The Glendronach 30 & 40 Year Old: A New Chapter in Sherry Cask Mastery

Two rare releases showcase four decades of patience, craftsmanship, and the art of sherry cask ageing.

For nearly two centuries, The GlenDronach has been synonymous with rich, sherry-cask-matured whisky. From its Highland home in the Valley of Forgue, the distillery continues to prove why it’s regarded as one of Scotland’s masters of maturation. Now, The GlenDronach unveils two remarkable new expressions: the 30-Year-Old and the 40-Year-Old 2025 Edition – each representing the height of its craft.

What Makes The GlenDronach 30-Year-Old So Special?

The GlenDronach 30-Year-Old is a beautifully composed Highland Single Malt that highlights the distillery’s sherry cask artistry. Under the guidance of Master Blender Rachel Barrie, the whisky brings together three distinct sherry cask styles: Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and, for the first time, Amontillado.

Barrie explains, “With the 30-Year-Old, we have composed a symphony from our most historic sherry cask styles. Three decades of maturation have resulted in a sublime and charming Single Malt, with generous layers of rich and complex character.”

The inclusion of Amontillado adds elegant notes of toasted hazelnut and crème caramel, perfectly balancing The GlenDronach’s hallmark dark cherry, chocolate, and spiced fruit tones. Presented in a walnut curl veneer case engraved with 30 facets, a nod to the years of patient ageing, this release is priced at £1,000 and available at Selfridges.

How Does the 40-Year-Old Represent the Peak of GlenDronach’s Craft?

The 40-Year-Old 2025 Edition is the distillery’s ultimate expression, a rare whisky composed from a small number of hand-selected Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks. Matured over four decades in Spanish oak, it offers an extraordinary depth of flavour and a velvet-smooth texture that speaks to The GlenDronach’s time-honoured expertise.

Barrie shares, “At forty years old, it represents four decades of sherry cask refinement, polished by time to become the ultimate expression of The GlenDronach. It is a privilege to be the custodian of such remarkable casks.”

Expect a nose of black cherry, stewed plum, and blackberry, followed by a palate of bramble compote, prune, raisin wine, and cinnamon-laced chocolate espresso. Bottled at 43.9% ABV (Natural Cask Strength), it’s presented in a dark rosewood case with brass details and a golden plinth, a fitting vessel for a whisky of such stature. Retailing at £5,000, it is available through select global markets and Selfridges.

Why Are These Releases Important for Collectors and Enthusiasts?

The GlenDronach’s reputation rests on its mastery of sherry cask maturation, and these new releases reaffirm that legacy while deepening it. The 30-Year-Old introduces the Amontillado cask for the first time, while the 40-Year-Old showcases the distillery’s commitment to refinement through time, patience, and precision.

In an era of innovation and experimentation, The GlenDronach proves that true artistry still lies in tradition. Each bottle is not merely a whisky. It’s a time capsule of craftsmanship, matured to perfection beneath the cool stone walls of Forgue.

Ring the Alarm: Piper-Heidsieck’s ‘Code Rouge’ Ignites the Holidays in Style

If there were ever a Champagne that begged to be unleashed, it’s this one. Just in time for Christmas, Piper-Heidsieck (the house that’s never been afraid of a little drama) has dropped its latest limited-edition showstopper: the “Code Rouge Edition.” Exclusive to Selfridges from November 2025, this fiery red collectible doesn’t whisper luxury; it shouts it, all while winking at tradition.

Is It a Champagne or an Emergency Kit? (Maybe Both)

Forget the usual foil and label routine. The Code Rouge Edition arrives in a sculptural, metallic red case shaped like a vintage fire extinguisher, a playful nod to life’s “Champagne emergencies.” Finished in gold, secured by a quarter-turn lock, and emblazoned with the words “In case of Champagne emergency, break open case,” it’s part celebration, part spectacle.

It’s Piper-Heidsieck doing what Piper-Heidsieck does best: taking the seriousness out of sophistication. The result? A piece of design you’ll want to show off long before you pop it open.

What’s Bubbling Inside This Red Hot Release?

Inside the bold exterior sits the Cuvée Brut, the signature Piper-Heidsieck Champagne that captures the house’s spirited elegance. Made from a trio of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes sourced from over 100 crus, it’s as expressive as it is refined.

The first sip delivers bright pear, white peach, and citrus, followed by orange blossom, toasted almonds, and a whisper of mint. It’s vibrant, harmonious, and joyfully alive, the kind of Champagne that makes any moment feel just a little more cinematic.

Why Does Piper-Heidsieck Keep Getting Design So Right?

Because it never plays it safe. Piper-Heidsieck has long treated Champagne as both an art form and an attitude, with collaborations spanning Jean-Paul Gaultier, Viktor & Rolf, and Christian Louboutin. From lipstick boxes to sound-inspired cases, every design is a declaration that Champagne should be seen as much as it’s sipped.

“This is Piper-Heidsieck at its boldest,” says CEO Stéphane Decaux. “Piper-Heidsieck lights up life’s celebrations with joy. This uniquely designed set is not just a gift, it becomes a call to celebrate boldly.”

Mission accomplished.

So, Who’s This For?

At £65.99 and available exclusively through Selfridges, the Code Rouge Edition hits that sweet spot between collectible and accessible. It’s for the person who’s impossible to buy for, the host who always brings the flair, or simply anyone who thinks life’s too short for boring bottles.

Because really, when the year winds down and the Champagne cravings rise, there’s only one emergency worth breaking glass for, and Piper-Heidsieck’s Code Rouge is it.

Mezcal vs. Tequila: What’s the Difference and Which Should I Drink?

You might have seen (or even tried) swapping mezcal into your favourite tequila-based cocktails. The smoky, vegetal, and herbaceous spirit adds a unique edge to classic drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and Old Fashioned, and it’s likely featured on a cocktail menu at your favourite bar. But what exactly is the difference – and which should you be drinking or buying?

