The Best Whisky to Gift this Christmas

For those of us who love whisky Christmas is a time to enjoy it all the more, whether that be for oneself, to share with others, or even to buy as gifts. I believe there are whiskies which are special at most price points, so I will be giving you great suggestions you can find in a supermarket, but also a range of bottles you most definitely can’t. It is Christmas after all, and the festive holidays should be for everyone. From sweet ex-bourbon casks, sherry casks, port casks and smoky whisky, these are my Christmas crackers for 2022. Starting with the two best-selling single malt whiskies in the world. So without further ado, let’s get to it…

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

At any one point in time, it is never certain whether this whisky or the next is the best-selling single malt in the world. They are so well matched, that they both take the lead over the other from time to time. Although they are equally very good, I do have a favourite, and this is it. With great balance and lots of fruity Speyside orchard fruits, this whisky will often be on special offer over Christmas and is a great gift. Although I’m not sure if it’d make it into wrapping paper in my house.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £38 // US $44.99

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

I recently re-visited this distillery and in the tasting after the tour was presented with the 12-year-old as the first whisky. We then had two others from the range, and in my mind, although it was certainly not the most expensive, it was the best. It is so well balanced with apples and pears, with a little honey and vanilla, it’s hard not to see why it holds such regard in many people’s minds. And already on sale until January 2023 at Waitrose

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £28 // US $47.99

Thompson Brothers 8 Year Old Blended Malt SRV5

The Thompson brothers, Phil and Simon have gained legendary status as independent bottlers, and the way they have managed that is by bottling great whisky at great prices. And this is no exception. With complex aromas and flavours of melon, limes, grapefruits and bananas with touches of candlewax and a tiny bit of smoke, this is a great blended malt whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.5%
Find it here: £34.95

Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or 

This is a real sweetie for the festive season. Finished in Sauternes wine casks, it has honey sweetness and vanilla to the fore. The sweet French white wine casks giving a syrup sweetness and viscosity. Sipped by itself or drunk in a highball with grapefruit soda, or ginger ale, this is an easy going crowd pleaser.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: UK £58.94 // US $81.99

Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

A stalwart of sherry matured whiskies, the 15 Glenfarclas is my all-time favourite ex-sherry cask Scotch. With the classic Christmas cake flavours, there are also nutty walnut flavours with orange peel, dates, and raisins. With a little water, it becomes even juicier. A great whisky for cold winter weather being very complex and easy to drink at the same time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £57.94

Glen Grant 18 Year Old

In 2016 Glen Grant relaunched their range and thankfully included this 18 year old. It is a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks but is so balanced there is not a predominance of flavour from either. With lots of caramel, vanilla and raisins there are complex waves of sweetness which meet the palate. If you don’t like big heavy sherried whiskies then this would definitely be one for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £115 // US $139.99

Glenturret 15 Year Old 2022 Release

This is the regular annual release from Glenturret of their 15 year old and like previous releases they have kept the abv on the higher side which gives a big punch of flavour. They’ve used a mix of casks which add to the complexity with both sweet and spicy notes, mixed with pepper, pine resin and lots of dried fruit. A big whisky for a big celebration.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £125

Fettercairn 18 Year Old

This is a very unusual whisky. Scotch must be matured in oak, but where that oak comes from can vary. Traditionally ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are used, as well as Port, Madeira, and many other wine casks, but never before has a Scottish oak cask been used. Whyte and Mackay, the owners of Fettercarin have a comprehensive Scottish oak project which this 18-year-old has benefited from. The type of oak makes a great deal of difference, with Scottish oak having a peppery spicy note on the back palate and finish beyond all the fruit cake and soft spice. Each batch is pretty limited, so grab one while you can.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find it here: £174.50

Dalmore King Alexander III

One of the most complex yet easy drinking whiskies I know. This is matured in six different types of casks and then blended. It is a grand sipper, with lots of soft spice, winter berries and a zesty, oaky edge keeping the palate lively, this is a long-time favourite of mine. Decadence in a glass and definitely a special whisky.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £129.90 // US $279.99

Bowmore 22 Aston Martin 2nd Release

I have to thank my fellow drinker Aidy for opening his bottle for his Christmas party last weekend, otherwise, I’m not sure this would have been on my radar, but it definitely is now! A big rich complex dram with lots of fruit cake and spice, nuts, toasted oak and a good dollop of sweet beach bonfire smoke. This is an absolutely brilliant whisky from Bowmore. Sold out in most places, buy it if you see it, or find it at auction. It’s not only a great present, tastes great, but I think it will increase quite a bit in price, so maybe one to hang onto.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.5%
Find it at auction for around £500

