The Best Whisky Alternatives For Burns Night

January 25th brings Burns Night, the birthday of The Scottish Bar, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. His classic works like Auld Lang Syne are known across the world, and traditionally, haggis and Scotch are served after reading Rabbie’s words to ‘address the haggis’.

It’s the perfect excuse to pour out a special dram, but believe it or not Scotch lovers, not everyone loves it! So, whether it’s wine, spirits, or even alcohol-free drinks you’re looking for, these are the best alternatives to sip on during Burns Night, that give nods to the event without going the whole hog, or the whole haggis. Enjoy!

WINE

Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz

Another fantastic wine drinker’s choice for Burns Night is this Double Barrel Shiraz... because it’s literally aged in Scotch whisky barrels! Available in almost all supermarkets, this Jacob’s Creek range includes other wines finished with Scotch, but the Australian Shiraz is really top notch. It’s first matured in traditional oak wine barrels, building richness and elegance with hints of blueberry and ripe plum. Finishing in Scotch barrels leaves for a seriously moreish easy-drinking smoothness as well as vanilla and charry oak notes. It’s a fantastic food-friendly Shiraz that would sing alongside beef, mushrooms, and blue cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £10 (usually £12!) Sainsbury’s // US $21.99

1000 Stories Chardonnay

1000 Stories make a number of wines, with each fermenting in charred barrels that once housed iconic Kentucky bourbon. We’ve picked out their Chardonnay which reimagines the Cali classic without losing the characteristic of what makes the full-bodied grape so loved. The result is lush, charred vanilla and toasted caramel perfectly balanced by the more familiar baked apple and pear. The inclusion of a little Viognier adds even more intrigue with tropical hints in the background. Gorgeous!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5% 
Find here: UK £16.50 Tesco // US $16.99

SPIRITS

Mount Gay XO Triple Cask Blend

The peak of rum heritage is Mount Gay who release some absolute crackers, and the dark and brooding XO is right up there. Resting for between 8-15 years in a combination of American whiskey, bourbon and Cognac casks creates a precision balance. A lovely oakiness underlines everything, decorated with inviting notes of waxy pear and sticky toffee fig pudding. Full-flavour, impossibly smooth, and finally the very gentle warming spice that you need on Burns Night – it’s the best rum option to replace Scotch. Try it with a large coconut water ice cube to really accentuate the coconut notes too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £54.59 // US $64.99

Firkin Gin Islay Cask

Firkin Gin produce some delicious gin, many finished with wines and whiskies. We even tried their Côtes Du Roussillon in, ‘The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky’, but on Burns Night, gin lovers should go to their Islay Cask! Best known for Scotch, Firkin Gin have imparted that Islay character into this London dry-style gin by resting it in oak casks that used to house local whisky. In amongst the juniper, lime and honey botanicals, peat smoke wafts through on the nose before distinct vanilla and sea-breeze notes on the palate. The peppery finish ties up the peaty elements nicely, for a gin that is both light, zesty, and coastal, but smoky too. Explore it neat but perhaps serve with ginger beer after that.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £34.99

Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo Tequila

Raised in Texas but born in Scotland, Michael Ballantyne founded the award-winning Storywood to produce tequila, ‘with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland’. It’s unusual to see Speyside and Tequila in the same sentence, but the 100% blue weber agave añejo matures in Scotch casks from the area for 14 months to create one of the most uniquely layered tequilas around. Think caramelised nuts and toasted oak, intertwining with the earthy and vegetal agave that sits at the heart of it. Innovative and well worth a try to see if the combination is a hit for you!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.30

Kalak Peat Cask Vodka

Another expression you don’t see often but just so happens to be the perfect alternative to Scotch for Burns Night... cask-aged vodka. Kalak’s crisp Irish malted barley vodka is distilled four times and finished in virgin American oak casks charred over Irish peat fires. What an image that is! A mellow smoke coats the bakery profile of vanilla, gingerbread, and cream wonderfully. The whisky presence is far from overbearing if you’re worried about that, it just adds a new toasted layer to the existing characteristics. We think this would also create some really unique cocktails, like a Smoky Martini. Cheers to Rabbie!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.90

Beeble Honey Whisky Liqueur

If you’re anything like us you’ll be instantly curious about that distinct honied hue and giant bee, and even more intrigued about what ‘honey spirit’ is. When the founders began their first hive, they found it difficult to avoid wasting the honey that stuck to the frames. They tried soaking them in whisky and the first Beeble batch was born. They now have over 130 sustainable hives, and still only use honey, water, and whisky. English apple blossom honey blends with Scotch for a super silky and floral bottling at just 30%. If you really don’t like whisky, then maybe stay clear but if you want to explore a much easier drinking sweet liqueur version, then this is a must try. It won a Great Taste Award in 2020 for its original flavour so see what you think!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 30%
Find here: £32

NO LO

Feragaia

If you don’t drink alcohol but still want to sip on something special for the celebrations, then how about Feragaia? It’s a Scottish alcohol-free spirit combining 14 wild botanicals including chamomile, bay leaf and seaweed with local Scottish water. The grounding spices like pink peppercorn work well with the coastal Kelp and fresh lemon and blackcurrant for a really balanced and clean feeling of flora and earth. It might look like a very pale whisky, but Feragaia doesn’t intend to try to replicate a spirit, instead they hope that this stands in its own right as its own thing. Bravo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.94