What Are the Differences Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Both are agave-based spirits, distilled from the fermented juice of the agave plant, specifically from the central core of the mature plant, called the piña.

To be labelled as tequila, it must be made in one of five areas of Mexico – Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas – and be distilled from only one species of agave: Blue Weber Agave. This agave is slowly steamed in brick ovens or pressurised steam ovens (called autoclaves) to release the native aromas of the agave.

To be labelled as mezcal, it must be made in one of nine areas of Mexico – Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Puebla, Durango, San Luís Potosí, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas – and is typically distilled from more than 30 different varieties of agave, each with slightly different nuances depending on where it was grown.

In mezcal production, the traditional method, especially in the state of Oaxaca, where most mezcal is produced, involves roasting the piñas in stone-lined pits. This gives mezcal its signature smoky aroma. However, keep in mind: not all mezcal is smoky!

What Do Tequila and Mezcal Taste Like?

In terms of flavour, tequila tends to be more agave-forward, with a smoother, sweeter profile often accented by hints of citrus, pepper, and vanilla. Mezcal, on the other hand, is known for its smoky, herbal character, imbued with fruity, floral, and earthy notes.

Traditionally, tequila is paired with Sangrita (a spicy tomato-based chaser), and mezcal is often paired with orange slices and Sal de Gusano (that’s worm salt to us!).

Both spirits are delicious, and there are lots to choose from, so here are some standout options to get you started!

Tapatio Blanco Tequila

Handcrafted in Tapatio by a family-owned distillery, forget the throat-burning shots you are used to and embark on this smooth profile of citrus and white pepper. Located in the mountainous region of Jalisco, Mexico – known for growing the best Blue Agave – the Tapatio brand has been making tequila since 1937, with a lineage of tequila distillers dating back to the 1800s.

Tapatio Blanco is rested in stainless steel tanks for two months, giving the overall effect of a smooth yet spicy pepper expression. With a touch of sweetness, expect notes of vanilla, apple, and cooked agave with an earthy and oaky finish.

Size: 500 ml 
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £28.25

Cazcabel

Nestled in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains lies the Cazcabel Distillery, an area surrounded by natural water springs and vast agave fields. This independent, family-owned distillery is run by the Vázquez family, who have mastered the art of crafting premium tequila. Fermented in steel tanks for 10 days and then distilled in traditional copper pots, the spirit is chill-filtered to remove impurities, resulting in an incredibly smooth and balanced flavour.

Whether you're after a traditional Tequila Blanco or Reposado, or prefer a flavourful twist like coffee, honey, or coconut tequila, you’ll likely find Cazcabel on the shelves of your local bar. It’s perfect for cocktails – or as a delicious shot to share with friends!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find Here: £29.95

El Rayo Tequila Plata

El Rayo Tequila Plata is a clean, zesty tequila crafted for cocktails and effortless mixing. Rooted in Mexican folklore, the bottle’s name recalls the myth of a lightning bolt – El Rayo – splitting the sky and striking the Blue Agave plant. A curious campesino, drawn by the distant glow, discovered the roasted heart of the agave. From fire and folklore, tequila was born.

Made with 100% agave and a dash of spring water, this bottle offers a bright and peppery profile, with hints of pineapple and wildflowers.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £37.25

ArteNOM Seleccion de 1579 Blanco Tequila

This tequila is made by slow-roasting 100% blue weber agave in brick ovens and then fermenting in steel tanks with local rainwater. Bright and complex with an oily texture, this tequila is well-rounded with aromas of mint, roasted agave, and a creamy tropical note reminiscent of ripe mango. These flavours linger softly, complemented by sweet, clean layers of toffee and a warm hint of cinnamon and brioche.

Size: 700ml  
ABV: 40.7%
Find Here: £62.95

Mezcal Amaras Verde

Dipping your toe into the world of mezcal? This bottle is the perfect entry point. Crafted artisanally from Espadín agave, it delivers a smooth, smoky, and vegetal expression – made using natural and sustainable methods. For every agave harvested, the brand replants ten more, and 20% of net profits are given to ecological and social sustainability programs.

Mezcal Verde is a project made with love, featuring unique labels designed by contemporary Mexican artists. Cooked using a blend of three woods – ocote, red oak, and pepper tree – this mezcal offers a complex yet balanced profile with notes of smoked candied fruit, jasmine, pine, and fresh herbs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find Here: £40.50

Pensador Ensamble Mezcal Joven

This bottle is made with a small batch of mezcal coming from Southern Oaxaca. This is a blend of Espadin and Madrecuishe agaves, which offers sweet, caramel, custard-like aromas on the nose yet is clean and grassy on the palate. An easy drinker, this is smoky, smooth, and velvety.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £42.75 

Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal

Montelobos Mezcal was created by agave specialist Iván Saldaña, PhD in Botany, and fifth-generation mezcalero Don Abel López Mateos. Their vision was to craft a mezcal that reveals something new with every sip. Produced in small batches using organic agave, Montelobos is roasted underground in traditional pits, resulting in a complex and harmonious blend of flavours. Smoky, sweet, and vegetal notes come together beautifully, offering aromas of fresh-cut grass, ripe tomato, damp earth, and ash – perfect in a smoky margarita.

Size: 700ml                                                   
ABV: 43.2%
Find Here: £54.50

Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal

If you are a fan of peaty whiskies, this is one to try! Del Maguey may very well be one of the most well-known mezcals on the international market. Founded in 1995 by artist and mezcal visionary Ron Cooper, the brand was born from deep cultural relationships with Zapotec Mexican producers. Del Maguey is known for merging ancient artisanal practices with organic, sustainable methods.

Deep and sweet on the tongue, Chichicapa is lithe and elegant on the palate. The nose offers aromas of citrus, butter, slight smoke, and a subtle salinity, while the finish brings notes of chocolate and mint.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £78.95

So, whether you prefer the crisp, smooth notes of tequila or the smoky and savoury complexity of mezcal, both spirits offer a rich taste of Mexican tradition. Explore both, experiment with cocktails, and let your palate decide which one deserves a place in your glass.

