Down Under’s Finest: 8 Australian Drinks You Need to Try

Australian wine is probably their most well-known alcoholic output, but there are incredible and overlooked gems to be found whatever you drink.

We’ve turned Down Under upside down trying to find the cream of the crop and have pulled together this almighty list, including gin, whisky, rum, vermouth, liqueur and even a sublime alcohol-free option so let’s waste no more time.

GIN

Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin

Over the last decade, Four Pillars have grown from a small craft distillery into multi-award-winning gin royalty. Olive Leaf is their savoury expression, using three virgin olive oils and olive leaf tea to create a gorgeously rich and subtly vegetal profile. The juniper is earthy, with herbaceous bay and rosemary and bright touches of lemon balancing out perfectly. It’s just crying out to become a martini with an olive garnish of course.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.8%
Find here: £36.45

Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin

Manly aims to produce bottles that capture the beautiful Sydney beaches around their distillery, using local land and marine botanicals like sea lettuce, pepper leaf, finger lime and orange peel. The beach lifestyle might be carefree, but decades of expertise go into this expression. With the ocean being sensed at the beginning of every sip, it’s another gin that has a savoury and ever so slightly salty element to it. However, with refreshingly light citrus playing off it it’s somewhat unusual with a sweeter finish that goes down a treat. Perfect for a layered G&T with ice and a slice of fresh lemon or orange.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.44

Ink Gin

Hailing from Tumbulgum (great name), Ink Gin uses botanicals that are local to the area to create a fresh and citrussy aroma with some elderflower immediately noticeable. The palate has a lovely peppery spice, with light orange notes before a long crisp finish that leaves you wanting more. Husk Plantation Distillery are the brains behind this creation, and it has an ace up its sleeve– it’s a colour changer! Infused with butterfly pea flower petals, it’s pH sensitive and turns pink when mixed with tonic or citrus juices. Mind you, the original colour is so nice you might not want to change it! It’s an incredible gin option for celebrating with that party trick up it’s sleeve, but the taste alone is worth the price tag.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.99

WHISKY

Starward Tawny Whisky

This is a luxury wine-finished New World Whisky from progressive Australian producers Starward. A limited-edition release, Tawny is a single malt that’s matured in fortified wine casks to give sublime flavour. It’s created in the image of an after dinner treat, so it leans towards the sweeter end of whisky, with notes of banana bread, raisins, dried fruit peel and peanut butter on the nose. The palate brings Christmas flavours to the fore. Think spiced plums, citrus, and malt and grape sweetness. This sweetness leans into the finish too, undercut by a warming spiciness that rounds everything off perfectly. This is a dram that is full of flavour throughout, and every sip feels like a treat. Nom!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £84.90

RUM

Bundaberg Rum

From the off, we should say that Queensland’s finest isn’t technically a rum. To earn that classification, rums have to be a minimum of 37.5% ABV, so Bundaberg is a whisker away. But what’s 0.5% between friends? It’s sweetness that accounts for the lower percentage here, with Demerara, molasses and underlying spices filling the nose.  The flavour is extremely distinctive, with quite a dry feel and sugary spice right through to the finish. It comes into its own mixed with cola but feel free to give it a go neat first – it divides opinion!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £34.50

VERMOUTH

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue tend to really let their wines off the leash in their vermouth range, and Wild Rosé is no different. It’s bold, fruit forwards with native Ozzy illawara plums, strawberry and rosella creating a red fruit bonanza that feels natural. It’s super versatile too, working simply with tonic, or to give a fruity lift to spritzers and cocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

LIQUEUR

Brookie’s Mac

Byron Bay brings us not only surfing, scuba diving and Bounty advert beaches, but Cape Byron Distillery who have pulled together this industry-acclaimed macadamia liqueur. The nuts are locally sourced (no really, they’re in the distillery’s garden) and mixed with Australian wattleseed to create a velvet-smooth rich nutty liqueur. Behind that, there are hints of roasted coffee and sweet butterscotch that make this an absolute winner. We’d recommend sipping it over ice, but it could also be used in cocktails like Espresso Martini, or even in desserts. Stunning bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 23%
Find here: £34.99