Glenrothes 32 Year Old 1988 Cask 16546 Gordon and MacPhail

This whisky is simple in its conception. Fill an American oak hogshead, let it mature for thirty two years, and when ready, bottle it. Simple is not how I would describe the result though. There are subtle flavours of white meadow flowers and fennel which mix well with lots of complex honey and fresh vanilla pods. Fruit salad in syrup and a little fine oak and sandalwood make this a very special whisky for a special gift if you can bare to give it away!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.9%
Find it here: £720

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute

I’ve been banging on about malt whisky, but now it’s time for a blend. The perception of blends is that they are cheaper and blander. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This whisky has great complexity with the whiskies contained within having been matured for over 40 years. Inlaid in 24 carat gold, this is the ultimate Christmas gift!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.9%
Find it here: £2799.90

With the above choices there should be something for everyone. From highball drinkers and aperitive sippers, to big rich fireside drams. For the new drinker and supermarket shopper to the new king, the one thing all of these have is quality, and the ability to give you pleasure. So, enjoy the festive season with whatever whisky you find and raise a glass to all people who enjoy a glass of the amber nectar.

If you enjoyed this then why not check out our gin, rum or red wine Christmas guides?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas

The fortune telling fish, miniature nail files and Dad jokes tumbling out of crackers on Christmas Day are enshrined in festive law and we wouldn’t have it any other way, but that’s not to say we can’t try for something a little more exciting, is it? 

These alcohol-filled crackers are perfect to spice things up a little on the big day, filled with whatever tipple takes your fancy! Whether it’s rum miniatures that pack a punch, create-your-own crackers, or cream liqueurs to get the Baileys open even earlier than usual, we’ve got it all covered and more!  

The Best Gin Christmas Crackers:

Fever-Tree Ultimate Gin & Tonic

If you’re a gin lover and you haven’t heard of Fever-Tree then we don’t know where you’ve been. They are about as reliable as it gets when it comes to premium tonic varieties, and this cracker set matches four of them wonderfully. The Audemus Pink Pepper Gin with Elderflower Tonic in particular is delightful, but there isn’t a bad option in the box!

Find here: £34 Box of 4

Franklin & Sons Gin & Mixers

Founded in Victorian London, Franklin & Sons are pioneers in the soft drinks space, using the best natural ingredients to churn out unique flavours and top-notch classics. Inside this beautiful box are six crackers with the same Christmas tree design, each containing an award-winning combo of gin and mixer. From classics like Rock Rose and Sipsmith Dry to newer innovations from Manchester Gin and Masons, this is a cracker pull you’d definitely want to win. 

Find here: £35 Box of 6

York Gin

York Gin orchestrates its range of stunning gins around the history of the equally beautiful city of York. Their box of six contains one of each flavour, telling the story from the Roman foundations (Roman Fruit) to the Chocolate Orange flavour honouring the iconic Terry’s, whose factory was just a couple of miles from the York Gin distillery. A 100% renewably powered distillery, with a great concept and award-winning gin to back it up – not a bad thing to pull out of a cracker at all!

Find here: £60 Box of 6 (or £10 for 1)

The Best Mixed Spirit Christmas Crackers:

The Lakes Distillery

Each swanky cracker contains one premium 50ml miniature to experience the range of products the Lake District distillery has on offer. There’s a classic Lakes gin that doesn’t shy away from vibrant juniper, and a zesty pink grapefruit version too. As promised, this is a mixed set, but that mix is completely up to you. You can select whichever four from those two gins, or a fruity, gently smoky whisky, as well as a very alluring salted caramel vodka liqueur! Or you can have all four the same, but a surprise element when you’re opening is nice wouldn’t you agree?

Find here: £20 Box of 4

Lakeland Spirits Mix

You get the best of both worlds with these crackers. Not only are there miniatures of the UK’s most popular spirits in Bacardi, Baileys, Smirnoff, and Beefeater, but you also still get the terrible jokes and hats that come with your standard cracker...there’s no escaping them!

