Luxury Whiskey Gifts and the Perfect Dessert and Cocktail Pairing from Bushmills

From luxury whiskey gifts to the perfect dessert and cocktail pairing, Bushmills has plenty to offer this Christmas. Irish whiskey fans now have the chance to experience some of its oldest and most treasured liquids with the recent launch of the 25 and 30 year old expressions.

These two luxurious spirits are the perfect Christmas gift for that special loved one who appreciates the whiskeys’ intensely complex flavours. The two expressions are triple distilled in wine-seasoned oak barrels all of which have been meticulously selected by Bushmills’ Master Blender, Alex Thomas.

The 25-Year-Old is matured between four to six years in ex-sherry and Bourbon casks, and then has spent up to 21 years in Ruby Port casks, resulting in layers of intense, dark fruit flavours, luxurious honey sweetness and gently toasted wood. Meanwhile, the 30-Year-Old was matured for 14 years in ex-sherry and Bourbon casks and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for 16 years, creating a sublime whiskey characterised by deep, signature sherry aromas and enticing fig, raisin and praline richness.

Both expressions are available at The Whisky Shop and House Of Spirits.

For those seeking something a little more adventurous than tea and cake this Christmas, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Sager + Wilde have put their heads together to develop an exquisite new whiskey cocktail and cake pairing that explores the warm, rich, earthy flavours of the season.

The new cocktail – crafted using Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Amontillado sherry, Angostura bitters and porcini maple syrup – was designed to perfectly set off an indulgent Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake served with Bushmills Butterscotch. The delicious pairing celebrates the smooth, honeyed flavours and chocolate and vanilla characteristics that make the 10-Year-Old so enjoyable when sipped neat – due to influences of  an extended sherry/bourbon cask maturation - with a sweet treat.

Available from now until Christmas at Sager + Wilde’s atmospheric Paradise Row restaurant, which is set in a beautiful old railway arch, it is a must taste for all whiskey lovers, flavour obsessives and seekers of exciting seasonal pairing experiences. 

Address: Sager + Wilde, 250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
Website
Price: £21 for dessert + cocktail
Dates: Available from now until Christmas

GŎNG: Western Europe’s Highest Hotel Bar

Nothing gets you in the mood for an incredible bar like grand surroundings, and that’s precisely what GŎNG, the sophisticated Asian-themed cocktail bar nestled on the 52nd floor of The Shard, offers. Looking out from one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Shangri-La in The Shard is London's tallest hotel, and it houses GŎNG, Western Europe's highest hotel bar.

Designer André Fu drew inspiration from 'dougong,' an ancient Chinese architectural element featuring interlocking wooden brackets. This concept marries the historical and the modern, much like London itself, resulting in a stunning, oriental-inspired interior. Rich cinnabar red lacquer panels, bespoke mauve carpets, and antique bronze cabinets come together to create a unique, visually striking yet intimate atmosphere.

Competing with the easy-on-the-eye interior however is, of course, that perfect river-facing view. The setting is unrivalled for both sunset admirers and late-night revellers, whether at the champagne bar, the cocktail bar, or even the dramatic infinity skypool, mesmerizing views of the city below are everywhere.

But what's a remarkable setting without extraordinary concoctions? GŎNG Bar has recently introduced its "Hues of Culture" cocktail menu, a celebration of colour’s significance in history and culture. You can choose from ten carefully curated cocktails, each representing a unique artistic expression inspired by colour psychology and history, for example, Vermilion Sling capturing the red of the Forbidden City, or Silent Blues inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Hokusai’s Kanagawa Wave.

The cocktail menu is guaranteed to pique your curiosity, with various innovative and charming servings like miniature hot air balloons, vintage bottles, and even previously crushed Peruvian ants as garnish!

GŎNG provides an unforgettable and definitive luxury cocktail experience, bringing together stunning interior, glistening sky-high views, art, culture, gastronomy, and mixology to continuously impress and surprise.

Visit the website here
Level 52, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London

L'Atelier Robuchon: Back With A Bang

L’Atelier closed its famous two Michelin-starred Covent Garden site back in 2018, just nine months after the founder and one of the most decorated chefs of all time, Joël Robuchon, sadly passed away. Well, now it’s back.

