The Best Whisky to Gift this Christmas

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

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

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

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

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

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

Thompson Brothers 8 Year Old Blended Malt SRV5

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

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

Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or 

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

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

Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

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

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

Glen Grant 18 Year Old

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

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

Glenturret 15 Year Old 2022 Release

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

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

Fettercairn 18 Year Old

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

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

Dalmore King Alexander III

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

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

Bowmore 22 Aston Martin 2nd Release

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

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

Glenrothes 32 Year Old 1988 Cask 16546 Gordon and MacPhail

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

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

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute

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

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

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

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

Words by Colin Hampden-White

TalkTV: Festive pudding & cheese pairings

Sweet treats and cheese can provide matches made in heaven or completely the opposite if you get them wrong. Here are a couple of go-classic pairings that will elevate your festive hosting game!

Blue cheese with sweet white wine

Salty, blue cheeses like stilton or roquefort have traditionally been matched with sweet reds like Port but actually, a sweet white provides a more zingy, fresher match at the end of a meal or as a course in itself. Look for late harvest wines, ice wines or wines with Noble Rot (botrytis) like Sauternes or Tokaji and you’ll never look back!

In the glass: Castelnau de Suduiraut Sauternes 2014, £12.99 mix 6 price Majestic

On the plate: Paxton & Whitfield Stilton, via Ocado

Chocolate log or pudding with fortified red wine

Chocolate and wine is a notoriously hard pairing as the fat in the chocolate tends to strip out the fruit in wine and leave it tasting metallic. The best way around that, especially with milk chocolate and cakes rather than very dark chocolate, is to go for something richer and sweeter. Port and other fortified red wines are perfect for this. Also, try Banyuls or Maury from France or fortified Malbec that is now coming out of Argentina.

In the glass: Niepoort Ruby Dum Port, £17.25 from The Whisky Exchange

On the plate: Irresistible Yule Log, £5 from Coop

Mince pies or Christmas cake with PX Sherry

For all those spirity, dried fruit and candied peel notes in mince pies and Christmas cake, there is nothing better than a heavier style of sherry. If you prefer it dry and saline, then a darker, Oloroso style is perfect whereas if you like a touch of sweetness (but not the Bristol cream style your nan drinks), look for a PX or Pedro Ximenez. It’s figgy, chocolatey and baking spicy. Yes, that’s a thing.

In the glass: Nectar Pedro Ximenez from Gonzalez Byass from The Whisky Exchange on offer for £15.25.

On the plate: Christmas cake

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 102

Episode 102 of the Bring a Bottle Podcast is packed with knowledge, with Helena joined by absolute cheese and wine guru and owner of Mouse and Grape, Jessica Summer! Inevitably, we took this opportunity to learn all about cheese and wine pairings, using an incredible value supermarket Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec as an example. There are Earl Grey gin experiments, a G&T unlike any you’ve probably tried before, and money-saving insight into how wine lists work!

Our Guest Drinker

Sharing a drink with us this week is Jessica Summer, the owner of the cleverly named Mouse and Grape, a luxury cheese and wine business specialising in everything from gorgeous hampers to corporate tastings and events. Jessica really knows what she’s talking about and has WSET Level 3 and Cheese Academy Level 2 to back it up!

What’s In Our Glass?

We’re merrily sipping our way through Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec, 2020, a fresh and fruit-forward Malbec. It’s voluminous and intense with black cherry and plum, and perfect alongside food for this time of year. Also, it was awarded 92 points from Decanter so it’s not just us that love it. Immense value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £9)

Drinks News

The American lager brand Coors Light has released a nail varnish that tells you if your beer is cold by changing colour depending on how cold your beer is when you hold it. Surely, you’d already know if it was cold by that point though? But it’s a nice novelty and maybe it’s an attempt to get more women into beer?!

Graffigna Malbec and Cheese pairing

Of course, we were going to get up to some wine and cheese pairings when we’ve got Jessica on. We won’t do Jessica justice by trying to recreate her detailed pairing guide here, so you’ll have to listen! The Malbec is tested with Goat’s cheese and Cheddar with very different results, and you’ll definitely want to try it for yourself after.

Mixology with Helena

Helena’s got her mixology hat on and this time she’s concocting a milky cocktail inspired by Earl Grey Latte. With York Gin’s Grey Lady at the heart of it, it’s like a lighter aromatic Baileys with great flavour. Perhaps it needs more creaminess to really sing though? If you try it, let us know your thoughts here!

Drinkers Discovery

It looks like a potion discovered in an ancient alchemist’s lab with the pipette top, but it is in fact Cotswolds Gin Essence, 10x the concentrated flavour of usual gins. 4 or so drops of this with tonic and you get a G&T with a light and breezy feel, and less bitterness if you’re into that. Interesting!

