12 Of The Best Irish Whiskeys

It doesn’t have to be International Irish Whiskey Day to enjoy some gorgeous Celtic blends but if you need an excuse at all, you’ve got one.

Only a few decades ago, Irish Whiskey production was minimal but the number of distilleries has flourished, as has the quality. From exceptional purist blends to innovative new methods, these are 12 whiskeys blessed with Irish magic that you’ll want in your cabinet.

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

We couldn’t start anywhere else, could we? Collaborating with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers, we, The Three Drinkers have produced an Irish Whiskey that showcases the subtle smoky style of Irish whiskey alongside classic fruitiness coming from our love for fine wine. Over in County Donegal, the blend is finished in red Pomerol barrels from Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux creating a velvety, rich profile that is intense with red fruits, candied orange and gently smoked caramel. We absolutely adore it, and whether you’re a whiskey newbie or a seasoned drinker, we really think you will too (if we can be so bold). One last thing, £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog to support a variety of initiatives including free support for those struggling.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

Kilbeggan

Set on the banks of the river west of Dublin, Kilbeggan closed in the 50s but the town of the same name rallied to get it up and running again, retaining it as one of the oldest distilleries of its kind in Ireland. It’s also named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland who founded a monastery nearby in the 6th century so this place is really steeped in history. The whiskey itself is distilled just twice so it retains that lovely earthy peat and honeyed fruit sweetness. The nutty malt makes for a gorgeously distinct peaty Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 // US $21.99

Bushmills Black Bush

Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery with a remarkable and tumultuous 400-year history seeing them thrive at the famous Paris Expo of 1889 and survive prohibition, the barley taxes and a catastrophic fire. The craftsmanship has been passed down multiple generations which is part of the reason Black Bush picked up the prestigious top award at The Irish Whiskey Masters in 2013 and a host of other massive awards. It’s a classic caramel grain whiskey with a dollop of sherried malt. Think smooth vanilla, lush dark fruits, and a subtly biscuity zesty finish. The orange notes would make for a top-notch Rob Roy.

Size: UK 700ml //US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £26.90 // US $34.99

Jameson Crested

You may half recognise this as Jameson’s Crested Ten. Well, it’s undergone a rebrand because of confusion over the name and availability but it’s the same tribute to the first drops bottled at the Bow Street Distillery. There’s so much going on for the money. Expect delicate undertones of sherried fruit, scorched wood and apricot with peach with a touch of spiced nuts rolled in chocolate. It’s tingly with spice, smooth and creamy and the fruity sherry is never far away. Outstandingly smooth and complex for the price. A simple whiskey highball is best to give the liquid room to breathe.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.99

Slane Irish Whiskey

Slane Castle outside Dublin is known for two main things; iconic gigs with the likes of Queen, Bowie, U2, Bob Dylan and Madonna rocking up and Slane Irish Whiskey. Three different casks (virgin oak, Oloroso and seasoned casks that are ex Tennessee whiskey and bourbon) create a remarkably full taste. The mellow butterscotch and vanilla is so inviting and there’s a rich caramelly baking spice on the finish to win you round if you weren’t already. Try replacing the vodka in an Espresso Martini with this for a richer, deeper coffee cake profile.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 (usually more!) // US $32.99

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

A true Irish Whiskey celebrating the Proclamation and Ireland’s independence... even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 7 signatures on the 1916 document. A glass of history. There’s a touch of fruity caramel and crème brulée from the bourbon maturation and sherry finish.  An utterly delicious and characterful glass of history that would serve well as a sweeter Whiskey Sour.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find here: UK £27.49

Tyconnell Irish Whiskey

Tyconnell became one of the bestselling whiskeys in the US but prohibition hit them hard and they fell away. In the 21st century, they’ve enjoyed a Lazarus-esque revival and stylish redesign. Every drop of this single malt is super satisfying, with gorgeous, rounded cereal notes, soft vanilla fudge and honey on toast. It’s light with these indulgent flavours though, and not as sweet as it sounds. The mouthfeel in particular is exceptionally moreish. Try Tyconnell for a silky smooth Old Fashioned.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £31.95