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Crossip has a great range of booze-free spirits, but it was Dandy Smoke that picked up The Independent’s Best Overall Non-Alcoholic Spirit of 2021, and it has that Scotch profile we’re looking for. It’s smoky (obviously!) and velvet smooth with satisfying viscosity, which is important because a thin feel can be an issue with booze-free spirits. Underneath the enjoyable texture are layers of warming spice with a subtly medicinal punch not dissimilar from Islay expressions. It’s a smaller bottle than most but a little goes a long way with this one. Try it with cola or ginger ale, or even at the base of a fresh mocktail!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22

If after all that you’ve come full circle and just want quality Scotch for Burns Night, then check out our list of the very best, from budget to blowout.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Budmo! Dima’s Cocktail Book Supporting Ukraine

Dima Deinega is the man behind namesake brand, Dima’s Vodka, an award-winning triple-grain expression picking up prestigious gongs from the IWSC, World Vodka Awards and Vodka Masters… and now, he’s also the man behind, ‘Budmo!’, a book of vodka cocktails from his homeland.

If you’re wondering, Budmo (pronounced Bood-more) means, ‘let us be’ and is the shortest and most popular Ukrainian toast, usually featuring a hierarchy of toasts around the table. Dima’s book celebrating the art of toasting features fifty essential recipes created by expert mixologists from Kyiv cocktails bars, celebrating vodka’s special place in the culture. As Dima himself puts it, “Vodka is an integral part of the Ukrainian lifestyle with generations of expertise and tradition behind it. With different regional flavour profiles, it crosses class and status boundaries and is suffused into the country’s culture, uniting the nation.”

Highlights include the Kyiv Mule, The White Ukrainian, the Beetroot Bloody Mary and Parovoz Bar’s Green Pea Cocktail, a smoothly shaken cocktail entwining the richness of Dima’s Vodka with green pea shoots and celery bitters! You even get a QR code to walk you through making each one, as well as insight into the exciting Ukrainian bar scene, vodka infusions (nalyvkas), traditional pickles and beautiful accompanying photos.

Most importantly, a minimum of £5 from every purchase goes towards First Aid Ukraine in their time of need, and you can purchase the book on its own for £25 or combine it with a gorgeous bottle of Dima’s for £55 (the perfect star of the show for your vodka cocktails).

Super inventive recipes, stunning Vodka, and the opportunity to support and celebrate Ukraine – Budmo to that we say.

If it sounds like it’s up your street, please visit Dima’s website to learn more about their premium products and purchase the cocktail book!

The 10 Best No-Lo's For All Drinks Lovers

Year after year, no or low-alcohol drinks seem to get better and better, so we’ve picked our best up-to-date alternatives to your favourite spirits below! These beautiful drinks feel like a treat, not a compromise, so whether you’re a seasoned No-Lo explorer, or just experimenting for Dry January, pick out your go-to alternative here... let’s get started.

BEST RUM ALTERNATIVE

Caleño Dark & Spicy

Caleño produces non-alcoholic spirits inspired by the vibrancy of Colombia, and their Dark & Spicy release is a wonderful bottle in the vein of dark rum. It’s built around the tropical tang of pineapple, with a pleasant gingery kick, vanilla pods, subtle coconut, and a splash of lime. They’ve nailed the profile and serving it with ginger ale gives it the extra kick for more of a spiced rum feel if you’re looking for that.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%      
Find here: £17.99

BEST TEQUILA ALTERNATIVE

Mockingbird Spirit

For all you tequila lovers, Mockingbird uses Mexican blue weber agave just like tequila and the similarity in taste is remarkable. All those familiar notes are there, with the slightly smoky and sweet profile, but without the hangover that may follow! In fact, Mockingbird includes pure ashwagandha for added health benefits. It’d be perfect in a Margarita mocktail or as an inventive mixer.

Size: 700ml                                          
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £22.99

BEST GIN ALTERNATIVE

Sea Arch Coastal Juniper

Inspired by the beautiful Devon coastline, this gin-esque creation includes a selection of gorgeous seaside botanicals. The aromatic juniper is front and centre with herbal notes of sage satisfyingly sitting behind. Grapefruit and coriander create a crisp and clean palate, whilst the sweetness of the blood orange and juicy lemon undertones adds beguiling complexity. Sea kelp and samphire, angelica and cardamon complete a fantastically well-rounded, fresh, and bright drink, leaving you fulfilled and refreshed like a long coastal walk! Simply serve with a classic tonic to unfold the vibrant citrus and seaside herbs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £17.12

BEST FOR WHISKY LOVERS

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Dandy Smoke is probably the most praised release from Crossip, an alcohol-free brand with some fantastic other releases from Fresh Citrus to Blazing Pineapple. Dandy Smoke is a must try for whisky lovers looking for a booze-free alternative, with perfect smoothness, smokiness, and warming spices. It has that slightly viscous texture required for a truly satisfying sip and underlying punchy aromas similar to Islay drams so a little really does go a long way with this one. Try it over ice with your chosen mixer (ginger ale would be perfect), or knock up some fresh mocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22