Size: 100ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £17.95

Mailbag

This week’s question concerns where to find the best value wine on a wine list! Helena and Jessica advise targeting the mid-range, to avoid the huge mark up on the cheapest wines and hefty price tag of the top end. Look out for Malbecs and Portuguese wines in general!

For all this and more listen in today!

Five Perfect Food Pairings for Argentinian Malbec

This article is brought to you by Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec from the exceptional Uco Valley. With more than 150 years of history, Graffigna is the 3rd oldest winery in Argentina.

Argentinian Malbec is loved all around the world for its comfortingly full body, velvety texture and notes of chocolate dipped, ripe berries. We’re finally getting our heads around Argentinian Malbec in this country and realising that there are different styles to enjoy, even from within the most famous region itself: Mendoza. The vertiginous Uco Valley there produces more concentrated, aromatic and mineral styles of Malbec than the sweeter and more fruit forward styles from the warmer plains. Here are some classic Argentinian Malbec and food pairing ideas: 

Malbec & Meat

Tender cuts of grilled meats and steak are always a go-to pairing for any Malbec, but it can take on some more interesting flavours too. Don’t be afraid to do your beef ribs with barbecue sauce or go full on decadence with a venison wellington. It can handle it, especially the more concentrated, bolder styles of Malbec. Fruit and meat can be a wonderful match as well, so don’t discount your tagines either, especially with prunes. Younger, fruiter, lighter styles of Malbec work very nicely with duck and plum sauce too. 

Malbec & Vegetables

Malbec loves a vegetable, especially if it’s grilled or has a hint of bitterness or juiciness about it. Earthy beetroot is a surprisingly good pairing, whereas any kind of mushroom is a more natural choice. Roasted peppers can sing with Malbec as can baked aubergines and moussaka. Fruity, young Malbecs often fit the bill a little better than heavily oaked, older versions here.

Malbec & Fish

Fish is a trickier match with Malbec, but if you are going to pair them, aim for something grilled, smoked or barbecued like halibut or smoked eel. Malbec can handle fattier, fleshier fish too though, especially if in a fruity, sweet sauce. Try teriyaki salmon or grilled swordfish with a mango sauce. 

Malbec & Cheese

Aged Gouda is a great match for an Uco Valley Malbec, like Graffigna Reserve. The moreish salt crystals bring out the fruit and the tangy, nuttiness of the cheese seems to enhance the baking spice and chocolate notes too. It’s a harmonious match where the result is greater than the sum of its parts! Also try an extra mature Cheddar, which would work well with either a high altitude, heavyweight Malbec or a fruitier one. If you can find it, Provolone also makes a classic Argentinian dish called Provoleta, where it’s warmed up to melt and go deliciously gooey.

Malbec & Chocolate

Dry wine and chocolate are not generally happy bedfellows, as the fat in the chocolate can strip fruit from the wine and leave it tasting metallic or dull. Very dark chocolate however, is another matter. Try a bittersweet, 70% plus dark chocolate with a particularly fruity Malbec so you’re not left with a mouth full of tannin. For more concentrated Malbec, chocolate truffles are an absolute winner. 

Which Malbec Should I Try?

If you’re looking for the perfect bottle of Malbec to pair with these delicious dishes, try Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec, (£9 from Sainsburys £7.50 when on promotion).

Want to get to know the story of Malbec? Check out this article! Want to take a deep dive into more wine and cheese matching? Take a look at this one.

10 Must Try Irish Cream Liqueur Cocktails

Autumn is in full-flow, winter, Christmas, and a New Year are on the horizon, and the nights have drawn in before dinner is even cooking. One thing is in order and that’s Irish Cream liqueur! Indulgent, creamy, and delicious, it’s the perfect pick-me up and that’s why we love putting it in as many cocktails as possible. Below we have winter warmers, wake-me up Martinis and unusual pairings that will blow you away. There’s something whatever your mood!

Irish Cream Coffee

Irish Coffee is made by adding sugar, whiskey, coffee and cream separately, so why not go direct by using Irish Cream? It’s the perfect cozy cocktail for a winter pick-me-up, with warming coffee and whiskey flavours, and super indulgent cream. The definitive hug in a mug.

Ingredients
50ml Irish cream liqueur
80ml coffee
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated nutmeg (garnish)

 Method
Pour in your chosen Irish Cream, and slowly stir in your freshly brewed coffee, making sure to combine them thoroughly. If you want even more cream and extra sweetness you can add a bit of lightly whipped cream at the end. Oh, and let’s not forget a bit of grated nutmeg on top to finish. Nom!

Mudslide

The Mudslide was adapted from a White Russian in the Cayman Islands in the 70s - not what you might expect from such a tropical place! It’s since become an American stalwart, often being mixed with heaps of ice cream for a boozy dessert. Ours doesn’t include ice cream, instead focusing on the spirits and liqueurs at play because they’re too good to be drowned in ice cream (no matter how nice that may be).

