One Drink, Three Ways: X by Glenmorangie

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

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By now, you will all know that we are huge fans of Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the legendary master distiller that is Dr Bill Lumsden. Glenmorangie are the leaders for intriguing new whisky flavours and styles, from various incredible, limited edition wine finishes to whisky that is perfect for mixing. 

Enter X by Glenmorangie: a sweeter, richer style of the classic, delicate and fruity Glenmorangie that Dr Bill has crafted alongside top bartenders with the express intention of mixing into cocktails and highballs. Lucious and aromatic, think pear, vanilla and honeysuckle with a touch of chocolate orange and citrus spritz. The whisky was aged in ex bourbon casks and part finished in new char oak casks, which help elevate the tropical flavours. To inspire your drinks choices, Glenmorangie have also created a series of super simple cocktail recipes for the new X on their website (glenmorangie.com) and we have picked our favourites below. Have a try and let us know what you think! 

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Helena’s Choice: Glenmorangie X Marmalade

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This refreshing citrus combo with a bitter, orange rind kick on the finish is so light on its feet, it would work really beautifully to kick off a brunch, afternoon tea or as a cool sundowner. The zesty freshness is a great match for those finger sandwiches and cupcakes. Simply pour all the ingredients into a highball glass, stir well to mix in the marmalade, then add ice, stir again and finish it off with an orange twist for garnish.

Glenmorangie X Marmalade

Recipe

50ml X by Glenmorangie

10ml Fresh Lime Juice

3 tsp Marmalade

Orange twist for garnish

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Aidy’s Choice: Glenmorangie X Date Night

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The hint of sparkle with this combination brings an interesting twist to a whisky highball. It’s floral, fragrant and the perfect conversation starter for your date night as the leafy notes from the elderflower intertwine beautifully with the orange citrus and hint of spice from the whisky. Fill a highball glass with crushed ice and pour over all the ingredients. Stir and top up with sparkling water to your taste and garnish with a lemon or orange twist.

Glenmorangie X Date Night

Recipe

50ml X by Glenmorangie

20ml Lemon Juice

20ml Elderflower Cordial

Club Soda or Sparkling Water, to taste

Lemon twist for garnish

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Colin’s Choice: Glenmorangie X Brunch

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I love a good brunch as it invariably involves some kind of quirky, delicious drink like this one. Bright and citrussy with a lot of vitamin C, this is definitely the kind of cool, long drink you can take your time over at brunch. Fill a highball glass with crushed ice and add the ingredients. Give it a good stir and garnish with half a grapefruit wheel. Pink if you can!

Glenmorangie X Brunch

Recipe

50ml X by Glenmorangie

25ml 100% Grapefruit Juice

25ml 100% Orange Juice

10ml Agave Syrup

Pink Grapefruit wheel for garnish

Like this? Check our our other One Drink, Three Ways pieces: Belvedere Organic Infusions, Tanqueray Gin and The Macallan 12.

Announcing TV Series 2: The Three Drinkers in Ireland

The Three Drinkers return to our screens in February 2022 with a brand new, six-part series on Amazon Prime called ‘The Three Drinkers in Ireland’ - and they've shaken things up!

The Three Drinkers are drinks experts, writers and broadcasters Helena Nicklin and Aidy Smith, joined by a deliciously diverse revolving roster of ‘third drinker’ guests. This will be the second Three Drinkers TV series for Smith and Nicklin who also produce the popular ‘Bring a Bottle’ podcast, run the drink, travel and lifestyle-focused online magazine thethreedrinkers.com and have a growing social media/influencer presence.

A New Focus

Their first Three Drinkers series, ‘The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky’, came to our screens on Amazon Prime in 2019 and is still streaming in over 170 countries (in 39 languages) as well as being broadcast in China and on various airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa.

