7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023

English wine is by no means new. After all, the Romans here were turning vines to wines 2000 years ago, but the buzz around it is. Stand-out English sparkling wine in particular, using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier is now competing on the global stage.

The handy thing is, the vineyards behind these quality bottles also happen to be nestled in some of the most beautiful, green and glorious countryside in England, so tours and tastings are an absolute pleasure. Suspect British weather aside, these vineyards stand up to anything on the continue for a truly memorable visiting experience.

SUSSEX

Roebuck Estates

Born in 2013, Roebuck Wines set out to make sparkling wine that rivals bottles from the rest of the world and with their shelves now burdened with awards left right, and centre, including a Decanter Platinum just months after opening, they have managed it, becoming a champion of fine English wine in the process. Roebuck are lucky enough to have several top-class vineyards around the market town of Petworth. The home vineyard near Tillington looks over the beautiful South Downs and their Roman Villa vineyard sits in a serene valley, but there is also Little Brockhurst, Waterlands and Hazelhurst, all offering different soils and vines but each as beautiful as the next. There are plenty of experiences and events for those following the winery and, in the sunshine, it truly is a bright and beautiful landscape with some of the best fizz around.

Website

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine has established a great reputation for wide-ranging wine varietals as well as tourism, offering memorable experiences of one of the oldest English vineyards. Visitors (and their dogs!) can walk the vines and browse the wines of the vineyard shop, dine at the Eighteen Acre Café, or take part in their renowned tour and tastings, be that the Cheese & Wine version (£30), or the Ultimate Wine & Food experience (£60). The natural beauty of Bolney will become immediately apparent as you explore the vine to wine process through the tasting of award-winning creations and expert tutoring.

Website

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Rathfinny’s enviable location on a south-facing slope in the South Downs is part of the reason they have become such a leading light for Sussex bubbles, and the historic Flint Barns there make for a magical trip. Whether cosied up by the wood burner inside or soaking up the sun below expansive Sussex skies, Rathfinny is a dreamy place to tour around and even better, there’s a gastropub on site and you can also stay at the award-winning bed & breakfast. If for some reason you want to get away from all that, the coast is only three miles away!

Website

CORNWALL

Camel Valley

The Camel Valley made a few headlines by becoming the first UK vineyard to be awarded a Protected Designation Origin (PDO) from the European Union for its Darnibole vineyard. Built up by a husband-and-wife duo in the late 1980s, their son has since taken Camel Valley even further winning award after award for their efforts. Stunning red, white and sparkling can all be enjoyed but their Cornwall Brut is their most famous blend, and a number of different tours and tastings are available from ‘Daily Guided’ experiences in the morning to the Grand Tour in the evening. You’ll finish with a glass of the good stuff on the terrace overlooking the river, what more could you want?

Website

HAMPSHIRE

Hattingley Valley Wines

Rural Hampshire is home to one of the most awarded wineries in the country, producing elegant and sophisticated wines, and in particular flagship sparkling wine, since 2013. Winery Tour and Tastings can be booked from their site, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the work of Head Winemaker Emma Rice, two time winner of UK Winemaker of the Year, as well as the harmonious countryside atmosphere around every blissful corner.

Website

Hambledon

Hambledon in Hampshire is known as the ‘cradle of cricket’, once home to the most powerful club in the country formed in the 1700s, but that’s not all it’s known for. Established in 1952, Hambledon is England’s oldest vineyard. Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones looked out over his open field and took the plunge to get even closer to his love of wine. The vines quickly flourished on the south-facing chalky slopes, and in the 70s Queen Elizabeth II even served it to President Pompidou (despite French customs doubting English wine even existed!). These days visitors can enjoy a tour of the truly historic vineyards, a tasting of the leading sparkling wine and a bite to eat at the fine pop-up restaurant. A true pioneer of English wine, and the most historically rich vineyard in the country.