The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

We love Donegal’s ligther Silkie Irish Whiskey and the legend of silkies – seals that shapeshifted into beings of irresistible attraction on land. Now, they’re stunning us with their smoky side too. Harking back to 19th-century whiskey of the county, it’s triple-distilled peated single malt that sits in sherry casks, before blending with bourbon-matured single malt and virgin oak-matured grain whiskey – what a mouthful. And what a literal mouthful The Legendary Dark Silkie is too. Gorgeous fruits, confidently smoky with perfect peat. It’s a precision balance of savoury earthy notes and creamy fruit notes. Give it a go in a smoky Ginger Irish Mule for something very interesting indeed.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £31.95

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project

Diving into the relatively unknown, Kinahan’s The Kask project is exploring hybrid casks, with each constructed from 5 different kinds of wood – Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak and chestnut. That’s 5 kinds of wood in 1 barrel. From the first whiff you know there’s so much to explore. Behind that beguiling dark amber are teases of Cognac and Bourbon on the nose. The varied blend is super smooth and delicately sweet, with charred tropical fruits and caramelly chocolate, nuts and winter spices. Everything sits perfectly in this innovative blend so bravo to the experimental Kinahan! It’s sublime in an Old Fashioned providing delicious layers of flavour.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey

This is an elegant combination of pure pot still and malt whiskeys from an unnamed Cork distillery that’s been plated in Gold awards over the years. Wonderfully light, the sweetness from bold honeyed fruits sits at the fore for a super easy-to-drink whiskey. It’s accessible to newbies with no harshness, but with the depth and quality to be sipped by whiskey lovers too. The honey would offset the lemon of a Whiskey Sour gorgeously if you like it a little less sweet than this sits neat.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.94 // US $42.99

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Redbreast are well and truly loved and lauded by Irish Whiskey lovers and rightly so. This delightful single pot is adored by critics, picking up pretty much every top gong you can imagine. In Midleton, malted and unmalted barley are distilled and then matured in the classic combination of American oak ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. The results are a really well-rounded body that lasts in the mouth. The smooth nutty taste has some perfect spice that gives way to a creamier marzipan and dried fruit aftertaste. This is absolutely one to savour so serve in a Highball with not too much ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £46.99 // US $64.99

Bushmills 16 YEar Old

We’ve another bottling from Bushmills here and what a bottle to end our list on! Aged in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks before being finished in Port pipes this is a stunning dram with so much flavour to explore. There’s a perfectly balanced mix of spices from the bourbon seasoned casks and distinct notes of juicy red fruits, honey and peaches. Normally we’d try anything in a cocktail, but the only thing we’ll be mixing this dram with is an ice cube! NOM!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £82.49 // US $145.99

If you’re in the mood to go further afield then check out our Worldwide Whiskies That Stand Out for Under £40.

From Cocktails to Food: 4 Deliciously Different Ways to Enjoy Guinness

With St. Patrick’s’ Day coming up, the sight of ebony nectar-filling glasses will be everywhere we look, but can the same now be said for that on any other day? Towards the end of 2022, Guinness officially became the most popular pint in Britain, overtaking Carling. One in every nine pints in fact!

If you’ve long been loving the black stuff, then we’ve got some fantastic cocktails and recipes for you that place it centre stage. And if you’ve never been drawn to a pint, then perhaps these will hit the spot for you instead? They’re recommended by Guinness themselves and they should know best after all!

GUINNESS COCKTAILS

The Wilde Oscar

In honour of the poet and playwright extraordinaire, the inclusion of Guinness here makes for a darker, creamier twist on an Old Fashioned. A super smooth and creamy mix, the oak of the bourbon and coffee chocolate Guinness notes pair delightfully with a splash of syrup lifting the hoppy bitterness. This is a hearty cocktail with layers and layers of notes in every sip so take your time!

Ingredients
45ml Bourbon (like Bulleit)
30ml Guinness
15ml syrup
Dash of bitters (botanical)
Orange peel and maraschino cherry (garnish)

Method
Stir everything except the garnish together in an ice filled mixing glass and strain over a large ice cube before adding the inviting garnish.

Black Velvet

This cocktail has one of the best backstories around. In 1861, Queen Victoria and the country mourned the death of her husband Prince Albert. So mournful was the mood, that a London steward felt that even the drinks should be black and if you need a black drink, there’s only one place to go. They’re a curious coupling, with the hoppy silk of the Guinness and the effervescent lightness of the bubbly being a surprisingly moreish combo.

Ingredients
90ml Champagne (Crémant works fine too)
90ml Guinness

Method
Unbelievably simple aside from one small bit of bartending magic. First, fill your flute with Champagne and then top up with Guinness by pouring it over the back of a spoon to layer the cocktail nicely. Enjoy!

