8 Cannes Film Festival Inspired Cocktails To Try

Come with us to the South of France for the summer, soaking up the glitzy French Riviera, as the arrival of the Cannes Film Festival, each year, truly signals the start of the summertime! Now, in its 77th edition, but still retaining its glamorous edge, the Festival was originally set up to rival the International Venice Film Festival and takes place for two weeks annually in May - it attracts the international glitterati, plus there is lots of sun, sea and fun to experience whilst traipsing up and down the famous La Croisette promenade at Cannes, hoping to see and be seen!

If you are able to book a flight and obtain a ticket to this prized event for the summer, there are free open air evening film screenings at the Beach Cinema that are also available for the public to watch. You can expect to see Hollywood stars for the 77th edition, with Meryl Streep being a guest of honour at the opening ceremony - also director Greta Gerwig, of Barbie fame, heads up the jury and the opening night film will be the comedy The Second Act from French director, Quentin Dupieux starring Léa Seydoux (previously seen in the James Bond film No Time To Die). Judith Godrèche’s short film Moi Aussi (Me Too) will appear at the Un Certain Regard programme’s opening ceremony, with Canadian director Xavier Dolan as the chair of this programme’s jury.

You might be wondering why we’re just focusing on a French film festival, but, did you know that not only does the Cannes Film Festival have official wine and sprits suppliers, such as Campari and Rémy Cointreau, but there are also many cocktail parties occurring throughout the festival? Starting with the exclusive opening night cocktail do, there are many after parties, dinners and drinks events each night of the festival as cocktails, wine and films truly make great pairings! The Carlton Hotel on the Croisette and other venues are known to create special Cannes Film Festival cocktails as part of the excitement for the festival. 

Sometimes, there might even be new celebrity drinks’ launches too at Cannes – Brad Pitt launched his French Riviera inspired gin, The Gardener Gin, at the Carlton Hotel during the 76th Cannes Film Festival!  However, if you are not visiting the French Riviera for the festival but still wish to experience some of the luxury, and have that excuse to dress up, then we’ve got you covered with our Cannes Film Festival inspired selection of gorgeous cocktails to try in some beautiful cocktail bars or to make at home (or at your accommodation in between film screenings), the choice is yours!

Birdcage

Nestled within an art deco setting in the stylish Palm Court restaurant of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, the Birdcage cocktail is representative of the hotel’s history and is also inspired by Charles Beaker’s ‘Jigger, Beaker and Glass’ and ‘Knife, Fork and Spoon’ books. Legend states that the cocktail’s name is in memory of the fact that birds nestled within the eaves of the bar’s roof! That sounds cosy to us and rather apt for a film script, you heard it here first! The cocktail is served within a bird shaped glass and is actually presented in a gilded birdcage to add to the magic of these gorgeous surroundings to make you feel every bit the film star! Created by Salman Ullah and designed to recreate that golden era of travel, it is a tart but soft, well blended cocktail with the botanicals from the gin providing that extra flavour and an orange peel garnish as the bird’s tail. Featuring Melifera gin, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sage honey and lavender bitters, this cocktail will transport you to the French coast as the French Melifera gin is inspired by the Immortelle flower from an island on the French Atlantic coast!

Price: £20
Address: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/dining/

Tot & Voltaire

A visit to the underground Hokus Pokus bar, in London’s King’s Cross area, unveils an air of mysticism with a steam punk vibe which resembles a sci-fi film setting and is so gorgeous that it will take your breath away! Its focus on creativity within mixology will leave you feeling like a guest of honour at a magical drinks lab! Trust us, this bar has that wow factor and amongst its potions is the Tot & Voltaire cocktail, which contains peach infused Black Tot Carabian Blend Rum, white vermouth, green apple and Xin and Voltaire Aurelie Sorbet. The Xin and Voltaire sorbet provides that deliciously creamy sensation within this refreshing, citrus cocktail and is a French brand offering a frozen whisky cocktail. The added wow comes as Tot & Voltaire is served with a complementary  Molecular Sphere of house made orange potion and caviar of pomegranate. This cocktail will provide that ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your evening within an innovative bar!

Price: £18
Address: The Megaro Hotel, 1 Belgrove Street Underneath, London WC1H 8AB
Website: https://www.hokuspokus.co.uk/menu

Peach Bamboo

Step inside the downstairs bar of the multi-level Dram Bar as a new addition to the London cocktail bar scene which opened in November 2023. Using sustainable ingredients within its cocktails, the Peach Bamboo created by Chris Tanner is a tasty fusion of fruit from the naturally fermented peach alongside Tio Pepe, Carpano Bianco and the renowned French St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. This is a twist on the classic Bamboo Cocktail with that distinct flavour of the vermouth and the fino sherry combining to create a refreshing and light profile to tantalise your taste buds. Its elegant, luxurious taste will evoke that Mediterranean desire and you can even sit outside on the terrace to enjoy the Peach Bamboo or indulge in a game of pool, there are many options at Dram Bar!

Price: £14
Address: 7 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LZ
Website: https://www.drambar.co.uk/

Royal Vesper

This is a sparkling cocktail developed in the glamorous Sheraton Grand London’s Palm Court restaurant and has film star history carved into it! The Royal Vesper is an adaptation of the Vesper cocktail of James Bond fame from Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale novel, and the subsequent films, and is named after Bond’s first love. This cocktail contains gin, of course, Sauvelle Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Supasawa, lavender syrup and champagne for that truly French connection! Tangy and fruity like a rosé champagne cocktail with a dried lime garnish, its balanced but strong flavour profile holds its own against savoury snacks such as rice crackers and wasabi.