Find here: £39.99 Box of 6

The Best Beer Christmas Crackers:

Bier Company

These beefy crackers will need a real tug of war to break them open, and that’s because they contain not one but two premium craft beers each! Also included in these stylishly designed colourful crackers are the usual party hats, riddles and jokes we all know and love.

Find here: £39.95 Box of 5 (£12.95 for 2)

Black Sheep Brewery

This Yorkshire brewery’s crackers are ideal for experimenting with a range of intriguing beers. You simply select how many of each you want from their list of nine. So, you could throw in two reliable Riggwelters, and then add on one Pineapple Milkshake IPA and a Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale? You’ve got a really inviting selection with plenty of classic and unusual IPAs, Ales and Stouts, so it’s up to you – that’s the beauty of it!

Find here: £5.50 per cracker

The Best Whisky Christmas Crackers:

Drinks by the Dram

This selection of six bowtied crackers arrives in a lovely box, each containing a 30ml wax-sealed mini dram from a curated selection of fine whisky producers. For example, there’s the award winning softly sweet Glengoyne 10-Year-Old, the rich and peaty palate of Smokehead, or the experimental World Whisky Blend, which has combined single malts, single grains, and bourbons of all kinds into one. It’s a nice selection that will please beginners and seasoned dram drinkers all the same!

Find here: £39.95 Box of 6

The Best Cream Liqueur Christmas Crackers:

Hotel Chocolat

Hotel Chocolat has put together 50ml bottles of, ‘Velvetised Creams’, with real chocolate, crisp vodka, and silky cream. These would be perfect to save for a Boxing Day boozy hot choc, or if you can’t wait (we don’t blame you), enjoy them as an after-dinner digestif. You can expect two original chocolates, two salted caramels, one mint, and an Espresso Martini version, all super decadent and definitely worth fighting over... or diplomatically swapping, whatever works. 

Find here: £24.95 Box of 6

Baileys

Well, it’s a Christmas list so it was only a matter of time before Baileys showed up! These four colourful crackers complete the table, with two 50ml Irish Creams, a Coffee Liqueur, and an Orange Truffle flavour too. It’s the only cream liqueur to be awarded a World Spirits Medal every year since 2003 and when it’s so synonymous with Christmas, how can you not want it around? 

Find here: £14.99 Box of 4

Aldi Ballycastle 

The quality that comes with some of Aldi’s own versions of much-loved products is no longer a secret, and in terms of value, these 50ml Ballycastle creams are hard to beat. Inside there’s the classic, Chocolate & Clementine, Espresso, and White Chocolate, which sounds like a gloriously indulgent selection to us, just what every Christmas feast demands. 

Find here: £7.99 Box of 4

The Best Rum Christmas Crackers:

Sly Dog Spiced

Don’t worry rum lovers, because behind those ominous eyes is a Sly Dog miniature, filled with a Jamaican and Dominican rum blend and their secret recipe of spices. This is a sublime spiced rum with perfect balance, picking up Gold at the World Rum Awards in 2022. If you want something to crack open after the cracker itself that really hits the spot, then this is it. 

Find here: £30 Box of 4

The Best Cocktail Christmas Crackers:

Candy Cane Fizz & Berry and Bright Gin

Now this a box that screams luxury. The Cocktail Man in London has pulled together Chase GB Gin with his secret signature Sliqueur giving you everything you need to get started on that Christmas cocktail. You also get garnish, hats, jokes and don’t worry, there are very clear cocktail instructions because the last thing you need is another thing to get sorted on the big day. 

Find here: £59.95 Box of 4

The Best Vodka Christmas Crackers:

J.J Whitley 

J.J Whitley has been making spirits for 260 Christmases now (since 1762 that is by the way, just in case our maths is off), so it’s no wonder that they’re still winning awards on a yearly basis. It’s lovely and fresh on the nose and unravels into a creamy and full-bodied delight... and that’s just their Artisanal original! You’ll also get to try Vanilla, Raspberry, Watermelon & Lime, Blood Orange, and finally Passion Fruit. Serve them as chilled as a Christmas Day and you’ll be sure to have a jolly one!

