The Best Whisky Tasting Sets

Father’s day is just around the corner, and this always begs a question for me. My father, although not greatly knowledgeable about whisky, does like to drink it fairly regularly. There will always be a bottle or two in the house, and they are usually ones that are tried and tested. He know which ones he likes, and doesn’t vary very much. I know that there must be other whiskies out there that he would like, but I don’t want to splash out on a whole bottle just in case he doesn’t. So for this Father’s day I have been looking at whisky gift sets starting from under £10 which he might find fun, and also find other whiskies he might like without having to buy full bottles. These are some of the more interesting and fun ones I have found, so hopefully they will be useful for you too.

Anthon Berg Single Malts Scotch Whisky Collection

My first selection, although not strictly pure whisky, will certainly let my father try a few flavours without him not liking them entirely. I know he loves chocolate, and chocolate is probably one of the best food pairings for whisky. So, a pack of whisky chocolates should go down a treat. And at under £10 it doesn’t break the bank. In this pack there are 5 whiskies including  sweet highland whiskies, classic Speyside whisky, coastal, island and even a smoky one from Islay. A great little gift box.

Size: 78gr
ABV: Unknown
Find it here: £6.84

Bushmills Irish Whiskey Gift Pack

This is a great way to start to get to know Irish whisky. A good value pack which packs a lot flavour. Bushmills is in Northern Ireland and if you’re ever wanting to visit a great distillery whilst seeing the Giants Causeway, then Bushmills is very close by. Very fruity, easy going whisky which typifies what Irish whisky is all about.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £13.95

Isle of Jura Gift Pack

Hailing from one of my favourite distilleries is a nifty little gift pack from the Isle of Jura. The three whiskies are from their core range, so if your father really likes one of them, then maybe there’s another present for the future sorted. With lots of orchard fruit flavours and honey, with a little whiff of the sea showing the whiskies Island heritage. These are great value.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £15.99

Teeling Trinity gift pack

Whisky doesn’t all have to be about scotch, and I have a few suggestions outside of Scotland. Teeling were the family to bring distilling back to the heart of Dublin and are producing some fabulous whiskey. With lots of fruity tropical flavours and a mix of grain, small batch and single malt, these Irish whiskies I think will be loved by any whisky drinker, and if they haven’t tried Irish whiskey before, they’ll be drinking more of it in the future after tasting this pack.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £19.95

The Discovery collection by the Lost Distillery Company

This is a gift pack with a difference. Over time many Scotch whisky distilleries have closed, never to reopen. The whiskies they made were a different style to today’s whiskies. The Lost Distillery Company have tried to recreate the style of whisky some of these closed distilleries would have been producing. With some history about the distilleries, and three very tasty whiskies, this little gift pack is bit more interesting than the usual brands.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £19.99

Chivas Regal Whisky Blending Kit

Here is a great gift for someone looking to experiment with the types of whisky they like. With a mix of six little bottles of whisky all with different flavour profiles, it allows the whisky lover to make their own special blend. The only fall back is that once they’ve found it, it will be the only one, and completely unreplaceable! But it will be fun. I am presuming however that as it’s a Chivas product, if they like the flavours they are creating, they will most likely find them in a Chivas blend in the shops!

Size: 6 x 5cl
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £24.99

Father’s Day Whisky Tasting Set

Here the chaps at Drinks by the Dram have put together a special tasting pack for Father’s Day. Just in case we’d all forgotten what we’re celebrating. With a mix of smoky and non-smoky scotch, smooth Irish and even a bourbon, this pack has all the major flavour bases covered, and I think it’s the best overall package for someone who has found they like whisky but have no idea where to turn next.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 44.9%
Find it here: £25.95

Nikka Whisky tasting Set

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t include a gift pack with Japanese Whisky. Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, so they’ve been making whisky for rather a long time and have become very good at it. They have two distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagiko and are making all sorts of whisky with some of the best single malts as well as blended malts and grain whiskies. All of which you will find in this fabulous tasting set.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 43.6%
Find it here: £31.95

The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Gift Pack 

It isn’t surprising one of the best-known distilleries in Speyside have put this gift pack together. However, there is something very special about this pack. The Balvenie 17 year old (The whisky which got Aidy hooked), has been discontinued for some time, and it had a huge following with good reason. But here is it, in this exceptional tasting pack from The Balvenie. A great gift for any whisky lover, but unmissable if your dad’s a Balvenie fan.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £39.99

