One Drink Three Ways: The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

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 that 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.

---

If you haven’t heard by now then let us be the first to inform you that we’ve made our own Irish whiskey! A collaboration with the amazing Sliabh Liag Distillers in County Donegal in Ireland, it’s a celebration of the historic, Irish whiskey style as well as our love for fine wine!

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition, Red Silkie Irish Whiskey, to give it its full name, is finished for six months in red wine barrels hailing from the iconic Clos l’Eglise in Pomerol, Bordeaux. The result is a rich and velvety whiskey with notes of dried fruit, baking spice and a whiff of smoke that is beautifully rounded out by ripe, red fruit coming from the wine casks. £1 from every bottle also goes to mental health charity My Black Dog, so if you would like to buy a bottle and want to try some well-suited serves, check out our three favourites below.

---

Helena’s Choice: The Muse

---

The sweet, honeyed flavour of the vermouth emphasises the candied orange and caramel tones in Red Silkie, and the herbal notes play off the absinthe rinse nicely too. With those gorgeous dried red fruits, gentle smoke and warm spice from the bitters entwining, this is a layered and lovable concoction that I really think brings out the best in our whiskey! Method: Chill a coupe glass with a big chunk of ice. Once cooled, rinse the glass with Absinthe and discard it. Add the remaining ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until they are cool and combined before straining into the chilled coupe glass.

The Muse

Recipe

50ml The Legendary Red Silkie, Three Drinkers Limited Edition Cask

50ml Cocchi Americano Italian vermouth

Absinthe (to rinse the glass with)

2 x dashes of Angostura bitters

---

Aidy’s Choice: Maple Whiskey Sour

---

I love a whiskey sour, and this particular serve is such a pick-me up. Every sip is silky smooth and the ripe fruits and spices of the Red Silkie come through deliciously with the zippy lemon and sweet syrup. Method: Add all ingredients into a shaker. Dry shake them (without ice) first and then add ice and wet shake. Finally, strain them into your cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon wheel or nutmeg.

Maple Whiskey Sour

Recipe

20ml Fresh Lemon

50ml The Legendary Red Silkie, Three Drinkers Limited Edition Cask

10ml Maple Syrup

1 x Dash of Chocolate Bitters

1 x Egg White

Garnish: finely grated nutmeg (optional)

---

Colin’s Choice: Irish Mule

---

I just wanted a little ginger beer to bring out the subtle fruity spices in Red Silkie and allow it to be the unapologetic star of the show. Subtle sweetness that’s never overbearing and bubbles fizzing on the tongue make this a triumphantly delicious and invigorating sipper indeed. Method: Fill your glass to the top with ice. Pour the double measure of whiskey into it and then fill it to the top with a premium ginger beer. Stir very gently up and down to combine without killing all the bubbles.

Irish Mule

Recipe

60ml The Legendary Red Silkie, Three Drinkers Limited Edition Cask

Ginger beer to taste (try Franklin & Sons)

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £49.99

You can order The Three Drinkers new Irish whiskey here!

We’re always mixing up new cocktails at Three Drinkers HQ, so make sure to check out the rest of our recommendations here!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

What is Vermouth and How Do You Drink It?

What is Vermouth?

In a nutshell, vermouth is a fortified wine, beginning life as a flavoured wine that is then boosted with neutral alcohol and often infused with other botanicals.

The history of Vermouth

For many drinkers, vermouth is just another cocktail ingredient used in the Negroni, Manhattan and Martini to name a few, but few know more about it beyond this.

Like a surprising number of alcoholic creations, its origins are medicinal, but you’ll struggle to find a modern-day Doctor who prescribes vermouth! In German, wormwood translates to ‘wermut’ and is one of the most historically significant ingredients, so this is where ‘vermouth’ comes from. Antonio Carpano is credited with the term, creating the first commercial bottles of vermouth as we know it in Milan way back in 1786.