NON-ALCOHOLIC

Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir

Crafted in the London Dry style, this is a top-notch No-Lo option from Brunswick Aces in Melbourne. Just like above, wattleseed brings a nutty, wheaty character, joined by botanicals like lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berry and of course, juniper. It’s not flat and flavourless like some 0% gins, instead, it’s zesty with wafts of lemon and juniper, underpinned with herbaceous garden notes, aromatic cardamon and subtle nutty flavours.  It can bring a savoury base to a mocktail or tonic, but it’s definitely bold enough to cut through stronger mixers like cranberry or ginger ale too! Love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £27.49

But wait a minute… this is Australia’s finest offerings and there’s not a single wine!? Well, we’ve dedicated an entire article to that so hold off on the petitions and check that out here.

The Best Whiskey for Irish Coffee

Winter warmer season is in full swing, and wrapping your hands around an Irish Coffee warms the body and soul like little else... but only if the whiskey is spot on. Whilst they’re super easy to make, picking the ideal whiskey for however you like your Irish Coffee is the most important part, so pick your star of the show from the list below!

Powers

Dating back to a staggering 1791, Powers is the traditionalist’s whiskey option for their Irish Coffee. It’s got great complexity for the under £30 price point that will add layers to your coffee and keep it interesting until the end. It’s really smooth with gorgeous buttery shortbread notes, caramel and even a hint of chocolate adding to the indulgent experience.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.90

Jameson Stout Edition

Jameson tops the sales charts for Irish whiskey across the globe and whilst their original is a fantastic beginner’s option for Irish Coffee, their stout-seasoned barrel-aged edition is a level up. Alongside the signature easy-drinking smoothness and subtle fruitiness we expect from Jameson, this innovative mix boasts lingering chocolate, coffee and butterscotch notes that are dying to be the star of your next Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £23.99 / US $36.99

Slane Whiskey

Slane is stunning for the price with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Three different casks are used (seasoned casks containing bourbon, sherry and oak) to create a really full and satisfying taste, with rounded buttery vanilla notes. There are also hints of baking spice so it’s ideal for an Irish Coffee with a bit of heat behind the heat if you know what we mean. Indulgence in a mug!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 // US $32.99

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

For just over £20, Kilbeggan is steadfast and reliable for an Irish Coffee. Smooth, light and more noticeably, it’s distilled twice rather than three times over so retains earthy peaty qualities that will go perfectly with certain coffees. Kilbeggan is named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland and the distillery itself is claimed to be the oldest of its type in the entire country, so it’s a taste of history too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 / US $35.99

Roe and Co

Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels and a blended mix of single malt and grain whiskeys, this Master award winning expression is spot on for an Irish Coffee with full and deep flavours. There’s creaminess, velvet texture, lofty notes of spiced pears, mellow vanilla and toasted oak that feels perfectly rich and warming for winter.  

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £31.95 // US $38.99

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

This is another whiskey that has a Master award sitting in its cabinet, but it’s more unusual. The malt and grain blend matures in ex-bourbon but is then moved to rum casks for a whole year before being bottled without chill-filtration. The texture is super smooth and behind that is bold flavouring that you can bet won’t die in the heat. Fruitiness from the rum entangles with vanilla and caramel cream for a wonderfully rich and varied palate. Combined with the coffee, there will be serious flavours happening so it’s got to be worth seeing if you love it.   

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $39.99

The Sexton Single Malt

Sexton is the go-to Irish Coffee whiskey for quite a few bartenders and that’s because of the delicious and authentic flavour. Made from 100% malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills, it’s then aged in Oloroso sherry casks imparting an inviting fruitiness. Vanilla, dried fruits and honeycomb sweetness are bold but restrained in the right places. The only negative is that the gorgeous vintage bottle makes it difficult to see how much you’re getting through, and when you take your first sip, you’ll see why that may present an issue.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £30 // US $29.99

Sliabh Liag Silkie Blended Irish Whiskey

The Silkies of Irish legend are seals that shapeshifted into irresistible beings on land, and it looks like some of them then transformed into whiskey bottles too because this is just as irresistible. Made in Donegal at the relatively new Sliabh Liag distillery, it is fruity and balanced with precision. From apricot on the nose, to honey on the palate and toasted caramel on the finish, there’s a sweet vein running throughout but it’s surrounded by plenty of character and intrigue that will easily shine through a hot Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £30.45