The Character of Islay Whisky Company Premium Whisky Tasting Set

This is a gift pack for the man who you know loves smoky whisky. Inside the pack will give the drinker an experience of tasting whiskies which are normally very expensive to buy as single bottles, with nearly all of them costing well over £100 and the most expensive nearly £400. Beyond that, there is even one in the pack which has been sold out as a single bottle for a while. A set for the Islay aficionado, this is something very special.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 49.1%
Find it here: £54.95

Looking for more whisky recommendations? Look no further than 12 of the best Irish whiskeys and The best whiskies to watch out for this year!

Father's Day Gifts for Drinks Lovers

Sunday 18th June is Father’s Day, but don’t panic if that’s caught you off guard! We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite drinks and gifts that we think are perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

There’s something here for every budget and every drink, so there’s really no excuse to be turning up on the big day with socks as a present again (unless they’re protecting one of these delicious bottles from getting damaged that is!). Let’s get stuck in.

WHISKY

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

If we can be so bold, we absolutely love our collaboration creation and think that whether your Dad is new to whiskey or a seasoned sipper, they will too. We’ve teamed up with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers to produce Red Silkie, an Irish Whiskey that showcases the classic subtle and smoky style alongside classic fruitiness coming from our obsession with 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. 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, so it’s for a good cause too!

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

Old Perth Original

A tribute to Perth in Scotland, this sweet Blended Malt Scotch is rich with raisins from ex-sherry cask ageing. The Christmas cake nose gives way to a buttery palate of a super comforting expression that provides a drinking experience far beyond its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £36.75

Lochlea Our Barley

This Single Malt from Lochlea is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, but also re-charred barriques for a pleasantly rounded smooth and fruity character. It carries complexity beyond its years, masterful smoothness and a light vibrance plush with honied orange, grassy malt, peppery barley, and toasted oak. And let’s not forget a rather lovely bottle perfect for gifting too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

GIN

Audemus Pink Pepper Gin

Any of you who have tuned in to The Three Drinkers in Cognac will know how much we love Audemus. Pure innovation, Audemus’ most famous creation is this, their incredible Pink Pepper Gin. Spicy pink peppercorns lead the botanical line with cardamom and juniper, followed by baking notes of tonka and vanilla, and a more floral side with tonic. There’s a touch of warmth, florality, spice and fruitiness to this well-rounded gin that really has that special feeling in bucketloads. A must-try for any gin loving Dad.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £38

Atlas Shichimi Gin

Atlas has established a stellar reputation for exotic gins, and if you’re familiar with Japanese cooking, you might recognise shichimi as the popular spice blend used in Japan for centuries. This unusual but moreish umami profile is expanded with nori seaweed, gyokuro green tea, Sichuan peppercorn and ginger, with juniper and citrus injecting some familiar freshness. Wonderfully aromatic and warming, this is an exciting gin to try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

RUM

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

This silky molasses-based Venezuelan blend uses exclusive rum reserves aged for up to 12 years before they come to rest in their charming vintage-style bottle. The mouthfeel will likely remind you of wine with a similar viscosity, with blossoming notes of toffee, orange chocolate and liquorice before an indulgent fudgy finish. Treat your Dad to the Gold Medal winner of the 2019 Rum Masters.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $41.99

Sansho Spiced Rum

Completely eye-catching, this stand-out spirit dresses premium English rum in Japanese flavours. The rum is packed full of vibrant and rich layers; the sansho berries provide tongue tingling peppery citrus notes, the base rum made with 100% sugar cane molasses gives a Christmas cake sweetness, the Okinawan sugar provides rich treacly layers and there is smoky soy and sesame which gives the usual tobacco and oak flavours you would expect to find in an aged rum. It is absolutely exquisite and sings with a good ginger beer and ice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

VODKA

Blacklion Vodka

How about Europe’s first sheep’s milk vodka for Father’s Day? After tasting a sip, you might wonder why it hasn’t been done before (the awards panels certainly are!). Unbelievably smooth, the sugars-rich whey left over from the cheesemaking process is triple-distilled and triple-filtered to produce this rare, visionary, small-batch, and eco-conscious British vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £6