Luigi and Giuseppe Cora were responsible for popularising it in the early 19th century, and soon after came a flourish of famous Italian brands like Gancia, Ballor, Cinzano and Martini, as well as French creations like Noilly Prat. Since then, craft distilling means the world of vermouth distilling has blossomed as has fortified wine more widely.

What are the different types of Vermouth?

Historically speaking, two types of vermouth were considered and the Alps provided a fairly accurate border between them. Red vermouths, or Italian vermouths, came first before the French produced their white and dry blends.

In the modern era, the distinctions are more sophisticated, however:

Dry vermouth may be the most well-known, and is what you’ll find in most cocktails with its intense spices and botanicals. It could be argued that subsets like, ‘Extra Dry’ are their own types of vermouth too.
Sweet vermouth (sometimes called red) is unsurprisingly, noticeably sweet containing way more sugar than the dry.
Blanc vermouth (sometimes called Bianco or white) leans towards the sweeter, floral side and is a kind of middle ground between dry and sweet vermouth.
Rose vermouth is far less common but focuses on florality rather than sweetness.

How do you drink Vermouth?

The truth is vermouth is probably more versatile than you think. You can enjoy it on its own over ice served as an aperitif, or top up with soda for a similar but longer drink. Most vermouth you buy will be between 16%-18%, so a lot of drinkers opt for it as a low-alcohol option compared to gin or vodka.

Though it’s often confused with a spirit, it’s important to remember that vermouth is a wine base. Therefore, it isn’t one to be stored in the liquor cabinet for months on end once opened. You’ll likely have around 2 months to finish it, and it should be stored like a regular wine bottle would be – conveniently, we’ve got a whole guide on that here! It’s fortified so it’s not quite as fickle as an open bottle of wine, but it will oxidise and deteriorate over time.

The most famous way to enjoy vermouth though, is in cocktails, and for good reason too because it really lifts so many of our favourites. So, let’s take a look at some of the best cocktails that show what an essential player vermouth is in mixology.

Which cocktails can you make with Vermouth?

Classic Negroni

Negronis are so popular because they’re a) super easy to pull together and b) taste delicious. The right vermouth binds this together fantastically well, adding great weight and layers of sweet complexity.

Ingredients                          
25ml sweet vermouth (like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
25ml London Dry Gin
25ml Campari
Garnish: orange peel

Method
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with that orange peel.

Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is so simple that a quality dry vermouth is required to let it really shine. We recommend a 50:50 split of vodka and vermouth for the perfect blend of silky smooth texture and herbaceous spicy undertones. The subtlety and elegance of the lip-smacking concoction is why we love it, but a dash of orange bitters can elevate it even more!

Ingredients
25ml dry vermouth (like Noilly Prat Original)
25ml vodka (like Grey Goose)
Dash of orange bitters
Twist of lemon

Method
Shake or stir your vermouth and vodka together with some ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add the orange bitters, a twist of lemon and voila!

Vermouth Spritz

This Venice style spritz works so well for a refreshingly light sipper, and we love using the underappreciated rosé vermouth for more of a red fruits presence, because the Aperol already brings plenty of aromatic taste. The final cocktail is a perfect blend of subtle sweetness, delicate bubbles, floral notes and herbaceous undertones with plenty of oomph.

Ingredients
50ml rosé vermouth (like Regal Rogue Wild Rosé)
15ml Aperol
Prosecco to top up
Garnish with lemon and fresh mint

Method
Add the vermouth and Aperol to your glass with ice, top up with Prosecco and garnish with lemon and mint for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

Which Vermouth should I try?

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue love to show off the wine in their vermouth, and their Wild Rosé pushes Australian Illawarra plums to the front alongside strawberry and rosella. There are gorgeous hints of spice and nods to tropical flavours in this accessible and super versatile vermouth, and it works just as well in the cocktail above as it does with a simple tonic. Stunning.