Price: £20
Address: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/dining/

French Riviera 

Of course, this French Riviera cocktail is aptly named for our selection and it was created in a cocktail class at TT Liquor Bar (now known as TT) in Shoreditch, London. Its inspiration comes from the South of France and also a classic cocktail bearing the same name, which was created by head bartender Tom Byrne in 2015 at the former Charlotte’s Bistro in Chiswick. Its ingredients include Hennessy and honey with the French Cognac depicting the South of France’s charm and the honey providing the sweetness to the palate. The French Riviera is a refreshing citrus blend that you can re-create at home to take out in to the garden and showcase your cocktail making flair!

Ingredients
40ml Hennessy
15ml White Rum
15ml Lemon Juice
1 Spoonful of Apricot Jam
1 Spoonful of Runny Honey

Method
Add the cognac, rum and lemon juice to your cocktail shaker.
Add a big spoonful of apricot jam and a big spoonful of the honey to the mixture and stir all ingredients vigorously.
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake hard for approximately 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture in to a glass and add new ice cubes.
Add a dehydrated orange slice to garnish.

You can also pop in to TT, as it has a cinema and a shop, and you can be taken downstairs to its renowned Cellar Bar and visit its caverns and indulge in more cocktails! Presently, there is a hip hop inspired cocktail menu  for music lovers, where the delicious Liquid Swords cocktail can be sampled. This blend of Hennessy, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, maraschino and Moët champagne, sounds sweet but as it is connected to the rapper GZA and the 1995 Liquid Swords album it will definitely surprise many! This cocktail will appeal to Kir Royale lovers with its sweet and sour profile and don’t forget to keep the music pumping!

Price: £14 (Liquid Swords)
Address: 17B Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA
Website: https://tt-london.co.uk/cocktail-bar-shoreditch/

French Garden

Here’s another French based cocktail that you could make at home to capture that French Riviera glamour.  The French Garden cocktail was created by Raphaelle Chaize, who is the Beverage Expert at Giffard. Giffard is a recognised French liqueur and syrups specialist and its rhubarb liqueur features within this cocktail and offsets the lemon juice perfectly to create a nicely tangy blend.

The French Garden is a light tasting cocktail, that is not overly sweet, and the sparkling wine adds that extra kick to this concoction. This will be an ideal cocktail for those balmy, late summer evenings, whilst dancing to Europop classics, and will appeal to fans of the classic French 75 cocktail.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon pink berries
20ml Melifera Gin
20ml Giffard Rhubarb Liqueur
15ml Lemon Juice
10ml Honey Syrup
Champagne/ Crémant to top

Method
Crush the pink berries in the cocktail shaker and combine with the honey syrup.
Add all of the ingredients, save for the champagne, into a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the two thirds level. Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 7 to 10 seconds.
Strain into a chilled glass and top with a champagne or crémant float 

Bees Knees

As you sit by the beach or else on a party boat cruising up and down the Côte d’Azur or perhaps you might be indoors preparing for an al fresco summer party, you can quickly prepare the Bees Knees cocktail to add a sting to your plan!  This cocktail uses the French Melifera gin, honey water and lemon juice – it really is as simple as that!  The lemon and honey provide a sharply sweet contrast as a refreshing flavour against the juniper taste within the gin. This will be the ideal cocktail to make and bring to an outdoor cinema screening, on the beach or elsewhere! Bees Knees will pair perfectly with some mackerel based canapés or sliders!

Ingredients
50 ml of Melifera gin 
10 ml of lemon juice 
15 ml of honey water (a spoonful of honey diluted in hot water)

Method
Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker. Add ice cubes and shake the ingredients vigorously. Pour the cocktail through a sieve in to a glass and serve. 

Clarendelle Rosé Spritz

French rosé wine truly epitomises that essence of the French Riviera and its lifestyle as well as being that renowned pale pink Provençal style of rosé, which hails from the South of France. Clarendelle Rosé also neatly falls in to our selection and flexes its wine muscles as it was a wine partner for the Oscars film awards! Domaine Clarence Dillon is Clarendelle’s family company and supplied all of the wines for the awards ceremony. But, as we are talking about cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a rosé spritz- make it yourself or opt for a Cannes specialty of a rosé and champagne cocktail near the Croisette! This rosé spritz is intended to evoke that special spark for your dining experience, it is sensual, not overly sweet and the added presence of bubbles amplifies that sense of occasion! The fruitiness of the rosé is not diluted within this cocktail and pairs well with the elderflower as that match made in Heaven! A twist on a Hugo Rosé Spritz and a French Spritz, you can indulge in this well balanced cocktail before an afternoon of retail therapy! 

Ingredients
25 ml Giffard Elderflower Syrup or St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
75 ml Clarendelle Rosé wine 
1 tablespoon lemon juice
50ml Champagne/ crémant to top 
Splash of sparkling water to top
Mint leaves (if required)
Add lime wedge garnish (if required)

Method
Mix the rosé wine, elderflower syrup and fresh lemon juice and gently stir.
Add ice cubes to a glass and pour in the rosé mixture. Top with champagne/ crémant. Add sparkling water (or elderflower flavoured tonic water) to taste, as a float.
Stir all of the ingredients.
Garnish each glass with mint and lime wedges, if required.