Now in Mayfair, Italian born Andrea Cofini takes charge as Head Chef having previously headed up Robuchon Shanghai and the sister L’Atelier in Paris since joining in 2014, both of which hold two stars. Accomplished in the Robuchon style, the new Clarges Street L’Atelier carries the same three principles as before – excellence, simplicity, and consistency, principles that apply to every stage of dining here.

First, the hospitality, where from the first step into the restaurant to the last step leaving, the hospitality and attention to detail of the staff brings a friendly and peaceful feel to the countertop open kitchen experience. The charming art deco dining room is beautifully designed, but it’s the cuisine that is front and centre, and the absolute star of the show.

Classic French gastronomy meets touches of Asian influence from Cofini’s Shanghai stint. Expect to see kambu, seaweed, special vinegars and alike, as well as world renowned Robuchon favourites like the purée de pomme de terre, AKA the best mashed potato in the world, sea bream carpaccio and roast quail with foie gras. Seasonality is highly valued too, so expect an array of different dishes.

Let’s not forget that Robuchon bucked the trend in French fine dining with this theatrical chef’s workshop, where à la carte ordering isn’t frowned upon, and guests aren’t limited to the tasting menu. It is still very much there, with the Discovery menu offering a mouthwatering journey from caviar to lobster, to sea bass, right through to lemon and cucumber jelly and roasted figs with mascarpone foam. However, you could also opt Les Langoustines with langoustine ravioli, black truffle, and foie gras sauce, followed by Dover Sole and the simply named, Le Chocolate for dessert – with crémeux Araguani and cookie crumb. It’s an expansive selection, with the quality of a tiny, set menu.

Other Robuchon trademarks are back too, like the champagne trolley offering Laurent Perrier delights and even premium English bubbles, and the extraordinary breadbasket with salted brioche, bacon and mustard twists, squid ink rolls and more. Finally of course, the sommelier option is there and well worth going for, with beautiful pairings to elevate each dish to that next level, if that is even possible.

L'Atelier Robuchon is a dazzling and theatrical ride. As comfortable and perfectionist in uncomplicated flavours as it is in open-minded invention, it celebrates its award winning past but as always, looks to the future.

6 Clarges St, London W1J 8AE
robuchonlondon.co.uk/latelier

To read more restaurant reviews, click here.

Galvin at Windows: The New Autumnal Barolo & Truffle Menu

After the sun-kissed panoramic views of summer, the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane ushers in autumn in style, with Head Chef Marc Hardiman and the team at Galvin at Windows putting on a spectacular five-course Barolo & Truffle tasting menu.

This autumnal dining escapade features a lineup of opulent dishes, each paired with thoughtfully selected Pio Cesare wines. The Italian Vineyard, celebrating 140 years master winemaking, offers wines that perfectly complement Chef Hardiman's innovative culinary creations. From the rich and deeply flavoured Barolo Ornato 2016 to the Barolo Mosconi 2018, each sip takes the dining experience to sky high heights… beyond even the 28th floor!

They’ll be poured out in accompaniment of dishes like slow-cooked beef cheek ravioli with 5-year-aged Parmesan cream and white Alba truffle, as well as the Pheasant Farci au Gratin, finished with celeriac, blackberry and, yes you guessed it, more truffle. And if that's not enough to tantalize your palate, there's the Scottish Highlands venison Wellington with glazed chestnut, red cabbage ketchup, and sauce Périgueux, a symphony of flavours that promises to transport you to culinary heaven.

The Barolo & Truffle menu at Galvin at Windows is available for £299 per person, and with limited availability, you'll want to secure your reservation early. To sweeten the deal, the first 70 bookings will receive a complimentary glass of Louis Roederer champagne, adding an extra touch of elegance to your evening.

This special menu is available for just five weeks, from Friday, October 13th, to Saturday, November 18th, so mark your calendars because it's a limited-time opportunity to experience the ultimate in autumnal decadence.