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

Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

If you’re scratching your chin pondering on which vermouth to try, then it only makes sense to opt for the original French vermouth, the benchmark dry white that is Noilly Prat. In the tiny Marseillan village, highly acidic Picpoul grapes are used and the liquid is part aged in casks, and part aged in the elements for slow oxidation. This blend is macerated with their trademark herbs and spices for the pinnacle of dry vermouth. For a Dry Martini, look no further.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: UK £14.99 // US $11.99

Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino

This is our choice for a classic Negroni and to be honest, plenty of other mixes. In and around Piedmont in Northern Italy, the recipe dates back to 1891 and uses Moscato wine, tangy citrus and rhubarb, traditional wormwood and a guarded blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Rich and intense, it is delicious to explore on the rocks or as a welcome twist to classic cocktails.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: UK £19.95 // US $22.99

Vermouth is an absolute must in any mixologist’s cabinet, but we have a number of other drinks guides of liquids that are misunderstood or simply not talked about enough. Take a look at Absinthe, Pisco and Baijiu here!

12 Of The Best Irish Whiskeys

It doesn’t have to be International Irish Whiskey Day to enjoy some gorgeous Celtic blends but if you need an excuse at all, you’ve got one.

Only a few decades ago, Irish Whiskey production was minimal but the number of distilleries has flourished, as has the quality. From exceptional purist blends to innovative new methods, these are 12 whiskeys blessed with Irish magic that you’ll want in your cabinet.

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

We couldn’t start anywhere else, could we? Collaborating with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers, we, The Three Drinkers have produced an Irish Whiskey that showcases the subtle smoky style of Irish whiskey alongside classic fruitiness coming from our love for fine wine. Over in County Donegal, the blend is finished in red Pomerol barrels from Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux creating a velvety, rich profile that is intense with red fruits, candied orange and gently smoked caramel. We absolutely adore it, and whether you’re a whiskey newbie or a seasoned drinker, we really think you will too (if we can be so bold). One last thing, £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog to support a variety of initiatives including free support for those struggling.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

Kilbeggan

Set on the banks of the river west of Dublin, Kilbeggan closed in the 50s but the town of the same name rallied to get it up and running again, retaining it as one of the oldest distilleries of its kind in Ireland. It’s also named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland who founded a monastery nearby in the 6th century so this place is really steeped in history. The whiskey itself is distilled just twice so it retains that lovely earthy peat and honeyed fruit sweetness. The nutty malt makes for a gorgeously distinct peaty Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 // US $21.99

Bushmills Black Bush

Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery with a remarkable and tumultuous 400-year history seeing them thrive at the famous Paris Expo of 1889 and survive prohibition, the barley taxes and a catastrophic fire. The craftsmanship has been passed down multiple generations which is part of the reason Black Bush picked up the prestigious top award at The Irish Whiskey Masters in 2013 and a host of other massive awards. It’s a classic caramel grain whiskey with a dollop of sherried malt. Think smooth vanilla, lush dark fruits, and a subtly biscuity zesty finish. The orange notes would make for a top-notch Rob Roy.

Size: UK 700ml //US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £26.90 // US $34.99

Jameson Crested

You may half recognise this as Jameson’s Crested Ten. Well, it’s undergone a rebrand because of confusion over the name and availability but it’s the same tribute to the first drops bottled at the Bow Street Distillery. There’s so much going on for the money. Expect delicate undertones of sherried fruit, scorched wood and apricot with peach with a touch of spiced nuts rolled in chocolate. It’s tingly with spice, smooth and creamy and the fruity sherry is never far away. Outstandingly smooth and complex for the price. A simple whiskey highball is best to give the liquid room to breathe.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.99

Slane Irish Whiskey

Slane Castle outside Dublin is known for two main things; iconic gigs with the likes of Queen, Bowie, U2, Bob Dylan and Madonna rocking up and Slane Irish Whiskey. Three different casks (virgin oak, Oloroso and seasoned casks that are ex Tennessee whiskey and bourbon) create a remarkably full taste. The mellow butterscotch and vanilla is so inviting and there’s a rich caramelly baking spice on the finish to win you round if you weren’t already. Try replacing the vodka in an Espresso Martini with this for a richer, deeper coffee cake profile.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 (usually more!) // US $32.99