GUINNESS RECIPES

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

Ireland claims Shepherd’s Pie as its own, dating back to the 1700s, and by including its most famous drink, this really is the ultimate St. Patrick’s dish. The depth of flavour provided by the Guinness is surprising in just how much of a difference it makes, and the hearty combination of creamy mash, rich meat and malty beer works wonders. The recipe below is seriously amazing. 

Ingredients (for 10)
1lb ground lamb
2 onions, diced small
1 medium carrot, diced small
5 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 cup chicken stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
125ml Guinness
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup peas
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the potato mash: 1lb Yukon Gold potatoes, 120ml cream, 100g butter, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Method
Everyone has their own way of making Shepherd’s Pie so truth be told, simply including the Guinness when you add the stock is all you need to do. However, this recipe is amazing if you want to try it.

On medium heat, add the garlic, onions and carrots to your oil and cook gently for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the tomato puree and cook for another 10 minutes, before adding the lamb and turning up the heat to brown it off. Then simply add everything else in (not the potatoes obviously!), including that all-important gorgeous Guinness, and simmer until the mixture is reduced.

For the potatoes, boil equally sized quarters until tender. Meanwhile, sauté the garlic with butter and add cream – then once the potatoes are drained and the steam is released, mash them and fold them into your mixture.

Spread the lamb evenly in a baking dish and top with potatoes making sure there are no gaps. Bake for around 25 minutes in a oven preheated to 200 °C and once the potatoes have browned to your taste on top, garnish with parsley and voilá, it’s ready to serve. 

Guinness Raspberry Chocolate Torte

You might expect a Guinness in a stew or pie situation, but perhaps not in a Raspberry Chocolate Torte? Now, Guinness recommends their Foreign Extra Stout to drink on the side of this, but we’re going to be ambitious and include it. It’s by no means the dominant flavour, but it gives a special kind of depth and slight tang that plays off the raspberry gorgeously.

Ingredients (for 16)

455g bittersweet chocolate (61% dark)
455g butter
455g Sugar
10 egg whites
200ml Guinness (original or Foreign Extra Stout)
4 heaped tbsp plain flour
Butter Cream: 340g butter, 120g unsweetened cocoa powder, 575g confectioners’ sugar, 160g seedless raspberry jam, 2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
Melt the chocolate and butter and whisk in the sugar until it’s completely mixed. Wait for it to cool down to room temp, meanwhile whisk egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mix, whisk the Guinness into the combined mix slowly and finally add your flour little by little. The mixture should be fairly runny, so make sure to slowly add the flour.

Grease two tins and pour the batter evenly, baking for around 25 minutes at 160°C (a skewer should come out with a few crumbs attached, so ever so slightly undercooked).

Whilst waiting, whisk the butter, cocoa powder and sugar to make the buttercream. Then add the raspberry jam and vanilla, mixing at a higher speed for a good minute. You may need to add a little milk here to help reach your desired consistency of buttercream.

Chill overnight and add the cream to the top of each cake, layering them upon one another! decorate with raspberries and you’re ready to dive in.

If you’re after Irish Whiskey for the big day instead, how about our very own blend?! That’s right, with The Three Drinkers have launched their own wine-finished Irish Whiskey with the amazing Sliabh Liag Distillers – find out more here!

Is it Paris? Is it New Orleans? No, it’s Louie London

The more you delve into Louie London, the more the expectation dials are ramped up, and frankly, the more it lives up to them.

Sitting among the Mousetrap and The Ivy among others, the Covent Garden site is a joint venture between Guillaume Glipa and Laurent de Gourcuff’s famed French restaurant group Paris Society. Sprawling foliage contrasts art-deco furnishings and glitter in a way that, if done badly, could result in travesty (if that’s not too strong a word). Instead, it’s pure alchemy.

The plan from the start was to evoke this varied global feel. More specifically, a culinary and décor blend of Paris, London, and New Orleans. As Louie puts it themselves, ‘American heart, a French palate, and a New Orleans soul’. Working from the beautiful base that is an already impressive Georgian town house, every floor is distinct and carefully curated. Topping the building is the magical Alligator Bar, an open lounge and 80-seat bar hosting live jazz piano and DJ sets that have become extremely sought after events, with guests spilling out onto the terrace gazing over the flickering lights of London. Trademark New Orleans cocktails, your Sazerac for example, are served here. Madame Laveau, Rockefeller Martini and Alligator Boogaloo are among the other eclectic options, with a sommelier on hand if you’d rather head wine-wards.

