The Best Irish Whiskey Distillery Tours

Wherever you stand on whiskey, gin, Poitín and other spirts, when heading to the Emerald Isle, a distillery visit is pretty much essential, especially with the exciting brands coming out of the country. Whether you’re making for cosmopolitan Dublin, busy Belfast or the rugged Wild Atlantic way, here are our picks of the best Irish distilleries you can currently visit.

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

If you’re coming to Ireland to drink, you’ve got to come to Jameson. The world’s best-selling Irish whiskey has, as you might expect, a world-class tasting set up in Dublin to match its reputation. Visit the Bow Street distillery any day of the week for a 40-minute tour round the historic brick-fronted building, join 90-minute whiskey blending masterclass or to enjoy a cocktail-making session shaking up three Jameson-studded delights. They even serve drinks to go – the perfect aperitif ahead of a night on the town.

More info and booking details here.

Waterford Distillery, Waterford

Boutiquey distillery Waterford has set itself no small goal: it wants to produce the world’s most ‘unique, complex and profound whisky’ (yep, that’s spelled the Scottish way, without the ‘e’). On a tasting tour, find out what they’re doing to make the dream real – from the big stuff like a terroir-driven approach, featuring ‘single origin’ barley from a select few Irish farms, to the little things like their eye-catching, blue, glass bottles. The sessions are currently on ice due to covid, but keep eyes peeled on the website to find out when they return.

More info and booking details here.

Slane Whiskey, Co. Meath

It’s hard to beat this setting. Slane Whiskey is set on the rolling green estate of Slane Castle, a scenic pile on the River Boyne – a venue that’s also played host to Rolling Stones, U2 and Bruce Springsteen concerts. Ahead of a tasting in the Stalls Bar – the smooth triple-cask blend is all vanilla, butterscotch and baking spice notes – take a tour of the distillery. By the time you leave, you’ll know all about Slane’s sustainably grown estate barley, and its maturation in virgin oak, seasoned Tennessee whiskey and oloroso sherry barrels.

More info and booking details here.

Bushmills Distillery, Co. Offaly

With 400 years of history under its belt, this is the oldest licensed distillery on the planet – and another must-see for your list. Bushmills’s tour is a great introduction to whiskey-making in Ireland, too. As well as hearing about the production process, you’ll visit the towering copper stills, spy ageing barrels and sip two, free samples at the tasting bar. While you’re waiting for the tipples to wear off, have a poke around the gift shop and stock up on your favourite bottles.

More info and booking details here.

Kilbeggan Distillery, Co Westmeath

When this leading Irish distillery, set on river banks to the west of Dublin, was closed in the 1950s, its surrounding namesake town rallied together and bought it. These days, Kilbeggan is owned by Beam-Suntory, but it still retains a local charm with its stone-fronted walls and atmospheric barrel ageing rooms. The hospitality goes beyond paid-for tours; you can also join free daily demonstrations as experts shake up cocktails, brew Irish coffees or share tasting notes from a selection of whiskeys and other spirits, such as Ireland’s famed poitín (traditional Irish, distilled white spirit).

More info and booking details here.

Dingle Distillery, Co. Kerry

Dangling off Dingle, on the epic Wild Atlantic Way driving route, this is one of Ireland’s finest modern artisan distilleries. It’s only been producing since 2012, so it’s early days yet, and your visit will shed insight into the indie side of the whiskey-making and gin-making craft. While you’ll have to hold out for tours to restart (thanks, coronavirus), when they do you can expect them to run multiple times a day, and include a tasting of the distillery’s rowan berry-infused gin and creamy vodka. Bring along a designated driver, and you can pair it with a scenic drive along Ireland’s prettiest coastline.

More info and booking details here.