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

A true Irish Whiskey celebrating the Proclamation and Ireland’s independence... even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 7 signatures on the 1916 document. A glass of history. There’s a touch of fruity caramel and crème brulée from the bourbon maturation and sherry finish.  An utterly delicious and characterful glass of history that would serve well as a sweeter Whiskey Sour.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find here: UK £27.49

Tyconnell Irish Whiskey

Tyconnell became one of the bestselling whiskeys in the US but prohibition hit them hard and they fell away. In the 21st century, they’ve enjoyed a Lazarus-esque revival and stylish redesign. Every drop of this single malt is super satisfying, with gorgeous, rounded cereal notes, soft vanilla fudge and honey on toast. It’s light with these indulgent flavours though, and not as sweet as it sounds. The mouthfeel in particular is exceptionally moreish. Try Tyconnell for a silky smooth Old Fashioned.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £31.95

The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

We love Donegal’s ligther Silkie Irish Whiskey and the legend of silkies – seals that shapeshifted into beings of irresistible attraction on land. Now, they’re stunning us with their smoky side too. Harking back to 19th-century whiskey of the county, it’s triple-distilled peated single malt that sits in sherry casks, before blending with bourbon-matured single malt and virgin oak-matured grain whiskey – what a mouthful. And what a literal mouthful The Legendary Dark Silkie is too. Gorgeous fruits, confidently smoky with perfect peat. It’s a precision balance of savoury earthy notes and creamy fruit notes. Give it a go in a smoky Ginger Irish Mule for something very interesting indeed.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £31.95

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project

Diving into the relatively unknown, Kinahan’s The Kask project is exploring hybrid casks, with each constructed from 5 different kinds of wood – Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak and chestnut. That’s 5 kinds of wood in 1 barrel. From the first whiff you know there’s so much to explore. Behind that beguiling dark amber are teases of Cognac and Bourbon on the nose. The varied blend is super smooth and delicately sweet, with charred tropical fruits and caramelly chocolate, nuts and winter spices. Everything sits perfectly in this innovative blend so bravo to the experimental Kinahan! It’s sublime in an Old Fashioned providing delicious layers of flavour.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey

This is an elegant combination of pure pot still and malt whiskeys from an unnamed Cork distillery that’s been plated in Gold awards over the years. Wonderfully light, the sweetness from bold honeyed fruits sits at the fore for a super easy-to-drink whiskey. It’s accessible to newbies with no harshness, but with the depth and quality to be sipped by whiskey lovers too. The honey would offset the lemon of a Whiskey Sour gorgeously if you like it a little less sweet than this sits neat.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.94 // US $42.99

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Redbreast are well and truly loved and lauded by Irish Whiskey lovers and rightly so. This delightful single pot is adored by critics, picking up pretty much every top gong you can imagine. In Midleton, malted and unmalted barley are distilled and then matured in the classic combination of American oak ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. The results are a really well-rounded body that lasts in the mouth. The smooth nutty taste has some perfect spice that gives way to a creamier marzipan and dried fruit aftertaste. This is absolutely one to savour so serve in a Highball with not too much ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £46.99 // US $64.99

Bushmills 16 YEar Old

We’ve another bottling from Bushmills here and what a bottle to end our list on! Aged in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks before being finished in Port pipes this is a stunning dram with so much flavour to explore. There’s a perfectly balanced mix of spices from the bourbon seasoned casks and distinct notes of juicy red fruits, honey and peaches. Normally we’d try anything in a cocktail, but the only thing we’ll be mixing this dram with is an ice cube! NOM!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £82.49 // US $145.99

If you’re in the mood to go further afield then check out our Worldwide Whiskies That Stand Out for Under £40.

Tasting Planes and Tasting Trains: The Best Wine and Spirits Tastings

In the world of wine, a tasting flight is sometimes used to describe a selection of wines for tasters to sample and compare. Well, in New Zealand, one company has taken that to new heights by making it a literal reality.