If you’d like to see more from Adele including the best Cognac to try and why Vermouth should be on your radar, make sure you click here!

6 Ukrainian Wines You Really Should Try

Photo Credit: Arsen Fedosenko

What do you know about Ukrainian wine? If I had to guess, probably not much. Unless you’re in the industry, it tends to fly under the radar. But it shouldn't. Ukrainian Riesling won the Grand Prix at the very first Paris Wine Expo in 1900. And that was just the beginning. In 2025, Ukrainian wines brought home four gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

At the Villa d'Este Wine Symposium on Lake Como, a blind tasting panel – including none other than the co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and the then head winemaker at Dom Pérignon – placed a Cabernet Sauvignon from Ukrainian producer Shabo ahead of bottles from Bordeaux icons Château Haut-Brion and Château Margaux. So yes, there’s definitely something going on here.

What are Ukraine’s Ancient Wine Roots?

Photo Credit: Arsen Fedosenko

Winemaking likely arrived in what is now Ukraine even before the Greeks did. Archaeologists in Crimea have found Vitis vinifera seeds, the kind used for making wine, dating back to the 8th century BCE. (And in case you didn’t know: the grapes we drink and the grapes we eat are not the same species.)

By the 1st century BCE, wine was being made in what is now western Ukraine, and Roman poet Ovid name-checked wines from the Black Sea region. In the Middle Ages, winemaking flourished in Kyiv’s monasteries before expanding west toward Lviv and east into the steppes. Ukrainian Cossack leaders – hetmans – were known to enjoy a good bottle. Mazepa, a baroque-era hetman whose sabre is on display at the Tower of London this summer, had an enviable wine cellar. His successor, Kyrylo Rozumovsky, imported over 30,000 vine cuttings in an effort to establish a large-scale vineyard.

By the 19th century, Ukraine was very much part of Europe’s wine boom. Local wine cellars (then also a term for wine bars) were praised by the likes of Mark Twain and Honoré de Balzac. At the first Paris World Expo, Ukrainian wines won the Grand Prix and several gold medals.

Soviet Setbacks and a Winemaking Revival

Then came the Soviet regime. The 1930s Holodomor (Stalin’s man-made famine) devastated rural life and wiped out much of the viticultural landscape. The repression of experts followed, and then Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol campaign in the 1980s brought another blow: mass destruction of vineyards and near extinction of many indigenous grape varieties.

Things started to change after independence in 1991. Ukrainian winemakers began investing in quality production. A 2018 law legalising small-scale winemaking was a turning point, unleashing a wave of independent producers, wine bars, and festivals.

What Makes Ukrainian Wine Unique?

Photo Credit: Arsen Fedosenko

Today, Ukraine’s wine scene is rich and varied – with family estates, urban wineries, organic farms, and a thriving spirit of experimentation. Consultants from Burgundy and Bordeaux lend expertise. Growers are exploring amphora ageing, pét-nats, skin-contact whites, and frost-resistant PIWI varieties. Climate change has shifted vineyard zones northward, and Ukrainian wines are earning praise from critics like Jancis Robinson and Oz Clarke.

You’ll find familiar grapes like Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and less common varieties like Saperavi, Pinotage, and Albariño. Aligoté, the high-acid darling of Burgundy, known for its notes of lime and fennel, grows beautifully here. Indigenous grapes and local crossings include Telti-Kuruk, Sukholimansky White, and Odesa Black. Others, sadly, remain in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

In Zakarpattia, western Ukraine, Hungarian and Austrian influences are noticeable, though the region has its own unmistakable voice. They make everything from herbal-infused wines to ice wines and luscious dessert bottles – an echo of the area’s rich tea and foraging culture.

The full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 was catastrophic. Many wineries and vineyards were shelled, looted, mined, or occupied. The historic Prince Trubetskoi winery (a Grand Prix winner in Paris in 1900) was destroyed. So was the Hostomel glass factory, leaving many producers without bottles. Many winemakers and wine professionals joined the army or focused on volunteer work to support Ukraine’s defence.

And yet, even during shelling, blackouts, and active combat, Ukrainian winemakers harvested and bottled the 2022 vintage. It’s become a symbol of resilience. Despite everything, Ukrainian wines are now exported to over 20 countries. They’re made under unimaginable conditions, but they are still being made.

This entire industry runs on passion, grit, and the unwavering determination to show the world what Ukrainian wine can do. And the world is taking notice. In 2024, six Masters of Wine from different countries gathered to blind-taste nearly 100 Ukrainian wines and choose the ones with the most potential and international appeal.

Their final verdict was a curated list of 24 wines that speak to Ukraine’s winemaking present and future - four of which we’ll highlight below.

So where should you start? Last Christmas, Wines of Ukraine launched a campaign called Just One Bottle, encouraging people to try just a single Ukrainian wine. The message still holds. Pick one. That might be all it takes to keep going.

Villa Tinta Sukholimansky White 2024

Top 12 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

You may not have heard much about Bessarabia, the southern Ukrainian region, nestled near Moldova, but your glass is about to change that. The family-run Villa Tinta winery sits on the shores of Lake Yalpuh, where vineyards soak up sun, sea breezes, and Danube air. The estate bottles under a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), meaning strict quality standards apply – and to make sure, they’ve got their own certified lab right on-site.

This wine is made from Sukholimansky White – a Ukrainian-born grape sometimes called Odesa White. It’s a 20th-century crossing of Chardonnay and the Moldovan variety Plavai, created by local viticulturalists. While it’s often used for skin-contact (aka orange) wines thanks to its generous body, here it’s all fresh, floral elegance.

