The Best Whisky From Around the World Under £40

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

Glen Moray Classic

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

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

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

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

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

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

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

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

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

Jura 10 Year Old

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

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

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

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

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

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

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

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

Stork Club Straight Rye Whiskey 

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

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

Nikka Days

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

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

Mars Kasei

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

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

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

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Is 2023 Tequila’s Year?

For anyone that listens to our Bring a Bottle podcast, you’ll know that we’ve been wanting tequila and mezcal to be fully explored for a while. With the growing popularity of cocktails like the Margarita and the Picante as well as the influx of celebrity brands, tequila, it is getting there but there’s still so much more that it has to offer!

Far too often, the spirit itself is being clouded by other ingredients when it should be the star of the show… and 2023 may well be the year. Someone who agrees with us is Cazcabel and although they may be somewhat biased, their Blanco is the UK’s best-selling 100% agave tequila, so they certainly know their onions…or agave we should say.

All research shows that the tequila train is showing no signs of slowing down, and is in fact speeding up. The global market is the fastest growing spirit after pre-mixed cocktails, the Margarita is the most popular cocktail in the world and everything looks set for tequila to transition from party drink to premium sipper… although who’s to say it can’t be both!

British drinkers are warming to the idea of swapping out vodka and gin from their tonics and experimenting with tequila as a short serve option – not just dismissing it as shots or cocktail fodder. If you want to get ahead of the trend then we’ve been shouting about our favourite tequila options from the rooftops which you can explore here.

Cazcabel is pioneering in the space though, and a fantastic option to explore. Located in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico, Cazcabel not only produces liqueurs but super value blanco and reposado expressions, showcasing how the earthy crispness of agave flavour can shine when paired simply with tonic.

Cazcabel Blanco - £25.70
Cazcabel Reposado - £25.99

From Aquaman to Vodkaman: Jason Momoa’s Meili Vodka

Best known for fronting Aquaman and playing Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, Hawaiian star Jason Momoa is entering the world of drinks… or should we say returning?

Whilst filming Game of Thrones in Belfast over the previous decade, the brawny Momoa bulked up on a diet of pizza and Guinness and even got to try his own edition, ‘The Mano’. Guinness’ first sour creation was inspired by the actor’s Hawaiian heritage and tattoos, and he obviously got a taste for the industry because he launched Mananalu in 2019, an environmentally-minded canned water brand. This is a focus that Momoa has brought over to Meili Vodka (40% ABV), the new sustainably produced craft spirit.

A joint venture between the actor and fashion designer Blake Halvorson (founder of Junk Food Clothing and MadeWorn), Meili is bottled in 100% recycled glass with no two bottles being identical. Produced from natural Montana springs, the grains are sourced from local farms and the finished article is left to, “rest and breathe” in the mountain air before bottling – whether that has any science behind it or not we’re not sure, but it’s a nice image.

In this new world of celebrity spirits, it can be difficult to stand out and as of yet, there’s little word on the quality of the vodka itself, but to be fair it hasn’t officially launched just yet. That moment will come when Momoa speaks at the WSWA’s 2023 Access Live in Florida in April, but for now, their ideas seem admirable.

What’s more, limited online releases suggest a price of around $23.99 which is remarkably affordable when you consider the ‘celeb tax’ that is usually added on to endorsed products. Wider offerings will no doubt roll into a town near you soon, but if you’re a Momoa superfan then you can order already from selected retailers like here.

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

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

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

GIN

Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin

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

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

Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin

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

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

Ink Gin

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

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

WHISKY

Starward Tawny Whisky

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

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

RUM

Bundaberg Rum

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

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

VERMOUTH

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

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

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

LIQUEUR

Brookie’s Mac

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

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

NON-ALCOHOLIC

Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir

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

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £27.49

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

The Best Whiskey for Irish Coffee

Winter warmer season is in full swing, and wrapping your hands around an Irish Coffee warms the body and soul like little else... but only if the whiskey is spot on. Whilst they’re super easy to make, picking the ideal whiskey for however you like your Irish Coffee is the most important part, so pick your star of the show from the list below!