The Three Drinkers in Ireland will take a slightly different tack from the Scotch show, exploring all sorts of drinks beyond the delicious whiskey, from gin and poitin to cider and Irish cream. Aside from discovering some of the country's oldest and most game-changing distilleries, they’ll also be taking a deeper dive into Ireland’s incredible food scene and showcasing some traditional activities such as bog snorkelling, cheesemaking, eel fishing and Irish dancing. The result is an escapist, gastronomic journey with a drinks hook through the picturesque island of Ireland that’s light-hearted and aspirational with plenty of take-home tips. It's the perfect pour of armchair travel and feel-good entertainment.

Nicklin says “We’ve loved bringing everything together here, from the food and drink, to the people, places, culture and tourism of the whole of the island of Ireland. We’ve been blown away by the sheer quality of Irish produce too. It’s world class! Ireland is also the perfect country to visit as the world opens up again, thanks to its wide open spaces and easy accessibility - and it’s a great location for lovers of fantastic food and drink to boot.”

New Guest Presenters

In this series, Aidy and Helena welcome two new faces from the world of food, drink, travel and lifestyle: Beth Brickeden, Irish native, wine consultant and alternative events specialist behind the renowned Drag & Wine Tasting, joins the duo for episodes 1-3, and Eulanda Osagiede, award-winning American travel writer, social influencer and co-founder of the popular travel, food and lifestyle blog ‘Hey! Dip Your Toes in’, comes along for the journey in episodes 4-6.

Along the way, they’ll also be getting a cheeky visit from iconic UK drag queen Vanity Von Glow as well as original ‘third drinker’ and whisk(e)y guru, Colin Hampden-White.

Smith & Nicklin have been keen advocates for better inclusivity within the drinks industry, with Smith being one of the only TV Presenters globally with Tourette Syndrome. He says:

“As part of the LGBTQIA+ community and having faced ongoing hurdles due to stigmas associated with Tourrette’s throughout my career, I’ve been very keen for us to play our part when it comes to increasing diversity and inclusion within the drinks industry. We are delighted that our key guests within this series showcase a more inclusive world; it’s a step forward for the trade and we couldn’t be more delighted to welcome our incredibly talented third drinkers.”

Take Home Tips

The new series sees an evolved format, with to-camera, take-home tips from wine and spirits experts Aidy and Helena, helping viewers navigate their at-home drinks discovery. From advice on forming the perfect egg white flip for cocktails to exciting, Irish-inspired drinks recipes, the duo even offer wine and spirit food pairings with their lifestyle-driven approach.

Smith says “Having been drinks professionals for over 25 years collectively, we felt it was time to take the leap and speak directly to our audience via the TV screen. We’ll be offering them a variety of tips, tricks and wisdom tidbits they can explore for themselves at home”.

Live Dates

The Three Drinkers in Ireland will be live on Amazon Prime in early February 2022 in 130 countries and territories. More information will follow over the coming months.

More about The Three Drinkers in Ireland

The Three Drinkers in Ireland is a feel good, infotainment-style travelogue with a drinks hook that showcases the beauty of Irish gastro-tourism in all its glory. Road trip in style with just the right amount of knowledge thrown in, this armchair travel series follows Aidy, Helena (renowned drinks and lifestyle communicators) and their ‘third drinker’ guests on the ultimate, lifestyle journey through the unique and diverse landscapes of the Emerald Isle.

Along the way, they’ll scope out famous local landmarks and characterful locals before heading off to key stops on their tour of distilleries, orchards, country pubs and more via numerous points of interest, delicious food and unmissable scenery. Packed full of personality and flavour and using a blend of epic drone videography, natural, amusing in-car conversation and sweeping landscape shots, this is Ireland for a new, global audience.

More about Aidy Smith

Aidy Smith is an award-winning TV presenter, journalist and wine and spirits expert. He currently writes a weekly drinks column for the Evening Standard. Aidy is one of the few LGBTQIA+ personalities within the industry and the only TV presenter in the UK with Tourette Syndrome, raising awareness for D&I across the board. He has spent his career developing a fun and curiosity-piquing mind-set to drinks through interactive tastings, video, written and social/influencer content. Find him on social media @Sypped.

