years, like Scotch. Unlike Bourbon (but again, like Scotch), the barrels can be new or used.

What is the taste profile of rye in whiskey?

Rye makes a big difference to how whiskies taste. Rye creates a spicy and a peppery flavour, especially on the back of the palate and finish. Bourbon distilled from at least 51% corn is sweeter and typically more full-bodied. Historically, rye was used more in the past and in fact, many bartenders are returning to rye in cocktails as it creates a dryer style, especially in a Whiskey Sours, Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.

With so many different rye whiskies on the market now it is difficult to navigate through the shelves or on-line stores to find something you might like. Here is a shortlist of ones to try and there should be a style to suit everyone, from the easy-going, Canadian rye to a full-bodied rye from Finland and a few countries in between….

Canadian Club

I’ll start in Canada with Canadian Club, which is a slightly easier going style of rye whiskey. The proportion of rye isn’t stated, but the flavours are there and are sweet and slightly spicy, but not as sweet as a Bourbon, and the whiskey is smooth for rye. I think this is a great start to trying rye and a brilliant price point at under £20.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £17.95

Jim Beam Rye

Crossing the border into the USA, there are plenty of options. The first I would try for a full-on rye experience is Jim Beam Rye; spicy right from the first sip and brilliant in cocktails. It has a caramel undercurrent keeping everything in balance. This is the best value rye whisky at under £30.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £24.90

Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof

Staying in the USA, but raising the bar a little, I would choose Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof. This is a very aromatic rye and packs a good punch at 50% ABV. The typical rye flavours come through on the palate rather than the nose, with lots of fruity chocolate and orange flavours. Complex and spicy, this rye gives a more rounded flavour, rather than being overly spicy.

ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £44.75

Balcones Rye 100 proof

My final choice in the USA is a big step up in the world of rye. It is more expensive, but gives you a full on rye experience as it is made from 100% rye. This was created for the tenth anniversary of the Balcones distillery. Made with several different varieties of rye this whisky is complex and spicy with plenty of power from a heightened ABV. It is chocolatey with orange zest and honey, cinnamon and baked apples on the nose. The palate is even more complex and full-bodied with chocolate and tobacco joining the flavours. The finish is dark brown burnt sugar and hints of char and dry oak. It’s one of my favourite rye whiskies.

ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £67.25

 Millstone 100

Sailing across the pond, my first stop would be in the Netherlands with Millstone 100. This isn’t the cheapest rye in the world, but there is good reason for that. It is made from 100% rye, completely in small pot stills, matured for 100 months in new American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). It is hugely aromatic with hints of thyme on a brown sugar base. There is lots of cardamom and lemon zest. A full, complex and delicious rye whisky. 

ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £73.95

 Adnams Rye Malt

Rye whiskey is even made in England so for my last suggestion I’m heading to the country in which I live. Adnams produce a brilliant example of rye whiskey made with English-grown rye from Reydon. It is said in old English that “rey” means rye and “don” means hill, and the rye has been grown in Reydon for centuries. This rye takes on the traditional style of rye with a large proportion of rye (75%), and a smaller proportion of barley. It is aged for at least five years in French oak and is not chill filtered, allowing all the flavour to reach the bottle.

ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £44.95

Having travelled all over the world in search of great rye whiskies these are the ones I would bring home. At the start of my rye journey I would try the inexpensive Jim Beam, and at the end of my journey I would drink the Balcones. From an old established distiller to a pretty new one, they are both from the USA. The rest of the world is catching up fast and there are some brilliant expressions that I would happily have in my cabinet. If you’ve enjoyed the journey and want to learn a little more about whiskies from the USA, then try these brilliant bourbon whiskies.

This 80-Year Shipwreck Whisky Is On Auction

Imagine tasting a whisky that was salvaged from the bottom of the sea, plunging to the depths of the ocean over 80 years ago. Well, it’s possible. Every few years we hear of a new discovery across the world of wine and spirits, salvaged from long-forgotten shipwrecks. The latest to find its way back to surface is none other than the SS Politician which ran aground during WWII.

The ill-fated vessel was on its way to Jamaica from Scotland and carrying more than 28,000 cases of whisky when it hit the rocks by the Outer Hebrides. After several years of attempting to salvage its contents by the government, they gave up. The rugged shores were too treacherous to achieve such a mission, so the locals decided to take it upon themselves to claim the bounty. Named as ‘whisky rescue’ the actions of these folks were deemed upon as thievery by the tax collectors and eventually anyone proven to have lifted cargo from the ship was chased by HM Customs and Excise, given no duty had been paid on such bottles. For that reason, few have ever publicly come forward.  