BEST FOR VODKA LOVERS

STRYYK Not Vodka

We’ve been keeping tabs on STRYYK for a while because of their Not Rum and Not Gin, and now it’s time for Not Vodka, a spirit that is often ignored in the No-Lo space. The tingling capsicum gently warms the throat, matching the sensation of Vodka sipping, with some fresh cucumber and mint flavour before a peppery finish. It feels fantastically fresh and clean but may get a little overwhelmed with a strong mixer, so we recommend some ice, tonic and lemon to bring out the zesty notes. Super refreshing!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.82

BEST VERMOUTH ALTERNATIVE

Feragaia

From the off, we should say that Feragaia doesn’t claim to replicate any alcoholic drink, aiming to stand in its own right instead. However, we think that if you’re on the hunt for booze-free Vermouth, it’s well worth a shot! Hailing from the Scottish Lowlands, it’s a distinctive blend of wild botanicals, grounded in earthy root flavours and warming spice like pink peppercorn. Complimenting well, the lighter top notes of fresh lemon, blackcurrant and kelp provide perfect balance, creating a unique mix of aromatic herbs and bittersweetness. It’s another No-Lo drink that just needs ice and a little tonic to make it sing. It’s seriously invigorating and probably like nothing else you’ve tried before!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.94

BEST CANNED NO LO

Something & Nothing Yuzu Seltzer

Winner of a Great Taste award in 2020, Yuzu Seltzer’s star is Yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit with a pleasantly sharp taste – think a blend of lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Super simple and natural, it’s just fresh grape and lemon juice added to swirl around the yuzu base to fill out the flavour, and voila! Healthy revitalising Seltzer that hits the spot.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.95 / 12 Pack £19.75

BEST NO LO COCKTAIL

Caffè Carnivale Espress0% Martini Nitro Cans

Let us introduce you to the winner of a Gold Medal at the pre-mixed masters, praised for it’s uniquely crafted sophistication. Cold brew espresso is blended with cocoa and Madagascan vanilla, with everything poised perfectly, from sweet chocolate to earthy coffee. There’s even a somewhat boozy aftertaste you may detect! A must-try for any Espresso Martini lover!

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.50 / 10 Pack £9.99 / 12 Pack £29.99

BEST NO LO APERITIF

Everleaf Forest

Everleaf is a sustainably minded brand with three non-alcoholic aperitifs in their current collection – Mountain, Marine... and our favourite, Forest. This is a fragrant bittersweet concoction with great depth of flavour and mouthfeel, and unlike many no-lo creations, it won’t get lost when mixed. The sustainably sourced botanicals like saffron, Madagascan vanilla, gentian (a purple flower imparting bitterness), and orange blossom to create a satisfying forest flavour palate with a slightly floral touch. It’s stunning complexity has won it awards, and it’s the ideal addition to many mocktails like a Spritz!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19

BEST CBD NO LO

EDI Spirited Euphoria

Last up we’re shouting out one of the Best CBD No-Lo drinks on the market, EDI aka Endorphin Dealer Institute and their Spirited Euphoria hemp spirit. Packed with 420mg of CBD, nootropics which support cognitive function and adaptogens to help ease stress, the liquid itself doesn’t replicate any alcoholic spirit in particular, but has a delightful clean mouthfeel, with a citrusy bittersweet dryness and slightly peppery woody finish. A fresh slice of orange with ice is perfect to sit back and relax with this one, adding a splash of fruit juice if you’ve got a sweeter tooth!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 420mg
Find here: £40.10

Like the sound of CBD drinks to relax you over winter? Check out 8 Of The Best here! Gin, Rum, Vodka, there are amazing options for all.

The Best Hot Toddy Cocktail Variations

What is a hot toddy?

There’s nothing quite like a hot toddy to soothe the winter chill in our bones is there? The history of the hot toddy is by no means set in stone. In India, toddy has long been a fermented palm tree sap concoction, and by the end of the 1700s, it came to mean, ‘a beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar, and spices’ in the United Kingdom.

One man credited with its popularity is Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed hot brandy, cinnamon, syrup, and water in the 1830s to his patients with flu. Now that sounds better than tablets to us!

These days, the winter warmer is loved by many to jump-start mornings, soothe colds, and sore throats, as a nightcap, or just to heat up during the chilly nights. So versatile! And the good thing about that is, there are tonnes of room to adapt the recipes...

So, without further ado, here are our best hot toddy variations, whatever you’re in the mood for, and even if you don’t like whisky!

For the traditionalists: The Original Hot Toddy

Some recipes are as simple as whisky + sugar + water, and others read more like full shopping lists, so we’ve kept it fairly simple with cloves and cinnamon for mellow and warming spice, honey for sweetness, lemon juice to cut through and of course, a gorgeous splash of whisky at the heart of everything. Balanced and beautiful, it’s soothing comfort in a mug.

Ingredients
1 clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml hot water
35ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label is great)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Grab your favourite mug or handled glass and add the water. Mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it. Most important of all, have a taste and adapt it how you like! You can add some sugar, or some more lemon, or even a splash of whisky if it’s not got enough oomph.

For the bourbon drinkers: Ginger Toddy

Bourbon works just as well as Scotch in a Hot Toddy, so it’s just down to your preference, but we love it with the ginger here. Those warming spicy notes, with vanilla and caramel bourbon hints create a delicious bakery feel to the cocktail. This is guaranteed to leave a lovely zing in your mouth and warm you down to your toes!