Dimas Vodka

If you’ve never heard of Dima’s Vodka before then allow us the pleasure of introducing, you. Hailing from Ukraine, this multi-grain mix (wheat, rye, and barley) is brimming with spice and creamy character. To complete the experience, drink alongside pickles as is the tradition!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

TEQUILA/MEZCAL

Ilegal Joven Mezcal

Illegal’s mezcal portfolio is stunning and we could really recommend any of them, but we’ve picked out this young Joven Mezcal. Traditionally produced with roasted agave in an earthen pit, delicious notes of dried fruits and herbs come through as well as smoky, peppery agave and some caramel sweetness. The perfect present for a tequila-loving Dad who wants to dip into the underappreciated world of mezcal!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $36.99

Don Julio Tequila Blanco

When perusing quality agave concoctions, you’re never far from Don Julio. Their Blanco is bottled (and stylishly so) straight after distillation meaning it’s packed full of fresh agave flavour. There’s a subtle burst of bright citrus but overall, this is just a stunning Blanco that doesn’t shy away from agave and is one of the smoothest around.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $49.99

COGNAC

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

If your Dad is a cognac drinker then you’re in luck, because with The Three Drinkers in Cognac available to watch now on Amazon Prime, we are obsessed with the stuff. The ever-reliable Rémy Martin produced this delicious VSOP to celebrate Louis XV’S decision to let them plant new vines on their land back in 1738 (which was illegal at the time). Complex fruits swirl around with orange coming to the fore, as caramel and spice intertwine harmoniously – if that doesn’t sound delicious, I don’t know what does.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £55.74 // US $69.99

Courvoisier VSOP

The winner of the highly regarded Master award in the Super Premium category at the Luxury Masters, this VSOP from the iconic Courvoisier has aged for around 10 years (which is well beyond the legal minimum). The fruity citrus is deep and rich, but it’s the warm notes of coffee, brown sugar, buttery toast, cinnamon, and vanilla that stand out here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Hermitage is notable for doing things a little differently from most cognac houses, in that each of their bottles including this 10-year-old are single-estate and unblended. Most cognacs use eaux-de-vie from different growing areas, but sticking to one estate creates a bold and expressive mix. The roasted nuts have come through with age, as has the peppery spice and oakiness. This is the perfect present for someone who likes to take their time and sip their cognac neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.95

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre

Grand Marnier is another legendary creation from the cognac region, and it is in fact half cognac itself. The other half is bitter orange, and the expert blending of the two (which you can witness in our new show… hint hint ;) ) is what makes this a bartender’s favourite. Their Louis Alexandre is a little less sweet and instead drier than the original as it is in fact not a 50:50 mix but goes heavier on the cognac instead... a nod to Louis himself who liked his serve a little stronger. Pure luxury.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £48.99 // US $69.99

Aphro Palm

If you want to try something completely new, look no further. Aphro is made using alcohol distilled from Palm Wine (from Palm tree trunks). This Palm Spirit is widespread across parts of West Africa, and Aphro wants to refine it for us all to enjoy. Triple distilled, it’s wonderfully smooth and infused with tropical fruits, herbs, and spices from all over the continent. ‘The Nubi’ is flavoured with pineapple, passion fruit and honey, and ‘The Moor’ is ginger xylopia Ethiopia (fruit tree) and honey. With such gorgeous bottling too, Aphro is perfect for the curious drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.99

BEST MIXERS

Franklin and Sons

Franklin and Sons are absolute pioneers of the soft drinks space, ever since their beginnings in Victorian London. They specialise in natural and innovative flavourings with tonics, mixers, and soft drinks to suit all kinds of serves. It’s totally worth checking out their full range here, but we really recommend their warm Original Ginger Ale, sunny Sicilian Lemon, and aromatic Natural Rose Lemonade. We use them all the time and boy can they elevate a drink to that next level.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £20 24x200ml

AMAZING GLASSWARE

Glencairn Dad’s Wee Whisky Bundle

If your Dad loves whisky, then Father’s Day may well be the perfect opportunity to fit him out with some premium glassware to enhance the drinking experience. We use the Glencairn glass not just for whisky but cognac too because it opens up the nuances in quality liquids and feels great – it’s the world’s favourite whisky glass for a reason.