Find here: £15.99 Box of 6

The Best Wine Christmas Crackers:

Virgin Wines 

You get more booze for your buck with these classy crackers, as each one reveals a 187ml bottle of fabulous wine. There’s Aussie Pinot Grigio, South African Chardonnay Viognier (which would be great with the Christmas dinner itself), Chilean Merlot, French Malbec, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and South African Cinsaut. Something for everyone

Find here: £35.99 Box of 6

Virgin Wines Prosecco

If Prosecco is more your thing, then Virgin still have you covered. Each cracker contains a 200ml Extra Dry Senti, an exquisitely crisp and fruity Prosecco with the perfect amount of fizz. Prosec-ho-ho! (Had to be done.)

Find here: £36.99 Box of 6

Create Your Own Christmas Crackers

Lakeland Fill-Your-Own

Often the most memorable moments around Christmas time involve personalised gifts and decorations, that show you’ve gone the extra mile and thought about the people you’re with. That’s why Lakeland have created these fill-your-own crackers. They arrive with some festive embossing and minor decoration, but it’s down to you to personalise them and fill them with whatever you like! If you know someone loves a particular drink but it can’t be bought in a cracker, then what a pleasant surprise for them to find it!

Find here: £14.99 Box of 6

If you’re now ramping up Christmas preparations, then why not booze-up the advent calendar as well as the crackers? Who says they’re just for kids? We’ve compiled our Favourite Advent Calendars For 2022, each one with a tasty treat behind every door!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Is Johnnie Walker Blonde the Perfect First Whisky?

Very few take to whisky on the first sip which is why many dram debutants quickly disregard it, leaving them completely puzzled about what all the fuss is for. If anyone has an interest in changing that, it should be the world’s best selling Scotch blend Johnnie Walker – introducing, ‘Blonde’.

We’ve covered the iconic colours of Johnnie Walker before, and from their complex black label to their sweeter gold, they have been slowly diversifying their range. This blonde bombshell is a blend of whiskies from Cameronbridge and Cardhu that are then matured in American oak giving the whisky delicious notes of toffee and caramel, as well as sweet fruit and vanilla. 

Not only is this specifically made to be a surprisingly sweet scotch, but it’s also one of the most versatile. Whilst it isn’t likely to offer the more seasoned whisky drinkers much in the way of neat sipping, it is ‘made to be mixed’. As a refreshing whisky lemonade or in most whisky cocktails, Johnnie Blonde truly comes into its own. 

By responding to, ‘a change in who’s ordering whisky, and how they’re drinking it’ as brand ambassador Tim Phillips-Johansson said, the hope is that this light and sweet scotch will win more drinkers around from the off, who then fall in love with whisky and go on to explore more challenging and complex flavour profiles – a well-trodden path indeed, and one that many of you might recognise yourself?

So, if you’ve simply never got on with whisky or you just want to try something a bit different, then a bottle of Blonde might surprise you. 

You can find it here for £27.88. If your scotch experiment goes well, then you might want to dive deeper into the world of whisky and explore some of Johnnie Walker’s other colours! You can find our breakdown of those here. 

Oh, one last thing - definitely let us know if Blonde has turned out to be your whisky breakthrough! And congratulations, a whole new world awaits you!

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars for 2022

It's November and that means one thing… Christmas is a common feature on all the shelves with piles of baubles here and boxes of shimmering tinsel there. It also means that this year’s round of drinks advent calendars are being released! Woo-hoo!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to enjoy it than by opening a boozy treat each day? If you’re a bah humbug then it makes the countdown enjoyable, and if you’re already a Christmas convert then it makes it even better! They’re getting more and more creative every year with options a-plenty, and we’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below!

For Fine Spirits drinkers:

The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Welcome to the ultimate, luxurious treat for a lover of fine spirits. The Whisky Exchange have put together 24 minature bottles of whisky, rum, gin, amaro, calvados and more, all of which are exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits or some of the biggest names in fine booze. Simply stunning and berautifully packaged.
Find here: £150

For Gin drinkers:

Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar

Most gin drinkers will already be on drinking terms with Fever-Tree and their cracking selection of tonics. This year, their masters of mixology have paired them up with some of the UK’s best-known gin brands like Tanqueray and Hendrick’s, as well as some new kids on the block. Perfect dance partners like Ginger Ale and Ophir’s spicy gin wait behind each door so have fun finding and tasting the pairings as the month rolls on!

Find here: £60

The Premium Edition Gin Advent Calendar

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples of gin from around the world hand picked by experts, there’s something for everyone behind each door! From classics to new releases, Tarquin’s Figgy Pudding Gin to Bluecoat’s American Dry, this is a yuletide medley you won’t want to miss!