As we like to spoil you, we have one more addition to our Cannes Film Festival inspired selection! For that extra special French luxury treat which will lavish you with that royal treatment and wrap you up in its effervescence in Cannes or at home, you just can’t beat a glass of classic champagne, such as Pommery Brut Royal!

Pommery Brut Royal

An elegant, cool glass of Champagne brings out that excitement in everyone, as the quintessential drink of luxury which instantly conjures up images of being pampered! A flute of Pommery is ideal for those red carpet style moments and celebrations. This Champagne house utilises the traditional method with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

It is a pale lemon colour non vintage Champagne and those notes of biscuit and brioche are instantly on the nose combined with the green apple and pear aromas. Pommery’s fine, dry but smooth finish ensures that a glass will be perfect as an aperitif for those formal evening events and it will ensure that your night starts on the right notes!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £45 (currently on special offer at £35.99 until 21 May 2024)

Et voilà, these cocktails should conjure up the spirit of the joy of the French Riviera and the glitz of the Cannes Film Festival for you, whether or not you decide to travel to France! Plus, it is the ideal opportunity to try some new cocktail bars and French drinks, which sounds good to us too, during the summer months with or without a film pairing session. There’s no excuse needed really – Santé!

By Latoya Austin

Can You Drink Wine Out of Any Glass?

Photo credit: Will Wong

When wandering around the homeware section of a department store, it's not uncommon to see people perusing over wine glasses. But with so many choices out there it gets one thinking - What’s all the fuss really about? Can't I drink wine out of any glass? What should I look for when buying new glassware? Do I really need different glassware for different types of wine? 

Understanding wines is complex enough, but now there is the pressure to get a set of respectable glasses to show your appreciation of wine without breaking the bank, or the glasses! A glass is a glass, right? Well, not really. If you have ever pondered the questions above, then read on as they’re all about to be answered.

To start with, let’s go through the key elements of any wine glass, and how each plays a part in your overall experience of the wine, because there are additional considerations before you invest in your glasses. This step-by-step guide will help you make an informed choice to enhance your wine enjoyment at home and beyond.

The FIVE aspects of your ideal wine glass

Whether you are browsing online or in a homeware store, the look of the glass and its price might be your first considerations. Wherever possible, it’s a good idea to visit a physical shop to hold and feel the wine glasses in stock to get a sense of their size, weight and how they actually feel in your hand. It is worth considering if you are purchasing just a pair, or a set of four to six - storage spaces for your exquisite glassware shouldn’t be an after-thought.

Whilst manufacturers such as Riedel boast an extensive grape varietal range, some critics are less concerned about subtle differences than the fundamental characteristics that make an aesthetically pleasing and functional wine glass. But does the same wine smell and taste different across different designs and shapes? Yes, in both nuances and sometimes even in obvious ways! 

Imagine your favourite orchestra or band performing exactly the same piece across venues of different sizes and acoustics - you will pick up notable differences and details, especially in classical music.

Our sensory perceptions, nose and palate are highly personal. The glasses featured here are part of my personal collection. Other brands and designs are available. It may not be possible to try before you buy, but any well-designed and well-made wine glass consists of the following key elements.

1. Bowl

Photo credit: Will Wong

The heart of the vessel which holds the genie out of the bottle. Aim for a clear tulip-shaped design with a tapered top. Avoid coloured patterns, or oblique designs that obscure the true colour of your wine. After all, you see the wine as you pour, before you get to enjoy its aroma and the first sip.

We recommend filling the bowl to no more than a quarter-full - you are not serving a pint of beer in a pub. Aromas dance in this ‘space’, allowing you to swirl the wine round in the glass, which further releases the aromas before your first sip. Our sense of smell is often underrated, and it has an intricate effect on how we taste.

The right glass brings all the nuances of flavour to the fore and can improve your experience of a wine. It’s like an orchestral conductor or music producer at a mixing desk working with the same musicians (your wine), enabling the right balance of bouquet and accentuated flavour.

2. Rim

Photo credit: Will Wong

All other things being equal, we cannot over-emphasise this final frontier before the wine hits your lips and palate. So, if you have a chance to view and touch any wine glass in person, hold it and feel its rim. In general, handmade and mouth-blown crystal glasses have much thinner rims than the machine-made, allowing a more even flow of the wine as it leaves the glass.

As you indulge in the first anticipated sip or kiss, a good glass gives you the sensation of sucking out of thin air. Your sensory focus lies more on the taste of the wine, as opposed to the thickness of the glass.

People often forget the romance involved with drinking fermented grape juice. After all, not every first kiss makes your heart skip a beat! 

3. Stem vs Stemless

Photo credit: Will Wong

Besides its function to support the bowl, the thickness and height of the stem also shape how the overall glass looks and balances with the base. Thicker stems might seem to provide greater stability, but it also adds to the weight and overall feel of the glass in your hand.

The match-thin stem of the Josephine No.1 White above looks fragile, but it’s actually very elegant to hold and allows you to swirl the glass effortlessly. It also separates your hand from the bowl and avoids warming up the wine or leaving fingerprints around the bowl. Although, it’s not really recommended for outdoor use. 