More about Helena Nicklin

Helena Nicklin is an award-winning wine and spirits writer, TV and radio broadcaster and judge for various international wine and spirits awards, including the IWSC and The People’s Choice Drinks Awards. Helena also presents a weekly drinks segment on talkRADIO. A working mother of two young children, Helena is a strong supporter of female empowerment in a typically male-dominated industry. Find her on social media @HelenaSips.

More About Beth Brickenden

Working at the forefront of London’s trendy food and wine scene for over a decade since leaving the Emerald Isle, Beth has a wealth of experience and passion for all things wine and dine. Beth is currently heading up the wine for FIEND by Chris Denney whilst continuing to create her legendary wine tastings. She loves producing immersive dining experiences that to date have ranged from life drawing and wine tasting, to drag queens and wine (her two greatest loves). Find her on social media @my.corkscrew.and.i.

More About Eulanda Osagiede

Eulanda Shead-Osagiede is an award-winning food culture and travel journalist, photographer, TV presenter, and DEI marketing consultant. She has been featured in a number of high-profile print and digital publications. As a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the travel and hospitality industry, she has promoted DEI on multiple platforms as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and thought leader. Find her ons social media @dipyourtoesin.

When Brandy & Coffee Collide

If you’re a fan of darker spirits like whisk(e)y, cognac and brandy and deem coffee an important part of your life, this new release from Bardinet should be on your radar. 

Crafted from Bardinet’s smooth aged brandy from the heart of France and intertwined with fresh Arabica and bitter Robusta coffee beans, the result is rather spectacular. If you’ve been on the espresso martini’s for a while but always wished there could be a darker variation of the cocktail, well, you’ve just found it. 

When the brandy and coffee combine, an explosion of candied fried-fruit jump from the glass with a punch bitter coffee, raisin and treacle. 

You’re probably now thinking, “how do I drink it?!”. Well… allow us to tell you! 

Bardinet Espresso 

• 60ml Bardinet Coffee

• 30ml Espresso Coffee

• 10ml French Vanilla Syrup

• Orange zest twist to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice, strainin to chilled glass, Garnish with orange zest twist

Coffee Tonic

• 45ml Bardinet Coffee

• Tonic Water

• 2 dahes of lemon juice

Fill a glass with ice, add all of the ingredients and gently stir. Garnish with a slice of lemon. 

Cold B Fashioned

• 30ml Bardinet Coffee

• 30ml Rye Whiskey

• 1 dash of Angostura Orange Bitters

• Orange twist to garnish

Combine all ingredients in an old fashion glass with ice. Gently stir for 30 seconds and then garnish with an orange twist. 

For more information, click here.

The World's Best Ready To Drink Gin Cocktails

RTD (ready to drink) cocktails are everywhere at the minute, and, lucky for us, the number of high-quality RTDs on the market is constantly going up! With such a massive selection to choose from we’ve narrowed this article down to some amazing gin-based ones, all of which have won awards at The Global Spirits Masters… and we have to say, we are not surprised in the slightest as they are outstanding. Read on to find out which RTD cocktails are certified amazing!

Berry Brothers and Rudd No. 3 Vesper Martini

 The big winner at this year’s GSM (Global Spirits Masters) in the RTD category was Berry Brothers and Rudd No. 3 Vesper Martini. This Bond cocktail was worked on with Alessandro Palazzi, the head bartender at London’s famed Dukes Bar. Make sure to stir this with plenty of ice before serving, and add a twist of orange!

Award : Master and Taste Master
ABV: 28.6%
Size: 500ml
Find it here: £29.95

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic

If you love Bombay Sapphire G&Ts but don’t want to have to keep buying both tonic and gin, try these pre-canned G&Ts! They’re great for picnics or adventures as you won’t be laden down by a heavy bottle of gin and heavy bottles of tonic. It’s as simple as cracking open the can and sipping right then and there!

Award: Gold
ABV: 6.5%
Size: 12 x 250ml
Find it here: £26.95

Slingsby Solo Gooseberry Gin & Mediterranean Tonic

Slingsby Gooseberry Gin is already super delicious, which is why it's no surprise that their premixed serve is just as good! Though their Gooseberry Gin is the award-winning can, their Solo range is massive and well worth a look at!