Ingredients
35ml bourbon
15ml ginger syrup
100ml hot water
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Combine the bourbon, ginger syrup and hot water in your favourite mug and stir thoroughly, adding a splash of lemon juice if you want extra zing! Then enjoy!

For the cider drinkers: The Hot Apple Toddy

Now be aware that this has a serious kick to it because the water is being swapped out for apple cider. You can still add cinnamon and a clove if you wish, but if you’ve used a good cider then there should be bold enough flavours without. Along similar lines, if you’d prefer an even fruiter version, use apple brandy instead of whisky! Oh so satisfying and that subtle tang is lovely.

Ingredients
1 tsp honey
100ml apple cider
35ml whisky or apple brandy
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Method
Heat up your cider in a saucepan and pour this into your mug or glass coated with honey at the bottom. Add your whisky and optional spices and stir well.

For the gin lovers: Hot Gin Toddy

There are even options for you gin lovers out there. The Hot Gin Toddy relies on the beautiful botanicals in the gin, with the heat opening them up and giving them a new lease of life. It’s just as warming, but with a pleasantly aromatic profile that’s surprisingly light and refreshing too.

Top Tip: Dry gin will work better because the botanicals tend to react to hot water more reliably.

Ingredients
1 tsp sugar
35ml gin (dry)
100ml hot water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (garnish)
1 lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Super simple, just mix everything really well with the hot water and give it a final stir with the cinnamon stick. Make sure the water isn’t boiling hot because this may be too harsh on the gin.

For the rum drinkers: Hot Rum Toddy

Rum fits so nicely into the Hot Toddy recipe, with those warming spices and underlying sweetness accentuated beautifully. Whilst Scotch has always been the Hot Toddy go-to in the UK, rum used to be far more readily available in America, so this or brandy was usually used. Any rum works, but we would suggest dark rum for that deep caramel flavour, and the spicier notes.

Ingredients
1 tbsp honey
35ml rum (preferably dark)
100ml hot water
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Stir together everything so that the honey is completely dissolved and drop in the cinnamon stick giving it plenty of time to diffuse. Garnish with a lemon wedge to finish, and squeeze in a little juice if you prefer! Truly a fireside sipper that gives the original a run for its money.

For the vodka drinkers: Toffee Apple Hot Toddy

This may ring some bells because we recommended it as the perfect Bonfire Night cocktail when Lewis Stairs, founder of Sunday Cocktail Club joined us in Ep.96 of the Bring a Bottle Podcast. It’s gorgeously smooth, with that slightly sweeter bourbon intertwining with crisp toffee vodka. The apple juice completes the hot toffee apple vibe, and it’s a fantastic option if you’ve got a sweeter tooth.

Ingredients
25ml toffee vodka
50ml bourbon
40ml apple juice
Splash of lemon (optional)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you’ve got to do is heat everything up in a saucepan until it’s hot throughout, but not bubbling. Keep some cool apple juice behind to cool it down if needs be. We love the very subtle sour edge that the lemon provides, but feel free to leave it out – it’s your creation! Feel free to check out Lewis making it here.

For the non-alcoholic drinkers: Apple Berry Toddy

There are lots of alcohol-free hot toddy variations using different types of tea, but we wanted something that still has the boozy profile to it... just without the booze itself. Step up Crossip Rich Berry, perfect for mulled wines but also hot toddies. It’s packed with rich blackberries and cherries, and a lovely layer of spice. Obviously, there isn’t quite the power that comes from a spirit, so swap out the water for some lovely hot apple juice and it’s a warming winner with heaps of flavour.

Ingredients
25ml Crossip Rich Berry
125ml Apple Juice
Lemon (garnish)

 Method
Like every hot toddy, it’s easy to pull together. Just heat everything together and decant! A little squeeze and garnish of lemon is a nice finishing touch. The only difficult bit is trying not to finish it all in one sitting!

If you are looking for more delicious drink ideas this January, why not check out our recommendations for the best no and low alcohol drinks?

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Glenmorangie – It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The dining room at Glenmorangie House

Settled into the landscape, right next to the Dornoch Firth in the highlands of Scotland is something wonderful. Creating whiskies known the world over and experimenting with new delicious expressions released every year to delight us is Glenmorangie distillery. It is a well-known place, especially amongst whisky lovers, who travel from far and wide to visit the distillery and obtain special bottles only found there.

What is less known is where one can stay as you visit this beautiful cathedral to the amber nectar. Well off the beaten track is Glenmorangie House, around fifteen minutes from the distillery looking out onto the Moray Firth and the North Sea. It is a traditional, large house with white walls and small windows set in beautiful gardens at the end of a long driveway. There are many large guest houses and hotels which might look like it. However, you realise something is very different here as soon as you get out of the car. You’ll be greeted by a life size giraffe at the front door. Made of metal it is the first hint, that the interior may not reflect the exterior, and it certainly doesn’t.

Glenmorangie House

I have been to Glenmorangie house quite a few times as a whisky writer and broadcaster. My first time over ten years ago. The house then was extremely smart, reflecting a smart and yet traditional Scotland, with an interior of many shades of greens and blues and light tartans, it was stylish and comfortable. A few years ago all this changed.