Green Spot Single Pot Irish Still Whiskey

This is a fabulous single pot still whiskey that’s been impressing critics for some time. Bourbon and then sherry casks create an enchanting nose of apple, malt, sugary porridge, creamy vanilla and tropical fruits, which opens up to a soft and spicy palate that feels interestingly fragrant yet woody. Far from being a whiskey that drags its feet, this is super light and complex and perfect for a sophisticated and endlessly rewarding Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £39.99/ US $76.99

If you’re looking for the perfect Irish Coffee recipes, look no further, we’ve done the hard work for you!

Flävar: The Upcoming World of Swedish Schnapps

If you’ve not heard of Flävar just yet, then chances are you will have by the end of 2023. The Swedish schnapps brand landed in many UK venues from May onwards, most notably cementing a place for itself on the Wetherspoons bar where 15,000 shots of each flavour are being poured out every week! So, what is it that’s captivated British drinkers?

Set up beside the easy-on-the-eye Lake Boren in southern Sweden, Flävar uses some of the freshest water anywhere to craft award-winning vodka with indulgent flavours. Railing against, “memories of garish neon glittery shots slammed back in the student union” as founder Rolf Munding put it, these 25% ABV schnapps are not only delicious, but super smooth, stylish, clear, and crisp. The distinctive and nostalgic herbal schnapps taste anchors the sweetness of their current three flavours in what appears to be a winning combo!

Inspired by traditional Swedish flavours, there’s Strawberry and Lime for a succulent and vibrant taste of summer, then bittersweet warmth of Raspberry and Liquorice and Salted Caramel, praised for its moreish sweet and salty character. With Blueberry and Lemon on the horizon as well as a fleet of other new flavours, Flävar looks like it’s here to stay.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about for yourself, you can expect to see Flävar on supermarket shelves soon, but until then you can order a 700m bottle from their website here for £19.99.

If you’d like to read more product reviews, click here!

8 Stunning Mocktail Recipes You Need to Try

We all know mocktails can easily totally miss the mark, but these 8 recipes are delicious in their own right with zero compromises. Whatever alcohol-free bottle you’ve got stocked; we’ve got the perfect mocktail for you to put it in.

Simple to make, gloriously refreshing and with the special feeling a cocktail should always come with, check out the magical mocktails below!

Tropical Passion Nojito – for the rum lovers

This mocktail is the perfect tropical getaway. If you can find a white rum alternative that’s ideal, but darker alternatives will be fine too because it’s unlikely that the No-Lo will smother the delicate flavours. The passion fruit just lifts the flavour with extra sweetness and adds a lovely touch of tartness that really adds to the refreshment. A glass of summer!

Ingredients
50ml No-Lo Rum
20ml passion fruit juice/1-2 slices of passion fruit
15ml sugar syrup
1 fresh lime
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water

Method
Muddle the mint, lime juice and passion fruit and add your rum alternative. If your passion fruit is particularly sweet, you may want to skip out the sugar syrup but we like it left in. Top up with soda, plenty of ice and garnish with passion fruit, mint, or lime – whatever you have left basically!

Orange Square – for the vodka lovers

This is essentially an orange Moscow Mule, made using one of the top-notch vodka alternatives out there. The warmth and zip of the ginger balances wonderfully with light and bright orange and lime, but it’s mellow enough for the No-Lo to cut through as the show stealer. It looks delicious and tastes even better. Enjoy!

Ingredients
50ml vodka alternative
15ml lime juice
100ml ginger beer
30ml fresh orange juice
Orange slice (garnish)
Mint leaves (optional garnish)

Method
Strain freshly squeezed orange and lime juice into your glass and add your ‘vodka’ and ginger beer. Feel free to add a full slice of orange in there too. Garnish with an orange slice (we just can’t get enough) and some mint makes for a nice flourish too. Nom!

Palo-no – for the tequila lovers

There is an increasing number of more than credible tequila alternatives coming out in recent times, making use of that same agave flavour. This vibrant mocktail is a perfect way to enjoy those distinctive flavours without the alcohol. With sharp grapefruit juice and lime, it’s bittersweet, sour and a little salty, just like a good Paloma should be!

