The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 63

Happy New Podcast Day! We’ve got a brand new episode of The Three Drinkers podcast up NOW, and along with that comes your weekly run down! As always, we’ve got a ton of weird and wonderful things to chat about in the world of drink - and this week are featuring a very familiar face as our Third Drinker... 

Here’s our quick guide to some of the things we’re chatting about, but there’s so much more in the podcast - so give it a listen!

What’s In The Glass?

We’re already getting in the, dare we say it, Christmas spirit with this drink, as Aidy, Helena, and our Third Drinker taste a mouth-watering dram of Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition whisky. If you’re wondering what makes it taste Christmassy, the clue is very much in the name. As Christmas cake is made with sherry, the three different sherry casks that Tamnavulin Sherry Cask is finished in are reminiscent of that spicy, cakey taste.

Another bonus of Tamnavulin Sherry Cask is that it’s a great whisky for beginners! It has lots of flavour but is really smooth. The price isn’t astronomical either so it’s a great buy! Find it below:

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £32.95

Who Is The Third Drinker…?

You know him, you love him - it’s Colin! While he may no longer be presenting, he’s always a welcome face/voice on the podcast - especially when he brings great whisky with him...! Just back from a trip to Scotland, Colin is the reason the delicious Tamnavulin Sherry Cask is even on the table, and as a whisky expert, he definitely knows how to pick them.

Colin’s always getting involved with all things whisky and drink, so follow him on Instagram at @champdenwhite to see all the exciting things he’s getting up to!

Cardi B’s Boozy Whipped Cream?

It’s only been 3 years since Cardi B released her debut album (which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, was the top selling female rap album of the 2010s and bagged 5 Grammy nominations and a win for Best Rap Album), but Cardi B is everywhere. Whether she’s scoring number ones, dancing at awards shows or breaking world records, Cardi’s doing it loud and she’s doing it proud. It’s no surprise then, that she’s releasing a canned whipped cream infused with vodka.

Cardi is teaming up with brand consultancy Starco Brands to create ‘Whipshots’. The cream has an ABV of 10% and is said to be the product of four years of research. If you’re a vegan or lactose intolerant Cardi B fan, don’t worry - the cream is also dairy-free! You’ll be able to buy it in chocolate, vanilla or caramel flavour and it won’t need to be refrigerated. That sounds like a party to us!

The cream is expected to be available online and in stores in December, so be on the lookout!

Dine First, Wine First: Melt In The Middle Chocolate Pudding

On this week’s Dine First, Wine First segment we’re looking at pairings for the delicious melt in the middle chocolate pudding!

Aidy’s Pick:
Aidy’s picking an Italian dessert wine made from passito grapes. Passito grapes are grapes that are partially dried before squeezing and fermenting. Some of the best quality passito wines are produced in the Veneto region of Italy, and these are called the Amarone della Valpolicella wines. Unlike many raisinated wines that are usually white and sweet, Amarone (meaning ultra bitter) is red and dry. Amarone della Valpolicella wines always offer a full body with notes of fig, milk chocolate and coffee bean. Sounds like it would be a dream with a melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding!

Colin’s Pick:
He does love his whisky, our Colin, so it’s no surprise that he’s picked the very whisky being drunk this week for his pairing, the Tamnavulin Sherry Cask! Colin wants his in the freezer to chill it right the way down, and then drunk just after a mouthful of that melting chocolate inside the pudding to bring out all the fruitiness in the whisky. Yum!

Mailbag SNEAK PREVIEW

Here’s a sneak preview of this week’s mailbag question - but you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out the answer…

“Oktoberfest is one of my favourite times of the year. After the festivities were cancelled last year, I want to make the most of this year and I need your help! What beer should I stock for the event?!”

Tune in here to find out what our Three Drinkers reply with… Cheers!

What is Mezcal?

You may currently only know mezcal as ‘that smoky tequila with the worm in’, but today we are here to bust misconceptions on this intriguing drink and educate the world on what mezcal really is.

Where is mezcal made?

Mezcal is produced in nine different states in Mexico. The vast majority comes from Oaxaca, with the rest coming from the Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán and Puebla states. It is still mostly made by small-scale producers in tiny distilleries and its production is steeped in tradition, often being a family affair, with methods being passed down from generation to generation.

What is mezcal made from?

Unlike tequila which can only be made from the blue agave plant, mezcal can be produced from many different varieties, as well as blends of more than one agave. The most commonly used agave are Espadín, Tobalá, Arroqueño, Tepeztate and Tobaziche.

How is mezcal made?

When an agave plant is fully mature, which can take anything from 8-15 years if not longer, it is harvested, and the piña located in the centre of the agave is cut away from the roots and leaves of the plants and brought back to be roasted.

