The Outlander Stars And All Their Boozy Ventures

If you love Outlander and want to get even more of it in your life, then how about exploring the major passion of several stars of the show– their drinks ventures.

Did you know that not one, not two but a remarkable three members of the cast have launched their own booze?

The most well-known is from Sam Heughan (aka Jamie Fraser) himself, with The Sassenach, a slang term used for English people that crops up regularly in the show. Their flagship and original launch was the delicious Sassenach Blended Scotch, naturally. We’ve featured it before because we love it, and so do the judged awarding it Double Gold at the 2020 World Spirits Competition. Sam described it as a, ’lifelong dream’ to have his own dram’ and it tastes like a dream too.

Sam’s successful spirits portfolio has since expanded too, with The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin bringing 8 Scottish botanicals together to create a wonderfully fresh profile of apples, berries, sweet rhubarb and airy pine and heather. It’s beautifully bottled like the Scotch, as is the spirit that completes the trio -  El Tequileño (and you don’t need to speak Spanish to know what is). From the Scottish Highlands to the Jalisco Highlands, this Reposado tequila brings bold agave flavour and is definitely one for sipping.

Sam’s character Jamie shares a whirlwind romance with time travelling nurse Claire, played by Catriona Balfe who herself is involved in a very interesting gin project. In August 2020, Balfe launched Forget Me Not, a small-batch Scottish-based gin where 25% of the proceeds go towards funding art programmes – a really high percentage for a spirit so hats off. When times are tough, art is one of the first funding groups to be cut despite the joy it brings. Not only does this gin look absolutely stunning and taste even better, but it also helps plug that funding gap.

But we’re not done there. Outlander fans, you’ll know Graham McTavish as War Chieftain Dougal MacKenzie. When he’s not fighting for Clan MacKenzie, Graham is behind The Warchief, his very own 7-year-old bottled-in-bond bourbon (which is US certification guaranteeing certain standards). He said, “It’s a dream of mine from when I was very young in Scotland, when I thought about the journey that I wanted to take in life – going to America, and the opportunities that gave me. This is the distillation of that experience”. Sweet vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and baking spice – classic, characterful bourbon.

With all that passion for booze, it’s no surprise that Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe reportedly turned up to work a little bit worse for wear on one occasion… and where was that tasting – Graham McTavish’s house of course.

Still, it’s refreshing to see some celebrity drinks that dedicate real time, expertise and passion to the craft and producing an end result well worth trying – bravo.

Step Into The Curious Cocktail Cabinet of Hendrick’s Gin

Gin lovers out there will certainly be familiar with Hendrick’s, and possibly even their very own Gin Palace on the southwest coast of Scotland, but if that’s a little inaccessible for you then how about stepping inside the enchanting world of Hendrick’s Gin through, ‘The Curious Cocktail Cabinet’.

This is not your run-of-the-mill cocktail book; it's a guided tour led by none other than Ally Martin, the Hendrick's Gin Global Ambassador, and a maestro of mixology. His concoctions and creations have earned him accolades, and now he's sharing his expertise with you. With Hendrick's Gin at the helm, this book is a treasure trove of liquid delights, perfect for both novices and seasoned sippers.

Get ready to explore the secret garden of Hendrick's, where all eleven key botanicals are paired with an inventive cocktail to celebrate it. Discover the secret stories behind the legendary Hendrick's cocktails, straight from the imaginative minds of expert bartenders worldwide.

From iconic classics like the G&T, Martinis, Gimlets and Negronis to more complex and unusual serves, as you flip through the pages, you'll journey through seasons and continents. Summer stunners, winter warmers, and an array of peculiar ingredients will unveil the versatility of Hendrick's gins and truly elevate your cocktail game. Brewberry Yum, Mint 500, Hot Spiced Apple and plenty more intriguing concoctions await.