Clonakilty Distillery, Co. Cork

In the far reaches of Ireland’s south, family-owned Clonakilty is known for its maritime-influenced whiskies. Heritage barley is grown on its own farm and barrels are carefully aged in a coastal warehouse licked by sea-salted winds. Even though the distillery only opened to the public in 2018, it’s already quite the destination. There’s a shop, make-your-own-gin sessions and a restaurant called The Whale’s Tail, dishing up burgers and salt cod fishcakes. But best of all? They run evening tours, so you can go sipping right before your dinner.

More info and booking details here.

Tullamore Dew, Co. Offaly

Now here’s one to get excited about! Best-selling brand Tullamore Dew is getting a shiny new tasting experience, set to open this August in the Irish Midlands. Details are still thin on the ground – watch this space – but expect visits to feature plenty of pours of their honey-hued spirit made with all-Irish grain, and ranging from the smooth original bottling to quirky finishes in ex-cider and XO Caribbean rum casks.

More info and booking details here.

Pearse Lyons, Dublin

It’s not the setting you’d expect from a distillery squirrelled away inside a former church, but indie, family-owned Pearse Lyons in Dublin’s historic Liberties neighbourhood is exactly that, down to the stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. Pews have been swapped for shiny copper stills and hourly tasting tours will take you through the history of the building, neighbouring graveyard and distillery. A food and whiskey pairing experience is on tap if you feel like an extra treat.

More info and booking details here.

Sliabh Liag, Co. Donegal

Here’s one to add to your watch list. Sliabh Liag Distillers, in the country’s far northwest, is County Donegal’s first legal distillery in 175 years. And when its new distillery opens this autumn in Ardara on Ireland’s scenic Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll be able to join tours taking you through the production history of Irish whiskey, gin and poitín. Of course, due to ageing requirements the whiskey won’t be ready for a while, but while you wait, sample Sliabh Liag’s sublime range of gins, infused with Irish seaweed.

More info and booking details here.

Looking for more places to visit? Then how about checking out The Best Scotch Whisky Distillery Tours or if it’s more whisky information you are after then you'll find plenty here!

The Best Rums for Summer

The sun is shining, the temperatures are climbing – it’s time to crack out the rum! Even if your holiday is in Britain this year, you can celebrate tropical-style with our pick of the best rums for summer…

Eminente Reserva 7 Year Old

Besides being slightly obsessed with that scaly bottle – an echo of the crocodile that slithers across the label – we also love this Cuban rum for its freshness. Made with 100% Cuban sugar cane, its rich tobacco, smoke and coffee notes are tempered by floral and cherry dancing across the palate. At the price point you’ll probably want to drink it neat, but if you’re feeling summer-festive, there’s no shame in mixing it into a very posh Dark ‘n’ Stormy or smooth rum-based Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £43.95

Equiano Rum

Why make rum from one distillery when you can make it from two? Equiano is a classy meeting of Barbados’s Foursquare distillery and Gray’s in Mauritius. The former’s rum is aged in American white oak, the latter’s in French oak and Cognac casks, then they’re blended and aged in ex-bourbon casks. It’s a novel idea, with a deliciously distinct result: a marmalade, raspberry and caraway-noted rum, rich in chocolatey notes. It does more than just taste good, too; named after Olaudah Equiano, a freedom fighter involved in the abolition movement, the company donates 5% of annual profits towards equality projects.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.90

Havana Club Añejo 7 Years

The Cuban brand is a staple on UK shelves, so you’ve probably tried Havana Club’s entry-level white rum at some point. But if you’ve never sampled the Añejo 7 Years, it’s time to get involved – with its buttery, toffee, cigar box notes, it’s a complex pour meant for straight sipping rather than the usual mixing. We’re especially big fans of that creamy, rich finish, pretty darn impressive at the price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.45

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

Hailing from Venezuela, this smooth sipper is made from a blend of exclusive rum reserves, aged for up to 12 years. We love the retro-styled bottle, but the liquid is pretty darn delicious too; think aromas of dark chocolate, toffee and liquorice, and a long fudgey finish on the palate. You could drink it on the rocks, but it also shines when mixed into classic cocktails – anyone for a rum-based Manhattan?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.95