The Glenmorangie Company decided they would like their house to reflect the whiskies they were creating at the distillery, rather than a Scottish idle. Out with the simple blues and greens and in with the bold. Bright oranges and golds, pinks, violets and vivid greens and electric blues now deck the walls, fabrics and furniture. Now, this might sound a little extreme, and at first like looking directly into the sun, you need to squint, but as with the sun, the lovely heat on your skin and its magnificence make you want it to stay for ever. The new interior of Glenmorangie house is quite brilliant. There is a lot of detail in the design. Each room has been names after expressions of the whisky or themes which reflect the ethos of the brand. For example, there is a bedroom called Nectar d’Or, after the whisky they create with a finish using Sauternes barrels from Sauternes in Bordeaux, France, giving a sweeter style of whisky. The colours in that room have golds and oranges, reflecting honey and the core flavour of Glenmorangie, which is oranges. But the details are wonderful. There are paper flowers in one of the vases, which seem to be made of muted colours, and it isn’t until you get close to them that you realise, they are made of maps, and then when you get closer, you’ll see that the maps are of Sauternes. There are details like this throughout the house.

Beyond the interior styling, there are other attributes the house has. The staff being the best thing. Staying at Glenmorangie House is a personal experience. Your every whim is looked after by David, the house manager and Amy, front of house, look after you very well. Making you feel comfortable, and always there when you need them, slipping away when you are chatting away to your friends or family, magically reappearing when glasses are needing to be replenished. Should however you need replenishing at any point, and they are not there, simply help yourself. The bar is always there. Magically hidden away in the bookshelves behind a door, it opens to display and array of expressions from the distillery. Including whichever annual expression is relevant. This year it was Tale of the Forest. A whisky which had the barley dried using not peat or coal, but heather, juniper and birch tree bark. Other spirits from the Möet Hennessy portfolio, should anyone not be a whisky drinker.

In the evening, once your thirst has been sated, dinner is called. There is no restaurant at Glenmorangie house. Guests dine together, which, having experienced this many times at the house is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Having made a decision to stay at the house, you’ll find those that have also made the same decision will have things in common and getting to know new people over great food and wine feels like a dinner party. More Downton Abbey than Hilton Hotel.

There are plenty of other things to do at Glenmorangie House other than drink, eat and be merry. The coast is a short and very picturesque walk away, with beaches and rocky pools. Fun games, such as archery can be organised. Falconry displays can come to the house. There is a large fire pit with seating to sit out at night and watch the stars, and sometimes, even the northern lights can be seen in the dead of night. Fireworks can be organised, and the firepit seating becomes a mini amphitheatre to watch them from, and with a hot toddy in hand, it’s a warming experience.

It's a glamorous place to stay, a place to be pampered and a place to relax. It’s bright and stylised interior is unpretentious, as is everything else about a stay at the house. It feels like a home from home. If you could imagine being a millionaire. Above all, it leaves the ordinary world behind and everything at the house is kind of delicious and wonderful.

The cathedral like still room at the Glenmorangie distillery

There are a couple of very exciting weekend breaks on offer from Glenmorangie inspired by Tale of the Forest and include all of the following:

- Two nights’ accommodation
- Afternoon Tea on arrival
- Botanical cocktail mixology session
- Falconry display
- Visits to the Glenmorangie Distillery and surrounding Scottish woodland
- Forest-inspired tapas dining on the first night with a light lunch on Saturday
- Four-course gourmet dinner with paired wines on the 2nd night
- An exclusive tasting and introduction to Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
- Full Scottish Breakfast on both mornings
- 1pm late check out
- Exclusive bottle of Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest to take home with you 

The Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Weekend Break is available on 27th and 28th January; 24th and 25th February; and 24th and 25th March for £1200 per room based on two guests in a Standard or Cottage Room and includes all aspects detailed above & VAT.

Upgrade to a Master Room for an additional £150.00 per room – subject to availability.

Additional nights can be booked for £200 per night based on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Call 01862 871671 or e-mail relax@glenmorangie.co.uk for more information or to make a booking.

The Top 10 Vineyards of 2022

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed the top wine destinations for 2022, and with more countries than ever before featured in the Top 100, the competition was intense and diverse. If you’re a wine lover looking to plan your 2023 holidays, then this is the perfect place to start…

10. Bodega Garzón

Built into the hills of Maldonado in Southern Uruguay is the ambitious Bodega Garzón winery. The first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) vineyard outside of North America, it produces 2.2 million litres of pristine wine and uses the natural climate, wind energy, gravity and much more to cause minimal disturbance to the surrounding areas. Their signature Balasto wine is incredibly elegant and expressive, but even if no wine ever made it to bottling, this place still sounds worth visiting! It’s just an hour’s drive from renowned beach resorts like Punta del Leste, it has horse-drawn carriage tours of the vineyards, hot air balloons, an 18-hole golf course, sommelier blending sessions, and presiding over everything is expert chef Francis Mallman, the ‘master of smoke’ who teaches there and finishes the lesson with a four-course wine-paired lunch! What a weekend that could be! 

Placement in 2021: 4th 
Book your experience here!

9. Catena Zapata

Behind the fascinating architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids, the Catena Zapata winery is home to Argentina’s most famous wine family. You can undertake fascinating tours of the vineyard, which was founded way back in 1902, discovering how it pioneered the resurrection of Malbec and its usage of extreme high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills. You can even taste the signature Malbec from the barrel paired with tapas in guided walk throughs! The Adrianna vineyard in particular is the epitome of Argentina’s highly distinctive elevated terroirs with breath-taking wine and views to boot.

