What is Absinthe and How Do you Drink It?

What is Absinthe?

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit often flavoured with anise, but also other botanicals like wormwood and fennel to create an intense herbal flavour.

Because anise is usually used, people sometimes misidentify it as a strong anise liquor but absinthe uses macerated botanicals that are distilled into a high-proof base, whereas sugar is added in liquor production. Most absinthe you find will be upwards of 45% ABV and usually around 60%, hence why people are often put off! In fact, there have been loads of things scaring drinkers away from absinthe over the years…

The history of Absinthe

Whilst it is not a regionally protected product, absinthe was originally Swiss (hence the alpine feel it has), but it was in France during the prosperous 19th century Belle Époque era that it peaked in popularity. Indeed, after 15 years of negotiations, as of 2019 the specific ‘Absinthe de Pontarlier’ labelling is the one type of absinthe that can only be produced in the Swiss border region of France.

Around this time and going into the 20th century, absinthe remained the drink of choice for artists and writers such as Picasso, van Gogh, Proust and Baudelaire. This relationship with bohemian Parisians is cemented by The Green Fairy in Moulin Rouge, who the five main characters hallucinate guzzling absinthe excessively. In fact, reports like this were absinthe’s rapid demise.  

Tales of hallucinatory properties and dangerous side effects began to appear, not aided by the spirit’s mystical green hue. The Dutch banned it in 1909, and the Swiss themselves followed suit a year later. Pre-empting Prohibition by 8 years, the USA banned absinthe in 1912 and the biggest drinkers France in 1914. Even when the American booze ban was lifted in 1933, absinthe remained prohibited.

These myths that absinthe makes you hallucinate or go crazy in anyway have been proven false, and although it is very strong, any peculiar behaviour is down to sheer drunkenness! Nonetheless, mud sticks, and absinthe still has a cloak of suspicion over it. It even took until 2007 to be reintroduced to America!

So, with drinkers now perhaps ready to embrace absinthe more than ever before, let’s take a look at the various styles being produced today.

What are the different types of Absinthe?

If you’re familiar with absinthe, you’ll probably be picturing it as green but there are actually two distinct types - verte is the green, and blanche is the uncoloured.

In short, botanical extracts of herbs and plants like wormwood, peppermint, star anise, angelica, coriander, and fennel are transfused into an alcohol base, which can be neutral, or grape based.

The result of this first distillation is the clear blanche Absinthe, sometimes called La Bleue and you’ll find a lot of it in Switzerland and France. It tends to have sweeter touches, smoothness, and less herbal complexity than the green which uses chlorophyll-rich herbs and plants to infuse extra notes and give the natural green flavour. Of course, absinthe of lower quality also uses artificial colouring to get this effect.

Whichever type you try, it will pack a serious punch, but if it’s well-made (like our recommendations below), you can usually expect a spicy-sweet liquorice flavour and herbal cleanliness to offset the kick of the alcohol.

How do you drink Absinthe?

Like tequila, absinthe’s reputation suffers at the hands of how it’s drunk. The high alcohol content draws in partygoers to shot it, but this makes the spirit more of a challenge than anything tasty.

A little icy water (3:1 Water: Spirit) creates a ‘louche’ which makes the spirit milky because of the oils. For absolute newbies, passing the water over a sugar cube drop by drop tapers the potentially challenging earthy bitterness, focusing instead on the sweetness of the anise. Similarly, the flaming sugar cube is a notorious way to serve absinthe but alongside a few fire risks, the caramelization destroys any botanical complexity and texture so we don’t recommend that... even if it looks pretty cool.

As with any spirit, however, the most accessible way is through the glorious drinkscape of cocktails!

Which cocktails can you make with Absinthe?

The complex intensity of quality absinthe goes a long way in cocktails, as you’ll find out if you knock up one of these three classics.

Death in the Afternoon

Named after Ernest Hemingway’s 1932 Spanish bullfighting book, cocktails don’t get simpler than this. He is even alleged to have created it himself so you’re in keeping with absinthe’s literary links through the years. Sparkling wine like Cava works fine instead of Champagne! A light, refreshing and fruity cocktail with a punchy herbal undertone.

Ingredients
40ml Absinthe
Champagne to top
Method
Pour the Absinthe into your Champagne flute and top with chilled Champagne. Stir gently to combine. All done!

Corpse Reviver No.2

This is an example of absinthe being used for rinsing the glass, and one designed to pick you up from a hangover to go again! It sounds like that could go one of two ways…

Ingredients
1-2 dashes of Absinthe
25ml Gin
25ml Cointreau
25ml Lillet Blanc
25ml fresh Lemon juice
2.5ml sugar syrup (optional)
Orange peel to Garnish
Method
Rinse the glass with absinthe and discard. Add all of the other ingredients into a cocktail shaker and mix them well until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass without ice.

Green Fairy

The Green Fairy is both a cocktail, and a general nickname given to the spirit. It’s packed with flavour from zippy lemon, bitterness from absinthe and angostura, sugar to sweeten it and some water and egg white to add silky texture. Delicious.