Find here: £99.95

For Rum drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Rum Advent Calendar

There’s something tantalising behind every door for the rum drinkers too, with this Drinks by the Dram calendar. Dark rum, white rum, golden rum, whatever you’ve wished for it’s in here. Try unusual delights like award-winning Discarded Banana Peel Rum and enjoy old familiars such as Plantation’s XO.

Find here: £149.95

For Tequila drinkers:

The Spirit Co – Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

You will begin a 24-day long journey to enlightenment with this, and how many advent calendars can you say that about? Although they’re 30ml sized bottles, The Spirit Co’s 24 tequila picks are designed for you to taste and discover the subtleties of this Mexican icon. From fresh Blanco, to complex Añejo, you will understand tequila on a whole new level by the time the big day comes.

Find here: £124.95

For Vodka drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Vodka is a spirit that can be found being dismissed by some as monotonous. Well, with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to change those misconceptions. These expertly curated tasters are a perfect opportunity to learn about how vodka can vary, and what you’re individually drawn to. Whether it’s drinking crisply smooth originals or subtle berry beauties, every day is a school day and school has never been so fun.

Find here: £99.95

For Whisky drinkers:

Whisky Explorers’ Edition Advent Calendar

Winter whisky warms the soul perfectly over the festive season, and as you prize open each cardboard door, a new whisky awaits. From traditional Irish whiskeys to a new whisky that is actually designed by artificial intelligence(!!), this advent calendar is perfect for someone wanting to dip their toe into the wonderful world of whisky.

Find here: £99.95

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re already a card-carrying whisky explorer or know someone that is then this calendar is for those ready to take the step up. Every door is filled with a wax-sealed 30ml dram of top tier whisky, carefully selected by world-famous producers. Aged to perfection, this is a great way of eying up your favourite premium whisky without buying a whole bottle. Pricey sure, but if you can’t treat yourself or others at Christmas time when can you?

Find here: £249.95

For Wine drinkers:

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is jam packed with Brixton Wine Club’s favourite canned wines from throughout the year, including limited editions and ones that have sold out so it’s a real treat. There are reds, whites, seltzers, bubbles and not only that, but we were happy to see so many up and coming British wines included too!

Find here: £125

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

Every December day is made that bit better by a delicious quarter-bottle of wine waiting for you, isn’t it? All packaged up in a cosy Christmas market scene too, so it makes a wonderful festive addition to your home. We won’t spoil it for you but there also may or may not be a special treat on Christmas Eve too ;)

Find here: £69.99

For Cocktail drinkers:

NIO 12-day Advent Cocktail Box

This is the perfect advent for sharing because you can reveal cocktails two at a time over 12 days, so don’t worry you do still get your 24 drinks! And you even get a garnish too, so you can really indulge in the authentic cocktail experience. The calendar houses a very alluring cocktail hall of fame, with Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri to name a few. There’s also sure to be some surprises for you too.

Find here: £115

For Beer drinkers:

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Don’t worry beer guzzlers, there’s something for you to countdown to Christmas as well. Craft beer extraordinaries Beavertown have created a delightfully vibrant advent calendar this year, and a limited-edition version that includes a load of cool gifts too. 6 mini boxes are included so they’re perfect to pop in the fridge, meaning that the only surprise is which beer you get, not that it’s warm!

Find here: £58 / £68 (Limited Edition)

For Cider drinkers:

Lilley’s 2022 Advent Calendar

There are even cider advent calendars these days, and we love the interesting concoctions of Lilley’s. Pear flavoured Bee Sting had picked up plenty of awards for the Somerset company, and the same can be said for their Rhubarb flavour. Also, if you like sweet ciders, then let us tell you that the Mango is a must try. There are 24 full size bottles so it’s good value too, and you can go look up each interesting flavour... or keep it as a Christmas surprise! Scrumptious.

Find here: £66

If you’re still stuck for gift ideas or just fancy looking at what else is out there, check out our other drinking gift ideas and be sure to let us know if you’ve got your eyes on any advent calendars we’ve missed out here.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

8 Stunning Wine Finished Whiskies You Need in Your Glass

If you’re not familiar with a ‘whisky finish’, then let us very quickly explain what it is. It’s when the spirit is aged in a cask from a certain origin, before being moved to a different cask for further maturation. More often than not you’ll find American oak ex-Bourbon barrels have been used for the first cask, but it’s often with the second cask that more unusual flavours come into play. 