The nose is pure summer: ripe pear, wildflowers, honey. The palate opens with grapefruit, white peach, a sprig of mint, and a delicate hint of sea air. Start solo, then experiment – it pairs beautifully with buffalo mozzarella bruschetta, delicate white fish, or even artichokes (no easy feat).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £14.80 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Beykush Artania Rosé 2022

This one comes with a backstory worthy of its own docuseries. Beykush Winery began when its founder set out to build a countryside summer house with a wine cellar and got unexpectedly distracted by the grapes instead. Fast forward a decade, and it's now one of Ukraine’s most daring and dynamic producers, winning international awards and earning praise for its unconventional and fearless style.

The vineyards perch on Cape Beykush, a high point above sea level flanked by water on three sides. The terroir is wild, sea-kissed and dramatic – and the wines reflect that energy. Despite being within striking distance of the frontlines, the team presses on, crafting wines that are impossible to replicate anywhere else.

Their rosé is made from Pinot Gris with a dash of Pinot Noir and aged on lees for five months. On the nose: raspberry, juicy watermelon, and wild herbs. On the palate: zingy gooseberry, redcurrants, and a salty sea note that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip.

Pair it with grilled seafood, goat’s cheese, tuna steak, or even roasted pork. It’s confident, characterful, and unapologetically moreish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £18 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Villa Tinta Odesa Black 2022

Top 24 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

Now for something bold. Odesa Black (aka Alibernet) was born in the 20th century at the Tairov Institute in Odesa – a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet. Originally used for blending, it’s now stepping into the spotlight on its own terms.

And in this solo from Villa Tinta, it absolutely delivers. Aged in bottle and poured deep purple-black (you'd better not spill this on your sofa), it opens with a wild mix of blackberries, aronia, fig, earthiness, and even beetroot and prunes. There’s something unmistakably Ukrainian in its character, like a nod to the country's UNESCO-listed national dish: borshch.

Yet another surprise is in the taste. Despite its power and depth, the texture is velvety, the alcohol restrained, and when lightly chilled (around 14°C), it’s more versatile than you’d think. Try it with duck and prunes, smoky grilled meats – or yes, even a hearty bowl of borshch.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £14.80 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Beykush Telti-Kuruk 2024

Top 12 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

Meet Telti-Kuruk – a grape with serious survival instincts. It arrived in southern Ukraine some 500 years ago during Ottoman rule, made it through the phylloxera plague, and is now having a well-deserved revival. Its name means “fox tail” in Turkish, a nod to the grape’s long clusters and the coppery tinge of its ripening berries.

The bird on the label isn’t just for decoration; Beykush Winery sits on Europe’s largest bird sanctuary. During harvest, flocks often help themselves to the vineyard’s best grapes. The winemakers joke that whichever variety the birds love most is the one they'll have the least of. Only 900 bottles of this vintage were made.

The wine itself is mineral, herbal, warm, and quietly complex. Think white mulberry, quince, kiwi, and wildflowers, with a vivid, layered finish: sea salt, honey, and a delicate bitter note of apricot pits. It also ages like a dream; we’d love to meet this one again in five years. Pair it with spaghetti alle vongole or roast Basque chicken with rosemary.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £27 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Beykush Lerici Al Mar Nero 2022

Timorasso, the grape from Piedmont, was nearly extinct by the 1980s until Walter Massa, a maverick winemaker and visionary, brought it back. Thanks to Massa and Beykush’s winemaking consultant, Bisso Atanassov, 1,000 Timorasso vines made it from Italy to Ukraine – the grape’s first European debut outside its homeland.

Tricky to grow, Timorasso demands special treatment. But Beykush likes a challenge. At a 2023 tasting in Portofino, wine experts from across Europe singled out Beykush’s Timorasso - some even named Lerici their favourite of the event.

Now grown near the Black Sea, Timorasso reveals a new side of itself. This vintage – winner of a 2025 Decanter Bronze – is spice-laced and generous. On the nose: dried flowers, honey, and some warm baking spices. On the palate: juicy pears and golden plums, with a silky, rounded finish where vanilla and caramel sneak in (courtesy of ageing on lees in used French oak). Definitely age-worthy, it’s drawing comparisons to Chablis and Riesling.

Serve with grilled fish, creamy risotto, or anything that says "dinner with intention."

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £39 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Kolonist Bisser Brut

Top 12 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

Founded in the early 2000s by Ivan Plachkov – a descendant of Bulgarian settlers – Kolonist Winery is nestled in the Bessarabia region. This family estate has long focused on quality, and even wine legend Oz Clarke called their work a sign that this region would soon earn its rightful spot on the global wine map.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Plachkov family has hosted evacuees from occupied areas, and one of the winery’s co-owners now serves in Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Through it all, they’ve continued making standout wines – including red blends that can hold their own next to Bordeaux’s best.

Their vineyards share a latitude with Bordeaux and Piedmont, and thanks to south-facing slopes and sunlight bouncing off Lake Yalpuh, the grapes here achieve full, balanced ripeness.

Their Bisser Brut is made from Chardonnay using the traditional method (yes, the same process as Champagne) and aged on lees for three years. It’s clean and elegant, with aromas of pancakes and lemon, white flowers, and hazelnuts. On the palate, you’ll find crisp green apple, tangerine, and a creamy texture with a rich, lingering finish.

Pair with local-style lightly salted Dunaika herring if you can find it. Otherwise, go for smoked salmon or buttery toast with caviar.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £35 (Cellar Door Wines)

Want to Learn More About Ukrainian Wine History?

Before we wrap: if you’re curious about the deeper story behind Ukrainian wine and want to bust a few Soviet-era myths along the way, this book is essential reading: 29 Centuries: Rediscovered History of Wine in Ukraine by Anna Eugenia Yanchenko.

Written by a graduate in cultural studies, sommelier, and wine educator, 29 Centuries digs through 800 historical sources to uncover Ukraine’s true winemaking past – the one erased for decades by Soviet propaganda. "We used to think there was a void in our history where wine culture should be,” she says. “But it wasn’t void. It was oblivion.”

The result is a deeply researched, engaging read with original illustrations (some in graphic novel style) and commentary from historical figures including Homer, Pliny the Elder, and Mark Twain. The book won a 2024 award from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and is now available in Ukrainian and English.