It really is a joy to shake, stir, and sip your way through this book, and because of the beautifully charming design, it makes such a lovely gift for any gin drinkers too. If you think it’s for you or someone you know then it’s available to pre-order now from Penguin and Amazon for £20 ahead of a September 7th release date!

What is the Best Thing to Drink on Aeroplanes?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment a holiday starts, but sipping on an in-flight drink whilst cruising above the clouds is a guaranteed way of getting into the mindset. But have you ever noticed any differences in how your favourite drinks taste at 35,000 feet?

Well, you’re not imagining it. The altitude lessens the ability of our senses to detect complexities in flavour, and the pressurised, dry air subdues taste buds, dries out the nose and de-intensifies aroma. It is easy to forget just how much our taste relies on our small, and in the cabin, you may well notice that your favourite aromatic wine on terra firma is unusually shy in the cabin. Did you know that even the loud engines compromise taste, for example!? So, bearing that in mind, how do we drinkers adapt to these conditions and avoid disappointment when the drinks cart comes around?

The key is to opt for bolder, fuller, and more intense flavours, whilst avoiding subtle, more nuances and fragrant drinks. Particularly when it comes to premium aged liquids like older whiskies and wines, the full sensory experience involved in enjoying these is best left till your feet are back on the ground!

When deciding in-flight white wine, you’ll get more out of powerful whites like Chardonnay, Rhone blends, and Viognier-based bottles. For reds, look out for punchy Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah.

Tomato juice is sold in surprisingly huge quantities by airlines, nearly as much as beer in the case of Lufthansa. Research shows that this umami flavour profile may not only avoid the compromise of other tastes, but actually may be enhanced! So, if a Bloody Mary is an option or perhaps savoury gins, then these may taste even better than usual.

One semi-myth of in-flight boozing is that you get drunk quicker. Some say that the pressure change thins the blood, strengthening the effects of any alcohol consumed. What’s more likely however is that the lack of oxygen, dehydration, fairly empty stomach (airports are expensive and plane food’s reputation isn’t the best), limited movement and vacation excitement contributes towards an intoxicated feeling – so there’s some truth to it we suppose. One thing to note; carbonated booze is very popular on flights, and these are absorbed by the body at a faster rate, so if you want to avoid any tipsiness until you reach your destination, maybe steer clear of these.

The Ultimate Summer Gin Selection: Unveiling the Top Picks for Sunny Days

Gin continues to be as popular as ever but that only means there are even more bottles to pick from… which is only a good problem to have if you know some gems. Therefore, allow us to introduce you to our ultimate summer gin selection!

A chilled glass of gin on a summer’s day is a dreamy ideal, so here are our top picks for whatever gins you love.

Roku Gin

This award-winning Japanese craft gin from the legendary House of Suntory contains six local botanicals (because Roku translates to six) alongside eight more familiar botanicals. Yuzu peel represents winter, Sakura for spring, sansho pepper for autumn and gyokuro tea for summer. The flavour and aroma are delicately poised and beautiful, with every sip feeling clean and crisp. Just serve with tonic and ice and it’s a winner. What a bottle too.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £27.45 / US $24.99

Canaïma Gin

This complex and exotic gin was created to support the Amazon rainforest and the native population that still occupy parts of it. And it really gets close to the cause, in fact the complex blend of rare botanicals (uve de palma, copuazu, merey fruit for example) are hand-picked by these Venezuelan native tribes before being blended with more traditional gin foundations (like black pepper and citrus). Expect fruity tang, herbaceous undertones, and subtle heat on an earthy backdrop. The best bit? 10% of all sales are reinvested to support reforestation as well as contribute towards sustainable jobs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: UK £31

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin

If you’re going to make a gin that defines itself by how clean, crisp, and light it feels, then expert craftsmanship has to be involved to avoid the liquid becoming boring but of course, Glendalough have smashed it. Their Wild Botanical Gin aims to represent a seasonal year in The Garden of Ireland where they’re based. Juniper and pine for spring, summer flowers, autumn fruits and a spicy winter finish – delicious. On top of that great concept, everything is sustainably foraged and infused from fresh which just goes to show the expertise that go into a gin that seems simple on the surface. Bravo.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: UK £33.74 / US $29.99

