The Three Drinkers in Cognac Wins Award For ‘Cultural Contribution to The Spirits Industry’

The Three Drinkers are delighted to announce that their TV series The Three Drinkers in Cognac has won the award for ‘Cultural Contribution to the Spirits Industry’ at The Spirits Business Awards 2024. Photo Credit Eva Slusarek.

What are the Spirits Business Awards?

Launched in 2019, The Spirits Business Awards is an annual, global competition, that Spanning five core areas – Retail and Marketing, Sustainability and Innovation, Tourism, Products, and People - celebrates excellence across the spirits industry.

This year, The Spirits Business Awards ceremony took place at The Underglobe in London on Thursday 14 November 2024 and was hosted by Claudia Winkleman, best-known for presenting TV shows Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors.

The Three Drinkers Managing Director Aidy Smith said “I am absolutely delighted that we have been recognised for this award. Our mission as always with The Three Drinkers series was to embrace not only the culture of the regions visited, but also to welcome more diverse faces into the industry. Through The Three Drinkers in Cognac, not only have we showcased the cultural identity of one of the most renowned, yet unknown regions on the planet but we have also ensured that we do our part to support the next generation of drinks talent from underrepresented communities. It’s been an ongoing mission to showcase that diversity in drinks is possible and we’re delighted to stand with our partners who have helped us make that a reality in this latest series. The fact that this has been recognised by the industry fills me with such hope for the future.”

Comments from The Spirits Business

‘A clear winner – The Three Drinkers stood out from a cultural contribution point of view. It has been rolled out to various territories, and brilliantly incorporates food and travel with a spirit-forward approach – and successfully brings people together. There’s a huge community representation, which was highly praised.’

Photo Credit Eva Slusarek

What is ‘The Three Drinkers’?

The Three Drinkers is a returning drinks and food travelogue TV series on Amazon Prime featuring a deliciously diverse revolving roster of guests. From Scotland to Ireland to Cognac, each season is created with the sole intention of showcasing the culture, drinks and food of the regions visited as well as giving those people and communities who struggle to be seen within drinks on TV a chance to shine.

Alongside the multi-award-winning Amazon Three Drinkers TV series, The Three Drinkers also run a drink, travel and lifestyle-focused online magazine thethreedrinkers.com and have a growing social media/influencer presence (@thethreedrinkers).

More about The Three Drinkers in Cognac

The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin as they embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey in and around the picturesque French region of Cognac. Featuring Virgin Radio presenter and Persian foodie fanatic Eddy Temple-Morris alongside a returning appearance for travel presenter, journalist and influencer Eulanda Shead-Osagiede, the team take a deep dive into highballs and cocktails, discover the unique dishes of the region, try their hand at chocolate crafting, shoemaking, beekeeping, and more.

In classic Three Drinkers style, and helped by famed houses Courvoisier and Remy Martin, alongside the world-famous orange liqueur of the region, Grand Marnier, The Three Drinkers bust the misconceptions about cognac through their light-hearted, on-screen approach, helping the audience to discover brand new ways of enjoying this world-class spirit. They also check out local, pioneering gin makers, Audemus Distillery while discovering the fascinating world of mixers, sodas and tonics with Franklin & Sons. This is a series for those who seek to be inspired and learn through humour, quirky facts and takeaway titbits of drinks knowledge.

If you would like to watch any of The Three Drinkers series on Amazon Prime, you can do so by clicking on the links below:

The Three Drinkers in Cognac
The Three Drinkers in Ireland
The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky

Must-Visit Wine Event: Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London 2024

Wine lovers, mark your calendars! On Saturday, 16 November 2024, the world-renowned Decanter Fine Wine Encounter is back, hosted at the historic Landmark Hotel in London. This much-anticipated event offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience exceptional wine - over 1,000 in fact - from the finest producers worldwide.

What is Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London?