Ingredients
40ml good quality vodka
60 ml Irish cream liqueur
40ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
Chocolate (to garnish)

Method
Add everything bar the chocolate to a cocktail shaker and shake really well with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and grate a generous amount of choc over the top! Top Tip: If you want to make them look that bit more special for a party, melt the chocolate and dip the rims of the glasses into it. Then stand them upright and return them to the fridge for gorgeous chocolate stalactites!

Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

Next. Level. Indulgence. This is a wonderfully warming treat to perk you up whilst the nights are drawing in fast. It’s creamy, smooth and just perfect for fireside sipping if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream
Grated chocolate (optional)

 Method
You’ll want to make the hot chocolate separately here, and how you make that is up to you. Some mix powder with water, others use milk, so choose depending on how lean you’d like this cosy cocktail to be. Simply pour it over your Irish cream, add some whipped cream on top, and grate some chocolate to complete the look!

Irish Cream Martini

This is a luscious adaptation of a classic Martini, with crisp vodka cutting through the velvety cream beautifully. It has more of a backbone than other options on this list, and if you pick out a vodka that’s particularly smooth, with a touch of sweetness or creaminess (Black Cow, Ketel, Tito’s for example), it’ll be a match made in heaven.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
70ml Irish Cream liqueur
Espresso shot
Coffee beans (optional garnish)

 Method
It’s ridiculously simple once you’ve got your espresso shot. Just shake everything well with ice, and strain it into a classic martini glass! Coffee beans sit on top gorgeously if you want to go the extra mile!

Irish Cream White Russian

This Irish Cream White Russian packs a bigger punch than the original, replacing most of the milk and cream with Irish Cream instead. It’s delightfully decadent and so smooth that it’s dangerously moreish.

Ingredients
60ml Irish Cream liqueur
30ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
30ml vodka
20ml milk (optional)

 Method
Add the vodka and coffee liqueur to your glass, preferably a lowball. Fill it with ice and pour your Irish Cream liqueur over the top. Stir gently until cold and watch the beautiful swirls as the colours mix! Top Tip: For those wanting to taper the boozy edge a touch, top up with a little bit of milk.

Irish Cream Espresso Martini

If you haven’t guessed by now, we love Espresso Martini and all the spin offs. Introducing the Irish Cream to this classic takes it to the next level, swapping any sharpness for sweetness and of course, pulling everything together with an easy drinking creamy texture. A nice autumn/winter makeover of the original we think.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
35ml Irish Cream liqueur
Espresso shot
25ml coffee liqueur
1 tbsp of syrup (optional)
Coffee beans (optional garnish)

 Method
Half fill your shaker with ice and add everything, shaking until it’s cold to the touch. If you like it sweeter, add a dash of syrup. This can be a simple homemade syrup (sugar and water), or agave will do.

Irish Cream Chocolatini

Chocoholics, all eyes here. This Chocolatini is sweet, creamy, and oh, so delicious. Original vodka works well as a sturdy base, but vanilla vodka would also pair well with the chocolate and Irish Cream. Maybe avoid a chocolate flavour though unless you really just can’t get enough.

Ingredients
35ml vodka (vanilla optional)
30ml Irish Cream liqueur
20ml chocolate liqueur (like Godiva)
Grated chocolate (garnish)

 Method
Pour your vodka and liqueurs into a shaker and fill it with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Grate some chocolate over the top and eat what’s left of the bar. Yes, that is part of the recipe.

Irish Cactus

Tequila lovers rejoice - this one is for you. This is a cocktail that blends an unusual duo to create something very intriguing indeed. The agave flavour of the tequila lurks in the background, with the sweetness and fruitiness providing a really enjoyable second layer behind the delicious Irish Cream. Getting the right balance is important with this one, so experiment and see which does it for you.

Ingredients
30ml tequila
60 ml Irish Cream liqueur

 Method
First, fill your glass with ice, and then pour over the stars of the show. Stir well to combine and enjoy!

Irish Slammer

Now, this is a St. Patrick’s Day drink if ever we’ve seen one. Malty Guinness with its notes of chocolate and coffee pairs so nicely with Irish Cream, not that you’ll have much time to savour it, because this is supposed to be guzzled down.

Ingredients
25ml Irish Cream liqueur
25ml Irish whiskey
½ pint Guinness

 Method
Combine the Irish cream and whiskey in a shot glass and prepare your Guinness. Allow the foam to settle, and then drop the shot glass into the dark depths and enjoy!

Greenbeard

Another slightly unusual pairing with this rum and Irish Cream cocktail. The rum brings out the warming subtle autumnal spices of the liqueur really nicely, and despite being two very different characters, they blend to create something totally distinctive with lots of oomph.

Ingredients
25ml Irish Cream liqueur
25ml spiced rum
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (garnish)

 Method
Simple again – just shake with ice and strain into a tumbler. Cream and chocolate sprinkles to top it off.  