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Now here’s a gin that’s exploding with flavour. Crafted by the curious mind of P.J Rigney, this Irish gin takes you on an adventure inspired by his global travels. The ‘gunpowder’ refers to Chinese gunpowder green tea, one of the four vapor-distilled botanicals (on top of eight others). Moroccan orris, Indian cardamom, Macedonian juniper, and meadowsweet from Drumshanbo town itself – the range is astounding. Floral, sweet, herbaceous and earthy, the flavours have had so much time to develop during the slow distillation so see for yourself why it’s won some huge awards.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £33.74 / US $41.99

Orkney Gin Company Rhubarb Old Tom

Released for World Gin Day 2017, here we have a tasty tangy twist on Orkney Gin’s Old Tom made using locally grown rhubarb. That classically sweet and smooth Old Tom profile plays off that authentic rhubarb tartness so well, and citrus, cinnamon and rose petals fill out the flavour with warm, zesty, and floral notes. This really is one of the best flavoured gins around, with two gold awards from the Masters and World Gin Awards in 2020 to show for it – gorgeous.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.90

The Botanist Gin

This gin is easy to find and even easier to enjoy, becoming a staple among gin lists. Exclusively concocted on the island of Islay in Scotland at the Bruichladdich distillery, they’ve gone all in on botanicals here with 31, 22 of which are native. Coriander and lemon peel provide some familiar qualities, whereas more exotic red clovers, mugwort leaves and creeping thistle mix it up. The end result? A velvety and herbaceous gin that balances earthiness with sweetness and reminds you of a spring garden – perfectly well rounded for a fresh G&T.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £36.44 / US $41.99

St. George Botanivore

Are you a botanivore? Maybe you are and you didn’t even know it. This American craft gin boasts no less than 19 botanicals for a plush, rounded profile – angelica root, bay laurel, coriander, orange peel and star anise among others. It strikes that sweet spot of approachability and rewarding complexity, with citrus freshness, earthy spice, and breezy refreshment. Very likeable indeed.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £37.95 / US $33.99

Black Robin Gin

Any ornithologists out there might be able to have a stab at where this gin is from, because the lovely Black Robin on the bottle is an endangered and rare domestic bird from New Zealand – and indeed a percentage of sales go to its preservation. Exotic botanicals like native Horopito are infused with filtered spring water from underneath the distillery and (Just like Black Duck Vodka), whey spirit. This gin is all about subtle complexity, with a clean palate revealing super refreshing leafy notes, spicy cardamom and juniper, and a touch of liquorice and pear sweetness. Explore this neat, perhaps with a slice of cucumber and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.95

Prefer a glass of whisky when the sun is shining? How about these Summer Stunners!

The American Bar: One of a Kind

The American Bar is the oldest cocktail bar in London, one of the most renowned in the entire world, and has hosted some of the most famous bartenders to ever pick up a cocktail shaker. Lofty headlines indeed, so what is it that makes London’s most iconic bar just that?

Well, it doesn’t do any harm to be at the most famous hotel in London, The Savoy. But there’s a lot more to the American Bar than that. It first opened in the 1890s, becoming one of the first establishments to embrace American-style cocktails to not just Britain, but Europe. The kind of places offering these drinks in this style became known as ‘American Bars’, and The American Bar is fully deserving of being the definitive one.

It’s difficult for all of that history not to hit guests when they first step foot into the grand piano shaped room, a picture of elegance. Some of the most legendary bartenders have ruled the roost here. Frank Wells in 1893, Harry Craddock and his Savoy Cocktail Book in the 1930s, Joe Gilmore in the swinging 60s, Peter Dorelli from a staggering 1985 to 2003, right up to Shannon Tebay at the helm today, not to mention the countless iconic faces from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway that have been served here.

