The 2024 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships

Are you interested in pursuing the MW (Master of Wine) and MS (Master Sommelier) programmes? If so, make sure you check out the 2024 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships!

The Scholarship will offer 3 students from diverse backgrounds interested in undertaking the MW and MS programmes £50,000 in funds, a £5,000 travel bursary, guidance, mentorship and more.

Who can Apply?

Applicants are encouraged from all diverse backgrounds, including those from economically disadvantaged communities, all ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and individuals affected by conflict.

When is the Deadline?

The Scholarships are open for applications until April 12th, 2024.

Who is on the Judging Panel?

The judging panel includes Ronan Sayburn MS of the Court of Master Sommeliers and Neil Tully MW of the Institute of Masters of Wine, who will join esteemed industry professionals such as Head Judge Angela Scott, Jancis Robinson MW, Rajat Parr, Clement Robert MS, and Nina Basset FIH.

How do I apply?

Complete the Diversity Scholarships Application Form here!

For more detailed information on the Scholarship, including information on more detailed entry criteria, practical experience, masterclasses, internships and more, click here.

We wish anyone applying the best of luck!

10 Irresistible Chocolate Liqueurs For All Spirits Lovers

If no one’s buying you an egg this Easter, then what about a chocolate liqueur? They are the epitome of luxurious indulgence and unquestionably delicious – well, these ten are anyway. Perfect for cocktails, desserts or just with ice, they’re surprisingly versatile too.

Of course, we’ve got sweet treats here, but with whisky, rum, gin, tequila, vodka, absinthe, wine and more involved, this list shows there’s way more to chocolate liqueurs than just their sweetness. Find your favourite spirit and see how the drinks geniuses have blended it with the deliciousness of chocolate below.

The Best Chocolate Cream Liqueurs

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

This is a rich and velvety dream bringing together Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum for big hits of chocolate flavour and incredible smoothness. It’s thick and packed with flavour, most noticeably the creamy chocolate of course, but also more delicate hints of tropical fruits rolled in brown sugar from the rum. This could be drunk neat, with a few ice cubes, drizzled into desserts or of course, chocolatey cocktails – think Espresso Martini.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £37.01

Dooley's White Chocolate Liqueur

If chocolate is top of the tree when it comes to indulgence, then surely white chocolate is the angel on the top. Decadent, delicious, and superb value for money, Dooley’s uses Dutch cream and wild berries to bring a touch of zing to the sweet white chocolate. Premium vodka brings some boozy steel, but its neutrality really allows the chocolatey and fruity goodness to star. Desserts, baking, cocktails – this would be difficult to resist.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £14.54

The Best Dark Chocolate Liqueur

Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur

Smooth and sophisticated, you’ll see the striking shape of Mozart on many a bartender’s shelf. Carefully produced with Austrian chocolate, it combines luxurious vanilla and cocoa, a portion of which has even been aged for added depth. It’s very rich but even with just ice, it’s deliciously balanced. It’s won the prestigious top awards in chocolate categories before and is generally considered one of the top choices.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £14.50

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Whisky Lovers

Riverside Dark Chocolate Whisky Liqueur

The ornate bottle of Riverside sets up some lofty expectations for the liquid inside, and it doesn’t disappoint. Dark chocolate flavours intertwine with rich malty character and this famous combination tastes as delicious as you’d expect. If you’ve always found chocolate liqueurs too sweet before, then the dark chocolate brings some great bitterness here that’s mellowed harmoniously by oaky vanilla and caramel notes.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £23.52

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Rum Lovers

Rumbullion! Chilli & Chocolate

It looks like we have another stunner of a bottle on our hands – what a gift this would make. Strictly speaking, this leans more on the flavoured rum side of things than liqueur (hence the 42.6% ABV), but rum lovers will adore it all the same. Criollo cocoa nibs, chipotle chilli and jalapeño join the original Rumbullion! notes of vanilla, orange, cassia, clove, and cardamom. The end result is an absolute cockle warmer, with indulgent, rich spices. It’s a really interesting, limited release from Ableforth’s that rum lovers should definitely try.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42.6%
Find here: £27.95

