The Best No & Low Drinks To Discover in 2021

Written by Aidy Smith

As we enter 2021, many of us are making decisions to better our mental health and wellbeing which sometimes means drinking less but better. I’ll be honest in that I’ve never been a fan of ‘Dry January’, but what I do believe in is making better life choices throughout the year. In this piece I’ll be showing you first-hand how no and low alcohol doesn’t have to mean zero taste, quite the opposite actually. In 2020 more no-low products entered the market than ever and the category is now continuing to boom. Again, I’ll be upfront in saying there’s some stuff on the market that has been rushed to hit a fad and, in my opinion, shouldn’t be in people’s glasses, but everything below has my endorsement out of the hundreds of products i’ve tried from this category. Enjoy!

HOLOS 'Sparkling Oolong' Kombucha (750ml)

How about a sparkling Kombucha made from Oolong tea leaves? Fermented in West Sussex using luxury loose leaf Oolong, this treat is a perfect excuse to toast amongst mates when you don’t want an ABV in your glass. Notes of elderflower and lychee intertwine, making this a floral driven sweet treat – it’s like the demi-sec of Kombucha. 

£24 (for 2) from HOLOS kombucha

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea RØD
(750ml, 5% ABV)

A renowned sommelier from Denmark loved his tea and one day it just hit him – why don’t we explore the same process with tea leaves instead of grapes?! The result was quite genius, I never thought I’d exclaim that I truly enjoyed drinking a sparkling version of tea, but here goes, it’s great! RØD is their version of a sparkling rosé and is ripe with blackberries, red berries, hibiscus and a balanced citrus. Lady Grey and Early Grey teas (two of my favourites!) create a slight bitterness from the bergamot oil which balances everything together quite nicely. Honestly, this is something you’ve got to try!

£18.50 from Fortnum & Mason

The Original Small Beer Session Pale
(350ml, 2.5% ABV)

Hands down one of the BEST low alcohol beers on the market. I visited the brewery last year and saw first hand how they create these wonders. The Session Pale is one of my faves, given it has such a tropical fruit backbone to it with a little apricot thrown in. You get that refreshing juicy burst of fruit followed by a crisp balanced hoppy finish. The best bit? It just tastes like a really well made beer – the alcohol content doesn’t even cross your mind. Small beer, great minds. 

£12 for 6 from Majestic

OTO CBD Botanical Seltzers (250ml)

Two things began to surge in 2020 – seltzers and CBD. OTO is arguably the most luxurious and quality driven CBD brand on the market right now. So, when they decided to launch their own seltzer range, naturally, I got pretty excited. I’ve been using the products for a fair while now and can confidently say my anxiety levels have fallen and I feel a better sense of calm. There are three flavours, each containing 25mg of CBD and matching the 3 categories across the OTO range - Focus (Korean Sencha, Mint and Kampot Pepper), Amplify (Bitter Orange, Goji Berry and Habanero Chilli Extract) and Balance (Elderflower, Cucumber and Liquorice). Honestly, they are well worth a try. As we enter 2021 health is our most important asset and we’re going to need to invest in it. 

£11 for 3-Pack from OTOCBD.com

McGuigan Zero Rosé (750ml)

Finally, a de-alcoholised wine that actually tastes decent. Many have tried, few have succeeded, but I have to say McGuigan have done a great job. The magic lies in spinning cone technology, which draws the wine into fine layers for enhanced vaporisation. This basically means alcohol is removed at much lower temperatures so the taste can remain! The result is not just aromatic and vibrant, it’s bursting with fresh strawberries, cherries and a citric kick which holds everything together. 

£5 from Sainsbury’s 

Sea Arch Coastal Juniper (700ml)

If you’re longing to feel the sea breeze against your skin like the good old days when we actually leave our towns and cities, well, this may be for you. This 0% gin takes inspiration from its Devon based roots. 

Aromatic juniper berry with herbal notes of sage upfront. Coriander and grapefruit peel results in a clean, crisp feel on the palate along with some peppery notes. Sweet blood orange adds complexity and together with lemon undertones drives the perception of juiciness. Cardamom spice gives a balanced warmth to the finish. Sugar kelp and samphire are the stars of the show, with juniper, coriander and blood orange playing the harmony in the background. Add a splash of your favourite tonic and you’ll unravel juniper and bitter grapefruit with a sweet-spice blood orange and breeze of seaside herbs. 

£25 from SeaArchDrinks.com

Mockingbird Spirit (500ml)

Say hello to the UK’s first tequila alternative with zero alcohol, made using blue weber agave. I have to say, this for me has be one of the most exciting discoveries of the year so far. I judge hundreds of tequilas each year and this really does attain the major components (minus the alcohol taste)  of a quality driven reposado tequila. There’s a sweet vanilla glaze from what would have been oak ageing, married together with the plush and juicy blue weber agave. A kick of habanero spice comes into play, all the while creating a succulent drink which leaves you wanting more. Completely unexpected (as I’m always so sceptical when it comes to no-alcohol adaptations of spirits) but thoroughly delighted. 