Booze trains (and now planes too) are a growing attraction for drinks lovers like you and me to experience local drinks on the tracks or in the skies. Far removed from the usual hectic, cramped stress of transport, these idyllic odysseys are sprouting up all over, so here’s a rundown of a few you might want to check out!

UK

Real Ale Train - Watercress Line Dining

Chugging through the Hampshire countryside is the Real Ale Train. Departing from Alton Station near Farnham along the Watercress Line to Alresford, breweries from the surrounding areas will be on the menu with pints reasonably priced at £4, or half pints for £2.

Every ticket comes with a complimentary pint to kick things off, and you can buy individual tickets for £20 or secure a charming six-seat compartment for £150.

The Real Ale Trait also stops by the West Country Buffet where you can feast on chilli, burgers, curry and more before washing it down with more great local brews.

Check out the website for the release of new dates because they sell out quickly!

Keith & Dufftown Railway

North East of the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Keith & Dufftown railway is one of the most Northerly preserved railways in the country, as well as being one of the longest and gloriously scenic. Ten miles of line awaits between Dufftown and Keith, passing the Glenfiddich viaduct, mountain scenery, Loch Park, Drummuir Castle…and that’s not even half the journey!

Various events are held on board, such as the Whisky Train in Spring trying specialist drams from the many distilleries in the area. There’s also the Emerald Isle Express for £40 per person offering ‘whisky’ as you travel through the land of ‘whisky’.

Events come and go, but the same stunning route remains so it should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking to explore this part of Scotland.

Explore their website for any new events and to book and to see the train in action check out Episode 2 of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime.

East Lancashire Railway – Rail Ale Trail

East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail takes you onboard one of their beautiful heritage steam or diesel trains and through the lush valleys and quaint villages, guiding you through the history and heritage of the area and delving into surrounding area’s brewing traditions.

Whilst you’ll enjoy a local bottle of ale on the train, this experience involves more guided tours to traditional pubs in the Irwell Valley and a hearty pub lunch.

The tours all begin at Bury Bolton Street Station, but from there they vary. Some involve short walks, others almost hikes. The price looks to be set at £59.50 regardless though so explore their website for more information! Journey goers rave about it once it’s finished so you’ll have to be quick.

It’s worth mentioning that they also have gin nights and wine nights occasionally too if that’s more your thing!

Other Rail Ale Trails

Rail Ale Trails are massively popular and available all over it seems, and whilst they do often provide some local ale on board, they are more focused on visiting pubs along the way. Here are some Rail Ale Trails that might be nearby you:

Churnet Railway, Staffordshire
Devon & Cornwall’s numerous trails
Great Central Railway, Loughborough
Spa Valley RaSpa Valley Railway, the High Wealdlway, the High Weald

INTERNATIONAL

Invivo Air – Cloud Wine

The image at the top of this article is of the world’s first winery airline! That’s the promise of Invivo Air, who not only produce their own wine in New Zealand but have created a flight from Auckland to Queenstown to try them on.

30 guests tasted over 16 wines whilst cruising at 18,000ft, as well as a vineyard tour with winemakers’ dinner and overnight stay at the 5-star lakeside Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa. That’s a lot packed in! Celebrity wines like Graham Norton’s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s are nestled amongst Invivo’s own and New Zealand’s finest, with the cabin even decorated with hanging vines.

Ahead of the launch, the founder said: “Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lovers experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards.”

Otago is known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir, and it’s not just fine wine but fine food included. Guests will dine at the Botswana Butchery, a new five-star seafood joint that has opened exclusively for Invivo Air. Local New Zealand cuisine such as fresh oysters, whitebait, lumina lamb and salmon are all on the menu.

At the time of writing, there has only been one flight but more domestic flights are on the horizon as well as international availability. To experience Cloud Wine, go to their website for further details on pricing.

Wine Train, Napa Valley – Legacy Experience

A legacy is handed down over time, through family and tradition. And lots and lots of wine. Charles Krug. V. Sattui. The legacy of these Italian families represents a combined winemaking history of more than 200 years. And some very fine vintages. Some say this is where it all began. And this is where your journey begins

America has some amazing wine trains on offer but one of the best-known ones is the simply named Wine Train. Their legacy experience provides a 6-hour adventure through the iconic Napa Valley, with a 3-hour train ride departing in the morning. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, your first tasting occurs onboard the open-air car by your onboard Maitre’D at the legendary Napa Valley welcome sign.