Traditionally the agave is slowly roasted in an earthen pit oven which is usually lined with rocks that are heated by wood. The piñas are piled into these pits and sometimes reach up to 5 or 6 feet above ground level. This mound is then covered with leaves and earth to keep in the heat and the piña are left to roast. Some, but not many, mezcal producers cook their piñas in ovens above ground heated using gas, wood or steam and a few mezcal producers even cook the piñas in stainless steel ovens with steam, but this is a much more industrial way to produce mezcal.

Once cooked, the piñas are removed from the oven and crushed to release the juice and sugars. The crushing method varies from producer to producer, some use a tahona, a stone wheel drawn by a horse, donkey or tractor, whereas other producers crush the piñas by hand with mallets or put them through a wood-chipper.

How is mezcal fermented?

Once crushed, it is time for fermentation. The container for fermentation varies, but the tanks are usually made from either stone, steel, wood or animal hide. Often, at this point, water is added to the crushed piña and this mix is then left to ferment, however, temperature variations mean different methods need to be used in different areas, for example, in San Luis Potosi and Durango, agave juice is used to kick start fermentation.

How is mezcal distilled?

The liquid from the fermentation process is then moved to the stills. Stills are usually made from either copper, clay or stainless steel and are traditionally wood-fired. Mezcal must be distilled twice to meet regulations although some producers distill it a third time for extra smoothness. When bottled, you may find some mezcals (usually industrially produced) come with a worm, however, this is not traditional. There has been much debate over why the worm has been added to mezcal bottles, though many put it down to a marketing ploy.

Aging mezcal

Some mezcals are aged before being bottled, giving them a different colour and flavour due to the barrels they are aged in. The aging classifications are:

Joven: Unaged or aged for less than 2 months.
Reposado: Aged for between 2-12 months.
Añejo: Aged for 1-3 years.
Extra Añejo: Aged for 3 years or more.

A further and much more common form of aging is Madurado en Vidrio which refers to mezcal that has been stored in glass containers for over 12 months. This method traditionally took place underground but these days is also allowed to occur in warehouses that have good temperature control. The glass aging allows the spirit to mellow slowly without evaporation and also without taking on any extra flavours from oak.

How is mezcal drunk?

In Mexico, mezcal is mostly drunk neat or over ice and is often accompanied by citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes. In the US and Europe, however, mezcal is swiftly making its way into many cocktails. Try a Mezcal Old Fashioned - it’s a smoky delight!

Which Mezcal Should I try?

Pensador Mezcal

Pensador Mezcal is produced by Don Atenogenes and his family in Oaxaca, using a combination of the espadín and madrecuishe agave. It has notes of roasted apricot, black pepper, citrus and an oak-y smoke.

ABV: 48%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £39.20

Dangerous Don Joven Mezcal

Produced exclusively from the espadín agave, this mezcal is a smoky, fresh spirit with the sweetness from the agave coming through and subtle notes of citrus. Try this in a Mezcal Old Fashioned - you won’t regret it!

ABV: 45%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £43.90

Ilegal Reposado

Made in Mexico's Oaxaca region, this mezcal is twice distilled in copper stills before being aged in American oak. On the nose, it has slightly woody, caramel-like aromas and on the palate, you’ll find notes of butterscotch, caramel and soft smoke. Yum!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £58.90

Ilegal Añejo

Another delicious treat from the Ilegal company, this añejo mezcal is also twice distilled in copper stills. It has hints of honey and soft smoke on the nose and to taste has lots of herbal notes with a floral and slightly salty hint. Drink this one neat or over ice to get the most out of it.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £75.10

Has all this mezcal talk got you thinking about tequila too? If so, take a look at The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas or The Top Celebrity Owned Tequilas.

The Best Bourbon for Beginners

The world of whisk(e)y can be intimidating for beginners, spanning multiple continents and going by a variety of different names. Sometimes that intimidation can be enough to put one off venturing into the world of whiskey at all - but don’t turn back so soon! Bourbon is a great whiskey to get stuck into as a beginner, and lucky for you, we’ve picked out 8 bourbons we think are perfect for falling in love with this spirit.

Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon is made from a unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water. Flavour is king in this bourbon with its notes of vanilla, orange and subtle winter spices, and even better, you won’t be paying the earth for it either. Take Bulleit Bourbon neat or over ice for an American treat or simply mix with cloves, lemon juice, brown sugar and hot water for a comforting Hot Toddy.

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £28.99 // US $39.99

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

If you’re looking for a bourbon to sip while looking pensive, Woodford Reserve is for you. It has a higher rye percentage than other bourbons, meaning it’s got a spicy, peppery kick to it! Woodford Reserve is warming, but won’t leave a burn in the back of your throat either, making it great for beginners looking for something smooth. The high rye content also makes this perfect for an Old Fashioned!

ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £32.01 // US $36.99

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

FYI: No turkeys were harmed in the production of this bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 is a fantastic first foray into higher proof whiskey and bourbon, with its rich but peppery caramel flavours tasty but not overpowering. If you’re new to bourbon, the high alcohol content of Wild Turkey might be a bit intense on the tongue, but this can be softened with a drop of water (which is totally okay to do, so don’t be scared). This is one for sipping!

ABV: 50.5%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: £29.95 // US $31.99

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old 

What could be more American than an eagle? Eagle Rare comes from the legendary Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky, where bourbon has been made for over 200 years! Without that aggressive bite that other bourbons can bring, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old is silky smooth and very drinkable. You’ll get honey, burnt caramel and vanilla on the tongue, with a classic bourbon oakiness on the finish - perfect for someone looking for a solid bourbon at a great price.

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: £36.99 // US $119.89

Knob Creek

Knob Creek boasts a bold, full bodied, flavourful punch of bourbon - as is evident by the higher than usual alcohol content. This is brilliant for beginners, as the price tag is very reasonable for such a rich, smooth bourbon. The notes of vanilla, oak and fruit are best appreciated when taken neat, and once you reach that spicy finish: you’ll be hooked!

ABV: 50%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £33.44 // US $36.99

Four Roses Bourbon

Don’t underestimate Four Roses because of its price, this bourbon is a delicious introduction to the spirit at a price that won’t leave you reeling! Beautifully balanced with notes of marmalade, honey, cinnamon and oak, Four Roses is great for mixing in a bourbon cocktail (such as an Old Fashioned) or simply taken neat! When you’re looking to step up your bourbon game, Four Roses also has a great 100 Proof!

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £23.90 // US $19.99

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

The beautiful, dripping red wax on Maker’s Mark’s bottle almost makes you not want to break the seal. However, we definitely recommend you do - as you don’t want to miss out on the rich flavour Maker’s Mark brings to the table with this bourbon. You’ll get delicious notes of vanilla and burnt oak on the palate, and a bit of spice on the finish. We love Maker’s Mark in a Manhattan (not just because of the alliteration), but do try it neat too!

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75l
Find it here: UK £32 // US $52.99

Evan Williams Bourbon

Evan Williams has been producing this bourbon since (wait for it) 1783! Now that, my dear friend, is a damn long time to have been making bourbon. You can certainly see why, as this whiskey is so moreish that you’ll have to get another bottle! We love the smoothness of Evan Williams, especially with those delicious caramel and vanilla notes coming through. At such a great price, this bottle is a big winner when it comes to beginner bourbons - so why not give it a try?

ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75l
Find it here: UK £26.99 // US $22.99

For more bourbon content have a look at The Best Bang for Buck Sipping Bourbon and to find out our top whiskey recommendations for an Old Fashioned click here!

*Prices updated September 2022.

Thursday Club with Talk RADIO: Côtes-du-Rhône

As the temperatures drop in October, I often find myself reaching for wines from an old favourite region in France: Côtes-du-Rhône AOC. If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll see how I like to compare this French appellation to boy bands like One Direction as they’re made up of a blend of distinctive grape varieties, each with their own personality. What may pass some people by however, is that there are various quality levels to explore. Start with Côtes-du-Rhône, then move up to Côtes-du-Rhône Villages and there’s even a more lofty level to explore too, where Côtes-du-Rhône Villages with a named village. You can read more about all of this here.

While the red wines are the most famous and the most plentiful (around 84% of all wines are red!), the whites (around 6%) and pinks (around 10%) are really starting to fly. Let’s take a look at a couple of whites and reds to see what all the fuss is about.

Les Dauphins, Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc, 2020

Hailing from vineyards in the southern Rhône, this white is a great example of an accessible  Rhône wine made with some of the great white grapes of the region, namely Grenache blanc, Marsanne and Viognier. With ripe, orchard fruit notes, a herbaceous touch and a distinctive freshness, Les Dauphins shows an effortless complexity and drinkability for a really great price. 

Find it here at Tesco for £7

Gabriel Meffre Côtes-du-Rhône, 2020

Producer Gabriel Meffre has been based in Gigondas since 1936 and for this wine, they’ve used a traditional blend of white grapes including Grenache blanc and Viognier with some Roussanne this time. A little step up from the previous bottle, the Viognier really shines through here: exceptionally elegant and soft, it has delicately complex notes of peaches, pear, apricot and white blossom with a refreshing, citrus core. Just beautiful.

Find it here at Waitrose for £9.99

Terroir Daronton, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Séguret, 2019

With Terroir Daronton, we see an example of one of the villages of the appellation getting a special shout out as grapes from here were deemed so worthy, there was no need to blend: Séguret. It’s bold in flavour but lean and refreshing with a gorgeous combination of spicy bramble fruit and a slick of salinity and minerality.