Ingredients
25ml Absinthe
25ml lemon juice
25ml chilled water
10ml Sugar syrup
1 dash angostura bitters
1 egg white (or 15ml aquafaba)
Lemon peel to garnish
Method
Add all the ingredients to a mixer and dry shake (no ice). Then, add ice and wet shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy! Garnish with lemon peel. 

Which Absinthe should I try?

Bareksten Illsint Absint

You’re more likely to have heard of Bareksten’s Gin but the Norwegian producer has moved into absinthe with this sleek bottle representing the brooding forests there. That carries over into the spirit too, turning away from aniseed slightly in favour of earthy Norwegian forest botanicals to create a delicious complex, spicy-herbal blend.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 60%
Find here: £44.94

Morveren Absinthe

Made using Cornish wormwood alongside a host of local botanicals, this is a lip-smacking 66% but it’s intricate with it. There’s a lovely brightness to the lemon, with coriander bringing a touch of heat, subtle caraway, and herbaceous fennel. It’s named after a mermaid too, what more could you ask for?

Size: 350ml
ABV: 66%
Find here: £47.99

Jade 1901 Absinthe

This is a top-end absinthe harking back to the spirit’s pomp by using a 1901 recipe from the Pernod Fils distillery in Saumur, France. The herbal aroma is strong from the off, and this continues on tasting where the mouthfeel is incredibly silky. Anise and fennel lead the way on a wine base for a delicious tingling and shockingly refreshing experience. If this doesn’t win you round to absinthe, then nothing will!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 68%
Find here: £71.74

If you liked hearing about absinthe’s shady past, then check out our guide to one of South America’s favourite spirits – Pisco!

The Three Drinkers launch an Irish Whiskey

The Three Drinkers Launch their Inaugural, Limited Edition Irish Whiskey with Sliabh Liag Distillers

Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin, executive producers and presenters of the award-winning, drinks travel show The Three Drinkers in Ireland on Amazon Prime, have launched a limited edition, red wine finished Irish Whiskey in collaboration with Sliabh Liag Distillers - just in time for St Patrick's Day.

A New Whiskey for The Three Drinkers

The Three Drinkers have collaborated with Sliabh Liag Distillers, one of the new wave of Distillers in Ireland and a partner distillery for the show, to produce an Irish whiskey. The team wanted to create a spirit that showcased the historic, subtly smoky style of Irish whiskey while maintaining some classic fruitiness and adding their own fingerprint as lovers of fine wine. The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie Irish Whiskey hails from County Donegal on Ireland's wild Atlantic coast and is finished in red Pomerol wine barrels sourced from acclaimed producer, Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux.

This is the second product from The Three Drinkers, who launched a 17 year Scotch whisky to celebrate their first show, The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, and which sold out within a couple of days. 

“We always had the idea to create a product for every Three Drinkers series we produce,” says Aidy Smith. “Meeting James and Moira, founders of Sliabh Liag Distillers, in episode two of our Ireland show and seeing the amazing work they’d done with wine finishes before, confirmed that they would be the perfect partner to create our own version - and we love the result. Whether sipping neat or creating some signature cocktail serves, it offers the best of both worlds.”

“This whiskey is gorgeously rich and velvety,” continues Helena Nicklin. “James and Moira have captured that wonderful balance of dried fruit spice and moreish salinity topped off with deliciously complex, ripe, red fruit flavours coming from the wine casks. It’s so approachable and easy-drinking, yet with such elegant complexity, you could sit with it for hours.”

“We’re absolutely delighted with how this whiskey has turned out,” says James Doherty from Sliabh Liag Distillers.“Our Silkie with its subtle hint of smoke, takes a finish really well and the Pomerol casks have given a remarkable sweet, spicy and floral overlay to the Legendary Silkie. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s the most successful red wine finish yet..” 

Official Whiskey Tasting Note

Rose gold to amber in colour with a hint of glister, this whiskey is unctuously rich and velvety, balancing intense notes of ripe red fruits, candied orange peel and tarte tatin with pipe tobacco, licorice and a dollop of lightly smoky, salted caramel. It's approachable and easy-drinking, yet complex enough to sit with over time; a pleasure for whiskey newbies and aficionados alike.

£1 From Each Bottle To Support Mental Health

Aidy & Helena have been open about their own journeys with mental health and are proudly supporting mental health charity My Black Dog, with £1 from every bottle sold going towards supporting a variety of initiatives. This launch also coincides with the duo’s involvement with The Big Bash; a celebrity auction event taking place on March 2nd to raise money for the charity with the likes of Chris Evans, Ricky WIlson, Gaby Roslin and Jeffrey Archer. Aidy & Helena will also be putting themselves up in an auction prize to host a bespoke and intimate cocktail session at the highest bidder’s home, complete with canapés from music-maverick, DJ and chef, Eddy Temple-Morris. Bidding for this lot ends on March 2nd and can be found here. 

“Certain events in my personal life have made me aware of the amazing work that My Black Dog does with their totally free, peer-to-peer support for those suffering with their mental health,” says Helena. “We have a chance to contribute and raise awareness of them with this project, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

A limited amount of Red Silkie, The Three Drinkers Edition, is available for pre-order now on the Sliabh Liag Distillers website, priced £49.99. Soon after, it will also be available to purchase from Amazon.co.uk.