After this, you have a four-course meal inspired by the stunning surroundings and a further 2 hours of tasting at Charles Krug and V.Sattui Winery, exploring 7 prestigious blends. Finally, it’s back on the train which is an attraction in itself with plush velvet, gleaming brass, smooth marble and a dreamy vintage aesthetic. What a way to explore one of the world’s most important wine regions!

Unsurprisingly, this is pricier than most wine trains and tickets vary around $500, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it looks amazing. See what’s in store for yourself on their website!

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – Bourbon Excursion

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is two beautifully restored 1940s dining cars pulled through Kentucky by two 1950s locomotives. Departing from Bardstown which just so happens to have been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America numerous times, the breathtaking Kentucky countryside awaits. The Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in Bernehim Forest for starters.

During these two-and-a-half hours of exploration, a gourmet four-course dinner is served. On top of this, master distillers guide guests on a journey through bourbon history, pairing select liquids with your meals. Everything is included on this 32-mile roundtrip so if you’re a bourbon lover and want to visit its home, $127 doesn’t sound too bad, right?

For more details on the Bourbon Excursion, visit here.

The Best of Indian Gin & Spirits

India’s history with gin goes way back. In fact, India is the home of the adored G&T! Over the last decade, their production has really stepped up, leaning into the delicious fragrance of their tropical fruits and spices to make mouth-watering blends.

And gin is only half the story! Check out the best Indian gins below, as well as other spirits using those splendid Indian flavours.

Made in India

Jaisalmer Gin

This Indian craft gin comes from Radico Khaitan, the same producer behind Rampur whisky which we’ll get to in a bit! Produced at the foothills of the Himalayas, 11 botanicals create a welcoming fragrant juniper-forward gin. 7 of those botanicals are Indian, meaning there’s very pleasant spice and uplifting citrus from coriander, orange and lemon peel, cubeb pepper berries, Darjeeling green tea leaves and cardamom. It’s ideal for a bold and aromatic G&T.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £38.95 // US $54.89

Stranger & Sons Gin

This is a Gold Medal winner at the Asian Gin Masters for consecutive years now, picked out for its unique profile. Made in Goa on the Indian west coast, Third Eye Distillery uses home-grown pepper and coriander for a persistent spicy undertone, lifted by native Indian citruses like sweet Gondhoraj limes from Calcutta and Nagpur oranges. The warmth of sweet liquorice rounds it off beautifully. And the cherry on top, all used citrus is returned to be made into cordials or pickles so nothing is wasted!

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 42.8%
Find here: £32.94 (usually more!)

Hapusā Gin

Nao Spirits bring us this Himalayan craft gin and we can’t praise it enough. Fully deserving of the Gold medal for Contemporary Gin at the World Gin Awards, the botanicals are a celebration of kitchen cupboard Indian ingredients like ginger, cardamom, turmeric, mango, coriander seeds, almonds and Gondhoraj limes. The mango and Gondhoraj in particular make this gin stand out from the rest, making for a super vibrant and tangy gin anchored by a subtle earthiness. We’d say keep to a plain good quality tonic for this one to give the botanicals room to shine.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £38.95 // US $43.99

Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

This Indian Single Malt is mostly matured in American oak bourbon as well as European oak sherry casks imparting sweet dry sherry spice, earthy vanilla pods and baking spice. If you love sweet well-rounded whiskies then this gorgeously packaged bottle is a must-try.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £59.95 // US $89.99

Amrut Fusion

Sipping on this delightfully complex whisky may throw up some reminiscence of Scotland, and that’s because the ‘fusion’ here is the combination of Indian barley and peated Scottish barley. The Amrut Distillery in Bangalore blends the two to layer up the mildly smoky peat with vibrant dried stone fruits, a little rich honey and a long spiced finish. The soft, smooth woodiness would make a gorgeous Rob Roy and it was voted the best whisky for just that in New York in 2012!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: UK £53.94 // US $76.99