£23 from MockingbirdSpirit.com

Mother Root (480ml)

Ginger, honey and apple cider vinegar are 3 components that if we take on a daily basis can really boost our immunity and keep our gut in good stead. Mother Root has managed to combine all 3 ingredients into a non-alcoholic drink which can now be enjoyed as part of a routine versus a forced concoction each morning. Inspired by an age-old American recipe this infusion of pressed ginger juice, blossom honey and organic apple cider vinegar entice the tastebuds. Perfectly paired with a light tonic (to retain the flavours) and a big slice of orange or sprig of rosemary for something a little more savoury. Another evolution for the world of drink and health. 

£19 from MotherRoot.London

Caleño Light & Zesty (500ml)

Columbia is a country that I’ve long wanted to visit. Sadly, right now that’s not but possible – but what I can do is taste the equivalent in a glass with Caleño. Inspired by a variety of tropical, citrus and spice ingredients such as Inca berry, pineapple, papaya and coconut, to name just a few, Caleño gives us a burst of sunshine in a glass. Zesty, tropical, sweet and tangy all in one – there’s a surge of memorable flavours that leaves you wanting more. This non-alcoholic spirit is growing rapidly and with good reason. 

£18 from Amazon

How to Improve your Mood

It’s no secret that many of us are struggling right now more than we would. Most of the things that put a smile on our face are forbidden, but not ALL of them. That’s where today’s little tidbits of advice come into play. 

Yes, there’s a variety of little things you can do on a day-to-day basis which within the space of just a few seconds can bring a little cheer back into your life and perk up your mentality and mood. Some may sound silly, some may sound obvious, but at the end of the day as long as they work that’s all that matters. Ready?

Smile at yourself in the mirror

It might sound ridiculous but smiling at yourself in a mirror makes you feel slightly uncomfortable and silly to the point that your false smile becomes a real smile. Try it. 

Spend a little time with your pet if you have one

Comfort and knowing that we are responsible for someone else brings a great deal of joy to our lives. It also puts our mood into perspective. When we spend time with our kids or our pets, no matter how needy they can sometimes be, it brings a great deal of joy to our lives. It’s proven to emit certain hormones that give you a wider third-person perspective to realize that life isn’t all doom and gloom and what you are surrounded by is in fact very important and a beautiful reason to be alive. 

Laugh

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. Have that comedian you adore or that TikTok / Instagram profile that makes your dimples grow. Laughter is one of life’s greatest medicines, so if you’re ever feeling blue, a couple of minutes of watching something humorous will set you back on good form. 

Talk to upbeat people

Our brains and bodies release a hormone called oxytocin to strengthen the relationships we have with those around us. Your brain/body releases oxytocin to strengthen relationships. Oxytocin gets released during light caresses, sex, when someone shows they trust you, and sometimes even simply with talking. When released, oxytocin increases feelings of attachment for another person, as well as feelings of trust

Have Sex, Masturbate or get a Sex Toy

I’m not kidding – and while some people may laugh at this (good, I made you happy), sex emits a surge of hormones that really lift our spirit and mood. If you live by yourself or don’t have a partner then put things back into your own hands right now in your bedroom. There’s no shame in talking about topics like this. Mental health is a serious and complex thing and sex has been proven to have a positive impact on our moods through the release of countless hormones. 

De-clutter or Re-arrange things in your room

Changing an environment can help us feel refreshed, enabling us to bust out of a negative mood. Clutter spikes cortisol, getting rid of it decreases it!

Listen to sad songs and cry. 

Might sound a little counter-productive, but allowing yourself to get rid of those pent up emotions is a release. Once you’ve had that release your happiness meter is re-filled and you’ll be less likely to dwell on the negativity. 

Compliment someone else

Tell a friend they look nice in a photo, drop a message to someone out of the blue reminding them of something you loved that they did. Basically, if you can give a compliment to someone, go ahead and do it. Research has shown that we get a spike in happiness knowing we are making others happy. 

https://www.titlemax.com/discovery-center/lifestyle/scientifically-proven-ways-improve-your-mood/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/hide-and-seek/201701/10-simple-ways-improve-your-mood-when-youre-feeling-down

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/5-tips-to-boost-your-mood/

https://greatist.com/happiness/34-ways-bust-bad-mood-ten-minutes#8

Perfect Drinks for Date Night

Words by Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin

The biggest date night of the year is upon us, so be it still wine, bubbles, vodka or gin that you like to drink the most, here is Helena and Aidy’s selection of top picks to make your night the best yet, whether it’s a romantic date for two or a pamper date for one...

Cupid’s Perfect Sparkle

Taittinger Prestige Rosé Champagne

A deeply coloured, exceptionally vibrant rosé champagne produced using top class Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys and a fair whack of Chardonnay that rounds everything out beautifully. Youthful in appeal, it’s a wine packed with bright red berry fruit with an elegant, smooth body and creamy mousse. This is no wallflower champagne. It demands attention! HN

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £38

Rathfinny Sparkling Rosé 2017

Rathfinny Estate is located on a prime, south-facing slope in East Sussex, where world class sparkling wines are produced largely from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Their sparkling rosé 2017 is a blend of 63% Pinot Noir, 19% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Meunier. It has an elegant, cherry blossom pink hue with notes of crunchy red berries and a subtle, spicy finish. HN

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £36 (includes a complimentary gift box for Valentine’s Day.)

