Camden Town Brewery Launch Marmite Ale

Camden Town Brewery Launching Marmite Ale thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

So… Do you love it? Or… Do you hate it?

That’s probably a question you’re tired of being asked about Marmite, especially since there’s always one friend who says “Actually, you know what - I don’t love or hate Marmite…”. Well be tired no more, as Marmite now has a brand new product for us to make small talk squabble about. Camden Town Brewery, who have been praised over their modern can design and tasty beers, have just announced their collaboration with Marmite to create the world’s first Marmite Ale!

Though it might sound crazy, beer and Marmite are closer in composition than you might think. Marmite includes beer yeast in its production, so putting Marmite back into beer isn’t really very unusual at all! If you know a Marmite hater who is at the same time a beer lover, you might want to let them in on that fact and see if they change their ways. Beer on toast anyone?

Camden Town Brewery have combined the Marmite with smoked Rauch malt, pilsner, Munich and Perle hops from the brewery’s ever-loved Hells Lager to create this new ale. It’s also not just a Marmite flavouring that’s added to the ale, but the real glossy sticky stuff itself - so Camden Town Brewery are NOT skimping when it comes to the flavour in this concoction. The flavour is said to be not just Marmite-y but also smoky, bready and rich - so ale lovers listen up!

As Marmite’s savoury flavour seems to lend itself to an ale, we’re honestly quite excited about this launch. Camden Marmite Love Hate Ale is now on sale but as it’s a limited edition we’re thinking people are going to be buying it up fast - so pick up your pack today!

Size: 330ml
ABV: 4.8%
Find here: £8 (4 cans)

As for a food pairing, we’re thinking toast?!

For more interesting flavoured beers, check out The World’s First Beer Made From Mustard or Space Beer.

Whisky Infinity Bottle

What is a whisky infinity bottle thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Words by Colin Hampden-White

What is an Infinity Bottle?

If you are an avid whisky drinker, you may well have many bottles open at the same time and some of them will have very little left in them. A good way to make space for more bottles is to create what is commonly known as an infinity bottle. This is simply a large bottle (I use 8 and 4 litre Kilner jars), which contain a blend of all the nearly finished bottles in my house. This creates a living blend which as it is drunk and re-filled with different bottles, changes in character as new whiskies are poured into it.

How do you make a whisky infinity bottle?

How do you make a whisky infinity bottle thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

There are a few tips that will help when creating an infinity bottle:

  1. If using a jar with a tap at the bottom, buy extra seals in case one doesn’t last and it begins to leak.

  2. Keep peated and non-peated whisky separate. A tiny amount of peat in an un-peated blend can overpower the whisky.

  3. Don’t be too precious about pouring your most sought-after whiskies into it. A good whisky will help the blend, and if it is left to oxidise in its own bottle it will simply never be as good as it first tasted.

  4. Don’t worry about the size. I use large Kilner jars now, but in the past, I had a simple 750ml decanter. It did the job just as well, I simply had to top it up more frequently!

  5. Lastly, if it all goes very wrong and it tastes horrible, don’t be afraid to start again, it’s not worth pouring perfectly good whisky into not so good leading to the end result being unsatisfactory.

infinity bottle example thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

I find an infinity bottle both fun and interesting at the same time. I use my blend for long drinks like whiskey and ginger ale when it is an average blend, and occasionally it has been superb, and I’ve sipped it neat or on ice to be able to savour the good blends for longer. But I’m fully in the knowledge that whenever I pour a new whisky into the blend, it will be different. For better or for worse. And that’s what makes it exciting. The art of blending is strange, and a whisky can be far greater than the sum of its parts as new flavours are created by blending. It makes me realise how skilled our whisky blenders of today are. Whether they are blending many casks from a single distillery, or many from many distilleries to keep a brand consistent, their skill is clear, and as for me, I’m happy to keep on practicing.

Wondering which whiskies to try next? Why not have a read through The Best Scotch Whisky to Try This Year or The Best Japanese Whisky to Buy.

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Though known for its legendary whisky, Scotland has a bustling gin scene sprawling through its stunning landscape. It’s not just small brands made in Scotland, many large and well-known gins are produced in Scotland too - including bartender favourite Tanqueray!