Find it here at Waitrose for £9.79

Splash Out Red

Taste the Difference Chartreuse De Bonpas, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, 2018

Christmas cake in a glass! This bold and beautiful, velvety red is produced largely with Syrah, Grenache and Carignan to offer a rich blend of flavours from sweet, black cherry to brandy soaked raisins, grilled meat and spicy blackberry. A great food wine this; try it with stews or hard, nutty cheeses. 

Find it here at Sainsbury’s for £15

Like these? Read this and try some wines from the Rasteau appellation

The Top 20 No-Low Drinks to Try

Happy Sober October! When you’re looking for an alternative to alcohol, it can be difficult to navigate the ever growing world of no/lo drinks. Worry no more! We’re here to run down our 20 favourite no/lo drinks for this Autumn.

Crossip Drinks Pure Hibiscus

A delicious alternative to Campari, Crossip Pure Hibiscus is brilliant in a spritz or a Negroni. Its gorgeous magenta colour makes for beautiful cocktails with big flavours.

ABV: 0%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £22

Herbarium Distillation 29

With a perfect balance of juniper, citrus, and spices, Herbarium has a classic flavour that works well with any kind of tonic and garnish. If you love a classic G&T but don’t want the G, swap it for Herbarium!

ABV: 0%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £24.80

New London Light

We already love Salcombe Gin, and their reputation for high quality drinks does not waver with their non-alcoholic alternative: New London Light. Bold and refreshing, New London Light combines juniper, citrus, and ginger for a tasty gin alternative.

ABV: 0%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £22.39

Portobello Road Temperance Lower Alcohol Spirit

With the same botanicals as Portobello Road’s usual gin, Temperance is great for those nights where you don’t want to be drinking. Serve with tonic and orange slices to elevate the subtle orange notes in the drink.

ABV: 4.2%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £23

Fluère Spiced Cane

Though Fluère Original is a triumph in itself, it’s Fluère’s Spiced Cane that we find most exciting as darker spirits rarely get themselves non-alcoholic alternatives. Mix with some high quality ginger beer and lime for a simple and tasty mocktail!

ABV: 0%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £20

Lyre’s Italian Spritz

A non-alcoholic alternative to Aperol, Lyre’s Italian Spritz has a mouth-watering bittersweet taste. Serve with tonic water and citrus slices, or add to your favourite Prosecco for a dazzling spritz.

ABV: <0.5%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £23.50

Something & Nothing French Rosé + Hibiscus & Rose Spritz

Something & Nothing have been making seltzers for a while now, but they recently introduced a line of low alcohol wine spritzers using their seltzers. French Rosé + Hibiscus & Rose is a dry but delicate blend perfect for a chilled out evening.

ABV: 4%
Size: 12 x 330ml
Find here: £29.75

HUN Alcohol-Free Chenin Blanc

For a fun night in with none of the day after nightmare, try setting up with some cans of Alcohol-Free Chenin Blanc HUN. A sparkling non-alcoholic white, HUN is semi-sweet with rich citrus notes and slight apricot aromas. Serve in a flute to keep those bubbles!

ABV: 0%
Size: 3 x 200ml
Find here: £7.50

Jukes 6

Non-alcoholic wines definitely aren’t as big as non-alcoholic infusions and aperitifs, but if you look closely they are out there! It’s not often you find a good non-alcoholic red, but Jukes 6 is surprisingly deep with lots of spicy red fruit flavours. Definitely worth a look at.

ABV: 0%
Size: 9 x 30ml
Find here: £35

Seedlip Æcorn Bitter

The sister company to the already hugely successful Seedlip, Æcorn has created three non-alcoholic signature aperitifs perfect for delicious pre-dinner cocktails. We love Æcorn Bitter, with its bittersweet grapefruit and earth notes ready to be served in a sophisticated spritz.

ABV: 0%
Size: 3 x 500ml
Find here: £60

Sprigster Non-Alcoholic Shrub Infusion

A non-alcoholic aperitif infused with hops, rhubarb, ginger and fennel seeds, Sprigster’s unique blend of ingredients makes for a sophisticated non-alcoholic choice. Take this with tonic water and plenty of seasonal fruits and herbs.

ABV: 0%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £26

Mary

A herbaceous spirit-alternative, Mary is a delicate blend of basil, thyme, sage with a touch of alcohol. With a light tonic and garnishes of fresh herbs, Mary is a breath of fresh air on those rainy Autumn afternoons.

ABV: 6%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £17.90

Botivo Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

With a blend of raw honey, raw apple cider vinegar, gentian, wormwood, rosemary, thyme and orange zest, Botivo combines the freshest of ingredients to create a non-alcoholic aperitif like no other. Try with sparkling water and a twist of orange.

ABV: 0%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £26.95

Bax Botanics Verbena Alcohol-Free

Bax Botanics’ Verbena is a drink that packs a serious punch of herbs and botanicals. It’s refreshing while still being flavourful, and is to die for with a splash of elderflower cordial and light tonic.