For more information or to book, click here.
22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE

Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4: Champagne Artistry

Champagne is already the most exclusive club in the drinks industry, so to produce a bottle that stands out for its prestige and elegance in an area built on just that is quite the achievement. A bravo then, to Cattier’s spectacular Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4.

With 250 years and 13 generations of experience and expertise, the Armand de Brignac label needs no introduction, releasing a select number of exquisite cuvées at the pinnacle of quality and taste. Only the finest vineyards, the freshest press and unparalleled craftsmanship will do, and that’s no different with their latest release – 7,328 bottles of Blanc de Noirs.

A rich and intense expression of Pinot Noir bringing together a trio of vintages from 2013 to 2015, the signature metal bottle housing it is finished with the iconic French pewter Ace of Spades label and unique disgorgement date, setting up grand expectations for the liquid within. These build when you learn what goes into this meticulous release, from the sourcing of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to the balancing of the vintages, to the 7 years of resting in some of Champagne’s deepest cellars.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste it, and it exceeds those lofty expectations. Intense minerality hits the nose alongside wafts of blackberry and plum before dark fruits flood the mouth on the palate. This lively exploration unfolds with a somewhat tropical stone-fruit note and vibrant citrus, before a gorgeous, honeyed finish that winds long into the distance. Unparalleled complexity, depth, and freshness.

As with every Armand de Brignac release, collectors and connoisseurs will have their interest peaked by this bottle. First, it will be available as an exclusive with Harrods as part of a special edition set featuring all six cuvées in a lacquered gift box for a total of £6,400. Then, you can find it paired with the Brut Gold for a luxury twin pack for £1,385, before a final solo release in 2024 at retailers worldwide for £1,055, where the world gets to taste the artistry. Well, 7,328 people anyway.

So much goes into a Champagne like this, so if you’re interested in the process or fancy purchasing, find out more at www.armanddebrignac.com.

For more wine content, make sure you click here!

Black History Month in Focus: Wine

There is still plenty of room for growth and awareness of black-owned wine brands in the wine industry, despite slow progress. Just 1% of wine producers in the US are still black-owned, and as an industry steeped in history, inheritance and the importance of connections, it is a difficult club to break into.

We think winemaking would be all the better and richer for a more diverse and inclusive philosophy, and supporting black-owned brands producing exceptional wine is one of the best ways to contribute.

There are plenty of black winemakers with inspirational stories making wines that attract major recognition, but we’ve included seven below from across the world, who have helped mould a brighter and more inclusive wine landscape. Cheers to that!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

Meet the South African powerhouse behind Amandla, Praisy Dlamini, a multi-lingual agricultural ace and the first woman CWG Protégée. With her all-female, all-black squad, Amandla is shaking up the Western Cape's winemaking scene with Amandla, after rising up the ranks of Distell and Anchor Yeast. Translating to ‘power’, Amandla have a vibrant portfolio, many of which you can find brightening up supermarket shelves in the UK – make sure to try their jammy Shiraz Zinfandel.

Click here for more information!

Theopolis Vineyards – Theodora Lee

Theodora Lee, AKA Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards, is a dynamo of the wine world. Her Theopolis Vineyards in California's Yorkville Highlands produces handcrafted wines that have earned high praise, with ratings soaring as high as 94-96 from Robert Parker. A lawyer turned winemaker, she's embraced her passion for wine, especially Petite Sirah, and crafted so many award-winning bottles. From her beloved Petite Sirah to Pinot Noir, her wines shine, consistently winning gold medals and accolades. Not only does she make incredible wine, but she's also an advocate for black women in the wine industry, organizing events that celebrate their contributions.

Click here for more information!

Abbey Creek Vineyard – Bertony Faustin

Bertony Faustin, Oregon's pioneer, broke barriers to become the state's first recorded black winemaker in 2008. His journey wasn't your typical grapevine tale, it was a symphony of passion, perseverance, and family legacy. Taking over Abbey Creek Vineyard, he transformed it into a hub of life, music, and exceptional wines. Faustin didn't just stop at winemaking; he ventured into filmmaking with the award-winning documentary "Red, White & Black," shedding light on diversity challenges in the wine industry. Beyond the bottle, he's building bridges, fostering community, and championing diversity and inclusion.