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Gin Lovers

Chocao Cacao Gin Liqueur

This is a distilled cacao gin that’s infused with ethically sourced single origin Peruvian Gran Yapatera cacao nibs and husks, before coming to life when bottled in Staffordshire. It’s less creamy and indulgent and more elegant with super smooth mouthfeel and a fruity and floral profile. The familiar earthy juniper notes are there but they battle it out with bitter dark chocolate and smidges of caramel.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: £29.99

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Tequila Lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream Tequila Liqueur

Spotting the potential of earthy agave with rich chocolate, Mis Amigos have produced yummy results. They’re slightly boozier chocolate and tequila liqueur is fantastic too, but now they’ve added extra decadence with chocolate cream. The agave is peppery and grassy which works a treat with the sweet chocolate for a grown-up milkshake vibe.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.67

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Vodka Lovers

Bouvery CV Chocolate Liqueur

This liqueur was decades in the making, combining four times distilled corn vodka with organic cocoa from three South American countries. It’s noticeably viscous in the mouth as those rich dark chocolate notes coat the mouth deliciously. The vodka provides a warming boozy kick, but it’s the chocolate that feels like it’s melting in the mouth that steals the show.

Size: 350ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26.49 (usually more!)

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Absinthe Lovers

La Maison Fontaine Chocolat

The much-misunderstood absinthe is a no brainer to merge with chocolate, and La Maison have made a cracking job of it with this one. It’s inspired by a 1920s recipe for créme de cacao found at the distillery, so the chocolate isn’t as intense as most chocolate liqueurs. It’s quite dry for a liqueur, with the cleansing wormwood and herbal flavours coming through strongly, just coated delicately in milk and dark chocolate. By the time the finish comes around, it’s all absinthe flavour so the journey is completely unique and definitely worth picking up for the inquisitive drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.25

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Wine Lovers

Rubis Chocolate Wine

What a sumptuous infusion this is – Spanish Tempranillo with cacao essence for a super decadent fortified wine. We sort of understand why you might be put off, but trust us, the combination completely works because the balance is spot on. On the wine side, cherries and red fruits are delivered, and all coated with the perfect amount of chocolate flavour.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £13.94 (usually more!)

For all the chocoholics over Easter, try matching them up with some heavenly drinks pairings – you might surprise yourself!

What’s the Secret to the Perfect Daiquiri?

Here is the comprehensive, unparalleled, and indisputably correct guide to the perfect Daiquiri. Or, rather, five perfect Daiquiris - if we do say so ourselves. See, Daiquiris are like people - striving for balance, different in wonderful ways, and uniquely perfect once they’re surrounded by the right support. 

Using five vastly different but incredible rums, these recipes are all perfect riffs on one of the most popular cocktails to ever exist. They are simple enough to make with minimal equipment at home, but delicious enough to bring complexity and fun to your cocktail hour for anyone you’d like to impress - even if you’re trying to impress yourself. Although innumerable variations exist, we believe that there’s a Daiquiri out there for everyone. After all, every palate is unique and everyone enjoys different flavours and balance. So, here are five great starting points on your journey to find a Daiquiri recipe as individually perfect as you.

The Perfect Classic Daiquiri 

Eminente Ambar Claro

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30.95

Tradition dictates that the classic Daiquiri is an exercise in the art of balance and quality ingredients. In all recipes on this list, it is essential to use fresh lime juice for the best balance, quality, and flavour. Avoid store-bought bottles of pasteurised lime juice, as it will lack the bright, tart taste of freshly squeezed limes. But you wouldn’t be reading this if you wanted boring bottled cocktails, would you? 