About Sliabh Liag Distillers

Sliabh Liag (pronounced Sleeve League) is an international drinks company based in Donegal on the stunning Sliabh Liag peninsula. The business was founded by ‘scatterlings’ James & Moira Doherty who had a desire to build a legacy in spirits and return Donegal to its rightful place in Ireland’s distilling history by highlighting the area's distinct characteristics. Driven by a passion for soft-drinking hard spirits, James and Moira take authentic inspiration from the rugged landscape, tough climate and rich regional traditions of their terroir to create their delicious drinks. Their home is in the festival town of Ardara, where the distillery is based and Carrick, where blending, bottling and administration operations happen. 

About The Three Drinkers

The Three Drinkers are drinks experts, writers, broadcasters and influencers Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin, joined by a deliciously diverse revolving roster of ‘Third Drinker’ personalities. The Three Drinkers is a 360-degree media platform featuring TV, digital media, audio, in-person events, social media and products. This includes the multi award-winning Amazon Prime series ‘The Three Drinkers’, streaming in 170+ countries worldwide in 39 languages as well as an online content hub (thethreedrinkers.com) focusing on food, drink, travel and lifestyle guides, the ‘Bring a Bottle’ podcast and over 12 social media influencer accounts, spanning Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

Q&A

Why Ireland?

After Scotland, Ireland was an obvious choice for us, fuelled by a desire on both sides to get in touch with our Irish ancestry. My (Helena’s) grandfather grew up near the Giant’s Causeway in Coleraine and my lasting memory of him is always with a glass of Irish whiskey in hand - a fond sensory memory that will always remind me of that side of my family.

Why did you decide to create this whiskey?

When researching each TV series, we spend weeks getting to know as much of the food and drinks culture of our locations that we can and it’s important to us that we allow the adventure to live on well after filming. For that reason, we seek to create a limited edition bottle of something special every time we produce a show, so there’s always a little treat to look forward to later on down the line. It also means you can re-watch the series with a glass in hand - and we all love an immersive experience!

What inspired you to create a wine finished Irish Whiskey?

We loved the idea of creating a wine-finished, Irish whiskey from the off because we’re all about delicious drinks but also, getting friends and viewers to try something they may not have thought about before. The Irish whiskey style is famously easy-drinking with its tendency to be fruity and silky. With the red wine cask finish, we hoped to produce something that would appeal to wine drinkers wanting to try whiskey for the first time as well as seasoned and whiskey lovers.

We’ve been working collectively for nearly thirty years in the wine and spirits industries and have fallen in love with all forms of liquid during that time. We wanted to take a fantastic example of Irish Whiskey and combine it with another world we are so close to: wine. 

Where did you source the casks from?

We wanted something bold, beautiful, fruity and iconic; something that definitely had to be ‘Old World’, because that’s where we are from. When James gave us a list of producers we could potentially work with, we saw Clos L’Eglise and jumped at the chance. Why wouldn’t we?

Why did you choose this particular charity, My Black Dog?

Helena’s Reason: Most of us have had some sort of run in with our own mental health, especially with the pressures lockdown laid at our doors. I’ve seen first hand the damage that spirals of self doubt, anxiety and depression can have on individuals, their families and entire friendship circles. I have also, however, seen how quickly getting help can work wonders, thanks to the individuals at charities like My Black Dog. It does not only feel miraculous and surprisingly simple (when you get it right), but immensely life affirming. 

Aidy’s Reason: Having grown up with Tourette Syndrome, mental health has always been a topic I've had to become more than comfortable with. 80% of us with TS experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, dyslexia and so on - this can make life turn into quite a steep mountain at times. Charities like My Black Dog reinforce how important mental health is and save lives by getting people the help they need before it's too late. 

You can pre-order The Three Drinkers new Irish whiskey here!

12 Stunning Welsh Spirits You Need to Try

The range and quality of Welsh spirits are astounding, with master producers in every field. For some reason, it’s not always the first country on people’s lips when it comes to drinks so if you want to explore the finest Welsh spirits then we’ve got some belters for you below.

Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Liqueur, Vermouth – let’s dive in. Lechyd Da!

Whisky

Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky – Autumn 2021 Release

Sat in the shadow of Snowdon is Abergwyngregyn and the Aber Falls distillery. They’re new to the game having formed in 2017 and because of the pandemic, their inaugural release had to wait until 2021 – but it was worth it because it just might be the best value you can get from a whisky in the UK. It’s matured in a combination of Oloroso, Pedro Ximémnez, bourbon and virgin oak casks so you’ll notice generous doses of rich fruit and warming spice. The cherry on the cake is that local farmers are sourced for their Welsh barely with one eye always kept on sustainability. Bravo.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.44

Penderyn Portwood

This is Penderyn’s best whisky that justifies the price tag with every sip. Unbelievably smooth and light, rich and creamy notes of roasted nuts and chocolate blend with a resemblance of plum wine and a gorgeous jammy undertone. The initial ageing in Bourbon casks and second maturation in Port pipes has worked wonders. Simply sit back and savour over ice.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £54.90 / US $84.99