Website

KENT

Simpsons Estate

Tucked away covertly into the North Downs slopes near Canterbury is the Simpsons Estate, spearheaded by veterans of English wine Charles and Ruth Simpson. From their traditional method sparkling wine using glorious champagne grapes to their sleek dark distinctive packaging, to their more unusual innovations like 100% pinot meunier, Simpsons have certainly made a name for themselves. All-encompassing tastings and tours are offered on most days, but the Friday sunset session is particularly sought after. Truly, Kent’s finest.

Website

Truth be told though, Kent wine has so much to offer and deserves a guide all of its own. Oh wait, we’ve done just that here!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

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

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

TalkTV: Ireland vs Wales

This week on TalkTV with Mike Graham, Helena redeems herself for a poor show of Welsh drinks for St David’s Day while showcasing some of Ireland’s finest for St Patrick’s Day. It’s an Irish-Welsh mash up!

Killowen Pangur Irish Poitin

Poitin is the classic, Irish spirit that has a reputation for being utterly lethal. There certainly was truth in this as it wasn’t until 1997 that Poitin production became legal and regulated. Before that, it was essentially home made moonshine. This premium spirit from Killowen Distillery in the Mournes, County Down, was inspired by the famous white cat in the 9th century poem 'Pangur Bán' and is a 50-50 marriage of two Poitin’s, one from tiny Killowen and one, a much bigger distillery across the way. Try it neat or in cocktails.

Find it for £41.77 at KWM Wine and at the Killowen Distillery

Killowen Gloria Coffee Liqueur

Micro distillery Killowen have aced it with this gorgeous coffee liqueur, made with cask aged Poitín vatted together with rich, natural ground coffee before being left to rest for six months in an ex-bourbon cask. The result is a smooth, complex drinking liqueur. Lovely on its own with ice or as part of a cream liqueur-based cocktail.

Find it for £35.50 from Irish Malts

Killowen Distillery features in Episode one of The Three Drinkers in Ireland, streaming live on Amazon Prime! If you have not watched it yet, let us know what you think! Watch Now!

Ancre Hills Blanc de Noirs

Fine wine from Wales, claxon! This serious sparkler hails from 12 hectares of organic and biodynamic vineyards close to the border town of Monmouth and the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire. 100% Pinot Noir, barrel fermented and aged on the lees for 2-3 years, this classy sparkler is creamy and brioche-scented with tonnes of red fruit notes.

Find it for £39.99 from Grape Britannia

Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur

I never thought I’d say this, but Merlyn gives Baileys a proper run for its money. Wow. So rich and creamy, not confected, a bit of chocolate and spice… it has it ALL! I could bath in this. Wonderful Welsh cream. Buy it.

Find it for £17.35 from The Whiskey Exchange

What is Vermouth and How Do You Drink It?

What is Vermouth?

In a nutshell, vermouth is a fortified wine, beginning life as a flavoured wine that is then boosted with neutral alcohol and often infused with other botanicals.

The history of Vermouth

For many drinkers, vermouth is just another cocktail ingredient used in the Negroni, Manhattan and Martini to name a few, but few know more about it beyond this.

Like a surprising number of alcoholic creations, its origins are medicinal, but you’ll struggle to find a modern-day Doctor who prescribes vermouth! In German, wormwood translates to ‘wermut’ and is one of the most historically significant ingredients, so this is where ‘vermouth’ comes from. Antonio Carpano is credited with the term, creating the first commercial bottles of vermouth as we know it in Milan way back in 1786.

Luigi and Giuseppe Cora were responsible for popularising it in the early 19th century, and soon after came a flourish of famous Italian brands like Gancia, Ballor, Cinzano and Martini, as well as French creations like Noilly Prat. Since then, craft distilling means the world of vermouth distilling has blossomed as has fortified wine more widely.

What are the different types of Vermouth?

Historically speaking, two types of vermouth were considered and the Alps provided a fairly accurate border between them. Red vermouths, or Italian vermouths, came first before the French produced their white and dry blends.

