The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 66

Another week, and another fun filled podcast awaits! You can listen in via the player here and for a sneaky look into what we got up to read more below…

What’s in Our Glass?

This week we are sipping on Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition. This gorgeous whisky is matured in American oak barrels and finished in French Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine casks giving it gorgeous notes of apple, honey, vanilla and sweet red berry. It’s a beautifully balanced whisky that is delicious sipped neat but would work equally well in an Old Fashioned.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £32.45

Drinker’s Discovery

We love a good Drinker's discovery here at 3DHQ. This week it is not about a new brand but rather the latest news on just how many times a week it has been deemed ok to drink. You may be pleasantly surprised…

Celebrity wines

This last year has seen another massive increase in the number of celebrities bringing out their own wine and spirits but with so many out there how are you meant to know what is worth trying? This week, Aidy and Helena take a deep dive into the world of celebrity wine and tell you of some great recent releases you have to try!

Mailbag

Ever wondered why professional wine drinkers slurp their wine? Well, you are about to find out because Aidy and Helena tell you exactly what professional wine tasters like themselves are trying to achieve when they taste wine, how to do it getting all your senses involved and they also decode those geeky wine terms like mouthfeel, texture and finish so you can take tasting notes like a pro too!

You can listen to all this, more drinks news, a brand new word of the week and discover a delicious no alcohol beer by tuning in now!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 65

Happy Podcast Day! Are you as excited as we are?? This week takes a bit of a Halloween twist as we talk about fun Halloween drinks and surprising Halloween costumes. Read more below and don’t forget to listen in for all the fun…

What’s In Our Glass?

This week we’re sipping on a beautiful dram of Jura Winter Edition. Sherry cask matured, it is soft and gentle with Christmassy cake vibes, tropical notes, butterscotch, and creme caramel. Perfect for an evening with good friends in our opinion!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £39.95

Drinks News

Did you know you can buy a fully wearable boxed wine costume that also pours wine for Halloween?! Well, now you do! Franzia box wine company has released a 2021 edition of their box wine Halloween costume and we’ve got to say, they’ve gone all out this year by including a wine pouch and glow in the dark features! You can pick one up here for $40!

Halloween Mixology

Ever wondered how to turn a regular cocktail into a Halloween treat? Well, Aidy shares some really simple tips on how to take your mixology skills to a whole new spooktacular level! Be it a Bloody Mary, a Martini or any other cocktail you are wanting to turn into a hauntingly beautiful creation to be quite honest, Aidy has an idea for you!

Mailbag

We tackle the question “I’ve heard wineries play music to their vines/wine barrels because it affects the taste of the wine but does it really change the taste?”

You can listen to all this, new Drinker’s Discoveries, a beautiful Vodka-food pairing, where to drink a stunning 18YO The Dalmore Old Fashioned, and some VERY big news by tuning in now!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 64

It’s Podcast Day! *insert trumpet/fanfare/horn of anticipation sound effect here* That means you’re one click away from opening the chest full of drinks information and news that Aidy and Helena have prepared for you this week… 

Before you read on, remember there’s so much more to hear in the podcast - so don’t forget to listen! 

What’s In The Glass?

Up for a beautiful dram? That’s a trick question - we already know you are! This week, Aidy and Helena are enjoying Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve Whisky, an immensely popular whisky winning awards left right and centre! Fun bit of trivia, the original Cigar Malt was discontinued in 2009 but due to the strained cries of its fans - it returned in 2011 with a new bottle and a new gaggle of fans behind it. Why is it called a Cigar Malt, you may ask? It’s not because the whisky is in any way infused with cigars, but because Dalmore have decided it is the quintessential drinks pairing for a cigar...

Now, it’s flavour time… With this whisky you’ll be getting a wonderful mix of dark chocolate, tropical fruits, banana toffee and rich butterscotch. There’s a mouthwatering finish of orange zest that will have you leaning back in your chair feeling like a whisky GOD.

ABV: 44%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £76.80 // US $262.99

Drinks News - Cars Powered by Wine?