Click here for more information!

Longevity Wines – Phil Long

Phil Long and wife Debra turned Longevity Wines from a garage hobby into a thriving family-owned winery, with love baked into every aspect of it, even the name which celebrates their enduring love for each other. Located in California's Livermore Valley, they're making waves in the wine world, from their cozy tasting room welcoming all to exceptional wines, like their crisp 2019 Chardonnay which received rave reviews across the industry. Sadly, just a few days after being named Livermore Valley’s Winery of the Year, Debra passed away in 2019 but Phil and his son continue to draw on the inspiration of their love story to take Longevity from strength to strength, including a 2019 partnership with Bronco Wine to get Longevity to the world – what a story.

Click here for more information!

Brown Estate – Coral, David, and Deneen Brown

The Brown siblings, Coral, David, and Deneen, turned their parents' Napa estate into a wine wonderland, and the Valley’s only black-owned vineyard. Taking the reins, they decided it was time for Brown Estate to create its own magic in a bottle. From Zinfandel to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, their wines are a flavourful symphony. Their 2017 Big Dam Cab is a standout, aging gracefully in French oak, revealing a remarkable complexity that'll keep you sipping and smiling. Established officially in 1996, they've grown considerably since, accruing a loyal and diverse following, and have recently opened up their Brown Downtown tasting room in Napa, bringing their passion to wine lovers far and wide.

Click here for more information!

La Fete du Rosé - Donae Burston

Rosé has long been targeted only at white women, but wanting to change that, Donae Burston met with the owner of Domaine Bertaud Belieu, the oldest vineyard in Saint Tropez and La Fete du Rosé was born. Originally from Baltimore, Donae worked in the luxury spirit industry for nearly 20 years, seeing up close how brands market to people of colour, and now he gets to take this experience to the world of Rosé. Light, smooth, and fruit-forward, the brand has now rolled out across America and even has its own giveback scheme, donating to programmes that fund travel opportunities for underrepresented youth.

Click here for more information!

Mermosa - Desiree Noisette

Desiree Noisette is the unstoppable force behind Mermosa Wines, Florida's first black woman-owned wine brand. She's not just ‘Head Mermaid’ at Mermosa; she's an attorney, artist, business dynamo, wife, and mum. In 2017, she went all in, selling her home to start Mermosa, inspired by ready to make cocktails at after work drinks. They now sell this signature serve, as well as a range of sparkling wines in 16 US States. The story of her ancestors is a must read too, so make sure to read that on the link below!

Click here for more information!

The Dead Rabbit, NY : The World’s Most Awarded Pub

If you walked past 30 Walter Street, New York throughout the 1830s, you’d have seen and smelt a dilapidated five-story townhouse, and you’d probably be witnessing the closing down of yet another failed business there.

People that weren’t prepared to give up on it however were The Dead Rabbit gang, who saw the potential of this Manhattan haunt and fought to own their poverty-stricken slum. Remembering the fighting spirit of their leader, boxer, businessman, politician and criminal John Morrissey, The Dead Rabbit opened in 2013 and has overcome a hurricane and a fire to expand and become known as ‘The World’s Most Awarded Pub’.

On the back of making The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant in Belfast the World’s Best Cocktail Bar in 2010, Sean Muldoon teamed up with Bar Manager Jack McGarry and regular customer Conor Allen to take on the most competitive drinking hub on the planet – New York.

Taking inspiration from the world-renowned craic and comfort of the Irish Pub, they set out to make an Irish Bar in New York... the world capital of Irish Bars. With the Dead Rabbits gang concept planned, focusing on authenticity, 19th century drinks and a hybrid of American innovation and Irish tradition, The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog finally opened in 2013, winning the Best New Cocktail Bar award. Two years later, it won the coveted World’s Best Cocktail Bar. In 2022, the new went separate ways, but The Dead Rabbit is as alluring as ever… but why?

Well, it boasts a trio of immersive experiences: The Taproom, The Parlor, and the Occasional Room. It's like having a pub for every mood swing, and that's a concept that's hard to beat.