Paul John Bold

‘Paul John’s Bold’ almost sounds like an aftershave, but it’s actually one of the best fully peated Indian whiskies around. Like Amrut Fusion, Scotland is involved and this time it’s Islay peat that makes its way over to Goa and dries out Indian barley. Honeyed oak and fruity coffee come to the fore with a gentle spice and subtle peaty finish. Great stuff from an intriguing producer.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £39.99

Flavours of India

6 O'clock Gin - Romy's Edition

6 O’clock Gin worked closely with celebrated chef Romy Gill MBE who we actually talked to on Episode 82 of the Bring a Bottle podcast! Ginger and lime are stalwarts of Indian cooking and here they’re infused with the juice of India’s national fruit – the mango. The spice is reserved, the fruits are rich and as a G&T with mango garnish, it’s in a world of its own.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.50

Love Delhi Gin

Love Delhi looks at a gin from the culinary perspective because it’s made by one of the most popular Indian caterers in the UK. Mango sits at the centre of the blend, alongside prominent rich juniper and pomegranate that counterbalance the spicy undertone perfectly. It’s a wonderfully tropical gin that really sings with a dash of tonic. By the way, if you ever liked Mumbai Gin then this is the rebrand!

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

Crazy Gin Lassi

We just love sipping on this during Episode 86 of the Bring a Bottle podcast. The idea is simple – create an Indian-British drink in the same way as British-Indian food has come together so successfully. Turmeric, coriander, black pepper, cumin, and pomegranate add spice and bittersweetness, joined by creamy yoghurt (Lassi is an Indian yoghurt drink). The gin is also fat washed with ghee so it’s unbelievably smooth. We’d recommend trying it for a really distinct martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £39.94

Sollasa

Sticking with Indian food, this is a spirit specifically designed to complement just that. The ‘Manasollasa’ is a 12th-century Indian recipe book considered to be the first of its kind so that’s where the name comes from. A lovely gin alternative, it’s incredibly refreshing with mandarin, lychee, mint, and cardamom for a citrus-forward food-loving spirit. At just 20%, you can sip on it for a lot longer than other spirits if you’re eating something particularly fiery, and it will also add oodles of flavour to a cocktail without so much alcohol. Look at the bottle too! Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £27.59

The flavours on display here complement Indian food wonderfully, but if you want some other options including beer and wine to deal with those bold and spicy flavours, check out ‘What You Should Be Drinking With Curry’.

Buckingham Palace’s Coronation Gin with Windsor Raspberries

Never has there been more pressure on a tipple to be fit for a King, because the Royal Collection Trust has launched its official pairing with King Charles III’s coronation on May 6th.

Royal Windsor is a pink gin, infused with juicy raspberries grown at Windsor Castle for an inviting vibrant hue. According to the Royal Household, these bright berries are offset by the rounded spice of pink peppercorns and cassia bark, and an added touch of sweetness from orange peel and rose petals.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for enjoying a gin cocktail, with one of her favourite concoctions being a gin and Dubonnet with lemon and ice. The King is also very fond of a crisp G&T when on his travels, but for the Royal Windsor gin, the recommended serving is a generous pour of the show stealer with fresh muddled raspberries topped up with pineapple juice, which sounds gorgeously sweet and suitable for the summer around the corner come May.

This isn’t the Royal Household’s first foray into gin either, because in 2020 its London Dry, again made using palace ground botanicals, sold out in only eight hours and the sloe gin of last summer was a roaring success too.

The 38% ABV gin is officially available now for £38 here but is currently only shipping to the UK, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.

So if you’re a passionate Royalist and want the perfect spring sipper to celebrate the Coronation, or you’re just a gin lover looking for an excuse to try a lovely-sounding blend, grab yourself a bottle of Royal Windsor.

To read more about the other products launched by the Royal Household, click here!

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!