Until now, more than fifty years after the controversial plunder attempt. But it wasn’t thievery that got these bottles to surface, it was a chap known as George Currie who was working on a subsea cable off the Hebridean coast when he hit pay dirt. Accompanied by his team of divers, a VAT 69, Ballentine’s and four bottles of Gibbey’s (no longer produced) saw the light of day after 80 years. All in perfect condition with their wax seal.

At the time of writing this article, the chosen auction bottle sits at £6,000 with just 4 days remaining on the auction. If you click here you’ll see what it eventually went for. In 2013 a very similar duo of aged whisky was auctioned together for £12,050, so it would seem the current value remains. 

A stunning Burgundy colour sits within the bottle with an airtight wax top and high-fill level, suggesting there’s been very little oxidation. Remembering that whisky doesn’t really ‘age’ within the bottle, you are still looking at an 11-year old scotch, but nonetheless, it has one hell of a story, doesn’t it?!

If you plan on bidding… good luck!

A Modern Classic for Every Drinks Cabinet: Fifty Pounds Gin

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Photo Courtesy of Fifty Pounds Gin

In the heyday of the gin industry, there was no quality control. Gin was often mixed with turpentine and other nasties and licences were easily obtainable with a simple application. The ease of production led famously to the massive over consumption of gin at the time, which in turned caused huge social problems. In an effort to combat this gin ‘epidemic’, the Gin Act was imposed in 1736, which lumped high taxes on distillers, forbade the sale of the spirit in quantities of less than two gallons and required an annual payment of fifty pounds for a retail licence. All this however, had little effect beyond increasing smuggling and driving the distilling trade underground and the quality was still variable, to say the least. 

The birth of the London Dry style

By 1826, the invention of the column still made the distillation of neutral spirits more practical and enabled the creation of the more quality-driven ‘London Dry’ style that continued to evolve during the 19th century. London Dry Gin became a quality designation for pure gin that is made with natural botanicals and has no flavouring or colouring added after distillation, only water. London gin had upped its game.

Why ‘Fifty Pounds’ Gin?

No, it’s not because it costs fifty pounds (in fact it’s substantially less at £34.95). Fifty Pounds Gin takes its name from the 1736 Gin Act. It is a London gin, triple-filtered to achieve optimum smoothness and distilled in small batches. At 43.5% ABV, it’s a gin that works equally well neat or in cocktails and G&Ts. The exact recipe is secret, but Fifty Pounds are open about the botanicals they use which include juniper from Croatia, coriander seeds from the Middle East, orange peel from Spain, angelica root from Western Europe, savoury from France, liquorice powder from Southern Italy and grains of paradise from the Gulf of Guinea in Western Africa.

The beautiful bottle itself has a tapered shape which harks back to the Georgian time when there was no nasty plastic bubble wrap and bottles had to fit snuggly together like sardines to prevent breakage. Testament to the small batch process, each bottle also bears an individual distillation batch number as well as a note of the year that it was distilled.

A very limited edition: ‘The cask at the back’

Back in the nineteenth century, gin was transported in oak barrels, some of which used to contain sherry. The barrels were re-used when transporting the gin between various places. Fifty Pounds have called their limited edition ‘Cask at the back’ as it refers to barrels that were stored at the back of the warehouse and thus were harder to grab and so stayed there a bit longer. The gin these barrels contained had a much deeper colour and unique character, quite different from the rest. If they had come from sherry casks, these differences were even more pronounced.  

Charles Maxwell, master distiller for Fifty Pounds Gin, wanted to recreate the flavour profile and texture of this special type of gin, so produced a limited run of what he called ‘Fifty Pounds Gin - Cask at the Back’, using American oak casks which used to contain very old, sweet, Pedro Ximenez sherry. Maxwell describes this limited edition gin beautifully as having “classic aromas of juniper and citrus fruits predominant with hints of wood and tasted oak along with floral notes and delicate hints of raisins, prunes and nuts. On the palate there is a gentle and attractive sweetness at the start, it is warm, smooth, very complex and balanced with a long finish which leaves a delightful sensation of roundness”.

