Which Whisky Should I Invest in?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The summer months are normally a little slower for auctions. This year has been a bit different. With few traveling on holiday and little opportunity to spend, alternative investments tend to do very well and this seems to be the case for Scotch.

This month sees the king has fallen and Macallan has taken the top place again. Macallan is always dominant in Asia and this month even more so taking it above all others. The mid table has been very steady with only minor changes. At the bottom, Ardbeg is still rising, and Glen Grant has taken the place of Bunnahabhain.

With little volatility, there doesn’t seem to be a bad bet in the top ten at the moment, although buying a bottle from the middle of the table would seem the safest thing to do.

Like last month I would still look at Springbank, and add Clynelish to your watch list. Below are a few bottles of the latter I’d be interested in.

Macallan 1%
Bowmore 1%
The Dalmore 2%
Springbank 1%
Clynelish 5%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 2%
Yamazaki 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

Clynelish 1996 21 Year Old - Mission Gold Single Malt Whisky (Murry McDavid)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £344.94

Clynelish 1995 22 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Single Malt Whisky

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.4%
Find here: £344.94

Clynelish 1995 24 years old Wemyss Malts

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £260.35

Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Signatory

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51%
Find here: £313.15

When buying single cask bottles which seem cheaper than others, have a look at the abv. The price might be lower because the abv is also lower and therefore hasn’t been bottled at cask strength. Cask strength bottles will be more desirable, but also more expensive. Of the above four my pick would be the last one. Decent abv, good age, and less expensive than the first two.

Clynelish is never bottled by the distillery as a single cask. Diageo release a limited amount each year within the special releases, so the best way to invest in Clynelish is by buying independent bottles. These usually sell out quickly, so if you find one at the right price, don’t delay! Happy hunting.

As with March, April , May and June’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.

The Top Celebrity Owned Tequilas

Tequila is, finally, becoming a more and more popular drink to enjoy on a night out. The image of salt and lime chasers is thankfully becoming a thing of the past as more people are getting wise to the fact that there are some exceptional sipping Tequilas out there to be enjoyed neat, in highballs or in fancier cocktails. It’s so popular in fact that we are also now seeing celebrities create their own tequila brands just as we have done with wine! From George Clooney (swoon - don’t judge) to The Rock, here is a list of the celebrity tequila you can get your hands on.

Sauza 901

The story goes that the celebrity behind Sauza 901, Justin Timberlake, first became interested in creating his own tequila after seeing the craftsmanship, culture and tradition that goes into cultivating fine tequila on a road trip to Jalisco, Mexico. This then saw the birth of his 901 tequila, which is now known as Sauza 901. Justin may be best known for his music but we have to say that with its piquant, fiery scent and delicious smoothness on the tongue, this is one tequila well worth a try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: Currently out of stock :(

Próspero

Another singer to dip their toes into the world of tequila is Rita Ora, who has joined forces with master distiller Stella Anguiano to create Próspero. This tequila is available in three styles: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. The Blanco is quite different from standard, un-aged tequila with its vibrant bouquet of dried and fresh floral aromas, which lead seamlessly through to the agave notes and and spice. This would be great tequila in a cocktail as it has enough character to shine through.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £40.95 // US $40.99
Reposado UK £45.45 // US $46.79
Añejo UK £51.99 // US $52.99

Casamigos  

Be still our beating hearts (and that goes for Aidy’s too) as we introduce the celebrity behind this next tequila: George Clooney! Partnering with his good friend Rande Gerber and their business partner Mike Meldman in 2013 to create Casamigos, Clooney’s brand has since become so popular that by the end of 2020, it hit the million case sales a year milestone! Little wonder when you taste the three versions; there’s the refreshing Blanco with its subtle hint of agave, a Reposado with notes of caramel, buttery vanilla and delicate oak spice and an Añejo, which is a gorgeous tequila brimming with toffee penny, roasted agave, dark chocolate and sweetly spiced oak notes. Every single sip tastes like Christmas!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £50.00 // US $41.99
Reposado UK £57.49 // US $83.99
Añejo UK £62.99 // US $59.99

818 Tequila

Founded by model and ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ star Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila was first launched in May this year and has since been rolled out across various states in the US (sorry UK!). So, if you are lucky enough to live stateside then you have a choice between the Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, which have racked up a combined total of 16 tasting awards between themselves already! We haven’t tasted this yet but if you have, get in touch and let us know what you thought.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco $42.99
Reposado $52.99
Añejo $69.99

Teremana

Teremana tequila, the brainchild of film star Dwayne Johnson aka ‘The Rock’, was launched at the beginning of this year after multiple exciting social media teasers. There are Blanco and Reposado styles available, the former being described as having notes of bright citrus with a fresh finish and the latter as having notes of oak and vanilla with a smooth, rich finish. Much like 818 Tequila, this too is only available in the USA right now but hopefully, it won’t be too long before everyone else can get sipping on it too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £47.99 // US $29.99
Reposado UK £47.69 // US $34.99

For more tequila deliciousness make sure you check out The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas and The 6 Tequilas You Need in Your Life Right Now!