One of our favourites for this whisky finish is wine, but there’s a hell of a lot of inconsistency with the results. It’s no simple task aging whisky with wine, so if it sounds like it might be up your street, here are a few of our absolute favourites worth seeking out.

Black Bottle Double Cask Alchemy Series

Two blends intertwine to create this; a malt whisky matured in Spanish sherry casks and a grain whisky matured in red wine casks. As a result, the red fruits and berries are influential from nose to finish, but they are balanced out by vanilla and nutty notes. This is delightfully sweet wine finished whisky and we love the bottle too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £25.75

Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition

This splendid whisky is matured in American oak barrels and finished in French Cabernet Sauvignon casks imparting gorgeous notes of apple, honey, vanilla, and sweet red berry. It’s beautifully balanced because the mellow Tamnavulin works so well with the expressive fruity sweetness. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.74

Tullibardine 225 Sauternes Cask Finish

This is a gloriously golden single malt distilled in the Scottish Highlands finished in a 225-litre cask - hence the name! These casks used to hold Sauternes dessert wine, so it’s no surprise that this whisky is particularly creamy and citrusy, with traces of sweet spice lingering on the finish. It would work really nicely for a fruitier Irish Coffee.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.90

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 Bordeaux Edition

A fairly rare dram with a total of 358 bottles produced, it was distilled at Linkwood in Speyside and finished in a Bordeaux wine barrique (a fancier way of saying oak barrel, but particularly used for wines like Bordeaux). There’s a lot of very alluring baking notes with this one, including gentle spice, buttery pastry, baked apples and rich red fruits. The finish in particular is very warming with touches of roasted nut, pepper, and nutmeg. Super sippable!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.95

Green Spot Château Léoville Barton

Another whiskey finished in barriques, but this one is Irish! In fact, it’s billed as the first of its kind in that respect. Before reaching these Château Léoville Barton casks though, it’s initially matured in a mixture of ex-Oloroso Sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a deeply layered blend, with floral fruity notes, and a lingering spice that continues from palate to finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £53.99

Glenmorangie Nectar D'or Sauternes

The exquisitely named Nectar d’Or has the syrupy, honeysuckle, and orange peel notes that you’d expect from a sweet Sauternes wine. No smokiness, it’s golden inside and out and is definitely one for the wine lovers out there. It would work well with a lightly flavoured soda like grapefruit, but at this quality you’ve got to try it neat first. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £58.94 // US $81.99

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Finish 

This was whisky legend Billy Walker’s favourite wine finished whisky when he spoke with us recently, so you’re in good hands trying this one. A wonderfully well balanced Sauternes cask finish with plenty of fresh fruity sweetness on the palate, it’s a delightful dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £59.95

Whistle Pig 12 Year Old - Old World

Whistle Pig have been impressing people big time with their releases over the last few years and their award shelves must be feeling the strain, which explains the jump in price for this one. Old World is straight rye whiskey finished in three different wine casks – Madeira, Sauternes and finally Port. The spicy rye combines so well with the sweetness from the casks to create probably the best wine finished rye whiskey in the world. If you want to go all out, then this is the one for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £174.95 // US $179.99

We love wine finished whiskies at The Three Drinkers, so there’s a more detailed article here about Helena’s journey of discovery in Scotland. There’s also a few other fantastic options there that aren’t mentioned above!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

One Drink, Three Ways: Samuel Gelston's Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur

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

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Introducing Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur. The icons of Irish whiskey have ventured into liqueur for the first time in their long history and there’s serious indulgence here with notes of creamy vanilla, toffee, caramel, marshmallow and nougat. It would be amazing in desserts, but we’ve been busy trying it out in cocktails. The Three Drinkers each share their favourite ways to taste it….

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Helena’s Choice: The Belfast Shake

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Smooth and creamy, The Belfast Shake is an absolute indulgence. With notes of vanilla and chocolate and nutty tones too, all intertwined with the rich Irish whiskey backbone it’s a proper boozy shake and I love it! Simply Blend everything until it’s completely mixed and pour it into a hurricane glass. Grate the chocolate on top, add the hazelnuts if you like them, and voila!