This gastronomic gem serves up incredible Atlantic-straddling dishes with primarily French fayre and Louisiana twists such as crab cake platters with squid ink tarma sauce, fresh oysters, French curried monkfish with port wine jus, and the signature pecan tart, reimagined with spice, white chocolate ganache and caramel. Guests can graze on little plates or indulge in the mains section and grill, being seated across the sophisticated ground and first floors.

It will come as no surprise that a night at Louie London is at lavish expense, but if you leave as chuffed as the portly alligator on the logo, and you will, then you’ll have no regrets.

Words by Aidy Smith

The Aubrey and The Yellow Book: Volume I

On the surface, The Aubrey London is the hotel bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. However, if you are to explore it, the history and culture baked into it and the launch of its brand-new cocktail book, ‘The Yellow Book’, it is a truly fascinating and charming world where art and cocktails intertwine.

Let’s time travel back to the tail end of the 19th century briefly, because The Yellow Book was a hugely influential illustrated magazine circulating in Britain through the 1890s, devoted to decadence, eroticism and occasionally macabre black ink drawings. Taking inspiration from Japanese techniques, the man behind it was Aubrey Beardsley who established a name for himself illustrating the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde and Henry James.

Aubrey wanted a progressive journal of the arts. One that was completely open to avant-garde ideas. From the off, his aim was subversion of the norm which obviously caught the eye of certain critics, not least the Times which described the cover’s, ‘repulsiveness and insolence’. Illicit French novels of the time often used the bright yellow cover so Aubrey took that and filled the content with the extraordinary and titillating. The publishers were far from happy to be associated with this and Aubrey was dismissed, but the influence of The Yellow Book was already set in stone.

Named after the progressive illustrator, The Aubrey is a cosy but elaborate restaurant also offering an eccentric Japanese izakaya experience. Food-wise, the menu draws on edomae sushi, tempura and robata and as darkness falls, drinks take centre stage with a focus on Sake and emerging breweries with unusual releases.

The labyrinth continues with areas like The Library, The Curio, The Salon, Omakase cocktail bar and a private Dining Room. Vintage Japanese art is everywhere, as are subtle hints at the literary associations of Aubrey.

The Yellow Book, reimagined as a cocktail book but with the same beautiful illustrative style, brings together this past and present through three chapters representing influences on Aubrey Beardsley’s work.

Chapter One’s Art Nouveau explores his work blurring gender lines, societal contradictions and unspoken vices, for example. Various Japanese painting styles, stories, and imagery feature as well as references to work he illustrated through cocktails like Salome (sake, rice shochu, etsu ocean water, tomato liqueur, umami) and The Black Cat (teeda rum, umeshu, Port Charlotte whisky, Okinawa sugar).

Further exploration of Aubrey’s life and work, Japonisme art, literary homage and izakaya culture will be explored with release of The Yellow Book: Volume II on the horizon.

Words by Aidy Smith

The M Restaurant Canary Wharf

With two restaurants in Threadneedle Street and Victoria Street, M Canary Wharf is the newest gastro playground of the mysteriously named, ‘M’. The jewel in the crown of the waterside Newfoundland Quay tower, this particular space is Provençal-inspired and includes private dining rooms, an exclusive members club and a cocktail bar.

Though it is impeccably designed, the distinct point of interest comes from the sourcing of its ingredients. Vegans are growing in numbers, and many of us will have at least explored the idea or at the very least, the impact of the food we eat and where it comes from.

M Restaurant is for those who love meat too much to experiment with Veganism or Vegetarianism, but still want to eat sustainably. You’ve heard of Craft Beer, but this is Craft Beef, spotlighting regenerative farming and providing carbon-neutral British beef to diners. Partnering with The Ethical Butcher and farmer Neil Harley, M delivers a ‘conscious dining’ experience that uses ethically sourced ingredients for more of a ‘Regenuary’ than ‘Veganuary’.

Neil Harley was the first ever farmer to have a certified regenerative farm, and the Ethical Butcher is a leading light in the craft meat revolution world using the practices of farmers like Neil.  These are farms that don’t just produce but look to actively improve the land by using their animals to restore nutrition to the soil, rebuild ecosystems and if done effectively, more carbon can be locked away than the animals’ release themselves.