Even after the £220m hotel facelift, The American Bar remains pretty much untouched. The timelessly warm and charming art deco décor greets drinkers, with bright gold and striking blue chairs sitting beautifully against cream ochre walls. The focal point is the renowned piano player, whose American jazz fills the room creating an unforgettable atmosphere, and there’s even the Savoy Songbook to match a cocktail to each song.

With cocktails upwards of £20 and some many times more, this isn’t a regular drinks den for most of us, but as a plush pilgrimage, there’s not much better. Whether the stunning cocktails, the beautiful piano, over a century of conversation or the bartenders and guests of past and present, it is these echoes of a bygone era that make The American Bar so special, except when you’re sat on those gold seats, it feels very much in the moment.

Unless you’re lucky enough to be staying at The Savoy, The American Bar has a walk-in policy but if you can visit their website here.

Father's Day Gifts for Drinks Lovers

Sunday 18th June is Father’s Day, but don’t panic if that’s caught you off guard! We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite drinks and gifts that we think are perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

There’s something here for every budget and every drink, so there’s really no excuse to be turning up on the big day with socks as a present again (unless they’re protecting one of these delicious bottles from getting damaged that is!). Let’s get stuck in.

WHISKY

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

If we can be so bold, we absolutely love our collaboration creation and think that whether your Dad is new to whiskey or a seasoned sipper, they will too. We’ve teamed up with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers to produce Red Silkie, an Irish Whiskey that showcases the classic subtle and smoky style alongside classic fruitiness coming from our obsession with fine wine. Over in County Donegal, the blend is finished in red Pomerol barrels from Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux creating a velvety, rich profile that is intense with red fruits, candied orange and gently smoked caramel. One last thing, £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog to support a variety of initiatives including free support for those struggling, so it’s for a good cause too!

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

Old Perth Original

A tribute to Perth in Scotland, this sweet Blended Malt Scotch is rich with raisins from ex-sherry cask ageing. The Christmas cake nose gives way to a buttery palate of a super comforting expression that provides a drinking experience far beyond its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £36.75

Lochlea Our Barley

This Single Malt from Lochlea is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, but also re-charred barriques for a pleasantly rounded smooth and fruity character. It carries complexity beyond its years, masterful smoothness and a light vibrance plush with honied orange, grassy malt, peppery barley, and toasted oak. And let’s not forget a rather lovely bottle perfect for gifting too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

GIN

Audemus Pink Pepper Gin

Any of you who have tuned in to The Three Drinkers in Cognac will know how much we love Audemus. Pure innovation, Audemus’ most famous creation is this, their incredible Pink Pepper Gin. Spicy pink peppercorns lead the botanical line with cardamom and juniper, followed by baking notes of tonka and vanilla, and a more floral side with tonic. There’s a touch of warmth, florality, spice and fruitiness to this well-rounded gin that really has that special feeling in bucketloads. A must-try for any gin loving Dad.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £38

Atlas Shichimi Gin

Atlas has established a stellar reputation for exotic gins, and if you’re familiar with Japanese cooking, you might recognise shichimi as the popular spice blend used in Japan for centuries. This unusual but moreish umami profile is expanded with nori seaweed, gyokuro green tea, Sichuan peppercorn and ginger, with juniper and citrus injecting some familiar freshness. Wonderfully aromatic and warming, this is an exciting gin to try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

RUM

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

This silky molasses-based Venezuelan blend uses exclusive rum reserves aged for up to 12 years before they come to rest in their charming vintage-style bottle. The mouthfeel will likely remind you of wine with a similar viscosity, with blossoming notes of toffee, orange chocolate and liquorice before an indulgent fudgy finish. Treat your Dad to the Gold Medal winner of the 2019 Rum Masters.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $41.99