In classic Daiquiris, the go-to for most bartenders is a light rum - often called white rum or unaged rum, though these are both misnomers but that’s a whole different topic which can be discussed among the most nerdy of spirits enthusiasts another time. For the perfect classic Daiquiri, the best choice for rum is Eminente Ambar Claro. This rum is light enough to delight the traditionalists and packs bold flavours like bottled Cuban sunshine. The rich nuttiness and vanilla notes of this will balance beautifully for the perfect classic 2:1:1 Daiquiri. 

Ingredients
50ml Eminente Ambar Claro
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
25ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Historical Daiquiri

La Progresiva

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £39.99

Tourists visiting Cuba during the early 20th century helped to popularise the drink around the world. The exact origins are somewhat disputed but any cocktail this popular will inevitably be the subject of endless hours of research from bartenders, historians, and anthropologists. Through this research we know there is a long history and tradition of craftsmanship around blending of rums to create the perfect expression of the Cuban island. For the perfect historical Daiquiri, the best rum to use is La Progresiva. Despite being one of the newest expressions to come out of the Cuban market, it’s a beautiful blend of rums with a balance that is entirely and perfectly Cuban. This caramel-forward and buttery rum is arguably a representation of how rum would have tasted back when the Daiquiri was a burgeoning boom.

Ingredients
50 ml La Progresiva
30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
20 ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Dangerous Daiquiri

Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum

Size: 700ml
ABV: 63%
Find here: £29

Originating back in 2005 in a London party bar, this non-stop train to trouble town has become a beloved modern classic among bartenders. Also known as the Nuclear Daiquiri, it combines two of bartenders’ favourite ingredients: high-proof alcohol and a disregard for consequences. Plus, it is absolutely delicious - a magnificent balance of strong, bitter, sweet, and sour. The best rum choice for the perfect dangerous Daiquiri is Wray & Nephew. This Jamaican rum, famous for powerful flavour and intense strength, works in harmony with the other ingredients leaving you to dance dangerously with the devil.

Ingredients
30ml Wray & Nephew Overproof Jamaican Rum
30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
25ml Green Chartreuse
15ml falernum

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Funky Daiquiri

Clement Canne Bleue Agricole Blanc

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £39.75

Funk isn’t for everyone and certainly not for the faint of flavour. Funky rhum comes with nutty, earthy, and/or fermented smell and tastes so unique that it has its own hard-to-define word that’s even harder to spell: haut-gout. The haut-gout flavour is commonly present in rhum from Martinique - called Agricole rhum. Agricole rhum is a spectacular and criminally underappreciated category. While many rums make Daiquiris smooth, sweet or easy-going, Agricole rhum brings a grassy, regional-driven sugarcane power pop. For the perfect funky Daiquiri, the best choice is Clement Canne Bleue Agricole. It tastes like pears and apples have somehow sprung from the ground in the middle of the island’s sugarcane fields.

Ingredients
40ml Clement Canne Bleue Agricole
30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
30ml pure cane sugar syrup

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Modern Daiquiri

Kromanti Rum

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.39

A modern variation on the Daiquiri needs to celebrate the timeless appeal of this iconic cocktail while embracing the innovation and quality of modern rum. It also needs to be really yummy or it’ll never get inducted into the perfect Daiquiri hall of fame. Which is why the best choice for the perfect modern Daiquiri is Kromanti Rum. This family-owned rum is botanically infused with tamarind for a spice and fruit profile unlike anything else on the market. Their commitment to quality is unparalleled and that means the rum come through with incredible taste in cocktails. They are also deeply connected to their communities both in the UK and the island nation of Dominica, which would make it worth supporting the brand even if the rum wasn’t so wildly easy to drink.

Ingredients
50ml Kromanti Tamarind Rum
30ml fresh squeezed lime juice
20ml simple syrup

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

Feel free to try the perfect Daiquiri - or five of them - and alter the recipes to make the perfect Daiquiri for you - cocktails are all about experimentation and personalisation. If you’re still thirsty for more spirits fun, you can find some Stunning Margaritas or dive into some Rogue Whiskies.