Ukrainian wines tell a story of place, passion, and resilience. And if this tasting has you thinking about what other bottles are worth discovering, take a look at our Champagne picks here – whether you're after the classic, the quirky, or something that simply feels like a celebration.

Brandy's Revival: The 7 Best Bottles for a New Generation

Affordable, expressive, and full of flavour - these bottles are rewriting what brandy can be.

Brandy is incredibly versatile. Younger examples are fruit-forward and great for cocktails, while older expressions offer depth and complexity to rival whisky, often at more accessible prices. Yet despite all this, brandy is still misunderstood and often overlooked. Cognac dominates the conversation and is seen as expensive or out of reach, which leads people to assume brandy isn’t for them.

Unlike whisky, which is distilled from grain, brandy is made from fermented fruit, giving it a different texture, sweetness, and aromatic profile. It is often distilled from grapes but also apples, pears, plums and more. It offers a diversity of flavours and styles few other categories can match. It is made all over the world, reflecting regional traditions and character, from France, England and Spain to India. Producers work with local fruit and age their brandies in different casks to create distinctive and expressive bottles.

Brandy deserves far more attention than it gets because it has so much to offer and while other spirits have loyal followings, brandy hasn’t yet built that same loyal following, which is undeserved. If you’re curious about new flavours or simply want a taste of everyday luxury, brandy is worth exploring. The bottles below are just a glimpse of what is waiting to be discovered. With prices rising everywhere, the depth of flavour, craft and value in brandy are hard to ignore.

Avallen Calvados

Planet positive Calvados in a paper bottle, with one-fifth of the carbon footprint of glass, Avallen is made for eco-minded cocktail lovers. Born from a simple question: what’s the most sustainable ingredient for making alcohol? The answer was apples. Their practical approach to sustainability is innovative and inspirational, pointing towards future possibilities for the drinks industry more widely. Produced in Normandy, France, under strict Calvados regulations, including a ban on artificial irrigation, it develops deep roots and complex flavours. Aged 2–3 years and designed for mixing, Avallen is bright, modern, and approachable. Fresh apple notes balance sweet and tart, with hints of almond and a gentle pepper prickle, bringing crisp lift to cocktails. Its fruit-forward style shines in the Avallen Appletini, an easy way to bring vibrant Calvados character into your home bar.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £34.99

Carlos I Pedro Ximénez Cask Matured

Rich with coffee, dates and dark chocolate shaped by Pedro Ximénez casks and solera aging, Carlos I is a standout Spanish brandy that shows the depth and diversity of the category. This Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva, one of Spain’s most famous brandy styles, is produced in the Jerez region of southern Spain under its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) rules. It is aged in American oak casks seasoned with sherry for a minimum of three years using the traditional solera system, where older and younger brandies are gradually blended for balance and complexity. The result unites Spain’s brandy and sherry traditions. Notes of medjool dates, maraschino cherry, dark chocolate and cigar box are a natural fit for a Manhattan cocktail, making it a decadent after-dinner serve where the herbal and bitter vermouth elements enhance the PX richness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.3%
Find Here: £41.49

Marquis de Montesquiou VSOP

For those who enjoy richer, more rustic flavours, Armagnac offers a distinct take on French brandy. Marquis de Montesquiou VSOP delivers the bright, fruit-forward character of a VS (Very Special, aged at least two years) with some of the deeper complexity you might expect from an XO (Extra Old, aged at least ten years). Produced in the Armagnac region of southwest France under strict regulations, it is distilled only once in a continuous column still known as an Alambic Armagnacais. In classic Gascon style, it shows notes of caramel, apricot, orange peel, tobacco and ginger. Its depth makes it an ideal choice for a Metropolitan cocktail, a rich after-dinner serve where the Armagnac’s dark fruit and spice notes shine.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find Here: £42.70

Burnt Faith Bourbon Cask

Burnt Faith, based in Walthamstow, London, is reimagining what brandy can be for the 21st century. Inspired by the craft and heritage of Cognac, they embrace the tension between tradition and innovation, recognising that the former can sometimes limit creativity. They explore a wide variety of grapes and casks, creating new flavour profiles that push the category forward. Their Bourbon Cask release, aged in barrels that previously held bourbon whiskey, is a prime example, with notes of vanilla, banana foam sweets, cinnamon and sweet toasted oak. These bourbon cask influences make it a natural fit for a brandy Old Fashioned cocktail, where its rich, rounded character blends seamlessly with bitters and sugar for a contemporary twist on the classic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £60

Somerset Cider Brandy 10

Somerset Cider Brandy Company has revived the ancient tradition of producing apple brandy in the heart of Somerset. Their commitment to craft and heritage has earned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, recognising the exceptional terroir of the region, a rare distinction for brandy in the UK. Fittingly, Somerset, with its rich cider-making history, is the natural home of Cider Brandy. Its character comes from ancient orchards, unique soils, and the county’s mild, damp climate. The trees are never sprayed with insecticides, creating a haven for owls, bats and songbirds, and underlining the sustainability of this apple brandy. Expect rich notes of stewed apples, orange blossom, hazelnuts and cinnamon. Enjoy a glass alongside a slice of tarte tatin for the perfect end to a great meal.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find Here: £57

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac is an elegant brandy with personality and wide availability in the UK. Cognac is a type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France, where production follows strict standards to protect quality. Hine crafts this soft, fruity VSOP using grapes from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, the top two growing areas. VSOP means Very Superior Old Pale and indicates the brandy is aged at least four years, though Hine Rare tastes as though it contains far older Cognac. Expect notes of apricot, orange, toffee and praline with a hint of ginger. It has the depth and finesse to elevate a Champagne cocktail into something truly special.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £60

Paul John XO Brandy

Best known for their award-winning Indian single malts, Paul John brings the same care to this expressive XO brandy. Paul John XO is an Indian brandy produced in Goa. Paul John has crafted a delicate, balanced spirit that feels familiar to brandy drinkers, and yet intriguingly different. Made in their tropical, coastal climate, the brandy blends the traditional French grape Ugni Blanc with Bangalore Purple, a juicy, sweet table grape grown widely in southern India. This gives the brandy a distinctive character that reflects European tradition and Indian heritage. Matured for over 10 years, Paul John XO delivers notes of coconut palm sugar, juicy strawberries, apricot, butterscotch and warming spice from the oak. It pairs well with chocolate desserts such as a chocolate and fig tart.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find Here: £98.25

Looking for more exciting bottles to try? If so, make sure you check out these 7 unique bottles.