To promote this food industry frontier, M is offering a set lunch in February priced at £25 for two courses, and £30 for three, featuring rum steak as the main event using cattle that roam for up to 30 months which is almost twice the lifespan of standard UK cattle. They’re also 100% pasture fed which benefits biodiversity and plant growth. The Provençal specials include burrata de grasse with confit tomatoes, tomato gel, lavender, and perfume of Provence, as well as the intriguing duck & watermelon.

This style of regenerative agriculture is ideal for meat eaters that wish to continue whilst making an increased effort to eat more sustainable, healthier, and tastier meat. Although steak and particularly wagyu cuts take the limelight, sustainable efforts can be found across the wider menu. M works with Crate to Plate to produce vegetables that use nutrient-rich soil and much less water. Lastly and most surprisingly considering it’s London, the chefs can even collect their fresh produce on foot because Crate to Plate are only around the corner.

If you want to hear more about the work M Canary Wharf is doing, or delve into their mouth-watering menu visit their website here.

Words by Aidy Smith

The Best Riesling To Try

The refreshing world of the historic riesling wine varies a lot from bottle to bottle, with Germany being its native home but delicious blends from France and Australia too.

Generally, you can expect high acidity across the board with drier styles emanating from French and Australian producers, as well as certain German areas, whilst areas like the Mosel Valley in Germany are famous for a sweeter riesling.

In terms of flavour, there may be floral blossom tones, citrus is common, as is peach amongst the sweeter blends. Rare for a white wine, there is even aged riesling which you may associate with a petrol or rubber profile.

Don’t let the mishmash of styles put you off trying it though, it just means that there’s likely to be one you fall in love with! So, let’s find out which one that might be...

The BEst Riesling UNDER £10

Aldi Specially Selected Clare Valley Riesling

This is a classic Australian bone-dry style from the prestigious Clare Valley that represents superb value considering where it’s from. Green apple and zesty lime bring tremendous freshness and it won’t let you down beside hard cheeses and anything with a hint of spice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.49

Dr. Loosen Estate Riesling 2020

A stunning embodiment of the sloped slate-soil Mosel Valley vineyards, Dr. Loosen Estate has noticeably less alcohol than many rieslings, instead a mineral nose and more pronounced fruit with cutting lemon and touches of peach, apple, and melon. Serve alongside your milder curries and it’ll stand up perfectly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Find here: £7.90

Villa Maria Private Bin Rielsing 2021

Heading over to New Zealand and more specifically Marlborough, an area better known for its sauvignon blanc but producing some riesling gems too. It’s refreshingly dry, crisp, and fruity with ripe lime taking centre stage and a loveable spring blossom florality that offsets elegant minerality really nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99 (usually more!)

The BEst Riesling for £10-£15

Definition Mosel Riesling 2020/21

This is the benchmark bottle for the most classic style of riesling from the most well-known home of riesling in Mosel. The lime feels fresh and the minerality with subtle rubber is inviting on the nose. The palate is not cloying whatsoever, with plenty of acidity to slice through the touch of sweetness. Ernst and Thomas Loosen are behind this expression, and their ancestors have been making wine there for centuries. With the International Wine Challenge (IWC) award for this wine in the bag, their success looks set to continue.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5% 
Find here: £11.99 (£9.99 Mix Six price)

Wakefield Estate Riesling 2019

Nestled in the picturesque Clare Valley of Southern Australia is the generational Wakefield Estate, producing this New World riesling that’s light and vibrant with citrus but subtler tropical notes. It’s tangier and sweeter than most, and whilst still acidic, it’s more of a kick than full domination so if that’s holding you back from trying this wonderful grape then this is the one for you. It’s food friendly all the way too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here:  £12.71 (usually more!)

Kendermanns Kalkstein Riesling Trocken 2021

Green fruits star in this quintessential Pfalz riesling, a beautiful landscape between the Rhine and the Haardt mountains. The acidity here is noticeably fresh, with gooseberries, apple and lemon zest intertwining wonderfully. The touch of minerality adds elegance and it would sing served alongside smoked salmon or many cheeses.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.20

The BEst Riesling for £20-£30

Schlumberger Grand Cru Kittrelee Riesling 2005

Alsace riesling tends to be bone dry with robust acidity, an elegant bouquet and often complex minerality and floral aromas... and that’s exactly what Domaines Schlumberger has made. Behind that stunning gorgeous amber is a zesty nose with a touch of intriguing petrol, and a powerfully structured palate of candied lemon, apricot and apples. It hits all the Alsace traits but it’s expressive and distinct in its own right and one of the most interesting aged rieslings around.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £29.99