By Zach Sapato

Supermarket Wine Bargains: ASDA March 2024

If you love wine and do your weekly shop at ASDA, then you’ll want to take a look here. We’ve searched this month’s offers high and low and come up with the ten best bottles all for £10 or less. They’re worth a lot more, and if you see one that takes your fancy, you’ve got till the 3rd April to go get it.

ASDA Red Wines March 2024

Mateo Nieves Monastrell

Sweet fruits a-plenty with this Spanish red, think juicy plums, rich raisins and a hefty helping of French and American oak bringing lovely vanilla and a touch of smoke. It’s a full-bodied number in a similar mould to Primitivo and perfect for those who go in for jammy reds.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.25 (usually £9.25)

Masso Antico Primitivo

This is Masso Antico’s most loved wine, made from Apulian Primitivo, or Zinfandel to you and us. It brings the warmth of black pepper and spice to be expected from Italian reds in Puglia, and all the history of the Roman Albarello method too. Cool sea air and Mediterranean heat combine with oak ageing for fresh berries, soft tannins, and lingering spice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Matured Shiraz Red Wine

This is a really interesting Shiraz aged in Scotch whisky barrels. You’ll find it across the supermarkets, but with ASDA offering it for £10 it’s a no brainer. It’s aged in traditional oak first, before the Scotch finish creating a combination of richness, elegance, and easy-drinking smoothness. Expect plenty of vanilla oak, blackberry, plum and earthy tobacco.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

ASDA Extra Special Carménère

This Chilean Carménère pours a seductive dark purple and reveals instant and intense black fruits and pepper on the nose. The palate fills out with heaps of plum and rich chocolate that begins sweet before turning tart. The oaky spice returns to finish off – delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8)

Faustino Rioja

What great value this Tempranillo from Bodegas Faustino is. It brings the classic profile of Spanish Rioja, with great structure and bright, concentrated fruits. The first sip reveals how silky and balanced it is, and the touch of earthy complexity is a welcome addition.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.75 (usually £12.50)

ASDA White Wines March 2024

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

This is a vino that goes on quite the adventure before settling into your glass. The Sauvignon Blanc vines are grown in between fierce oceans, historic valleys and majestic mountains, before reaching Villa Maria itself, situated in the crater of a volcano! It’s a classic Marlborough profile so plenty of crisp refreshment, exotic flavours, light gooseberry and no bitterness whatsoever.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10.50)

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

From glorious Garda comes this crystal sip of pure Italian sun. At just 11%, it’s crisp and dry with a soothing quality from the delicate orchard fruits and bright citrus. The floral aroma of honey adds a loveable touch too. How could this not be crowd pleaser?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Diablo Golden Chardonnay

This is a buttery Chard that really stands out from the crowd. From Chile’s Central Valley, it takes a few interesting turns with tropical pineapple and passion fruit, oaky, buttery vanilla and also just a subtle touch of stoney steel. Likeable.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

ASDA Extra Special Rueda

100% Verdejo grapes, this blend has picked up a number of big awards and deservedly so. The star of the show is the mineral salinity that comes through with great freshness, waxy tones, and wafts of smoke. All of that, before floral peachy notes and super crisp apples.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.25 (usually £6.75)

Tukituki Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

This would be easy to identify as a Marlborough Sauvignon in a blind taste test, with green pepper, asparagus, and vivid grass. These shades of green do mellow and quickly give way to tropical flavours of passion fruit, all the while keeping a clean zing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8 (usually £8.50)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

The 5 Best Scotch Whisky Cocktails to Try at Home

When thinking of a Scotch whisky bar, it’s likely that an image of a dark room with mahogany and leather furnishings will pop into the mind, perhaps with a lingering cigar scent. However, in this modern Scotch whisky and cocktail renaissance, the norms are changing to brighter bars less reminiscent of old boys’ clubs and more akin to the modern high-end cocktail bar.

