The Best English Wines To Try This Summer

June has become a time where English wine is celebrated in all its glory here in the UK and as we gradually creep out of lockdown, there are even more reasons to celebrate it as many wineries open their doors for tastings, lunches, dinners and events. Don’t forget; English Wine Week also falls on the 19th - 27th June this year, so why not support the industry and celebrate by cracking one of these fantastic bottles - all from producers you really need to know. 

STILL

Bolney Estate Chardonnay 2020 (West Sussex)

Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex is becoming well known both for its fantastic wines covering just about every style as well as for its status as an enviable wine tourism destination, thanks to its tasting tours, restaurant and experiences. Their still Chardonnay 2020 is a limited edition that shows off both crispness and texture, combining notes of lemon peel, apricot, lightly toasted brioche, baked peach and honeysuckle. It reminds us of a Premier Cru Chablis, but with a beautiful, British accent.

Find here: £24.99

Denbies Pinot Noir 2018 (Dorking, Surrey)

Planted in 1986, Denbies is one of the largest wine estates in the country and was one of the first on the wine tourism scene with its vineyard hotel and restaurants. Mostly famous for its sparkling wines, this still Pinot Noir is only made in exceptional years when the grapes are perfectly ripe. They get the proper French oak treatment for 17 months, no less. It’s really gorgeous, with enticing notes of dark cherry, cocoa and a waft of vanilla bean, plus a silky, elegant raspberry milk chocolate palate.

Find here: £22.50

BRUT SPARKLING

‘Brut’ is simply the French word for ‘dry’ in the world of sparkling wine. You will see it on sparkling wines from all around the world including Prosecco and English fizz. Here are two you need to try. 

Rathfinny Brut 2017 (South Downs, Sussex)

Rathfinny is rapidly establishing itself as a leading light for Sussex sparkling thanks to its incredible location on a south-facing slope in the South Downs. Here, the climate, chalk soil and aspect make it ideal for producing grapes for fizz. The Brut 2017 is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay and has a quintessentially English note of tangy apple skin and lightly baked brioche. Lovely chalky texture too. 

Find here: £29.50

Exton Park Reserve Blend 32 Brut (South Downs, Hampshire)

Exton park is a 60-acre single vineyard located in the South Downs National Park divided into nine separate plots according to terroir and aspect. Since 2011, winemaker Corinne Seely has kept an extensive library of reserve wines in order to create what she describes as an ‘English Bollinger’, where most of the blend (80%) is made up of reserve wines rather than the base from the most recent vintage. This Brut is 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, has had 3 years on lees and uses 32 different reserve wines. Expect notes of apple pie, a golden weight and a cool, mineral core. Weighty and serious.

Find here: £39

BLANC DE BLANCS

Translated literally from the French, blanc de blancs means ‘white from white’, i.e. white wine made from white grapes. With Champagne, this always means 100% Chardonnay as it will also do for English Sparkling wine and many other fizzes from around the world, but not all of them. It’s a style known for making great food matches, especially with the likes of fish and seafood, from lobster and fish and chips, to sashimi and even cheese.

Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs 2017 (Alfriston, Sussex)

The 100% Chardonnay offering from ravishing Rathfinny down in Sussex, is a limited production of only 9,333 bottles, each aged for 36-months on the lees to give it a glorious, golden colour, a creamy weight and complex flavours of tropical fruit, white peach, blossom and a squeeze of lime. A serious wine that’s light on its feet, giving any blanc de blanc Champagne a run for its money. 

Find here: £39.50

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016 (Appledore, Kent)

Gusbourne is another need-to-know name in English wine as it continues to win just about every award going. 2016 was an exceptional year in England with all that sunshine and this resulting fizz from grapes grown in Appledore in Kent offers a heady mix of flavours taking in ripe citrus, pear and orange peel with subtle, toasty notes and a moreish salinity on the finish. Very elegant. We love it.

Find here: £59

SPARKLING ROSE

Langham Rosé 2017 (Dorchester, Dorset)

This elegant beauty from Dorset was the only pink English sparkling wine to be awarded a Gold Medal in this year's International Wine & Spirits Competition (the IWSC). Made with 54% Pinot Noir, 23% Pinot Meunier and 23% Chardonnay, it’s pale and pretty with a nose of fine strawberry tart decorated with other ripe, red fruits. Refreshing, pure and perfumed. Lovely!