In the modern era, the distinctions are more sophisticated, however:

Dry vermouth may be the most well-known, and is what you’ll find in most cocktails with its intense spices and botanicals. It could be argued that subsets like, ‘Extra Dry’ are their own types of vermouth too.
Sweet vermouth (sometimes called red) is unsurprisingly, noticeably sweet containing way more sugar than the dry.
Blanc vermouth (sometimes called Bianco or white) leans towards the sweeter, floral side and is a kind of middle ground between dry and sweet vermouth.
Rose vermouth is far less common but focuses on florality rather than sweetness.

How do you drink Vermouth?

The truth is vermouth is probably more versatile than you think. You can enjoy it on its own over ice served as an aperitif, or top up with soda for a similar but longer drink. Most vermouth you buy will be between 16%-18%, so a lot of drinkers opt for it as a low-alcohol option compared to gin or vodka.

Though it’s often confused with a spirit, it’s important to remember that vermouth is a wine base. Therefore, it isn’t one to be stored in the liquor cabinet for months on end once opened. You’ll likely have around 2 months to finish it, and it should be stored like a regular wine bottle would be – conveniently, we’ve got a whole guide on that here! It’s fortified so it’s not quite as fickle as an open bottle of wine, but it will oxidise and deteriorate over time.

The most famous way to enjoy vermouth though, is in cocktails, and for good reason too because it really lifts so many of our favourites. So, let’s take a look at some of the best cocktails that show what an essential player vermouth is in mixology.

Which cocktails can you make with Vermouth?

Classic Negroni

Negronis are so popular because they’re a) super easy to pull together and b) taste delicious. The right vermouth binds this together fantastically well, adding great weight and layers of sweet complexity.

Ingredients                          
25ml sweet vermouth (like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
25ml London Dry Gin
25ml Campari
Garnish: orange peel

Method
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with that orange peel.

Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is so simple that a quality dry vermouth is required to let it really shine. We recommend a 50:50 split of vodka and vermouth for the perfect blend of silky smooth texture and herbaceous spicy undertones. The subtlety and elegance of the lip-smacking concoction is why we love it, but a dash of orange bitters can elevate it even more!

Ingredients
25ml dry vermouth (like Noilly Prat Original)
25ml vodka (like Grey Goose)
Dash of orange bitters
Twist of lemon

Method
Shake or stir your vermouth and vodka together with some ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add the orange bitters, a twist of lemon and voila!

Vermouth Spritz

This Venice style spritz works so well for a refreshingly light sipper, and we love using the underappreciated rosé vermouth for more of a red fruits presence, because the Aperol already brings plenty of aromatic taste. The final cocktail is a perfect blend of subtle sweetness, delicate bubbles, floral notes and herbaceous undertones with plenty of oomph.

Ingredients
50ml rosé vermouth (like Regal Rogue Wild Rosé)
15ml Aperol
Prosecco to top up
Garnish with lemon and fresh mint

Method
Add the vermouth and Aperol to your glass with ice, top up with Prosecco and garnish with lemon and mint for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

Which Vermouth should I try?

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue love to show off the wine in their vermouth, and their Wild Rosé pushes Australian Illawarra plums to the front alongside strawberry and rosella. There are gorgeous hints of spice and nods to tropical flavours in this accessible and super versatile vermouth, and it works just as well in the cocktail above as it does with a simple tonic. Stunning.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

If you’re scratching your chin pondering on which vermouth to try, then it only makes sense to opt for the original French vermouth, the benchmark dry white that is Noilly Prat. In the tiny Marseillan village, highly acidic Picpoul grapes are used and the liquid is part aged in casks, and part aged in the elements for slow oxidation. This blend is macerated with their trademark herbs and spices for the pinnacle of dry vermouth. For a Dry Martini, look no further.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: UK £14.99 // US $11.99

Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino

This is our choice for a classic Negroni and to be honest, plenty of other mixes. In and around Piedmont in Northern Italy, the recipe dates back to 1891 and uses Moscato wine, tangy citrus and rhubarb, traditional wormwood and a guarded blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Rich and intense, it is delicious to explore on the rocks or as a welcome twist to classic cocktails.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: UK £19.95 // US $22.99

Vermouth is an absolute must in any mixologist’s cabinet, but we have a number of other drinks guides of liquids that are misunderstood or simply not talked about enough. Take a look at Absinthe, Pisco and Baijiu here!