A change in attitude accompanies this change in the atmosphere; there is less nose-turning when mixing a cocktail with Scotch whiskies, and in some cases, even single malts! When prepared correctly, a Scotch whisky cocktail is just downright incredible. Whether your favourite mixed drink is an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour, there is a Scotch Whisky classic out there for you! Here are some of our favourites.

Mizuwari

The Japanese cousin of Scotch and soda simply replaces soda water with still water and is a staple in Asian drinking culture. The single-ingredient replacement in a 2 ingredient drink makes more of a difference than one would think as soda water has acidity and bitterness from carbonation, so the still water results in a softer flavour profile, allowing the drinker to experience even more layers of the single malt of choice, and arguably, it’s even more refreshing! The beauty of this drink lies in its versatility; you can use any Scotch of your choice, blended or single malt and it will be smooth and refreshing. You can even play around with flavoured waters that complement your whisky of choice! e.g. Cardhu 12 and red apple flavoured water.

Ingredients
50ml (1 &2/3oz) Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Still water to top up

Method
Add Scotch whisky to a highball with ice and top with still water. Optionally, garnish with a slice of lemon.

BRIGADOON

The whisky sour gets the daisy treatment with this lesser-known classic. Like many historic cocktails, not much is known about the origin of this drink other than the fact it was the creation of Adam McGurk at the Player in London. The combination of apricot brandy and orgeat is a well-utilised one in many a tiki cocktail and works just as splendidly when swapping the base spirit of rum for whisky. For this drink, we recommend any well-rounded blended scotch so as not to overpower the other flavours running through the drink.

Ingredients
40ml (1 &1/3oz) Blended Scotch
20ml (2/3oz) Apricot Brandy
20ml (2/3oz) Lemon Juice
15ml (1/2oz) Orgeat
3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Method
Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice for 10 seconds. Lastly,
strain into your favourite cocktail glass and enjoy.

WILLIAM WALLACE

This Scotch Manhattan adjacent tipple is one of the newest drinks to take the bartending world by storm. Created by Joe Schofield of Schofield’s Bar fame in Manchester in 2019, it was a simple stroke of genius by taking the classic Rob Roy template and substituting a portion of the Sweet Vermouth for Pedro Ximenez Sherry. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavour profile, alongside a touch of extra body and sweetness. This one-ingredient switch lands the William Wallace a touch sweeter than the Rob Roy it is based on, and a touch drier than their brother, the Bobby Burns.

Top Tip: This is a cocktail that is also very much batchable, you can pre-combine multiple serves of this drink with water added for the dilution that would have been achieved by stirring (10% of total volume is ideal), bottle it up and stick it in the freezer to enjoy later.

Ingredients
50ml (1 &2/3oz) Blended Scotch Whisky
10ml (1/3oz) Sweet Vermouth
10ml (1/3oz) Pedro Ximenez Sherry
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Method
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and then stir over ice.
Next, strain into your favourite cocktail glass before finishing it off with an orange twist garnish.

MORNING GLORY FIZZ

This whisky sour variation is the quintessential hangover cure of pre-prohibition America and is very much a reflection of the lifestyle there at the time. Initially mentioned in O.H. Byron’s Modern Bartender’s Guide (1884), this scotch-based, absinthe-laced sour, is topped with soda and served without ice all in the name of knock-back-ability. While the drink was initially created as a corpse reviver, it also makes a delectable evening tipple once the recipe has been modified to be more suitable to the modern palette, and has been getting more love than it has been used to in recent years as the bartenders of today are increasingly flicking through the history books for inspiration.

Ingredients
50ml (1 &2/3oz) Blended Scotch Whisky
25ml (5/6oz) Lemon Juice
25ml (5/6oz) 1:1 Simple Syrup
20ml (2/3oz) Egg White (Can be subbed in for any vegan foamer)
4 dashes Absinthe
Top with Soda Water

Method
Combine all ingredients except soda water in a shaker with ice for 15 seconds.
Next, add ice into your tin and shake for 10 seconds. Fine strain into a highball glass and top up with soda water. Nom.