Don Papa Sherry Cask Finish Rum

This isn’t a spirit for just slugging into your rum and cokes – but you probably could tell that from the price. This crafted rum from Philippines-based rum brand Don Papa is designed for slow, meditative sipping. A whole lot of work has gone into it; it’s first aged for four years in ex-bourbon casks in the steamy foothills of Mount Kanlaon, then decanted into a range of sherry casks where it rests for 18 months before being blended and bottled. The result: tons of complexity and a deep, dark flavour – think rich chocolate, star anise, caramel and prunes, plus plenty more.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £69.50

Hattiers Premium Reserve Rum

A British-made rum? Well yes, kinda. Hattiers is produced by an indie rum blender in Devon – but using aged spirits hailing from throughout the Caribbean and South America. Soft Dartmoor water is used from blending the rums hailing from Guatemala, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Panama, and the result is a refined, sippable number with peach and cinnamon aromas, and a palate of stewed orchard fruit, spice and chocolate. It’s complex enough for rum fans, but approachable enough for newbies, too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.90

Mount Gay Eclipse

Mount Gay is synonymous with Barbados, and you can’t go to many places on this island without running into a golden glass of its rum. This, their classic bottling, is named after the ‘double phenomenon’ of a solar eclipse and the passing of Hailey’s comet in 1910 – though the distillery company itself dates back to 1703. When you’re after an entry-level rum with notes of honey, vanilla, tropical fruit and spice, this one’s a no-brainer. Perfect for cocktail-making sessions with friends.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.50

Blackwell Black Gold Fine Jamaican Rum

Ever heard of Island Records? It’s the music label home to superstars including Bob Marley – and it was founded by Chris Blackwell, the same man who created this Jamaican Rum. You might wonder how a music exec got into distilling, but Chris’s mother’s family once owned J. Wray & Nephew and the Appleton estate – so, arguably, it’s a natural fit. And his affordable Jamaican rum, made to a traditional recipe, is just what you need for a rum punch – spicy, oaky and caramelly, with tropical fruit hints.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.15

Enjoyed reading this? Then how about checking out The Best Rums to Elevate Your Cocktails or 7 Rums That Scream Luxury?

How to Invest in Whisky

Written by Colin Hampden-White

The king is just about hanging onto the crown, but it is closer than it has been for many months. Macallan has risen a little and Springbank remains strong. As predicted, Ardbeg has risen up a little and may well rise further but these percentages tell only half the story. The big change over the last few months is the value of the bottles being traded. In the past the big-ticket items, commanding high retail prices were the ones to invest in, but it seems they have had their day and the retail prices, even for very rare whiskies are no longer lower than the secondary market prices. My advice, for now, would be to stay clear of bottles over 5K and find the sweet spot which seems to be around £250 to £1500. I don’t think it matters much about the ranking at this level, and one is best to think long term. As with all investment portfolios, diversify. If you can collect a number of bottles in the top 10 from different distilleries within the sweet spot of £250 to £1500, and hang onto them for at least five years, you shouldn’t do badly.

The Dalmore 2%
Bowmore 3%
Macallan 1%
Springbank 1%
Clynelish 5%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Ardbeg 2%
Bunnahabhain

Bottles to Watch

As a pointer this month I am going to suggest Springbank as one to concentrate on. Some of these limited releases have different ABVs depending on release and are not listed here.

Springbank 16 year old Local Barley

The local barley release sells out in seconds, so if you see one you’re very lucky! Always sought after and very collectable. Also, absolutely delicious!

Springbank 9 year old Gaja cask

This is a bit of a sleeper for me. It’s not expensive, but it will be limited and lovely. I reckon this will rise quickly despite its young age.

Springbank 19 year old Sherry Cask

19 years old is unusual for Springbank, which singles this expression out. Being in sherry will also help its appeal, and will be looked for by collectors. At this price, for Springbank it’s a great deal.

Springbank 21 years old 1990’s

This is a rare find, and already has some age to it. Only one bottle here shows how rare these things are at retail. Bottled I the 1990’s, the distillate will be 1970’s and a wonderful look back in time.