The Belfast Shake

Recipe

50ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

60ml almond milk

10ml Orgeat/almond syrup

1 scoop of vanilla ice cream

1 scoop of ice

Garnish: grated dark chocolate & chopped hazelnuts

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Aidy’s Choice: Coffee & Cream

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If you’re anything like me you will love the sound, look and taste of this. Made in the same vein as the Espresso Martini, the Cream Liqueur just takes it to a new level of decadent delight. To mix it up, shake everything without ice. Then add the ice and shake everything again. Strain into a coupe glass and sprinkle some coffee beans over the foam. Think your mouth is watering now?! Just wait until you taste it!

Coffee & Cream

Recipe

30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

30ml vanilla vodka

40ml expresso

10ml caramel syrup

Garnish: coffee beans on foam

Glass: Coupe

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Colin’s Choice: Benbane Cup

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The Espresso Martini’s Irish cousin is the perfect fireplace sipper. Rich liqueur, glorious coffee flavour, creamy texture, and a vodka backbone – I think that’s a very nice checklist indeed. It’s very simple to make. Pour all the ingredients into a glass over ice. Stir to your blending preference and top up with extra ice.

Benbane Cup

Recipe

30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

30ml vodka

20ml cream

20ml coffee liqueur

Glass: Tumbler

UK
ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £17

Enjoy those suggestions? We’ve got plenty more here with Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Glenmorangie X, or Don Papa Rum!

Bushmills Whiskey: An Irish Resurgence.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

I remember when Bushmills was the predominant Irish whiskey in the UK and Ireland. It was a while ago in the 1990s when I was at university and was learning as much as I could about whiskey. Scotch was all dominant, but if you liked Irish whiskey Bushmills was more than likely to be your dram of choice. After this time, other Irish whiskies came to prominence, however, if Proximo, who became Bushmill’s owner in 2014, has anything to do with it, this situation is about to change.

Bushmills has big ambitions to become the biggest Irish whiskey in the world. Now they know this takes time and effort, and that time and effort has to start somewhere. And where better than at home? I recently spoke to Alex Thomas, the master blender at Bushmills. Alex took up the post at the end of last year, and although she said it was a daunting prospect, it was a challenge she relished. Having worked at Bushmills for many years, being given the opportunity to blend Bushmills at a time when the brand was being marketed well for the first time in a long time is exciting. She said “we need to start at home, then one country at a time we have the possibility of becoming the biggest brand in Irish Whiskey”. A big claim, however, she has such conviction I don’t doubt her for a minute.

Bushmills have two great advantages to help them achieve this goal. Alex herself is a great asset, not only with her blending skills but also as an ambassador for the brand, she has an infectious enthusiasm and her knowledge is inexhaustive so to a whisky geek like myself Alex is fascinating to listen to. And secondly, but just as importantly, the whiskies, which are fabulous. I recently tasted three, the 10, 16 and 21 year old expressions and all were very good and exceptional value for money. Especially if one considers the prices of single malt Irish whiskey today.

Bushmills 10 year old

This whisky was the dram I most recognised from the days of old. Smooth and fruity. Melons and peach mix with hints of tropical guava fruit with a floral spicy finish. This whiskey won the best Irish single malt in 2007, and the quality is still there. Found in specialist retailers as well as supermarkets it is great value.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.99

Bushmills 16 year old

This 16 year old expression is a big step up from the 10 year old in its depth and breadth of flavour. Starting its life in ex bourbon casks, the whiskey was then extra matured in ex sherry casks, before finally spending a little time in ex Port casks. All these casks give different flavours and all marry very well together. With a nose of honey and stone fruits it develops on the palate with rich summer fruits, dark honey and tropical flavours. The finish is viscous with syrup and red fruits and a touch of spice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £78

Bushmills 21 year old

This expression moves on nicely from the 16 year old. It has a similar richness, but a great deal more finesse. The nose has similar honey notes but also spiced fruit and dark chocolate. The whisky is matured, like the 16 year old, in ex bourbon and ex sherry casks, but finished for two years in an ex Madeira cask. This gives a tropical mango note on the palate balancing the nutty and dried dark fruit flavours. The finish is sweet with a little damp tobacco and spice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £160

For more whisky content, such as great fruity whisky,  the best whiskies of 2022 and more, click here!

50 Years of Whisky Making History: Billy Walker’s Favourite Bottles from the GlenAllachie Range

We recently had the greatest pleasure of talking to one of the legends of the whisky industry, Billy Walker. Billy has been in the Scotch Whisky industry for 50 years and throughout his time in it has gained many awards including Master Distiller/Blender of the Year at the World Whisky Awards as well as being inducted into Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame in 2020!