SKYE 75

This drink was made known to me during my time working in the cocktail bars of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh; the Skye 75 takes the classic gin number, the French 75 on a holiday to a tiny island off the West coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye. The simple substitute of Single Malt Scotch, Talisker 10 Y.O. for London Dry Gin completely revamps the character of this summer staple. The lightly peated, maritime character of Talisker 10 pairs perfectly with the buttery orchard fruit notes of dry, crisp Champagne, and makes for a perfect cocktail as we approach the warmer months ahead.

Ingredients
35ml (1 and 1/6oz) Talisker 10 Y.O.
25ml (5/6oz) Lemon Juice
25ml (5/6oz) 1:1 Simple Syrup
Top with Champagne

Method
Combine all ingredients except Champagne in a shaker and shake, shake, shake for 10 seconds. Fine strain into your champagne flute, fill it up with fizz and finish off with a pretty lemon twist!

If all this talk of Scotch cocktails has got you drooling for one, then check out some Scotch recommendations here!

By Fowwaz Ansari

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s March 2024

Shoppers of Sainsbury’s listen up. We’ve been pawing through the offers for the best bottles this March, and the offers are superb this month. Check out these ten bottles, split down the middle between juicy reds and elegant whites… and all for £10 or less.

Sainsbury’s Red Wines March 2024

Feuerheerd's Anchor Wine Reserva Douro DOC

In the heart of the Douro region, this delicious Portuguese red is made that bit deeper with a Vintage Port finish for 12 months. There’s so much refined spice and delicately rich black fruits all before the silky finish that lasts for ages. You don’t find many reds that bring bold flavour but also nuanced restraint as well as this for a tenner.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Sainsbury's Valpolicella Ripasso, Taste the Difference

This is one of the best value bottles in any UK supermarket. Corvina makes up most of the four-grape blend where dried grape skins are macerated for extra depth and texture. Rich darker fruits come through alongside bright berries and lively spice but despite all that bold Italian flavour, it doesn’t feel heavy at all. Masterfully made.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12)

Mucho Mas Vino Tinto

This is a juicy, easy-drinking red from one of the world’s largest family-owned wineries, situated not far from Madrid. Sweet dark fruits are brimming at the heart of it, supported by a crack of warm pepper and comforting vanilla. Top-notch midweek glugger at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.50)

Trivento Private Reserve Malbec

Chilean Mendoza Malbec from the Uco Valley at the foothills of the Andes now. Aged for 8 months in oak barrels, the wine darkens with chocolatey notes and spice, most notably black pepper, and nutmeg. Mulled wine comes to mind at times.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Porta 6 Vinho Regional Lisboa

The vineyards above Lisbon are cooled by the Atlantic ocean, so the grapes grown there maintain really fresh acid and aromatics. The blackcurrants and strawberries are light and softened by that acidity, leaving a rustic style wine that goes down a treat. Let it breathe for a while though.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Sainsbury’s White Wines March 2024

Greasy Fingers Big Buttery Chardonnay

We are more than to shout about this from the rooftops whenever it comes on sale because it is divine. There’s no getting away from the ‘big and buttery’ label here that has made a massive impression on us in its short life so far. The butter leaves just enough room for crunchy orchard fruits and a touch of oaky vanilla, so expect more of a Cali Chard profile than Aussie.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc

Yealands produce a few Sauvignon Blancs and this supermarket gem is fantastic. It’s a crisp classic delivering tonnes of naturally high acidity, offset harmoniously with tasty tropical fruits like guava and peach, and all underwritten by lovely herbaceous notes too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10.50)

Sainsbury's Coolwater Bay Marlborough Sauvignon, Taste the Difference

What a great price this is for quality Marlborough Sauvignon. It’s got that beautiful dryness and exotic mango, lime, and papaya that you want. The minerality definitely comes through, as do hints of fresh herbs. It’s crisp and delicate and simply delivers on exactly what you want.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £11.99)