Find here

Springbank 15 years old 1990’s

Another 1990’s bottling giving a view into the late 1970’s or early 1980’s. Again, a rare bottle and one worth hanging onto.

Find here

As with March, April and May’s Whisky Investment Indexes, any bottles mentioned are just suggestions, I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and start you on your journey in whisky investment.

Great Gifts for Father's Day

Father’s Day is nearly upon us and it’s highly unlikely he will genuinely want new pants and socks, or so we have been told! So, this year, give him something special just for him - though he may even share it with you if you’re good! Here’s our pick of special boozes and other thoughtful items. There’s something for every budget.

Red Wine

Bodyguard 2017 from Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, California

For when only a full-bodied, velvety red will do. This stunning looking bottle wrapped in a large, Gustav Klimt-esque label with gold foiling looks as good as it tastes. A powerful blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Syrah, it has a bit of everything you want in a fine, red wine from juicy cassis, raspberry and cherry fruit to notes of warm, cooking spice, truffle and cocoa with a waft of freshly crushed herbs and tobacco leaf in for good measure. It’s big and brooding - a winner with steak or simply alone in the man cave with a good book.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.7%
Find here: UK From £45 // US $33.08

Champagne

Bollinger PN VZ16

A very special, brand new iteration of James Bond’s favourite fizz, the PN VZ16 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir from Verzenay in Champagne and the house describes it as “an inimitable vision of an iconic grape variety”. The base for the wine is the fantastic 2016 vintage with older, reserve wines, the oldest of which being 2006. The PN collection was created to celebrate all the unique expressions Pinot Noir can give and this is the second in the range. Think red apple skin with tangy notes of rhubarb, plum and pear, hints of tropical fruit, a cool saline core and a pleasing, nuttiness on the finish. A simply stunning wine that’s drinking now or will keep. Very smart packaging too!

Size: 750ml
Find here: £80

Rum

Eminente Reserve Rum Aged 7 Years

This fabulous new rum from central Cuba has been made using 100% sugar cane and aged for seven years in white, ex-whisky, oak barrels. It’s extraordinary in that it manages to harness the freshness of a traditional Cuban white, light rum with the subtle complexity of a more aged one. We love it for its spicy notes of pepper and ginger, which mingle seamlessly with fresh cherry and plum flavours and quirky notes of tobacco, cocoa and coffee bean. Glorious neat, over ice, with simple mixers or even in cocktails. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £43.95

Tequila

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

If dads need to be a bit more ‘reposado’, then a bottle of top end, sipping tequila could be the answer. This is a 100% agave reposado that has been ‘rested’ for six months in white oak barrels that previously held bourbon whiskey. There will be no shotting this with lime and salt though, please! Think creamy vanilla fudge notes here with a classic earthiness from the agave itself and a lovely salinity that keeps it fresh. Have it alone over ice or it makes a banging Paloma Reposado! (1 part tequila to 3 parts pink grapefruit soda, lime or grapefruit garnish). The name Pancho Datos by the way, celebrates the work of historian and poet Ricardo Grijalva de León who made his name during the Mexican Revolution in 1910. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.95

Irish Whiskey

Bushmills 21 Year Old, Triple Distilled, Rare whiskey

For a sipping whiskey that will knock anyone’s socks off, this 21 year old, blended, Irish superstar from the whiskey gem in Northern Ireland’s crown is hard to beat. With 19 years spent in oloroso sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, it then spends a further two years in madeira casks. The result is a silky smooth and unctuous spirit with enormous depth of flavour. Every sip will offer something new, from fruit cake, to cocoa, chocolate, raisins, hazelnut and caramel. Just, wow. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £159.90 // US $268.79

Scotch Whisky

Spirit of Art Whisky Range by Distillers Art

If your father is a fan of Scotch and beautiful landscapes, this spirited gift combines the two beautifully. Like us, the company believes that Scotch whisky, like wine, is synonymous first and foremost with the place it comes from, from the soil and aspect to the barley, the water… everything. What Distillers Art do is look at the character of an area and commission an artist to create a limited edition, signed print to go with it, which comes with the whisky (inside the tube, so frame is not included). We just adore this concept of where art meets spirits. Choose from the stunning landscapes of the Spey, Ben Rinnes hill, Islay and more with famous whisky names such as Clynelish, Caol Ila and Craigellachie.