A Thai Talisman

Prakaan Distillery, Thailand

Thailand invokes certain images. Scenes from the Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach come to mind. Bright sunshine, pristine white sand and turquoise seas and heat. This is the idle people expect to experience when they visit Thailand. Until this year I had never visited but always thought I would and experience the country as described above. My home country has certain similarities. On the west coast of Scotland are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Thailand the sands are white, and the seas turquoise and crystal clear. There is just one thing missing: the heat. However, there is something my home country makes which Thailand could not offer, and that’s whisky. Until now.

My primary motivation for visiting Thailand this year was to visit their first Single Malt Whisky distillery and taste the whisky it is producing. I did not see one beach on my week-long visit, and the beach wasn’t missed. Instead, I experienced a different side of Thailand. The un-talked about interior.

The company which built the distillery owns many businesses. From hotels and restaurants, a logistics company which operates all over Thailand, and their biggest operation, a beer company, and it is in the same town as a brewery that the whisky distillery is found. The company is called Thai Beverage and their move into making Single Malt Whisky might seem an unusual one for predominantly a beer company in the tropics, but they have form. International Beverage, a subsidiary of Thai Beverage owns four of the best and most traditional distilleries in Scotland. In the far north, they own Pulteney and Balblair, Speyburn and Balmenach in Speyside and just to the east of Speyside, Knockdhu distillery.

Although in Thailand Thai Beverage is known for beer, they have plenty of distilling experience. Some of the great Thai rum brands have been and are still produced by them. They have a rum distillery which they have owned since the 1970’s.

The whisky distillery, unlike their rum distillery is nowhere near Bangkok. It is in Kamphaeng Phet a lesser-known corner of Thailand not frequented by tourists in search of white sands or azure waters. Instead, it sits nestled within the Western Forest Complex, a vast and largely untouched tract of wilderness recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s rich in biodiversity and surprisingly, it’s perfect for whisky making.

The features in the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park include archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Mueang Chakangrao to the east of the Ping River and Mueang Nakhon Chum to the west. The whole site covers much of the town and is surrounded by a distinctly shaped wall. It is this heritage site and its surrounding wall which give the whisky its name, Prakaan. Prakaan translates as ‘wall’ or ‘fort’, a tribute to the ancient stonework that once encircled Kamphaeng Phet. Like the whisky, it stands as a symbol of strength, endurance and cultural identity. A section of this wall is the emblem on the whiskies label, and the bricks make up the texture of the bottle. It roots the whisky with a true sense of place.

The water for the distillery comes from deep underground, the source of which flows through the Western Forest Complex and includes Khlong Lan Waterfall. Not far from the distillery the waterfall is a spectacle sitting within the forest, which in itself is a magical place, the waterfall is elegant yet powerful, much like the whisky and well worth seeking out.

Beyond the sense of place in the landscape the whisky evokes, it also has a sense of place rooted in the people, and food. There is a great love for Thai food all over the world, from Khao soi fragrant noodle soup, river prawns, which are the size of small lobsters, an abundance of fresh vegetables and even sticky mango rice, the food in Thailand is incredibly diverse with different regions producing different style.

With all these influences it would be understandable if the whisky didn’t quite manage to encompass that whole sense of place, yet somehow it does, and this I think comes from a tradition rooted in Whisky’s home country of Scotland. All of the International Beverage distilleries are in the highlands, Speyside is in the greater highland region, so Speyburn is still highland. Highland whisky tends to be elegant and fruity. It’s this fruit forward character which Prakaan has in spades. The team at Prakaan, beyond having incredible backgrounds in biochemistry and distilling in Thailand, have spent two years with the teams in Scotland learning about and making single malt Scotch Whisky. The elegance of Scotch shines though in Prakaan, as does the fruit forward nature of the whisky. It is this fruit forward nature which also gives Prakaan its unique identity. Like some highland whiskies, there are a lot of tropical fruits found in Prakaan, and those fruits are diverse and range from light banana and touches of pineapple to guava, passion fruit and dragon fruit which is integral to Thailand. These tropical fruits are joined by honey, citrus peels and touches of ginger, and milk chocolate sit in the background. The back palate allows spice to develop which runs all the way through the finish. These flavours are added to in the Double Cask expression with typical Oloroso sherry cask character which are used for 18 to 30 months. These casks give raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and dates. Their final expression the Peated Malt has a ppm of 45 in the barley and is lightly peated at 3ppm in the resulting whiskey. The peat is imported from the highland of Scotland giving rich BBQ smoke and oily, earthy peat beyond the tropical fruit notes.

All this fruit flavour is rooted in fermentation which lasts for 72 hours giving fruity flavours and starts at 18- 20°C and is kept under 35°C with cooling jackets. All this flavour shines in their ex-bourbon cask expression. For me ex-bourbon cask maturation allows the spirit character to shine and shows its true character. The spirit from Prakaan is very characterful and this comes through in the whisky well. This character also allows for other types of maturation without losing that distinct character. There are two other expressions in the Prakaan line up. One which has ex-sherry cask maturation included, and a peated expression. Both of these show off their different flavours. The maturation has been deftly handled. In the heat of the tropical sun, it takes skill and care not to overcook the spirit. The warehouses have been built in such a way to help this. By being recessed into the ground by a few metres, the base of the warehouse is cool, and by having huge doors which can open for airflow, the ambient temperature in the warehouse is much cooler than the shade temperatures outside and can be temperature controlled. There is no humidity control, and the angels share reflects this with 13% being lost to the angels in year 1, and then 10% in year two, 9% in year three and 8.5% in year 4, so the volume of liquid loss over the years is considerable, but the abv only decreased 1-3% over the first 5 years. This is all normal for the tropics. Prakaan doesn’t have an age statement on their whisky, and nor should they, as with tropical aging, age is irrelevant, however some of the whisky is older than you would imagine. They first filled barrels in April 2018, so one can work it out from there.

