Archive For The “Drinks Reviews” Category
Pre-mixed cocktails for summer fun. It’s summer, well, almost. We are planning al fresco gatherings in the garden, days on the beach and picnics in the park. We may have the food planned but drink can be more problematic. Kopparberg is already quite well known for its cider, but now they offer a small selection…
Suntori Whisky. Japan Centre brings us another treat. It’s the whisky for which Japan had gained a reputation: this is Toki from the celebrated House of Suntori. It is totally Japanese. Toki is a blend of the spirits from three of the most awarded distilleries in the world. They are Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. The…
Organic and Fairtrade. This Organic Red Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellar Organics in The Western Cape in South Africa has a curious name. It’s ‘Running Duck No Added Sulphur Cabernet Sauvignon’ and it’s 2020 vintage. The wines are named after the flocks of Indian Runner ducks, which act as a natural pesticide. The Estate is managed…
A touch of #ScottishMagic is the perfect gift for Father’s Day 2022 Conjure up a touch of #ScottishMagic this Father’s Day (Sunday June 19th ). Holy Grass Vodka from Scotland’s most northerly mainland distillery is as old as the ancient River Thurso and as bewitching as the Northern Lights that light the sky above the Caithness coastline where…
Rosé from Pays d’Oc. The warmer weather threatens to arrive, and our thoughts turn to summer foods and more entertaining than we have done in months… or is it years! Arrogant Frog should be a guest at your table, and he brings Ribet pink Rosé. Even the name raises a smile: Arrogant Frog! The stylish…
A unique wine for summer sipping. Passerina is an ancient grape variety from Le Marche and also Abruzzo in Italy, from where this particular bottle hails. It is said to be named after the sparrows that appreciate the fruit so much. Those little birds decorate the label. Until recently Passerina was used as a blending…
A Spirited Gem. These Diamond Glasses are unique and a perfect gift for Father’s Day or for that special person who enjoys the finer things of life. One buys those special bottles of whisky or brandy, and one looks for an equally classy glass. These might be considered ‘novelty’ glasses but they are actually rather…
Elevate your drinks. It’s about twins and pairings. I was intrigued, as I am a twin myself – although likely old enough to be the grandmother of this delightful duo. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Raissa and Joyce De Haas have founded Double Dutch, a company offering distinctive mixers and cocktail bases in convenient…
Designed by Paul Feig. Artingstall’s Brilliant London Dry Gin is designed by Hollywood director Paul Feig. It’s striking in every regard and well worth seeking out now it’s in the UK. This gin has shelf appeal, even if that display was in the highest-end spirits shop or even a crystal-glass showroom. Granted, this decanter isn’t…
Subscription for your Cuppa Joe. Working closely with remote indigenous communities, the Easy Jose mission is to support them in growing delicious speciality coffee. The company is mindful of the value of the forests and is active in their protection. Easy Jose strives to create a sustainable future for the indigenous communities with which they…
Tesco Finest English Fizz. Looks like it’s finally with us. Better weather – and the expectation of a nice bit of garden entertaining garnished with some long-awaited sun. The picture could be completed by a glass of Tesco Finest Hush Heath Estate English Sparkling wine. Hush Heath Estate is located in the green hills of…
A taste of the Scottish seashore delivered to your door Rock Rose Citrus Coastal Edition Spring Bundle pictured on the Caithness Beach Rock Rose Gin is bringing you a taste of the Scottish seashore, no matter where you are in the UK: a Spring Bundle to make for a coastal-themed cocktail hour. With the focus…
Rosado Rioja 2021 from Tesco. It’s spring and our minds turn to entertaining and, if possible, al fresco lunches with the sun beating down. Well, perhaps the weather might not be predictable, but we can be assured that a good bottle of rosé is always appreciated. Ramon Bilbao Rosado Rioja from Tesco is great value…
The French Chilli Liqueur. Giffard offers a wide range of liqueurs but this particular example is deliciously unique. Piment d’Espelette would be a welcome addition to any comprehensive bar stock. It’s full of character and it packs a flavour punch which allows for some mixology innovation. The Espelette pepper is called Ezpeletako biperra in the…
Earth Day on 22 April is a good time to evaluate whether you could be buying better and reducing packaging waste. One small step which few of us think about is the packaging of our favourite spirits. Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, made by eco-friendly Scottish-based Dunnet Bay Distillers, comes in ‘bottles for…
Tesco partners with Ken Forrester Wines. The weather is getting warmer, and our thoughts turn to entertaining. We look forward to good food with friends, and that will be enhanced by decent wines. The Misfits Cinsault available at Tesco is a good solid red which can be kept for up to 8 years. That makes…
And join the Club. I am a drinks writer. My subjects include wine, Japanese sake, spirits and, yes, beer. I enjoy a beer but I am seldom impressed by it. But People’s Captain Beer offers a point of difference. Their range is unique and with gift-quality presentation too. People’s Captain Beer has a monthly subscription…
Languedoc-Roussillon Muscat de Frontignan. The Languedoc-Roussillon had for many years ‘enjoyed’ a rather dubious reputation in the realms of winemaking. For decades we found Languedoc-Roussillon bottles in our supermarkets that had been filled with, for the most part, cheap plonk. But there were always some good value gems hidden there, too. The vineyards of that…
Launched at Tesco for Spring With warmer weather and sunnier days now on their way, find the perfect bottle for your spring-time gatherings from an exciting range of new wines arriving in Tesco this month. From £4.49 to £46, these wines include refreshing sparkling wines perfect to toast at your picnic in the park, crisp…
A taste of the Tropics Kopparberg has added an alcohol-free version of its Mixed Fruit Tropical flavour cider. The company is rising to the demand for non-alcoholic drinks not only for the past Dry January but for all year round. We all like a glass of good wine or a well-crafted cocktail but we don’t…