12 Of The Best Irish Whiskeys

It doesn’t have to be International Irish Whiskey Day to enjoy some gorgeous Celtic blends but if you need an excuse at all, you’ve got one.

Only a few decades ago, Irish Whiskey production was minimal but the number of distilleries has flourished, as has the quality. From exceptional purist blends to innovative new methods, these are 12 whiskeys blessed with Irish magic that you’ll want in your cabinet.

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

We couldn’t start anywhere else, could we? Collaborating with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers, we, The Three Drinkers have produced an Irish Whiskey that showcases the subtle smoky style of Irish whiskey alongside classic fruitiness coming from our love for 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. We absolutely adore it, and whether you’re a whiskey newbie or a seasoned drinker, we really think you will too (if we can be so bold). 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.

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

Kilbeggan

Set on the banks of the river west of Dublin, Kilbeggan closed in the 50s but the town of the same name rallied to get it up and running again, retaining it as one of the oldest distilleries of its kind in Ireland. It’s also named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland who founded a monastery nearby in the 6th century so this place is really steeped in history. The whiskey itself is distilled just twice so it retains that lovely earthy peat and honeyed fruit sweetness. The nutty malt makes for a gorgeously distinct peaty Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 // US $21.99

Bushmills Black Bush

Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery with a remarkable and tumultuous 400-year history seeing them thrive at the famous Paris Expo of 1889 and survive prohibition, the barley taxes and a catastrophic fire. The craftsmanship has been passed down multiple generations which is part of the reason Black Bush picked up the prestigious top award at The Irish Whiskey Masters in 2013 and a host of other massive awards. It’s a classic caramel grain whiskey with a dollop of sherried malt. Think smooth vanilla, lush dark fruits, and a subtly biscuity zesty finish. The orange notes would make for a top-notch Rob Roy.

Size: UK 700ml //US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £26.90 // US $34.99

Jameson Crested

You may half recognise this as Jameson’s Crested Ten. Well, it’s undergone a rebrand because of confusion over the name and availability but it’s the same tribute to the first drops bottled at the Bow Street Distillery. There’s so much going on for the money. Expect delicate undertones of sherried fruit, scorched wood and apricot with peach with a touch of spiced nuts rolled in chocolate. It’s tingly with spice, smooth and creamy and the fruity sherry is never far away. Outstandingly smooth and complex for the price. A simple whiskey highball is best to give the liquid room to breathe.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.99

Slane Irish Whiskey

Slane Castle outside Dublin is known for two main things; iconic gigs with the likes of Queen, Bowie, U2, Bob Dylan and Madonna rocking up and Slane Irish Whiskey. Three different casks (virgin oak, Oloroso and seasoned casks that are ex Tennessee whiskey and bourbon) create a remarkably full taste. The mellow butterscotch and vanilla is so inviting and there’s a rich caramelly baking spice on the finish to win you round if you weren’t already. Try replacing the vodka in an Espresso Martini with this for a richer, deeper coffee cake profile.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 (usually more!) // US $32.99

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

A true Irish Whiskey celebrating the Proclamation and Ireland’s independence... even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 7 signatures on the 1916 document. A glass of history. There’s a touch of fruity caramel and crème brulée from the bourbon maturation and sherry finish.  An utterly delicious and characterful glass of history that would serve well as a sweeter Whiskey Sour.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find here: UK £27.49

Tyconnell Irish Whiskey

Tyconnell became one of the bestselling whiskeys in the US but prohibition hit them hard and they fell away. In the 21st century, they’ve enjoyed a Lazarus-esque revival and stylish redesign. Every drop of this single malt is super satisfying, with gorgeous, rounded cereal notes, soft vanilla fudge and honey on toast. It’s light with these indulgent flavours though, and not as sweet as it sounds. The mouthfeel in particular is exceptionally moreish. Try Tyconnell for a silky smooth Old Fashioned.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £31.95