Only 500 bottles of Cask at the Back were created and the edition is already, sadly, sold-out. Don’t despair however, we have one bottle to give away, signed by master distiller Charles Maxwell himself!  Here’s how you can enter:

How to drink Fifty Pounds Gin

Incredibly versatile, this is a classic, London dry gin, yet it has a seductive viscosity and balanced aromas that means you could sip it by itself if you so desire. It makes a cracking G&T and a marvellous dry Martini, but one drink we would urge you create with it is a Gimlet. Incredibly easy to make at home, our little twist on the classic Gimlet uses fresh lime juice instead of cordial. The gin easily stands up to the strong flavour and the lime will give you an extra freshness (not to mention a boost of vitamin C). Here’s the recipe: 

Ingredients
50ml Fifty Pounds Gin
The juice of two limes
Splash of simple honey syrup (optional)
Lime wedge for garnish

Method
A Gimlet can be stirred or shaken, but we’d suggest combining the gin and the lime in a glass with ice and stirring. Add the simple syrup to taste if you’re using it and stir. Pour into a classic cocktail or Martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Over the summer, London Dry Gin is a perfect spirit for mixing with tonic and making a whole host of cocktails. With its classic juniper-led flavour profile and crisp clean nature, there is not another spirit like it. And of the myriad of London dry gins on the market, Fifty Pounds Gin stands head and shoulders above many – and it looks as good as it tastes.

Buy Fifty Pounds Gin Here

Clover Club Cocktail

A classic cocktail that has been around since at least the 1910s, the Clover Club Cocktail is rich, silky and has a wonderful balance of sweet and sour. To be honest there is nothing not to like about this pretty pink cocktail. Be warned, once you’ve had one you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

50 ml gin, we used Fifty Pounds Gin
20 ml lemon juice
20 ml raspberry syrup, we used Monin raspberry syrup
1 egg white
2 raspberries, to garnish

Method

1. Add the ingredients to a shaker, and shake vigorously without ice for around 30 seconds or until the egg white has emulsified.

2. Add ice and shake again until the drink is well-chilled.

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Thread a couple of raspberries onto a cocktail stick and balance on top.

4. Sip and enjoy!

   N.B. Instead of raspberry syrup, you can muddle 3 or 4 fresh raspberries and 15ml simple syrup (1 part sugar, 1 part water).

Fancy trying your hand at more cocktails? Then, check out this Rosé and Grapefruit Sparkle cocktail or one from our One Drink, Three Ways Cocktail Series.

5 Cracking Canned Drinks for the Summer

Words by Helena (@Helenasips)

There is a drinks trend sweeping the US that is now also hitting home shores in the UK: Canned drinks. Cocktails! Hard Seltzers! Usually low calorie, low alcohol, pretty natural, affordable and easily recyclable, it’s easy to see why this is a trend that is going to be here to stay. It’s buzzing but a lighter way and after trying lots recently, I am a convert. Here are some new drinks that I have  particularly enjoyed. I suggest you all seek them out! 

Dona Sofia CBD infused G&T

Just launched in the UK, I really love this drink. The tonic isn’t as bitter as some and has riper citrusy flavours - not unlike a decent lemonade. It’s exceptionally drinkable, with just the right level of buzz and bitter. CBD with a small amount of alcohol is an intriguing combination; it’s like the booze jump starts the relaxing properties of the CBD. Exceptional value too currently at £2 a tin when you buy in 6, 12 or 24. Look out for their Rum & Cola and Vodka & Lime launching next month! NOTE: CBD is the health giving part of Cannabis, not the psychoactive part, which is THC. This is why it’s ok to blend it with alcohol. 

ABV: 5%
CBD: 10mg
Find it here. RRP £12 for 6 cans.

Session Sake - Yuzu & Cucumber, by Kanpai, London

Made by the first London Sake brewery Kanpai, this delicious, modern take on Sake is a great way to start with the drink if you’re not familiar with it. This naturally fermented junmai sake (brewed from rice) is blended with Japanese yuzu and British cucumber to create a seriously refreshing, light and sparkling drink that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues and long evenings in the garden. Lovers of sake should check out the rest of their shop too and visit them in person for tastings again very soon.  

ABV: 5.5%
Find it here. RRP £4.50

58 Gin Hard Seltzer

Just launched, these premium gin hard seltzers come from the people who create the well loved 58 Gin and use only natural ingredients. Currently available in Raspberry or Grapefruit in beautiful looking, fully recyclable tins, they are super fresh and fruity without being cloying in any way. Lovely, natural fruit flavours and that characteristic kick from the juniper.  It’s low calorie (67 cals per can), vegan and gluten free so suitable for just about anyone. Yum!

ABV: 4% abv
Find them here at Master of Malt for £2.50 amongst other retailers.