Barone Montalto Grillo Sicilia DOC

100% Grillo grapes from Sicilain winery Barone Montalto have produced an absolute gem here. Citrus (most notably grapefruit) floods the nose and after the first sip, you’ll notice that this is a big, weighty white with tropical fruit sweetness and a flicker of green fruits. Very nice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £8)

Elegant Frog Viognier

Say hello to the Elegant Frog, a Languedoc Viognier from Jean-Claude Mas. Part of the blend is aged in oak barrels to enhance the aromas of floral peach, as well as the richness of dried fruit on the palate. The aftertaste is particularly strong for a Viognier but we love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.75 (usually £9.25)

Other Great Discounts Worth Checking Out:
RED WINE
Wise Wolf Cabernet Sauvignon - Was £12 Now £10
Santodeno Negroamaro - Was £11 Now £9
Barossa Ink Shiraz - Was £11 Now £9
Artesano Organic Malbec Cab Franc - Was £10.50 Now £9
Greasy Fingers Luscious Red - Was £10 Now £8.50
Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia - Was £9.50 Now £8

WHITE WINE
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc - Was £10.75 Now £8.50
19 Crimes Chardonnay - Was £9.50 Now £8
Most Wanted Regions Rueda Sauv Blanc - Was £9.50 Now £8

ROSÉ WINE
Roches de Provence Rosé - Was £10 Now £8.50

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Gin Lovers: How Inclusive Is Your Gin Collection?

Every gin collector today is awash with choices when trying to decide which bottles to add to their collection next. The question is, how to choose? Do you follow gin trends, find brands personal to you or just close your eyes and pick at random?

The key is to find balance. First, who’s drinking? Are you planning a quiet night in with gin and tonic? Or cocktails with friends ahead of a night out? Are there any sweet-toothed gin drinkers coming who don’t like tonic? When picking out gins you’ve got to consider budget, style, versatility and flavour, as well mixers and garnishes for a diverse and balanced collection.

Practicality aside, always make room for romantic picks and select gins you fall in love with - that’s what drinks collections are all about after all! Attractive bottle design, colour, brand values and credentials matter. Perhaps you’re inspired to try gins from a specific country of the British Isles or you’ve heard stories of local botanicals being foraged or spring water bored from source, or maybe a gin’s on your wishlist ‘just because’.

A great way to start building your collection is to establish a balance between classic and contemporary gins, so let’s take a look at a few different options that will bring reliable flavours your guests and you will enjoy.

Three Classic British Gins you need to try

These iconic English gins are known for their traditional recipes, reliable quality and heritage, and will be a versatile addition to every collection.

Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin 

A citrus-rich, multi-award-winning premium gin with an aromatic nose and long, zesty finish. This gin makes a superb classic G&T paired with Mediterranean or Mallorcan Tonic, a sprig of rosemary and lime garnish. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.3%
Find here: £34.21

Beefeater London Dry Gin

One of the world’s most awarded and popular gins on the market. It’s a benchmark, juniper-forward gin. Distilled in London since 1863, it’s traditional, classic, and often the bartender’s choice for iconic cocktails like the Martini and Negroni.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18.25

Plymouth English Gin

Plymouth gin is often recognised as the favourite tipple of gin enthusiasts and bartenders around the globe. The Plymouth Distillery is powered by 100% renewable hydroelectricity and the bottles are created using elements of recycled glass. It has peppery and floral notes with hints of soft fruits and a long spicy finish. Perfect for a silky-textured Martini that starts mellow and ends strong. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.3%
Find here: £20

Three Contemporary British Gins you need to try

From classic to contemporary, with a noticeable switch-up in taste. Although juniper must be present for the liquid to be gin, the predominant flavour emphasis is on other botanicals over juniper here. Brands innovate and experiment with flavour and process a lot more, leading to some very good results, such as the below:

Downpour Scottish Dry Gin

From North Uist Distillery Co, this gin packs a punch with citrus, spice and wild Hebridean heather, drenching you in big bold flavours. The Downpour brand has distinctive bottle designs inspired by rain, and their range of flavoured gins comes in different coloured glass bottles of the same design, including Sloe & Bramble Gin, Pink Grapefruit Gin and Coast and Croft Gin for a G&T drenched in island flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £42.00

Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin

Built from award-winning Sipsmith’s London Dry Gin, but distilled with sun-dried lemon peel and lemon verbena to create a sweet, zesty citrus gin that really does taste of lemon cake. As well as enjoying this in a flute glass topped with prosecco and a lemon twist, why not try it in a lemon gin drizzle cake recipe? Yum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.4%
Find here: £25

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Welsh Gin

A zippy orange-filled gin from North Wales, bottled with pure Snowdonia mountain rock filtered water. It’s well-balanced with layers of sweet and bitter orange on top of a spicy juniper core. A premium offering without the hefty price tag from a distillery that sits at the foot of the famous Aber Falls waterfall. It’s well worth a visit. This gin makes a zingy G&T - pair it with a premium tonic and garnish with a twist of orange.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £24.99

The Best fruity Gin to pair with lemonade/ginger ale

A fruity gin is just the ticket for the more sweet-toothed drinkers out there, especially paired with mixers such as ginger ale instead of tonic.

Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin

Rhubarb and Ginger has become one of the country’s most beloved flavours of gin thanks to this creation from Whitley Neill. Bringing together the hearty spice of ginger with the complex fruitiness of rhubarb, it pairs beautifully with Franklin & Sons Original Ginger Ale and plenty of ice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £29

Floral gins are an amazing addition to your collection and pairing perfectly with mixers such as rose lemonade, they are a great choice for those drinkers who don’t like the bitterness of quinine in tonic.

The Best floral Gin to pair with rose lemonade

Glendalough Wild Rose Irish Gin

From five friends founded Glendalough Distillery with a vision to revive craft distilling in Ireland, this gin won the Country Gold Award in the World Gin Awards in 2021 for the flavoured gins category. Three types of wild rose from the Wicklow mountains are foraged to create this fragrant gin. It pairs really well with lemonade or rose lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £31.62 (usually more!)

Inclusivity in a gin collection is important. Try to balance the needs of both yourself and guests. Your collection of classic and contemporary gins should feel good to open up, you should love every bottle in there and know that all five senses are stimulated. By embracing the richness of gin diversity across the British Isles and beyond we can support the gin distillers, our ecosystem, and stimulate the economy in UK. Long may the success of gin continue!

By Robbie Jerram

The First World Class Cocktail Festival in the UK Is Here

From the 9th March- 30th April, cocktails will be shaken up and down the country for the inaugural World Class Cocktail Festival in Great Britain. 20 towns and cities including Bristol, Birmingham, London and Liverpool each have a designated bar serving a completely bespoke, limited-edition selection of three cocktails.

And these aren’t any cocktails. They are created by the Top 100 Bartenders in the UK as part of Diageo World Class, the most prestigious platform for mixology masters to display their passion and skill. The entries have already been cut down to 100, but this opportunity to compete against one another serving three cocktails will see a lucky 20 take on the Global Finals in Shanghai later in the year.

Gin lovers can look forward to an award-winning small batch Tanqueray No. TEN cocktail, whisky fans can order a concoction starring the Speyside wonder that is The Singleton 12-Year-Old, and there’s no disappointment for the mocktail drinkers either with a refreshing Seedlip creation. What story the competing bartenders choose to tell with the ingredients can only be found out by paying a visit to your nearest participating bar.

For a full list of those and more information on this highly competitive competition and celebration of everything cocktails, go here.

Oh, and for those of you in London, there are free cocktail masterclasses as part of the festival! Head to The Bar at Home in Oxford Circus from the 19th March – 30th April to have your flavour preferences analysed (you may be part of the 25% of the population who are ‘super tasters!), receive a complimentary world class cocktail and get limited-time discounts on bottles, personalisation and gifts – not bad at all.

Shakers at the ready, let the games commence!