ABV: 0%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £17.95

Bowser Leaf

For Conker Spirit’s line of gins and liqueurs, the only way is up! With Bowser Leaf, they’ve taken on the challenge of a non-alcoholic spirit, and it’s seriously good. With a marvellous aroma and fresh leafy taste, you won’t want to miss out on Bowser Leaf.

ABV: 0%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £20

Brewdog Nanny State

Though the alcohol content of Nanny State may be low, that doesn’t mean that the flavour is! Just like Brewdog’s other beers, Nanny State is definitely hoppy. There’s lots of orange, grapefruit, pine and mango to satisfy any Brewdog lover, so crack one open today!

ABV: 0.5%
Size: 330ml
Find here: £1.79

Aldi “Rheinbacher 0%” Pilsner

Yeah, Aldi! Sometimes it can feel like to get a good alcohol-free beer or spirit one has to endlessly scroll through the internet, but now you can get a good alcohol free beer in stores! With a hoppy lemon and grapefruit flavour and a biscuity finish, this beer is a steal at £2.49 for a pack of six!

ABV: 0%
Size: 6 x 330ml
Find here: £2.49

UNLTD. IPA  Alcohol Free Beer

UNLTD Non Alcoholic IPA is a non-alcoholic beer made for beer lovers who aren’t so keen on hangovers… With its low calorie content and full bodied malt flavour, UNLTD IPA is a perfect IPA alternative.

ABV: 0.5%
Size: 6 x 330ml
Find here: £15

Hofmeister Ultra Low Beer

Not only is Hofmeister’s Bavarian Helles Lager super low in alcohol, but it’s expertly crafted too! There’s sweet grain, fresh grassy hops and a good crisp finish, which aren’t at all affected by its lower alcohol content. Big thumbs up from us!

ABV: 0.5%
Size: 12 x 330ml
Find here: £17.99

Brothers Alcohol Free Toffee Apple Cider

Made in Somerset, this cider is perfect for those who love a toffee sweet drink. With a smooth and creamy taste that incorporates Brothers’ delicious Somerset apples, this cider is an alcohol free winner!

ABV: 0%
Size: 12 x 500ml
Find here: £15

Not quite ready to give up the alcohol yet? How about having a look at The Best Scotch Whisky To Try This Year, 8 Rums You Have To Try or The Best Hard Seltzers Right Now?

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars to Buy this Year

It’s that time of the year again folks! Yes, the time of year where Christmas themed items begin to appear on the shelves and you continue to be astounded by the blind eagerness of modern brands. It’s the beginning of October for crying out loud! We hate to break it to ya, but Christmas is actually only 2 months away…  Break out the tinsel, crack open that box of Quality Streets - Christmas is hurtling towards us at an astonishing pace.

While the humble advent calendar may be reminiscent of childhood Decembers, it’s not just for children. Recently, alcohol brands have been bursting onto the scene with advent calendars just for adults. From Prosecco clocks to sommelier worthy wines, drinks advent calendars are getting more and more creative with each year. So, whether you’re buying one as an early Christmas gift, or just getting it for yourself, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best drinks advent calendars in 2021.

For Wine Lovers:

Laithwaites Advent Calendar

If you love wine, you’ll love Laithwaite’s Wine Advent Calendar! Presented in a beautiful box reminiscent of a chateau adorned with Christmas decorations, this calendar features 24 different wines all hidden away within its numerous doors and windows. There’s also an extra special treat for Christmas Eve, with (spoiler alert) a half bottle of champagne inside the roof! Not only is it decked out with a delicious selection of wines, but there’s also a chance to win 6 free bottles for Christmas if you find a ‘Winning Window’... We have a hunch these are going to be SUPER popular, so grab your reservation now!
Find here: £69.99

67 Pall Mall Sommelier Advent Calendar 2021

In the advent of drinks advent calendars, it was usually tiny bottles of spirits that one would find behind each paper door. However, these days advent calendars span the alcohol world, and with 67 Pall Mall’s Sommelier Advent Calendar the game has been well and truly upped. The private members club for wine lovers has created an advent calendar with a 75ml sample of a fine wine behind each door, expertly chosen by their resident sommelier. Every wine has a QR code which when scanned reveals a video guiding you through the intricacies of each wine. Now THAT sounds sophisticated!

Find here: £555

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

What we love about this calendar is that it not only has a great range of wine within it but many of the brands included in the calendar are also UK based start-ups that have made award-winning wines so it’s a great place to try some delicious up and coming wine from the UK. Featuring 24 carefully selected wines ranging from reds, whites, bubbles and even cocktails there’s a brilliant mix of drinks to enjoy each night that’ll keep you excited about coming back for more the next day!