The Govino stemless glass is made from unbreakable 100% Tritan Co-polyester, making it ideal for outdoor picnics. Glass variants from leading manufacturers are widely available too. Besides the obvious disadvantages, they are more stable and better suited for balcony, patio or garden dining. 

4. Base

The ‘foot’ of the entire glass which holds everything together. This is also where you are likely to find the manufacturer’s logo (or any copycats’). It should be proportional to the size of the bowl and the height of the stem to maintain overall balance and aesthetic harmony.

WHAT IS THE Right Glass for each Wine?

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Photo credit: Will Wong

Who doesn’t love the sound of a sparkler cork pop, and the sight of dazzling bubbles rising up that glass before the toast? But what about its flavour as the fizz warms up and begins to fizzle out?

The three most common sparkling wine glasses are:

1. The Coupe

Up until the 1970s, Champagne was traditionally served in coupes. These wide-rimmed glasses were often made from crystal and, according to legend, were modelled on the curves of the Marquise de Pompadour, the official chief mistress of Louis XV. Others claim the shape was inspired by Marie-Antoinette’s breast, Queen of France and wife of Louis XVI. However, the glass was really designed in England in 1663, specifically for sparkling wines.

It looks great in a Champagne pyramid, but the wide rim exposes the Champagne to air rapidly, causing the bubbles to disperse leaving the wine to taste flat.

Example - Riedel Extreme Junmai Sake Coupe

2. The Flute

Probably the most popular and immediately associated with serving that festive or everyday fizz! As you take the first sip after toasting, the rapid gush of gas bubbles rush up the flute and practically mask the more delicate aromas and flavours. The straight-sided, open-topped shapes of the flute; just like the coupe mean that aromas easily escape into the atmosphere. 

Example - Riedel Vinum Vintage Champagne Flute

3. Tulip-shaped with in-curving tops

Aim for a clear glass with a slender stem. Champagnes or sparking wines need to be served well-chilled (7-10ºC / 45-50ºF). You definitely do not want your hand to warm it up with a stemless glass. The tulip-shaped is our preferred design as it helps enclose the sparkler’s aroma and funnel it towards the nose. It also allows just enough surface area for the wine to open up, without fizz escaping too fast.

Example - Josephine No.4 Champagne (hand blown)

If you’d rather not invest in dedicated Champagne glasses, try the following white wine glasses instead.

Young Whites (Albariño, Bacchus, Sauvignon & Pinot Grigio), Rosé or Lighter Reds (Beaujolais & Valpolicella) 

Photo credit: Will Wong

These wines are traditionally drunk young, with their fresh fruitiness. They do not usually require much aeration before serving. The above white wine glasses are smaller than those below to concentrate the delicate aromas of young whites and reds, or Rosé. The narrower bowl helps in preserving the wine’s subtle flavours and nuances. 

Example - Josephine No.1 White (hand blown) and Zalto Denk’Art Universal (hand blown)

Big Whites (Oaked Chardonnay, Viognier, White Rioja and even Orange Wine]

Photo credit: Will Wong

Aged whites such as oaked Australian or Californian Chardonnay are best served less cold than younger whites. They would benefit from a larger bowl to help the wine open up and reach optimum serving temperature (14-15ºC / 57-59ºF).

Example - Riedel Veloce Chardonnay and Zieher Vision Intense (hand blown)

Light to Medium-bodied Reds (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grenache & Sangiovese, e.g. Chianti)

Photo credit: Will Wong

A traditional wide bowl and sometimes with a shorter stem helps enclose the delicate aromas with a larger surface area for oxygen contact. It directs the intense flavours to the correct part of your tongue.

Example - Riedel Veloce Pinot Noir / Nebbiolo and Spiegelau Definition Burgundy Glass and Josephine No.3 Red (hand blown)

Full-bodied Reds (Bordeaux blends, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel)

Photo credit: Will Wong

The bowl shape is designed for bold red wines, with a broad base and a top that tapers/closes at the opening. The open and large surface area allows a significant amount of oxygen to contact the wine. The wider opening makes the wine taste smoother after some swirling and time in the glass. It brings out the fruit flavours and all the hidden complexities the winemaker likes you to discover!

Example -Josephine No.3 Red (hand blown) and Riedel Veloce Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

What If I Want One Glass for Everything?

Photo credit: Will Wong

We know that some of the suggested glassware above aren’t exactly cheap. Storage space could be a problem in a modern home too. Although less ideal for the bold tannic reds, we recommend two hand-blown glasses that are both well made and very elegant to hold and sip from. The key difference is the straight profile of the Zalto Denk’Art Universal vs the ‘kink’ on the Josephine No.2 Universal. If you wish to spend less, then the machine-made Riedel Veloce Chardonnay would also be a talking point due to its big tulip shape.

Is It Better To Buy Cheap Wine Glasses?

We share your anxiety when it comes to spending big on expensive glasses - hold on for our aftercare advice. Meanwhile, let’s do some simple maths. Say if you share a bottle of wine with your partner four times a week. That is reasonable so it translates to three 125ml glasses four times a week for only 48 weeks in a year (let’s say including Dry January). If you invested £50 on just one hand-blown glass, you would have used it almost 600 times in an average year. The premium you pay on each serving is just over 8 pence. We think it is an investment that will reward your sensory experience for years to come. 

However, if you were getting at least six to twelve glasses for frequent home entertaining, then the dishwasher-safe machine-made Riedel Veloce might be a better option.

