Ardbeg - The Harpy’s Tale: A Story of Smoke and Sweetness

Ardbeg has never been one for the faint-hearted, and the ambition shown with this unusual hybrid encapsulates that; The Harpy’s Tale (46%), a Single Malt Scotch aged for 13 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sweet Sauternes casks.

Amongst tough competition, Ardbeg is considered by many whisky connoisseurs to be one of the most peaty, smoky, and complex drams on the island of Islay – a place known for exactly that. Where Ardbeg often stand out however, is with what they dub, ‘the peaty paradox’, something deliciously demonstrated with this release, because alongside all that peaty smoke, Ardbeg are known for nuanced sweetness. With The Harpy’s Tale, this comes from the sweet Sauternes ageing which brings a mouthwatering woody sweetness that works like a dream.

The aroma rising from the beautiful amber huge is noticeably oily, with hints of olive oil, coriander, and sage, before a waft of smoked lemon that appears only for a moment.

True to the nose, the oily softness of the liquid is a delight and carries you straight into that woody, treacle sweetness before the smokier notes begin to win the battle. Think aniseed, smoked apricots, and eucalyptus, as the tussle takes shape and spills over into the lingering aftertaste where it’s joined by a touch of fragrant spice. For a single sip, it’s quite the journey.

Paying homage to this experiment is the charming packaging, based around the Harpy, a half-human half-bird winged hybrid from ancient mythology – it’s the complete package.

Harpy’s Tale is the first in Ardbeg’s new Anthology Collection, with more experimental single malts to come. More specifically, they will feature cask types never used before at the distillery… and if the success with Sauternes can be replicated, then we can’t wait to see what’s next.

You can find this innovative Islay blend on Ardbeg’s website for the RRP of £141.

Have You Heard of Guinnessy?

You can probably guess from the portmanteau what two drinks you combine to make one. Yep, Guinness and Hennessy.

The new serve caught traction on American TikTok before crossing the Atlantic, as lovers of both liquids fiercely protected the purity of their drinks, but some were ready to embrace the heresy. 

As you can see from our Guinness Recipe guide, it’s probably more versatile than you think and after The Three Drinkers in Cognac, we’re all up for trying cognac with everything, but how the two work together in reality?

Well, from the original TikTok it’s hard to say as it’s ‘shotgunned’ – a shotting technique in which the drink makes a whole in the bottom of the can, and in this case, pours the Hennessy in the top. He did seem to enjoy it though!

There are lovely stouts out there aged in cognac barres, and both cognac and Guinness are used in a tonne of different cocktails recipes, but we think that, on this occasion, all that malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness mixing with the fruity richness will only serve to ruin both drinks to be honest.

Still, we’re always up for mixology experimentation so you never know. Everything is down to personal taste so try it yourself! (‘shotgunning’ optional).

The Spiced Rum Hot Toddy

If you ask for a Hot Toddy, then you’ll usually get a whisky, but rum is the perfect alternative, especially spiced rum with those warming spices and rich sweetness made the most of. Enjoy the complex, spicy and caramel notes of spiced rum with the floral viscosity of honey and the vibrant tang of fresh lemon, all stirred up with the woody spice of a cinnamon stick – a true hug in a cocktail.

Ingredients
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
35ml / 1oz spiced rum
100ml / 3oz hot water
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
1.      Whilst the kettle is boiling, measure out your preferred spiced rum and pour into a mug or handled glass.
2.      Pour in the honey too, making sure every delicious drop is in there.
3.      Add the lemon juice. Remember, a room temperature lemon rolled over the worktop makes juicing it much easier.
4.      Top up with your hot water and before getting out the spoon, grab the cinnamon stick and swirl your mix whilst infusing that gorgeous unmistakable oaky spice. Add a lemon wedge for that extra touch and you’re good to go.

You can experiment with adding star anise or using different kinds of rums too, but we think this recipe is pretty perfect if we do say so.