Billy grew up in the whisky town of Dumbarton and having developed an interest in making whisky at a young age he went to The University of Glasgow and studied Chemistry gaining a BSc Honours Degree in 1967. It is this chemistry background that Billy has always said stood him in great stead along his whisky making career, and his advice to anyone wanting to make whisky is that having a background in chemistry would be very useful.

Billy’s huge enthusiasm for whisky was evident when he told us “The blending side of the business is unquestionably the most exciting part for me. It encompasses looking at what you have at the start of the journey and using experience to decide what needs to happen to a whisky to get it into that sweet spot such as which casks to place it in, or which casks to finish it in. That’s the most enjoyable side of the business for me”.

As for his favourite thing about the industry, he replied, “There is one thing I will say about this industry, and it may not be my favourite thing, but it is important. While we are competition (for each other), we are friendly competition, we will help each other out. There is no great envy or secrecy about who we are and what we are doing, and we will help each other out in certain circumstances which perhaps wouldn’t happen in other industries”.

We congratulate Billy on his fifty years and can’t wait to see what he produces next. Here are some of his favourite bottles from the GlenAllachie range:

What is the Best Bottle of Whisky for Newbies?

‘If you’re dipping your toe in the water, the 8 year old and the 12 year old are great. These two whiskies give an introduction to the style and the flavour experience that represents the real flavour and personality of GlenAllachie.’

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.95

GlenAllachie 8 Year Old

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £42.44

What is the Best Bottle of Fruity Whisky?

Billy told us ‘From the start we wanted the whisky to be a sherry style whisky which delivers flavour characteristics such as mocha, chocolate, vanilla, Christmas cake and so on, but in terms of a fruity whisky I would say the Port finish or Marsala finish releases. All of these are different styles but they are wonderfully fruity experiences.’

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Ruby Port Wood Finish

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £62.99

What is the Best Bottle of Smoky Whisky?

‘The one I would go for in the range at the moment is the Lum Reek 10 year old Cask Strength. It’s not too peaty and has lots of fruity flavours too. Our journey isn’t finished here as I have been looking at and spending time with these casks and there will be some really, really nice peated expressions coming out in the future.’

Lum Reek 10 Year Old Cask Strength

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.4%
Find here: £69.99

What is the Best Bottle from the GlenAllachie Range for Those Who Want to Splash Out?

‘The single cask range is always good to look out for, but in the near future, a very nice release with a mizunara cask twist is coming. That would be a good call. Also, If you were lucky enough to be in the visitor centre in the last few weeks, there was a sherry cask release which was transferred into a peated cask which was delicious.’

GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Mizunara Virgin Oak Finish
Unfortunately, this has now sold out but more single casks are coming soon!

What is the Best Wine Finished Whisky?

‘I’ve done quite a few of these, I have to say, and we’re continuing to do a lot of interesting work with wine casks. It’s a tough choice, but it would be between a Sauternes cask release and a Grattamacco cask release. It’s hard to choose between the two but the Sauternes release has lots of sweet fresh fruits and is wonderfully well balanced.’

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Finish

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £59.95

What is the Best Virgin Oak Whisky?

‘We have used many virgin oak casks. We’ve looked at Ozark, Chinquapin, Japanese Mizunara, French, Spanish and Scottish oak. My initial favourite was Chinquapin, which as well as the usual notes of honey, vanilla and butterscotch has a hint of anise and liquorice in the background. But the one that I really love is the Scottish Virgin Oak. Some was bottled quite recently but it is hard to get your hands on. The wood is difficult to work with, the coopers hate working with it because it is complicated and has lots of knots but once the whisky is in it and it has been given two to three years it’s terrific.’

GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Chinquapin Virgin Oak Finish

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £61.50

And our final question…

What is your favourite whisky from the whole GlenAllachie Range?

‘That’s difficult to answer. It would have to be the 15 year old, but it would have good competition from the 21 year old. It’s the whisky that I spend a lot of time engaging with... and drinking!’

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £66.95

With those last tempting words from Billy, we leave him to his work of creating some of the most magical drams around and wish him all the best for all the further years of distilling, blending and keeping our palates excited and souls warmed.

For more exciting whisky news, click on this link!