Aftercare

Photo credit: Will Wong

Most of the recommended glassware here is delicate so we suggest hand-washing. Kind souls have posted many online video tutorials on ‘how to hand wash and polish wine glasses’. It could be a little nerve-racking at first but practice makes perfect. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that might help:

DO:

1. If left overnight, rinse each used glass with warm water then shake any excess water off.

2. Spray a little white vinegar into the base of each glass, especially if red wine was served.

3. Use only clean, warm soapy water to wash.

4. Hold the glass by the bottom of its bowl and use a silicone brush to scrub off any stubborn red wine stains.

5. Rinse under a warm (not hot) tap but beware of knocking your glass against the tap.

6. Hand polish with two pieces of lint-free/microfibre cloths.

7. Always hold the bottom of the bowl with one hand wrapped in a lint-free/microfibre cloth; never by the stem.

8. Carefully dry the outside and inside of the bowl, the stem and the base with the other hand wrapped in the second piece of lint-free cloth.

DON’T:

1. Soak the glasses in hard water overnight. The watermark from the limescale will be a nightmare to clean.

2. Wipe dry with the usual cotton tea towel; its microfibre would stick all over your clean glass.

3. Hold your glass by its stem whilst washing or polishing. That is the most delicate part and you could snap it.

A glass is more than just a glass when it comes to your stemware. In the good old days before wireless streaming, you would not invest in high end audio equipment, only to connect them with budget speaker cables. Even in this day and age of smart TV and live-streaming, the quality of your audio-visual experience not only depends on your hardware, but definitely the quality of your broadband too. You can listen to music out of your mobile phone’s tiny speakers, but it will not be the same as a pair of outstanding speakers or noise-cancelling headphones. 

Whether you are buying just one glass for all your needs, or different ones for different purposes, we hope this guide helps you make better and informed choices. Above all, overcome the fear of breaking any ‘expensive’ glassware. Enjoy the clear vision from a quality glass. Feel its elegant lightness when swirling and sipping. The rewards will pay back your initial investment many times over for years to come.

By Will Wong

The Last Drop Distillers: The World’s Most Exclusive Spirits Collection

Words by Aidy Smith

I’ve always considered alcohol like art – you have your raw ingredients, whether grape, grain or anything in-between, much like you have your paint, chalk or pencils. Upon taking your palate you begin to create your masterpiece on the canvas, one colour and one stroke or brush at a time. Take your distillation methods or winemaking process, which yeasts you use, how many times you filter and the same can be said for producing wine and spirits. The connection between the two has always fascinated me and much like procurers of fine art, I spend a lot of my time searching auction sites around the world in an attempt to find a truly old, truly unique piece of history that I can add to my collection. Sometimes I’ll drink it, sometimes I’ll simply admire it. 

You see, out there in the world, hidden in the darkest corners of distilleries, wineries and bodegas sit rare treats that have stood the test of time. Some of these, their owners are very much aware exist, whereas others have simply gone forgotten given the sheer number of casks stored. While I may be able to look up a listing on an auction site, I’m not able to walk into a highly fortified warehouse to take a peak at 50+ year old casks. But there is a company who are – and my god have they sourced some treasures. Enter, The Last Drop Distillers. 

But here’s the thing, regardless of what your company is, you don’t get to simply walk into any old warehouse, for that, you need credentials and relationships  that have been forged over many years – and these two things are exactly what this team hold, which is why this company has been able to achieve so much in such little time. 

Co-Founders James Espey and the late Tom Jago are two very familiar names within the drinks industry, having throughout their joint careers of over 110 years been responsible for the growth of countless iconic spirits like J&B Rare, Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Bailey’s Irish Cream to name just a few. Today, the company is overseen by the next generation, Rebecca Jago and Beanie Espey, both of whom’ over the years have comfortably called the drinks industry their home, following in the footsteps of their fathers and in the process showcasing that this industry is just as much for women as it is for men. 

Then there’s the various directors of the company, each with their own unique skillsets – take Ben Howkins for example, one of the most charming gentlemen I have met and an encyclopaedia for anything sherry, port, tokaji and so much more. It’s people like this who attain the much-needed knowledge, relationships and palates based on decades of experience to determine the quality of those magical finds. 

The point I’m trying to make is that this company is built up of a family of gracious people who have an exceptional talent to seek out precious ‘last drops’ of some of the oldest and most perfect spirits in existence. But even then, it’s not easy and the team openly acknowledge just how difficult it is to succeed in their quest; not all spirits age well and too long in wood can ruin them. But occasionally all the elements – original distillate, type of wood, the right climate for storage – combine to produce an unlikely miracle. 

Right, I keep referring to these miracles, so at the risk of beginning to sound like a cork-tease, I suppose I should tell you about some of the most fascinating finds The Last Drop have come to discover. Here are six instrumental releases that have given this company its reputation over time.  

The Last Drop Release No 1:
1960 Blended Scotch Whisky. 

This was the very first release and how it all began. Upon launching the company James and Tom knew they needed to do something special, so calling upon their incredible list of contacts in Scotland, Tom narrowed down his search to three casks, which upon tasting, he immediately knew were the ones. Up until the day he passed away in October 2018, Tom swore this was the best whisky he’d ever tasted – which coming from a man whose career was built on building brands made from the stuff, is quite a lot. 