Here’s a list of some of the best Scottish gins:

Glaswegin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Glaswegin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

We do love a play on words here, especially a portmanteau, and Glaswegin is giving that to us! With its dazzling geometric bottle designed by award-winning Glaswegian designer Paul Gray, this gin immediately catches the eye. Glaswegin includes 8 different botanicals carefully chosen by the team (milk thistle, Italian juniper, Russian coriander, angelica, orange flower, camomile flower, pink peppercorns and bay leaf - phew!). Fun fact, milk thistle is sometimes said to prevent hangovers - but we’re not making any promises! 

Smooth and fresh, this gin is really versatile when it comes to the serving. Why not try a G&T with elderflower tonic, or light tonic and a shot of elderflower liqueur!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.1%
Find here: £37.20

All out of your Glaswegin? Don’t buy another bottle, check out the brand’s refill packs and reuse your original bottle! Find them here: £29.95

Lind and Lime Gin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Lind and Lime Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Another beautiful bottle, Lind and Lime does not disappoint when it comes to presentation. Lind and Lime won best London Dry in the 2020 Scottish Gin Awards, and when you taste the crisp citrus notes surrounding its juniper core you can understand why. Lind and Lime is named after James Lind, a Scotsman who worked towards the prevention of scurvy in the British Navy. He’s even said to have performed the first clinical trial in history! The ‘Lime’ in the name doesn’t indicate a flavour persay, but refers to a lime cordial created in Leith which helped prevent scurvy.

History aside, celebrate the eradication of scurvy by using Lind and Lime in a French 75 - you won’t regret it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.95

Persie Spaniel Gin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Persie Spaniel thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Persie has been a fan favourite for a while now and the husband and wife team behind the gin keep going up in the world. In 2019, Spaniel Gin achieved a Silver Medal for contemporary Flavoured Gin at the Scottish Gin Awards, and just last year Scottish Field magazine named it one of the Top 10 Scottish Gins. Spaniel gin is one of Persie’s four Charity Dog Gins, each inspired by and named after a different breed. Dachshund Gin Liqueur, Labrador Gin, Dog Days Gin and Spaniel Gin all donate £1 per bottle to PADS (Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society).

We’ve chosen Spaniel Gin as we love the mace and cinnamon warmth that this gin has, while still being silky soft (just like a well-groomed Spaniel!). This is a brilliant gift for a Spaniel owner/enthusiast and the spices make it ideal for a warming Negroni.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30.95

Crofter’s Tears Highland Gin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Crofters Tears Highland Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Despite the name, this gin is not made up of the tears of crofters. The purple heather flowers on the bottle not only make it an elegant addition to your gin bottle collection but also signpost an important element of this gin. The heather tips can only be harvested in July and August and are handpicked to be blended with juniper and a range of other botanicals. 

Highland Gin is made in a London Dry style and has a hint of fresh lime to its flavour. Try this in a classic G&T with Mediterranean tonic water and a twist of lime. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.99

The Botanist

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy The Botanist Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

This gin is rapidly taking over the shelves of pubs and bars across Britain and you’ve almost certainly seen it featured on one of those extensive gin lists your local decided to create when it ‘rebranded’ and all the decor turned a sage colour. Not that we’re complaining - bring on the gin! The Botanist is exclusively made on the remote Scottish island of Islay. The 22 botanicals are foraged by the Botanist team on Islay, including botanicals such as creeping thistle, apple mint, wood sage and white clover.

The Botanist blend is satin smooth, with sweet and earthy tones combining with delicate florals and herbals. The complexity of the gin is best tasted in a classic G&T - tonic is up to you!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £35.10 // US $47.99

Rock Rose Gin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Rock Rose Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Created by Dunnet Bay Distillers, this gin was formulated after 55 experiments - meaning it’s seriously good. The meticulously adapted blend of botanicals makes for a full-bodied, well-rounded gin full of fruity berries and juniper. The finish is slightly sharp but smoothed out by sherbet lemon notes. 

This earthy gin needs little interference, however adding a twist of orange in your G&T really brings out the sweetness in the berries. If you’re not looking for the sweet notes, try a sprig of rosemary instead.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.5%
Find here: £33.39

All out of your Rock Rose? Don’t buy another bottle, check out the brand’s refill packs and reuse your original bottle! Find them here: £30

Classic Edinburgh Gin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Edinburgh Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Another gin you may have heard of before, Edinburgh Gin’s premixed G&Ts are a big hit all over the country. However, why not make your own cocktails with their bottled London Dry. The 14 botanicals make this gin beautifully aromatic on the tongue, with floral lavender and lemongrass. The bright punch of citrus from the orange peel works alongside the juniper to create a smooth and rounded finish. Edinburgh Gin is always coming out with new flavours and interesting campaigns - they are currently doing a collaboration with award winning actress and writer Phoebe Waller Bridge!