Sansho Spiced Rum

Completely eye-catching, this stand-out spirit dresses premium English rum in Japanese flavours. The rum is packed full of vibrant and rich layers; the sansho berries provide tongue tingling peppery citrus notes, the base rum made with 100% sugar cane molasses gives a Christmas cake sweetness, the Okinawan sugar provides rich treacly layers and there is smoky soy and sesame which gives the usual tobacco and oak flavours you would expect to find in an aged rum. It is absolutely exquisite and sings with a good ginger beer and ice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

VODKA

Blacklion Vodka

How about Europe’s first sheep’s milk vodka for Father’s Day? After tasting a sip, you might wonder why it hasn’t been done before (the awards panels certainly are!). Unbelievably smooth, the sugars-rich whey left over from the cheesemaking process is triple-distilled and triple-filtered to produce this rare, visionary, small-batch, and eco-conscious British vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £6

Dimas Vodka

If you’ve never heard of Dima’s Vodka before then allow us the pleasure of introducing, you. Hailing from Ukraine, this multi-grain mix (wheat, rye, and barley) is brimming with spice and creamy character. To complete the experience, drink alongside pickles as is the tradition!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

TEQUILA/MEZCAL

Ilegal Joven Mezcal

Illegal’s mezcal portfolio is stunning and we could really recommend any of them, but we’ve picked out this young Joven Mezcal. Traditionally produced with roasted agave in an earthen pit, delicious notes of dried fruits and herbs come through as well as smoky, peppery agave and some caramel sweetness. The perfect present for a tequila-loving Dad who wants to dip into the underappreciated world of mezcal!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $36.99

Don Julio Tequila Blanco

When perusing quality agave concoctions, you’re never far from Don Julio. Their Blanco is bottled (and stylishly so) straight after distillation meaning it’s packed full of fresh agave flavour. There’s a subtle burst of bright citrus but overall, this is just a stunning Blanco that doesn’t shy away from agave and is one of the smoothest around.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $49.99

COGNAC

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

If your Dad is a cognac drinker then you’re in luck, because with The Three Drinkers in Cognac available to watch now on Amazon Prime, we are obsessed with the stuff. The ever-reliable Rémy Martin produced this delicious VSOP to celebrate Louis XV’S decision to let them plant new vines on their land back in 1738 (which was illegal at the time). Complex fruits swirl around with orange coming to the fore, as caramel and spice intertwine harmoniously – if that doesn’t sound delicious, I don’t know what does.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £55.74 // US $69.99

Courvoisier VSOP

The winner of the highly regarded Master award in the Super Premium category at the Luxury Masters, this VSOP from the iconic Courvoisier has aged for around 10 years (which is well beyond the legal minimum). The fruity citrus is deep and rich, but it’s the warm notes of coffee, brown sugar, buttery toast, cinnamon, and vanilla that stand out here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Hermitage is notable for doing things a little differently from most cognac houses, in that each of their bottles including this 10-year-old are single-estate and unblended. Most cognacs use eaux-de-vie from different growing areas, but sticking to one estate creates a bold and expressive mix. The roasted nuts have come through with age, as has the peppery spice and oakiness. This is the perfect present for someone who likes to take their time and sip their cognac neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.95

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre

Grand Marnier is another legendary creation from the cognac region, and it is in fact half cognac itself. The other half is bitter orange, and the expert blending of the two (which you can witness in our new show… hint hint ;) ) is what makes this a bartender’s favourite. Their Louis Alexandre is a little less sweet and instead drier than the original as it is in fact not a 50:50 mix but goes heavier on the cognac instead... a nod to Louis himself who liked his serve a little stronger. Pure luxury.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £48.99 // US $69.99

Aphro Palm

If you want to try something completely new, look no further. Aphro is made using alcohol distilled from Palm Wine (from Palm tree trunks). This Palm Spirit is widespread across parts of West Africa, and Aphro wants to refine it for us all to enjoy. Triple distilled, it’s wonderfully smooth and infused with tropical fruits, herbs, and spices from all over the continent. ‘The Nubi’ is flavoured with pineapple, passion fruit and honey, and ‘The Moor’ is ginger xylopia Ethiopia (fruit tree) and honey. With such gorgeous bottling too, Aphro is perfect for the curious drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.99