On its 27th birthday, Decanter presents an immersive tasting experience once again, gathering together acclaimed producers and wine lovers under one roof. The Grand Tasting treats wine enthusiasts to an impressive variety of wines from around the globe, including exclusive access to the Cellar Collection Room, where 21 handpicked wineries will present three vintages each, including a rare, decade-aged library vintage. It’s an unmissable chance to taste wines typically unavailable to the public, all in the elegant surroundings of one of the capital’s finest hotels.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, Masterclasses will run throughout the day, featuring tastings of extraordinary wines from Rare Champagne, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, and Penfolds. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – it really is vino heaven.

Event Highlights at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London

GRAND TASTING
Taste over 1,000 wines and meet over 100 of the world’s best producers. All Grand Tasting tickets include access to the Decanter World Wine Awards winners' table where you can taste Gold, Platinum and Best in Show wines from the 2024 competition.

MASTERCLASSES
Rare Champagne (11:15am - 12:30pm)
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (1:30pm - 2:45pm)
Penfolds (3:45 pm - 5:00 pm)

CELLAR COLLECTION ROOM
Discover hidden gems with three unique flagship vintages per winery, including a library vintage aged around 10 years. Complimentary cheese and charcuterie will enhance your tasting experience.

When?
Two sessions available (10:30am - 1:30pm and 2:30pm - 5:30pm)

How much does it cost?
Due to the popularity of the event, the Grand Tasting only tickets have now sold out, but the good news is you can still get your hands on a very limited number of combined Grand Tasting and Cellar Collection tickets.

As a loyal DRINKLUSIVE follower, you can enjoy a 25% discount on tickets by using the code ‘DRINKLUSIVE24’ at checkout:

Grand Tasting & Cellar Collection ticket £116.25 (instead of £155)
Rare Champagne Masterclass ticket £146.25 (instead of £195)
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Masterclass ticket £131.25 (instead of £175)
Penfolds Masterclass ticket £116.25 (instead of £155)

It really is a rare and wonderful opportunity to indulge in some of the world’s finest wines. For more information about the event and the producers involved (including the wines you could be tasting), click here.

Lewis Hamilton Creates Non Alcoholic 'Tequila'

For those who are fans of the taste of Tequila and F1 Racing, we have news of an exciting collaboration! Lewis Hamilton has ventured off the racing track and into the world of Tequila by helping to create Almave, a brand new non-alcoholic ‘Tequila’.

So, who else is part of this amazing joint venture as well as the 7 time formula one world champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton? It is none other than renowned biochemist Iván Saldaña, creator of some of Mexico’s most innovative spirits. Saldaña founded Casa Lumbra in 2011, which went on to create favourites such as Ancho Reyes, Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky and Montelobos Mezcal, to name but a few. However, until Lewis Hamilton got involved they had not yet created any non-alcoholic variations.

There are other options of non-alcoholic products aimed at Tequila fans on the market, but Lewis felt they were all missing something, they didn't quite make the podium so to speak! The exciting fact about Almave is the process used to make it captures that same level of taste and enjoyment found in the alcoholic equivalent. Almave is made from blue Weber agave, using traditional tequila production, with a multi step distillation process in traditional copper pots. The difference is fermentation is completely skipped, so it remains totally alcohol free, while still keeping all the taste and feel of traditional tequila. This does, however, mean it cannot officially be called Tequila, as true tequila is required to have alcohol content.

What does it taste like you might ask? Well, there are two different options, Amabar and Blanco, which replicate the flavours found in aged (Amabar) and Blanco/Silver (Blanco) tequila. The Amabar is dark and rich with aromas of caramel and vanilla and flavours of brown sugar, Allspice and Cacao. Blanco has more of a fruity, sweet and herbaceous note with a hint of acidity.

If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy this non-alcoholic ‘tequila’, here is a fabulous mocktail suggestion…

ÁMBAR CARAJILLO

Ingredients
2 oz Almave Ambar
1 oz Cold Brew Concentrate
0.5 oz Agave Nectar
3 dashes Orange Bitters
1 dash Aromatic Bitters
A dash of salt

Method
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake vigorously. Strain the mix into a small coupe glass, making sure to shake out all that good foam for a nice head. Lightly squeeze an orange peel on top and enjoy!