This just in on TTDNC (that’s The Three Drinkers News Channel) - Helena’s got some hot drinks news that’s not just interesting but eco-friendly (woo)!

Renewable energy is at the forefront of consumers’ minds at the moment, with everyone anxious to find a way to get power without having to harm the environment. This has sprouted some really ingenious ideas in the past few years, with Glenfiddich using whisky waste to power its trucks, and now French oil company TotalEnergies creating fuel for cars with WINE residue!

All these innovations (especially from oil companies) are looking toward a brighter and more sustainable future for the world in terms of being waste free and powered by renewable energy. TotalEnergies will even be supplying the 2022 Le Mans motorsport event (where the winning car is the one who makes the furthest distance in 24 hours)! 

Aidy’s Advice - How To Have the Best Bath of Your LIFE

It’s no surprise that Aidy is a fan of a relaxing and rejuvenating bath, especially if you follow his Instagram (psst - that’s @sypped if you’re interested), and this week he’s let us in on his secrets for having the best bath EVER. Make sure to stick to these steps to ensure a bath Mr. Aidy ‘Best Bather’ Smith would be proud of… 

Step 1: The Bubbles…

Step one is some aromatherapy bubbles. But, what is an aromatherapy bubble bath? As it turns out, aromatherapy bubbles are a bubble bath liquid that gives off relaxing and soothing scents. Pour it under your tap while it’s running for best results!

Step 2: Really, Really, Nice Candle

Having a candle burning, even when not in the bath, is always a calming experience. Brilliant for meditation, romantic evenings or even just reading a good book. You can choose any candle scent you want, it’s completely up to you! Aidy’s loving a musky smelling candle at the moment, and here’s his current favourite: Feu De Bois Candle.

Find out the next 5 steps by listening in… trust us, you don’t want to miss them!

Drinker’s Discovery: The Doctors’ Rosé Marlborough

Helena’s been loving The Doctors’ Rosé from Marlborough, New Zealand this week! This rosé is brilliant as not only is it delicious, with crisp strawberry and cherry flavours, but it’s got a low alcohol content. At only 9.5%, it’s a brilliant wine for drinking when you’re being mindful of what you’re drinking but still want something tasty.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9.5%
Find it here: £10.99

Mailbag SNEAK PREVIEW:

Here’s a sneak preview of this week’s mailbag question - but you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out the answer…

“I recently bought a huge bottle of rosé for my friend’s birthday! Does wine out of a larger bottle taste any different to wine out of a regular bottle?”

Tune in to listen to all this and more and if you missed last weeks episode then fear not, you can listen in here

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 63

Happy New Podcast Day! We’ve got a brand new episode of The Three Drinkers podcast up NOW, and along with that comes your weekly run down! As always, we’ve got a ton of weird and wonderful things to chat about in the world of drink - and this week are featuring a very familiar face as our Third Drinker... 

Here’s our quick guide to some of the things we’re chatting about, but there’s so much more in the podcast - so give it a listen!

What’s In The Glass?

We’re already getting in the, dare we say it, Christmas spirit with this drink, as Aidy, Helena, and our Third Drinker taste a mouth-watering dram of Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition whisky. If you’re wondering what makes it taste Christmassy, the clue is very much in the name. As Christmas cake is made with sherry, the three different sherry casks that Tamnavulin Sherry Cask is finished in are reminiscent of that spicy, cakey taste.

Another bonus of Tamnavulin Sherry Cask is that it’s a great whisky for beginners! It has lots of flavour but is really smooth. The price isn’t astronomical either so it’s a great buy! Find it below:

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £32.95

Who Is The Third Drinker…?

You know him, you love him - it’s Colin! While he may no longer be presenting, he’s always a welcome face/voice on the podcast - especially when he brings great whisky with him...! Just back from a trip to Scotland, Colin is the reason the delicious Tamnavulin Sherry Cask is even on the table, and as a whisky expert, he definitely knows how to pick them.