Distillery manager Boyd

Prakaan isn’t trying to be like Scotch, it has its own identity, but the quality is formidable and the overall experience of visiting Prakaan is impressive. The distillery is state of the art and fully automated, yet the skill in their whisky making is rooted in tradition and culture, people and place. These characteristics will sound familiar to Scotch Whisky drinkers and show that Scotland and Thailand as well as having pristine beaches and pure blue seas, now have great whisky in common too.

Colin and Boyd at Prakaan in Thailand

Prakaan Select Cask
Full of tropical fruit and ex bourbon cask flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £49.96

Prakaan Double Cask
Rich with baking spice, chocolate and signature tropical fruit.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £62.46

Prakaan Peated Cask
Tropical fruits, smoke and earthy flavours and aromas

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £54.13

If you’ve enjoyed discovering the first single Malt whisky from Thailand and your appetite has been peaked for something Thai, then how about booking a great Thai restaurant in London here.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The Dalmore Unveils Second Annual Distillery Select Series

If there’s one thing whisky lovers know about The Dalmore, it’s that the Highland powerhouse doesn’t do things by halves. With a history stretching back to 1839 and a reputation for rich, chocolate-orange house style draped in luxury, each release has collectors and connoisseurs leaning in closer. Now, following the sell-out success of last year’s debut, The Dalmore has lifted the curtain on its second annual Distillery Select Series - and it’s a trio worth talking about.

The Distillery Select Series is all about uncovering hidden gems from the distillery’s famed warehouses. These are parcels of spirit chosen for their singular dimension of character, bottled at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and nurtured until The Dalmore’s master whisky makers declare them ready. Think of it as the inside track to some of the distillery’s most intriguing treasures.

Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish – 13 Years Old

First up is the Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish, a 13-year-old expression bottled at 51.3% ABV, priced at £350, with just 1,002 bottles released. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before a two-year slumber in Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, it’s brimming with charm. On the nose, warm citrus fruits mingle with black toffee, sugared almonds, and ginger spice. The palate unfolds with poached peach, balsamic whispers, chocolate mocha, and soft liquorice, while the finish brings waves of tropical fruits, exotic spice, and lingering berry richness. A dram of finesse indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.3%
Price: £350

Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish – 17 Years Old

Ratcheting up the rarity, the Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish comes in at 17 years, 46.8% ABV, and a cool £1,000 - though with only 252 bottles available, blink and you’ll miss it. Finished in sweet wine barriques from Bouvet Ladubay in France’s Loire Valley, this whisky is a tapestry of flavour. Aromas of damson plums, marmalade, and Madagascan vanilla invite you in, before poaching spices, Demerara sugar, and bright orchard fruits take over the palate. The finish is an indulgent mix of Tahitian vanilla, caramel, and soft baking spice - a dram that dances between elegance and decadence.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Price: £1,000

Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish – 28 Years Old

The jewel of the collection, however, is the Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish, a venerable 28-year-old presented at 48.2% ABV, with a mere 49 bottles available worldwide. Price? £5,500. This extraordinary whisky spent its final four years in 1997 vintage Colheita casks from Graham’s Port, the very year it was distilled. The result is liquid velvet: aromas of exotic fruits and damson plums, a palate of roasted pineapple, raspberry coulis, coffee beans, and Seville orange, with a finish of star fruit, liquorice, dark cacao, and allspice. Quite simply, a deepened beauty.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.2%
Price: £5,500

The collection launches globally on 11 October 2025, available online at The Dalmore website and at select boutiques in Spain, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Members of The Dalmore Guild will get an exclusive two-day head start.

With the inaugural Distillery Select Series of 2024 snapped up by collectors in record time, expect this year’s trio to follow suit. Each bottle captures The Dalmore’s artistry in miniature, proving once again why the stag remains one of whisky’s most coveted emblems. Thirsty for more? Click here.

Forget Pimm's: The Best Summer Cocktail for Your Next Picnic Is Here

There’s a new picnic essential in town, and it’s filled with history, a splash of sophistication and a whole world of flavour. Meet Port & Tonic (aka Portonic): the summer serve that’s been quietly making waves in Portugal and is finally ready for its moment in the UK sunshine. 

Port & Tonic is refreshingly crisp and super simple to make, and yet it packs a punch of complex flavours that rival any of your classic spritzes. Whether you find yourself on a sunny rooftop or at a delightful garden lunch until sundown, the Port & Tonic is the chilled-out hero you didn’t know you needed. Until now. 

Has Port Always Been Popular in the UK?

Let’s get one thing straight: while port is famously Portuguese, it’s also very much a British drink. Back in the 17th century, when political tensions between England and France caused trade disruptions, British merchants turned their attention to the Douro Valley in northern Portugal.

Enthralled by the region’s bold red wines, and in a bid to stabilise and preserve them for the voyage home, they began to add a neutral grape spirit (aguardente). Thus, the fortified port wine was born, and in quintessential British style, it quickly became beloved.

Since then, a centuries-old tradition has evolved, with British names still dominating the biggest port houses to this day. Taylor, Graham, Dow, Sandeman, and Cockburn are all names that highlight the long-standing Anglo-Portuguese connection made manifest in port wine. Today, port wine is no longer just a digestif reserved for after-dinner cheeseboards. Port has evolved, and tonic is its bright and bubbly new companion. 

