The Top 8 Flavoured Vodkas You Need to Try

A fantastic original vodka is difficult to surpass and let’s be honest, in the past the world of flavoured vodka has released some shockers trying to do so. However, there are some absolute gems too.
Whether you just want to try something different or you’re looking for some innovative mixology must-haves, here are some of the very best flavoured vodkas that got it spot on and have the awards to prove it.

Eccentric Cardi Bay Vodka

Scooping the top Master award at the latest Vodka Masters, Cardy Bay references Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and that’s because this vodka is inspired by the yellow gorse flowers growing in that area – not your everyday vodka flavouring! They create a distinctly floral coconutty vanilla flavour to the expression for a wonderfully rich and creamy feel. We appreciate the effort put into the bottle too – this really feels a vodka that’s had a lot of work put into it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Koskenkorva Vodka Sauna Barrel

With just 2200 people living there, the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva is the production home of this fantastic vodka. We’ve mentioned their original bottle before, and Sauna Barrel has all the same pure smoothness but with hints of smoky heat, hence the name. The flavouring comes from resting in oak barrels picking up on the bourbon smokiness they used to contain. The infusion is subtle, and although the idea of a Finnish sauna doesn’t make the mind immediately jump to delicious drinking, it absolutely works! It’s another Master award winner, so find out for yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5% 
Find here:  £21.49

Manchester Spirit Grapefruit Vodka

This British vodka uses rotary evaporation (roto-vap) techniques to extract the pure zingy vibrance of fresh grapefruit, with no chemical flavouring used. It’s 100% natural and tastes it, with a clean but creamy mouthfeel. The bitterness is perfectly balanced, and we’d recommend topping this with soda or as an extra juicy citrussy Cosmo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30

Absolut Lime

The original Absolut bottle, inspired by medicine bottles of a bygone era, is eye-catching enough, but the enchanting green hue of Absolut Lime is even more striking. Inside, it’s bursting with a tangy citrus kick from all-natural lime with no added sugars. It’s produced in Sweden like all other vodkas from the range so has the same smoothness and minerality, but with that refreshing lime and slightly sweet finish. This could easily be a new cocktail kit essential for citrussy twists on the classics.

Size: UK 700ml / US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £18.56 / US $26.98

Masons Citrus Vodka

Masons have thrived since expanding from gin production into vodka, and Citrus Vodka is one of their more praised expressions. The delightful tang is down to vapour infused grapefruit and lemon, cutting through the pure Masons vodka. Think brightness, freshness, and smoothness. Try it for a punchier Cosmo and you might not look back.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.80

Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka

This Polish vodka is the real deal. From 100% rye grain, it’s distilled 5 times with Carpathian water before the decadence of roasted Arabica coffee beans are added. The Espresso flavour really kicks and creates a thick, subtly sweet liquid that oozes style. Drizzle it over your ice cream, pour it over ice, or add it to your coffee and cocktails - whichever route you choose you’re going to love it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £27.99

Vestal Black Cherry Vodka

Staying in Poland, check out Vestal Black Cherry Vodka. The potato vodka base that Vestal is renowned for brings a creaminess to which luscious black cherry is added. Sweetness plays off against tart nuance perfectly, with notes of cacao and marzipan creating a surprising bakery feel. It’s rich, dark, and sweet but without the sickliness that some cherry-flavoured drinks come with. There are honestly so many great serves for this, but after trying it on the rocks, it’s also delicious with lemonade or cola, especially for drinkers with a sweeter tooth.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.89

Shanty Seaweed Botanical Vodka

We have to shout out the gorgeous bottle for this vodka first! Local to production, Dorset artist Emma Brownjohn has designed the artwork to wrap around the bottle distorting it as if viewed underwater – love it. The liquid uses a variety of interesting botanical spirits (sea buckthorn, bergamot, yuzu, galangal, wasabi for example) and of course, 5 organic British seaweeds. Each is vacuum distilled to retain the delicate notes within that umami flavour before blending with the grain spirit. The vodka is full of complexity with sea botanicals, subtle citrus and a pleasant salinity perfectly balanced in a super smooth mouthfeel. It’s about as far away from the synthetic taste as you can get and a must-try for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39

If flavoured vodka is just not your thing, then we’ve got some super straight down-the-line recommendations too, with The Best Vodkas of 2022!