Find here: £29.90

Exton Park Reserve Blend Rosé

Another in the Reserve Blend (RB) range, the Exton Park pink is extraordinary. Made with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier using 23 reserve wines and 3 years on the lees to give weight and complexity, this is a rich and textured pink that’s dry and savoury with notes of dried rose petal, peach and a hint of spice. Allow it to open up in your glass over time and you’ll be treated to a flavours that change subtly with every sip. 

Find here: £39

Roebuck Estates Rosé de Noirs (Petworth, Sussex)

Roebuck is a relatively new kid on the sparkling wine block and it arrived with a bang, winning a tonne of awards for its inaugural release. This is their first ever rosé, made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes from their stunning Roman Villa vineyard. With a delicate, rose petal hue, this is a classy, elegant wine with notes of red apple, hawthorn, cranberry and soft brioche. A lovely pink with its own personality and it has just won the trophy at the IWC this year!

Find here: £40

Hambledon Première Cuvée Rosé (Hambledon, Hampshire)

And now for something completely different; a very dark rosé made from 100% Pinot Meunier. This savoury fizz is full in body and flavour with notes of smoky strawberry, tobacco leaf and even a touch of grilled meat. With a fabulous texture and no added sweetness, this a great food wine and certainly one for a meaty barbecue in the sunshine. Hambledon established themselves early on as one of England’s top wine producers. Definitely a name to watch. 

Find here: £69.50

DEMI-SEC

Charles Palmer Demi Sec 2014 (Winchelsea, East Sussex)

When you want an elegant fizz with a lighter pudding or even a salty cheese, the Charles Palmer demi-sec has a little sweetness and a lot of personality. With 5 years spent on lees giving it those toasty, brioche notes, this Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend has got a good amount of age in its too, which adds to the complex and fruity flavour profile. Think apricot, apple and peach compote under a delicate crumble. It’s amazing with pavlova. The palace is also worth a visit and they have rooms! Ideal for after that long tasting tour when you forgot to spit...

Find here: £26

Want to know more about English wines? Check out this piece on The Best UK Vineyard Stays.

The Best UK Vineyard Stays

What’s better than a visit to a UK winery? An overnight stay at one. Book into the best, and after the daytrippers head home you’ll be left to bed down with bottles of fine English fizz – and to wake to a sunrise over sleepy rows of vines. If it wasn’t for that hallmark British summer weather (ahem), you’d swear you were in the south of France…

Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex

Encircled by gently sloping vineyards and open Sussex skies, Rathfinny’s historic Flint Barns are Instagram-perfect inside and out. Ten rooms come with a shared snug – accented with exposed brick walls, cushy leather sofas and a wood burner – though better for summertime is the courtyard, a dreamy place to savour the Classic Cuvée sparkling, a typical Champagne blend aged for 36 months in bottle. Given you’re just three miles from the coast, break up sipping sessions with strolls to nearby chalk cliffs and beaches. Return for gastropub-style cooking in the onsite restaurant, plus hearty breakfasts of shakshuka or oozy Burford Brown eggs.

Book here

Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey

One of England’s oldest and best-known wineries, Denbies gives good vineyard: 265 acres of it, to be specific. And tucked among the manicured rows of Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rondo you’ll find a properly lovely hotel. Seventeen rooms, dressed in contemporary stylings with citrussy pops of colour, stripey hues and (as you’d expect) enticing views over the estate, are split between an 1850s restored farmhouse and a new extension, The Brokes. Pick the wing that suits you best, drop your bags, then head off on a tour and tasting – there are several to chose from – or for a lazy meal at one of the multiple on-site restaurants. 

Book here

Three Choirs, Gloucestershire

Get that camera ready. Floor-to-ceiling – and wall-to-wall – windows on the contemporary lodges at Three Choirs mean that scenic vistas to vineyard and lake pervade every minute of your stay. Just a short stroll from the winery’s popular tasting area – but pleasantly private – the lodges also come with wraparound verandas, so you can soak up the summer sunshine over a glass of Three Choirs elderflower and nettle-scented Bacchus, or strawberry-bright Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling. You’ll get a discount on the informative afternoon vineyard tour, too, a natural follow up to a tapas lunch of patatas bravas, blackened padrón peppers and smoked mackerel pâté.

