‘Tis the season to indulge! Explore our top picks for premium spirits to make your holiday gatherings truly special. Happy Christmas to all our readers.
Camus Broderies Special Dry Cognac 40% ABV
The Camus Borderies Special Dry Cognac is a standout expression, crafted exclusively from eaux-de-vie sourced from the Borderies, the smallest and most prestigious cru in Cognac. It is delightful when enjoyed neat, or in cocktails, with a “dry” style emphasising its fresh, floral, and aromatic qualities.
Here’s a breakdown of its tasting profile:
Appearance
In the glass, the cognac gleams with a light amber hue, highlighted by golden reflections. Its clarity and brightness suggest a well-crafted, minimally sweetened spirit.
Nose
The nose opens with elegant floral aromas, led by violet, a hallmark of Borderies terroir. Subtle notes of fresh orchard fruits like pear and green apple complement the bouquet, along with a whisper of dried herbs and a trace of soft, buttery oak. There’s a refreshing crispness that hints at its drier style.
Palate
On the palate, this cognac is exceptionally balanced and vivid. The dryness is immediately noticeable, yet it doesn’t sacrifice complexity or depth. Bright Flavors of grapefruit zest, white peach, and green almonds dominate the mid-palate, with underlying hints of spice—notably cinnamon and white pepper. A light nuttiness and a touch of honeyed oak provide structure without overshadowing the freshness.
Finish
The finish is clean and refreshing, lingering with a delicate interplay of citrus zest, violet petals, and a faint touch of minerality. It leaves the palate invigorated and ready for another sip.
Overall Impression
Camus Borderies Special Dry Cognac is a masterclass in delivering a crisp, aromatic, and terroir-driven expression. Its focus on purity and the natural qualities of the Borderies eaux-de-vie make it a versatile spirit, equally enjoyable neat for its refined floral complexity or in cocktails where its dryness adds a refreshing edge. This is a must-try for cognac enthusiasts seeking a modern interpretation of a classic style.
£86.74
Swanky’s Whip Irish liqueur 33% ABV
Swanky’s Whip Irish Liqueur brings a playful and indulgent twist to the traditional Irish cream category. With its velvety texture and decadent flavour profile, this liqueur is designed to be an approachable, fun, and versatile treat, perfect for sipping straight, over ice, or as a cocktail ingredient. This is a Christmas warmer for sure.
Here’s what you can expect:
Appearance
Swanky’s Whip pours with a rich and creamy texture, displaying a deep caramel colour with a silky sheen. It coats the glass invitingly, hinting at its luscious consistency.
Nose
The aroma is immediately comforting and sweet, dominated by vanilla whipped cream and toffee. Layers of milk chocolate, a hint of coffee, and subtle notes of butterscotch emerge, evoking a dessert-like charm. There’s also a light boozy warmth that balances the sweetness.
Palate
The first sip is smooth and velvety, with an indulgent sweetness that’s not overly cloying. Flavours of vanilla custard, caramel fudge, and milk chocolate take centre stage, supported by a soft undertone of Irish whiskey, which adds warmth and depth. The balance of creaminess and spirit keeps it light enough for easy sipping.
Finish
The finish is gentle and creamy, with lingering notes of vanilla bean, buttercream frosting, and a faint hint of toasted oak from the whiskey. It leaves a sweet, satisfying impression without being heavy.
Overall Impression
Swanky’s Whip Irish Liqueur is an approachable, crowd-pleasing liqueur that’s as fun as it is delicious. Its rich, dessert-like flavours make it perfect for indulgent moments—whether you enjoy it neat, in coffee, or as the base for creative cocktails. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to elevate their sweet, creamy beverage experience.
£22
Cotswold’s Gin 40% ABV
The Cotswolds Dry Gin is a beautifully crafted expression from the Cotswolds Distillery, known for its focus on local botanicals and artisanal quality. Made with a blend of traditional and unique botanicals, including fresh lavender from the Cotswolds and pink grapefruit, this gin delivers a bold yet balanced flavour profile.
Appearance
Uncut, the gin is clear and bright. When mixed with tonic or water, it develops a distinct cloudiness due to the high volume of essential oils—a testament to its botanical richness and quality.
Nose
The nose is vibrant and aromatic, with pronounced juniper upfront, balanced by bright, zesty notes of pink grapefruit peel and lime zest. Soft floral undertones from Cotswolds lavender add an elegant dimension, alongside subtle hints of coriander seed and earthy angelica root.