The Best Whisky From Around the World Under £40

I am frequently asked ‘What is the best whisky to buy?’, and the honest answer is it depends on what you like, and how much you are willing to spend. However, if a tight budget is set there is still a lot of choice out there. I have compiled a list of the 10 best whiskies to have in a home bar from all over the world, and all at under £40. This list will include the best American, Irish, New World whisky, and of course, more than a few from Scotland. There should be something for everyone on this list, and If you drink whisky a fair amount, more than one of these should certainly grace your home bar this year.

Glen Moray Classic

Probably my most written about single malt whisky. It’s a flavour bargain in a bottle. Lots of Speyside sweet orchard fruit, honey and vanilla and for well under the set price. If you’d like to know more, there is plenty of information on our site.

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

My well documented all-time favourite whisky. It has a good amount of fruit, sweetness, caramel and a soft whiff of smoke running through it. It can be mixed well in a multitude of cocktails, as well as being sipped over ice, drunk with a little water or even sipped neat. The most versatile whisky in the world. To find out more about the Johnnie Walker range, click here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £21.99 // US $39.99

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

This list is turning out to be the GOAT list for whisky! All classic whiskies are sold all over the world, and here we have the world’s most sold single malt Scotch. It’s so fruity with apples and pears with a little honey and fine oak. Hard to beat, and along with the following whisky, the best starter whisky for anyone’s palate.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £33.95 // US $44.99

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

Glenfiddich and Glenlivet 12 year old vie for the top position of best sold single malt in the world all the time. Like Glenfiddich, this whisky has lots of complexity and lots of fruit. The Glenlivet has a slightly richer profile with some dried fruits from more ex-sherry influence, but this is a point of difference rather than extra complexity. Both are brilliant.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £29 // US $47.99

Jura 10 Year Old

 A lesser known distillery, and one of the best introductions to island whisky. Both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are used in the production giving lots of complexity with both dried raisins, honey, vanilla and white stone fruits, and a long finish. It is very smooth and easy to drink and makes a great Old Fashioned. There is a subtle layer of smoke underlying all the other flavours showing the east coast influence.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £32.49 // US $38.99

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

One of the greatest value Bourbon whiskies in the world. Four Roses is made up from 10 mash bills and four recipes which are blended to create a complex, sweet very easy going and versatile bourbon. The complexity and intensity of flavour lift this bourbon beyond most of its competitors at this price range.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: UK £30.95 // US $33.99

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

If I had to choose one bourbon to have at home, this would be it. With a mash bill that is corn dominant, but includes rye and malt, it is also triple distilled and placed in the barrels at a lower than usual abv. All this gives smoothness without the loss of flavour and complexity. Great in cocktails and just as good sipped slowly with or without ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find it here: UK £39.49 // US $36.99

Stork Club Straight Rye Whiskey 

Stork Club hails from Germany and is distilled just south of Berlin. Using a mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and German Napoleon oak, this is a bold whisky with a spicy back palate that is perfect for making cocktails, especially a highball. There are flavours of butterscotch and pepper with some citrus, especially on the finish. I’d have this rye whisky on my bar all the time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: £34.78

Nikka Days

A modern Japanese whisky for the modern whisky era. Nikka days is a blended Japanese whisky using all Japanese spirits. There are single malts from Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries and there is a delicate smoky influence that balances the malt and fruity flavours. With the rise in popularity and cost of Japanese whisky, this is great value.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £37.95 // US $49.99

Mars Kasei

This is a whisky I know little about except that it is blended using a variety of barrels using Japanese whiskies. However, I do know it tastes brilliant. It has aromas of wildflowers and a touch of smoke leading to a palate full of apples and honey and a little caramel. The finish brings in citrus and vanilla. This is a very good Japanese whisky and would deserve to grace any home.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £38.60 

Choosing the best whiskies to have at home for under £40 has been a challenge. There are still so many great whiskies to buy coming from all categories of whisky, including whiskies that would normally be thought of as expensive, like single malt Scotch and Japanese whisky. And what is exciting is that there are even more out there to explore in this price range. And if you can occasionally stretch to a little more the choice becomes even harder!