Book here 

The Fallow Treehouse, Hampshire

How to make a vineyard stay even more spectacular? Combine it with an epic, luxury treehouse. This glam pad in the Test Valley, on the edge of award-winning Black Chalk Wine’s vineyard, is built around a mature tree and comes with an outdoor bathtub, herringbone wood floors, button-back sofas and a toilet straight out of a glossy interiors mag. (And, of course, a bottle of Black Chalk Classic 2015 sparkling, a crisp blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.) Visit during harvest and you can watch the grapes being plucked over your morning cuppa; come in November, and you can partake in truffle hunting tours among the neighbouring trees.

Book here

Oxney Organic, East Sussex

The very picture of a cutesy English cottage, Oxney’s Vineyard House is perfect for a small crowd – it will sleep you plus seven of your nearest and dearest, across three bedrooms within grape’s toss of the vines. Tumble out from the beamed-ceiling interior on a Saturday morning to join a tour around the vineyards, then return for a BBQ feast in the sprawling garden. Travelling as a twosome? Book the quaint shepherd’s hut instead, set in a small paddock near Pinot Noir grapes. Throw open the French doors, then enjoy your complimentary bottle of wine in a cute picnic area, complete with fire pit. When darkness falls, there’s a wood burner to keep you cosy.

Book here

Llanerch Vineyard Hotel, Wales

It’s not just the rows of photogenic vines – taken in through floor-to-ceiling windows from homely but contemporary rooms – that draw visitors to this hotel. There’s the slick restaurant, serving up fluffy scones at afternoon tea and heirloom beetroot tarts at dinner. And, of course, the top-notch cookery school from chef Angela Gray, where you’ll learn to whip up barbecue fish tacos or grilled mascarpone peaches with bourbon caramel. Join a tour around the vines, sip your way through the Cariad wine range, then retire to a suite, dressed in white walls, countryside prints and cushy throw pillows.

Book here

Don’t fancy a stay but still want to enjoy yourself? Then how about checking out some of the Best Cocktail Terraces in London? Or if it’s a city stay you are looking for, click here for more hotel inspiration!

Anantara Kihavah - A Serenity Like No Other

Have you ever closed your eyes and envisioned yourself sitting on white sand shores looking out across endless turquoise seas? A place so tranquil, it’s almost like you’re in a trance without a care in the world. A luxurious slice of heaven doesn’t even begin to describe the travel destination of Anantara.

My latest dose of said serenity saw me traveling to the remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Yes, the Maldives. This picturesque oasis is indeed what you’ve imagined from having seen all of the photos, in fact, it actually looks better in person. The subject of this particular story is, a retreat that holds a reputation as being one of the most tranquil getaways on the planet. 

It all starts with the moment a hand reaches out to help you off the boat that has brought you ashore. Inspired by nature’s magnitude, mystery, and enchanting beauty, you can’t help but think you’ve been transported back in time to a place where simplicity was everything, yet there’s a refined luxury that sits effortlessly in the background. No phone, no laptop, no worries, just letting your mind peacefully wander through the jungle pathways, feeling the warm equator breeze against your skin.

The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are tucked away on a private island, which is found on the Baa Atoll in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in the picturesque Maldives. The history of the island goes back as far as being a pitstop for Arab traders navigating the waters by sail from archipelago to archipelago. Riddled with mango, coconut, and papaya trees, the Anantara Kihavah island was in no short supply of edible goods and canopy coverage from the elements. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the island paired with the local pre-historic volcano, colorful coral reefs, and clear nights full of stars drew in seafarers from around the globe. Such attractions are why the Anantara resort found its home and fame.

The design of the resort kept the well-being of the natural island in mind. No tree was removed in the construction; everything was built into and around the trees, rocks, and vegetation. The end result marries Indian Ocean, Arab and Portuguese motifs with indigenous materials in the 80 available villas, either on the ocean or over private pools, and the various eateries and bars onsite. You can imagine the most instagrammable hotel hashtag is a fair title.

As expected, the beach surrounding the island is stunning and as you venture out to the more remote stretches, they become even more turquoise, evermore blissful. You may even find yourself as I did, gently lifting your sunglasses every now and again to truly appreciate just how crystal clear the ocean really is.  