The Classic is still our favourite, however, and deserves to be showcased in a big gin bowl with a tonic and a twist of orange. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £26.35

Isle of Harris Gin

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy Isle of Harris Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

It seems Scottish gin cannot exist without being inside a beautiful bottle! The swirling bottle of Isle of Harris Gin echoes its birthplace’s whirls of wind that rush off the sea and into the arms of the towns. One does feel a connection to the sea when drinking this gin, with the addition of hand-harvested Sugar Kelp giving it an apt maritime twist. Fruit flavours of grapefruit, orange and mango are balanced by bitter pine and juniper and leave a dry, clean finish.

Harris Distillery recommends you take this gin neat, or over large ice cubes. They also offer a Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water, a drop of which develops the maritime essence of the drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: UK £40

For more gin-spiration (like what we did there?!), how about having a read through The Best Gins to Try This Year, What are Colour Changing Gins?! or The Best Gins for a Martini?

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 60

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

We move away from wine this week as we start a brand new series full of whisky, whisky, and well, a bit more whisky! You can listen to the full podcast via the player below or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Here’s a little snippet of what we got up to:

 

What’s in our Glass

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com The Dalmore King Alexander III Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

We start the new series off with a BANG as we sip on The Dalmore King Alexander III. Listen in as Aidy tells you more about The Dalmore’s logo origin, how much time and effort goes into making this beautiful dram and just what casks are used to create it.

ABV: 40%
Size:
UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here:
£190 // $279.99

 

Drinks News

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com Vivino Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

It’s a bit of a jump from the ridiculous to the sublime in Drinks news as we go from a Russian Billionaire’s private champagne collection in the Hampton’s to why Vivino is the app to help you choose the perfect wine, but you’re not going to want to miss it!

 

Mixology

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com Rum Spiced Espresso Martini Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

This week it’s all about the Espresso Martini. Listen in to hear all about its beginnings and why not try Aidy’s take on an Espresso Martini below. Helena sure can’t wait to!

Spiced Rum Espresso Martini

Ingredients:
25ml spiced rum (We love Havana Club Cuban Spiced)
25ml Kahlúa
25ml fresh, cold espresso

Method:
Bang everything in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with coffee beans!

*The spiciness of rum works so well with the creaminess of the Kahlúa so make sure you give it a go!

 

One to Watch

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com Kurt Maitland Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

Helena has discovered a brilliant book ‘The Infused Cocktail Handbook’ by Kurt Maitland which is essentially a brilliant guide to homemade blends and infusions. Aidy on the other hand has been watching a new cooking show on Netflix with, ahem, Paris Hilton… listen in to find out if it’s any good!

Dine First Wine First

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com Best food rioja pairings Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

Ever wondered what to pair with Rioja? Well, you need never wonder again as Helena has some mouth-wateringly good suggestions involving lamb waiting for you. Find out which styles of Rioja it is best paired with and just why lamb is her meat of choice via the player above!

Mailbag

The Three Drinkers Podcast Bring a Bottle Podcast thethreedrinkers.com Mailbag Aidy Smith Helena Nicklin

This week’s mailbag is all about how to still enjoy your wine when camping. Aidy and Helena have some great tips on how to chill it and which white wine types fair best on a camping trip!

As with last week, there is so much more waiting to be discovered so if you enjoyed this then make sure to check out Episode 60 of The Bring a Bottle Podcast now!

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

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Words by Colin Hampden-White

It is hard to describe what the new Johnnie Walker experience is on Princes Street in Edinburgh. One word sums it up though, incredible, but why it is incredible takes a little longer.

In essence, it is a full whisky experience, involving, bars, tastings, shops and shows which both entertain and educate in equal measure. There is the use of light, projections, actors and educators, aromas and flavours, and architecture all coming together to create an immersive experience which I certainly won’t forget. I will be coming back with friends and family who want to learn more about Scotch and blended Scotch, but also to convert those who haven’t yet caught the bug.