Amabar
Size: 700ml
Find here: £27

Blanco
Size: 700ml
Find here: £24

A New Original Glenmorangie

The regular expressions created by the big names in Scotch distilling rarely change. There might be differences in packaging over the years, but the liquid is as consistent as possible with most brands starting their age statement ranges with a 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

One brand has bucked this trend to create a whisky they feel is an improvement on their existing lowest age statement, and that brand is Glenmorangie. The Glenmorangie Original was a 10 year old whisky, and over the years, Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks has tried to improve it. How to improve on perfection was always the conundrum.  

Incredibly, over the last year, Dr Bill has managed to do just that, and he’s done so not by improving the 10 year old, but by creating a 12 year old. Now this might seem an obvious move, however, when they had such a great expression of Glenmorangie in the 10 year old, the 12 year old would need to reflect its predecessor’s character and increase in quality. There are plenty of The Original drinkers who would be very upset if their favourite flavours in a whisky were taken from them.

The new Original 12 year old has all the elements of the 10 year old, but with more. More richness and fruitiness, it is as if they have taken the 10 year old and turned the volume up past 10. To 12 shall we say?! There are heightened creamy notes, and the fruits are that little bit more intense. There are elements which were incredibly subtle in the 10 year old that now come through with more prominence. For example, there are some delicate spicy notes which develop on the palate that were not there before.

There are also subtle changes to the packaging. A slightly darker orange is used, and the swirls on the packaging have also been darkened, these small changes reflecting the difference in the liquid. But the biggest difference is the age statement. The price is almost the same with an increase of just £1, which for the improvements in flavour is an absolute bargain.

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £40

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Celebrate with Birthday Cake Baileys: A Delicious New Twist on a Classic

Baileys lovers listen up because there is a limited-edition bottle available that you really need to try!

‘What is it??’ we hear you excitedly cry. Well, it’s ‘Birthday Cake Baileys’, and it really is just that – flavours of delicious vanilla sponge cake perfectly blended with your favourite Baileys Irish Cream. Does a better combination even exist?! It’s creamy and indulgent and hits you with notes of vanilla and a hint of butter cream frosting before those gorgeous Irish cream flavours come through. It's delicious over ice and even over ice cream but it works really, really well in a cheeky Baileys adults-only milkshake.

Initially only available as a travel retail exclusive, it is now a lot more widely available. For those who shop in Morrisons, you’ll be able to bag an extra 125 points if you pick up a bottle before the 16th July as part of the celebrate 125 years of Morrisons campaign.

However you choose to drink it and wherever you find it, here’s a big cheers to this perfect boozy dessert!

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £17

For more exciting booze news, click here!

What is the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme?

Photo Credit: Ellen Richardson

Do you have a love for wine but don’t know where to start when looking for jobs in the industry? Are you from an under-represented community? If your answer to both questions was ‘yes’, then read on as the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme is for you.

What is the Decanter 360 Academy?

Now in its second year, the programme was set up to give people from under-represented communities a chance to flourish in what can otherwise feel like an industry that is harder to take a step into. Recognising the need for change, the Decanter 360 Academy is committed to increasing and promoting diversity and inclusivity within the wine sector by providing opportunities for all under-represented communities.

Through the programme one chosen candidate will receive comprehensive experience and training across various departments within Decanter including sales, events & awards operations, editorial and marketing. The candidate will also gain a wine related qualification and be paid a full London living wage salary while they learn.

Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme is an excellent programme but don’t just take our word for it, click here to see what last year’s successful candidate, Annona Dodoo, has to say about her experiences.

Who can apply for the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme?

The Academy is open to people from under-represented backgrounds who have a real enthusiasm for wine and are wanting to take their first steps into a career in the wine industry.

How can I apply?