We love trying out different Hot Toddy recipes and you can see some of our others here, including the Toffee Apple Hot Toddy and the Hot Gin Toddy.

The Outlander Stars And All Their Boozy Ventures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 Wines for an Indian Summer!

The sun is back out and we’re in for some glorious, warm evenings. Here are seven of my favourite summer sippers from this year to elongate that holiday feeling!

Mar de Frades Albariño Atlantico

Razor sharp, dry and saline, this is citrusy white hails from Rias Baixas in Galicia, northwestern Spain. It tastes as fresh as squeezing lemon juice on your fish and chips and is delicious with all seafood but great on its own too.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £17

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Misco Tenuta di Tavignano 2021

Once a staple in our fridges, the Verdicchio grape fell out of favour here in the UK when the bold Aussie Chardonnays stole the limelight in the nineties. Now as our palates have matured, the lean, cool yeastiness of this Italian white from Le Marche appeals once again . This Misco is a serious version with compex notes of apple, green almond and subtle apricot.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13.98%
Find here: £25

Pasqua “Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t”

This multi-vintage white is a juicy blend of Garganega, Pinot Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc from 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 and Pasqua’s finest vineyards in Verona, Italy. Lots of aromatics, texture and flavours of greengage, peach and candied peel.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32

Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko

Of all the Assyrtiko wines I have tasted this summer, this is my favourite. A fabulous combo of zesty lemon, quince and peach with a slick of saline making it ridiculously glugworthy. A really special wine that sets the benchmark for balance.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £40

Hidden Sea Chardonnay

Fans of easy-going, Aussie Chardonnay will love Hidden Sea, not just for its generous, melon and honeysuckle-scented juice, nor for its super stylish bottle but each product purchased helps remove plastic from the oceans! What an excellent reason to stock up. A great, affordable, all rounder wine.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10

Hampton Water Rosé

This elegant but ripe Grenache-based blend hails from the Languedoc and is the brainchild of Jon Bon Jovi and his son Jesse with wine skills by vinous Languedoc legend, Gerard Bertrand. Think wild strawberry and creamy, raspberry compote. A real easy drinker but smart with it.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13%
Find here: £19

Babylonstoren Rosé

This lively, pale, South African pink cuts a stunning figure in its smart, screen printed bottle. Fans of Bandol in Provence will like this more savoury, fuller-bodied rosé made with the meaty Mourvèdre grape. It’s a BBQ in a bottle with its aromatic nose, ripe strawberries and cream notes and crisp acidity. Lush!

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £16

If you’re looking for more end-of-summer sips, then take a look at these wines from Santorini, and for recipes to pair perfectly with Albariño, check out this article.

Aunt Bessie's New Roast Dinner and Dessert Beers are Here!

Calling all quirky beer lovers! Aunt Bessie's is back with a delightful surprise that will tickle your taste buds and transport you down memory lane!

You may remember that back in 2020, they joined forces with Northern Monk to craft “the UK’s first two-course meal made in beer form,” and now they're at it again, this time with an extra couple of tantalizing puddings in mind.

Picture this: a Roast Dinner Brown Ale, a Jam Roly Poly & Custard Pale Ale, a Sticky Toffee Pudding & Custard Porter, and an Apple Crumble & Custard Pale Ale. Yes, you read that right – they've brewed beers inspired by some of the nation's most cherished comfort foods!

The Roast Dinner Brown Ale is brewed with actual Aunt Bessie's Roast Potatoes and Yorkshire Puddings and the Jam Roly Poly & Custard Pale Ale is infused with plum, apricot, and strawberry, which are the same ingredients found in the original Aunt Bessie's pudding recipe.

This isn't the first time we've seen such unique brews though. Remember when Seabrook crisps teamed up with Northern Monk to create Prawn Cocktail and Cheese & Onion flavored beers? Or when Byron’s Burger released its pickle beer?! It seems like the world of beer and food is always full of surprises!