Colin’s always getting involved with all things whisky and drink, so follow him on Instagram at @champdenwhite to see all the exciting things he’s getting up to!

Cardi B’s Boozy Whipped Cream?

It’s only been 3 years since Cardi B released her debut album (which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, was the top selling female rap album of the 2010s and bagged 5 Grammy nominations and a win for Best Rap Album), but Cardi B is everywhere. Whether she’s scoring number ones, dancing at awards shows or breaking world records, Cardi’s doing it loud and she’s doing it proud. It’s no surprise then, that she’s releasing a canned whipped cream infused with vodka.

Cardi is teaming up with brand consultancy Starco Brands to create ‘Whipshots’. The cream has an ABV of 10% and is said to be the product of four years of research. If you’re a vegan or lactose intolerant Cardi B fan, don’t worry - the cream is also dairy-free! You’ll be able to buy it in chocolate, vanilla or caramel flavour and it won’t need to be refrigerated. That sounds like a party to us!

The cream is expected to be available online and in stores in December, so be on the lookout!

Dine First, Wine First: Melt In The Middle Chocolate Pudding

On this week’s Dine First, Wine First segment we’re looking at pairings for the delicious melt in the middle chocolate pudding!

Aidy’s Pick:
Aidy’s picking an Italian dessert wine made from passito grapes. Passito grapes are grapes that are partially dried before squeezing and fermenting. Some of the best quality passito wines are produced in the Veneto region of Italy, and these are called the Amarone della Valpolicella wines. Unlike many raisinated wines that are usually white and sweet, Amarone (meaning ultra bitter) is red and dry. Amarone della Valpolicella wines always offer a full body with notes of fig, milk chocolate and coffee bean. Sounds like it would be a dream with a melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding!

Colin’s Pick:
He does love his whisky, our Colin, so it’s no surprise that he’s picked the very whisky being drunk this week for his pairing, the Tamnavulin Sherry Cask! Colin wants his in the freezer to chill it right the way down, and then drunk just after a mouthful of that melting chocolate inside the pudding to bring out all the fruitiness in the whisky. Yum!

Mailbag SNEAK PREVIEW

Here’s a sneak preview of this week’s mailbag question - but you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out the answer…

“Oktoberfest is one of my favourite times of the year. After the festivities were cancelled last year, I want to make the most of this year and I need your help! What beer should I stock for the event?!”

Tune in here to find out what our Three Drinkers reply with… Cheers!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 62

It’s that time again! Time for another episode of the Bring A Bottle Podcast! Today we’re chatting about a myriad of things, but here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know!

Make sure to listen to the full podcast so you catch up on all of this and more!

What’s In The Glass?

This week, Helena and Aidy are enjoying a dram of the delicious Fettercairn 12 Year Old Whisky! This whisky is full of tropical fruit flavours with a hint of ginger cake. The vanilla and caramel notes complement the fruit brilliantly and make for a whisky that is flavourful while being light and refreshing. 

Fettercairn uses a unique ‘cooling ring’ on their stills, drenching the stills in fresh, clear mountain water to capture only the finest vapours. This is a great, smooth Scotch that is a must-try this Autumn!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £38.95

Who Is The Third Drinker…?

This week we’ve got the wonderful Beth Brickenden with us, a long time friend who you might recognise from an episode she featured on a while back! Though she hasn’t brought Vanity Von Glow with her this time, she’s certainly brought her sommelier skills to help us with this week’s tasting challenge… 

To find out more about Beth and what she does, follow her on Instagram at @my.corkscrew.and.i 

What Wine Do Beavers Like?

Yep, beavers. Those little furry things that definitely don’t look like they’d be into fine wine. Well, as it turns out, beavers go MAD for wine grapes. 

Montes Wines, an experimental wine producer in Chile, like to plant their grapes in really crazy locations, and this can lead to some… unwanted visitors. Montes planted a variety of grapes on an untamed islet in Southern Chile, unaware that they would be meeting some furry friends all too soon. Of the Albarino, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes planted on the islet - only one wasn’t chomped through by an army of beavers. Can you guess which one?