Find here: £115

For Scotch Lovers

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

We’ll never say no to a good Scotch over here at The Three Drinkers, and Drinks By the Dram’s Scotch Advent Calendar means for the entire month of December we won’t have to! Behind each door is a 30ml wax sealed dram of Scotch whisky from a variety of different Scottish distillers. This advent calendar spans a whole range of brands, from mega-famous distillers you know and love to new discoveries bursting onto the Scotch scene. With so much Scotch ready to be tasted, you’ll definitely find something to satisfy your palette. You might even find a new favourite!

Find here: £149.95

For Chocolate Lovers

Hotel Chocolat Grand Advent Calendar

Booze and chocolate have long been a match made in indulgence heaven. Nothing is more satisfying than finding a brilliant chocolate and drink pairing to feast upon on those chilly December nights. Hotel Chocolat’s Grand Advent Calendar is filled with their signature chocolates, and a few miniatures of their drinks! You’ll be treated to (spoiler alert) their Salted Caramel Cacao Vodka, their Cacao Gin and their Chocolat Cream Liqueur. There might even be a sachet of hot chocolate for cosying up on the sofa (which, yes, you may add the cream liqueur to, we won’t judge). Chocoholics: this is for you.

Find here: £68

For Rum Lovers/Pirates

Rum’s Revenge 12 Day Advent Calendar

ARRRR! Shiver me timbers, it looks like we’ll be feasting with pirates this December! Rum’s Revenge clearly has an eye for detail, with their scrumptious advent calendar arriving in a real, reusable treasure chest. It’s not just chocolate coins you’ll find, however, but 12 single cask rare rums hand selected from around the world. Not only will you uncover 12 brilliant rums, but you’ll also receive a skull’s head glass to drink from, a treasure map, a piece of eight lapel pin and a TOP SECRET hidden treasure… Whether you’re a lover of rum, a tentative trier, or legitimately sail under the skull and cross bones: this advent calendar is a treasure not to be missed.

Find here: £249.95

For Vodka Lovers

Vodka Explorer Advent Calendar

Buckle up - we’re going exploring, with Drinks By the Dram’s Vodka Explorer Advent Calendar. If you’ve ever disregarded vodka as a simple, monotonous spirit, this advent calendar will bash those misconceptions and introduce you to the wide range of flavour profiles that are out there. After tasting 24 curated, high-quality vodkas, we promise you’ll appreciate this classic spirit like a connoisseur. Vodka producers big and small from all over the world are hiding in 30ml bottles inside this calendar, so put on that explorer gear and get tasting!

Find here: £99.95

For Tequila Lovers

Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

Though they may come in 30ml bottles, let it be known that the tequilas inside Arriba’s Tequila Advent Calendar are off limits for shotting with salt and lime. We see you. In fact, this advent calendar was curated especially to showcase the nuances and subtleties of tequila, a drink worthy of savouring (…and no salt allowed). With a selection of blanco, reposado, and añejo, Arriba is guiding you through tequila at all stages of its life. We promise you, by Christmas Day, you’ll be such an enthusiast that you’ll be racing to go out and explore more tequila.

Find here: £124.95

For Gin Lovers

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar

Not only is this advent calendar beautiful, it’s stuffed full of gin goodies for gin-lovers far and wide. That Boutique-y Gin Company has put together a selection of 24 30ml bottles from their large selection of wildly popular gins. From Spit-Roasted Pineapple to Squeezed Yuzu, That Boutique-y Gin Company is nothing if not inventive with their flavours. You’ll be bursting with excitement to find out the next creation behind each door, and will not be disappointed with what you find. If you’ve been looking to expand your gin collection in a fun and interesting way, we really recommend this calendar.

Find here: £49.95

For Tea Lovers

24 Reasons To Smile Advent Calendar

Love a good cuppa? Looking for an advent calendar you can actually open and consume in the morning? T2 has just the thing for it, with their 24 Reasons to Smile Advent Calendar showcasing an eclectic selection of teas to celebrate the countdown to Christmas! Just like wine, good tea has a complicated flavour profile of its own. Try testing your taste buds in an alcohol-free way by picking up one of these calendars and basking in the range of flavours T2 has put together. P.S. This calendar comes in both loose leaf and teabag edition - so don’t worry if you don’t have a tea infuser!

Find here: £22

For Beer Lovers

Beer Hawk 2021 Advent Calendar

Now, we’ve talked a lot about spirits so far - but what about something for the beer-lovers in our lives? Well, have no fear - we have not forgotten about you! For beer fiends with a taste for new and interesting craft beers, Beer Hawk has created the beer advent calendar to end all beer advent calendars. For its 8th year running, Beer Hawk will be providing you with 25 unique craft beers from all around the globe. They may be presented in a bottle, they may be presented in a can: but all of them are presented alongside a tailor-made website created to guide you through tasting and enjoying the beers. Get hoppy this December and give Beer Hawk a go - you won’t regret it!