We’ve just used generic ‘Irish Cream’ in these recipes, but each has its own subtleties of course... and it’s the star of these cocktails so it’s gotta be spot on! Explore some of the best options to use in these cocktails by checking out our Best Cream Liqueurs guide here!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

9 Christmas Themed Gins You Need to Try

If you need some inspiration for the gin lover in your life or just a treat to yourself, these Christmas themed gin gifts are guaranteed to capture the spirit(s) of Christmas!

One Port Barrel Rested Gin

A truly distinguished limited edition gin, which has taken One Gin’s premium sage edition to another glorious golden level by resting it in port barrels. This could definitely be taken neat, with notes of rich warming spices, a hint of smokiness, sage and smooth sweet vanilla. It reminded us of sitting by the fire watching old black and white movies with a gorgeous Christmas drink. Delicious served neat over ice or with premium tonic and a wedge of clementine and lemon. 

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.76

Tarquin’s Christmas Crackers

Why crack open one Christmas cracker when you can have three?! The stunning, original Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin features in this gorgeous set of three generous 50ml miniatures, alongside their best selling Rhubarb and Raspberry, and British Blackberry Gins. The bottles are perfect replicas of the full size versions and are miniature works of art in themselves. Any gin fan would love these in their Christmas stocking, just don’t ask them to share! 

Size: 50ml each bottle
ABV: 42%, 38%,38%
Find here: £18

Hayman’s Sloe Gin

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the perfect sloe gin and Hayman’s has managed to create an extraordinary one just for you with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The sloes are steeped for around 3 months in their original London Dry gin ensuring the perfect depth of flavours. There’s distinctive almond on the nose followed by beautifully rich fruits, cut with the sharpness of the sloes in complete harmony. Perfect for that Christmas dinner tipple, or any other time come to think of it! Serve neat with ice, with a premium tonic and a wheel of orange, or for that real Christmassy feel try it with hot cloudy apple juice, an orange wheel and a stick of cinnamon. Divine!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £22.99 // US $29.99

Angels Share Glass Pink Gin Bauble

A beautiful hand-blown glass bauble from Angels Share Glass filled with Premium Pink gin from the award-winning Stirling Distillery, this bauble would be the perfect addition to any gin lover’s Christmas tree. Originally makers of the stunning whisky filled glass angels, they have now branched out to include gin baubles in their collection and we love them! Even better, you can refill them with your favourite tipple for next Christmas! Presented in an easily wrapped gift box that even an amateur gift wrapper can handle!

Size: 50ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £17.95

Tappers Figgy Pudding Gin

The beautiful amber colour of this fabulously festive gin tempts you in and the flavours do not disappoint. We definitely all want this figgy pudding! With rich winter fruits, citrus and spices this is Christmas personified. Figgy Pudding gin is made using the age-old skill of cold compounding the fruits and botanicals in the gin base, allowing a deep rich flavour and natural colour. Serve it with lots of ice, premium clementine tonic, fresh fig and a cinnamon stick.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 39.6%
Find here: £32

Fuzzy Duck Gingerbread Gin

The name alone makes you want to pour yourself a gin! The smell of gingerbread fresh out of the oven, Christmas songs playing on the radio and everyone wanting the end of the loaf - you can’t beat it. Fuzzy Duck distillery doesn't use any syrup in their gins, it’s all natural goodness just like homemade gingerbread! They’ve definitely hit the nail on the head with this gorgeous tipple. Ginger and cinnamon spice are perfectly balanced with a gorgeous silky mouthfeel. This is a full bodied beauty that deserves to be cherished! Serve it neat over ice or with Mediterranean tonic, plenty of ice, cranberries and a slice of ginger.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

Warner’s Christmas Cake Gin

For all of the lovers of sumptuous, dark, fruity Christmas cake this gin will be right up your snow-covered, fairy-lit street! Distilled with hand picked sloe berries, spices, rich fruits and dark chocolate…yes we said dark chocolate, this is no ordinary Christmas gin this is a Warner’s Christmas Cake gin! From a 50ml stocking-filler miniature to a gorgeous gift set, including a stunning etched Warner’s copa glass, there is something here for everyone. Their recommended serve is plenty of ice, cola, and a slice of orange or why not try it in an Espresso Martini?!