BEST MIXERS

Franklin and Sons

Franklin and Sons are absolute pioneers of the soft drinks space, ever since their beginnings in Victorian London. They specialise in natural and innovative flavourings with tonics, mixers, and soft drinks to suit all kinds of serves. It’s totally worth checking out their full range here, but we really recommend their warm Original Ginger Ale, sunny Sicilian Lemon, and aromatic Natural Rose Lemonade. We use them all the time and boy can they elevate a drink to that next level.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £20 24x200ml

AMAZING GLASSWARE

Glencairn Dad’s Wee Whisky Bundle

If your Dad loves whisky, then Father’s Day may well be the perfect opportunity to fit him out with some premium glassware to enhance the drinking experience. We use the Glencairn glass not just for whisky but cognac too because it opens up the nuances in quality liquids and feels great – it’s the world’s favourite whisky glass for a reason.

Includes: Two Wee Glencairn Glasses, a Wee Glencairn Jug and a Glencairn pipette
Find here: £35 (usually more!)

If your Dad prefers Dark Rums, then we just happen to have released our 2023 Guide here with top notch recommendations!

8 Must Try Savoury Gins

There can be no doubt that sweet and floral gins are dominant at the moment, but with gin’s popularity showing no signs of slowing, it’s savoury gin that distillers seem to be increasingly focusing on.

This far-reaching style swaps out the sweet citrus and berries for, well, savoury botanicals instead. Think saline, vegetal, herbal, and spicy notes! They make a refreshing difference from your usual fruity gins and are often some of the most unique tasting liquids out there, perfect for adding a new dimension to cocktails, or for savoury G&Ts! Without further ado, let’s dive into the best of them…

Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin

Opihr is the place where King Solomon bought his gold, silver, and spices from, and although no one knows where it was, it is linked to the ancient spice routes between East and West - it is this route that Opihir’s gins are inspired by. Scooping the top Master award at the 2018 Travel Retail Masters, this is a London Dry style gin with spicy twists. Moroccan coriander and Indian cardamom are pungent at the fore, but layers of punchy complexity are detectable with cumin (Turkey), angelica root (Germany), bitter orange (Spain) and peppery cubeb berries (Malaysia). Intense, spicy and with a loveable warm earthiness. You might find a sweet and citrusy mixer provides the perfect balance in a serving so try lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.74

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

Seaweed is a botanical we’re seeing more and more, and particularly in savoury gins of course. Irish Maritime makes use of not just one or two varieties, but five locally harvested seaweed species! Supporting these are a line-up of more familiar botanicals fronted by vegetal juniper for a touch of heat and lemon for some subtle sweetness. A true coastal delight that’s put together seriously well, try it with an elderflower tonic for a stonking savoury G&T.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £30.94

Seven Hills VII Italian Gin

A Gold medal award winner at the Gin Masters in two different categories, Seven Hills is super light and delicate gin, that isn’t as juniper heavy as some but carries self-assured herbaceous freshness. Blood orange and pomegranate impart some tang, chamomile and rose hip the florality, and from the celery and artichoke botanicals, some vegetal notes. Like the best savoury gins, it’s super unique and we’d recommend trying this one in a Negroni... it only makes sense!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34

Audemus Umami Gin

Based in Cognac, we just had to visit French producer Audemus during The Three Drinkers in Cognac because we’re such a fan of what Miko is doing (and we needed help with our own gin-making in the series!). Setting up shop in his front room, Audemus is all about experimentation and bold new flavours. Many distillations fail (e.g., trout eggs) but some turn out amazing, becoming part of flagship gins. The stunning (and actually lightly savoury in itself) Pink Pepper is their most famous creation, but their oak-finished Umami is the savoury headliner. Sicilian caper distillate, parmesan and juniper front a blend that rests in ex-Cognac casks for a fabulously rounded profile. Umami is one of our five basic tastes, so to have it stimulated by a gin with such distinct flavours really is a must-try experience.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £34.99