Size: 700ml
ABV: From 53%
Find here: From £130

English Whisky

Masthouse Column Malt Whisky from Copper Rivet

Hailing from Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent, this limited-edition whisky is only the second in their Masthouse range. It’s also the first column still single malt ever to be released by a British distillery (Scotch whisky must be produced in a pot still) and is made with Belgravia barley malt, which is grown locally on the Isle of Sheppey. Unfiltered and matured in first and second-fill ex-bourbon casks, what you get is a lighter style of whisky with appealing notes of caramel, banana and baked apple pie up front with creamy, orchard fruit flavours on the palate. It’s fresh and perky and each bottle comes with a copy of Copper Rivet’s own Invicta whisky charter.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £44.95

Shanky’s Whip Black Liqueur & Whiskey Blend

A quirky, retro one in looks this. Thoroughly Irish, Shanky’s Whip is a sweet and creamy liqueur made from a blend of black Irish whiskey and other Irish spirits blended with natural vanilla and cream flavours before being infused with caramel. The box is inspired by the look of vintage Irish matchboxes and features fantastical Irish jockey, ‘Shanky’ who was the wild boy of racing. His character was known for being one that always one bucked the trends and once, when thrown from his horse, he returned to a race with an ostrich, a cart and a whip. Naturally! Lots of fun and there are many ways to drink it. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 33%
Find here: £23.95

No-Lo

OTO CBD Cocktail Bitters

We’ve tried and tested this (non-alcoholic) product over time and can honestly say that it works and is fabulous. Not only does it add an intriguing, warm and spiced flavour to cocktails with its extracts of licorice, cacao and lemongrass, but we’ve also had it in a our morning decaf latte and mixed it with a little warm water at night, so it’s wonderfully versatile. CBD in the right quantities can melt away anxiety in a way that does not make you feel anything specifically; it’s more about the bad stuff that it makes you stop feeling. Just add 4 dashes to your drink of choice and there you are. 

Size: 100ml
CBD: 1800mg
Find here: Currently £63.20 on offer (usually £79)

Juke Cordialities

Created by well-known wine writer Matthew Jukes, Jukes Cordialities are a very swish looking, intriguing take on non-alcoholic wine, so we expected these to be good! Made using fruit, vegetables, fresh and dried herbs, spices and flowers with a backbone of fine, organic apple cider vinegar, these are complex, interesting and very tasty non-alcoholic drinks that actually mimic the complexities of wine very well, while offering some intriguing, new flavour profiles. Naturally made, these are ultra low calorie, unfiltered and unfined without any manipulative techniques so they can also throw a small sediment. Quirky, beautifully packaged and worth a go if dad is trying to moderate. The gift box includes 9 small bottles, enough for around 15-18 glasses. 

Size: 9 x 30ml bottles
Find here: £35

Cool Stuff

The Checkin Journal

With Father’s Day coming at the end of Men's Health Week (June 15th - 22nd), we wanted to highlight a thoughtful gift to help men become more aware of their thoughts and feelings with an eye to improving their mental health. This simple, beautiful journal does this with its space for daily checkins. It’s a collaboration between MAL Paper and Matt Johnson, a Mind Ambassador and TV Presenter with the express aim, as Matt says, “to help the user connect with their emotions in an unapologetic way, without fear of judgment.” It’s simple and incredibly effective. Even better, for every journal sold, Mål Paper donates £2 to Mind Charity.