Find here: £75

Tiny Rebel Beer Advent Calendar 2021

When Tiny Rebel say that this Advent Calendar is their ‘craziest project to date’ you have to take notice… After all this award-winning brewery from Wales are known for experimenting with beer flavours and styles - Imperial Honey Glazed Ham Marshmallow Porter anyone? This whopping box of 25 beers includes a mixture of IPAs, NEIPAs, stouts, Sours and some stuff they ‘honestly don't even know how to categorise’. That’s not all there’s also an exclusive Teku Glass plus a surprise gift. And for all you can collecting geeks out there, these 25 collectable cans will never be available again as they will only be in this Advent Calendar.

Find here: £87.50

For Prosecco Lovers

Prosecco O’Clock Advent Calendar

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a bit of bubbly, and with the UK’s growing love for this Italian fizz, it’s no surprise a Prosecco Advent Calendar has popped up. The look of this calendar is certainly out of the box, and by out of the box we mean a full size, working, wooden clock engraved with ‘Fizzy Time!’. Though each bottle is lined up with an hour, we don’t recommend drinking all 12 in one day. Instead, try one every other day! The lead up to Christmas is just as important as the big day - so celebrate it by popping some tiny bottles!

Find here: £114.95

For Picky Drinkers:

Master of Malt Build-Your-Own Advent Calendar

If you’re wanting to create a personalised advent calendar for the one you love, or perhaps you can’t stand surprises - why not create your own advent calendar with Master of Malt’s customer calendar builder! It also means you can make your calendar gluten-free or vegan, so dietary requirements won’t get in the way of you having a good time. This is a great way to test out some spirits you’ve been eyeing up while at the same time counting down to Christmas!

Find here: Price varies

Looking for more drinks news? Why not have a read of The World’s Best Vodka or The Best Scottish Gins to Try?

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 62

It’s that time again! Time for another episode of the Bring A Bottle Podcast! Today we’re chatting about a myriad of things, but here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know!

Make sure to listen to the full podcast so you catch up on all of this and more!

What’s In The Glass?

This week, Helena and Aidy are enjoying a dram of the delicious Fettercairn 12 Year Old Whisky! This whisky is full of tropical fruit flavours with a hint of ginger cake. The vanilla and caramel notes complement the fruit brilliantly and make for a whisky that is flavourful while being light and refreshing. 

Fettercairn uses a unique ‘cooling ring’ on their stills, drenching the stills in fresh, clear mountain water to capture only the finest vapours. This is a great, smooth Scotch that is a must-try this Autumn!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £38.95

Who Is The Third Drinker…?

This week we’ve got the wonderful Beth Brickenden with us, a long time friend who you might recognise from an episode she featured on a while back! Though she hasn’t brought Vanity Von Glow with her this time, she’s certainly brought her sommelier skills to help us with this week’s tasting challenge… 

To find out more about Beth and what she does, follow her on Instagram at @my.corkscrew.and.i 

What Wine Do Beavers Like?

Yep, beavers. Those little furry things that definitely don’t look like they’d be into fine wine. Well, as it turns out, beavers go MAD for wine grapes. 

Montes Wines, an experimental wine producer in Chile, like to plant their grapes in really crazy locations, and this can lead to some… unwanted visitors. Montes planted a variety of grapes on an untamed islet in Southern Chile, unaware that they would be meeting some furry friends all too soon. Of the Albarino, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes planted on the islet - only one wasn’t chomped through by an army of beavers. Can you guess which one?

If you guessed Sauvignon Blanc - you’d be right! In their accidental nature experiment, Montes Wines have found empirical evidence that Chilean beavers are fussy winos who won’t settle for a New World Sauv Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc is set to be released soon, listen in to hear the name Helena thinks it should be given…

Chardonnay in a SODA STREAM?

Don’t jump out of your seat just yet, we promise this isn’t a practice we’d let anywhere near the Bring A Bottle Podcast. However, it did come up as a possible way to impress a date on a budget… 

What we want to know is, would it work and what would it taste like? According to the depths of the internet, it actually does work - but can get dangerous! If you’re not careful, you won’t just be committing a crime on the wine world, but could also explode your machine. Don’t try this on carpet, and NEVER try this with red wine.

As for the taste, well, it’ll only be as good as the wine you put in. A bargain cooking white is not going to magically transform into a premium champagne just because it’s been made bubbly!

Read All About It: Exclusive Winebird Sake Vinalogy!

You won’t get this anywhere else, but we’ve just heard that Winebird (aka Helena) has given us a BRAND NEW and EXCLUSIVE Vinalogy for Aldi’s new sake! What’s a Vinalogy I hear you cry? Well, it’s a beautiful, elegant way of understanding wine (or sake) through storytelling - rather than just facts and figures!