Includes: Two Wee Glencairn Glasses, a Wee Glencairn Jug and a Glencairn pipette
Find here: £35 (usually more!)

If your Dad prefers Dark Rums, then we just happen to have released our 2023 Guide here with top notch recommendations!

The Best Whiskies to Watch Out for This Year

Every year seems to see even more releases of whisky, and this year one of the things I have noticed is the rise of blended whisky. In recent years with the likes of Woven whisky, more people are understanding the quality that can come from this category. There are also more whiskies being released from beyond the borders of Scotland all of which I will reveal below. So without further a do, here is bottle one…

Perpetuity Blended Scotch Whisky Batch 1

The Port of Leith distilling company has been inspired by one of my favourite concepts, the infinity bottle. They have created a constantly changing vat of single malt and single grain whiskies from the three largest areas in Scotland, the lowlands, highlands, and Speyside. They are bottling the whisky in batches as the whiskies evolve. We know that in batch 1, there is grain whisky from North British and Malts from Deanston and Glentauchers included. It’s complex with vanilla and red apples and a little marmalade. Ginger, popcorn, citrus and a zesty finish make this a very good blend.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45.7%
Find it here: £39.95 

Bushmills 25 and 30 year old

Bushmills has in recent years had a rebrand and some changes made to the blending of their single malt casks with fabulous results. Very recently they have added two much older to their range. A 25 and 30 year old. The 25-year-old is matured initially in ex-bourbon and sherry casks and then finished in a port pipe giving lots of red fruit flavours along with the typical Bushmills tropical fruit. The 30-year-old was also initially matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks but for the later 16 years of its life in casks first-fill Pedro Ximénez casks were used. It’s hugely rich and complex yet full of life and vigour, both are drams to savour.

Bushmills 25 Year Old
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £790// US $1099

Bushmills 30 Year Old
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £1900

Turntable

There are three blended whiskies to look out for from brothers Ally and Gordon Stevenson. With many years of experience, they wanted to help raise the appeal of blended whisky and have managed it in style. The three whiskies start with Track 1: Joy.discovery.invention which is a blend of a Knockdhu Chinkapin barrel, Linkwood Virgin oak barrel, and two grain whiskies, Girvan from a red wine barrel and Strathclyde from a Cognac barrel. Track 2 is Firestarter which uses a Caol Ila virgin oak cask, Benrinnes Chinkapin barrel and Cameronbridge and Invergordon grain whiskies from a virgin oak barrel. Finally, Track 3, Purple Haze, is from a blend of Balmenach from a PX sherry puncheon, Craigellachie from an Oloroso sherry but, and Invergordon from a sherry barrel. With each bottle, there is a predominant flavour; fruity, smoky and sherried. And all are excellent!

Track 1: Joy.discovery.invention
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £69

Track 2: Firestarter
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £69

Track 3: Purple Haze
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £69

Nikka Days

The whiskies on this list are mostly new, but I wanted to highlight a whisky one should always be on the lookout for. Japanese whisky these days can be quite expensive, and for good reason, the quality is very high and the quantities for each market are usually quite limited. However, there is a bottling that I think really stands out in the cost-to-value equation. Nikka Days, is a Japanese blended whisky using both the single malt distilleries Nikka own, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. It is a carefully crafted blend with lots of fruit and some soft smoke in the background making it a great all-round Japanese blend at an affordable price.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £39.90 // US $49.99

Oban Young Teddy The Macleans

This is the second release in the series, the first being called Old Teddy, and both are inspired by father and son who both worked at Oban Distillery. This whisky is finished in Palo Cortado and Oloroso Sherry casks and although it is complex with lots of fruit it is extremely approachable and easy to drink. This can only be bought if you visit the distillery, and I know it’s a long way to go, but it will make the journey worth all the effort. The distillery is a great one to see as it’s one of the very few in the heart of a town, and Oban is stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.8%
Find it here: Only available at the distillery.