Size: 5cl or 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: £5 to £45 (gift set inc glassware)

The Boatyard Distillery Winter Solstice Gin

A stunning Christmas inspired gin hailing from the beautiful banks of Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, North West Ireland. Without losing its juniper heart it’s been distilled with gorgeous Christmas pudding fruits of candied orange peel, raisins, ginger and spices. Expertly blended with a French Sauternes dessert wine giving such a silky sweetness to this perfect winter tipple. You won’t want to put it down until the last Christmas carol is sung!! Serve with premium tonic, plenty of ice and a slice of orange or why not try an Irish coffee with a twist; 50ml Boatyard Winter Solstice Gin, 75ml Filter Coffee, 10ml Muscovado Syrup (2 parts sugar 1 part water) and a Double Cream Top!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

Chew Valley Clementine and Cranberry Gin

Hailing from the multi award-winning Somerset distillery. In their own words “This is not a typical “Flavoured” gin. It is a true premium quality gin with hints of winter essence”. The botanicals in this fabulous gin, including fresh clementine peel, ginger and cranberries are vapour infused for the finest flavour extraction. There are no added sweeteners in this gin, which will definitely appeal to those who want something a little less sweet for their Christmas tipple but still want those warming winter flavours. Serve with lots of ice, premium tonic and a slice of orange peel or try it in some mulled apple juice with a stick of cinnamon .

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £34.95

Smugglers Spirits Gin Baubles

You will definitely want to be sneaking these gorgeously colourful gin baubles onto your tree! Full of festive cheer, they are generously filled with a fabulous array of gins from the award-winning Smugglers Spirits. Including their cracking navy strength Old Sins gin, beautifully warming seasonal Winter gin, the fantastic original Smugglers gin as well as their small batch, hand-crafted Orange, Raspberry and Strawberry gins. Just watch that nobody else spirits them away!

Size: 50ml per bauble (x6)
ABV: From 38% to 57%
Find here: £24.50

If you’re looking for more gin suggestions this Christmas, then make sure you have a read of The Best Gins to Gift This Christmas. We don’t stop there though, for gifting suggestions for rum, vodka, tequila, whisky and more click here!

Words by Leigh Andrews

The Best Bubbles to Pop this Festive Season

With the near constant flow of food from nibbles to feasts to desserts, a delicious sparkling wine is perfect for cutting through Christmastime and providing the crisp refreshment required. Without further ado, here’s a selection of our most eye-catching fizzes, from supermarket marvels to sublime top tier magic! Let’s pop those corks!

The Best Budget Sparkling Wine (£10 and Under)

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

Cava is made using the same method as Champagne, but with Spanish grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo which creates a more tropical and savoury profile than Champagne. Some see it as less refined but when it comes down to value, Cava is king. Those three grapes all go into this Cava Brut, which is aged for at least nine months creating bold zesty citrus aromas. It feels super fresh and vibrant, with a particularly lovely green apple flavour running through it. Try it with any fish from smoke salmon to good old fish and chips.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 1.5%
Find here: £5.85

ALDI’s Specially Selected Cremant Du Jura

You may not be familiar Crémant but it’s a sparkling wine made in the exact same way as Champagne outside the Champagne region, and the production quality of it has improved dramatically over recent decades. This bottle is fabulously light and refreshing, exactly what you need when feasting over the festive period. It lacks the creamy feel of a typical Crémant, but has a bolder combination of fruits, with citrussy lemon and grapefruit, and green apples and pears. If you’re fed up with Prosecco then this is a must try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%    
Find here: £8.99

Sainsbury's Pignoletto Brut

Pignoletto derives from ‘pigna’ meaning pinecone because of the tight grape clusters on the vine and has similarities with Prosecco. Made using the Grechetto grapes of Umbria, this is drier than a usual Prosecco and similar to the Crémant above, has the pear and apple combination alongside citrusy notes. The real reward here is the refreshment of the fizz and the bright and crisp flavours that make it extremely quaffable indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7 (usually £9!)

Tesco Finest 1531 Blanquette De Limoux

If you were on the hunt for sparkling wine in 1531, this would be your only option because Blanquette de Limoux is the oldest sparkling wine in the world! Mauzac and Chenin grapes blend and age in the bottle for a year to create this light sparkling wine full of complex flavours of peach flesh and green apple. There’s a really pleasant soft acidity and interesting toasted brioche finish too. It really gives the more expensive wines and Champagnes a run for their money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.50

Sainsbury's Crémant De Loire

This is another fantastic value option from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, and one that’s picked up some serious gongs. Mostly Chenin Blanc with a touch of Chardonnay, it’s a dry fizz with heaps of richness and refreshment from cleansing chalky apple flavours down to the Loire Valley soils. This zesty rich combination is a winning one, and so easy to drink as a result. Bravo to the producer Bouvet Ladubay!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12!)