The Best Scotch Whisky to Try This Year

Words by Colin Hampden-White

I find the days of the year which celebrate a particular spirit very useful. It allows one to contemplate the year gone by and what we have drunk. I particularly like international Scotch day as it goes one step further. Beyond the world of whisky (or Whiskey), international Scotch day makes me concentrate on the whiskies which first captured my imagination and spawned decades of pleasure in whisky. Scotch was my first love, and although there are many great whiskies around the world. Scotch still amazes me with its breadth of style and flavour.

Over the last year, my journey through Scotch has been pretty epic. I have tasted some superb very young whisky from new distilleries with great sustainable programs, to old and venerable whiskies which have passed their 50th birthday, and even their 60th in some cases!

I’d like to share the highlights with you, and should you ever get the chance to taste the following drams, I’d jump at the chance.

Nc’nean

The very first batch from newcomers Nc’Nean. Made from organic barley with a long fermentation, matured in three different cask types, and having a bottle completely made of recycled materials, this whisky really hit the mark. Ripe apricots and vanilla custard, oak spiciness and hints of lemon and orange give this whisky lots of character.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £46.95

Glenallachie 13 Wine Cask Finish Rioja

Under the new ownership of Billy Walker, Glenallachie has had some brilliant whiskies released. However, this 13 year old really stood out for me. The whisky was matured in ex-bourbon and extra matured for two years in Rioja wine barriques. These wine barriques gave a subtle summer berry flavour to the already honied whisky and the balance was fabulous. A very sophisticated whisky for its age.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £62

Lagavulin 13 Feis Lle 2021

Matured in ex bourbon casks and finished in high charred Port seasoned casks, this whsiky was rich and refined for its age. Only 6000 bottles were produced, and the flavours included oily mineral notes, linseed oil and fragrant smoke. An intense whisky bottled at full strength.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 56.1%

Bladnoch 14

This was a surprise whisky for me. I have never really been a fan of Bladnoch. I’ve had some good ones, but many have been not very good. However, under new ownership this 14 year old 2021 has been released and it’s a cracker. Matured exclusively in ex Oloroso Sherry casks, it is full of fruit cake, dark chocolate and cinnamon flavours which add a great deal to the Bladnoch lowland fruity style.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £99

Fettercairn 16

Like Bladnoch, Fettercain in years gone by has been very overlooked. Now under the eye of blender Greg Glass, the whole range has been re-released, and smaller batches released within the regular line up. This 16 year old was made with a percentage of chocolate malt (heavily roasted malted barley), and is super sumptuous and rich with lots of sweet dark dried fruits and dark chocolate with a touch of spice and maltiness. This was so good that once I had finished my bottle and it sold out in the UK, I found one for sale in Europe and bought it.

Size: 1L
ABV: 46.4%
Find here: £103.25

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Inchmurrin 20 Year Old

This was batch 3 of Inchmurrin from That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Only 708 bottles where produced. With all the different style of whisky produced at the Loch Lomond distillery, there are different names ot the whisky. This style gives lots of marzipan and caramel aromas, sweet apples and gingerbread too. The palate brings in buttery notes and vanilla, soft spices and milk chocolate. Complex and very well balanced.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 51%

Glenburgie 1998 21 Year Old Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

Distilled in 1998, this whisky was matured in a hogshead for 21 years with no finishing. Although bottled in 2019 I only tasted it in 2020 and loved it. With lots of tinned fruit and cocktail cherry aromas with a toasted oak, tropical fruit and brown sugar palate it was decadent and with a little water as waxy polish flavour came through which was particularly attractive.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.4%
Find here: £150

Ardbeg 25 Year Old

Whenever Ardbeg release a whisky with significant age there is always high expectation and a lot of excitement. With this 25 year old there was good reason to be excited. It was one of the best Ardbegs I had tasted in a long while. With the typical smoke still there, the intensity had be quelled with lots of tropical fruits and fine oaky flavours. Soft spices and white pepper come though on the finish. It’s a whisky to spend time getting to know as it changes in the glass and continues to develop with each sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find Here: US $1,199.99

Glenmorangie Sonoma Cutrer 25

This expression of Glenmorangie was a one off. There were only 1000 bottles produced and this age of whisky having been matured for fifteen years of its life in Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay barrels will never be released again. Seek out and taste if you can. It is a rich sumptuous whisky with confected fruits like wine gums, vanilla and soft spice. Complex oak and white chocolate with white pepper on the finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.7%