One Size Does Not Fit All: The Different Types of Port

Whether it’s a dusty bottle from your grandad’s cupboard, or a sleek and mysterious number fresh off the shelf, it’s worth understanding that port isn’t a one-flavour-fits-all. There’s a surprising amount of variety in these fortified wines, which is exactly what makes Port & Tonic such a customisable drink, perfect for picnics. 

Here’s a little cheat sheet: 

White Port
The go-to for a classic Port & Tonic and best suited for the ‘aperitif’ style of drinks. White port is crafted from white grapes from the Douro Valley (popular varieties include Malvasia Fina and Rabigato), with neutral grape spirit added to stop fermentation and boost the alcohol content, resulting in a fortified wine between 16-20% ABV that preserves much of the natural fruitiness from the grapes.

White port is typically semi-dry, balancing an inviting sweetness with hints of elderflower, citrus, green apples, and light nuttiness reminiscent of almonds or macadamia. 

Dry White Port
Not to be confused with its sweeter sibling, dry white port is crisp and herbal, with a more botanical-forward flavour and hints of salinity instead of sweetness.

Made from similar grapes, the fermentation process is longer to remove more sugar before the neutral spirit is added, making it drier (less sweet) and a little higher in alcohol content (18-22% ABV). After adding some tonic, a lemon peel and handful of mint to the glass really elevates the herbal and crisp savoury notes. 

Ruby Port
In the Douro Valley, it’s typical to hear the phrase: “Red wine is the true wine,” and so it follows that ruby port is classically the port of choice. Crafted from Douro Valley grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, the fortified wine is typically aged for no more than three years, with Reserve Ruby Port ageing extending up to six.

It’s youthful, deep red, full-bodied, and fruit-forward, boasting a ton of character that often offers a combination of red and dark fruit, spices and easygoing tannins. Coming in at an average ABV of 19-20%, ruby port’s lively character makes it great to drink on its own, and its flavour holds up when mixed with tonic and a slice of orange or berries. 

Tawny Port
Tawny port is the fortified wine equivalent of wisdom born from graceful aging and slow mornings. Like its ruby cousin, tawny port is crafted from red wine grapes and is aged in oak barrels for at least three years, but is commonly found as a blend of young and old fortified wines, sometimes ten or twenty years old and at times even older.

Its amber to brick red colour sets it apart, and where ruby port is vibrant and bold, tawny is mellow and complex.  Typical tasting notes are toffee and caramel, more nuttiness and sometimes fig. Whilst it has similar ABV content to ruby, tawny is one of the two renditions of port I’d recommend trying on its own, or mixed with sonic (a mix of soda and tonic) so you can let the more subtle flavours shine.

Aged Port 
Aged port is like the Rolls-Royce of port varieties. Crafted from a carefully selected blend of grapes and aged for extended periods of time (sometimes beyond 40 years), these are the pinnacle of Douro Valley’s fortified wines.

Aged ports also tend to be higher in ABV, closer to 22%, but still much less than fully distilled spirits. They offer incredible depth, much more nuanced flavour, and although they can be pricey, they are often well worth the investment. Best enjoyed on their own or with soda, a more neutral mixer that allows the layered character of the fortified wine to shine through in a subtle and stylish way.

Why Port Deserves To Be In Your Picnic Basket

Okay, knowing all about port is great, but why should Port & Tonic be a serious contender for your next summer drink? 

1. Simplicity. Two ingredients, that’s all. It’s low-fuss yet infinitely rewarding. Ice, a healthy pour, and you’re set.

2. Versatility. Thanks to such a wide range of port varieties, it’s guaranteed there’ll be something for everyone - whether they enjoy it light and floral, juicy and red-fruited or rich and nutty.

3. Lower ABV. Perfect for all-day sipping at a picnic or garden party. Since most ports sit at around 19-20%, when added to tonic, it becomes a refreshing and sessionable serve.

4. Value For Money. You can get your hands on some really good bottles without having to break the bank, not to mention you don’t need to pour very much to taste the full flavour. Then again, an extra splash is always worth it.

5. Elegance. It’s new, it’s chic, and it’s got staying power. We all deserve a good-looking glass in hand, and if you go for a garnish, it’s giving ‘picnic glow-up’. 

Which Port is Best for a Port and Tonic?

By now, you are hopefully on the hype train and keen to try some port & tonic for yourself. While Pimm’s will always have a place at the British summer table, your picnic deserves a new cocktail for this summer. Port & Tonic is fully customisable, pairs wonderfully with sausage rolls, and makes a flavourful beverage that also elevates freshly cut fruit.

Best of all, it’s easy to get hold of, but if you don’t know where to start, below is a recommended trio of options to seek out, so you know where you’re going when the picnic is on. Cheers to the new kind of summer spritz! 

Your Everyday Hero: Sandeman Fine White Port

A classic entry point to white port and one of the premier choices for your Port & Tonic. A little dry but holding on to its natural sweetness, Sandeman offers fruity aromas with gentle vanilla and light fresh finish. Enjoy it chilled on its own or mix 50/50 with tonic and a slice of lemon. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £11

Some Middle Shelf Magic: Taylor’s Chip Dry White Port

Made from a selected blend of dry white ports crafted from the Douro Valley’s Malvasia grape variety, Taylor’s offers mellow aromas, with a touch of minerality and acidity on the palate and a crisp dry finish for the perfect aperitif. Enjoy it chilled on its own or mix one-third port with two-thirds tonic and garnish with a lemon slice and crushed mint. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £18

The Top Tier Treat: Cockburn’s Ruby Soho Port

Inspired by London’s iconic Soho district, Cockburn’s delivers a rich and fruity ruby port that’s bold in character. Crafted from premium vintage red grapes in the Douro Superior region, this blend is full of jammy aromas of blackberry and toffee, with succulent notes of black cherries, red forest fruit and a peppery finish that lingers. Enjoy it neat or with a splash of tonic and an orange slice. Pairs perfectly with chocolate or cheese. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £23.95

If you like the sound of a martini, then make sure you check out these stunning versions here.