Powers

Dating back to a staggering 1791, Powers is the traditionalist’s whiskey option for their Irish Coffee. It’s got great complexity for the under £30 price point that will add layers to your coffee and keep it interesting until the end. It’s really smooth with gorgeous buttery shortbread notes, caramel and even a hint of chocolate adding to the indulgent experience.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.90

Jameson Stout Edition

Jameson tops the sales charts for Irish whiskey across the globe and whilst their original is a fantastic beginner’s option for Irish Coffee, their stout-seasoned barrel-aged edition is a level up. Alongside the signature easy-drinking smoothness and subtle fruitiness we expect from Jameson, this innovative mix boasts lingering chocolate, coffee and butterscotch notes that are dying to be the star of your next Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £23.99 / US $36.99

Slane Whiskey

Slane is stunning for the price with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Three different casks are used (seasoned casks containing bourbon, sherry and oak) to create a really full and satisfying taste, with rounded buttery vanilla notes. There are also hints of baking spice so it’s ideal for an Irish Coffee with a bit of heat behind the heat if you know what we mean. Indulgence in a mug!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 // US $32.99

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

For just over £20, Kilbeggan is steadfast and reliable for an Irish Coffee. Smooth, light and more noticeably, it’s distilled twice rather than three times over so retains earthy peaty qualities that will go perfectly with certain coffees. Kilbeggan is named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland and the distillery itself is claimed to be the oldest of its type in the entire country, so it’s a taste of history too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 / US $35.99

Roe and Co

Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels and a blended mix of single malt and grain whiskeys, this Master award winning expression is spot on for an Irish Coffee with full and deep flavours. There’s creaminess, velvet texture, lofty notes of spiced pears, mellow vanilla and toasted oak that feels perfectly rich and warming for winter.  

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £31.95 // US $38.99

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

This is another whiskey that has a Master award sitting in its cabinet, but it’s more unusual. The malt and grain blend matures in ex-bourbon but is then moved to rum casks for a whole year before being bottled without chill-filtration. The texture is super smooth and behind that is bold flavouring that you can bet won’t die in the heat. Fruitiness from the rum entangles with vanilla and caramel cream for a wonderfully rich and varied palate. Combined with the coffee, there will be serious flavours happening so it’s got to be worth seeing if you love it.   

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $39.99

The Sexton Single Malt

Sexton is the go-to Irish Coffee whiskey for quite a few bartenders and that’s because of the delicious and authentic flavour. Made from 100% malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills, it’s then aged in Oloroso sherry casks imparting an inviting fruitiness. Vanilla, dried fruits and honeycomb sweetness are bold but restrained in the right places. The only negative is that the gorgeous vintage bottle makes it difficult to see how much you’re getting through, and when you take your first sip, you’ll see why that may present an issue.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £30 // US $29.99

Sliabh Liag Silkie Blended Irish Whiskey

The Silkies of Irish legend are seals that shapeshifted into irresistible beings on land, and it looks like some of them then transformed into whiskey bottles too because this is just as irresistible. Made in Donegal at the relatively new Sliabh Liag distillery, it is fruity and balanced with precision. From apricot on the nose, to honey on the palate and toasted caramel on the finish, there’s a sweet vein running throughout but it’s surrounded by plenty of character and intrigue that will easily shine through a hot Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £30.45

Green Spot Single Pot Irish Still Whiskey

This is a fabulous single pot still whiskey that’s been impressing critics for some time. Bourbon and then sherry casks create an enchanting nose of apple, malt, sugary porridge, creamy vanilla and tropical fruits, which opens up to a soft and spicy palate that feels interestingly fragrant yet woody. Far from being a whiskey that drags its feet, this is super light and complex and perfect for a sophisticated and endlessly rewarding Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £39.99/ US $76.99

If you’re looking for the perfect Irish Coffee recipes, look no further, we’ve done the hard work for you!

The 12 Best Scotch Whiskies to Sip This Burns Night

It doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to have a dram or two on any evening of the year, but there is one night of the year that gives me a reason to open something very special. A very special whisky means different things to different people on different budgets and at different points on their whisky journey, so suggesting whiskies to try for Burns Night can be tricky.

Within this article, I am choosing the best whiskies I have tried over the last year or whiskies I have loved for many years at every price point beyond the bottom shelf of a supermarket. I will be brief with a few of them as I have written about them before extensively, and for others, which are new to me or the market I will try and give a fuller view of why they should pass your lips. Whether it be budget or blowout, I hope there is something here that whets your appetite for Burn’s Night.

Glen Moray Classic

The all-time best value single malt whisky on the market today. It can be found in most shops at around £20 and can occasionally be found on special offer for under that. With typical Speyside flavours of honey, vanilla and lots of orchard fruit, this is the perfect whisky to start with.