When looking to book a stay, consider which of these two matches your designed vacation vibe: Maldives water villa or Indian Ocean beachfront. With the latter, your shoes will be off and the ivory sands will be tracked everywhere. You’ll hear the waves crashing and view the classic beach sunsets every night. But, if sand is your foe, enjoy your very own private infinity pool instead for that early morning swim or take an afternoon snooze on your swinging daybed. Of course, each villa, no matter its location on the island, comes equipped with the latest technology and entertainment for your comfort. Every detail thoughtfully considered with the guest in mind: fluffy pillows, soap menus, beach totes complete with sandals, wine fridge, yoga mats, bicycles, and more! The villas and residences at Anantara can host anywhere between one and twelve guests.

It might be tempting to relax the days away in your villa, but there is so much to explore on the island. The vibrant green foliage is a sight to see whether on foot or bike. Be sure to back your camera or phone to snap some shots for the ‘gram to make all your followers just a tad jealous of this tropical getaway. Head over to the spa or wellness centers for a taste of true tranquility. Harmony and holisticness sit at the core of your desired treatments. As the sunsets cast your eyes to the sky with one of the largest telescopes in the world. See the far expense of the universe, planets, star constellations and galaxies like you never dreamed was possible.

The true highlight, however, just might be the dining options. If you’ve ever fancied a little mermaid experience, you can indeed dine under the sea. Land choices are available too. Whether your day calls for small bites or entrees, Anantara has you covered. Each restaurant and their offerings are inspired by the surrounding environment under the theme SEA.FIRE.SPICE.SKY. You’ll have varying cuisine selections complete with a gorgeous Indian Ocean backdrop. Foodies especially are sure to gawk over the whole experience.

Then there’s the wine, led by Sommelier Arun. I’d go as far as saying this paradise has one of the most impressive wine lists in the Maldives and the knowledge behind it one of the most credible and knowledgeable in this part of the world. From the second I arrived my wine choices were looked after – every occasion had a delectable moment only heightened as your tastebuds intertwine with the incredible views before you. If wine is your passion and you’re debating which Maldives property to visit – your decision has just been made. Chatting away with Arun and his team about their worldwide experiences and passions for the grape and grain made the visit even more worthwhile. This island hosts a family of people, not a staff, built on a foundation of passion and love for what they do and that couldn’t gleam more brightly. 

Ultimately, this is one of those places you build an emotional bond with. When you arrive, you are filled with excitement and wonder, ready to re-connect, listen and evolve. When you leave, you are sad, as if a part of you will be missing. It’s true – places like this are much more than a ‘holiday destination’ – they impact our ability to truly think about our lives, our feelings, our purpose and whether we realise it or not upon returning to our homes, they leave a notion of inspiration – an inspiration to one day return and feel that serenity once more. 

This doesn’t have to be some offshore, distant dream. Book your stay at the magnificent Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas today. The island is calling you to sail away.

For more information visit https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives/

Hotel Bel-Air

Though you might be in the craziness of Los Angeles, you’d instead think you were tucked away on your own private island. The Hotel Bel-Air is burrowed into the canyons of Los Angeles, just a mile west of Beverly Hills and even closer to Sunset Boulevard. As you approach the hotel, you know you’re in the land of the wealthy and the famous. Multi-million dollar estates line the roads to the Hotel Bel-Air. With your stay, you’ll be living like kings and queens for as long as you’ve chosen.

For over half a century, this magnificent property has been welcoming guests through its doors. The Hotel Bel-Air is more equivalent to a luxurious hideaway than your everyday, average hotel. The upscale hotel officially opened in 1946 after a hotel entrepreneur, Alphonso E. Bell, took the dream of the Bel-Air Estates, its original identity, and developed it into what you see today. Over the years, Hotel Bel-Air garnered respect from the hospitality industry and a mainstay for the rich and the famous. In 2009, the property underwent extensive refurbishing to modernise without sacrificing the reminiscences of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Before even entering the hotel, you’ll notice 12-acres worth of impeccably maintained lush gardens. Foot paths lined with coast redwoods, birds of paradise trees, and a lovely variety of floral touches will guide and wind you through the grounds; you’ll be surprised by what’s hidden here for guest use. For starters, the canyon is a very obvious and notable backdrop. Pictures are certainly encouraged. On the front lawn, Swan Lake completes the essence of the hotel. The resident four swans floating effortlessly and gracefully through the ripples embody the romance and elegance of Hotel Bel-Air. For those who enjoy a good sunbath and water soak, the onsite pool is the perfect relaxation venue. When the Stone Canyon stables were closed in 1946, Mr. Bell paid homage by transforming the riding ring into a legendary oval pool for everyone to appreciate.