Ingredients
50ml tequila alternative
50ml fresh grapefruit juice
Soda (to top up)
15ml fresh lime juice
10ml agave Syrup
grapefruit wedge (garnish)
salt (garnish)

Method
Add ice and all ingredients except for the soda to your shaker and shake shake shake. Strain into a highball glass and top up with more ice and soda. Voila!

Whisky Sour Mocktail – for the whisky lovers

This will work for your favourite whisky alternative, but also those No-Lo creations that don’t fit as neatly into one category. If it’s got smoky and woody notes, or subtle caramelly vanilla notes, or if you just feel it has characteristics like whisky, then this silky sour is a safe bet.

Ingredients
60ml whisky alternative
30ml lemon juice
10ml sugar syrup
15ml egg white / aquafaba (chickpea juice)
2 dashes of aromatic alcohol-free bitters (something like Æcorn)

Method
Shake everything without ice first, then add ice, shake hard again, and strain into your glass. You can skip the egg white/aquafaba and bitters if you like, but you’ll miss out on the easy-drinking texture and added layers. As is always the case with cocktails though, do what you want!

Basil Gimlet – for the gin lovers

This is a more aromatic option that will suit a herbaceous gin alternative down to the ground. There are a few different ways you can do this, but we prefer elderflower and lime cordial with some peach for sweetness instead of syrup. It’s a botanical bliss, with tangy citrus and fragrant herbs giving enough space for the No-Lo to shine through.

Ingredients
50ml gin alternative
10ml elderflower cordial
10ml lime juice
10ml lime cordial (if not, then more juice and syrup)
Around 5 basil leaves
1 slice of peach (garnish)

Method
Muddle the basil thoroughly and then simply shake everything before straining over ice. Garnish with a sweet slice of peach and basil leaf and you’re all set.

Top Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, then some mint tea syrup (1:1 mint tea: sugar syrup) adds an intriguing cooling earthiness to this.

Apple Pie Sangria Mocktail – for the wine lovers

Simpler than it first appears, this a really nicely balanced mocktail that elevates a white wine apple spritzer to new levels. A sip of your No-Lo wine with sweet apple and sour lemon, underlined with vanilla syrup and honey and cinnamon on the rim is absolute heaven.

Ingredients
40ml wine alternative (preferably white, like Chardonnay)
40ml apple juice
20ml lemon juice
Dash of vanilla syrup
Honey, cinnamon and sugar(for rim)
Apple slice (garnish) 

Method
A simple syrup is always heating equal parts sugar and water, and we recommend vanilla pods to get the flavour here, but you could use vanilla essence. Shake your juices with the ‘wine’ and this syrup until it feels cold to the touch. Roll the rim of your glass in honey and then cinnamon sugar so it sticks evenly. Strain your creation over ice and garnish with an apple slice to top it off. Glorious.

Pink Fizz – perfect for the bubble lovers

If you’re looking for something simple and refreshing, this is it. It’s fun, bursting with citrusy tang and refreshing till the last drop with those beautiful bubbles. Pretty much any sparkling alcohol-free wine of good quality will suit this mocktail, so it’s super easy to pull together with whatever you’ve got in. Sometimes simple is best!

Ingredients
50ml sparkling wine alternative
15ml simple syrup
50ml grapefruit juice
Grapefruit slice (garnish) 

Method
No complicating this one, just give everything a good stir and serve chilled!

Prohibition CBDaisy – perfect for CBD lovers

The Prohibition Daisy goes way back to an era when drinkers were forced to get creative. So, in that spirit, we’ve added a CBD spin so you can unwind because isn’t that what cocktails are for? It’s super fruity, invigoratingly fresh and CBD replicates the relaxation of a boozy cocktail without the hangover!

Ingredients
30ml orange juice (ideally fresh)
15ml lime juice (ideally fresh)
15ml lemon juice (ideally fresh)
30ml pineapple juice
30ml raspberry syrup (like Monin)
CBD Bitters (like OTO) 

Method
The more freshly squeezed juices the better here. Shake everything with ice and strain into a glass with crushed ice. And remember to check your CBD amounts before adding!