You will need to submit a short cover letter explaining why you would like to join the industry and why you are the best person for this opportunity, along with your CV to decanter360@futurenet.com. Find more detailed information about the job here and more detailed information about the training you will receive here. Good luck!

The Cult Whisky Distillery You Need to Visit: Re-introducing Rosebank

This week sees the re-awakening of a cult whisky distillery. Over thirty years ago, in 1993, Rosebank distillery closed its doors and after a four year project, on Friday the 7th of June 2024, those doors are being re-opened by owners Ian Macleod Distillers.

Re-built in the heart of Falkirk, the distillery has harked back to history as well as placing a firm footprint in modernity. The building is black and glass, with roof shapes reminiscent of old warehouses and the colour reflecting blackened distillery buildings. Using many of the old walls, and reclaiming brickwork to create new ones, there are well integrated mixtures of modern architecture and old. Brick, stone and wood beams from the old warehouses are found throughout the internal modern spaces and the feeling of old sitting perfectly in harmony with new is very comforting. The building has one other unique aspect. There is a public right of way which passes right through the middle of the site and gives the public a chance to get up close and personal with this fabulous piece of architecture.

Using the same distillation method as the original distillery, three stills have been built to the same specifications as the original ones, giving a triple distillation along with worm tubs used for condensing - a combination unique to Scotland.

Through this distillation technique, the team hope to create a spirit which they feel is close to the old one. With no new make left in existence, they have re-imagined what the new make must have been like from old bottles, and casks which they still have maturing. The new make is floral which is typical of lowland whisky, and sweet and fruity, but at the same time bold, with weight given to it by the worm tub condensers.

At the opening party, the liquids served were spectacular. On arrival, a new make cocktail was given to guests which perfectly represented the above mentioned style. Whiskies were soon to follow, starting with the 12 year old Flora and Fauna expression. A 32 year old was later served on the tour around the distillery, and after speeches from the owners Leonard Russell and his son Tom, distillery manager Malcolm Rennie took us through a tasting of the distillery exclusive 1989 33 year old.

If you would like to visit Rosebank, tours are priced between £25 and £300 with varying levels of insight and exclusive whiskies, not only from Rosebank, but Ian Macleod’s other distilleries, Tamdhu and Glengoyne too.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Looking for more whisky content? Have a read of Whisky vs Whiskey: A Brief History and Overview.

2024’s Must-Visit US Wine Event - Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC

Wine lovers, we have some exciting news to share! On Saturday June 8th, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC is returning for its third consecutive year.

What is the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter?

In a nutshell, it is an impressive all day Grand Tasting in which 50 esteemed producers from around the world will present four exceptional wines from their collections. From Europe to South America, Australia to the USA there are an abundance of elegant and innovative wines waiting to be tried. That’s not all though, as whether it be a rare vintage, top cuvée, magnum or more, each producer will also be unveiling a special treat from their cellar providing a rare opportunity to enjoy some exceptional vintages. We’ve had a sneaky peek at the list and can confirm you are in for a big treat, but don’t only take our word for it, check it out here!

The Decanter World Wine Awards Winners’ Bar will also be open to Grand Ticket Holders. Featuring Gold, Platinum and Best in Show wines scoring 95 points and above in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, it is an excellent opportunity to sample even more of the top quality that is available in the wine world. You can see which award-winning bottles will be available this year here!

What happens at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter?

Aside from being able to sample wine from some of the world’s finest producers, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter also offers the chance to participate in exclusive masterclasses from Château Haut-Brion, Peter Michael Winery, M. Chapoutier and Marqués de Murrieta.

Where is the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter?

You can find Decanter Fine Wine Encounter at the Manhatta on Liberty Street, right in the heart of New York’s financial district. Doors open at 11am and close at 5pm.

If you want to enjoy some incredible wine whilst meeting the people behind your favourite bottles, get your hands on a ticket here and don’t forget to enter unique discount code DRINKLUSIVE24 at the checkout for 20% off. Happy sipping!