Award: Master
ABV: 6%
Size: 12 x 250ml
Find it here: £30

Comte de Grasse Divine Orange Negroni 

Comte de Grasse is a French brand known for their exceptional craftsmanship and incredible 44°N Gin (you HAVE to see the bottle). With their pre-bottled Divine Orange Negroni, they’ve managed to pack some big flavours into a tiny bottle! 44°N Gin is delicious in any kind of Negroni, but sometimes you just don’t want to get out the shaker!

Award: Master
ABV: 31.7%
Size: 250ml
Find it here: €15.00 (ships to UK)

Portobello Road No. 171 Gin & Natural Indian Tonic Water

Portobello Star Distillery is always offering new and exciting products (check out their non-alcoholic gin!), and their premixed G&T cans are proof of this. The Indian tonic water really complements all the botanicals in Portobello Road No. 171 Gin, so you get the perfect serve every time!

Award: Gold
ABV: 5.5%
Size: 12 x 250ml
Find it here: £27.95 

Manchester Raspberry Gin & Sicilian Lemon Tonic

We love a bit of something sweet, and when that something sweet is raspberry gin - we’re ALL over it! Manchester Gin’s canned G&T makes wonderful use of a Sicilian Lemon Tonic to make a fun and fruity drink you won’t want to share! Pick some up now and serve with raspberries and lemon!

Award: Gold
ABV: 5.5%
Size: 12 x 250ml
Find it here: £28.86

Cotswolds Distillery Pre Mixed Wildflower Spritz

If you haven’t tried Cotswolds Distillery’s Wildflower Gin, you’re seriously missing out… It’s their classic dry gin layered with a blend of cornflowers, lavender and orange, making for a dreamy and very floral spirit. Their pre-mixed spritz is something you’re definitely going to want to try, and not just for the adorable bottles!

Award: Gold
ABV: 8.9%
Size: 275ml
Find it here: £3.95

Horse Guards Negroni Pre-Bottled Cocktail

Another Negroni! It does seem that the Negroni has seen a bit of a boom in popularity recently, and now in pre-bottled form! Horse Guards’ Negroni comes in a large 500ml bottle, meaning you can pour servings of the same cocktail for your whole party without having to pick up a shaker! We do recommend you stir this with ice, however, as you’ll want your Negroni to be SUPER COLD...

Award: Gold
ABV: 21%
Size: 500ml
Find it here: £29.95

Feeling thirsty? Have a read of The Best Gins for a Martini or What Are Colour Changing Gins!

The Best Tequilas for Margaritas

When tequila is mentioned, you probably think of one of two things: shots with salt and lime, and a margarita. The holy grail of tequila cocktails, the blood pumping through the heart of any good party, the flavour combination that does not budge in the public favour. The margarita has been built on many times, in many ways and by many different people and bars but one thing is for certain: it’s damn tasty.

Here are our favourite tequilas for making this delicious, timeless cocktail…

Patrón Silver

Patrón may be the most iconic and recognisable tequila brand in the world with its large bottomed bottles and spherical stopper. Though name dropped once every ten minutes, Patrón is still a solid tequila that is a staple behind the bar. We feel it should be a staple in a home bar too, as its consistency and aromatic flavour are perfect in any and all margaritas.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £40.95

1800 Silver Tequila

The oversized stopper and interesting bottle shape are the first thing that’ll catch your eye about this tequila. In fact, the bottle is said to be made in such a way as to resemble Mayan pyramids! Named after the year that tequila was first put into oak casks, 1800 Silver Tequila is delicate while still being fiery, and offers an elegant floral finish. Having this bottle on your shelf means you’ll be getting a great margarita every time.

ABV: 38%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £32.99 // US $41.99

Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

This tequila is particularly interesting and totally different from anything else on this list. The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s not the usual clear colour you’ll get from a young tequila, instead it has a rose tint to it. Aha! That, my friends, is because this tequila is rested for one month in barrels that previously held Napa Cabernet Sauvignon! This unique process gives the tequila some notes of red fruits that you won’t find anywhere else. Put this tequila in a margarita alternative such as a watermelon margarita and you’ve got yourself a winner.