We’ve kept it brand free so you can use whatever alternatives you might have in the cupboard, but if you need ideas for the best No-Lo drinks to buy then look no further! Check out our favourites here!

Viajante 87

Listen to us when we tell you: Go try Viajante 87 as soon as you can. This newly opened experimental bar is by Los Mochis and the agave-based drinks menu is crafted with a zero waste approach. ‘Waste’ from Los Mochis restaurants is used as the inspiration for each cocktail and is used to infuse the tequila or mezcal, added to the cocktail itself, or to create a garnish. The bar gives the impression of a speakeasy, located in the basement of 87 Notting Hill Gate. The decor is elegant and dark, making each guest feel like a VIP as they sip on their drink and nibble on the bar snacks. 

While you can get overwhelmed by the menu, the bartenders and staff are all incredibly knowledgeable and will manage to find the perfect drink for you. Each cocktail is based on a classic cocktail, just with added twists and the Viajante flair. Every drink has a unique palette and presentation, however we would recommend the Smoked Earth. The name does describe the flavours perfectly: a savoury cocktail with beautiful smokiness. If you are searching for something sweeter, you could try the Lana in Tulum, with a lovely freeze-dried strawberry garnish adding that extra zing. 

Although the kitchen is not fully renovated yet, we did get a small taste of what is going to be on offer such as the guacamole with homemade tortilla chips, truffle guacamole on crispy rice, and baked crab taco-maki. We can confirm- the food tastes even better than it sounds.  

Viajante 87 is great for one on one drinks, whether it is for a special occasion or even just a treat-yourself-moment.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 10/10

Address: Basement, 87 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JZ

The 12 Best Scotch Whiskies to Sip This Burns Night

It doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to have a dram or two on any evening of the year, but there is one night of the year that gives me a reason to open something very special. A very special whisky means different things to different people on different budgets and at different points on their whisky journey, so suggesting whiskies to try for Burns Night can be tricky.

Within this article, I am choosing the best whiskies I have tried over the last year or whiskies I have loved for many years at every price point beyond the bottom shelf of a supermarket. I will be brief with a few of them as I have written about them before extensively, and for others, which are new to me or the market I will try and give a fuller view of why they should pass your lips. Whether it be budget or blowout, I hope there is something here that whets your appetite for Burn’s Night.

Glen Moray Classic

The all-time best value single malt whisky on the market today. It can be found in most shops at around £20 and can occasionally be found on special offer for under that. With typical Speyside flavours of honey, vanilla and lots of orchard fruit, this is the perfect whisky to start with.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £23.24 // US $29.99

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

This is the whisky which, when asked what’s my favourite, I have no hesitation in choosing. I have listed it many, many times, like in this round-up of all the Johnnie Walker expressions. It is complex with fruit, smoke and sweetness. As Tina would say, it’s “simply the best”.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £26.89 // US $33.99

Glen Grant 10 Year Old

Another very good beginner’s whisky from Speyside, packed with flavour. This has an age statement so it is a little more expensive. Created with tall stills, there are lots of fruity flavours and lots of malty flavours, there is also a touch of peat, so for those wanting to experience a little smoke in their dram, this is a great place to start.

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

Dailuaine 16 Year Old

This is one of my all-time favourite whiskies. The balance of fruit, sweetness and wood is perfect. It is one of the few bottles in my house that is immediately replaced when it runs out. I think it is still incredible value considering it is a 16 year old and from a distillery which is rarely found in any other bottling. This is the only official one from owners Diageo and it’s hard to beat. Usually, you’ll find it for around £60 but it can be found for less, like the link below.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £45.75

Jura Seven Wood

Hailing from the isle of Jura, and by looking at the name, this whisky is clear about the way it is matured. Using seven different cask types, there is American oak and six other types including French oak, Limousin, Tronçais, Allier, Vosges, Jupilles and Les Bertranges. All this makes for a complex whisky with lots of fine oak character and a mix of orchard and white stone fruits with peach being the main one. Fine oak on the finish with some vanilla and a touch of smoke. A great way to start an island adventure.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 42%
Find it here: UK £54.89 // US $83.99