Hattingley Valley Sparkling Rosé 2017

Internationally renowned for its delicious English sparkling wines, Hattingley Valley has created its first-ever limited edition label just in time for Valentine’s day. A blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir Précoce this award-winning 2017 sparkling rosé has delicious notes of strawberry coulis, a creamy texture and perfectly balanced acidity. Pair this with clam chowder - trust us, you won’t regret it. AS

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £41

White & Rosé Wonders

Gran Moraine Chardonnay 2017

There’s nothing quite like a good Chardonnay to sip as you wind down in the evening and right now this beauty from Oregon is piquing our intrigue. Deriving from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, this rich, fruity and balanced Chard is bursting with flavour and the most important thing for me in a wine like this – texture. Some people love oak, others don’t, but this has the perfect balance, making it incredibly well rounded and sumptuous. Rich, but not overpowering you can expect to taste apricot, buttery lemon, kiwis and clementines. For those who love Chardonnay, this is for you. For those who don’t, I’d dare say it will convert you. AS

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Find here: £43

Kylie Minogue, Rosé 2019

Super easy-drinking, fruity and soft, Kylie’s first wine project is still an absolute smash hit. Made from Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon from the South of France, Kylie has manage to create a beautifully packed, pretty, pink drop that knocks it out of the park for value.

Size 75cl

ABV: 12.5%

Find here: £9

Marques de Murrieta Primer Rose 2017 

Imagine the most beautiful rosé you’ve had from Provence, something along the lines of Domaine Ott? Well, say hello to the Spanish equivalent. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this. Strawberries, cream and raspberries erupt from the glass and with it so much texture. You’ll often hear me harp on about that word – but for whites and rosés, texture is key for me! This is the wine to be popping the cork on when the sun shines outside (and when I want it to shine inside, too). AS

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £29.35

Changyu Moser XV Blanc de Noir 2016

Allow us to introduce you to the first white Cabernet Sauvignon from China – and my god is it beautiful. Firstly, the vines are around 15 years old – which is pretty unheard of when it comes to rosé. The vines themselves are located in the Ningxia province with Lenz M. Moser continuing to establish his name as a pioneering force of nature for Chinese wines. Estate bottled for that final seal of quality, you can expect grapefruit peel, exotic fruits and an array of crushed raspberries and apple. Zippy and refreshing with texture – and as you know, texture is everything. AS

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £18.99

Romantic Red Wines

Saint Amour, Domaine Des Côtes de la Roche, Beaujolais, 2018

No date night is complete without a bottle of Saint-Amour. This vibrant, perfumed and fruity wine made with the Gamay grape hails from one of the lesser known and smallest of the ten Beaujolais ‘Crus’. It’s refreshing and lively with notes of concentrated blackcurrant and dark cherry with a whiff of wild strawberry and a slick of slate. Very easy, very pretty wine. HN

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £11.50

Maruxa Mencia, Virgen del Galir, 2019,

Mencia is a grape that we will see exploding onto the wine scene soon as more and more people look towards lighter, crunchier, more refreshing red wines styles. Hailing most famously from Northwestern Spain, Mencia has similar strawberry and cherry-like qualities and high acidity, like Pinot Noir and Gamay, but add to the mix a touch of licorice and plum spice and a cool minerality with this one, which is made in tiny quantities by the same people responsible for the fabulous Contino Rioja. HN

Size: 75cl
ABV: 14%
Find here: UK £12.99 per bottle (£10.99 mix six).

Bolney Estate Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir has garnered a reputation as the heartbreak grape as it needs contact care and attention to flourish, but when it does, it certainly gives the love back. This Pinot from Bolney Estate is light, elegant and silky, with understated notes of cherry and red plum with just the slightest hint of spice. Perfect if you’re after wine with a lighter touch and it goes perfectly with cold cuts, smoked salmon and hard, mature cheese. HN

Size: 75cl
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: UK £19.99

The McGuigan Reserve Shiraz

If a more easy-going, rich and juicy wine is what you’re after, then an Australian Shiraz will be your vinous comfort blanket. The Mcguigan Reserve Shiraz is our go-to, easy drinker thanks to its chocolatey texture and notes of blackcurrant, mint and damson conserve. Concentrated and spice, it’s a warm hug in a glass - one of the very few dry wine styles that can take chocolate and pairs perfectly with a snuggle on the sofa. HN

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £7.

English Wine Gifting: Hampers, Tastings, Tours & More

Gusbourne X Cartografie Chocolate

The ultimate, elegant, English pairing featuring one of the most exciting wine producers in the UK and an emerging, boutique chocolatier, hand crafting beautiful, single origin, single bean chocolates. This duo features the stunning, 2016 rosé from Gusbourne in Appledore, Kent with its notes of crips apple, cherry and strawberry and a Cartografie box containing 4 hand-crafted, ganache filled chocolates. HN & AS

Find here: here

Rathfinny Estate: Hampers, Accommodation mid vines, Tasting packs.