Placement in 2021: 7th
Book your experience here!

8. Quinta do Crasto

The earliest records mentioning Quinta do Crasto in the Douro region of Northern Portugal date back to 1615, and it soon became one of the finest vineyards in the world. Very little has changed in that regard, or indeed in some of the production methods. Their trademark Port is still made using foot trodden grapes, and it’s all unfiltered to maintain full character. You can stay in one of the four stunning suites, overlooking the rolling hills and lake below, and the family may very well join you for breakfast in the dining room. Did we mention there’s an infinity pool serving wine and tapas on the side? It’s the perfect blend of history and modernity and would be ideal for a relaxing luxury trip.

Placement in 2021: 16th 
Book your experience here! 

7. Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi is a bona fide legend of American winemaking and founded this winery, described as ‘the soul of Napa Valley’, in 1966. A tasting of the famous To Kalon Reserve range including the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is really what dreams are made of, and where better to enjoy than with views over the Mayacamas Mountains. The edible gardens that run alongside the vineyard tour are just the start of the food experience there, as you can enjoy lunch or the decadent ‘Legacy Dinner’. Mondavi’s love of wine, food and art is brought together magnificently, and that’s why this is North America’s winner in 2022. 

Placement in 2021: 40th
Book your experience here!

6. González Byass – Bodegas Tio Pepe

In Andalucía, the heart of Sherry county, sits González Byass and it has done since 1835. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, this stunning vineyard is in one point of the acclaimed Sherry triangle - Jerez de la Frontera. Palomino vines sprouting from the chalky Albariza soil produce some of the juiciest, most flavoursome grapes on the planet. What could make all this amazing sherry even better? How about 19th century cottages transformed into the charming Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe? You get your own roof terrace with views of the cathedral, a bar (of course), a pool and a spa. Finally, and arguably the best thing is that you can tour the whole estate by miniature train! Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the sherry-drinking mice scuttering (and possibly falling) around ;)

Placement in 2021: 9th
Book your experience here! 

5. Fürst von Metternich-Winneburg’sche Domäne Schloss Johannisberg

Riesling lovers, listen up. This stunning Neoclassical palace sits atop a hill not far from Frankfurt, and vines have grown there since a staggering 817! In 1720, it became the world’s first Riseling winery and went on to create popular grapes like Spätlese, Ausless and Eiswein. Even the barrels used here are made from the forests on the estate, and you can see all of that on the all-encompassing tour featuring ancient vaults, tasting booths, and finishing at the Schlossschänke tavern. If you time it right, there are often open-air jazz and classical concerts there too. It has to be the best place on the planet to drink Riesling without a doubt.

Placement in 2021: 34th 
Book your experience here!

4. VIK Winery

Let us introduce you to VIK Winery, a super sleek and quirky estate set against the majestic Andes in Cachapoal Valley, Chile. There’s artwork round every corner, contemporary titanium and bronze architecture, and 22 uniquely styled suites. Guests staying have 4000 hectares to explore, and if you’re thinking that sounds like a lot of walking then don’t worry, you can travel on horseback or mountain bike. There are just the three restaurants to pick from, all serving authentic Chilean cuisine and if it wasn’t enough drinking their sublime reds, you can bathe in them too! VIK is truly one of the most magical looking vineyards on this list. 

Placement in 2021: 8th 
Book your experience here!

3. Montes

We’re staying in Chile for the bronze medal and winner for South America, and that’s Montes. In the heart of the Colchagua Valley, there’s 6km of mesmerising botanic hiking trails, and they all lead back to this feng shui inspired complex. All roads lead to Montes! The same angels from the label hang throughout, eery Gregorian chanting is sung from the depths, and the fiery Fuegos de Apalta restaurant serves mouth watering dishes overlooking the Apalta hillsides for a wonderfully mystical atmosphere. 

Placement in 2021: 5th 
Book your experience here!

2. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal

Narrowly missing out on the top spot two years running is this Riojan masterpiece. We say masterpiece because check out those twisted aluminium ribbons over the hotel! In the gorgeous Spanish sunshine, the metal gleams to reveal all the colours that show in the bottles and wine itself. This contemporary art is juxtaposed with the 19th century bodega below, containing some of the oldest Rioja in the world. You are free to explore this seminal estate by foot, bike or horse, and the medieval villages surrounding it are crying out to be explored too. Completing the experience is an expansive golf course, the luxury Caudalie Vinothérapie spa, and Michelin-starred dining led by superstar chef Francis Paniego. You’ll see this estate appearing over and over on top wine and vineyard lists, and for a first-class fine wine experience, you can’t get much better.

Placement in 2021: 2nd
Book your experience here!

1. Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Marchesi Antinori)

After all of that you must be wondering what more can a vineyard do to get top spot? Well, Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Tuscany seems to have the answers. The Antinori family have been in and around the Tuscan region since 1385, a fact that is expressed in everything the winery does. It’s beautifully built with entirely locally sourced materials overlooking the famous countryside views and vines of Chianti’s classic Sangiovese grapes, as well as a host of others that have grown historically, like Canaiolo and Mammolo. Perfect production elements are achieved through natural and environmentally aware innovations, and in fact, from a distance the building itself looks somewhat invisible! Equal to being a winery, it is a celebration of Tuscany and heritage; from the distinctive architecture to the local produce at the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant (named after the first Antinori winemaker), to the museum space hosting exhibitions. You even finish exploring the extraordinary site in a cubed glass tasting room suspended over the barrels below. What more is there to say? The World’s Best Vineyard – and that’s official. 