ABV: 35%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £45.75 // US $64.99

Olmeca Altos Plata

If you hear the word ‘plata’ and have no idea what it means, don’t worry. Plata, silver and blanco tequila all mean the same thing: they’re all tequilas that have not been rested for longer than two months. Easy peasy. Olmeca Altos is a great, clean tequila that is perfect for making cocktails such as margaritas. If you want something that’ll serve you well, go for Olmeca Altos.

ABV: 38%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £29.90 // US $26.39

Villa Lobos Blanco

Villa Lobos Blanco is an entry-level tequila from Master Distiller Carlos Camarena, who has worked on some of the finest tequilas on the market. For that reason, he’s kinda a big deal. This blanco is excellently balanced and incredibly smooth, without the aggressive agave bite that can put people off tequila. It’s silky and soft without being too mellow and is perfect in a margarita that will have you and your friends coming back for more...

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml
Find it here: £32.45

Best Tequila for Reposado Margaritas

Reposado tequila is tequila that has been rested from two months up to a year. As it rests in the barrels, the flavour rounds out and loses some of the tang that you might get from a blanco tequila. However, the tequila does gain a lot of complexity as it rests and this can take your margaritas to a completely different space taste-wise. We recommend trying it!

Vivir Tequila Reposado

In Spanish, vivir is the infinitive form of the verb ‘to-live’, and let’s just say you’ll certainly be living after trying Vivir’s Tequila Reposado! This reposado is matured in oak bourbon barrels for at least 6 months before being decanted into the beautiful bottles that Vivir is known for. Notes of butter and caramel don’t overpower the agave present in this tequila, instead complementing each other and making for a smooth and sophisticated drink perfect for a classy margarita.

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

Panchos Datos Reposado Tequila

Before being bottled, Panchos Datos Reposado is rested for six months in white oak barrels that were used to mature bourbon whiskey. These barrels give this tequila the tasty vanilla and caramel notes that make it so mouth-wateringly delicious! The rounded flavours make for a smooth margarita, but it’s just as delicious taken neat or over ice.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £49.50

Fortaleza Tequila Reposado

If you’re ready to splash a bit of cash for an extremely nice reposado, we recommend you go for Fortaleza Tequila Reposado! While the bottle is beautiful (especially that stopper reminiscent of an agave piña), it’s what’s inside that’s worth shouting about. Along with the classic caramel notes, there’s citrus, wood spice and orchard fruit - not forgetting those rich agave flavours. Maybe this one might be a little too complex for a margarita, but we’re not stopping you!

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £64.69 // US $69.99

Looking for more tequila content? Make sure you check out The World’s Best Sipping Tequila or The Best Celebrity Owned Tequilas!

One Drink, Three Ways: Belvedere Organic Infusions

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

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At 3D Towers, we are huge fans of Belvedere Premium Vodka so were delighted to taste their brand new range: Belvedere Organic Infusions. Welcome to three, super premium, 100% organic-certified vodkas, flavoured with complex, natural combinations of fruit and botanical infusions. With these vodkas, Belvedere continues to adhere to the strict Polska Vodka regulations, where an eclectic mix of flavourings include no artificial additives or synthetic ingredients. More distinct in flavour and layered than their previous Macerations, you can sip these alone or enjoy them in a range of serves. Choose from three stunning combinations: Fresh & Bright - Lemon & Basil with a Touch of Elderflower, Crisp & Zesty - Pear & Ginger with a drop of Linden Honey and Rich & Vibrant - Blackberry & Lemongrass with a hint of Sage. Below are our favourite takes on each Infusion. 

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Helena’s Choice: Belvedere Lemon & Basil Spritz

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I love this spritz for its crisp and refreshing nature. It’s the perfect pick-you-up for a special brunch and the lemon and basil simply scream summer at any time of year. It works as an aperitif, a palate cleanser or even as a great drink for a green salad. Fill a large wine glass with ice and pour all ingredients into it. Stir gently and garnish with basil leaves and a slice of lemon.