The Best Dessert Riesling

Heggies Vineyard Botrytis Riesling

A little different from the rest of the bottles in this list, the Eden Valley Heggies Botrytis is tailor-made for citrus desserts, as well as pâté and cheese. Cardamon, nutmeg, and floral notes welcome you into a rich and sweet palate. Think marmalade, pineapple, and candied zest as well as a mineral acidity running throughout for balance and silky texture. It’s a gloriously sweet riesling but the seam of acidity means it’s refreshing too, rather than cloying. Anything like poached pears, key lime pie, or lemon tarte would be a dream pairing, as well as crème brulee and blue cheese.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £14.99

Riesling is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Australian Wine, so explore the lush world of Down Under wine here.

Rosewood London + Glenfiddich Present: THE TIME:CAPSULE

You only need another birthday to roll around to realise how quickly time can fly by and let’s face it, we can all be guilty of not slowing down to appreciate things more. Whether it’s waiting at a drive-thru or following your lost Deliveroo driver on the map with despair, it’s the age of convenience and whilst that has benefits, it also makes the idea of slowing down very appealing.

Encouraging people to do just that are Scotch icons Glenfiddich and luxury 5-star hotel Rosewood London, with Time:Capsule, a stylish terrace transformed into a fully immersive cocktail dining space. This is a place to saviour Glenfiddich whisky as it should be savoured and that’s by taking your time with it. The cosy interior welcomes you in, and visual projections paint the walls whilst you peruse a specialist menu created by Yann Bouvignies, the renowned head of mixology at Rosewood.

The versatility of Glenfiddich’s range is masterfully utilised in inventive concoctions like the 12-year-old blend with tonka and coffee, and roasted bee pollen, aloe vera and oloroso sherry. At the higher end of the whisky menu you’ll find the Time Re:Imagined collection including the 30-Year-Old Suspended Time and 40-Year-Old Cumulative Time boasting decades of flavour in one blissful sip. If anything displays the benefit of taking your time, it’s these drams. Order a glass from the Glenfidich Grand Series, and you’re in with the chance of winning a bottle of the 30-Year-Old alongside a stay at the Rosewood!

There’s even the Holborn Dining Room on hand to provide comforting dishes like Loch Duart smoked salmon rillettes with Exmoor caviar, hearty Game Pie and the ridiculously seductive blackberry and apple crumble with Glenfiddich infused custard.

The idyllic urban escape gives you all the time to relax in stunning sensory-stimulating surroundings and explore the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch neat, or at the heart of exquisite cocktails. Every detail has been considered to create the, ‘step in and slow down’ feeling, from the illuminated tunnel opening up into the courtyard to the evolving visuals.

The unique retreat will be open until the Spring so if you want to eye up the enticing menu already take a look here.

Words by Aidy Smith

Tasting Planes and Tasting Trains: The Best Wine and Spirits Tastings

In the world of wine, a tasting flight is sometimes used to describe a selection of wines for tasters to sample and compare. Well, in New Zealand, one company has taken that to new heights by making it a literal reality.

Booze trains (and now planes too) are a growing attraction for drinks lovers like you and me to experience local drinks on the tracks or in the skies. Far removed from the usual hectic, cramped stress of transport, these idyllic odysseys are sprouting up all over, so here’s a rundown of a few you might want to check out!

UK

Real Ale Train - Watercress Line Dining

Chugging through the Hampshire countryside is the Real Ale Train. Departing from Alton Station near Farnham along the Watercress Line to Alresford, breweries from the surrounding areas will be on the menu with pints reasonably priced at £4, or half pints for £2.

Every ticket comes with a complimentary pint to kick things off, and you can buy individual tickets for £20 or secure a charming six-seat compartment for £150.

The Real Ale Trait also stops by the West Country Buffet where you can feast on chilli, burgers, curry and more before washing it down with more great local brews.

Check out the website for the release of new dates because they sell out quickly!

Keith & Dufftown Railway

North East of the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Keith & Dufftown railway is one of the most Northerly preserved railways in the country, as well as being one of the longest and gloriously scenic. Ten miles of line awaits between Dufftown and Keith, passing the Glenfiddich viaduct, mountain scenery, Loch Park, Drummuir Castle…and that’s not even half the journey!