Portobello Road Savoury Gin

One of the most beautifully designed gins on the market, Portobello Road’s Savoury Gin is a Corsica-inspired dream. Pleasantly complex, it’s herbaceous with rosemary and basil, bergamot brings citrus tang, and green olives and sea salt bring punchy salinity. In a world of sweet and floral gins dominating, this style is actually more reminiscent of traditional juniper-led gin and as such, has an incredibly refreshing and moreish taste. It's screaming out for a Dirty Martini.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £36.24

Pollination Gin

This is a really interesting, award-winning London Dry style gin that features a diverse blend of 29 botanicals, each from the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, the area surrounding the Dyfi Distillery. Encompassing Snowdonia’s foothills, the Dyfi Forest and the estuary marshes, Pollination Gin punches with a bold herbaceous and floral profile, particularly the latter. Vivid images of summer meadows and pine forests come to mind with botanicals like wildflowers, aromatic leaves, dried fruits, almonds, conifer tips and beyond. If any gin will transport you into nature, it’s this.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £36.94

Black Tomato Gin

Roll up, roll up Bloody Mary fans. Tomato and vodka might be a more familiar combination, but how about tomato and gin? Produced in the Netherlands, homegrown organic black tomatoes are used with a few drops of sea water to create a completely distinct gin. There is satisfying richness to the fruit, sweet, sour and salinity are balanced perfectly, and the texture has a moreish viscosity and weight to it. Serve with Mediterranean tonic and some basil and prepare to surprise yourself.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42.3%
Find here: £37.94

Gin Mare

One of the better-known savoury gins, Gin Mare is in that position for good reason. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer, this heady herbaceous Spanish expression features rosemary, thyme, basil in an aromatic palate, heaps of citrus zest and tart juniper. Delicately poised salinity, citrus, herbs, and warming spice intertwine for a stunningly crisp gin that leaves you with a clean feeling aftertaste. So classy and elegant, just serve with a lightly flavoured premium tonic because each botanical is distinct and waiting to be explored with this gin. Super food-friendly too by the way!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: £39.99

Plenty of the Indian gins have a savoury feel to them, so if you like some earthy spice in your gin then check out The Best of Indian Gin & Spirits!

Emma Watson Releases Wine-Inspired Gin

Whilst this may be the latest in a long line of A-list side hustles to enter the drinks arena, Emma Watson’s new Renais is in fact more familiar ground for her than you might expect.

Launched with brother Alex who boasts ten years in the industry, the two have revisited the region where their father Chris has owned vineyards for decades, Chablis… but not to make wine, to make gin!

The base spirit going into Renais is created from distilled grape skins and lees, many of which are grown on the family’s own vineyard. The botanical run down of Chablis Grand Cru grapes, linden flowers, cubeb berries and acacia honey are certainly striking for a gin, as is the focus on terroir.

At the launch, Alex commented on this process, saying, ‘I wanted to do something that no one had ever done: to capture the essence of a specific terroir, the uniqueness of Chablis, by drawing on the traditions, techniques and ingredients from the land, and embodying those characteristics in a gin.’

Meaning ‘rebirth’, the name Renais also hints at the sustainability behind the gin. Not only are reclaimed grape skins a centre stage botanical, but the stills are solar powered, the packaging is biodegradable mushroom, and any carbon emissions left are offset – something that has been officially certified by Climate Partner.

With expert wine production running through the family, a clear sustainable terroir-led vision, beautiful packaging and crucially, a deliciously modern, floral and vibrant gin, this is a celebrity-fronted drink that’s easy to get behind.

A limited inaugural run has been launched in May, with future batches coming in June priced at £45 for a 700ml bottle, and available direct from the Renais site, where you can also find some rather tasty looking cocktail concoctions made with it.