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

This is the whisky which, when asked what’s my favourite, I have no hesitation in choosing. I have listed it many, many times, like in this round-up of all the Johnnie Walker expressions. It is complex with fruit, smoke and sweetness. As Tina would say, it’s “simply the best”.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £26.89 // US $33.99

Glen Grant 10 Year Old

Another very good beginner’s whisky from Speyside, packed with flavour. This has an age statement so it is a little more expensive. Created with tall stills, there are lots of fruity flavours and lots of malty flavours, there is also a touch of peat, so for those wanting to experience a little smoke in their dram, this is a great place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £30.99

Dailuaine 16 Year Old

This is one of my all-time favourite whiskies. The balance of fruit, sweetness and wood is perfect. It is one of the few bottles in my house that is immediately replaced when it runs out. I think it is still incredible value considering it is a 16 year old and from a distillery which is rarely found in any other bottling. This is the only official one from owners Diageo and it’s hard to beat. Usually, you’ll find it for around £60 but it can be found for less, like the link below.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £45.75

Jura Seven Wood

Hailing from the isle of Jura, and by looking at the name, this whisky is clear about the way it is matured. Using seven different cask types, there is American oak and six other types including French oak, Limousin, Tronçais, Allier, Vosges, Jupilles and Les Bertranges. All this makes for a complex whisky with lots of fine oak character and a mix of orchard and white stone fruits with peach being the main one. Fine oak on the finish with some vanilla and a touch of smoke. A great way to start an island adventure.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 42%
Find it here: UK £54.89 // US $83.99

Dalmore 12 Year old

Moving into the highlands, Dalmore is one of the luxury brands in Scotch, and with good reason. Here we start to see the use of ex-sherry casks in the maturation which gives a dried fruit character, as well as fruit cake and spice. There are also delicate citrus notes and a little marmalade, and you can expect a long finish too. Complex stuff and perfect for Burn’s Night.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £55 // US $64.99

Glen Grant 15 Year Old Batch Strength First Edition

A sweet and spicy expression of Glen Grant and at 50% abv this delivers flavour in abundance. Plenty of sweet orange and orchard fruit with caramel, fine oak and vanilla. Apricot jam is dominant on the palate and spices cut through the finish beautifully. An impressive dram where the alcohol helps rather than hinders all the delicate flavours. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: £59.95 // US $80.99

BenRiach 16 Year Old

This is a new addition to the Benriach range and a great addition it is. It is unpeated and matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and virgin oak casks. Based on the original expression of the 16 year old which was made quite a few years ago now, it is a fruity Speyside with spice, toasted oak, a little dried apricot and a finish that is long and satisfying. Class in a glass.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £76.95

Octomore 10.1

Octomore is a smoky whisky on steroids. The peating levels in Octomore are said to be the highest ever in a Scotch. However, whilst making this whisky pretty extreme, there is also an elegance allowing the fruit to come through the high levels of peat. The peat is also sweet rather than ashy making it surprisingly easy to drink given the high abv. I’d add a little water to remove some of the nose prickle, but each to their own, and at least at this strength, the whisky gives you the choice. The 10.1 series is now in short supply and getting difficult to find, so if you see one, I’d go for it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £149.00

Bruichladdich Black Art 10.1 1993 29 year old

This is the 10th release of this brilliant whisky and the cask recipe is unknown to those outside of the distillery. It is even more complex than previous expressions of the Black Art with lots of chocolate, dark fruit jams and manuka honey leading to ginger, raisins, tinned peaches, tobacco, and spices. I could go on and on. It’s very impressive and although a bit of a splurge, this is worth every single penny.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45.1%
Find it here: UK £403.57 // US $699.99

Islay Single Malt 32 Year Old from the Thompson Brothers

This is incredible value for a 32 year old single malt. Although we don’t know which distillery it comes from, we do know that is is absolutely delicious. Bottled in small quantities and with the usual, unusual, and colourful label from whiskyhobo especially for the bottlers, this is a wonderful Islay whisky. With typical briny notes and lots of crushed shells, ripe olives and some ripe tropical fruits, it is complex and grows with air in the glass. Simon and Phil Thompson have become a bit of a cult in the independent bottling world, and with drams like this one, one can see why.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 49.3%
Find it here: £350