The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

We love Donegal’s ligther Silkie Irish Whiskey and the legend of silkies – seals that shapeshifted into beings of irresistible attraction on land. Now, they’re stunning us with their smoky side too. Harking back to 19th-century whiskey of the county, it’s triple-distilled peated single malt that sits in sherry casks, before blending with bourbon-matured single malt and virgin oak-matured grain whiskey – what a mouthful. And what a literal mouthful The Legendary Dark Silkie is too. Gorgeous fruits, confidently smoky with perfect peat. It’s a precision balance of savoury earthy notes and creamy fruit notes. Give it a go in a smoky Ginger Irish Mule for something very interesting indeed.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £31.95

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project

Diving into the relatively unknown, Kinahan’s The Kask project is exploring hybrid casks, with each constructed from 5 different kinds of wood – Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak and chestnut. That’s 5 kinds of wood in 1 barrel. From the first whiff you know there’s so much to explore. Behind that beguiling dark amber are teases of Cognac and Bourbon on the nose. The varied blend is super smooth and delicately sweet, with charred tropical fruits and caramelly chocolate, nuts and winter spices. Everything sits perfectly in this innovative blend so bravo to the experimental Kinahan! It’s sublime in an Old Fashioned providing delicious layers of flavour.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey

This is an elegant combination of pure pot still and malt whiskeys from an unnamed Cork distillery that’s been plated in Gold awards over the years. Wonderfully light, the sweetness from bold honeyed fruits sits at the fore for a super easy-to-drink whiskey. It’s accessible to newbies with no harshness, but with the depth and quality to be sipped by whiskey lovers too. The honey would offset the lemon of a Whiskey Sour gorgeously if you like it a little less sweet than this sits neat.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.94 // US $42.99

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Redbreast are well and truly loved and lauded by Irish Whiskey lovers and rightly so. This delightful single pot is adored by critics, picking up pretty much every top gong you can imagine. In Midleton, malted and unmalted barley are distilled and then matured in the classic combination of American oak ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. The results are a really well-rounded body that lasts in the mouth. The smooth nutty taste has some perfect spice that gives way to a creamier marzipan and dried fruit aftertaste. This is absolutely one to savour so serve in a Highball with not too much ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £46.99 // US $64.99

Bushmills 16 YEar Old

We’ve another bottling from Bushmills here and what a bottle to end our list on! Aged in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks before being finished in Port pipes this is a stunning dram with so much flavour to explore. There’s a perfectly balanced mix of spices from the bourbon seasoned casks and distinct notes of juicy red fruits, honey and peaches. Normally we’d try anything in a cocktail, but the only thing we’ll be mixing this dram with is an ice cube! NOM!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £82.49 // US $145.99

If you’re in the mood to go further afield then check out our Worldwide Whiskies That Stand Out for Under £40.

From Cocktails to Food: 4 Deliciously Different Ways to Enjoy Guinness

With St. Patrick’s’ Day coming up, the sight of ebony nectar-filling glasses will be everywhere we look, but can the same now be said for that on any other day? Towards the end of 2022, Guinness officially became the most popular pint in Britain, overtaking Carling. One in every nine pints in fact!

If you’ve long been loving the black stuff, then we’ve got some fantastic cocktails and recipes for you that place it centre stage. And if you’ve never been drawn to a pint, then perhaps these will hit the spot for you instead? They’re recommended by Guinness themselves and they should know best after all!

GUINNESS COCKTAILS

The Wilde Oscar

In honour of the poet and playwright extraordinaire, the inclusion of Guinness here makes for a darker, creamier twist on an Old Fashioned. A super smooth and creamy mix, the oak of the bourbon and coffee chocolate Guinness notes pair delightfully with a splash of syrup lifting the hoppy bitterness. This is a hearty cocktail with layers and layers of notes in every sip so take your time!

Ingredients
45ml Bourbon (like Bulleit)
30ml Guinness
15ml syrup
Dash of bitters (botanical)
Orange peel and maraschino cherry (garnish)

Method
Stir everything except the garnish together in an ice filled mixing glass and strain over a large ice cube before adding the inviting garnish.