Jura 1989

This whisky is a great example of a single maturation with no finishing. It was matured in ex bourbon barrels for over 30 years and is very exotic with honeyed pears and ripe bananas. Vanilla holds everything together and soft spices like cinnamon and fresh apple hold the mid palate. Some sweet white chocolate lingers in the background and the finish is sweet. A great summer sipping whisky as the sun sets.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 53.5%
Find here: £650

The Glenturret Provenance 33 Year Old

This was the first release of the Trinity series and was a limited release of 320 lalique crystal decanters designed by Marc Larminaux. Now that is all very well, but the whisky also tastes as good as the bottle looks! With lots of dried fruits like raisins and sultanas with cherry red fruit and cinnamon the aromas are complex and rich. The palate brings dates and soft dried oak with a hint of fresh green apple. It is an elegant and refined whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.7%
Find here: £9,800

Last Drop 50 Year Old Blend

This is a very complex whisky. Firstly, blended from over 50 different Scotch whiskies in 1995, and was then as a 30 year old married together in ex bourbon casks. A little of that original blend was held back and extra matured in Oloroso Sherry casks for 20 years! With only 898 bottles all coming with a 5cl miniature in a lovely leather case it made a great gift. It is an elegant whisky with cedar and lots of honey and a touch of sweet smoke on the nose. Red fruits and stewed autumn fruits like plumbs mix with cinnamon and dark chocolate and a little fennel. The finish has spice, waxy orange peel and a hint of aromatic oak.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 51.8%
Find here: £2,990

Singleton 54 Paragon of Times II

The oldest Dufftown whisky I have ever tasted, and it didn’t disappoint. Having spent over half a century in European oak barrels since distillation in 1966 it was then finished in a single Pedro Ximenez cask. There were only 235 bottles made. This had all the hallmarks of an old whisky with furniture polish, dusty books and a little beeswax with sandal wood, but also fresh and baked fruit with apple and a touch of peach. The spices are complex but not too dry and the finish is incredibly long.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.1%

Mr George 67 Years Old 1953 Legacy First Edition Gordon and MacPhail

Nearly the oldest whisky I tasted over the last year, but more on the oldest later. This whisky was certainly my most memorable. This was filled into a first fill Sherry butt on Christmas Eve 1953 and never left that cask until the 5th of January 2021. With a rich nose of dried fruits and manuka honey it is inviting. There is a soft smoke in the background. Higher notes of antique furniture polish and fresh meadow flowers keep it alive and interesting. The palate has cigar leaf as well as sweet leaf tobacco, some coffee and dark chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Nutmeg and sandalwood bring in the finish which is long with bitter chocolate and stem ginger finally finishing on dry but sweet oak.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 59.4%
Find here: £4,995

20 Whiskies That Changed The World, By The Whisky Exchange

Now, not all the whiskies in this tasting set are Scotch, but most of it is and it’s the best tasting set I have come across for learning and pleasure. From new world, to smoky. Islay and fruity highland whiskies. Blends and Blended malts. They are all there and are a great set of well-chosen drams to learn from or re-visit.

Size: 20 x 30ml
ABV: 45.4%
Find here: £160

I think it is always good to remember the whiskies one tastes over the year and having a day like International Scotch day helps to focus the mind and think back to some of the pleasures of the past year. 

Vermouth and Tonic: Your New Go-To Summer Drink

Move over G&Ts – there’s a new summer cocktail staple in town, and it blends tonic with a less-likely partner: vermouth.

You might think it sounds unusual, but this mix is taking a leaf out of the book of long-established Italian aperitivo culture. These savoury drinks not only pair great with nibbles such as charcuterie, crisps or tapas; V&Ts pack big flavour minus the standard knee-wobbling alcoholic punch of gin (most vermouths, which are classified as an aromatized fortified wine, come in at around 15-18% ABV). That means you can enjoy a lighter, lower-alcohol drink that still tastes great, without the effects going straight to your head.

The good news, too, is that vermouth brands have been seriously upping their game – and there are some delicious new pours out there to try. Here’s our pick of the best vermouths for V&Ts, from dry whites to sweet reds. Happy summer drinking…

Azaline Saffron Vermouth

With its bold, distinct nose and flavour profile – heady saffron, fruity blackcurrant, earthy cardamom, bitter gentian – this newly launched French brand, produced by Dijon’s Gabriel Boudier (of Crème de Cassis fame) is exactly the kind of vermouth that shines when mixed with tonic. The idea is that it’s the flavours of the Silk Road, all laid over a base of cherried, Burgundian Pinot Noir. Compared to many red vermouths Azaline is on the drier side, which means it doesn’t taste overbearing even when paired with a sweeter tonic such as Fever-Tree. Bravo!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £24.95

Regal Rogue Daring Dry Vermouth

With all those fragrant botanicals vying for attention, sometimes it’s easy to forget vermouth is made with wine. That’s not the case with Regal Rogue. All four of its vermouths – which range from an extra-dry white to semi-dry white, red and rosé – let their Australian wine bases shine, whether that’s Chardonnay, Cabernet or organic Shiraz. They’re all tasty, but our favourite for V&T purposes is the Daring Dry, made with citrussy Sauvignon Blanc and white pepper, resinous juniper, thyme and olive leaf. Think of it as a complex, savoury white wine spritzer perfectly on-point for 2021.