Now that the tropical surroundings have totally drawn you in, pass through the entrance doors of the pink-stucco buildings. There are 103 guest rooms and suites available for your stay. Each room features integrated technology to enrich your experience, while the general ambiance of the room invites a pleasant, luxurious atmosphere. The rooms feel more like individual bungalows rather than part of a larger building. Not to mention, the pillows, like clouds, will lull you into the best night’s rest you’ve had in a long while.

To further increase your Zen, book some time at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. With both men’s, women’s, and couples facilities and options, the spa is able to cater to the treatment you desire. You’ll find a 24-hour fitness studio open to guests as well.

When you’ve completed your workout of the day or are ready to decompress for the night, the Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air is the perfect onsite spot. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, Wolfgang Puck fosters a charming, flirtatious atmosphere complimented by a Californian and Mediterranean inspired menu. Evening tipples can be had at the Bar & Lounge along with casual late day and dinner fare. Live music is a staple and creates the perfect vibe. Hotel Bel-Air has found a way to ensure every nook and cranny has the right feeling for everyone.

Address: Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Phone: +1 310 472 1211

Beverly Hills Hotel

Calling all Los Angeles travellers seeking a Hollywood-worthy spot to stay without feeling like the chaos of the city is hindering your chance at a relaxing vacation. The Beverly Hills Hotel sits within, you guessed it, Beverly Hills in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. However, the hotel has been around since 1912, way before the city even garnered that name. Original developer, Burton Green, purchased the property from the Mexican Government and then enlisted the help of Margaret J. Anderson to design and build the exact hotel you still see standing today. The white stucco, now beige, exterior and terracotta coloured roof tiles meant to lure the wealthy Easterners at the time.

Though over a century sits between its beginnings and now, the Beverly Hills Hotel is still a sight to be seen and a place to experience. It has changed ownership a few times with each new owner adding their own flare to the original structure. A complete 3-year long restoration occurred in 1992. The rooms have housed the likes of the famous and your everyday person. Next, they could house you.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a working time capsule. The décor features a combination of Art Deco and ‘40s-style Hollywood glamour with the entire modern amenity upgrades. You may not be a movie star by trade but you’ll sure feel and be treated like one when you book your stay here. The lobby area acts as the statement piece; the dramatic room is lit by Venetian glass chandeliers further brightened by the banana palms and banana leaf accents. The artwork you see was all specially commissioned just for the hotel. This unique style takes life inside each individual room as well.

With 210 guest rooms and suites, including 23 unique bungalows, you’ll be living in vintage luxury. Each room is equipped, at the very minimum, with an oversized closet, spacious bathroom, B&O televisions, and illuminated mirrors. Depending on the room, you may also have your own private balcony, fireplace, terrace, patio, or pool.

But, that’s not all. The Beverly Hills Hotel is more than just a place to lay your head and lounge around in style. On site, the hotel features a variety of dining and entertainment options for when you don’t want to venture the 20-30 minutes to Los Angeles or the Pacific coastline. Step foot into the infamous Polo Lounge where Charlie Chaplin had a favourite table and the Rat Pack engaged in late drinking bouts. Live entertainment is aplenty and American fare is served throughout the day. While sitting pool side, splurge on the offerings of the Cabana Café or pop into the Fountain Coffee Room complete with a vintage soda fountain and a variety of meals. Evening beverages can be sipped inside the elegant Bar Nineteen12 or on the adjacent terrace overlooking the pool.

Whether it’s the vibe or the amenities that draw you in for a visit, the Beverly Hills Hotel lets you escape all your worldly troubles. The original motto of the hotel stating that guests were “entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost” still very much stands true today.

Address: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 276 2251

The Finest Rum in Cuba

There is no finer place to drink rum than Havana, Cuba’s splendid capital. Whether you want to try it, buy it or learn more about it, Colin has found you the best places to do so.