With all this pizazz, the best bit of the whole experience is that the star of the show is you. From the moment you walk through the door, it is all bout you. Initially, you are asked what flavours you like in your life and the answers build up a picture of the type of whisky you might like. This is where the blending starts and continues throughout the experience. Introducing you to cocktails and highballs and if you would like to, the neat whisky.

It’s not only the whisky and cocktails which are exquisite. The food is fabulous too, with Michelin standards providing refined food to go with the drinks, without the experience being formal. All visitors would be at home in shorts as much as suits.

All the senses are catered for, taste and smell are covered by wonderful drinks and food, but the sights and sounds are wonderful too. Not only the shows along the whisky journey, but the building itself and the views. There are views from the rooftop bar reaching all the way along Princes Street, and from another cocktail bar, a large single pane window offers views across north Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and into Fife.

One of the most initiative decisions the Walkers made was to have a 20° slant to their label to allow for a larger font and logo. This angle is reflected all over the building in subtle ways. Even the stair banisters are at a 20° angle. It is the brilliant attention to detail like this that is so impressive.

This is the new way to experience whisky, it is beyond any other brand experience I have been through, and at the heart of it, it explains whisky in a way that is memorable and fun. It is said that if you tell someone many things, they will remember very few of them. Yet this experience manages to give you so much information in a way that involves the customer on so many levels, meaning one manages to take away a great deal rather than a few small nuggets of information.

Such is the level of enjoyment with this experience, one wouldn’t even have to enjoy whisky to have been happy to have been. But I might suggest you would find it hard not to once you’ve been.

For a more in-depth look at the different Johnnie Walker expressions, have a look at Colin’s article The Many Colours of Johnnie Walker.

What are Colour Changing Gins?!

What are colour changing gins thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Are you a magician with a side job as a bartender? A bartender with a side job as a magician..? Or, perhaps you just like cool gin… Whatever your profession, you NEED to know about this mind-blowing ginnovation (we’re leaving a moment here for you to applaud that incredible portmanteau). 

Colour changing gins are here and multiplying like rabbits exposed to radiation. Most are made by infusing the gin with a deep indigo flower called ‘butterfly pea’. Butterfly pea has been used as a tea for a long time in South East Asia, but is now making its way into gins and cocktails. The liquid acts as a pH indicator, changing from blue to purple when acidity is introduced (for example in the form of lemon juice). As butterfly pea is an all natural colouring, try not to expose your gin to sunlight as the indigo colour will fade over time.

These theatrical but all natural effects make butterfly pea a perfect addition to showy cocktails or a fancy G&T. Butterfly pea also has little flavour, so it won’t take away from the botanicals too much. We’ve lined up some of the best colour changing gins here:

The Illusionist Gin

What are colour changing gins The Illusionist Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

If by any chance you do happen to be a magician, this German gin is the perfect choice for you. A beautiful deep indigo colour, this gin becomes a warm violet with the addition of tonic or citrus. Not only is the colour changing effect magical, but the packaging is stunning in its own right. Arriving in an indigo and gold box with a matte black bottle and engraved cork, The Illusionist certainly has an eye for detail. To drink, the Illusionist is very smooth and delicate. If you find the juniper bite of gin a little much at times and prefer a floral taste, you’ll love The Illusionist’s light flavour. 

ABV: 45%
Size: 500ml
Find it here: £37.90

Ellis Butterfly Pea Gin and Scottish Bramble Gin

What are colour changing gins Ellis Butterfly Pea Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

We love a Scottish gin over here, and Ellis Gin does not let the side down with their two colour changing gins. The Butterfly Pea Gin shifts from blue to purple, and their Scottish Bramble shifts from red to orange. It’s not often you see a colour changing gin that isn’t made with butterfly pea, but Ellis Gin has pulled it off with their Scottish Bramble! We recommend trying the Scottish Bramble with ginger beer as it’s a little spicy and the Butterfly Pea with some elderflower tonic to enhance the floral notes. Support Scottish gin today and pick up some Ellis!

Butterfly Pea: Scottish Bramble:
ABV:
40% ABV: 40%
Size: 500ml Size: 500ml
Find it here: £29.95 Find it here: £29.95

Empress 1908 Gin

What are colour changing gins Empress 1908 Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

If you’re looking for a classy gin that’ll make you feel like royalty, Empress 1908 Gin is the way to go. Empress Gin is crafted with eight different botanicals, including grapefruit peel, rose petal and a signature tea home to the gin’s namesake: The Empress Hotel in Canada. This gin is both delicate, opulent and a delight to look at. It’s also a great excuse for a royal themed party!