Gin

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Hinted at by the illustration, this special gin (from Penderyn again) infuses botanicals from the four corners of the world. Strictly speaking, only the final stages are completed in Wales but it’s so good that we’re still including it. Joining the pure Brecon Beacons water is a beautiful bouquet of citrus and bergamot, oriental spice, and coriander. Award-winning for good reason and incredible value to boot.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.65

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin

Aber Falls might have a very remote setting, but we’re circling back there for their bold Marmalade Gin. It would have been easy to go overboard with the sweetness here but it’s balanced perfectly with punchy fresh range. It smells, looks and tastes absolutely divine and is developing a loyal fanbase already. It throws up so many interesting serves too, but ice, tonic and a slice of orange isn’t a half bad place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £23.90

Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin

Tucked away in the cellar of the 17th century Hensol Castle is their craft gin distillery, and this benchmark London dry is the cream of their crop. It’s wonderfully refreshing with a seesaw of zest and floral notes from 11 locally sourced botanicals like lavender, marigold, and jasmine. Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

GWYR Gower Gin

Gower is a Welsh name with the original meaning of, ‘pure’, which is fitting for this gin. Juniper, lemon, pink grapefruit and fennel are the botanicals at play for a naturally crisp gin that manages earthy savoury notes and citrus sweetness so well. Full of flavour by itself, but try it with some ice and pink grapefruit tonic and it sings.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.95

Rum

Anglesey Rum Co. Skerries Dark Rum

Super smooth and deep in flavour, this is a delicious 100% pure cane molasses dark rum. If that wasn’t enough molasses, it’s also added after distillation is finished and the result is a really deep flavour with notes of chocolate, salted caramel and demerara sugar. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s stunning with cola, but also give it a go in a Dark Daiquiri.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38

Devil's Bridge Spiced Rum

Now that’s a gorgeous eye-catching bottle, and not just because of the plethora of awards on the side. The legend goes that the Devil built the bridge in Wales in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross! We’re sure he would have taken a bottle of this instead, it’s that good. Initially matured in bourbon barrels in the Caribbean, the magic is sprinkled in Wales with bara brith (spiced Welsh fruit cake) added, as well as Glengettie black tea and Shirgar Carmarthenshire butter... so make no mistake, it may begin miles away but this is a Welsh rum alright. Buttery and rich, there’s so much depth to the spice with no synthetic quality at all. Distinct and delicious!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Bullion Rum

If you’re going to come out with a fully gilded bottle then it better be good, and there’s no sense of being underwhelmed here. Behind the glimmering gold is a selection of secret herbs and spices as well as salted caramel for a subtly sweet and warming tipple. It’s bold enough to enjoy on the rocks, but it’d be interesting to experiment with it in cocktails too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Vodka

Benjamin Hall Vodka

For below £20, this is a must-buy. It’s to-the-point grain vodka with smoothness beyond the price point. It tastes really clean with none of the afterburn that scorches the reputation of cheaper vodkas and would be an ideal go-to for any vodka cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £17.95

Cream Liqueur

Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur

Let us introduce you to this mouth-watering Penderyn liqueur using malted barley spirit and fresh cream. It’s in the same vein as Bailey’s, but thicker and with a hefty kick. The quality of the spirit under the cream shines through for a liquid that feels lush rather than sickly sweet. This won’t last long, trust us.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £16.90

Vermouth

Still Wild Extra Dry Vermouth

Wild thyme, coastal herbs and a hint of seaweed are some of the cold distilled wild botanicals that flavour this Pembrokeshire vermouth. There’s a bold brightness to every sip and inviting but complex herbaceous and floral notes that run through. The slight salty finish is crying out for a crisp Martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: £26

If you’re after a few more whiskies and aren’t afraid to cross over the border, check out our Top 10 English/Welsh Whiskies here.

How to Invest in Whisky and Rum

Investment in spirits is a tricky business. So many bottles are released, and not all of us can afford rare editions of Macallan. There are bottles however which don’t cost the earth and are definitely worth looking out for, a few of which I will mention below.

What to think about when investing in whisky

Research is key, for example, finding out when a new distillery might be releasing its very first bottling. Or entering ballots, for example for Daftmill which is sold through Berry Bros & Rudd. Limited editions from new, popular distilleries like the distillery special from Raasay released recently, or single casks from distilleries that have new ownership like GlenAllachie are all great choices. You should be able to find these types of bottles for under £100 or depending on any age statements, along the lines one would expect for their age. These new bottlings are exciting as we see different distilleries bear fruit and some become new cult distilleries.

Which Whisky is Best to Invest in?

Looking back to the old world of whisky, there is a collection of whiskies that may not continue for much longer. It’s just a rumour, but the Flora and Fauna range from Diageo may not be around forever.

The bottles were produced in fairly large numbers for limited editions, but they were delicious and priced very well, so everyone drinks them. I certainly do. My favourites are the Benrinnes 15 year old and Dailuaine 16 year old.

The interesting thing about this range is that there are many distilleries, that other than being in this range, have no other official bottlings. For example, Authroisk, Glenlossie, Stathmill, Glen Spey, Teaninich, Inchgower, Mannochmore, and my aforementioned favourites are all exclusive to this range.