If you want to find out Helena’s exclusive verdict on traditional Japanese sake amongst much, much more, you’ll have to pop on Episode 62 of The Bring A Bottle Podcast!

Cheers!

The World's Best Vodka

Vodka, vodka, vodka. From university student to master mixologist, this clear spirit has been a bar staple for over 100 years*. Vodka spans generations, types of drinkers, and now - the world. While its origins are still firmly rooted in Russia and Eastern Europe, distilleries are popping up all over the shop. Even wine giants such as Italy are getting on the Vodka Express. So, as you step onboard today, allow us to be your tour guides showcasing the best vodkas from across the globe. Stand clear o’ the doors and bottoms up!

*Fun Cocktail Party Fact: The first recorded vodka cocktail recipe is from 1911, originating from the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. This cocktail was aptly named ‘the Russian Cocktail’ and was a mix of vodka and rowanberry juice. 

The Best Russian Vodka

Tovaritch! Russian Vodka

Wow! Tovaritch! We’re not just really excited about vodka, this Russian brand does actually have an exclamation mark in its name. They’re not just being bolshy either, for the rich history and delicious taste of Tovaritch! is definitely enough to warrant a good exclamation mark. Tovaritch! is still made according to a family recipe hailing all the way back to the 1700s, so it’s had a serious amount of R&D. If it ain’t broke! 

The high quality Russian grain mix is distilled five times and filtered twenty to create a vodka with a subtle floral aroma and a characteristic ‘bread’ flavour. If you’re looking for a traditional vodka that will leave you reaching for your gimlet time and time again, Tovaritch! is the vodka for you!

ABV: 38%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £22.35

The Best Ukrainian Vodka

Dima’s Vodka

Much like Russian vodka, Ukrainian vodka is incredibly close to the heart of the country’s culture, meaning distillers never compromise on quality. Made from a blend of barley, wheat, and rye, Dima’s Vodka is velvety smooth with a rich and rounded flavour profile. On the palate, Dima’s has a silky mouthfeel with a hint of that rye bread followed by subtle notes of vanilla, spices and a cereal earthy sweetness. Dima’s recommends a somewhat interesting serve, with the brand adamant that nearly every cocktail made with their vodka include either pickle juice or be garnished with a pickle - the saltiness of the pickle perfectly complementing the sweet smoothness of the vodka. Hear that? Don’t mess with Dima’s pickle...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £35

The Best Italian Vodka

VOGA Italia Vodka

When you think of Italy, your brain probably doesn’t immediately jump to vodka distilleries - but VOGA Vodka looks to be changing that. The wheat that makes Italian pasta so delicious is the same wheat used to make VOGA Vodka, along with spring water from the Italian Alps. Though a delicate spirit, the Nebbiolo grapes from Piemonte that are used to filter Voga give it a unique flavour profile worthy of its premium label. To fully appreciate this vodka, drink it neat or over ice alongside a generous slice of focaccia. Mmm…

ABV: 40%
Size: 1L
Find here: Available here for some countries from $38.99 but will be coming to more soon!

The Best Finnish Vodka

Koskenkorva Vodka

Though an expertly crafted and well renowned vodka, Koskenkorva is still produced in the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva, boasting only 2200 inhabitants. Since the 1930s, the people of Koskenkorva have been lending a hand in the distillery and working to create a superbly smooth and elegant vodka. The purity of the vodka makes for a lip smacking base spirit in cocktails such as a Moscow Mule, or simply a vodka tonic with a garnish of lime.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £23 // US $29.99

The Best Australian Vodka

Baxter Australian Crafted Vodka

In true Aussie fashion, this vodka is super smooth and easy-going. A unique blend of Australian grain and sugarcane gives Baxter Vodka a naturally sweet edge, though not enough to be sickly. It’s also additive free and gluten free, which is great to hear since that isn’t always the case with vodkas. Baxter Vodka is brilliant in a fruity cocktail such as a passionfruit martini or a raspberry mule, so keep an eye out for it!

ABV: 37.5%
Size: 700ml
Find here: $46 (currently only available in Australia but watch this space!)

The Best Canadian Vodka

PUR Vodka

Winning over 80 awards since its launch, it’s clear critics are crazy about this premium vodka. PUR Vodka is made with 100% Canadian ingredients including corn from Ontario and glacial spring water from northern Quebec, and it’s these high quality components that give PUR its sophisticated clarity. Drunk neat, PUR is resoundingly clean on the palate with light mineral notes, but offers a hint of black peppercorn on the finish. The cutting purity of this vodka makes it perfect for a drier than dry vodka martini that’s certain to impress the Bond in your life. From Canada With Love...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £47.94

Looking for more vodka filled articles? How about checking out The Best Value Vodkas for Martinis or Our Favourite Vodkas under £30