Glenfarclas 50 Year Old

This particular release of the Glenfarfclas 50 year old was created for the 50th anniversary of the owner and chairman John Grant starting in the Scotch Whisky industry. John is the 5th generation of the grant family to take the helm and it is the oldest family owned and family run distillery. It is a hugely complex whisky with sherry influence and the influence of five decades of gentle maturation. This is something very rare and special, and finding it, or any 50 year old single malt for less than five figures is also rare these days.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: £9,000

Hopefully, there is something here you can experience for the first time and make this year’s Burn’s Night a memorable one. With the world of whisky expanding very quickly these days, it is good to have a day to reflect on the more traditional home of whisky, Scotland, and all its fabulous offerings. If you’re not too sure that whisky is for you, firstly, well done for making it this far but also, why not check out these Great Alternatives for Burn’s Night?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

What is Baijiu and What Should I Try?

Have you ever asked yourself ‘what is the world’s most popular spirit?’ Is it Vodka? Whisky? Rum, even?

The answer is that it’s none of them. The world’s most popular spirit is in fact, Chinese Baijiu. With Chinese New Year upon us, here’s your comprehensive introduction to this mega spirit with 6000 years of history and 10 billion dollars worth of sales a year.

What type of alcohol is Baijiu?

Baijiu, sometimes known as Shaojiu, is a colourless grain spirit that’s massively popular in China. Most commonly, fermenting cooked Sorghum (a flowering grass plant) is chosen, but millet, barley and rice are also used and it varies a lot across the country.

‘Jiuqu’ is added too, with ‘Jiu’ referencing alcohol, and ‘qu’ is koji, which is a fungus that is also used in the production of sake and soy sauce. Just like most drinks, the choices made at this stage create distinct flavour characteristics, which brings us to the question…

What does Baijiu taste like?

Baijiu can be an acquired taste at first, particularly to a novice drinker. In its sense of texture and flavour complexity, it could be compared to whisky. As you’ll see below, styles vary, but overall, you might expect musky flavours with sweetness and over-ripe fruits. There can also be coffee and soy sauce flavouring though, so it’s difficult to pin down!

Most of the time, the white spirit falls into that 40-60% ABV range, though it’s traditionally enjoyed neat with food – particularly if it’s a premium bottle. Of course, tradition is tradition but in day-to-day life, it’s often mixed.

Baijiu can be roughly split into four styles, each using different ingredients, ageing vessels, and ageing duration. So…

What are the different styles of Baijiu and how do they taste?

Light Aroma: Light, elegant and subtly floral. Traditionally made in a stone vessel with sorghum. Hails from the north, around Beijing.

Strong Aroma: Fruity, tropical, aniseed, complex. Multiple grains but aged in mud pits. Hails largely from Sichuan province in the southwest.

Sauce Aroma: Umami, soy, bean. Mostly sorghum but with multiple fermentations in stone brick pits.

Rice Aroma: Sweeter and mellow. Hailing from the south and often the lowest grade.

Baijiu is a massive industry, so of course there are sub groups innovating with different aromas all the time. ‘Chi’ aroma can be infused with pork fat for example, as well as sesame aroma and medicine aroma. The good news if you like baijiu is that there’s so much to explore.

This variety is part of the reason Baijiu is so popular in China. It dates back thousands of years, there’s almost certainly a specific type that appeals to you, it’s claimed to have certain health benefits and it plays an important role in Chinese culture. Like Vodka in Eastern Europe and Rum in the Caribbean, spirits can become much more than just a drink.

How do you drink Baijiu?

A lot of people wonder if you should drink Baijiu cold and unlike many spirits in other parts of the world, ice isn’t always a go-to. It’s often served, as mentioned, neat and at room temperature or even slightly warm in very small glasses.

Usually, there’s food present or an occasion to celebrate. It’s a social drink and is often shotted, rather than sipped. But, with so much variation, you’ll find people drinking it in all kinds of different ways, so do whatever you like!