Belvedere Lemon & Basil Spritz

Recipe

30ml (1oz) Belvedere Lemon & Basil Vodka

15ml (0.5 oz) Pressed Apple Juice

45ml (1.5 oz) Sparkling Water

30ml (1 oz) Dry, Sparkling White Wine

1 tsp Honey Water ( 1:1)

Lemon and basil to garnish

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Aidy’s Choice: Belvedere Blackberry & Lemongrass Sour

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I challenge anyone to find a cocktail that’s as easy on the eye as this! Tangy, creamy and zingy, this Blackberry & Lemongrass Sour combines rich fruit flavours with savoury, citrusy notes for a charming, complex, creation. Add all ingredients bar the garnish into a shaker without ice and give it all you’ve got for a minute. Next up, add cubed ice and do the same again before straining into a Nick & Nora or coupette glass. Garnish with the blackberries and mint spring. Cheers!

Belvedere Blackberry & Lemongrass Sour

Recipe

45ml (1.5 oz) Belvedere Blackberry & Lemongrass Vodka

25ml (.75 oz) Dry Vermouth

25ml (.75 oz) Egg White

25ml (.75 oz) Honey Water (1:1)

2 Fresh Blackberries & Mint spring to garnish

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Colin’s Choice: Belvedere Pear & Ginger Collins

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I’d quite like to rename this Colin’s Belvedere Pear & Ginger, but there you go! What I love about this fruity, refreshing number is how it combines ripe fruit notes with a kick of ginger and cooling cucumber. It’s quirky but utterly delicious. Pour the vodka, honey water, lemon juice and bitters into a highball glass over ice, then top up slowly with sparkling water and stir very gently to keep the bubbles. Add a cucumber ribbon and a straw and you’re all set. Cin cin!

Belvedere Pear & Ginger Collins

Recipe

40ml (1.25 oz) Belvedere Pear & Ginger Vodka

90ml (3 oz) Sparkling Water

15ml (.5 oz) Honey Water (1:1)

15ml (.5 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice

1 dash orange bitters

Like this? Check our our other One Drink, Three Ways pieces: Noilly Prat Vermouth, Tanqueray Gin and The Macallan 12.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - October Whisky Investment Index

Springbank leaps forward.

Last month was all about Springbank. At auction, this distillery has excelled and pushed its way to the top of the board. Macallan is still up their but seems to be slowing down at the moment, Brora is still strong as is Bowmore, and the rest of the table stays pretty much as it was.

Springbank is a relatively small distillery in comparison to many, and really only produces about as much as the Springbank fans can consume. This leaves collectors and speculators picking up Springbank at auction and keeping the prices rising. Releases of Springbank sell out extremely quickly, like the “local barley” expression for example, and are then traded for a lot more than the retail value at auction. Even after they are picked up at auction the prices will still steadily rise.

Springbank 2%
Macallan 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Brora 2%
Bowmore 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

I recently highlighted Springbank bottles, and there are a few more I have found here. But with the rarity of Springbank at retail, it is really about keeping a keen eye on the auction sites and picking up bottles when they seem good value to you.

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength

This expression sells out pretty quickly as Springbank at cask strength is well sought after. A good option for anyone starting out in collecting Springbank

ABV: 53.8%
Size: 750ml 
Find here: $159.99

Springbank 16 Year Old Local Barley

Another cask strength offering and this being the local barley expression, means that this is rare and will do very well in the future. There is very little of this expression produced as there is very little local barely to make the whisky.

ABV: 54.3%
Size: 750ml  

Springbank 19 Year Old Rechar Sherry

Cask strength with an unusual cask make up using casks which have been de-charred and then re-charred giving them one more use and they have a spicier flavour profile. With this expression being a little older, the price is higher, but then so might be the returns.

ABV: 58.6%
Size: 750ml

The next couple of expressions are very rare as they are older expressions from years ago.

Springbank 25 Year Old Millennium Collection

Released some time ago, this expression of Springbank has been steadily rising in value over the years. Hard to find even at auction, these bottles will always be wanted.