Hidden away in the back of a warehouse in the Lowlands, what really set these casks apart was not where they were hidden so much as the treasure that was hidden inside. You see, The Last Drop aren’t just ‘rare spirit hunters’ in the sense of the quest, and the treasure hunt, but also in their ability to source and uncover gems that are literally hidden in plain sight. It took three years to sell out of the first release, but this bottle set the benchmark of quality for what was soon to become the most highly accoladed rare spirits company in the world.  

The Last Drop Release No 2:
the 1950 Cognac. 

Their second release was one of grave importance because it set them apart from being an ‘independent bottler of Scotch Whisky’ by that I mean a company who simply bottles a whisky then sells it on. You see, by releasing a cognac they became a ‘Spirits Company’ and cognac was by no means their only foray beyond the dram. Once again, that carefully built contact list of colleagues became invaluable and they found themselves sourcing a 1950 Cognac from a family-owned business on the banks of Charente that has been in operation for multiple generations. This was the beginning of a fascinating evolution.  

The Last Drop Release No 7:
the 1972 Lochside Single Grain Scotch Whisky

Only 106 bottles were ever created from this incredibly rare single cask. It’s not often to firstly find a whisky as old as this, but secondly from a distillery which no longer exists and Lochside is an example of just that.  Their mission to champion single grain whiskies continued as they maintained their reputation for producing incredibly small amounts of precious liquids. A light, but complex whisky which deserved to be seen for the gleaming gem it had become. 

The Last Drop Release No 14:
the 1925 Hors d’Age Grande Champagne Cognac

As if a 1950 cognac wasn’t a triumph in itself, the team decided to take things one step further and the story behind it this particular find is stunning. A single barrel of a cognac, distilled by the current owner’s grandfather in 1925, was hidden behind a wall of rubble as the Germans approached the south west of France before WWII. Forgotten, it lay there until late 2017, when the grandson undertook some renovation work on one of the barns, and there was a treasure: barely enough for 182 bottles of a simply glorious 93 year old cognac, untouched for over 70 years. It had never been topped up or in any way tampered with and is believed to have spent its life in an ex-Pineau des Charentes barrel, which imparts an extraordinary sweetness. In a fitting tribute, this true beauty was made in the year Tom Jago was born and bottled in the year he passed – a lovely nod to a man who has helped get moments of history like this into the hands of those who will truly appreciate them. 

The Last Drop Release No 11:
Centenario Duo of Tawny Ports 1870 and 1970 

As both a wine and spirits lovers, this is where the two worlds intertwine, and this is a product I have been fortunate enough to call my own. I remember the first time I took a sip, the two side-by-side and tears began to form in my eyes. Much like anyone with a passion there are some moments where we try a liquid so rare in its nature and so tasty that it hits us in a way we simply can’t explain and that’s when I realised exactly what The Last Drop offers its customers. Tasting this for the first time was one of those rare occurrences that will stay with me for a lifetime. 

To put things into historical reference - to taste a port that is older than the titanic, well, you can imagine the beauty of that moment. But these things are by no means easy to source and it was Ben Howkins, a true pioneer in port exploration leading the effort alongside Cristiano van Zeller – a name synonymous with the port industry. Together they discovered not one, but two aged tawny ports from the same vineyards, but made 100 years apart: in 1870 and in 1970. Not only 100 years apart, but also divided by Phylloxera: the older port was made from grapes on pre-Phylloxera vines, the younger on vines grafted onto American root stock after the louse wiped out almost all the vines of Europe. A chance to taste history, and to take enormous pleasure in doing so: these ports are incomparably delicious and so different from one other, the 1870 is deeper and more savoury, while the 1970 is positively fresh and floral.

The Last Drop Release No 13:
1982 Bourbon Whisky from Buffalo Trace

This takes us to one of the most recent releases as the company decided to venture even further beyond its origins in Scotch to the other side of the pond. This tiny release of just 44 bottles of 1982 bourbon was at the peak of its perfection and while some believe that bourbon isn’t meant to be aged, The Last Drop felt differently (as do I to be honest!). Turns out many others agree, the bottles were sold out incredibly quickly – although they did spot a bottle on auction recently selling at $18,000, more than 4 times the original price. In a further fitting tribute, 1982 is the birth year of Beanie Espey, with the bottling of this product taking place the same year her first son was welcome into the world, as well. 

As this piece draws to a close it’s worth my mentioning just how much I truly adore writing on topics like this – getting a glimpse into the historically rich universe of drinks and how they came to be. If you’re anything like me, I like to have at least one wonder sitting atop my shelf, the bounty of my collection and something so exquisitely rare that others can only look at in envy. The Last Drop has created something truly wonderful – the ability to help people experience a piece of history, emotion, wonder and above all else quality. I now can only wait in anticipation to discover what their next releases may be. Until then, if you’d like more information on any of the above – simply contact The Last Drop Distillers directly.  

The Last Drop Distillers
www.thelastdropdistillers.com

This content was originally published in Oracle Time Magazine under Aidy’s Drinks Column. You can subscribe to the online magazine here to view online or order the magazine in print format.