Size: 50cl
ABV: 18%
Find here: £19.50

Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

There are a lot of funky new vermouth start up brands out there – but Cocchi is not one of them. Smooth, silky and very gently medicinal, this Italian Vermouth di Torino has been made to the same recipe since 1891. And as the saying goes, why fix what ain’t broke? Whether you’re drinking it straight, mixing it into a Manhattan or lengthening it out with a V&T, this syrup-hued red vermouth is a stunner. The rooty, fruity and bright character from the combination of wormwood, rhubarb and citrus makes it delicious with a small slug of lighter, understated mixer – try, perhaps, London Essence’s Original Tonic.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: UK £24.45 // US $19.99

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry

With a botanical roll-call of 27 different plants, this French white vermouth – made in the Charentais vineyard at Maison Villevert, and fortified with local Pineau des Charentes – is seriously complex. The Extra Dry is exceptional in a martini, but we also love it in a V&T where its floral, citrus and herbaceous notes can really shine. Fancy a bit more sweetness? The generous, stone-fruity palate of the Royal White is also a worthy partner for tonic. Fun fact: the vermouth is named after the botanist who was commissioned by King Louis XIV to create the epic kitchen gardens at the world-famous Palace of Versailles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £21.45

Seven Sisters Dry White Vermouth

This Sussex-made vermouth is produced by Rathfinny Wine Estate, so you know real care has gone into the grapes – the winery even goes as far as distilling its own spirit using estate-grown bounty. Seven Sisters is rich and fruity-floral on the nose thanks to a base of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, but when you sip the palate is bone-dry – with savoury notes of bitter gentian, wormwood and angelica creeping in along with a zesty kick of pink grapefruit and bitter orange. This is a brilliant pick in a V&T for anyone who wants flavour but shies away from sweeter styles; you’ll get complexity and a rounded mouth-feel without losing out on taste.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £25

El Bandarra Vermut White

The bottle is, of course, fantastic. But even if it wasn’t such a looker we’d love this vermouth – fruity and gently spiced, with a creamy, rich undertone of vanilla custard. It’s made from white Garnacha and Xarel-lo grapes that have been infused with a whopping 40 botanicals, but despite that big flavour El Bandarra still feels delicate and light in the mouth, and comes in at a pretty low 15% ABV. It just goes to show the Spanish – who have been in the throes of a serious vermouth trend for several years now – really know what they’re doing when it comes to this fortified wine.

Size: 100cl
ABV: 15%
Find here: £22

Hotel Starlino Rosso

The USP of this Italian red vermouth? It’s aged in bourbon barrels, imparting a deep golden hue, honeyed character and spiced oak notes. It’s on the sweeter scale of vermouths, but if you’re into dry don’t let that put you off; use a light tonic such as Navas (or even a soda water) and you’ll lengthen out all that sweetness while still enjoying that tawny-esque flavour. Or sod the V&T and just sip it in a rock glass over a theatrically large ice cube.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: UK £19.84 // US $29.99

CUCIELO Vermouth Di Torino Rosso

CUCIELO makes two vermouths – one red, one white – and they’re both pretty knock-out in a V&T. The Rosso follows the classic style of Vermouth di Torino – complex, rich and fresh – but the company is firmly 21st-century when it comes to environment outlook. The plastic-free bottle is 100% recyclable, with even the Art Deco-style labelling being printed on natural cotton paper. We’d keep measures of tonic short with this one; just a splash is all you need, to pull out the orange, rhubarb and pomegranate notes of the vermouth and let it shine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.8%
Find here: £22.70

Lustau

It’s sweet, it’s pink, it’s irresistible. Pink vermouth is a relatively new phenomenon and while it’s not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that on the right occasion (read: glorious sunshine) it can be dangerously drinkable. Lustau’s version is smooth, generous and balances fruitiness with a tawny-like savoury character to make it feel grown-up. We like it served with a slug of Double Dutch Indian Tonic – and, obviously, cloudless blue skies.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.95

Looking for more vermouth cocktail recipes? Then how about checking out our Cocchi Vermouth One Drink Three Ways article, or, if premixed cocktails are more up your street then have a look at these Perfectly Premixed Negronis!

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.