23 Unusual Facts About Whisky

Our friends at Rabbie’s, our travel partner for our Scotch whisky travelogue series on Amazon Prime, have given us 23 fun facts about whisky. How many of them did you know already?

Bernard Shaw described whisky as liquid sunshine, and we can’t help but agree. Although the sunshine can be a little bothersome the next morning when you’ve indulged in one too many glasses.

Mark Twain begs to differ, however, as he’s famous for boldly declaring “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

What could we possibly have to tell you about whisky that you haven’t heard from these great poets, playwrights and avid whisky drinkers? You’d be surprised. Whisky has a long history and its makers and consumers are fond of a good blether. 

So whether you’re a whisky aficionado or have only just begun your love affair, you may be surprised by a few of the following facts:

1. Whisky or Whiskey - what’s the difference? The Irish spell it with an ‘e’ whereas the Scots spell it without one. This is due to the variations between Scottish and Irish Gaelic.

2. The New York Times famously used the word ‘whiskey’ with an ‘e’ to encompass all forms of the spirit from all locations. This caused so much outrage amongst readers, they were forced to change their style guide to reflect the appropriate spelling for their regional distribution.

3. Many distilleries store casks of whisky belonging to other brands and distilleries in their warehouses. This way, if a fire or catastrophe occurs, they won’t lose all their stock. 

4. The term whisky in Gaelic translates to ‘water of life.’

5. When whisky is stored in barrels for maturation, approximately 2% of the liquid evaporates per year. This is called the ‘Angel’s Share’ as this portion of liquid gold seemingly disappears into the heavens. It keeps the angels in good spirits.

6. Moonshine is typically un-aged whisky with a high alcohol content, which is made illegally. It’s called moonshine because it would be created under the light of the moon, hidden from the eyes of the authorities.

7. A bottle of Macallan Fine and Rare 60-year-old 1926 was sold for £1.38 million in October 2019, setting a new world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky.

8. Whisky doesn’t age once it’s bottled. So there isn’t much point in saving it for a rainy day, just crack it open when you feel like it.

9. Whisky gains its colour from the barrel it’s aged in. Sometimes, for the sake of product image, brands may put caramel colouring in a batch to make the whisky look more consistent when bottled on the shelf. The additive isn’t supposed to affect the taste of the whisky. 

10. Scotland relies on a constant supply of oak casks previously used to store bourbon in the US for maturing whisky.

11. Much of the flavour of a batch of whisky will depend upon what was stored in the cask previously. Bourbon, sherry, rum and port casks all generate different finishing flavours.

12. A Swedish distillery has started using AI to help generate the perfect whisky recipe based on past and current consumer trends.

13. Surprisingly, France and India are two of the biggest consumers of whisky, alongside the US. 

14. The iconic American soda brand Mountain Dew was originally intended to be a chaser for sub-par whisky.

15. Just as the Brits say “cheers”, the Germans shout “prost” and the Spanish yell “salud,” you’ll find the Scots chinking whisky glasses and saying “Slàinte,” which means “good health,” as they share a dram with friends.

16. Contrary to popular belief, nosing isn’t the act of sticking your conk in other people’s business. It’s what you do when you inhale the aromas of a fine whisky before drinking it.

17. A copper dog is a device that was used by distillery workers to smuggle whisky home after a hard day at work. It’s copper pipe with a penny soldered on one end and a cork stopping the other. A wily employee would dip it into the cask to fill it with whisky, and then smuggle it home in his trouser leg.

18. When the TV show Mad Men hit the air, it spurred a significant spike in orders for Old Fashions at bars worldwide. In some areas, the demand for Canadian Club almost doubled.

19. Diageo, one of the world’s largest distillers, released a Game of Thrones collection of Whisky in 2019, in preparation for the final season of the hit TV show. They paired Scottish distilleries with the prominent family houses of the seven kingdoms. Each was matched up carefully, considering house traits alongside distillery history. Cardhu was paired with house Targaryen for its past of strong female ownership. 

20. Ardbeg, a popular Islay distillery, sent vials of their whisky to the International Space Station in 2011 to see how the gravity in space would affect compounds of the whisky over time.