Morris Muscat Barrels

The Morris distillery can be found in the small town of Rutherglen. Not the one in Glasgow, but in Australia! The distillery is sited on the same site as the family winery, so there is a great source of interesting wine casks to use. This expression has been matured in both French and American oak but then finished in Morris Muscat Barrels giving loads of rich sweet fruit flavours and a spicy finish. Yum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £74.70

Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition

This special edition Kentucky Owl combines the art of Japanese whisky blending and bourbon. Takumi means ‘Master’ in Japanese and this blend has been designed by the master blender from the Nagahama distillery, Yusuke Yahisa and John Rhea from Kentucky Owl. It is a blend of 4, 5, 6 and 13 year old bourbons and has complex flavours of rye bread, toffee, caramel, and soft spices with apples and pears and a touch of chocolate.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: UK £125 // US $149.99

Glenmorangie 15 Cadboll State, Single Estate Limited Release

This is an expression of Glenmorangie which couldn’t be a better representation of the whisky the distillery can create. Made with barley from the Cadboll estate, this is a blend of two harvests, matured in American oak and then finished in ex-Amontillado casks, which is master blender Dr. Bill’s favourite sherry. It is the third release of this 15-year-old whisky and is creamy and nutty with toffee notes and cloves. An elegant whisky, and a favourite of mine from Glenmorangie.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £75 // US $84.99

Ardbeg BizarreBQ

Another very experimental bottling from the cult Ardbeg distillery. Using double charred casks and PX sherry casks, they also used unique BBQ casks which give lots of flavour of smoked meats and grilled, charred peppers and coffee. It’s big, it’s bold and it’s beautiful. As a limited edition, if you find one, I wouldn’t hang around thinking about it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.9%
Find it here: £159.95

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky - Release 35

Two brewers is made by Alan Hansen and Bob Baxter, who are two brewers in the Yukon area of Canada. In 2009 they extended their skills by buying a still and began to make whisky. This has been made with fourteen different mashes and matured in both ex bourbon barrels and virgin oak barrels for over eight years. Each of their releases is different and this one is exceptional. This is the first UK release and there are only 132 bottles.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £84.95

Wire Works Caduro 

This hails from the White Peak distillery in Derbyshire and is the first release from Max and Claire in 2023. It is a lightly peated malt whisky using ex bourbon barrels and STR casks (shaved, toasted, and re-charred). This is every bit as good as previous releases and the subtle use of peat gives extra interest. It’ll be interesting to see how their core range develops, and these limited releases are certainly worth trying.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find it here: £59.95 

Words by Colin Hampden-White

If you’re looking for more whiskey recommendations, then head over to 12 Of The Best Irish Whiskeys or have a look at The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie Irish Whiskey.

Heavenly Chocolate and Drinks Pairings

We love drinks, and we love chocolate (who doesn’t), but just lumping together two delicious things in their own right doesn’t guarantee a hit. There are lots of strong flavours involved here, but if you get it right then it’s magical.

Don’t get us wrong, ‘getting it right’ is whatever tastes good for you, but these matchups below are ones we love. White, fruit and nut, dark, truffles, mint, orange... all of these chocolates will be made even better when washed down with these delicious drinks.

WHITE CHOCOLATE

Martini - Asti Spumante

A sweet and bubbly Italian Asti like this is the perfect complement to the creamy richness of white chocolate, which can become sickly disappointingly quickly. The wine's light, fruity notes and refreshing effervescence help cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced pairing. Plus, the wine's crisp acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites, making for an indulgence experience that can go on that bit longer!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: UK £7.49 (usually more!) // US $15.99

Fruit & Nut Milk Chocolate

Kopke Tawny Port

A glass of Tawny Port to wash down fruit and nut milk chocolate is sublime. From the oldest port house around, this is quite light as ports go, with those gorgeous, dried fruits notes brought to the fore by the chocolate flavouring. It’s also richer and less sweet relative to similar styles, which is ideal because that milk chocolate will still bring plenty of sweetness on its own. The chocolatey, vanilla character subtly running through Kopke’s velvety smooth texture really enriches the creaminess of the chocolate too. An elegant combination if ever there was one.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

Fruit & Nut Dark Chocolate

Croft 'Quinta Da Roeda' Vintage Port 2004

For a darker fruit and nut choc, we go from one Portuguese port master to another in Croft. Elegantly structured, this decade-old ruby red has opulent notes of raisin, black cherry, vanilla, and crucially, dark chocolate. Not only do the fruits play into the chocolate perfectly, but they’re also just sweet enough to offset any dark choc bitterness. Ports also get nuttier with age, so after 10 years of aging those nutty notes will only be elevated even further here. Delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20.5%
Find here: £24.99 (£21.99 Mix Six Price)