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Is 2023 Tequila’s Year?

For anyone that listens to our Bring a Bottle podcast, you’ll know that we’ve been wanting tequila and mezcal to be fully explored for a while. With the growing popularity of cocktails like the Margarita and the Picante as well as the influx of celebrity brands, tequila, it is getting there but there’s still so much more that it has to offer!

Far too often, the spirit itself is being clouded by other ingredients when it should be the star of the show… and 2023 may well be the year. Someone who agrees with us is Cazcabel and although they may be somewhat biased, their Blanco is the UK’s best-selling 100% agave tequila, so they certainly know their onions…or agave we should say.

All research shows that the tequila train is showing no signs of slowing down, and is in fact speeding up. The global market is the fastest growing spirit after pre-mixed cocktails, the Margarita is the most popular cocktail in the world and everything looks set for tequila to transition from party drink to premium sipper… although who’s to say it can’t be both!

British drinkers are warming to the idea of swapping out vodka and gin from their tonics and experimenting with tequila as a short serve option – not just dismissing it as shots or cocktail fodder. If you want to get ahead of the trend then we’ve been shouting about our favourite tequila options from the rooftops which you can explore here.

Cazcabel is pioneering in the space though, and a fantastic option to explore. Located in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico, Cazcabel not only produces liqueurs but super value blanco and reposado expressions, showcasing how the earthy crispness of agave flavour can shine when paired simply with tonic.

Cazcabel Blanco - £25.70
Cazcabel Reposado - £25.99

From Aquaman to Vodkaman: Jason Momoa’s Meili Vodka

Best known for fronting Aquaman and playing Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, Hawaiian star Jason Momoa is entering the world of drinks… or should we say returning?

Whilst filming Game of Thrones in Belfast over the previous decade, the brawny Momoa bulked up on a diet of pizza and Guinness and even got to try his own edition, ‘The Mano’. Guinness’ first sour creation was inspired by the actor’s Hawaiian heritage and tattoos, and he obviously got a taste for the industry because he launched Mananalu in 2019, an environmentally-minded canned water brand. This is a focus that Momoa has brought over to Meili Vodka (40% ABV), the new sustainably produced craft spirit.

A joint venture between the actor and fashion designer Blake Halvorson (founder of Junk Food Clothing and MadeWorn), Meili is bottled in 100% recycled glass with no two bottles being identical. Produced from natural Montana springs, the grains are sourced from local farms and the finished article is left to, “rest and breathe” in the mountain air before bottling – whether that has any science behind it or not we’re not sure, but it’s a nice image.

In this new world of celebrity spirits, it can be difficult to stand out and as of yet, there’s little word on the quality of the vodka itself, but to be fair it hasn’t officially launched just yet. That moment will come when Momoa speaks at the WSWA’s 2023 Access Live in Florida in April, but for now, their ideas seem admirable.

What’s more, limited online releases suggest a price of around $23.99 which is remarkably affordable when you consider the ‘celeb tax’ that is usually added on to endorsed products. Wider offerings will no doubt roll into a town near you soon, but if you’re a Momoa superfan then you can order already from selected retailers like here.

8 Fine Wines From China you Need To Try

Have You Tried Wine From China?

Over here in the West, you might be forgiven for not having China top of mind when it comes to listing countries that produce fine wine - or any wine for that matter. As things stand, the Chinese wine output is still tiny, especially when you compare it to China’s famous spirit ‘Baijiu’ and the amount of international wine brands that are imported. Evidence has been found of grape fermentation in China and along the Silk Road dating back thousands of years before Christ, so it’s not exactly new. The modernised industry as we see it now however is only just starting to get going - and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

How to find Chinese wine in the UK

Of course, when a country’s output is so small, we tend to not be able to find much outside the country in question. Until now, that is. With the rise of wine companies championing producers from less obvious locations or smaller, more boutique producers that would never be looked at by the larger conglomerates, we’ve never had such good access to quality wines from around the globe. One such company that exists to do precisely this is Propeller. Located in Sherborne, Dorset, Propeller have set themselves up to help producers entering the UK market for the first time to jump the numerous hurdles they’ll inevitably face. At the same time, they assist with brand positioning and marketing and help get the wines into top merchants and wholesalers. It is through Propeller Wines that we were introduced to a fantastic producer based in Ningxia, China called Xige Estate. Tasting their wines was a real treat and - if we’re honest- a bit of a surprise. Here’s what you need to know about Xige Estate in China and what you should taste.