Rathfinny are also offering Valentine’s day hampers packed full of fresh, local produce and a Valentine’s wine case with their Cradle Valley 2018 Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc and their 2018 Seven Sisters Gin. Experience-wise, you can also get vouchers for overnight packages for couples to stay at their beautifully restored Flint Barns in the heart of the vines, tours of the estate and three-course lunches at their Michelin Plate Tasting Room restaurant. HN

See more here

Bolney Estate: Private Virtual Wine Tasting with Bespoke Bottle engraving

Bolney Estate are offering private, virtual tastings of their Cuvée Rosé, Eighteen Acre Rosé, Blanc de Blancs and Cuvée Pinot Noir, you can also request a bespoke package to include any of their wines or even a wine and food pairing tasting packages with cheese and chocolate selections. Bolney is also offering gift boxes containing sparkling wines or gins with chocolates. HN

See all their options here

Candles

Parks Candles

There’s just something about the way Parks create their candles that makes you feel so wholesome and comforted. Whether to create a romantic ambience during dinner or more of a relaxing one in the bath – they’ve got it all. Some of our personal favourites are Feu de Bois, Amber, Tobacco & Leather and of course Bourbon & Maple – but we’re sure you’ll fall in love with something that resonates with you too. AS

Find here: Prices start from £10

MoJo White Truffle & Cognac Candle

We’ve tested a lot of candles over the last few months and MoJo have been knocking out of the park for alluring aromas, long lasting length and fantastic value. We adore the White Truffle and Cognac candle which scents your room with a cosy, creamy, white chocolate scent with a hint of orange peel and spice. Original and gorgeous. We also love their Fig & Rose and Sumi & Paper Ink. Find them while you can! HN

Find here: £19

Get in the Spirit

Rosé Sainte Marie Pink Gin, Salcombe Distilling

Salcombe Gin’s beautiful, double award-winning pink gin is inspired by the sensory wonders of the South of France. Named after the lighthouse in Marseille’s Old Port where the fruit used to come in, it has a delicate fragrance of citrus fruit, white peach and melon. Pour over ice, top up with tonic and garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit, peach or even strawberry and breath in the atoms of a warm evening in Provence, even if it’s still snowing outside. Available in 70cl, 5cl and a range of gifts. HN

Size: 70cl
ABV: 41.4%
Find here: UK £40

Mirabeau Provence Rosé Gin

When it comes to rosé my top choice for quality and value is always Mirabeau, which made me pretty god damn excited when they announced they were making a gin. While the base botanicals consist of juniper, citrus, orris root, angelica root and coriander it’s the Provençal twist containing a variety of herbs such as bay, thyme and rosemary alongside the neutral grape spirit and base distillate of Mirabeau Classic Rosé that really makes this gin stand out from the crowd. The result is a fruity and textured gin with lemon, coriander and citrus bursting with floral notes, rose petals and lavender. The story ends on a final note as those herbs add an extra kick of character to the blend. AS

Size: 70cl
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £45

Belvedere Single Estate - Smogóry Forest

Our next treat takes us to a tiny village in the far west stretches of Poland where Belvedere’s Smogóry Forest estate calls home. Mild winters and long summers result in bakers-grade Diamond Dańkowskie rye – the perfect base product for this award-winning vodka. Purposely left unfiltered to allow the flavour to continue to elevate over time, this is a vodka for those who like true craft. The single-estate gem oozes with salted caramel, cereal and a touch of honey evolve to reveal toasted bread and a hint of white pepper. AS

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £39.90 // US $49.99

Gran Patron Platinum

I love a good tequila, it seems to be one of the spirits I’ve really found an appreciation for over the last few years. If I was to name one house that consistently delivers quality across its whole portfolio, my mind takes me straight to Patrón. It seems there’s a little something for everyone and while I’ll happily get my hands on a Reposado for my margarita needs (quick tip, avoid the salt rim, it ruins the drink), I love nothing more than to sip on something of premium quality. That brings me to Gran Patrón Platinum, arguably the world’s first ultra-premium tequila. With each bottle taking around 30 people to create, quality is of the utmost level. Agave is individually sourced for its rich sugar content before being harvested, triple distilled and left for 30 days in oak tanks to create pure elegance. The result is a smooth and seductive nectar of agave, orange, vanilla, lime and white peppercorns. Pure bliss if you ask me and don’t even get me started on a Mexican Martini (google it, you won’t be disappointed). AS

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £193.95  // US $199.99

Highclere Castle Gin

The perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, this stunning gin is created using botanicals from Highclere Estate, also known for its appearance in the internationally renowned Downton Abbey series. The multi-award winning gin is distilled at England’s oldest distillery, Langley, in one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800’s. The result is an incredibly smooth gin, perfect for sipping over ice but also equally good in cocktail. Check out their ‘British 75’ cocktail, simple and yet stunning, it is a perfect celebration cocktail that will add the wow to your Valentine’s Day.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 43.5%
Find here: UK £42.30 // $39.99 