Find here: £21.95

Glencairn Whisky Pipette

After hundreds of requests from fans of their iconic Glencairn whisky glass, Glencairn have released their very own whisky pipette to go with it. The perfect length for the glass, this pipette is made from hand-blown glass and holds the ideal amount of water to help moderate flow (1ml).  It also has a very sweet little mini glass to weight the top. For £6, it’s a bit of a no-brainer and it is also available to buy as a set with a Glencairn Glass or a jug.

Find here: £6

CBD gummies by Cold Pressed

The one for stressed out dads who need to take some time for themselves. These cute and tasty gummies by British CBD brand Cold Pressed are made using a cold-pressed extraction method to retain the organic goodness of the CBD. 100% natural ingredients, vegan and with 10mg of cannabidiol in every gummy, these bonbons with benefits are available in strawberry, grape, apple, grapefruit and pineapple flavours. The CBD extraction process they used is brand new to the UK and ensures that all of the added benefits such as vitamins, omegas, nutrients and phytonutrients remain within the extract.

Size: 30 gummies per jar
CBD: 10mg per gummie
Find here: £6.99 per jar

Not found what you were looking for here? Fear not! We have plenty of other suggestions for great wine, spirits, beer and no-lo for you to check out too.

Why do hangovers get worse with age?

Remember your early 20s? After a few too many drinks, you’d wake fresh as a daisy, ready to tackle work, run a marathon, pen a bestseller. But, as we slip into later life, our hangovers become incapacitating. Pounding headaches, nausea and hangxiety (read our piece on what that is here) can all turn up after just a couple of tame pints at the pub. Even choosing what to watch on Netflix becomes a chore.

It’s not just your imagination  though - there is some science behind it. According to physicians, as you age, your body’s metabolism slows down and that doesn’t just mean the inevitable waistline expansion. Your body no longer metabolises certain things, including alcohol, as well because your liver doesn’t work quite as efficiently as it did when you were 21.

Enzymes in your liver begin to process alcohol by breaking it down into acetaldehyde, a toxin commonly thought to be a contributor to hangover symptoms. From there, enzymes break the acetaldehyde down into non-toxic acetate. But, here’s the thing: your liver can only do that so fast, and it gets slower as you age. So, in effect, acetaldehyde hangs around in your body for longer, getting pushed into your bloodstream – and increasing that grim hungover feeling.

Of course, there are other factors at play. Your genetics are important – we all have those annoying friends who ‘don’t get hangovers’, at any age – as is the quantity you drink and how often. And, perception matters. You might recall that you didn’t get hangovers when you were younger, but was that really true? Your hangovers may be more about feeling anxious and having low productivity rather than nausea and headaches. 

Earlier in life, feeling rubbish after a big night out with mates almost feels like a badge of honour. Yet over time, the novelty wears off. And, when combined with increased responsibilities like high-pressured jobs or childcare, hangovers genuinely are worse  - and longer - than they used to be as you take longer to recover. 

Want to know why we get ‘hangxiety?’ Read all about it here.

News: We're shaking things up at The Three Drinkers!

Hello lovely readers. We have some news for you!

As you know, Colin, Aidy and Helena joined forces in 2018 as the Three Drinkers in order to shake up an industry known for its very traditional values. Today, with our returning TV Series, online magazine and our Bring a Bottle podcast (have you listened yet? ) we are shaking things up once more.

Helena and Aidy will continue to lead at 3DHQ, but our Third Drinker slot will now showcase an exciting, revolving range of guests, be they brands, communicators, winemakers, distillers or even you; our readers, listeners and viewers!

This news comes as Colin plans to concentrate more on his international whisky pursuits, stepping down as a full-time ‘Drinker’ in order to allow a broader range of talent to be represented. Aidy and Helena already fly the flag for disability communities, with Aidy being one of the only global TV presenters with Tourette syndrome, alongside one of the few drinks personalities within the LGBTQIA+ community. Helena has also been an active voice for female empowerment within a typically male-dominated world. Colin’s fans need not be disappointed though; he will be back sporadically, sharing his investment advice and global whisky discoveries as a guest Third Drinker.  He says this:

“I am incredibly lucky to have been able to work with two of my best friends. I’ll always be the original ‘Third Drinker’ and am grateful to have been given the time and space to explore new ventures, although I will be back periodically. I hope this leaves room for new faces and new ideas to further the diversity in all things for The Three Drinkers.”