There are two previous distilleries that used to be part of the range which now have to be found at auction. Mortlach produced a cult 16 year old. I bought my last bottles in the Cost Cutter in Dufftown quite a few years ago now for £36 each on a special offer. They now command well over £200 at auction. I drank mine some time ago though! And for a very short time, Speyburn was released, until the distillery was sold to Inverhouse distillers in 1991. These bottles sell for well over £2000.

Now, I’m not saying the remaining distillery bottles will reach those heights, but the range is known and will become sought after if discontinued. And if not, then you’ll have some very good, interesting and delicious whisky to drink.

Which Rum is Best to Invest in?

Away from the world of whisky, there is rum. Like whisky, closed rum distilleries are becoming very popular. Caroni for example is booming at auction and is now difficult to find. If you have any, I’d hang onto it. Then there are high-ester rums which seem to be popular. Like (dare I say it), my namesake Hampden. The ester levels in Hampden rum have designated letters associated with names and ester levels. Hampden marks are:

OWH               Outram W. Hussey                                       40-80 esters
LFCH               Lawrence Francis Close Hussey              85 – 120 esters
LROK               Light Rum Owen Kelly                                   200-400 esters
HLFC               Hampden Light Continental Flavoured 500-700 esters
<>H                  Hampden                                                         900-1000 esters
HCML              Hampden George MacFarquhar Lawson  1000-1100 esters
C<>H               Conintental Hampden                                   1300-1400 esters
DOK                 Dermnot Kelly-Lawson                                   1500-1600 esters

The highest ester numbers are used as blending components in rum and are not usually meant to be bottled as a single mark, however in recent years, some are bottled. The rum aficionados seem to love them, and they tend to do well at auction. Rums with tropical aging rather than continental aging (unless for a very long time), also do well.

All of the above, are ideal for collecting at a more affordable level. The above are only pointers. though, not prophecies, and values, like with all investments and collections can always go down as well as up. Like any collection or portfolio, breadth is the key. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in 2023. Times are certainly uncertain.

Flora and Fauna

Berry Brothers & Rudd Daftmill

Raasay

GlenAllachie

If you’d like to read more about our recommended bottles of whisky and rum then click here.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars

Who better to answer the question, ‘what is the best cocktail bar in the UK?’ than the Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards. And who better to deliver the good news to the winners than our very own Aidy who hosted the ceremony!

An academy of drinks writers, leading business heads and influencers from all four corners of the UK arrived at this Top 10 as the finest cocktail bars in the country.

The full Top 50 is listed at the bottom of the page so you can see where your nearest amazing drinking spot is, but for now let’s dive in to the Top 10.

10. The Connaught, Mayfair, London

The Connaught Bar is the super sophisticated watering hole of its namesake hotel. Beautifully designed with platinum silver and classy furniture, you can expect to see the trademark martini trolley being ceremoniously wheeled over to a candlelit table, or showstopping ‘multi-dimensional’ cocktails leaving the bar. From mastering classics like the Bloody Mary to adaptations like the Faraway Collins, a twist on a Tom Collins using Star of Bombay gin at the heart of it, the cocktails are classics with modern interpretations and the setting is everything you want from a Mayfair haunt.

Website

9. 🔶🟥🔵 (A Bar with Shapes for a Name), Hackney, London

Without a doubt the most unusually named bar on the list, this is ‘A Bar with Shapes for a Name’, although that isn’t really the name... it’s just the description you would give the bar because the actual sign is three coloured shapes. This Bauhaus style carries over into the unique inside space – functional, minimal and with no bottles on show. Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat designed it this way to reimagine what a bar is and could be. The lack of convention doesn’t end there, because the menu which is a 50/50 split of classics and in-house specials uses blind tasted spirits. The big names are only served if they genuinely taste good enough, which might explain the comparatively reasonable London prices.

Website

8. Speak in Code, Manchester

Part of the flourishing cocktail scene in Manchester, Speak in Code is a relaxed, dimly lit, bare brick/dark wood bar with an imaginative and extensive plant-based menu. The gorgeous Victorian arch welcoming you peaks expectations which are more than met by signatures like Track 13 which uses grape skin vodka and chamomile wine, and Hot Buttered Rum Old Fashioned using fat-washed golden rum, demerara mix and cocao bitters. Keep an eye out for their incredible cocktail gift sets too!

Website

7. Three Sheets, Dalston, London 

Solidifying its No.7 spot from last year, Three Sheets by the Venning Brothers is a gorgeously designed sleek and simple bar with interesting seasonal ingredients. Their carbonated French 75 with Victory Gin, clear lemon, Moscato and orange flower is a stand-out signature serve, along with the Blackcurrant Americano.

Website

6. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

Panda & Sons is the Scottish representative in the Top 10, albeit one in disguise! Stroll past outside and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a barber shop, but this is all part of the prohibition-style false exterior that stylises the inside too – think dim lighting, cabinets of curiosities and vintage furniture. Each ‘chapter’ of the menu offers something different, such as Chapter One’s technical fat washing, clarification and sous vide and Chapter Two’s modern classics. A fantastic speakeasy experience with endless lovely touches.