Dark Chocolate & Truffles

Fonseca Reserve Ruby Port

Dark Chocolate, Truffles and Ruby Port – the nights that dreams are made of, right? Again, there’s a sophisticated sweetness here that suits the bittersweet chocolate perfectly and the same goes for the truffles. The full-bodied complexity and luxurious depth of purple fruits suit dark chocolate and truffles so indulgently well. This is a world away from easter eggs now (not that there’s anything wrong with them either).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: UK £13.99 // US $19.99

Orange Chocolate

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

With its incredibly rich history, Courvoisier has had years to perfect its style and as a result, they have a gorgeous VSOP that is a benchmark in the region. Around a decade of aging gives amazing depth with fragrant oakiness, soft warmth from coffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and most relevant of all, delicate vanilla and citrus. A glass of chilled Courvoisier in one hand, and a chocolate orange ball in the other, oh, yes.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Mint Chocolate

Ardbeg An Oa Scotch Whisky

Mint chocolate is a more challenging pairing. As anyone who’s made the mistake of mixing mint choc with other flavours knows, it’s a dominant force. Therefore, we need a whisky that isn’t for the faint of heart. Islay Scotch is known for its power, and Ardbeg is no exception. Smooth sweetness sits under bold smoke and peat which creates an extremely memorable menthol profile with the mint, and the dark chocolate notes obviously pair well too. A glass of An Oa Scotch and some mint chocolate? Now that’s how you end a meal.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46.6%
Find here: UK £43.90 // US $68.99

There’s more to Easter feasting than just chocolate though, so if you want more amazing flavour marriages for the rest of your Easter grub go here!

The Best Whisky to Gift For an 18th Birthday!

I remember my eighteenth birthday well. Sandwiched between Christmas and New Year it was spent with family on Royal Deeside. However, I remember my first Burns Night as an eighteen year old with even more fondness. It involved a bottle of Glenlivet 18-year-old and a haggis that by diligently turning a kettle I had commandeered on and off, I managed to (eventually!) cook - the result was surprisingly good but I wouldn’t recommend you try it at home. Although I don’t remember the whisky from my eighteenth birthday, that Burns Night was one to remember, and it made me think about which 18 year old whiskies I’d suggest to anyone for an 18th birthday so here are my suggestions for a memorable day. 

Glen Moray 18 Year Old

As the Glen Moray Classic is the best value single malt on the market, the 18 year old has to be one of the best value 18 year olds on the market. Finding an 18 year old these days for under £80 is near impossible, but Glen Moray have managed it. With a beautifully balanced mixture of ex-sherry casks and ex-bourbon casks, there is plenty of complexity, and it is very smooth. So smooth, you’ll need to be careful you don’t finish the bottle too quickly.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.2%
Find it here: £73

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old

Bottled without chill filtering and any colouring, this is a very welcome bottle from a great Islay distillery. With a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks used there is plenty of rich dried fruit alongside nutty flavours, spice and a touch of salinity. If you’d like a whisky from Islay, but aren’t a fan of smoky whisky, then this is for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find it here: UK £128 // US $299.99

Glenlivet 18 Year Old

One of the most popular distilleries in the world also makes a great 18 year old, however, there isn’t much of it around as they use so much for their 12 and 15 year old whiskies! The 18 year old is created in batches using both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry there is a great deal of complexity and at 40% it is very smooth. The current batch is nearly sold out, so if you find some I’d buy some as the price is likely to go up! There will be another batch along this year. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £115 // US $150.99

Highland Park 18 Year Old 

Possibly my favourite 18 year old whisky of all time. Supremely complex with a typical salinity unique to highland park, but with sweetness from honey flavours and white fleshy stone fruits. The design changed in 2017 to a design inspired by wood carvings from Urnes Stave church creating a very pretty bottle. This is a rich whisky, and although the deisgn might be new the liquid, thankfully has remained the same and is as good as it always was.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £110.53 // US $139.99