Placement in 2021: 6th 
Book your experience here!

For our UK readers, unfortunately, there are no vineyards that have broken into the Top 10 just yet, but they’re rising up the ranks so one day...one day. Nonetheless, there are really magical winery experiences to be had here too, so check out our Best UK Vineyard Stays! 

10 Stunning Scotch Whiskies For Hogmanay

There’s nothing like a dazzling dram to usher in the New Year. Whether you’re clinking glasses with friends and loved ones or looking for a tasty Scotch to arrive with as a ‘first footer’, we’ve got you covered.

Not familiar with first footers? It’s the Scottish tradition of being the first person to enter the house after midnight, who usually brings gifts including coal and whisky in exchange for a meal, before cracking open the good stuff afterwards.

Well, if you bring any of these, you’ll definitely be welcomed into any house in your neighbourhood (okay, maybe not any), because whether it’s peaty, fruity, or sweet, you’ll find the standout Scotch for your Hogmanay in this Top 10.

Black Bottle Double Cask Alchemy Series

Inside this gorgeous retro bottle is an equally gorgeous wine-finished whisky with two intertwined blends. First, a grain whisky matured in red wine casks, and second a malt matured in Spanish sherry. Bright red berries run from nose to finish and are offset by mellow vanilla and nutty notes for a really well put together Scotch on the sweeter side. One of the best options for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £25.75

Glen Grant 10 Year Old

We loved sipping this on our Bring a Bottle podcast because it appeals to whisky beginners and seasoned dram drinkers all the same. Behind that gorgeous amber colouring is a Speyside single malt that’s spent a decade in bourbon casks infusing with a light and malty profile. Green orchard comes through, as does distinct toffee and vanilla with a gentle peat finish. It's completely deserving of its awards, and you’ll have no regrets whatsoever about making it your first drink of the new year!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: £30.99

Glen Moray 12 Year Old Elgin Heritage

Glen Moray has a great portfolio of whiskies, but this is probably their best – the flagship 12-year-old. There’s none of the slightly unusual casks you often see with Glen Moray here, simply American oak done super well. It’s a classic Speyside single malt with good malty depth and variety of notes, from apple and shortbread on the nose to a light vanilla and honey palate. Nothing dominates, the balance is spot on and it’s more than up to the job of being your Hogmanay dram!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.90 // US $43.99

CreAg Dhu

Another beautiful bottle with that river of whisky nectar running through inviting you in, and the landscape hints at Craeg Dhu’s mission too. Smoky Scotch requires peat burning, which releases carbon and can cut into the biodiverse peatlands in an unsustainable way. Therefore, funds from each bottle of this non-peated Scotch sold go towards saving the peatlands, which are the largest UK carbon store. The Speyside dram itself is matured for 8 years in Sherry casks and there’s sumptuous, dried fruits with honey alongside nutty malt notes and warming ever so slightly charred spice. If you like sweet and fruity Scotch then this is great for you, and you’re supporting a good cause at the same time. Win win.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.2%
Find here: £33.99

Bladnoch Vinaya

Since changing ownership, renovating, and bringing in a new Master Distiller, Bladnoch’s new expressions have levelled up. Vinaya is wonderful single malt matured in first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks for a complexity beyond the price, capturing summery lowland florals, gentle spice with pepper and cinnamon and a comforting fruity sweetness through the heart of it. Easy drinking and a distillery to keep an eye on going forward!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £48.99

Blair Athol 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

This is a Highland gem from the Flora and Fauna series of single malts. Dating back to 1798, Blair Athol Distillery sits on the peaty foothills of the Grampian Mountains in a stunning landscape, and the Scotch is just as magical. Pure sherry cask maturation gives rich dried fruit spices and a toffee aroma that builds as it’s exposed to the air. As the ice in your glass melts, fresh gooseberries and apricots come to the front before a curiously sweet and slightly unusual aftertaste. One of the most characterful sherried whiskies around and well worthy of celebrating the New Year with.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48.94

Big Peat 12 Year Old

This Islay Blended Malt arrives in a very distinct and eye-catching bottle, and it’s the first permanent release from Douglas Laing’s peat series, blending various single malts from the island’s distilleries. At 12 years old, the peaty intensity is bold but not overpowering and there’s a fine balance, with forward coastal sea-breeze vibes too. Citrus complexity adds depth to the flavour, and the campfire char arrives early on. Simply put, this is a must try for those of you who love peaty whisky and one you’ll probably revisit a few times in the year ahead after trying.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £49.95 // US $45.99

Deanston 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

This Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured Scotch is very special, and if you can’t pour it on celebrating a new year then when else can you? It was limited to 13,227 bottles when it was distilled in 2008, and at almost 53%, it has serious oomph. With dried fruit, honey and warming gingery spice, it’s a fantastic way of continuing the Christmassy flavours. From the minute it hits your nose, it’s bold and the smooth mouthfeel is so moreish. Nom!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 52.7%
Find here: £76.99