21. The term ‘dram’ widely adopted in the Scottish vernacular, is believed to have evolved from an apothecary’s units of measurement.

22. Keeping with the theme of whisky and medicine, during the prohibition era the only whisky legally imported by the US was scotch whisky, as it was often prescribed to ease many illnesses.

23. And last but not least, Humphrey Bogart’s final words are rumoured to have been “I should never have switched from scotch to martinis.” May we live and learn from Bogart’s mistakes.

Discover whisky for yourself on a tour with Rabbie’s here!

The Viceroy Riviera Maya

Imagine a place where the word ‘stress’ doesn’t exist, a place full of wonder and excitement, yet an unquestionable tranquility that can calm even the most active of minds. A place where the air soothes your body like a protective Mayan spirit guarding you from the hurdles of life. Well, such a place exists, so you need ‘imagine’ no more.

You arrive at the hidden village of Playa Xcalacoco just outside Playa del Carmen Mexico. Miles of beachfront hypnotize your eyes and that pleasant ocean scent of salt and seaweed floods your nostrils. You close your eyes and take a deep breath in as the calming sounds of lapping waves and chirping gulls block out all other chatter. The shoreline disappears into the surrounding enchanting Maya tropical forest just waiting for you to get lost and explore the natural world.

Your heart races at all the exciting possibilities of your stay at the romantic Caribbean hotel Riviera Maya, Viceroy. The luxurious, eco-conscious getaway is inspired by the encompassing environment with intimate and serene features that blend seamlessly into the dramatic and dense tropical foliage. Designed with the guests in mind, Riviera Maya welcomes you with a grand tour of the resort before leading you to your villa. The palapa-roofed villas are decorated with Maya aesthetics utilizing as many natural elements as possible: louvered-mahogany doors and windows, sisal rugs, and canopy beds with hand stitches Egyptian cotton linens. Each villa comes equipped with spacious indoor and outdoor shows so no sand gets dragged in.

When you’re not enjoying a beach day, a trip to Riviera Maya’s sunning spa, or embarking on a jungle expedition, make sure to take in the dining options and nightlife. Wrap your taste buds around the two dining experiences. Le Marea restaurant serves dinner with a backdrop of the Caribbean Sea’s blue expanse. Enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean influences alongside an array of daily specials and chef recommendations. The Coral Grill & Bar looks to serve guests all day with a focus on locally caught and responsibly fished seafood, local organic produce, and homemade wood-fired pizzas.

Your paradise awaits you full of adventure, relaxation, and delicious food.

My recent travels took me to this very hideaway resort deep within the Mayan territory of Playa del Carmen. Not your typical resort with hustle and bustle that is seen all too often in the Playa del Carmen and Cancun region. We’re talking about a cozy haven of luxury that flows through your mind and soul from the moment you enter the lobby to the very moment your head hits the pillow at night.

First and foremost the architectural design of this nirvana is simply incredible. From the candles that line the courtyards at dawn to the uniquely distinguished lighting and roofing thatched from palm leaves, your senses are elated, as indigenous charm becomes undeniable luxury. You are transported to a Mayan paradise, your very own isolated escape with a team that will gracefully look after your every need.

Embodying the true essence of Mexican culture throughout; the food and drink scene embraces local delicacies specific to this region. While the beach is spectacular and the focal point of any luxury beach resort getaway, what captured my attention even more so were the range of activities one can partake in.

From start to finish, every moment is special and each second that goes by is savored. This bespoke experience allows you to experience the Mayan culture in a completely unique way, from the picturesque sandy beach, to the gourmet food and unique drink scene – there is something for everyone.

Should you fancy learning more about the local culinary delights that grace your palate, immerse yourself in a cooking glass – from the simplest delicacies such as Mayan Guacamole to traditional main courses and desserts, the chefs arms are open as they take you under their wing and share their secrets.

If drinking is more your style, discover a new drinking sensation with the resident mixologist, Victor. From staple Mexican tequila cocktails to unknown Mezcal concoctions, this interactive journey through the world of the drink will bring forth a whole new level of drink exploration.

Viceroy is a complete gem, it’s a secluded paradise with so much charm and rustic tranquillity. Get ready to melt your stresses away and enter a world of complete peace and calmness.

Address: Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo Mexico
Telephone: +52 984 877 3000
Website