ABV: 42.5%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £42.50 // US $47.99

McQueen Colour Changing Gin

What are colour changing gins McQueen Colour Changing Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

When it comes to colour changing gin, or just gin in general, the Scots have knocked it out of the park. McQueen Colour Changing Gin does exactly what it says on the tin and more, with the smooth blackcurrant blend creating a sensory experience as pleasing as the visual one! It’s a soft and subtle gin, especially with the addition of tonic - but that makes it no less worthy of a showstopping G&T bound to marvel your guests.

ABV: 37.5%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £22.95

Pink Marmalade Gin

What are colour changing gins Pink Marmalade Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Many of the gins on this list start as a dark indigo colour, but Pink Marmalade Gin begins as a much more vibrant Bombay Sapphire-esque blue and turns a light shade of violet. What is really astounding about this gin, however, is its construction. As its name suggests, Pink Marmalade Gin is made in micro batches using a signature salted marmalade made with grapefruit which is then infused with 12 botanicals including pink peppercorns, almond and chamomile. This complex flavour profile lets you know that Pink Marmalade is first and foremost a gin of quality, not gimmicks.

ABV: 42%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £38.95

Ink Gin

What are colour changing gins Ink Gin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

We’re not 100% sure whether or not you can actually use this gin as ink, but why would you want to? An Australian gin, Ink Gin uses locally grown botanicals to create its fresh piney, spicy and citrus aroma and flavour. The long finish of this gin leaves the palate crisp, clean, and yearning for another sip. Husk Distillers, the distillery that creates Ink Gin, also have a non-colour changing but deep red Sloe and Berry Gin on offer which is definitely worth checking out (and it’s a lower alcohol choice).

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £36.95

Looking for more Gin content? Why not have a read of The Best Gins To Try This Year, The Best Gins For A Martini or The Best Flavoured Gins For Your Money?

The Best Vodkas for Espresso Martinis

Best Vodka for Espresso Martinis thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

The Espresso Martini: undeniably one of the world’s most treasured cocktails known for its ability to ‘wake you up’ and then- Oh, you know the rest of the phrase… Make sure you’ve got this cocktail under your belt before the holiday season creeps up on you - it’s on its way! 

While cocktails fare well with most vodkas, there are definitely some more suited to certain cocktails. Here’s our list of the BEST vodkas for an Espresso Martini!

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

Best Vodka for Espresso Martinis Black Cow Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

This vodka has shot to astronomical renown in the past few years, and it’s for good reason. Black Cow Vodka is made from pure milk, to be specific, the whey left over when creating Black Cow Farm’s award-winning cheddar (which we can confirm is REALLY good). Based in West Dorset, not only is it helping reduce food waste, but it’s also a seriously good quality vodka. Black Cow has subtle notes of cream and it's this quality that makes it so perfect for an Espresso Martini. To put it simply, espresso and Black Cow Vodka are a match made in mixology heaven: BUY NOW!!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £27.05

Finlandia Vodka

Best Vodka for Espresso Martinis Finlandia Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Finlandia, as its name suggests, is made in Finland and is distilled using glacial spring water. For this reason, some enjoy Finlandia frozen - but you won’t need to freeze it when mixing up a delicious cocktail for your family and friends. Finlandia is a very smooth vodka, meaning it’s brilliant for cocktails such as an Espresso Martini where a spiky vodka would interfere with the other flavours at work. Try it out today!

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £21 // US $20.99

Ketel One Vodka

Best Vodkas for Espresso Martinis Ketel One Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Ketel One is tried and true when it comes to vodka (around since 1691!) - loved all around the world for its versatility in cocktails. Its flavoured vodkas are also top quality, so after making your Espresso Martinis, it’s worth checking those out. Their neutral vodka has a creamy hint of honey, an edge that really shines through in a carefully crafted Espresso Martini. 