Sainsbury's Cremant d’Alsace

From the same collection is Cremant d’Alsace. Cave du Roi Dagobert are renowned in the Alsace region and produce this in the traditional method where it spends over a year bottle aging. It’s rich and creamy as a result, with buttery brioche flavours. Running alongside that too is a vibrant freshness from orchard fruits and luxurious lemon curd notes, completing an extremely well-rounded fizz for the price point. It’s perfect for any celebration and would pair really nicely with smoked salmon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12

The Best Mid-Tier Sparkling Wine (£10-£29.99)

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Chat show king Graham Norton has brought to us a stunning Prosecco, opting for a classic ‘Extra Dry’ style which means it’s lovely and sweet as well as being sublimely light. Citrus and white flower aromas fill your nose, and the finish is refreshingly crisp to boot. It’s a fantastic conversation starting party fizz!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

Invivo X Unity Prosecco Rosé

This is another bottle that has a link to Graham Norton, albeit indirectly. It’s the official wine of the Eurovision Song Contest and will be served at Liverpool next year! This Venetian wine feels suitably glam and celebratory too, with fresh strawberries on the nose and a lovely blend of green apple, orange and lemon filling the palate. A really feel good fizz for Christmas.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12

Cave de Turkheim Crémant d'Alsace

Another delicious Crémant for the money here, standing out for its perfumed pink grapefruit and lychee, as well as a characterful tartness not always found in similar bottles. Delicate bubbles, super dry and silky smooth, this is a lovely introduction to Champagne alternatives.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13.49

Castel Fagila Franciacorta Extra Brut

In the heart of the Franciacorta area of Calino, Castel Faglia opt for small garden-like pots rather than sprawling vineyards, bringing out different aromas to usual. Fresh fruit invites you in on the nose, and the following palate is super dry, with surprising structure and lively acidity. Think fresh toasted almonds and aromatic spice underlined with subtle citrus. Satisfying and well worth a try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.50

Tissot-Maire Blanc de Noirs Cremant du Jura Brut

Sheltered in the mountains of the vineyard corridor between Burgundy and Switzerland is the Jura wine region. Maison Tissot-Maire in Arbois is the merger of two expert winemaking families making elegant wines like this. Using mainly Pinot Noir, wildflowers and ripe berries come through on the nose, before a fresh and powerful mouthfeel that has a strong mineral core. Redcurrant and spice fig show themselves amongst the fine bubbles for a stunning food-friendly wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £15.95

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2017/18

Graham Beck and South African fizz have been going hand in hand since the 1990s, picking up award after award along the way using the traditional ‘Methode Cap Classique’ sparkling winemaking method. The Blanc de Blancs uses night picked Chardonnay for extra freshness, with in-your-face green aromas of lime, apple, and pear. It’s biscuity-rich, with notes of brioche and a special feel of indulgence. Put simply, it’s one of the best. Suitably magical for this special time of year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

Tesco Finest Rose Champagne

Tesco brings us this wine in partnership with Union Champagne, a cooperative of 2000 winegrowers, 60% of whose land is Grand Cru rated, so you can be assured that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in this are top notch. It’s super dry with invigorating citrus and red fruits before a very delicate mousse finish. Definitely pop this bubbly when you’re bringing out any fruity desserts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £24

The Best Top End Sparkling Wine (£30+)

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Well, the top end was always going to include Champagne wasn’t it? In particular, this is a rich and weighty expression picking up a number of major awards. It’s ripe, it’s biscuity, it’s dense with mature fruit and a lively acidity cuts through with surgical precision. The average age of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier is a decade, with the younger additions bringing freshness, and the elders that complexity and spice. Full-bodied bubbly that oozes class and is a joy to explore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018

You don’t need fluent French to identify ‘blanc de blancs’ as ‘white from white’ meaning white wine from white grapes. In the world of Champagne, this equates to the exclusive inclusion of Chardonnay grapes, and the same applies to English Sparkling wines. This bottle happens to be both. Gusbourne is a massive name in luxury English wine as it continues to win gong after gong. 2018 conditions left the Kentish fruits in fabulous condition, creating a wonderfully layered flavour. Riper notes of nectarines and clementines float above characterful green apples, whilst alluring lemon sherbet and pink grapefruit slice through. The creamy texture bows out for a toasted nut and brioche finish that really drives home. A benchmark British sparkling wine for sure. We love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Rare Champagne Millésime 2008

We’ve touched on Charles Heidsieck, and now it’s Piper Heidsieck which originated in 1777. The first ambassador of their Champagne? Marie Antoinette no less. Since then, Piper Heidsieck drew connections with Old Hollywood and is one of the most prestigious, technologically advanced and well-funded houses around. In short, the Millésime Rare is absolutely delicious and very special indeed. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, all grapes were sourced from Grand Cru villages. Delicate apricot pastry and orange zest tease the nose before the magic reveals itself. Pronounced vanilla tangles with fizzing fruitiness – pineapple, blood orange and a comforting continuation of patisserie flavours. Majesty and elegance to match the price tag and for any sparkling wine lover, this guarantees a magical Christmas treat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £194

Refreshing, and light, we love Christmas fizz but variety is the spice of life, so if you want some reds, whites or even gins to complete your festive cupboards, we’ve scrutinised and deliberated to come up with our end of year best recommendations! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Ultimate Christmas Gifts For Drinkers

Wave goodbye to the headache of finding gift ideas and panic buying, because we’ve sourced some top-notch Christmas gifts for wine, beer and spirits lovers. Stocking fillers, hampers, experiences…we’ve got it all. Let’s get straight into it.