Website

5. Swift, Soho, London 

Swift on Old Compton Street is no stranger to awards, loved for its mirrored walls, leather booths and expansive range of unique cocktails. The ground floor is casual and lively, but the basement den regularly hosts live music, and offers over 300 worldly whiskies and a rotating cocktail theme – currently ‘Legends’, celebrating much loved great thinkers, artists and performers. Take Only in L.A, for example, an Ab-Fab inspired mix of Absolut Elyx and Martini Rubino.

Website

4. SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester

Topping Manchester’s scene is Schofield’s Bar, named after the bartending brothers who created it. Situated on the corner of art deco beauty Sunlight House, they offer a combination of classic cocktails with in-house stylings paired with some of their favourite books! How about Casino Royale with a Vesper Martini? The Old Man and the Sea alongside a Mojito perhaps? The distinguished old-world venue also offers popcorn and charcuterie boards to snack on so it’s the kind of place you can happily whittle away the evening with everything you need.

Website

3. Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London

The first onto the podium is Tayēr + Elementary, a venue of two halves. ‘Elementary’ offers casual all-day cocktails served at speed thanks to a draught system including Old Fashioned and Aquavit. Seasonal produce-led snacking also features massively in the experience. Through the partition however, ‘Tayēr’ awaits – inviting darkness with unusual and regularly changing exotic cocktails introduced by guest bartenders.

Website

2. Lab 22, Cardiff

Behind a fairly innocuous door between a bakery and a restaurant is last year’s winner, the experimental and eclectically-styled cocktail bar. Pajtim Tani Hasa’s menu in particular has been heavily praised, winning the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu in 2021’s World’s 50 Best Bars. Science and personality-led, the current ‘Theory + Frontiers’ menu uses locally foraged ingredients to mimic well known flavour profiles. For instance, ‘Concrete Daisy’ uses rooftop honey and ‘Point Nemo’ incudes sea-salt chocolate fish scales. Besides being delicious, every drink is thoughtful and commenting on the world around us.

Website

1. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London 

Back up to top spot is the Bethnal Green icon that is Satan’s Whiskers. It steps out of the swanky London style in favour of unassuming character, with taxidermy, unique décor, hip-hop, and exposed brick. A community cocktail bar of sorts, the offering changes every day but generally you can expect classics with twists, like the Industry Sour with lime, Chartreuse, Fernet Branca and egg white, or food pairings like the Bloody Mary with tacos and quesadilla. Expert mixology and unrivalled atmosphere crown this the deserving winner.

Website

If Gastropubs are more your speed, then the Top 10 breakdown of those was also recently scrutinised and updated to present the best the UK has to offer!

The Top 50:

1 Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London
2 Lab 22, Cardiff
3 Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London
4 SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester
5 Swift, Soho, London
6 Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
7 Three Sheets, Dalston, London
8 Speak in Code, Manchester
9 Bar with Shapes for a Name, Hackney, London
10 The Connaught, Mayfair, London
11 Little Mercies, Crouch End, London
12 Couch, Birmingham
13 Bramble, Edinburgh
14 The Pineapple Club, Birmingham
15 Ojo Rojo, Bournemouth
16 Disrepute, Soho, London
17 Artesian, Oxford Circus, London
18 Hideout, Bath
19 Nightjar, Shoreditch, London
20 Present Company, Liverpool
21 Publiq, South Kensington, London
22 Scarfes Bar, Holborn, London
23 Lyaness, South Bank, London
24 Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum, Chinatown, London
25 The Absent Ear, Glasgow
26 Happiness Forgets, Hoxton, London
27 Hey Palu, Edinburgh
28 Filthy XIII, Bristol
29 Homeboy, Islington, London
30 Soma, Soho, London
31 Coupette, Bethnal Green, London
32 Passing Fancies, Birmingham
33 Bar Termini, Soho, London
34 Seed Library, Shoreditch, London
35 Murder Inc, Soho, London
36 Penny Royal, Cardiff
37 Callooh Callay, Shoreditch, London
38 Silverleaf, Liverpool St, London
39 Public, Sheffield
40 Fox & Chance, Birmingham
41 Blinker, Manchester
42 Below Stairs, Leeds
43 Milk Thistle, Bristol
44 Gungho!, Brighton
45 Hedonist, Leeds
46 Amaro, Kensington, London
47 Cottonmouth, Nottingham
48 Tabula Rasa, Leeds
49 Lunar, Glasgow
50 Bench, Sheffield

The World’s Oldest Known Rum

Rum is well-known for being pretty indestructible, so you may well have found yourself pondering, ‘what is the oldest rum?’ Well, we’ve recently got a new answer to that question.

Miami-based Old Liquor Inc sold a bottle of Harewood Barbados rum that was made way back in 1780 to a collector in Switzerland for $29,999. That would be the most expensive rum ever too, but it looks a bargain compared J.Wray and Nephew’s 1949 Rum that sold for a staggering $54,000.

Unsurprisingly, this 243-year-old bottle has been on a hell of a journey. The rum was made in Barbados just four years after the United States even declared itself a country, and sometime in the early 1800s it was shipped to the UK and bottled by Oldfield’s in York. The man orchestrating this was the Earl of Harewood so it’s no surprise why the collection ended up in the basement of Harewood House in Leeds, UK.