If you guessed Sauvignon Blanc - you’d be right! In their accidental nature experiment, Montes Wines have found empirical evidence that Chilean beavers are fussy winos who won’t settle for a New World Sauv Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc is set to be released soon, listen in to hear the name Helena thinks it should be given…

Chardonnay in a SODA STREAM?

Don’t jump out of your seat just yet, we promise this isn’t a practice we’d let anywhere near the Bring A Bottle Podcast. However, it did come up as a possible way to impress a date on a budget… 

What we want to know is, would it work and what would it taste like? According to the depths of the internet, it actually does work - but can get dangerous! If you’re not careful, you won’t just be committing a crime on the wine world, but could also explode your machine. Don’t try this on carpet, and NEVER try this with red wine.

As for the taste, well, it’ll only be as good as the wine you put in. A bargain cooking white is not going to magically transform into a premium champagne just because it’s been made bubbly!

Read All About It: Exclusive Winebird Sake Vinalogy!

You won’t get this anywhere else, but we’ve just heard that Winebird (aka Helena) has given us a BRAND NEW and EXCLUSIVE Vinalogy for Aldi’s new sake! What’s a Vinalogy I hear you cry? Well, it’s a beautiful, elegant way of understanding wine (or sake) through storytelling - rather than just facts and figures!

If you want to find out Helena’s exclusive verdict on traditional Japanese sake amongst much, much more, you’ll have to pop on Episode 62 of The Bring A Bottle Podcast!

Cheers!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 61

Another week and another fun-filled podcast awaits as well as another delicious dram! You can listen to the full podcast via the player below or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Here’s a little snippet of what we got up to:

What’s in our Glass?

This week we’re enjoying a cheeky dram or two of Jura 10 YO whisky. A 10 year old expression, it’s initially aged in American white oak bourbon barrels before being finished in Oloroso sherry butts. With its subtle smoke, robust vanilla and a lovely Christmas cake note to it, it is a very lovely dram. You can find out more about Jura distillery via this episode of our podcast and if you want to find out even more about Jura distillery then check out The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28.95 // US $56.99

Drinks News

Helena tells us all about what vodka and stiff napkins have in common whilst Aidy lets us know what he has discovered about Space beer!

Dine First Wine First

In this week’s ‘Dine First Wine First’ Aidy and Helena chat all about what to pair with your bottle of Viognier. Viognier, a white wine that hails from the Rhone valley in the South of France, is noted as having an oily texture, low acidity and lovely fruity notes of apricot and peach. If you like Chardonnay, you’ll no doubt like this. Helena recommends trying bottles from the Condrieu wine region and we’ve got to say, we’re curious to try her wine-food pairing suggestions too…

Mixology with Aidy

Aidy pops on his mixology hat and lets us know all about fruitier whisky cocktails. Check out his pineapple whisky sour below (we’ve tried it and YUM… just sayin’)…

Pineapple whisky sour
60ml good scotch like the Jura 10 year old
25ml Lemon juice
25ml Pineapple juice
2tsp caster sugar
1 egg white
Pineapple garnish

Method:
Place the sugar, whisky, lemon juice, pineapple juice and egg white into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds. Strain into an old fashioned cocktail glass and serve.

Drinkers Discovery

You will have definitely heard of sake, but, have you heard of Umeshu?! Well, you need to because this Japanese ‘plum wine’ (it actually has nothing to do with wine) is stunning and a great addition to sparkling cocktails. Find out how you can make your own at home via the podcast!

Mailbag

Aidy and Helena tackle the question ‘I’ve learnt through your podcast that the size and shape of a wine glass affects the taste of wine, but, is this the same for cocktails?’ Find out what they have to say by listening in today!