The BEst STOCKING FILLERS for Drinks Lovers

Miller Lite’s Beernaments

You’ll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on these; with numerous television appearances in America, they’ve become extremely popular! The idea itself is pretty simple - cans of beer shaped like ornaments and voilà: Beernaments. These boozy baubles are scheduled for more releases so just check the link and jot down the release date if you want these elegant additions to your Christmas Tree.

Find here: $19.75

Football Ice Cube Moulds

Has there ever been a better time for football shaped ice than the first ever winter World Cup? These Kikkerland twin moulds make 5cm ice balls with surprisingly detailed patterning and will be just what’s required for any England fan, particularly English supporters celebrating a possible World Cup win… or drowning their sorrows.

Find here: £9.99

Mermaid Gift Set

Any gin lover will be delighted to pull these beauties out from their stocking. It’s a lovely way of dipping your toe into The Isle of Wight Distillery’s alluring selection of gins, which use locally foraged botanicals and sea salt to impart a fresh, island sea air feel. Refreshing and crisp, it includes 50ml of Pink Gin, Salt Vodka and original Mermaid Gin!

Find here: £17.28

Cotswolds Whisky Taster Pack

Founded in 2014, this distillery produces some of the best English whiskies going, and what an introduction this is: three 50ml bottles of their signature selections!  There’s the rich and fruity Signature Single Malt, the toasty, re-charred Founder’s Choice and the moreish Peated Cask to finish. Perfect to try before committing to a full bottle of your favourite!

Find here: £22.95

Barbadillo En Rama Sherry Gift Box

Now this is a sherry that is too good to leave out for Father Christmas! Barbadillo Pastora Manzanilla Pasada En Rama (15%) is a dry and crisp sherry with extra depth and character that comes from the en rama (from the barrel) style. delicious as aperitif, it is also fantastic alongside bolder winter dishes. You also receive two varieties of gourmet olives, two sherry glass copitas and the wooden box itself can be use as retro wall art at the end – neat.

Find here: £35

The BEst Drinks HAMPERS for Christmas

Mouse & Grape - Cheese & Wine Hamper

You can’t beat a mouth-watering Christmas hamper, and Mouse & Grape have put together some beautiful selections. Each combination has been thoughtfully and expertly selected and includes various amounts of luxury wine and cheese depending on which you opt for. There’s Italian, Spanish, French, Red, White, Sparkling – whatever combo you can think of! Don’t they just look gorgeous? We thoroughly recommend trading up to the truffle honey. One for Christmas day or gifting.

Find here: £75-£225

M&S Collection Christmas Giftbox

A box of pure indulgence - exactly what Christmas is about. Watch as they pop open the premium Prosecco, munch the Marc de Champagne truffles and savour the beautifully moist fruit cake, perfectly matured christmas puddings and dark Dominican Republic chocolate. What a treat for your giftee! Maybe they’ll even share it?

Find here: £45

The Deli Society

The Deli Society source hundreds of artisan products from the UK and Europe to offer top-quality, delicious, deli foods, many of which you can’t find anywhere else. They’ve assembled their best discoveries in a number of bundles encapsulating the finest wine, cheese, meats, chocolate and nibbles of each country. There’s so much selection here, whether it be the French Madelyn with delights like crisp Bourgogne wine and Camembert, or the Spanish Gabriela, packed with classic Manchego cheese, delicious Rioja wine and mouthwatering Chorizo. The only problem is which one to choose!

Find here: £45 (except the Ooh La La Champagne Edition)

Climpson & Sons X Drag & Wine - Festive Box - Limited Edition

The one and only Beth from our show The Three Drinkers in Ireland and founder of Drag & Wine, has put together a fabulously festive celebration box in partnership with coffee pioneers Climpson & Sons! it includes four expertly selected gastronomic wines (fizz, white, red, and sweet), all ideal for seasonal pairings. In addition to that, there’s Climpson’s ready-to-drink 700ml Espresso Martini and two 250g bags of ‘The Baron’; their legendary, go-to Brazilian coffee beans. Everything is sustainably sourced, so this jam-packed box is ideal to fuel your festivities!

Find here: £150 including delivery (UK only, order by Dec 13th)

The Wine Society Gift Cases

The Wine Society really are the go-to place for reliable wines without massive mark ups and their festive boxes are always a joy. Choose from the festive half case box, the afternoon tea box, the Rhône and Paté case, fizz and chocolate case and many more. Of course, there is also gift membership on offer! Perfect for any wine lover. The even better news is that TWS now offer free delivery with no minimum order (including next day delivery most days if the order is placed before 12.00).