Enjoyed this? Then, make sure you check out Cheap Champagne that Tastes Great and Top Pink Proseccos £10 and Under

A Trilogy of Fine, Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Discover

This month, we celebrate the limited season launch of The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on YouTube, brought to you in partnership with Whyte & Mackay. During the course of this series, we travelled all over Scotland, visiting friends at various distilleries from Jura and Islay to Inverness and Edinburgh. Three of these distilleries were the jewels in Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio, each offering fabulously delicious, unique styles of whisky that are sought-after all the world over. They are Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Fettercairn Single Malt Scotch Whisky and, of course, The Dalmore. Here’s an introduction to each of these need-to-know houses with a selection of whiskies hand-picked by us that you simply must try.

Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Unique Island of Jura

Sixty miles away from the mainland of Scotland’s western coast, lies a remote island of rugged landscapes and wild waters. Just thirty miles long and seven miles wide, with the tempestuous Atlantic on one side and calmer bays full of seals and birds of prey on the other, it’s a harsh, cool climate, but one that breeds exceptional warmth within its own human community of approximately 212 people.

The Most Un-gettatable Place

The island of Jura has just one road, one pub and one whisky distillery. With the population of wild deer outnumbering humans twenty to one, it is also a particularly remote place; one that was once described by writer George Orwell as ‘the most un-gettatable place on earth’ - and where he chose to write his final book, 1984. As far as distillation goes, Jura is perhaps quite an unusual place to create whisky, but the locals believe the climate is ideal - and the distillery itself is at the very heart of this small island community. Founded originally in 1810, the distillery fell into ruin at the end of the 19th century but was entirely rebuilt and reopened in 1963 in order to boost the local economy and rebuild the community.

The Jura Whisky Style

The Jura style is smooth, bright and lively. Start with their signature series, which boasts nine super smooth malts finished in casks that are hand-selected from Europe and America. Trade up after that to their Rare and Limited series of aged whiskies and rare older vintages. There’s also an exciting selection of Travel Retail Exclusives, where the whiskies are finished with Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. 

Watch us at Jura here

Three Jura Whiskies to Try

Jura 10 Year Old

The Jura 10 year old is now part of Jura’s core range and it’s a very popular whisky thanks to its subtle, fragrant smokiness combined with smooth, sweet fruit notes and hints of cocoa and vanilla. It’s matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels for 10 years and finished in rich, oloroso sherry casks from Spain.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28.95 // US $39.99

Jura 18 Year Old

Wine meets whisky with the Jura 18. This rich and fruity whisky was aged for 18 years in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in red wine casks; Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels, no less! With a gentle smokiness on the nose, red cherry and berry fruit come through on the palate with a touch of orange peel citrus, dried fruit and warm cooking spice on the finish. Indulgent and delicious. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £62.94 // US $119.99

Jura 21 Year old Tide

Released as part of the special ‘Aged Vintage’ series, Tide is a 21 year old single malt that has been double matured; first, in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and then in hand-selected, virgin American white oak casks. Spicy and complex, Tide is all about gingerbread, pepper and warm spice, all brought into balance with notes of banana, biscuits and white chocolate. A higher ABV gives a greater whack of flavour on the palate and the finish.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £126.95

The Dalmore

Not far from Inverness, on the banks of the Cromarty Firth and overlooking the famous ‘Black Isle’, sits The Dalmore distillery. When descendants of the Clan Mackenzie became owners of The Dalmore distillery in 1867, they brought with them the right to use the two pointed Royal stag emblem, which the family had earned back in 1263 by saving the life of King Alexander the III when he was attacked by a stag! Since then, under the watchful eye of Whyte & Mackay, The Dalmore has become one of the most lauded and sought-after Scotch whisky brands globally.

Where Wood is King

The Dalmore style is founded on the perfection of cask maturation, where each expression sees this ageing in both American white oak ex-bourbon casks and their own, exclusive, aged Sherry casks, each hand-selected by The Dalmore’s Master Distiller, Richard Paterson.  Their core range consists of whiskies aged for 12, 15, 18 and 25 years and then, there is a growing number of luxury expressions with no age-statement, such as the King Alexander III and their Cigar Malt. We are also now seeing an impressive range of ultra luxury whiskies come from The Dalmore, such as the 1951 vintage ‘Sirius’ and other vintage whiskies aged in fine wine barrels.

The Dalmore Style

The Dalmore is famous for dark coppery, rich and chocolatey whiskies with notes of dried, tropical fruit, spice and vanilla thanks to its exceptional wood programme. A close, long term relationship with sherry house González Byass that began over 100 years ago has meant that The Dalmore has exclusive access to rare casks, which have previously held exceptional, old sherries such as a 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry. It is these sherry casks that add to the quintessential Dalmore style.