Black Velvet

This cocktail has one of the best backstories around. In 1861, Queen Victoria and the country mourned the death of her husband Prince Albert. So mournful was the mood, that a London steward felt that even the drinks should be black and if you need a black drink, there’s only one place to go. They’re a curious coupling, with the hoppy silk of the Guinness and the effervescent lightness of the bubbly being a surprisingly moreish combo.

Ingredients
90ml Champagne (Crémant works fine too)
90ml Guinness

Method
Unbelievably simple aside from one small bit of bartending magic. First, fill your flute with Champagne and then top up with Guinness by pouring it over the back of a spoon to layer the cocktail nicely. Enjoy!

GUINNESS RECIPES

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

Ireland claims Shepherd’s Pie as its own, dating back to the 1700s, and by including its most famous drink, this really is the ultimate St. Patrick’s dish. The depth of flavour provided by the Guinness is surprising in just how much of a difference it makes, and the hearty combination of creamy mash, rich meat and malty beer works wonders. The recipe below is seriously amazing. 

Ingredients (for 10)
1lb ground lamb
2 onions, diced small
1 medium carrot, diced small
5 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 cup chicken stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
125ml Guinness
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup peas
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the potato mash: 1lb Yukon Gold potatoes, 120ml cream, 100g butter, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Method
Everyone has their own way of making Shepherd’s Pie so truth be told, simply including the Guinness when you add the stock is all you need to do. However, this recipe is amazing if you want to try it.

On medium heat, add the garlic, onions and carrots to your oil and cook gently for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the tomato puree and cook for another 10 minutes, before adding the lamb and turning up the heat to brown it off. Then simply add everything else in (not the potatoes obviously!), including that all-important gorgeous Guinness, and simmer until the mixture is reduced.

For the potatoes, boil equally sized quarters until tender. Meanwhile, sauté the garlic with butter and add cream – then once the potatoes are drained and the steam is released, mash them and fold them into your mixture.

Spread the lamb evenly in a baking dish and top with potatoes making sure there are no gaps. Bake for around 25 minutes in a oven preheated to 200 °C and once the potatoes have browned to your taste on top, garnish with parsley and voilá, it’s ready to serve. 

Guinness Raspberry Chocolate Torte

You might expect a Guinness in a stew or pie situation, but perhaps not in a Raspberry Chocolate Torte? Now, Guinness recommends their Foreign Extra Stout to drink on the side of this, but we’re going to be ambitious and include it. It’s by no means the dominant flavour, but it gives a special kind of depth and slight tang that plays off the raspberry gorgeously.

Ingredients (for 16)

455g bittersweet chocolate (61% dark)
455g butter
455g Sugar
10 egg whites
200ml Guinness (original or Foreign Extra Stout)
4 heaped tbsp plain flour
Butter Cream: 340g butter, 120g unsweetened cocoa powder, 575g confectioners’ sugar, 160g seedless raspberry jam, 2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
Melt the chocolate and butter and whisk in the sugar until it’s completely mixed. Wait for it to cool down to room temp, meanwhile whisk egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mix, whisk the Guinness into the combined mix slowly and finally add your flour little by little. The mixture should be fairly runny, so make sure to slowly add the flour.

Grease two tins and pour the batter evenly, baking for around 25 minutes at 160°C (a skewer should come out with a few crumbs attached, so ever so slightly undercooked).

Whilst waiting, whisk the butter, cocoa powder and sugar to make the buttercream. Then add the raspberry jam and vanilla, mixing at a higher speed for a good minute. You may need to add a little milk here to help reach your desired consistency of buttercream.

Chill overnight and add the cream to the top of each cake, layering them upon one another! decorate with raspberries and you’re ready to dive in.

If you’re after Irish Whiskey for the big day instead, how about our very own blend?! That’s right, with The Three Drinkers have launched their own wine-finished Irish Whiskey with the amazing Sliabh Liag Distillers – find out more here!

Is it Paris? Is it New Orleans? No, it’s Louie London

The more you delve into Louie London, the more the expectation dials are ramped up, and frankly, the more it lives up to them.