And that’s where they sat undisturbed gathering thick layers of dust, cobwebs, and mould until 2011 when they were discovered by workers of the house preparing an inventory of the wines and spirits lurking there. After being very cautiously cleaned and analysed, 28 dark rums and 31 light rums were identified, but only 23 have truly survived the test of time.

This isn’t their first transaction since being uncovered either, as they were sold at famous auction house Christie’s in 2013 at various prices, most notably Dark Rum fetching £7000 each. Again, that looks cut price now!

So, has anyone actually tasted some? Well, yes! A small selection of renowned rum writers including ‘The Lone Caner’ Lance were invited to test. Lance said, “it adheres to a profile so modern that were one to taste it without knowing what it was it would not be out of the realms of possibility to give it a great score and then ask wonderingly which new independent on the rum scene made this damned thing”. It’s believed to be 58% ABV and gives tasting notes of spice orange, cedar, and caramel! Now that’s a showstopper.

What is Pisco and How Should I Drink It?

What is Pisco?

In short, Pisco is a grape brandy from Peru and Chile born out of the Spanish Empire’s efforts to distil grapes in South America from the 16th century onwards. But there’s a lot more to it than that! Read on to find out about its history, how to drink it, which bottles to try and great cocktails to mix it up in!

The history of Pisco

Pisco is one of those drinks that is incredibly popular in its native region but hasn’t yet found wider popularity across the world, and it’s history is a very interesting one.

In 1493, the Spanish conquistadors invaded huge areas of South America and expanded their empire for centuries to come, including modern day Chile and Peru – the two claimants to the Pisco throne.

The origins are not set in stone, but it is widely believed that Spanish settlers developed it as an alternative to imported brandy from Spain. As it is today, the region was tailor-made for wine making so the story goes that through the Peruvian town of Pisco (near a river of the same name), the Spanish set about using the spirit to fortify wine. However, by the 18th century, once they discovered how delicious it tasted, they cut out the middle man and just drank Pisco instead. But that’s just one version of events…

The Chilean narrative is that it originated there. The word, ‘pisco’ translates to bird and was used all along the Pacific coast including Chile. Nowadays, over 90% of Pisco produced is still consumed in Chile. The difference isn’t just location either because they end up being completely different drinks.

What are the different types of Pisco?

Pisco varies massively, but generally it’s clear or with a slightly yellow hue. It can be dry or semi-sweet, contain varying levels of ‘burnt’ wine flavour, have the earthiness of a tequila, and every pisco is different in terms of herbal, floral and fruity notes.

Peruvian Pisco is tightly bound by both tradition and regulation. Just 8 grapes are allowed, and it can only be made in certain regions. There, it rests for three months but nothing else is added. No water, nothing. Within this there is Pisco Puro (one grape), Pisco Acholado (a variety of grapes) and Pisco Moste Verde (partially fermented for sweeter liquid).

Chilean Pisco on the other hand is far more relaxed. Thirteen grapes are allowed and once distilled, producers are free to bottle it straight up or age it in various oaks.

Within their own borders, they both slap Pisco on the label of course, but once one crosses over to the other the rivalry continues. If you’re on the lookout for Peruvian Pisco in Chile then you’ll be there forever, because it will actually be labelled as a more generic fermented drink or grape distillation.

How do you drink Pisco?

Pisco can be consumed however you like and is a versatile drink. Just like whisky, tequila or any spirit, if you can find premium quality bottles, it can be enjoyed on the rocks.

Alternatively, in Peru, you’ll find macerado (pisco infused with herbs and fruits) in most bars. Intense in flavour, these macerados often go into the most popular way to drink Pisco outside of South America – a refreshing cocktail.

Which cocktails can you make with Pisco?

Loads! The Pisco Sour is by far the most famous and popular with its enchanting mix of sweet and tart flavours, silky texture, and herbaceous undertones.

Something slightly easier to pull together that’s just as tantalising is a Pisco Highball.

The recipes for these are below, but there’s also the Pisco Punch, The Chilcano, Andean Dusk, El Capitán and tonnes more. 

Pisco Sour

Ingredients
30ml Pisco
15ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
1 egg white
Angostura bitters

Method
Add everything except the Angostura and dry shake thoroughly. Add ice and repeat until it feels chilled. Strain into a pre-chilled glass and garnish with 4 or so drops of Angostura bitters. To give it a special touch, use a toothpick to swirl the bitters into the mix creating a colourful pattern.

Pisco Highball

Ingredients
50ml Pisco
120ml Ginger ale
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Lime wedge to garnish

Method
Simply fill a tall glass with ice and pour your Pisco over the top. Add in the lime juice, top up with ginger ale and stir gently before a lime wedge on the rim. Voila!

Which Pisco should I try?