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: UK £26.65 // US $29.99

Tito’s Vodka

Best Vodkas for Espresso Martinis Tito's thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Tito’s Vodka is handmade in its birthplace of Austin Texas, and is still made in old-fashioned pot stills. Each small batch is meticulously taste tested and distilled to give a clean and pure vodka that is wonderful in a variety of cocktails. As the vodka is corn distilled, it has a touch of sweetness to it - which is ideal for using in an Espresso Martini! The corn also means it’s gluten free!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: UK £28.85

Stolichnaya

Best Vodkas for Espresso Martinis Stolichnaya thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Stolichnaya is a great all-rounder vodka - so if you’re mixologist extraordinaire you’ll love having a bottle (or three) of this around. Stolichnaya packs a bit of a punch, so if you like your vodka strong you’ll love it. Its neutrality makes it brilliant for a whole host of cocktails, from a Moscow Mule to an Espresso Martini! Pick up a bottle today and get that shaker out, you’re gonna need it!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find it here: £20.90 // US $27.99

Chase Vodka

Best Vodkas for Espresso Martinis Chase Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Chase Vodka is made from tiny weeny potatoes that can’t be made into Tyrrells Crisps! We love an alcohol that reduces food waste, so Chase gets a big Three Drinkers eco-friendly star of approval. It’s also got a lovely creamy flavour with hints of warm spices, which definitely sounds like something we’d like in our coffee (Pumpkin Spice Latte anyone?). Chase Vodka is one to add to your bar cart if you’re after a great Espresso Martini - and don’t forget the Tyrells!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £35.35

If the Martini is your prefered drink of choice then these Best Value Vodkas for Martinis are worth checking out too.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

By Colin Hampden-White

Macallan does it again.

Macallan has not only managed to stay at the top of the table, but it has also extended its lead. This could be down to a few things. Mainly, it’s because there has been a lot of Macallan at auction recently. Also there have been a few lower-level limited editions come to market over the last year or so and they are finding their way onto the secondary market. Examples of this would be the Concept series, which has had its final release recently, and the editions series. These I believe still have potential to grow even if bought on the secondary market at today’s prices. And it looks like a lot of other people feel the same as these series are doing well at auction.

High value Karuizawa bottles are still coming to auction giving this Japanese closed distillery a strong place on the table and with the recent releases of Brora, the most well known being the Tryptic, Brora continues to do well.

There is little change in the table this month, but the percentages have changed. They have become closer together. This makes it difficult to pick clear winners, but it is also a good sign that one shouldn’t do badly by choosing any of the brands or distilleries below as an investment. As long as one sticks to the rule of buying limited editions, single casks and good independent bottles.

Macallan 2%
Bowmore 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Springbank 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Brora 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

With no clear winner other than Macallan, I have chosen a few different brands rather than sticking to one. As any good investment portfolio should have variation.

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Drum

Best Whiskies To Invest In Ardbeg Drum September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Released a few years ago, this has already had some time in the marketplace and is still a great one to keep your eyes open for.

ABV: 46%
Size: 750ml
Find here: $279.99 

From the committee release, this can still be found in the UK.

Ardbeg Drum Committee Release

Best Whiskies To Invest In Ardbeg Drum September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

ABV: 52%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £295

From the middle of the table I’d look for Clynelish

Clynelish Game of Thrones

Best Whiskies To Invest In Clynelish Game of Thrones September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

This is a good low-level bottle at well under £50. It is high strength, and although not very limited, it is limited and will run out. A longer prospect, but still worth it.

ABV: 51.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $178.49

Clynelish 1995 25 year old

Best Whiskies To Invest In Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

With only 340 bottles of this single cask, cask strength bottle produced, from a well known independent bottler. I think this will do well.

ABV: 51%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £313.15

And from the very top of the table.

The Macallan Edition No.6

Best Whiskies To Invest In The Macallan Edition No.6 September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

The last in the edition series, these are already collectable. And although not as expensive as earlier editions, it will still rise in value.

ABV: 48.6%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £299.99 // US $179.99

The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 edition

Best Whiskies To Invest In The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

When customers are only allowed to buy one, it’s a clear indication that these will sell out fast and be in high demand. An annual release, also shows it’s only going to be created in limited numbers.

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £249.95

And there we have it. A few suggestions for bottles which I think will do well in the future. As always, they are only suggestions, and I don’t profess to be the fountain of all knowledge, but these ideas might give you a helping hand in choosing bottles to invest in.

To see how this whisky investment index was created, follow this link and if you want to check out August and July’s recommended bottles then click here: August / July.