3 Baijius to Try

Ming River Sichaun Baijiu

This is a clear sorghum gain Baijiu from the oldest operating distillery in China – Luzhou Laojiao. Fermented with wheat yeast in earth pits, the 2 month old mash is then distilled in small batches in a traditional Chinese still for up to 2 years. Instantly on the nose, it’s very fruity with melon, mango and pineapple coming through, with a baked earth richness following. It’s super smooth and deceptively gentle with a clean but flavoursome feel. Enjoy it neat first but then experiment in cocktails (check out the ones below!)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £36

Fen Chiew 5-Year-Old Chu Yen Ching Baijiu

The vibrant golden green here is from bamboo-leaf, which is also what ‘Chu Yen Ching’ refers to. This Baijiu is a completely distinctive taste, with an instantaneous spicy tang making way for lemon, honey and citrus. It has a more medicinal profile though, with a crisp herby and peppery finish. It won’t be a guaranteed hit with everyone, but it's a diverse tasting experience that some will absolutely love.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £60

Fen Chiew Blue Flower Baijiu

The strongest Baijiu of the three, Fen Chiew’s Blue Flower arrives in style, with a gorgeous traditional design. It opens up to an intriguing herbal palate. Think rosemary, sage, saffron and umami notes. Lifting the liquid is tangy orange for an intense finish. Serve it neat!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £150

3 Baijiu Cocktails to Try

Baijiu Highball

This is one of the simpler Baijiu cocktails to pull together. The pineapple shines through, and the lime juice cuts through very pleasantly. Very clean and refreshing to sip on with plenty of subtle notes to keep you intrigued until the final drop.

Ingredients
60ml Baijiu (try Ming River)
Tonic (to the top)
Lime squeeze

Method
Just add your Baijiu first then pour tonic to the top and stir gently with fresh lime.

The Golden Empire

Baijiu’s intriguing use in mixology has been a big part of its newfound international popularity and this cocktail won a Fenjiu (Baijiu producer) cocktail competition a few years ago. It’s a golden, moreish concoction blending sherry, vermouth and Baijiu, created by Andrea Dionori of the Crazy Bear. Expect refreshment, sweetness and a cocktail unlike anything you’ve had before.

Ingredients
35ml Fenjiu Baijiu 10 year old.
10ml White Vermouth (preferred: Cocchi Americano)
7.5ml Palo Cortado sherry
10ml Homemade Palo Santo cordial (optional)

Method
Simply shake well with plenty of ice!

The Royal Rabbit

This is a lovely, sweeter Baijiu cocktail that might be ideal if neat Baijiu is a bit too much for you at first. With underlying tartness from the lemon and raspberry juice, it’s crisp and refreshing with the perfect amount of sweetness, really bringing out any fruity notes from your chosen Baijiu.

Ingredients
50ml Baijiu
40ml Raspberry juice
Top up with lemonade
Garnish with fresh raspberries

Method
Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined and finish with some ripe raspberries for the perfect flourish.

If you’re in the mood to explore iconic spirits synonymous with other countries, then check out our article on Tsikoudia, a Cretan Hidden Gem!

The Best Whisky Alternatives For Burns Night

January 25th brings Burns Night, the birthday of The Scottish Bar, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. His classic works like Auld Lang Syne are known across the world, and traditionally, haggis and Scotch are served after reading Rabbie’s words to ‘address the haggis’.

It’s the perfect excuse to pour out a special dram, but believe it or not Scotch lovers, not everyone loves it! So, whether it’s wine, spirits, or even alcohol-free drinks you’re looking for, these are the best alternatives to sip on during Burns Night, that give nods to the event without going the whole hog, or the whole haggis. Enjoy!

WINE

Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz

Another fantastic wine drinker’s choice for Burns Night is this Double Barrel Shiraz... because it’s literally aged in Scotch whisky barrels! Available in almost all supermarkets, this Jacob’s Creek range includes other wines finished with Scotch, but the Australian Shiraz is really top notch. It’s first matured in traditional oak wine barrels, building richness and elegance with hints of blueberry and ripe plum. Finishing in Scotch barrels leaves for a seriously moreish easy-drinking smoothness as well as vanilla and charry oak notes. It’s a fantastic food-friendly Shiraz that would sing alongside beef, mushrooms, and blue cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £10 (usually £12!) Sainsbury’s // US $21.99

1000 Stories Chardonnay

1000 Stories make a number of wines, with each fermenting in charred barrels that once housed iconic Kentucky bourbon. We’ve picked out their Chardonnay which reimagines the Cali classic without losing the characteristic of what makes the full-bodied grape so loved. The result is lush, charred vanilla and toasted caramel perfectly balanced by the more familiar baked apple and pear. The inclusion of a little Viognier adds even more intrigue with tropical hints in the background. Gorgeous!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5% 
Find here: UK £16.50 Tesco // US $16.99