Vinas De Oro Acholado Pisco

Vinas De Oro is a prestigious Peruvian Pisco that uses Quebranta & Italia grapes from the renowned Ica Valley. Traditionally, no water or anything else in fact is added after distillation so it’s incredibly pure with herbaceous, citrus and floral aromas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £29.95

Pisco El Gobernador

Over to Chile for Pisco El Gobernador meaning, ‘The Governor’. Made from Muscat grapes, the intensely floral aroma opens up to a super fresh and well-rounded flavour, with earthy orchard fruits, sweet peaches and zesty orange.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99

Waqar Pisco

More Chilean Muscat Pisco here from a generational family-run Tulahuén producer. This is an in-your-face aromatic and fruity Pisco that’s bursting with intensity with strong pear, grape and strawberry before a refreshing finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.44

La Diablada Pisco

La Diablada references a dance that interprets a battle of angels and demons, if that wasn’t already clear from the beautifully chaotic illustration! This is a more herbal Pisco using four different grapes for a really fresh and vibrant feel.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.44

If you love exploring drinks from around the world that are yet to become staples in America or Europe, then our guide to Baijiu is a must too! It is the most drunk spirit in the world after all.

The Top 8 Flavoured Vodkas You Need to Try

A fantastic original vodka is difficult to surpass and let’s be honest, in the past the world of flavoured vodka has released some shockers trying to do so. However, there are some absolute gems too.
Whether you just want to try something different or you’re looking for some innovative mixology must-haves, here are some of the very best flavoured vodkas that got it spot on and have the awards to prove it.

Eccentric Cardi Bay Vodka

Scooping the top Master award at the latest Vodka Masters, Cardy Bay references Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and that’s because this vodka is inspired by the yellow gorse flowers growing in that area – not your everyday vodka flavouring! They create a distinctly floral coconutty vanilla flavour to the expression for a wonderfully rich and creamy feel. We appreciate the effort put into the bottle too – this really feels a vodka that’s had a lot of work put into it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Koskenkorva Vodka Sauna Barrel

With just 2200 people living there, the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva is the production home of this fantastic vodka. We’ve mentioned their original bottle before, and Sauna Barrel has all the same pure smoothness but with hints of smoky heat, hence the name. The flavouring comes from resting in oak barrels picking up on the bourbon smokiness they used to contain. The infusion is subtle, and although the idea of a Finnish sauna doesn’t make the mind immediately jump to delicious drinking, it absolutely works! It’s another Master award winner, so find out for yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5% 
Find here:  £21.49

Manchester Spirit Grapefruit Vodka

This British vodka uses rotary evaporation (roto-vap) techniques to extract the pure zingy vibrance of fresh grapefruit, with no chemical flavouring used. It’s 100% natural and tastes it, with a clean but creamy mouthfeel. The bitterness is perfectly balanced, and we’d recommend topping this with soda or as an extra juicy citrussy Cosmo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30

Absolut Lime

The original Absolut bottle, inspired by medicine bottles of a bygone era, is eye-catching enough, but the enchanting green hue of Absolut Lime is even more striking. Inside, it’s bursting with a tangy citrus kick from all-natural lime with no added sugars. It’s produced in Sweden like all other vodkas from the range so has the same smoothness and minerality, but with that refreshing lime and slightly sweet finish. This could easily be a new cocktail kit essential for citrussy twists on the classics.

Size: UK 700ml / US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £18.56 / US $26.98

Masons Citrus Vodka

Masons have thrived since expanding from gin production into vodka, and Citrus Vodka is one of their more praised expressions. The delightful tang is down to vapour infused grapefruit and lemon, cutting through the pure Masons vodka. Think brightness, freshness, and smoothness. Try it for a punchier Cosmo and you might not look back.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.80

Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka

This Polish vodka is the real deal. From 100% rye grain, it’s distilled 5 times with Carpathian water before the decadence of roasted Arabica coffee beans are added. The Espresso flavour really kicks and creates a thick, subtly sweet liquid that oozes style. Drizzle it over your ice cream, pour it over ice, or add it to your coffee and cocktails - whichever route you choose you’re going to love it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £27.99

Vestal Black Cherry Vodka

Staying in Poland, check out Vestal Black Cherry Vodka. The potato vodka base that Vestal is renowned for brings a creaminess to which luscious black cherry is added. Sweetness plays off against tart nuance perfectly, with notes of cacao and marzipan creating a surprising bakery feel. It’s rich, dark, and sweet but without the sickliness that some cherry-flavoured drinks come with. There are honestly so many great serves for this, but after trying it on the rocks, it’s also delicious with lemonade or cola, especially for drinkers with a sweeter tooth.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.89

Shanty Seaweed Botanical Vodka

We have to shout out the gorgeous bottle for this vodka first! Local to production, Dorset artist Emma Brownjohn has designed the artwork to wrap around the bottle distorting it as if viewed underwater – love it. The liquid uses a variety of interesting botanical spirits (sea buckthorn, bergamot, yuzu, galangal, wasabi for example) and of course, 5 organic British seaweeds. Each is vacuum distilled to retain the delicate notes within that umami flavour before blending with the grain spirit. The vodka is full of complexity with sea botanicals, subtle citrus and a pleasant salinity perfectly balanced in a super smooth mouthfeel. It’s about as far away from the synthetic taste as you can get and a must-try for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39

If flavoured vodka is just not your thing, then we’ve got some super straight down-the-line recommendations too, with The Best Vodkas of 2022!