This article only just touches on some of the topics waiting to be discovered so if you enjoyed this then make sure to check out Episode 61 of The Bring a Bottle Podcast now!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 60

We move away from wine this week as we start a brand new series full of whisky, whisky, and well, a bit more whisky! You can listen to the full podcast via the player below or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Here’s a little snippet of what we got up to:

What’s in our Glass

We start the new series off with a BANG as we sip on The Dalmore King Alexander III. Listen in as Aidy tells you more about The Dalmore’s logo origin, how much time and effort goes into making this beautiful dram and just what casks are used to create it.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: £190 // $279.99

Drinks News

It’s a bit of a jump from the ridiculous to the sublime in Drinks news as we go from a Russian Billionaire’s private champagne collection in the Hampton’s to why Vivino is the app to help you choose the perfect wine, but you’re not going to want to miss it!

Mixology

This week it’s all about the Espresso Martini. Listen in to hear all about its beginnings and why not try Aidy’s take on an Espresso Martini below. Helena sure can’t wait to!

Spiced Rum Espresso Martini

Ingredients:
25ml spiced rum (We love Havana Club Cuban Spiced)
25ml Kahlúa
25ml fresh, cold espresso

Method:
Bang everything in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with coffee beans!

*The spiciness of rum works so well with the creaminess of the Kahlúa so make sure you give it a go!

One to Watch

Helena has discovered a brilliant book ‘The Infused Cocktail Handbook’ by Kurt Maitland which is essentially a brilliant guide to homemade blends and infusions. Aidy on the other hand has been watching a new cooking show on Netflix with, ahem, Paris Hilton… listen in to find out if it’s any good!

Dine First Wine First

Ever wondered what to pair with Rioja? Well, you need never wonder again as Helena has some mouth-wateringly good suggestions involving lamb waiting for you. Find out which styles of Rioja it is best paired with and just why lamb is her meat of choice via the player above!

Mailbag

This week’s mailbag is all about how to still enjoy your wine when camping. Aidy and Helena have some great tips on how to chill it and which white wine types fair best on a camping trip!

As with last week, there is so much more waiting to be discovered so if you enjoyed this then make sure to check out Episode 60 of The Bring a Bottle Podcast now!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast Episode 59

It’s that time again and boy have we got a fun filled podcast waiting for you! You can listen to the full podcast via the player below or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Here is a sneak peek of what to expect this week:

What’s in the Glass?

Aidy and Helena are sipping on a beautiful Californian Cabernet Sauvignon from Dark Horse. A delicious red wine with notes of chocolate fudge, blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum that tastes way above its price tag of under £10/$10. Listen in to find out what Aidy and Helena think it pairs perfectly with!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (on offer) // US $9.99

Drinker Discovery

You may have already read our Piña Colada Flavoured Cheese article but if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat as Aidy and Helena take you through Aldi’s latest cocktail flavoured cheese… Get in touch via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and let us know which one you would try!

BRAND NEW SEGMENTS:

Dine First, Wine First

Brought to you by popular demand, in this brand new segment, Aidy takes you through perfect pairings for the dishes you love. This week is all about Peking Duck, and we think you will be surprised by what he chooses! There’s also a tasty recipe for all you chicken lovers waiting to be discovered.

Call the Shots

Aidy and Helena are professional wine and spirits judges but when put on the spot will they know what is in their glass?! In this brand new segment, Aidy is put to the test to see if he can figure out what the salmon pink coloured liquid in his shot glass is… let’s hope Helena has been kind to him!

3rd Drinker

Helena has a really informative chat with Beth Liston, Director of Winemaking at Dark Horse, all about what Dark Horse means to her, how they make such deliciously balanced wines at such an affordable price tag and how she built credibility in the wine industry as a female.

Mailbag

This week it’s all about the great debate of: ‘How should you drink a Pornstar Martini?!’ Why does a random shot of prosecco come with it? Are you meant to shot it or pour it into the drink?! All your questions, along with some interesting information on the cocktail’s name and where you can find the best one in London is waiting to be discovered!

This article is just scratching the surface of everything waiting to be discovered in Episode 59 of The Bring a Bottle Podcast so make sure you don’t miss out - tune in now!