Watch us at The Dalmore here

Three Dalmore Whiskies to Try

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

Deemed the ideal accompaniment to the finest cigars but equally delicious without, this is a single malt matured in American, white oak ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks and wine barriques that previously held Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a rich, figgy and creamy malt that’s round and sweet with a hint of mint for freshness from the Cabernet and subtle notes of exotic spice from the sherry cask. The finish is exceptionally long. The current available release is the second iteration of the famed Cigar Malt that was brought back by popular demand!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £76.85 // US $169.99

The Dalmore 18 Year Old

This whisky is a perfect example of The Dalmore’s trademark, bold house style, with bombastic notes of chocolate orange, vanilla and fruitcake thanks to its maturation time in both bourbon and aged, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £119.99 // US $199.99

The Dalmore King Alexander III

This ultra premium whisky is named in homage to the king who was saved from a stag by former owners of The Dalmore. It’s a very special whisky blend created by Master Distiller Richard Paterson using a selection of differently aged malts, which between them have been matured in six types of wood including French wine casks, madeira drums, sherry butts, marsala barrels, port pipes and bourbon barrels from Kentucky. As you would expect, this is an incredibly complex, textured whisky packed full of dried fruit and nut flavours, cocoa powder, vanilla pod and spicy oak, all with undertones of red fruit from the wine casks. Let it sit in your glass and experience different flavours in every sip. Delicious!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £159.80 // US $279.99

 Fettercairn

The founder of Fettercairn, Sir Alexander Ramsay, was one of the first Scottish landowners to campaign and apply for an official licence for distillation amidst a sea of illicit distilling. He received the licence in 1824 and opened the Fettercairn distillery. Being no fool, Sir Ramsay employed some of the best illegal distillers in the land to ensure that his legal whiskies were the best around!

The Fettercairn distillery was opened in the small town of the same name that sits under the Grampian foothills in the Howe of Mearns in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s a quiet, rural place, where once there was a very special visit from Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, who had a secret stay at the Ramsay Arms just down the road from the distillery.

A Whisky Waterfall

At Fettercairn, there has always been a tradition for doing things a little differently and in the mid-1950s, the distillers here found an innovative way to create a purer expression of their delicious spirit. It was the invention of a cooling ring. They found that if they poured cold water down the side of the copper still, it increased condensation inside, allowing only the lightest vapours to rise and be collected. The result was that even today, they still have a copper tube wrapped around the top of the still to continually pour water down it, thus enhancing the unique, tropical character of the new make and giving Fettercairn its signature, tropical fruitiness.

Watch us at Fettercairn here

Three Fettercairn Whiskies to Try

Fettercairn 12 Year Old

The youngest in the newly revitalised core range from Fettercairn, the 12 Year Old whisky aims to show off the tropical fruit notes and floral character that the distillery is famous for. It was matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks for 12 years which gives it a gentle, ginger spice note and some savoury weight and toffee flavours on the finish. It’s a great place to start your exploration of Fettercairn whisky.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.94

Fettercairn 22 Year Old

This a is fantastic, mid-age statement whisky for Fettercairn, showcasing the distillery’s tropical fruit characteristics. Matured for 22 years in ex-bourbon casks, you can expect heaps of spiced orange peel, mango and dark cherry jam up front, with dried fruit flavours and savoury kick of liquorice and coffee bean on the finish. Smooth and lingering. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £169.95

Fettercairn 28 Year Old

A stunning, splash-out whisky with serious age on it from Fettercairn’s ‘waterfall’ cooling ring still and matured in ex-bourbon casks. This whisky is a complex blend of the distillery’s characteristic bright tropical fruit character with more savoury notes of toffee, espresso, fruit and nut chocolate. On the finish, a slick of liquorice and ginger spices things up a bit. Exceptional whisky!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £500

You can watch us visit all these distilleries in The Three Drinkers do Scotch whisky live on Amazon Prime.

Want some more specific recommendations from these distilleries? Here are Colin’s picks for The Best of Whyte & Mackay: The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn.

Cheap Champagne that Tastes Great!

Written by Helena Nicklin

There is only one place in the world that makes what can officially be called ‘Champagne’ and that’s the region of the same name just south of Paris in France. Literally everything else is sparkling wine, no matter how good it is. Reassuringly expensive, Champagne is complicated to make and takes a long time to blend and age (even the cheaper bottles must be aged for 15 months before release). It’s also a pretty small wine region and yet the whole world wants to drink its bubbles. Non Vintage (NV) Champagne tends to start around the £20 mark and go all the way up, so to find anything under that is pretty hard, especially if you want it to be drinkable. For the same money, you can get some cracking bubbles from other wine regions but sometimes, you need the magic word ‘Champagne’ on the bottle.

Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work. Here are 8 Champagnes for £15 and under that are surprisingly pretty for the pennies.