Helena says “We’ve loved continuing to build The Three Drinkers brand and watching our audience grow during lockdown. We will miss our friend Colin and his whisky-fuelled antics, but wish him well on his travels and look forward to welcoming him back from time to time.”

“It’s bittersweet for us,” says Aidy. “While we are sad to be saying ‘au revoir’ to Colin, what this change will allow us to do now is very positive. We’ve listened to what the drinks world needs right now and that is a much needed diversity push, giving more support to under-represented communities, be they communicators, brand owners, winemakers etc. Having a revolving Third Drinker slot will give us even more opportunities to use our platform and make a tangible difference here.”

Their first series The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky is streaming on Amazon Prime in 172 countries and territories and will be available on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Lufthansa flights from June onwards. Having just passed its one year anniversary, their Bring a Bottle podcast has just secured sponsorship for two more series and will continue to include a roster of guests, 70% of which will be welcomed from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds as part of their ongoing inclusion ethos. 

Thank you for your continuing support of us! Keep reading, listening and watching! More news coming very soon…

Which Whiskies To Invest In - May Whisky Investment Index

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The king lives on, as Dalmore stays at the top for whisky investors, or, very wealthy drinkers were buying at auction last month! Closing the gap from last month and now in second place is Bowmore with old bottles of Bowmore doing very well.

There were a good amount of Karuizawa bottles at auction, notably a bottle of Five Decades sold for charity which was donated by Marcin Miller and David Croll raising £9800 for the Worshipful Company of Distillers Charities.

The usual suspects are still in the top ten with Macallan, Springbank and Clynelish, and they are joined by Ardbeg, which, because of the rarity of old bottles dips in and out of the top ten, and with the release of Ardbeg 25, Scorch and a very notable single cask 20 year old, Ardbeg may well move further up in the coming months.

So, my top tip for bottles to watch this month would be Ardbeg as I feel there will be plenty on the market in the coming month and it will go up the top ten. Avoid the first bottles on the market from new releases as they tend to spike in price before settling down after a month or so. It might even be worth looking back at bottles released a year ago. I’ve listed a few below.

The Dalmore 6%
Bowmore 3%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Clynelish 5%
Macallan 1%
Springbank 1%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Bunnahabhain 1.5%
Ardbeg

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 

A one-off release to celebrate the career of distillery manager Micky Heads. We had the fortune of meeting Micky on our trip to Islay and he spoke about another brilliant expression called Galileo. Another Ardbeg well worth investing in if you can find it!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 58.8%
Find here: US from 179.49

Ardbeg Blaaack

Before Scorch there was Blaaack. This special release for the 20th anniversary of the committee was released over six months ago now means the initial spike in prices are over and are back to a good level to buy at auction, or if like this one you can find it at its original release price, then that’s a great option.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: US from $139.99

Ardbeg 19 1st release

This Ardbeg was a new release at the end of 2019, and they are now onto their second batch with a 3rd to follow soon. If you can find the original first release, these are now being found at auction and increasing in price steadily.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46.2%
Find here: US from $322.70

In the UK there are a few very special bottles on sale. Along with a distillery bottling from 2002, independent bottles are also well worth looking at. With the rarity of Ardbeg official bottles, these independent bottles will also increase over time.

Ardbeg Committee Reserve (bottled 2002)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.3%
Find here: £1,195

Ardbeg 28 Year Old Hunter Laing

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.1%
Find here: £1012.22

Ardbeg 24 Year Old

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find here: £1034.95

All the brands in the top ten should do well over time. Like any of my suggestions, they are suggestions and I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and introduce you to the possibilities of investing in whisky.