If you're itching to try Aunt Bessie's latest four-pack of brews (4 x 330ml for just £5.50), you can either click right here or head to your nearest Morrisons.

The Fig Martini

With its mesmerising amber colour and a hint of warmth in every sip, the Fig Martini is the perfect cocktail to enjoy as we head into autumn. Combining the smoothness of vodka with the rich, sweet allure of fig-infused simple syrup, and a zesty splash of lemon juice, this is a cocktail of delightful contrasts that's as elegant as it is fun.

Ingredients

60ml / 2oz vodka
30ml / 1oz fig-infused simple syrup (recipe below)
15ml / 0.5oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
fresh fig (for garnish, optional)

Method

1. Start by making the fig-infused simple syrup. Combine 240g/1 cup of water, 240g/1 cup of granulated sugar, and 4-5 fresh figs (quartered) into a pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavour of the figs infuses into the syrup. Once the syrup has cooled, strain out the fig pieces.

2. Add the vodka, fig-infused simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a handful of ice into a mixing glass.

3. Stir until chilled and combined (roughly 30 secs), and then strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with a slice of fresh fig to add an extra touch of sophistication.

It is really that easy! So, when life gives you figs, don't just make jam – shake up a Fig Martini and let the good times roll.

If you would like to see the other cocktails featured on our website then read more here, and if you’d like to know where the UK’s award winning cocktail bars are based, look no further than here!

The Country That Went From Producing The Most Wine to Almost Nothing

It’s hard to imagine it now given the 21st century landscape of wine production, but in the 1960s it wasn’t Italy, Spain or France producing the most wine on the planet. It wasn’t even other modern day wine nations like Argentina or Portugal.

It was Algeria, and by a wide margin too. In 1960, Algeria exported twice as much wine as France, Italy and Spain combined! Nowadays, the Algerians produce barely anything which is why it’s so surprising that they once topped the global charts. So, what happened?

Well, producing very little wine is actually a return to the norm in Algeria. For most of the 19th century, hardly a bottle was produced. In 1830, the French invaded and re-organised Algeria and within a few decades, settlers arrived and of course, being French, vineyards were planted. The Atlas Mountains provided an ideal micro-climate for developing a French-Algerian wine industry.

Whilst grapes here flourished, the opposite was happening on the continent. The phylloxera epidemic in the 1870s devastated Europe’s vineyards, and the demand for Algerian vines grew. By 1930, Algeria was already producing 7% of all wine. Now, you might be wondering how that works given that Algeria is predominantly Muslim, and the answer is that they exported most of it. In fact, 40% of wine exports were from Algeria before the First World War, and just before the Second World War, this had risen to a staggering 67%!

Other countries, like France, produced a lot but they also kept most of it. As a result, Algeria had become an unexpected global powerhouse of wine. This looked set to continue, as Algeria signed up to trade agreements and communities in the 1950s. Then, a push for independence was made in Algeria and after years fighting, Algeria was granted independence, but how did this affect wine production?

Well, initially, not so much. New President Ahmed Ben Bella maintained the status quo, but with French settlers leaving, they were now entirely reliant on exporting to foreign countries. Stability was short-lived however, with a coup d’état in 1965 and years of dictatorship, religious extremism and civil war to follow.

As a result, European trading communities stopped treating Algeria in the same way, withdrawing their benefits, and making the whole process far less appealing for all parties. For instance, Algeria now had to buy bottles from Europe for them to be legally sold in Europe. French-owned vineyards were now run by Algerian Muslims or the state, and many were converted to produce different goods.

Desperately seeking new markets, Algeria agreed a wine trade agreement with the Soviet Union but prices were unprofitably set and this fell apart. By the time the 20th century came to an end, Algeria produced and exported next to nothing.

In 2021, the Algerian government launched an action plan to help several industries but there was nothing for wine. With a similar climate to Spain, Algeria could one day produce large quantities of wine again but for now, it just looks set to remain an interesting story of the rise and fall of the largest wine empire ever.