Veuve Monsigny Brut NV: Aldi

The biscuity one: Jilly Goolden raved about this Champagne recently and with good reason! Made with all three Champagne grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and blended with older wines for layers of biscuity flavour, these brilliant bubbles are constantly impressing wine experts. For the money, this is easily the best NV Champers on the market. 10/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12.99

Louis Delaunay Brut NV: Tesco

The crowd-pleaser: A bronze medal winner from top wine competition IWSC, this is soft and easy-drinking, with a tang of red apple on the nose and baked apple pie on the palate. Dry but well balanced, so no screeching acidity to give you heartburn. Great for sipping alone. 8.5/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Andre Carpentier Brut NV: Tesco

The sharper one: If you like your bubbles a little more tart, this one is leaner and drier than some with an appley tang. Pretty, warm spice and vanilla notes add richness to the flavour without adding sweetness, which keep it in balance. A good food wine. Try it with paté and cold cuts. 7.5/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Henri Cachet Brut NV: Asda

The subtle one: Crisp and pure, there’s a lemon sherbert note to Asda’s Henri. Fairly simple on the nose and palate, it’s well-balanced fizz that’s dry and refreshing. Inoffensive in the most positive sense, where many others at this price can make you grab the Rennie. A good one for white fish and seafood. 7/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: Usually, £13.50 but on offer for £9.97 right now!

Comte de Senneval, Brut NV: Lidl

The savoury one: Not your classic Champagne flavour profile this, with notes of smoky toffee, caramel and an elderflower on the finish. It also has a wine-like weight and hint of sweetness that may split the judges. A bit quirky and of-a-style, but try it with smoked salmon and it should make a happy match. 6/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.99

Nicolas de Mont Bart, Brut NV, £10.99, Aldi

The one for Prosecco lovers: You really should not be able to buy Champagne this cheaply anywhere, so it may well be a parcel that may disappear soon. Bone dry with citrusy freshness, crisp and frothy, there’s not a whole lot of flavour going on, but it’s certainly gluggable. As Aldi say themselves, this is your aperitif wine. 6/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: Usually, £10.99 but currently on offer for £9.95 

If you are looking for more champagne choices then check out: From Budget to Blow-out: 7 Outstanding Champagnes!

Top Pink Proseccos £10 and under

Words by Helena Nicklin

It’s official. Prosecco now comes in pink! Thanks to a change in the laws that govern winemaking in the protected region of Prosecco in Northeastern Italy, winemakers are now able to use up to 15% of the red grape Pinot Nero (Italian for Pinot Noir) in their Prosecco wines along with the famous Glera grape. Pink sparklers have always been found around the Veneto, but now, as long as a wine is produced with Glera and Pinot Nero (with a few other geeky regulations), it can officially be called Prosecco. Aldi was the first to market with their Costellore and now, the other supermarkets are following suit. It’s going to be a new bubbles trend, so watch this space! The great thing about Prosecco is that at around 11% abv, it's easy enough to drink alone but also goes with most food - and the pink ones are fabulous with fruit puds and cold cuts too. Hot off the (wine) press, here’s a look at the UK’s first-ever Pink Proseccos to hit the shelves...

Prosecco Rosé, Brut: M&S

A Brut style, so drier than some, this is a fun, fruity fizz with notes of wild strawberry, cherry and a dry finish. A sophisticated sparkler worth the extra pound or two.

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: Case of 6 normally £60 currently £48

Corte Molino Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry: Co-op.

Raspberry ripple pink with ripe, summer berry fruit and pear flavours. Flirty and frothy, this is very soft, fairly sweet and goes down far too easily. 

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £8.50

Prosecco Rosé, Fillipo Sansovino, Extra Dry: ASDA

This pretty pink is all about strawberries and cream with lots of soft bubbles. Not as refreshing as some on the finish, but the choice for those who like their fizz a little sweeter. 

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.50

Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry: SPAR

Pale rose petal pink and delicate, this is a crisp, refreshing Prosecco that’s well balanced. Excellent value for money and one that everyone will most likely enjoy.

Size: 75cl
Find it in store: £8.99

Rosé Prosecco, Extra Dry: Lidl

In this rather striking cut glass bottle, this pale pink Prosecco is more savoury than you would expect from an Extra Dry. Simple and raspberry-scented with a subtle smokiness on the nose.

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.49

Costellore Pink Prosecco, Extra Dry: Aldi

A slightly darker pink and more meaty, this Prosecco is packed with very ripe red fruit but also, a subtle note of struck-match, which might split the judges. 

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.49

Splash Out! Prosecco Rosé, il Fresco Brut: Villa Sandi

Ok, it’s not under £10 but it’s definitely worth a mention. Brut in style, so drier than most of the others, this sparkler is a real step up in terms of texture and flavour, with notes of caramelized pear and raspberry purée. Beautifully presented, this one could also take some heftier dishes too, such as pork or poultry. Roast chicken with all the trimmings, anyone?

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £14.99

Want to know more about Prosecco and its sweetness levels? Check out this article!

HAVANA CLUB BAR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: The Winners

Last week, we were excited to watch the winners being crowned at the 2020 Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur Awards; a competition that recognises the passion, entrepreneurship and this year particularly, the resilience and determination of the people behind the world’s most revolutionary bars. A respected panel of judges crowned one overall winner and three other category winners from a shortlist of thirteen finalists. 