13 Seriously Luxury Reds For Your Collection

Words by Aidy Smith

 As we (hopefully) are beginning to enter the final stages of this lockdown, many of us will be nearing our limits.  There was a time where we visited restaurants or wine bars for our weekly fix, but our attention is now focused on enhancing what we do in the home. In this issues drinks guide, I’ve put together a selection of some of my favourite luxury reds from Europe and the USA for those cool evening nights. Also, don’t forget that you don’t have to down the whole bottle in one go. If you’re getting your hands on some pretty nice wines, seriously consider investing in a Coravin which will allow you to have a glass of each over a very long period of time.  It’s nice to switch things up and I truly believe a few glasses of something different will allow you to appreciate the wine a lot more than 6 of the same. Right let’s get to it!

Faiveley Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru 2012

 Now at 7 generations, Domaine Faiveley has been a family estate for nearly 200 years and gained a solid reputation for producing truly stunning Burgundy from Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise - totalling over 120 hectares. The Clos des Cortons Faiveley is a stunning Grand Cru example, produced from vines planted as long ago as 1936. Each year typically sees just 16,000 bottles, which considering its global appeal isn’t that many. Smooth, enticing and powerful with black cherry and an abundance of white pepper spice. 

Find it here

Nuits St Georges Les Murgers des Cras Perrot Minot 2016

 I always love discovering a wine that despite its youth is able to be enjoyed right now, not after 20 years of ageing in my cellar. The creations of Christophe Perrot-Minot represent just that. Here we have a blend of several vineyard parcels that offer a vibrant and juicy dark cherry, raspberry and strawberry alongside a subtle minerality and savouriness.

£140 from Hedonism

Nicolas-Jay, Bishop Creek Pinot Noir 2017

 What happens when Burgundian tradition makes its way into Oregon winemaking? This. Bishop Creek is home to some of the older vines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, making these wines rarer and more sought-after. Perched on the hillsides of the Yamhill-Carlton appellation these vines get the perfect amount of sunshine. Dark berries, cola and smoky mineral elements hit you on the nose with black raspberry, violet and Moroccan spices on the palate. The finish? A burst of fragrant floral notes with a smoky glaze. 

£104 from Berry Bro & Rudd

Lokoya Howell Mountain 2009

 Lokoya is one of the key reasons I fell in love with Napa after visiting their winery on the purchased upon the rolling hills of Spring Mountain. The winery itself produces magnificent Cab Sauv from Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain and Howell Mountain. Today we focus on the latter. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, demerara sugar and black liquorice evolve into blackberry and stewed raspberry. The robust tannins within this beauty pave way to a long dark chocolate and tobacco finish, held together with a beautiful texture and mouthfeel. 

£305 from Oeno

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2006

In 1974 Joseph Phelps decided to create a unique wine each year, allowing only the finest of his grapes to end up in the bottle. This 100% estate grown beauty has become one of the most iconic wines in Napa for its ongoing consistency and longevity. Produced from some of Napa’s finest vineyards, the 2006 vintage is crafted from 95% Cab Sauv and a kiss (5%) of Petit Verdot. The result after 24 months in French Oak is a mysteriously dark beauty, full of intense black fruits, coffee, cracked cocoa and liquorice. Dense tannin intertwines with a stunning mouthfeel and a finish that never seems to end. 

£226 from Hedonism 

Vérite Le Désir 2015

Vérite Le Désir is by far one of the greatest cab franc dominant blends available. 50 micro-crus across 4 appellations are what make this wine so irresistible, alongside the 5 decades of experience its creator, Pierre Seillan holds. Each cru is independently harvested, fermented and aged in French oak to custom toast levels before being blended to create only 3,500 cases. A process which sees hundreds of unique components and blending options, but only the finest make it into the bottle. Crushed blackcurrant, stewed plums and rose petals mingle with warm vanilla bread pudding, fresh clove and star anise. The texture and tannin are sublime with the perfect balance of acidity. One to get your hands on. 

£399 from Hedonism

Inglenook Rubicon 2014

The name Inglenook has become infamous for its association with Francis Ford Coppola, award-winning director of The Godfather, amongst many other feature titles. With Rubicon, I can confirm his ability to direct movies matches his taste in wine. This stuff is delicious. Crafting wines on their estate since 1879, this particular elegant blend derives from the finest vineyard blocks giving it dynamic layers of complexity. This 2014 is pretty much Cab Sauv with a splash of Merlot (2%) and Petit Verdot (1%) allowing it to showcase black fruits such as dark berries, cherries and currants alongside a baked spice, great tannin and vanilla finish. Only 5,00 cases are produced each year. 

£199 from Oeno

Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Riserva 2012

 The Sangiovese grapes that grace this stunning wine are sourced from the first vineyard to have been created on this estate. A process of which took over 10 years to decide to ensure optimum selection and quality of the vines that were to be planted. Every detail was meticulously thought of, which in the end is why this wine is so tantalisingly good. A rich nose of prune jam, cacao, coffee and spicy balsamic intertwine with an elegant yet powerful palate. Rich fruits, an earthiness and a velvety tannin that continues to flow into the distance. The 2012 is at a beautiful place, but you could wait a long time with these gems, they have the ability to age forever. 

£122 from Hedonism

Castiglion del Bosco Millecento Riserva 2012 

Castiglion del Bosco is one of the leading Montalcino estates that has undergone a lot of tender love and care since it was purchased by Massimo Ferragamo in 2003. The grapes that make their way into this top-tier wine come from a fairly small 8.5-hectare plot, so they get a lot of attention. It’s the tannins on this one that jump out at you giving it insane ageing potential, but the 2012 is ready to go! Super ripe and aromatic (think Mediterranean herbs) with leather, dried berries and dense chewy red fruits.   