Find them here from £17

Tidal Rum x The Pished Fish: booze-infused smoked salmon

Stunning salmon company Pished Fish specialise in booze infused salmon, whether smoked or otherwise. We tried the smoked salmon infused with Tidal Rum and it was the most delicious salmon we’ve ever tasted. A hint of rum-ness with the elegant smoke and lovely, thick slices of succulent salmon. Order now before they run out! Try the 5 multipack to keep you going over Christmas.

Find them here for £36. 99

The Best DRINKING ACCESSORIES To Gift

Riedel Glasses

The right glass can really heighten the experience of the wine you are enjoying. Riedel make stunning glassware relevant to specific grapes and not only do they look attractive, they a feel great to sip from and help open up the wines as intended, intensifying the best qualities of the wine style in the glass. Their iconic glassware is in high demand, so availability changes frequently but right now, they have pairs of Riesling glasses as well as Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. A top-class glass is a great way to make every drink feel that bit more special, so why not treat someone this Christmas? Or even yourself!

Find here: £49.95 (usually more!)

The Glencairn Mixer Glass

Whisky aficionados and Glencairn glasses go hand in hand, with it being the official tasting glass at many competitions and events. This Mixer edition is multi-functional, not just for whisky but other spirits and their mixers. The tulip shape enhances the nose and the tapered lip directs liquid to the top of the tongue for full appreciation. If you drink spirits, then this glass should be your go to and it’s bigger than a normal Glencairn so you can add your mixer to it. Isn’t it beautiful too?

Find here: £28

Drinky Tees

Our very own Helena has been busy creating Drinky Tees with the aim of producing affordable drinks-slogan t-shirts and tops that are natural, sustainable and fully recyclable, including the packaging! There’s something for pretty much any wine you can imagine – Riesling Rocks, Life is Rosé, Mama loves Malbec etc. Certified organic cotton and super comfy, plus £1 from every purchase goes straight to the Blue Seas Protection charity! Follow @DrinkyTees and @HelenaSips on Instagram to stay in the loop with new releases!

Find here: Various around £26

Cocktail Time! By Paul Feig

Paul Feig is an American writer, director and producer (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids, The Office, Ghostbusters) who, like us, is obsessed with cocktails. This book is a guide to making not only 125 different cocktails, but also throwing parties, perfect music, glassware, and everything related to cocktail partying! It’s a love letter to everything about them, and there’s even some amusing insider Hollywood stories with each recipe!

Find here: £19.88

The BEsT UNIQUE DRINKS to gift

Gosnells Vintage Mead Selection

Gosnells are the premier modern mead brand who adore bees, and this selection contains their vintages from the last three years. These bottles use raw honey from the same set of hives each year, but due to yearly changes in what the bees eat, climate and crops among other factors, you can taste the difference each year. The usual range is made from orange groves hives in Spain, whereas this uses London hives and comes out at a much stronger 12%. It’s sweet, herbaceous with layered fruity notes and overall, a distinctly bold taste. Give it a go and support the bees in the process!

Find here: £65

Personalised Bottle of York Gin

York Gin creates their range of charmingly bottled gins around the history of the equally beautiful city of York. Whether it’s telling the story of the Roman foundations by using fruit they introduce, the Chocolate Orange flavour honouring the iconic Terry’s, or the Vikings edition with dried nettles and bilberries, both found when digging on Viking sites! Check out their others – they’re fascinating creations even if you’re not going to buy anything. You can now add to the story by gifting someone a personalised engraved bottle matching that lovely historical font.  It’s also a 100% renewably powered distillery, so with a great concept, award-winning gin, and a customised special touch... what a present this is!

Find here: £55-£61

The Best Drinks Subscriptions and VOUCHERS

The Cocktail Society - Bottled Cocktail Gift Subscription

This is the UK’s leading cocktail discovery box, giving you the opportunity to try the seemingly endless options for cocktails so that next time you visit a cocktail bar, you know exactly what to order. These subscription boxes are shipped on the 21st of each month, and contain up to 12 cocktails, 3 snacks and a magazine. These aren’t makeshift home cocktails, they’re intent on being bar quality premium kits to recreate the magic at home. You’ll get everything you need to make your own, as well as ready to drink delights too – the best of both worlds. No more amateur mixology, this is premium.

Find here: £120 3 Boxes

Black Chalk Vineyard Tour and Tasting, Andover - voucher

Nothing beats a vineyard tour to get close to wine, and Black Chalk provide this guided tour of their picturesque Hampshire vineyards where you can gain an insight into what goes into award winning traditional English winemaking. Of course, you’ll then want to taste it, so you’ll finish with a tutored tasting of two signature wines! Not a bad day out at all.

Find here: £22

We’ve included a few great bottles here, but if you want a comprehensive guide of gins, sparkling wines, reds, and whites then we’ve created lists of our recommended bottles for each. Just check out our website! Rest assured; they’re cracking choices (if we do say so ourselves.)

Words by Calum Ecroyd