Looking for a fresh new drink to match this season’s vibes? Check out this selection of spring spirits and wines, perfect for gatherings, gifting and as a talking point for your Easter celebrations.
Italicus
Made from a blend of herbs, botanicals and citrus fruits (including bergamot, chamomile, lavender and gentian) this versatile liqueur is produced using traditional Italian techniques. Its recipe dates back to the 18th century and involves steeping the botanicals in high-quality grain spirit, distilling them to create a clear and aromatic liquid, then blending with a small amount of natural sugar. This creates a bright and fragrant liqueur which can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail.
Mermaid Spiced Rum
Produced by the Isle of Wight Distillery, the name/logo is a nod to the brand’s coastal location, its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Mermaid Spiced Rum is made from a blend of aged Caribbean rum infused with botanicals and spices, including ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and star anise. All of the ingredients are organic and ethically sourced, helping it to win several awards, including a gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Bareksten Vodka
Award-winning Norwegian botanical brand Bareksten has launched its latest liquor as of March 2023. The vodka is distilled using the pure water direct from the Norwegian Fjords and potato. Using all parts of the veg product, the result is a smooth mouthfeel and a purity of taste.
Señorío de La Eralta Gran Reserva 2016, Rioja
This full-bodied wine is made from a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, grown in vineyards located in the La Rioja Alta area. Aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, followed by at least three years of bottle ageing, it has a complex and mature flavour profile, notes of blackberry, cherry, leather, and tobacco, a smooth and velvety texture, a long elegant finish and well-integrated tannins with a good balance of acidity.
Hearts & Crafts Banyuls Cask Single Malt Whisky
Produced by the English Whisky Co. in Norfolk, Hearts & Craft is aged in Banyuls wine casks, sourced from the South of France. The sweet, fortified wine (made from Grenache grapes and aged in oak barrels) imparts a distinct taste, with just the right balance of sweetness and complexity. The whisky itself is made from 100% English malted barley, distilled in traditional copper pot stills and then aged for a minimum of five years in the Banyuls casks imbuing notes of dark fruit, honey, and spice. Non-chill filtered for purity, this limited edition whisky is highly sought after by collectors.
Wire Works Whisky
Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery, known for its gin containing local botanicals, has ventured into the world of whisky. This small batch release is a lightly-peated single malt infused by American and French oak, with some ex-bourbon casks. Each has been specifically chosen to reflect the artisan distillery’s house style. The liquor features only natural colour and is non-chill-filtered.
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2019
Argentina’s famous Mendoza wine-producing region brings us this rich, full-bodied Trivento Golden Reserve. Made from Malbec grapes grown at high altitudes (to ensure they receive optimal sunlight and cooler temperatures) this wine has exceptional depth and complexity. It has a nose of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, oak and spice, with a bold and intense palate of dark fruit, chocolate and espresso, with a smooth tannin structure and a long, lingering finish. Drink it with grilled meats, hearty stews or paired with mature cheeses.
The Regeneration Project
Promoting sustainable practices and supporting our planet’s ecosystems, this innovative whisky has been launched by The Regeneration Project, a global initiative. It’s made with local rye grains grown using regenerative agriculture practices which aim to restore the health of the soil and enhance biodiversity. The full-bodied Islay Rye Whisky is aged in oak barrels for aromas of vanilla, caramel and hints of smoke, with a palate of dark chocolate, spices and a touch of peat.
Nobel Rebel
Fancy something a little bold and daring? Novel Rebel is a new whisky that defies convention and embraces a sense of adventure. Pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky-making, it contains a blend of carefully selected grains and a mix of crisp ripe orchard fruits, with hints of sea salt. It’s a layered and innovative profile that is sure to impress even the most discerning enthusiasts; the whisky represents freedom to experiment and push the limits of what’s possible.
Ross
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