Fettercairn 18 Year Old

If Highland Park is an old favourite of mine, Fettercairn 18 is my new favourite. Created recently with a unique finish in Scottish oak, this 18 year old typifies highland whisky. It’s fruity with lots of orchard fruits and vanilla, but also has a spicy, peppery note on the back palate which continues into the finish, which is particular to Scottish oak, and if not handled carefully can be overdone, however, Fettercairn have got it just right and this whisky is full of both nostalgia and innovation. A welcome expression in an already brilliant Fettercairn line-up.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find it here: £174.95

Glengoyne 18 Year Old

This highland whisky has been made with both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, but where it differs from others is the ratio of one to the other. Glengoyne have used a larger proportion of ex-sherry casks than most other 18 year olds giving lots of fruit cake flavours and spice. There’s plenty of depth and breadth and very long finish. The 18 year old takes over from the 17 year old, which was very good, but this is better and perfect for any sherried whisky fan.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £114.95 // US $189.99

Glendronach 18 Year Old

Moving on from an 18 year old with lots of ex-sherry casks used, to one that uses only ex-sherry casks. This is the epitome of a sherry cask whisky, and for me as great if not greater than the great Macallan 18 year old. The batches sell out quickly, and there is precious little left of this batch, so catch it when you can. Expect big spicy flavours and dark chocolate, coffee, rich fruit cake and sweet dried apricots and raisins. A big whisky which stands up to all the hype.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £145 // US $201.99

Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old

18 Year old Scotch whisky isn’t all about single malt. Created by former Johniie Walker Master Blender Jim Beverage, this whisky is considered as one of the best blended 18 year old whiskies ever made. It is rich and very well balanced with spicy flavours and sweet orchard fruits, and honey with a creamy mouth feel and a very long finish. Considering its age, this is very good value and stands up in quality to any single malt.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £60.99 // US $79.99

There are many 18 year old whiskies around, and most of them are very good, and the above are whiskies I would be proud to open if I were having my 18th birthday again. Sadly, that’s a long time ago now! However, if you are about to pass the legal drinking age, may I suggest splurging out on a great bottle, as It’s a day you’ll never forget, so why not have a whisky to remember too?

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.

Rosewood London + Glenfiddich Present: THE TIME:CAPSULE

You only need another birthday to roll around to realise how quickly time can fly by and let’s face it, we can all be guilty of not slowing down to appreciate things more. Whether it’s waiting at a drive-thru or following your lost Deliveroo driver on the map with despair, it’s the age of convenience and whilst that has benefits, it also makes the idea of slowing down very appealing.

Encouraging people to do just that are Scotch icons Glenfiddich and luxury 5-star hotel Rosewood London, with Time:Capsule, a stylish terrace transformed into a fully immersive cocktail dining space. This is a place to saviour Glenfiddich whisky as it should be savoured and that’s by taking your time with it. The cosy interior welcomes you in, and visual projections paint the walls whilst you peruse a specialist menu created by Yann Bouvignies, the renowned head of mixology at Rosewood.

The versatility of Glenfiddich’s range is masterfully utilised in inventive concoctions like the 12-year-old blend with tonka and coffee, and roasted bee pollen, aloe vera and oloroso sherry. At the higher end of the whisky menu you’ll find the Time Re:Imagined collection including the 30-Year-Old Suspended Time and 40-Year-Old Cumulative Time boasting decades of flavour in one blissful sip. If anything displays the benefit of taking your time, it’s these drams. Order a glass from the Glenfidich Grand Series, and you’re in with the chance of winning a bottle of the 30-Year-Old alongside a stay at the Rosewood!

There’s even the Holborn Dining Room on hand to provide comforting dishes like Loch Duart smoked salmon rillettes with Exmoor caviar, hearty Game Pie and the ridiculously seductive blackberry and apple crumble with Glenfiddich infused custard.

The idyllic urban escape gives you all the time to relax in stunning sensory-stimulating surroundings and explore the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch neat, or at the heart of exquisite cocktails. Every detail has been considered to create the, ‘step in and slow down’ feeling, from the illuminated tunnel opening up into the courtyard to the evolving visuals.

The unique retreat will be open until the Spring so if you want to eye up the enticing menu already take a look here.

Words by Aidy Smith

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.