Here are the winners of this year’s Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur Awards. Remember their names - you’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the future!

Overall Winner: Oliver Margan

Meet Oliver Margan, overall winner of the 2020 Bar Entrepreneur awards. Having founded cocktail bar Maybe Mae six years ago, in the heart of Adelaide’s west end, at the tender age of twenty two, Oliver has been credited for establishing the city’s cocktail culture, with six new bar openings under his belt. What impressed the judges the most was his unfailing optimism and entrepreneurial spirit, which sits alongside his highly regarded skills behind the bar, a focus on sustainably sourced cocktail ingredients and his support for gender equality within the industry. Oliver was awarded with a €20,000 cash prize to invest in his business. 

Other Category Winners

As well as crowing an overall winner, Havana Club awarded €10,000 each to three other candidates who showed determination and passion in three other categories: The True Grit Award, which honours strength, resilience and bravery during the most challenging period of modern-day hospitality; One to Watch, which focuses on emerging talent and the achievements of those under the age of 30 and Social & Eco Entrepreneurship, which recognises a commitment to improving the environment or a local community, while achieving business success.

Winner: True Grit - Rani Al Raji

This year’s True Grit award was presented to Rani Al Raji, owner of Beirut’s Brazzaville; a neighbourhood bar that has continued to serve the community and remain a hub of positivity through the challenges of 2020 including the pandemic and Beirut’s horrific explosion. Rani’s team did what they could not just to survive, but to thrive despite the shortages and the struggles seen in the country’s capital. 

 Winner: Social and Eco Entrepreneurship: - Yeferson Avila and Jean Trinh

Columbia’s Yeferson Avila and Jean Trinh, co-owners of Alquímico Farm in Cartagena, were awarded with the Social and Eco Entrepreneurship prize for their commitment to keeping their staff, small producers and local farmers in business despite the pressures of the pandemic. While having to close their popular, three-story mansion bar, Yeferson and Jean instead put their team to work at the Alquímico Farm where they grow organic produce to use in their cocktail programme. The farm has since become an educational space for the local agricultural community and professionals from the drinks industry who want to learn more about vegetables, fruits and spices from planting to harvest.

Winner: One to Watch - Omer Gazit-Shalev

Omer is a clear rising star in the global bar community. He managed to impress the judges with the variety and diversity of projects he has taken on despite his young age. As the CEO of Monkey Business, a unique style of hospitality group, he and his teams manage several of Israel’s most famous food and drink venues and are being credited with redefining the country’s bar experience in general.

The Judges

The judges for this competition are all key figures in the global drinks and business industries:

• Rhys Oldfield: co-founder of Be at One and a leading adviser to food and drink businesses.

• Juan Valls: owner of El Nino, Sinner Club and key figure behind Spain’s FIBAR.

• Vijay Mudaliar: founder of Native Bar in Singapore and its concept to explore local culture through the lens of drinks.

• Ara Carvallo: co-founder of Barra Mexico, the world’s first zero carbon bar trade show and Latin America’s key spirits trade show.

• Kelsey Ramage: winner of the One to Watch category in 2019 and owner of Trash Tiki, which focuses on creating cocktails from waste.

• Tess Posthumus: successful business entrepreneur and owner of the Netherlands’ leading bars, Flying Dutchman and Dutch Courage in Amsterdam.

• Cécile Bulle: business educator who leads a mentoring programme helping students and alumni from Paris Dauphine University establish their business.

• Rasmus Lomborg: bartender, bar manager and entrepreneur who has opened multiple bars across the UK and Europe.

The winners were announced during a virtual ceremony presented by leading global rum ambassador Ian Burrell and featured a showstopping live concert from international rapper Kelvyn Colt.

To find out more about the awards and the winners check out @havanaclub_pro on Instagram, use the hashtag #BEA2020 or read more here

The Fettercairn 1824 Martini

Fettercairn Distillery, founded in 1824, was one of the very first licensed distilleries in Scotland. Located in a small village in Aberdeenshire under the Grampian foothills in the Howe of Mearns, this distillery got a new lease of life in the 1950s and is now creating exciting new expressions using their stocks of well-aged whiskies.

This elegant and contemplative cocktail is perfect for refined sipping as an aperitif or digestif on any occasion. Based on a classic Old Fashioned recipe but without the mixer, it uses ingredients that gently enhance the tropical fruit flavour of the whisky. Serve in your most elegant Martini glass, well-chilled.

Ingredients
50ml Fettercairn 12 Year Old Whisky
5ml Coconut sugar syrup
4 Dashes of pineapple and star anise bitters
Garnish: 1 Pineapple leaf
Glass: Elegant Martini glass

 Method
Combine all ingredients together into a mixing glass and stir well, before straining into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with an attractive pineapple leaf.

Want more whisky cocktail recipes? See the Fettercairn Tropical Highball, the Craighouse Rocks, the Jura Sunset, The Dalmore Old Fashioned and The Dalmore Mackenzie Highball