Dalmore 12 Year old

Moving into the highlands, Dalmore is one of the luxury brands in Scotch, and with good reason. Here we start to see the use of ex-sherry casks in the maturation which gives a dried fruit character, as well as fruit cake and spice. There are also delicate citrus notes and a little marmalade, and you can expect a long finish too. Complex stuff and perfect for Burn’s Night.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £55 // US $64.99

Glen Grant 15 Year Old Batch Strength First Edition

A sweet and spicy expression of Glen Grant and at 50% abv this delivers flavour in abundance. Plenty of sweet orange and orchard fruit with caramel, fine oak and vanilla. Apricot jam is dominant on the palate and spices cut through the finish beautifully. An impressive dram where the alcohol helps rather than hinders all the delicate flavours. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: £59.95 // US $80.99

BenRiach 16 Year Old

This is a new addition to the Benriach range and a great addition it is. It is unpeated and matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and virgin oak casks. Based on the original expression of the 16 year old which was made quite a few years ago now, it is a fruity Speyside with spice, toasted oak, a little dried apricot and a finish that is long and satisfying. Class in a glass.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £76.95

Octomore 10.1

Octomore is a smoky whisky on steroids. The peating levels in Octomore are said to be the highest ever in a Scotch. However, whilst making this whisky pretty extreme, there is also an elegance allowing the fruit to come through the high levels of peat. The peat is also sweet rather than ashy making it surprisingly easy to drink given the high abv. I’d add a little water to remove some of the nose prickle, but each to their own, and at least at this strength, the whisky gives you the choice. The 10.1 series is now in short supply and getting difficult to find, so if you see one, I’d go for it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £149.00

Bruichladdich Black Art 10.1 1993 29 year old

This is the 10th release of this brilliant whisky and the cask recipe is unknown to those outside of the distillery. It is even more complex than previous expressions of the Black Art with lots of chocolate, dark fruit jams and manuka honey leading to ginger, raisins, tinned peaches, tobacco, and spices. I could go on and on. It’s very impressive and although a bit of a splurge, this is worth every single penny.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45.1%
Find it here: UK £403.57 // US $699.99

Islay Single Malt 32 Year Old from the Thompson Brothers

This is incredible value for a 32 year old single malt. Although we don’t know which distillery it comes from, we do know that is is absolutely delicious. Bottled in small quantities and with the usual, unusual, and colourful label from whiskyhobo especially for the bottlers, this is a wonderful Islay whisky. With typical briny notes and lots of crushed shells, ripe olives and some ripe tropical fruits, it is complex and grows with air in the glass. Simon and Phil Thompson have become a bit of a cult in the independent bottling world, and with drams like this one, one can see why.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 49.3%
Find it here: £350

Glenfarclas 50 Year Old

This particular release of the Glenfarfclas 50 year old was created for the 50th anniversary of the owner and chairman John Grant starting in the Scotch Whisky industry. John is the 5th generation of the grant family to take the helm and it is the oldest family owned and family run distillery. It is a hugely complex whisky with sherry influence and the influence of five decades of gentle maturation. This is something very rare and special, and finding it, or any 50 year old single malt for less than five figures is also rare these days.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find it here: £9,000

Hopefully, there is something here you can experience for the first time and make this year’s Burn’s Night a memorable one. With the world of whisky expanding very quickly these days, it is good to have a day to reflect on the more traditional home of whisky, Scotland, and all its fabulous offerings. If you’re not too sure that whisky is for you, firstly, well done for making it this far but also, why not check out these Great Alternatives for Burn’s Night?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

TalkTV: Drinks to Celebrate Chinese New Year

On the 22nd January 2023, we start to celebrate Chinese New Year. This period is also known as the Lunar New Year, which changes date every year because it is based on the sun and moon cycles, which are usually around 20-50 days behind our normal Gregorian calendar. This period will always happen between the 20th January and the 20th February and celebrations last around sixteen days. This year, the Chinese New Year’s day is Sunday 22nd January and it ends with the traditional Lantern festival on February 5th. It is the year of the rabbit! We raise a glass to this new beginning with four super sips, all hailing from China. 