Smirnoff Seltzers

The world’s No. 1 vodka has been quick to answer the demand for hard seltzers in the UK and are now launching here with two incredibly moreish drinks made with vodka and naturally flavoured water. Raspberry & Rhubarb is subtle on the sweetness with a lovely tang that keeps you coming back for more. The Orange & Grapefruit has more zip and a bitter kick that complements the vodka. Inexpensive and easy to drink, these are perfect for hot summer days.

ABV: 4.7% abv
Find them in supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s for £1.55 a can. 

Bodega Bay Hard Seltzer

Pure, filtered alcohol and soft water are blended with a splash of natural flavours to create these ultra refreshing drinks. Using more unusual ingredients try the Apple, ginger and acai or the Elderflower, lemon and mint, these are a more savoury, quirky choice and they absolutely deliver. Brilliant value too at £2 a can, you can buy them in packs of 8 or 12.

ABV: 4% abv
Find them here.

For other great drinks in a can check out Mad Bean Vanilla Iced Coffee and for something a bit different take a look at The World’s First Peated Tomato Juice

The World’s First Grenache Gin Just Launched

Words by Aidy (@sypped) 

Fresh out from McLaren Vales’ Chalk Hill Wines is this rather curiosity-piquing new gin. Having tasted Chapel Down’s Bacchus Gin before, which was absolutely lovely and made a mean martini, this new release is all rather exciting. Before you get too excited, I don’t want to disappoint you – it has all sold out. So, this is really more of a ‘discovery’ article. (There’s nothing worse than reading the whole thing with intent to purchase then being bitterly disappointed). 

Named ‘Ginache’, because, well, yes. The grenache grapes were picked from Chalk Hill’s Slate Creek vineyards in a plot planted by the family in 1897. Considering they’ve been growing this grape variety for generations, I’m willing to assume its pretty good quality.

Never Never Distilling are their partners in crime who are taking the spirit from grape to gin and they are no stranger to this particular category either. Priding themselves with their ‘Triple Juniper’ method. Like me you may be thinking ‘erm, okay, what is Triple Juniper?’. Well, thankfully I can tell you. They steep juniper for 24 hours, then add it to the still with MORE fresh juniper prior to pot distillation. Finally, as if there wasn’t enough juniper, more is added to the vapour basket to capture the fresh and floral characteristics. There you go. Juniper, juniper, juniper.

Cherry red in colour, Ginache is bursting with red meadow fruits, rose petals and cinnamon. A sip offers both a sweet and spicy combination with coriander, juniper and sour cherry jumping out from the grenache element. Apparently your favourite rich tonic and a slice of orange will get the most out of it.

Since the harvest was so small less than 2,500 bottles were created with only 150 bottles sold online (what a tease!). Most of these have sold out, but a few will be sold at the distillery when it re-opens in the coming months. So yeh, you can still get one – you just have to go to Australia. Don’t forget your facemask.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 38%
Price: $80 AUS
Buy from the Never Never Distillery

The Queen Just Launched A Gin!

Words by Aidy (@sypped)

Add a little royalty to your spirits cabinet this Summer, with good ol’ Elizabeth’s very own gin. Well, kind of. 

Turns out that during the reign of James I, Mulberry trees became quite a popular thing to plant. This tradition has even held up today, where they are still seen throughout the country – not to mention throughout the grounds of the palace.

Mulberry leaves, along with 11 other botanicals including lemon verbena, hawthorn berries and bay leaves are used to produce this one of a kind gin, with each and every element taken from the ground of Buckingham Palace itself.

With the palace gardens home to over 30 species of birds, 250 species of wildflowers and 40 different trees there’s a lot to play with so who knows what surprises wait in store for future batches?!

This London dry gin has been produced as a small batch premium spirit and is currently sold through the Royal Collection Trust shops for £40 a bottle. If you’re lucky enough to be invited as a guest to the palace (I’m there most weekends these days), the gin will soon be served at official events. I’ve been told the queen likes to drink hers as a traditional G&T with a slice of lemon and although she didn’t share her favourite tonic water with me, I recommend London Essence or Franklin & Sons. 

All profits go straight back to The Royal Collection Trust, maintaining the incredibly historic and invaluable Royal Collection. Few know this, but it’s actually one of the most important art collections in the world and one of the last great European royal collections to remain intact. 

See, you get to drink well and help preserve the queen’s paintings. Win/Win, squire.

Producer: The Queen (kind of)
Size: 70cl
ABV: 42%
Price: £40
Buy it from Royal Collection Trust Stores

If you enjoyed this then make sure to check out Two Wine Stories you Never Knew about the Royal Family