Wine from Ningxia, China

Ningxia is a very small, autonomous region located in north-central China with thousands of years of rich history. Today, despite its extreme climatic conditions and temperature swings, it has a growing reputation for premium winemaking, with some describing it as ‘The Bordeaux of China’ or ‘China’s Penfolds’. The first winery appeared here just over twenty years ago and now, the region boasts over a hundred wineries, with more licences being applied for all the time. Around 38,000ha of vines have already been planted, comprising at least sixty different varieties and this number is expected to grow exponentially over the next ten years thanks to substantial backing from the government and private investors. At the beginning, around fifteen years ago, winemakers were cautious and stuck to the famous Bordeaux grapes. It’s true that many of these are now flourishing, but some in the industry such as Xige have been keen to do things a little differently; to experiment with other grapes to get the very best out of the terroir here - and to great effect.

Xige Estate, Helan Mountain, Ningxia

Xige Estate was founded in 2017 and finished in 2019, though the wines belonging to the estate had already been in place for twenty years. The winery is the brainchild of investor and ex-Changyu winemaker Zhang Yanzhi and was founded with the aim to show that Chinese wine deserves a place on the world stage of not just fine wine, but wine that showcases its terroir to give it a real sense of place, even on a large scale. And it’s not just the world’s wine lovers that benefit; Ningxia was previously a relatively impoverished region that is now benefiting enormously from the growing wine industry. Xige Estate, for example, directly employs 300 people, with a team of 4 -700 more alone involved and employed in the upkeep of the vineyards, which are currently spread over 2000 hectares.

Wine style at Xige Estate

In terms of style, Xige Estate is placing a strong focus on more elegant, fresh and understated wines that work wonderfully with a wide range of international cuisines rather than uber-concentrated, jammy, fruit bombs. After trialling various grape varietals over their substantial vineyards, the team at Xige Estate have found that Chardonnay, Malbec and Cabernet Gernsicht, which is possibly an evolution of Carmenere, really shine in their Ningxia terroir. Experiments continue with Marselan, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Dunkelfelder, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. Having tasted the range, it’s clear to see that with Propeller’s help, Xige estate really could be the international face of Chinese wine.

Here are some delicious wines from the estate that will delight and surprise you and any guests you show them to. Go on, do a blind tasting. I wonder if they will work out where they are from!

Try these wines from Xige Estate:

Jade Dove White 2018

A blend of Italian Riesling and Ugni Blanc, this wine is rich, golden, peachy and aromatic in a different way than you might be used to. To us, this puts it up there on the winelovers’ terroir shelf as a must-try. A fabulous choice for food with sweeter spices, fish and poultry.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at: propeller.wine

Jade Dove Red, 2018

This red is made mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon and just a splash (5%) of Merlot. Intense, red and black fruit flavours are balanced by very subtle, French oak, silky tannins and a hint of smoky minerality.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at: propeller.wine, Baythorne Wines

Jade Dove Rosé, 2019

A vibrant, fruity blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Gernischt, this pretty pink, which is made by the premium, saignée method, is fresh and elegant with notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Chardonnay, 2019

This stunning Chardonnay evokes the elegance and freshness of a Chablis with the tropical, floral, melon and honey notes of a top end Argentinian Chardonnay and the structure of a great Burgundy, thanks to fermentation and ageing in oak. Creamy but refreshing with it, this is a great white to show what the terroir at Xige can do.

RRP: £27.95
Stockist: https://www.thewineseller.co.uk, https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk, wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Malbec, 2019

Xige Estate were the first to spot Malbec’s potential in the Helan Mountain range and were the first to plant it commercially here. This Malbec brings all the concentrated, blueberry, cocoa and slatey mineral notes you’d want from a high altitude Malbec with proper, velvety soft tannins and a delicious umami note that gives it a real sense of place.