Palate
On the palate, Cotswolds Gin is full-bodied and complex. The juniper remains at the forefront, supported by lively bursts of citrus oils and a peppery warmth from black pepper and cardamom. Mid-palate, there’s a creamy, slightly sweet note, likely from the orris root and angelica, which harmonize with the bright, floral lavender. The texture is smooth yet bold, with a well-rounded botanical depth.
Finish
The finish is long and crisp, with lingering hints of piney juniper, a touch of spice, and a pleasant dryness. The citrus and lavender persist delicately, leaving a refreshing and balanced aftertaste.
Overall Impression
Cotswolds Dry Gin is a standout, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Its bold flavours and rich texture make it versatile—equally suited for a classic G&T, a refreshing Tom Collins, or sipping neat to savour its complexity. For gin enthusiasts seeking something crafted with passion and terroir, this is an essential addition to the bar.
£30
Torabhag Legacy Series Chapter No.3 46% ABV
The Torabhaig Legacy Series Chapter No. 3, titled Allt Gleann – The Narrow Valley, is the third release in this limited-edition series from the Isle of Skye distillery. Known for its small-batch, peated single malts, Torabhaig has quickly gained a reputation for producing whiskies with a balance of maritime character and rich complexity. This chapter continues the exploration of their “Well-Tempered Peat” philosophy.
Appearance
In the glass, the whisky presents a pale gold hue with a slightly oily texture, clinging to the glass with slow, delicate legs—a promise of richness to come.
Nose
The nose is elegant yet robust, opening with a wave of gentle peat smoke, reminiscent of a wood-burning fire on a coastal evening. Maritime notes of sea breeze and salty brine intermingle with sweet hints of vanilla custard, honeycomb, and a touch of orchard fruits like green apple and pear. Subtle undertones of lemon zest and fresh herbs add brightness and complexity.
Palate
The palate is medium-bodied and well-balanced, with the peat smoke stepping forward but never overpowering. Smoky and earthy flavours blend seamlessly with sweet notes of toffee, biscuit malt, and buttered toast. A burst of citrus oils and white pepper spice provides energy, while layers of heather honey and a whisper of liquorice round out the flavour profile. The maritime salinity remains present, tying the whisky to its Skye origins.
Finish
The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of soft peat embers, sea salt, and a delicate touch of dark chocolate and spiced oak. A subtle herbal freshness persists, leaving a clean and satisfying aftertaste.
Overall Impression
Torabhaig Legacy Series Chapter No. 3 showcases the distillery’s continued refinement of its peated style. It strikes an impressive balance between smokiness, maritime character, and sweet complexity, making it approachable for newcomers to peated whiskies while offering plenty of depth for seasoned enthusiasts. A beautifully crafted single malt that both honours tradition and carves out its own distinctive identity.
£55
Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Whisky 47.5% ABV
Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon is a distinctive Kentucky-born, English-finished bourbon that marries American heritage with an innovative aging process. After distillation and initial aging in Kentucky, it’s shipped across the Atlantic for a final maturation in the cooler, maritime climate of England, giving it a unique profile that balances classic bourbon richness with unexpected subtleties.
Appearance
The whiskey pours a rich amber hue with golden highlights, showcasing its time in oak. It leaves a thick, slow-moving trail on the glass, suggesting a full-bodied texture.
Nose
The nose is warm and inviting, with aromas of caramelized brown sugar, vanilla bean, and toasted oak taking centre stage. These are complemented by a hint of dried orange peel, cinnamon spice, and a subtle undertone of dark cherries. A faint whisper of sea breeze adds a unique layer from its English finishing.
Palate
On the palate, it’s smooth and well-rounded, with classic bourbon Flavours of butterscotch, toffee, and baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The secondary English maturation lends a distinct dark fruit character—notes of blackcurrant and plum jam emerge, adding complexity. The oak influence is well-integrated, delivering Flavors of charred wood, espresso, and a touch of dark chocolate. There’s a slight salinity, likely from its maritime exposure, that balances the sweetness.
Finish
The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of spiced caramel, dry oak, and a gentle touch of black pepper. Hints of dried fruit and a soft, almost Savoury edge round out the experience, leaving a satisfying complexity.
Overall Impression
Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon is a bold and innovative expression that seamlessly combines traditional bourbon characteristics with unique elements introduced by its English finishing. Its rich and layered profile appeals to bourbon purists while offering something distinctly different. This is a whiskey that tells a story of two worlds, making it a memorable choice for both sipping neat and exploring in cocktails.