Various events are held on board, such as the Whisky Train in Spring trying specialist drams from the many distilleries in the area. There’s also the Emerald Isle Express for £40 per person offering ‘whisky’ as you travel through the land of ‘whisky’.

Events come and go, but the same stunning route remains so it should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking to explore this part of Scotland.

Explore their website for any new events and to book and to see the train in action check out Episode 2 of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime.

East Lancashire Railway – Rail Ale Trail

East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail takes you onboard one of their beautiful heritage steam or diesel trains and through the lush valleys and quaint villages, guiding you through the history and heritage of the area and delving into surrounding area’s brewing traditions.

Whilst you’ll enjoy a local bottle of ale on the train, this experience involves more guided tours to traditional pubs in the Irwell Valley and a hearty pub lunch.

The tours all begin at Bury Bolton Street Station, but from there they vary. Some involve short walks, others almost hikes. The price looks to be set at £59.50 regardless though so explore their website for more information! Journey goers rave about it once it’s finished so you’ll have to be quick.

It’s worth mentioning that they also have gin nights and wine nights occasionally too if that’s more your thing!

Other Rail Ale Trails

Rail Ale Trails are massively popular and available all over it seems, and whilst they do often provide some local ale on board, they are more focused on visiting pubs along the way. Here are some Rail Ale Trails that might be nearby you:

Churnet Railway, Staffordshire
Devon & Cornwall’s numerous trails
Great Central Railway, Loughborough
Spa Valley RaSpa Valley Railway, the High Wealdlway, the High Weald

INTERNATIONAL

Invivo Air – Cloud Wine

The image at the top of this article is of the world’s first winery airline! That’s the promise of Invivo Air, who not only produce their own wine in New Zealand but have created a flight from Auckland to Queenstown to try them on.

30 guests tasted over 16 wines whilst cruising at 18,000ft, as well as a vineyard tour with winemakers’ dinner and overnight stay at the 5-star lakeside Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa. That’s a lot packed in! Celebrity wines like Graham Norton’s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s are nestled amongst Invivo’s own and New Zealand’s finest, with the cabin even decorated with hanging vines.

Ahead of the launch, the founder said: “Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lovers experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards.”

Otago is known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir, and it’s not just fine wine but fine food included. Guests will dine at the Botswana Butchery, a new five-star seafood joint that has opened exclusively for Invivo Air. Local New Zealand cuisine such as fresh oysters, whitebait, lumina lamb and salmon are all on the menu.

At the time of writing, there has only been one flight but more domestic flights are on the horizon as well as international availability. To experience Cloud Wine, go to their website for further details on pricing.

Wine Train, Napa Valley – Legacy Experience

A legacy is handed down over time, through family and tradition. And lots and lots of wine. Charles Krug. V. Sattui. The legacy of these Italian families represents a combined winemaking history of more than 200 years. And some very fine vintages. Some say this is where it all began. And this is where your journey begins

America has some amazing wine trains on offer but one of the best-known ones is the simply named Wine Train. Their legacy experience provides a 6-hour adventure through the iconic Napa Valley, with a 3-hour train ride departing in the morning. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, your first tasting occurs onboard the open-air car by your onboard Maitre’D at the legendary Napa Valley welcome sign.

After this, you have a four-course meal inspired by the stunning surroundings and a further 2 hours of tasting at Charles Krug and V.Sattui Winery, exploring 7 prestigious blends. Finally, it’s back on the train which is an attraction in itself with plush velvet, gleaming brass, smooth marble and a dreamy vintage aesthetic. What a way to explore one of the world’s most important wine regions!

Unsurprisingly, this is pricier than most wine trains and tickets vary around $500, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it looks amazing. See what’s in store for yourself on their website!

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – Bourbon Excursion

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is two beautifully restored 1940s dining cars pulled through Kentucky by two 1950s locomotives. Departing from Bardstown which just so happens to have been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America numerous times, the breathtaking Kentucky countryside awaits. The Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in Bernehim Forest for starters.

During these two-and-a-half hours of exploration, a gourmet four-course dinner is served. On top of this, master distillers guide guests on a journey through bourbon history, pairing select liquids with your meals. Everything is included on this 32-mile roundtrip so if you’re a bourbon lover and want to visit its home, $127 doesn’t sound too bad, right?

For more details on the Bourbon Excursion, visit here.