Sitting among the Mousetrap and The Ivy among others, the Covent Garden site is a joint venture between Guillaume Glipa and Laurent de Gourcuff’s famed French restaurant group Paris Society. Sprawling foliage contrasts art-deco furnishings and glitter in a way that, if done badly, could result in travesty (if that’s not too strong a word). Instead, it’s pure alchemy.

The plan from the start was to evoke this varied global feel. More specifically, a culinary and décor blend of Paris, London, and New Orleans. As Louie puts it themselves, ‘American heart, a French palate, and a New Orleans soul’. Working from the beautiful base that is an already impressive Georgian town house, every floor is distinct and carefully curated. Topping the building is the magical Alligator Bar, an open lounge and 80-seat bar hosting live jazz piano and DJ sets that have become extremely sought after events, with guests spilling out onto the terrace gazing over the flickering lights of London. Trademark New Orleans cocktails, your Sazerac for example, are served here. Madame Laveau, Rockefeller Martini and Alligator Boogaloo are among the other eclectic options, with a sommelier on hand if you’d rather head wine-wards.

This gastronomic gem serves up incredible Atlantic-straddling dishes with primarily French fayre and Louisiana twists such as crab cake platters with squid ink tarma sauce, fresh oysters, French curried monkfish with port wine jus, and the signature pecan tart, reimagined with spice, white chocolate ganache and caramel. Guests can graze on little plates or indulge in the mains section and grill, being seated across the sophisticated ground and first floors.

It will come as no surprise that a night at Louie London is at lavish expense, but if you leave as chuffed as the portly alligator on the logo, and you will, then you’ll have no regrets.

Words by Aidy Smith

The Aubrey and The Yellow Book: Volume I

On the surface, The Aubrey London is the hotel bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. However, if you are to explore it, the history and culture baked into it and the launch of its brand-new cocktail book, ‘The Yellow Book’, it is a truly fascinating and charming world where art and cocktails intertwine.

Let’s time travel back to the tail end of the 19th century briefly, because The Yellow Book was a hugely influential illustrated magazine circulating in Britain through the 1890s, devoted to decadence, eroticism and occasionally macabre black ink drawings. Taking inspiration from Japanese techniques, the man behind it was Aubrey Beardsley who established a name for himself illustrating the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde and Henry James.

Aubrey wanted a progressive journal of the arts. One that was completely open to avant-garde ideas. From the off, his aim was subversion of the norm which obviously caught the eye of certain critics, not least the Times which described the cover’s, ‘repulsiveness and insolence’. Illicit French novels of the time often used the bright yellow cover so Aubrey took that and filled the content with the extraordinary and titillating. The publishers were far from happy to be associated with this and Aubrey was dismissed, but the influence of The Yellow Book was already set in stone.

Named after the progressive illustrator, The Aubrey is a cosy but elaborate restaurant also offering an eccentric Japanese izakaya experience. Food-wise, the menu draws on edomae sushi, tempura and robata and as darkness falls, drinks take centre stage with a focus on Sake and emerging breweries with unusual releases.

The labyrinth continues with areas like The Library, The Curio, The Salon, Omakase cocktail bar and a private Dining Room. Vintage Japanese art is everywhere, as are subtle hints at the literary associations of Aubrey.

The Yellow Book, reimagined as a cocktail book but with the same beautiful illustrative style, brings together this past and present through three chapters representing influences on Aubrey Beardsley’s work.

Chapter One’s Art Nouveau explores his work blurring gender lines, societal contradictions and unspoken vices, for example. Various Japanese painting styles, stories, and imagery feature as well as references to work he illustrated through cocktails like Salome (sake, rice shochu, etsu ocean water, tomato liqueur, umami) and The Black Cat (teeda rum, umeshu, Port Charlotte whisky, Okinawa sugar).

Further exploration of Aubrey’s life and work, Japonisme art, literary homage and izakaya culture will be explored with release of The Yellow Book: Volume II on the horizon.

Words by Aidy Smith