If you want to take a look at past whisky investment indexes then click here for April and here for March.

Best Value Vodkas for Martinis

Nothing quite hits the spot like a frosty martini. Whether you like yours dry, wet or deliciously dirty, these great-value vodkas make a dreamy base. All come in at the sub-£30 mark, so there’s no need to save them just for special occasions. Monday night cocktails, here we come…

Sacred Organic Vodka

Made from organic wheat and rye spirits blended to elegant perfection in an ‘assemblage’ style inspired by winemaking, this London-produced vodka is creamy, smooth and dangerously drinkable. A slight bite of hazelnut, joined by gentle warmth on the finish, makes it the perfect pick for a wet martini with a simple twist of lemon (and, preferably, made with Sacred’s own English Dry Vermouth). For the ultimate serve, chill it down in the freezer before pouring.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £31.24

Cîroc

Distilled five times from a base of French grapes, Cîroc is as smooth as it gets. But unlike some vodkas, here smooth doesn’t mean lacking in character. An aromatic, fruity nose has a definite grape tone – something that becomes even more pronounced when the vodka is served up with orange bitters and a frozen grape garnish (as Cîroc’s suggests for a ‘classic twist’ martini). The refreshing, clean palate feels far more sophisticated than the typical £30 price point, too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28.99 // US $34.99

J.J Whitley Artisanal Russian Vodka

Now here’s a martini base with pedigree as JJ Whitley has been making spirits since 1762. With a Russian wheat vodka this tasty – and silly affordable at around £16 a pop – it’s no wonder they’re still winning awards for it to this day (this particular bottling bagged IWSC Gold in 2020). A fresh nose opens up to a full-bodied, creamy and spicy palate. Chill it right down, add a splash of vermouth and you’ve got crowd-pleasing, affordable martinis for your next dinner party.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £16.05

Wry Vodka

Long-running fans of Silent Pool’s gins, we’ve now fallen for their Wry Vodka too. It’s got real local character: 100% rye grain spirit is re-distilled with rye malt, then filtered with traditionally produced hornbeam charcoal – itself made by a woodsman just over the hill from Silent Pool’s Surrey distillery. The rye certainly gives this a tad more kick, and robust character, than you get in some other vodkas; expect a peppery spice and warmth that can stand up to the flavour of wet, dirty martinis.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.59

Black Cow Vodka

Vodka, from milk? You heard us. This Dorset-made spirit takes whey – the by-product of milk and cheese production from local grass-fed cows – and turns it into a delectable, decadent vodka. Gorgeously creamy, and with a rich and silky mouthfeel, Black Cow really shines in the driest of martinis – just a wee twist of lemon is all you need to make it shine. Not in a martini mood? This feels made for a sublimely retro White Russian (go on, we’re not judging…).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.87

Vela Vodka

Nestled beside Kent’s River Medway, family-owned distillery Copper Rivet turns out this small-batch wheat, rye and barley vodka with loving care and attention – it even declares its vintage on the label (in our case, 2016). That’s not all that makes it special, though; unusually for most distilleries in Britain, it’s distilled grain to glass. One sip into a – preferably bone-dry – martini and it’s already exceptional. Fruit and cereal show on the nose, with a bright palate that moves from fruitiness to richness, ending with a hint of pepper.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £28.50

Wildjac Fresh Citrus Vodka

We like that this vodka is kind to the planet: the 100% recycled glass bottles, FSC-certified wood stopper, and biodegradable closure are all tick marks. But this Worcestershire vodka entices with its palate too: Worcester Endeavour hops and lemon thyme, as well as zesty pink grapefruit, fragrant bergamot and herby eucalyptus, give it a bright, citrussy profile. It is a flavoured vodka, so some martini purists might balk – but serve this cool with a twist of lemon, and you’ll quicky convince ‘em otherwise.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £35

Looking for more vodka goodness? Then check out Aidy’s 7 Vodkas to Embrace article. Or, if you’re after a change of spirit then why not have a read of Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings?!