Evidence of wine grape fermentation in China dates back years before Chirst, but its winemaking prowess was eclipsed by the rise of spirits - Baijiu in particular. Nowadays, winemakers are keen to show that China can also compete on the world stage with fine wines that showcase specific terroir. 

Xige Estate Wines

Based in the Ningxia region, Xige Estate (pronounced Shee-Gah) was founded in 2017 but with vines that were already twenty years old. Their focus is on wines that are understated and elegant, allowing the special terroir of the Helan Mountain range to shine through.

XIGE N28 Chardonnay 2019

A beautiful style of Chardonnay that hints at a Burgundian style with a kiss of oak, and a more floral, tropical style that reminds me of high end, high altitude, Argentinian Chard. If this is what modern Chinese winemaking can be, I like it!

Find it for  £27.95 at www.wine-embargo.co.uk and propeller.wine

Jade Dove Red 2018

A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with just a splash (5%) of Merlot. This is an intense and fruity red with an impressive minerality and structure and touch of spice from oak. Impressive, well-made and with an air of something really quite different. 

Find it for £22.95 at www.wine-embargo.co.uk and propeller.wine

BAIJIU

Baijiu is the world’s most popular spirit, even though many of us in the West may not have heard of it! Made from cooked, fermented grains such as sorghum, Baijiu is a clear spirit with a savoury, what we might describe as an acquired, taste. See more about Baijiu and how to drink it here.

Jiang Xiao Bai ‘Pure’ Baiji

Made by the Jiangji Distillery in Baisha Town, located in South West China, this is a very light and delicate Baijiu that feels and tastes a little like new make spirit or a particularly flavoursome vodka. A great starting taster as it’s a light style - they can get very umami and savoury. See here for some cocktail ideas!

Find it for £6.95 at Oriental Mart

Blanc de Noirs Wine

Changyu Moser XV Blanc de Noir

This is the first ever white Cabernet Sauvignon from China and is made by winemaker, Lenz M. Moser from the famous, Austrian, Moser winemaking dynasty. Another wine from the Helna mountain range in Ningxia, it gives a quirky style that sits somewhere between Chablis and Sauvignon blanc with a touch of red apple skin. A really interesting drop. 

Find it for £18 from Ocado

What is Baijiu and What Should I Try?

Have you ever asked yourself ‘what is the world’s most popular spirit?’ Is it Vodka? Whisky? Rum, even?

The answer is that it’s none of them. The world’s most popular spirit is in fact, Chinese Baijiu. With Chinese New Year upon us, here’s your comprehensive introduction to this mega spirit with 6000 years of history and 10 billion dollars worth of sales a year.

What type of alcohol is Baijiu?

Baijiu, sometimes known as Shaojiu, is a colourless grain spirit that’s massively popular in China. Most commonly, fermenting cooked Sorghum (a flowering grass plant) is chosen, but millet, barley and rice are also used and it varies a lot across the country.

‘Jiuqu’ is added too, with ‘Jiu’ referencing alcohol, and ‘qu’ is koji, which is a fungus that is also used in the production of sake and soy sauce. Just like most drinks, the choices made at this stage create distinct flavour characteristics, which brings us to the question…

What does Baijiu taste like?

Baijiu can be an acquired taste at first, particularly to a novice drinker. In its sense of texture and flavour complexity, it could be compared to whisky. As you’ll see below, styles vary, but overall, you might expect musky flavours with sweetness and over-ripe fruits. There can also be coffee and soy sauce flavouring though, so it’s difficult to pin down!

Most of the time, the white spirit falls into that 40-60% ABV range, though it’s traditionally enjoyed neat with food – particularly if it’s a premium bottle. Of course, tradition is tradition but in day-to-day life, it’s often mixed.

Baijiu can be roughly split into four styles, each using different ingredients, ageing vessels, and ageing duration. So…

What are the different styles of Baijiu and how do they taste?

Light Aroma: Light, elegant and subtly floral. Traditionally made in a stone vessel with sorghum. Hails from the north, around Beijing.

Strong Aroma: Fruity, tropical, aniseed, complex. Multiple grains but aged in mud pits. Hails largely from Sichuan province in the southwest.

Sauce Aroma: Umami, soy, bean. Mostly sorghum but with multiple fermentations in stone brick pits.