In the Taproom, it's all about the craic. This is the place to revel in traditional Irish pub fare, top-notch cocktails, bottled punches, and, of course, the famous Irish Coffee. Every Sunday, a lively Irish seisiún awaits, making it the perfect end to the week. And whiskey lovers, brace yourselves for a back bar that's a treasure trove of choices.

Now, let's step into The Parlor, the cocktail cathedral of Downtown Manhattan that was once it’s best-kept secret. Here, 16 carefully curated cocktails reign supreme, crafted with house-made ingredients and innovative techniques. Martini, Gimlet, Whiskey Sour, Tiki, Old Fashioned… The Dead Rabbit stamp their signature all over them.

Last but not least, we ascend to The Occasional Room, where tavern traditions take hold as everything combines for a private hire space, accommodating up to 60 guests. Tailored food and drink packages await, making it ideal for swanky New York gatherings.

The Dead Rabbit stands as a testament to the spirit of Irish heritage, with a dash of New York flair, managing to stand out amongst the world’s greatest bars because it caters to whatever you want, from the best pint of Guinness in the city to the smoothest Julep cocktail, from a Sunday roast and Irish Breakfast to Guinness Braised Rib Sliders and Irish Points Oysters, it has everything. ‘Tradition, meet tomorrow’ is the perfect tagline.

30 Water Street, New York, NY, 10004
www.thedeadrabbit.com

Double Chicken Please: From Pop-Up to Best Bar

There’s nothing unusual about elegant cocktails and delicious food coming together, but there is with Double Chicken Please because of the lengths they’ve taken it to. First though, let’s turn back time to 2017 when this award-winning bar was a travelling pop-up…

More precisely, a bright yellow 1977 Volkswagen minibus, undertaking two tours of the states, notching up 10,000 miles and serving 1,200 cocktails. In the van? Faye Chen and GN Chen. They met in Taiwan working the hospitality scene, before making their own ways (Chan at NYC bar Angel’s Share, and Chen at Speak Low in Shanghai). Reconnecting when Chen arrived on American soil, they began to look for a place of their own… but with real estate at a premium in New York, they struggled.

So… they set off on a road trip, showing off their signature style – famous dishes reimagined in liquid form. Creations like Red Eyed Gravy, Beet Salad, and French Toast remain on the menu today at their Lower East Side bar. After a difficult mid-pandemic teething stage, Double Chicken Please opened with two distinct spaces; The Back Room and The Front Room.

The Front Room, a casual, industrial space offers quick-serve numbered cocktails, each listed on felt letter boards on a gallery wall: some familiar, like #1 with Aperol, passion fruit, sparkling wine, and soda, and some with more peculiar inclusions such as #9, with White Rum, Pineapple, Coconut and Curry. Signature chicken sandwiches created by highly skilled and experienced Mark Chou are also available, such as Mochi Donut with pickled pineapple, habanero, cilantro and strawberry. The menu continues like this, a whirlwind of the familiar and the unusual combined, embracing Asian flavours, cultural diversity, and experimentation.

Head to the Back Room, or The Coop, for a larger, more luxurious experience that retains the comforting warmth of every corner of Double Chicken Please. Here, drinkers can indulge in the bar’s heart and soul, with innovations like Mango Sticky Rice (rum, coconut, mango, cold-brew, coconut, sticky rice pu’er tea and wakame), Cold Pizza (tequila, Parmigiano Reggiano, burnt toast, tomato, basil, honey and egg white), and NY Beet Salad (gin, beet, pineapple, cranberry, mascarpone, yoghurt). Everywhere you look, Chan & Chen have reimagined culinary dishes with delicious cocktail outcomes.

In a city known for its bars, perhaps more than any other on Earth, Double Chicken Please has managed to stand out, earning a 6th place spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, earning the Highest New Entry Award for 2022. Despite the industrial décor, peculiar and often savoury flavour combos, food merged with drinks and two separate rooms, there is a universal warmth, and joy running through every part of Double Chicken Please. ‘The bar is designed to make people happy’ says Chan, and they’ve certainly done that.

115 Allen St, New York, NY 1000
www.doublechickenplease.com