£60
Altamura Vodka 43% ABV
Altamura Vodka, crafted from 100% durum wheat grown in the Puglia region of Italy, is a premium vodka that celebrates its unique agricultural origins. By using durum wheat—traditionally associated with high-quality pasta—it creates a vodka with remarkable texture and a rich flavour profile, distinguishing it from more neutral vodkas.
Appearance
Crystal clear and pristine, Altamura Vodka displays exceptional clarity in the glass. Its viscosity is evident, leaving smooth, rounded legs as it gently coats the glass.
Nose
The nose is soft yet complex, offering a subtle aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet cereal grains, characteristic of the durum wheat. There’s a whisper of vanilla, a hint of almond, and a clean minerality that lends freshness without sharpness.
Palate
On the palate, Altamura Vodka is luxuriously smooth and creamy. The rich, buttery texture immediately sets it apart, delivering gentle flavours of toasted grain, honeyed brioche, and a faint nuttiness reminiscent of hazelnut. A delicate sweetness, balanced by a crisp, slightly peppery undertone, enhances its refined complexity. The mouthfeel is both silky and weighty, emphasizing its artisanal character.
Finish
The finish is clean and elongated, with lingering notes of soft wheat, subtle spice, and a touch of white chocolate. There’s a refreshing mineral crispness that rounds out the experience, leaving the palate both satisfied and invigorated.
Overall Impression
Altamura Vodka is a masterful example of how terroir and craftsmanship can elevate vodka beyond neutrality into a spirit with depth and elegance. Its creamy texture and delicate flavour profile make it ideal for sipping neat or elevating minimalist cocktails where its unique character can shine. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking a vodka with substance and sophistication.
£34
Casa Barú White Rum 40% ABV
Casa Barú White Rum, crafted in Panama, reflects a refined approach to white rum, showcasing both its tropical origins and the precision of its distillation. Made with a focus on purity and balance, it is a versatile rum designed for sipping or as a base for premium cocktails.
Appearance
Brilliantly clear and bright, Casa Barú White Rum has a crisp and polished visual appeal. Its watery legs suggest a light-to-medium body.
Nose
The aroma is fresh and delicate, with notes of coconut water, cane sugar, and lime zest immediately apparent. Subtle undertones of green banana, white flowers, and a hint of vanilla add complexity. The overall impression is clean, with no harsh ethanol notes.
Palate
On the palate, Casa Barú is light and silky, with a natural sweetness that feels elegant rather than cloying. Initial Flavors of sugarcane juice and citrus peel are followed by soft tropical undertones of pineapple and lychee. A touch of almond and white pepper provide balance and a mild spiciness, giving it a nuanced profile for a white rum.
Finish
The finish is smooth and crisp, with lingering notes of cane sugar, a touch of sea salt, and a delicate trace of herbal freshness, such as mint or lemongrass. The clean, slightly dry finish makes it refreshing and versatile.
Overall Impression
Casa Barú White Rum is a well-crafted expression that prioritizes freshness and subtle complexity over overt sweetness. Its delicate tropical Flavours and smooth finish make it ideal for mixing into daiquiris, mojitos, or other classic rum cocktails, while still being refined enough to enjoy neat. A fantastic choice for those seeking a white rum that balances tradition with a modern, polished profile.
£27.50
SMWS Chocolate Pigs And Sticky Figs Single Malt 58.8% ABV
Overview:
This Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) single cask release, Chocolate Pigs and Sticky Figs, hails from Speyside and was aged 13 years in a 1st fill ex-PX sherry hogshead. Bottled at 58.8% ABV, it exemplifies the “Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits” profile, offering a luxurious and festive drinking experience.
Nose:
The aroma bursts with a medley of dried fruits like raisins, figs, and dates, complemented by the rich sweetness of toffee apples and Christmas pudding. A Savory note of cured ham adds complexity, underscoring the sherry influence.
Palate:
On tasting, the whisky opens with a luscious wave of figs, caramelized wood, and sticky toffee, transitioning to subtler hints of coconut macaroons and peaches. The texture is indulgently rich, with layers of fruit and nutty undertones.
Finish:
The finish is long, balancing sweetness with a faintly Savory touch, leaving impressions of dried figs and spiced wood lingering.
Overall Impression:
Ideal for fans of sherry-forward whiskies, this expression beautifully marries fruity richness with a touch of Savory intrigue. It’s a perfect winter dram, evoking the warmth of festive desserts and smoky indulgence
Be quick, this will sell out in no time!
£80