SPIRITS

Mount Gay XO Triple Cask Blend

The peak of rum heritage is Mount Gay who release some absolute crackers, and the dark and brooding XO is right up there. Resting for between 8-15 years in a combination of American whiskey, bourbon and Cognac casks creates a precision balance. A lovely oakiness underlines everything, decorated with inviting notes of waxy pear and sticky toffee fig pudding. Full-flavour, impossibly smooth, and finally the very gentle warming spice that you need on Burns Night – it’s the best rum option to replace Scotch. Try it with a large coconut water ice cube to really accentuate the coconut notes too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £54.59 // US $64.99

Firkin Gin Islay Cask

Firkin Gin produce some delicious gin, many finished with wines and whiskies. We even tried their Côtes Du Roussillon in, ‘The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky’, but on Burns Night, gin lovers should go to their Islay Cask! Best known for Scotch, Firkin Gin have imparted that Islay character into this London dry-style gin by resting it in oak casks that used to house local whisky. In amongst the juniper, lime and honey botanicals, peat smoke wafts through on the nose before distinct vanilla and sea-breeze notes on the palate. The peppery finish ties up the peaty elements nicely, for a gin that is both light, zesty, and coastal, but smoky too. Explore it neat but perhaps serve with ginger beer after that.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £34.99

Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo Tequila

Raised in Texas but born in Scotland, Michael Ballantyne founded the award-winning Storywood to produce tequila, ‘with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland’. It’s unusual to see Speyside and Tequila in the same sentence, but the 100% blue weber agave añejo matures in Scotch casks from the area for 14 months to create one of the most uniquely layered tequilas around. Think caramelised nuts and toasted oak, intertwining with the earthy and vegetal agave that sits at the heart of it. Innovative and well worth a try to see if the combination is a hit for you!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.30

Kalak Peat Cask Vodka

Another expression you don’t see often but just so happens to be the perfect alternative to Scotch for Burns Night... cask-aged vodka. Kalak’s crisp Irish malted barley vodka is distilled four times and finished in virgin American oak casks charred over Irish peat fires. What an image that is! A mellow smoke coats the bakery profile of vanilla, gingerbread, and cream wonderfully. The whisky presence is far from overbearing if you’re worried about that, it just adds a new toasted layer to the existing characteristics. We think this would also create some really unique cocktails, like a Smoky Martini. Cheers to Rabbie!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.90

Beeble Honey Whisky Liqueur

If you’re anything like us you’ll be instantly curious about that distinct honied hue and giant bee, and even more intrigued about what ‘honey spirit’ is. When the founders began their first hive, they found it difficult to avoid wasting the honey that stuck to the frames. They tried soaking them in whisky and the first Beeble batch was born. They now have over 130 sustainable hives, and still only use honey, water, and whisky. English apple blossom honey blends with Scotch for a super silky and floral bottling at just 30%. If you really don’t like whisky, then maybe stay clear but if you want to explore a much easier drinking sweet liqueur version, then this is a must try. It won a Great Taste Award in 2020 for its original flavour so see what you think!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 30%
Find here: £32

NO LO

Feragaia

If you don’t drink alcohol but still want to sip on something special for the celebrations, then how about Feragaia? It’s a Scottish alcohol-free spirit combining 14 wild botanicals including chamomile, bay leaf and seaweed with local Scottish water. The grounding spices like pink peppercorn work well with the coastal Kelp and fresh lemon and blackcurrant for a really balanced and clean feeling of flora and earth. It might look like a very pale whisky, but Feragaia doesn’t intend to try to replicate a spirit, instead they hope that this stands in its own right as its own thing. Bravo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.94

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Crossip has a great range of booze-free spirits, but it was Dandy Smoke that picked up The Independent’s Best Overall Non-Alcoholic Spirit of 2021, and it has that Scotch profile we’re looking for. It’s smoky (obviously!) and velvet smooth with satisfying viscosity, which is important because a thin feel can be an issue with booze-free spirits. Underneath the enjoyable texture are layers of warming spice with a subtly medicinal punch not dissimilar from Islay expressions. It’s a smaller bottle than most but a little goes a long way with this one. Try it with cola or ginger ale, or even at the base of a fresh mocktail!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22

If after all that you’ve come full circle and just want quality Scotch for Burns Night, then check out our list of the very best, from budget to blowout.

Words by Calum Ecroyd