Find it here

Tenuta di Trinoro, IGT, 2010

 When Andrea Franchetti discovered this site in the deep south of Tuscany, he knew the terroir was like nothing he’d seen before. As a Bordeaux man, terroir is everything and so removing acres of scrubs and deserted woodland he planted his vines, did his thing and naturally word spread. 9,700 vines are hand-picked bunch by bunch with several passages through the vines to ensure optimum ripeness. The wine itself is created from 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. The result? Stunning juicy red fruits with tobacco, spice a savoury smoke and a kiss of minerality binding it all together. 

£137 from Corney & Barrow

De Buris Valpolicella Classico DOC Amarone Riserva 2008 

 The vineyard producing this wine is only 1.9 hectares. Known as Groletta, in the small municipality of Sant’Ambrogio it is famed for producing the highest quality wines within the Valpolicella Classico zone. The selected grapes are placed on bamboo racks (Arele) and left to dry for 110 days before being pressed and left to ferment for 30 days in oak vats. After two stages of malolactic fermentation (over 2 years) followed by ageing in Slavonian oak barrels for a period dependent on the seasonal phases of the moon, the juice is then left to age for 5 years in oak barrels. Talk about quality care. Complex notes of dark fruit, black pepper, spice, liquorice and dark chocolate with an incredibly long velvety finish. 

Find it at Hedonism

Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2009 

One of the most beautiful Rioja wines in existence as far as I’m concerned. Murrieta is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region, dating all the way back to 1852. The legendary Castillo Ygay sits atop the perch of their offering and does so for a reason. The Grand Reserva itself comes an old single vineyard named “La Plana”, which is about 485 metres high and to top it off, this wine is only made during exceptional vintages. A beautiful array of meadow flowers hits your nose with truffle, baking spice, bright red cherries and a delicate parfum lingering in anticipation. Intense yet refined with a satin soft mouthfeel. 

Find it here

Château Haut-Brion: 2012         

Arguably one of the most famous wineries in Bordeaux, Château Haut-Brion came into new ownership in 1935 with Clarence Dillon at the helms. Today, Prince Robert of Luxembourg is also the Chairman of the estate and has been since 2008, which gives you an idea of its quality and reputation. The 2012 vintage is a steal of a price, given the vintages either side of it were deemed to be ‘better’, but I have to say, it is held up in the bottle quite nicely. Two-thirds Merlot, the wine has a blackberry and blackcurrant backbone with generous helpings of freshly ground espresso, vanilla oak and a delicate violet. Soft, rich and juicy all in one with a stunning finish. 

Starting £271 from Lay & Wheeler

This content was originally published in Oracle Time Magazine under Aidy’s Drinks Column. You can subscribe to the online magazine here to view online or order the magazine in print format.

Uuni 2S Pizza Oven

As mankind evolves with new technology, there are some things we need to leave behind; some of those things are frozen pizzas and overpriced delivery pizza. The advancement of cars, computers and phones, has caused appliance manufacturers to step up their game as well and with that, your cookouts, pizza parties and potlucks are about to change. Made out of brushed stainless steal, Uuni 2S Pizza Oven is a tabletop, wood-fire, easily transportable at 24 lbs pizza maestro.

Not only is it modern and convenient, it is also extremely efficient – running on a sustainable energy source that is readily available at grocery or hardware stores, these energy-dense and inexpensive wood pellets will make this investment worth your while. Energy source resourceful, it has the ability to reach 900°F in under 10 minutes and then can cook a 13” pizza in a mere 90 seconds! In the box, in addition to the oven, you will find a cordierite stone baking board that will perfect the crisps on your pizzas, a pizza peel and an instruction booklet. But here’s the great news, it’s not just for pizzas, rather for any delicious meals that require short cooking time. So stock up on those steaks, vegetables, flatbreads and fish and start planning the ultimate backyard parties.

Buy now £195

The Rolls-Royce Cocktail Hamper

For those of us with a love for fine luxury cars and equally luxurious cocktails, this hamper is a treat.

It’s the Rolls-Royce of bar furniture. Literally. That’s because this limited edition cocktail hamper is made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. And just like each car produced by the auto maker, this hamper and its accoutrements demonstrate Rolls-Royce’s excellent sense of high taste.

“This beautifully executed Cocktail Hamper illustrates the marque’s intimate understanding of the desires of the most discerning patrons of luxury in the world; Rolls-Royce customers,” said Gavin Hartley, Head of Bespoke Design for Rolls-Royce.

As Hartley said, these desires fulfilled include excellent craftsmanship delivered by meticulous attention to detail as evidenced in the hamper’s glassware—blown into beech wood moulds before being finished with platinum rims. Additionally, there are the beloved heritage symbols as seen on the cocktail strainer, which features the iconic ‘RR’ monogram.

And finally, the hamper itself gives the luxury lover an opportunity to own a rare and exclusive gem.

Custom built for £26,000

Luxury Cognacs You Need to Try

When was the last time you sipped a cognac? More opulent, viscous and citrus-scented than its whisky cousins made from grain, cognac is finding new favour on the global cocktail scene, yet it still delights spirits aficionados with its epic, long-aged, special bottlings. If you’ve neglected this spirit in the past, now is the time to try it again.

Written originally for Luxurious Magazine, February 4th 2020