Rice Aroma: Sweeter and mellow. Hailing from the south and often the lowest grade.

Baijiu is a massive industry, so of course there are sub groups innovating with different aromas all the time. ‘Chi’ aroma can be infused with pork fat for example, as well as sesame aroma and medicine aroma. The good news if you like baijiu is that there’s so much to explore.

This variety is part of the reason Baijiu is so popular in China. It dates back thousands of years, there’s almost certainly a specific type that appeals to you, it’s claimed to have certain health benefits and it plays an important role in Chinese culture. Like Vodka in Eastern Europe and Rum in the Caribbean, spirits can become much more than just a drink.

How do you drink Baijiu?

A lot of people wonder if you should drink Baijiu cold and unlike many spirits in other parts of the world, ice isn’t always a go-to. It’s often served, as mentioned, neat and at room temperature or even slightly warm in very small glasses.

Usually, there’s food present or an occasion to celebrate. It’s a social drink and is often shotted, rather than sipped. But, with so much variation, you’ll find people drinking it in all kinds of different ways, so do whatever you like!

3 Baijius to Try

Ming River Sichaun Baijiu

This is a clear sorghum gain Baijiu from the oldest operating distillery in China – Luzhou Laojiao. Fermented with wheat yeast in earth pits, the 2 month old mash is then distilled in small batches in a traditional Chinese still for up to 2 years. Instantly on the nose, it’s very fruity with melon, mango and pineapple coming through, with a baked earth richness following. It’s super smooth and deceptively gentle with a clean but flavoursome feel. Enjoy it neat first but then experiment in cocktails (check out the ones below!)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £36

Fen Chiew 5-Year-Old Chu Yen Ching Baijiu

The vibrant golden green here is from bamboo-leaf, which is also what ‘Chu Yen Ching’ refers to. This Baijiu is a completely distinctive taste, with an instantaneous spicy tang making way for lemon, honey and citrus. It has a more medicinal profile though, with a crisp herby and peppery finish. It won’t be a guaranteed hit with everyone, but it's a diverse tasting experience that some will absolutely love.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £60

Fen Chiew Blue Flower Baijiu

The strongest Baijiu of the three, Fen Chiew’s Blue Flower arrives in style, with a gorgeous traditional design. It opens up to an intriguing herbal palate. Think rosemary, sage, saffron and umami notes. Lifting the liquid is tangy orange for an intense finish. Serve it neat!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £150

3 Baijiu Cocktails to Try

Baijiu Highball

This is one of the simpler Baijiu cocktails to pull together. The pineapple shines through, and the lime juice cuts through very pleasantly. Very clean and refreshing to sip on with plenty of subtle notes to keep you intrigued until the final drop.

Ingredients
60ml Baijiu (try Ming River)
Tonic (to the top)
Lime squeeze

Method
Just add your Baijiu first then pour tonic to the top and stir gently with fresh lime.

The Golden Empire

Baijiu’s intriguing use in mixology has been a big part of its newfound international popularity and this cocktail won a Fenjiu (Baijiu producer) cocktail competition a few years ago. It’s a golden, moreish concoction blending sherry, vermouth and Baijiu, created by Andrea Dionori of the Crazy Bear. Expect refreshment, sweetness and a cocktail unlike anything you’ve had before.

Ingredients
35ml Fenjiu Baijiu 10 year old.
10ml White Vermouth (preferred: Cocchi Americano)
7.5ml Palo Cortado sherry
10ml Homemade Palo Santo cordial (optional)

Method
Simply shake well with plenty of ice!

The Royal Rabbit

This is a lovely, sweeter Baijiu cocktail that might be ideal if neat Baijiu is a bit too much for you at first. With underlying tartness from the lemon and raspberry juice, it’s crisp and refreshing with the perfect amount of sweetness, really bringing out any fruity notes from your chosen Baijiu.

Ingredients
50ml Baijiu
40ml Raspberry juice
Top up with lemonade
Garnish with fresh raspberries

Method
Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined and finish with some ripe raspberries for the perfect flourish.

If you’re in the mood to explore iconic spirits synonymous with other countries, then check out our article on Tsikoudia, a Cretan Hidden Gem!