The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky

Double Gold winner for Blended Scotch at the 2020 World Spirits Competition, The Sassenach is the first Scotch launched by actor Sam Heughan (Outlander) and it’s a triumphant debut. It’s bursting with warmth and vibrancy, with cinnamon and zest on the nose, and honeyed almonds alongside vanilla fudge rising up on the palate. It really is a completely satisfying dram with beauty to match the Highlands it’s inspired by. Classy bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £79.95

Jura Tide 21 Year Old

We’ll finish on a pricier option, but it’s impossible to leave it out. It’s gilded with major awards and if you’re able to splash out, then this is where you want to put your money. 60 miles off the west coast of Scotland is the tiny, remote, and rugged island of Jura. There are 20x the number of deer as there are people, but for an island with just a single road and pub, it leaves its mark and then some. It also has just one distillery that has always been at the centre of the community, and since being rescued from ruin in the 1960s, it has a flawless reputation now. Tide is their 21-year-old single malt that’s released as part of their Aged Vintage series. It’s double matured, in ex bourbon barrels first, and then virgin American white oak casks. The spicy complexity is beguiling, with warming spices like ginger and pepper balanced out by lofty banana and white chocolate biscuits. From start to finish, it’s heaped with flavour that’s driven home by the high alcohol percentage. When it comes to bottling the magic of the surroundings, Jura Tide hits the nail on the head.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £144.99

If you’re more into Irish whiskey, then it might not be the most traditional Hogmanay but hey ho, who’s gonna notice just by looking at it? Here are the best!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

8 Great Value Champagne Alternatives Under £15

Champagne is famously pricey and more so now than ever. Times are tough at the minute, but in good news, there are a lot of bubbly beauties coming in at under £15 that give champers a run for its money. We’ve highlighted the best bubbly bargains for you under £15 so what are you waiting for, let’s get the party started!

Cava Brut NV

One of the better-known Champagne alternatives, Cava is a must when you’re out hunting for value. This Sainsbury’s bottle in particular makes for fantastic foodie fizz. The signature grape trio of Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo go through the same production methods as they would if this was Champagne, except they’re Spanish and more readily available… and therefore way more affordable. It’s wonderfully fresh and dry, with the subtle savoury profile you expect from Cava, filled with pineapple tang and citrus zest aromas. A glass of this would sit great alongside some smoked salmon or fish and chips.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £5.85 Sainsbury’s

Albastrele Blanc De Cabernet Sparkling Brut Nv

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to this white, sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon from a country steeped in ancient winemaking heritage: Moldova. A white sparkling Cabernet is not something you see every day that’s for sure. The biting chill of the Cimislia vineyards ensures an aromatic freshness to the fruits and the profile is lovely and rich with a friendly, frothy feel. Absolutely delicious and something a bit different.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%    
Find here: £9.99 Laithwaites

Prestige Cava Brut

This is a wonderfully rustic representation of a traditional Cava using local Macabeo and Parallada grapes from northeast Spain. It’s creamy, vibrant and so flavoursome with hints of apple, lime, peaches and a very gentle nuttiness. You can’t go wrong with this as a Cava starting point, and the value with the case is fantastic.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £48 Case of 6 so £8 per bottle (usually £60!) M&S

Crémant de Loire NV

This is another fantastic value option from Lidl’s sparkling range. Crémant is another wine made with the same method as champagne. It has a history of being looked down upon, but these days, the producers are far better respected, and drinkers are catching onto its serious value for money. This version is a nicely balanced bubbly with class that tastes wonderfully crisp and clean. A bold dollop of fruit drives it home.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.49 Lidl

Crémant du Jura NV

Shh, don’t tell Aldi but £8.99 for this is a steal. It’s another traditionally made sparkling Chardonnay from Jura in France that’s ridiculously reliable. Terrifically light on its feet, the apples feel crisp, the citrus feels ripe, it really is pretty faultless for under £10. Who needs champagne ‘eh?

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

Definition Cava NV

This Catalan Cava is perfect for easy drinking party fizz with a classy feel beyond the price. Baked yellow apples come through and subtle savoury hazelnut characteristics are very enjoyable too. This may not absolutely blow you away, but it’s consistently excellent and you’ll want to return for each sip.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8.99 Mix Six Price (£9.99 usually!) Majestic

Cremant d’Alsace

This an extremely well-rounded Cremant for the price, aged for over 12 months by the respected Alsace producer, Cave du Roi Dagobert. On the one hand, there’s bold light on its feet freshness with juicy melon and sweet lemon, and on the other, a creamy buttery brioche flavour. The balance is just right, and it’s fantastically food friendly too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12 Sainsbury’s

Crémant de Bordeaux, Louis Vallon, Banc de Noirs

One of the more complex offerings to be sniffed out under £15 (okay technically it’s £15, but you’ll be glad we included it once you try it). It’s easy to get a well-crafted feel from this one, with white peach and almonds on the nose, followed up by vivid red apple skin and brioche notes in the mouth. Combine with the delicate bubbles throughout and it feels very complete indeed. Sparkling wine from Bordeaux? Give it a go!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £15 Sainsbury’s

These are eight value monsters, but there are even more beautiful bubbles whatever you’re looking to spend in our Best Sparkling Wines article here! And we know some of you will be gutted to see no Prosecco here, but fear not because we have a whole guide on The Best Proseccos Under £15 too!

Words by Calum Ecroyd