RRP: £24.95
Stockist: https://www.thewineseller.co.uk, https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk, wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019

Here we have a fine, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that could stand up to any classic, left-bank Bordeaux with its notes of slate and cedar, medicinal herbs and characteristic pop of cassis and warm spice. A fabulous wine that’s drinking now but will keep for at least five years - probably longer.

RRP: £24.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N50, 2018

Another truly premium wine, the N50 is exceptional. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Gernischt taken from Xige Estate’s finest vineyard plots, this wine has achieved the highest critical acclaim of any Chinese wine so far, being described as ‘a masterclass in structure, restraint and elegance.’ We can only agree. It tastes fabulous now with its super-concentrated notes of blackcurrant leaf, baking spice, cedar and a slick, mineral backbone but will also go the distance when laid down, big time.

RRP: £29.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Jade Dove, Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt, 2018

At the top of the wine tree at Xige is this 100% Cabernet Gernischt, produced from vines that are 25-30 years-old, so are genuinely ‘old vines’ by Chinese standards. Here, the Cabernet Gernischt offers delicate, fine tannins and an intriguing nose of dried rose petals and Chinese herbs. So different from, say, a Chilean Carmenère to whom it’s meant to be related, this is a benchmark example of a Chinese version.

RRP: £37.95
Stockist:  wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

See more about Xige Estate here and Propeller Wine here.

TalkTV: Scottish Drinks for Burns Night

What better way to start your whisky journey is there than to taste a dram or seven this Burns Night! In celebration of the great Scottish Poet Robbie (Rabbie) Burns, we won't; quite be addressing the haggis, but we will be looking at some classic Scottish drinks, from Single Malt Scotch to Scotland’s other national drink: Irn Bru!

Rob Roy Cocktail

A classic, easy-to-make, delicious small cocktails for Scotch newbies and aficionados alike. 

It is said to have got its name when a bar in New York tweaked the classic Manhattan cocktail recipe to use Scotch whisky instead of Bourbon in homage to a new operetta called Rob Roy, that was playing in a theatre nearby. The protagonist of this story was a  Scottish folk hero named Rob Roy MacGregor. Simply pour the Scotch whisky, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or couple and garnish with the cocktail cherry. 

Whisky used: Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt Whisky (£17.49 from Aldi.)

Vermouth used: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (£23.95 from The Whisky Exchange)

Cocktail Maraschino cherries by Hotel Starlino (£9.99 from The Bottle Club)

Ingredients:

50ml Scotch Whisky

25ml Sweet Red Vermouth

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

1 Speared cocktail cherry

Ne-bru-ni

Joy of joys, here’s a Negroni with a Scottish twist, swapping out the vermouth for the Irn Bru. At least it’s not as strong, so less bad for you, right? Don’t forget to use a classic, Scottish gin for the full Burns Night effect. Add the gin and the aperitif into a shaker with ice and shake hard for a full 30 seconds. Pour over a large cube of ice into a tumbler and top up with Irn Bru. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wheel if you’re feeling fancy. 

Gin used: Hendrick’s Gin (Find at Ocado for £27)

Aperitif used: Campari 

Irn Bru 1901 in a bottle - the original.  (Find at Ocado for £2.55)

Ingredients:

25ml Gin

25ml Bitter Aperitif

25ml Irn Bru

Oban 14 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Finally, we can’t toast Burns NIght without a single dram pof fine Scotch whisky and I;ve gone for an Oban 14. One of my favourite Highland Malt Scotches and a classic example of whisky from the Western Highlands, this tiny distillery uses pot still for small batches and more character. The 14 year old is full-bodied and has aromas and flavours of candied orange peel, heather, honey, a whiff of peat smoke and a slick of sea salt in the finish.

Find it at Ocado for £77.50

Don’t forget to watch The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, streaming 24/7 on Amazon Prime! 

See more on Scotch whisky in these articles: 12 Top Whiskies to sip this Burns Night

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!