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £3495

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength

Longrow is a peated expression distilled at the Springbank distillery. This one has been bottled by famous Italian independent bottler Samaroli. This bottler holds a great deal of respect, especially with older offerings like this one.

ABV: 53%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £6995

These are a few examples and always everything written in this article is just advice, but overall with Springbank, the annual releases which have an age statement and unusual cask maturation will do well, especially if they are at cask strength. Try and seek them out at retail when they first come on the market, otherwise, happy hunting at auction.

To catch up on the past couple of months of whisky investment advice and to see how it all started click on the following links: September, August, July, the beginning.

What is Sloe Gin?

The most quintessentially British liqueur - sloe gin has been made for hundreds of years all across the country. But what is it exactly? Sloe gin is high-proof gin that has been infused with sloe berries and a little sugar to create a rich, warming liqueur perfect for autumn and winter!

The reason this liqueur is so popular in Britain is because, to put it simply, we’ve got a ton of sloe berries around! Very common in hedgerows, the sloe berry is a purplish blue colour and has a sharp and extremely astringent taste. Perhaps this not so tasty flavour is why they started being used in gin rather than in pies! Because they are so common, they’re quite easy to pick yourself to make a lovely home-cooked liqueur! If that sounds up your street, that’s great - we’ve got a recipe for you. If that sounds incredibly scary, however, fear not, we’ve got a list of some of our favourite pre-made sloe gins! 

How Do You Make Sloe Gin?

Ingredients
500g ripe sloe berries
250g golden caster sugar
1l gin
patience 

Method
Rinse the sloes under cold running water and examine them for any mouldy ones. Pat the sloes dry with a dry tea towel and, using a fork, prick the berries*. Tip the berries into a cooled, sterilized 2L jar, or split between two 1L jars. Add the sugar and gin and close the jar. Shake well. Every day for a week, pick up the jar(s) and give a good shake.
Store the jar(s) in a cool, dark place for 2-3 months to infuse. After the months are up (phew), line a plastic sieve with a muslin cloth and place over a bowl. Strain the gin through the cloth and decant into sterilised bottles. Seal and label! 
You can drink this gin right away, though the flavour will improve over time. If you’d like, try leaving the gin bottled for a year!

*Handy tip - if you freeze the berries they will naturally split themselves.

Which Sloe Gin Should I Try?

For those not feeling the foraging vibe, fear not. There are plenty of places where you can pick up a bottle of ready made sloe gin. Here are four of our favourites…

Hayman’s Sloe Gin

Hayman’s is the longest serving gin distilling family in England, starting in 1863. Their sloe gin is made by steeping their original recipe gin with sloe berries and sugar in the traditional way. Hayman’s is a perfectly balanced, smooth sloe gin with a bittersweet plum flavour that tastes great with lemon, a little sugar syrup and tonic.

ABV: 26%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £25.20

Plymouth Sloe Gin

Plymouth Sloe Gin is a version of their original Plymouth gin steeped in sloe berries and blended with Dartmouth water. It’s a wonderfully crisp and fruity sloe gin and has a natural berry flavour. Plymouth is one of the most popular sloe gins out there and a big favourite of bartenders and sloe gin lovers alike.

ABV: 26%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £25.39 // US $54.99

6 O’Clock Sloe Gin

6 O’Clock Sloe Gin doesn’t have to be drunk at 6pm, but it’s quite cool if you do. Using the tried and tested method of a high sloe to gin ratio, 6 O’Clock Sloe Gin has a dry and fruit flavour with warming spice. All the sloe berries are handpicked near the distillery in Gloucester, Bramley and Gage.

ABV: 26%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £24.66

Gentleman Badger’s Sloe Gin

We LOVE the label on this sloe gin, the badger just looks so sophisticated in his top hat. From Thames Distillers, Gentleman’s Badger Sloe Gin is made with a base of Colonel Fox London Dry Gin. It’s beautifully fruity and jammy without being too sweet!

ABV: 26%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £25.25

If you are looking for more delicious gin recommendations, then take a look at The Best Gins for a G&T, The Best Gins for a Martini or The Best Ready Made Garnishes for a Gin and Tonic.