4 March 2019

Top 5 Whiskey Picks for St Patrick's Day


Undoubtedly, one of the most, if not ‘the most’ exciting categories in the world of Whisk(e)y over the last few years, has been that of all things Irish!
 
Back in 2011, when we reviewed the then newly released Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, we confidently predicted that it was the start of an Irish Whiskey Renaissance - and how right we were!
 
There may well be an ever-growing gang of new kids on the block that are now driving the category forward, but those big established heritage brands have kicked away those cobwebs of complacency and are now giving the newbies a run for their money, with regards to innovation and the targeting of a new generation of whisk(e)y consumer.
 
Not that pouring and exploring something dramspankingly delicious from the emerald isle should be limited to St Patrick’s Day (March 17th) but here are five of some of our favourites for you to share, sip and savour on the big day and indeed beyond, along with a few of our favourite serve suggestions.

There are now a multitude of amazing Irish whiskeys available to suit every budget, but this year we wanted to make our recommendations from those retailing to around the £40 mark, so everyone can sip something suitably celebratory this St Patrick's Day.
 
Slane Irish Whiskey40% ABV 
One of the newer kids on the Irish dramming block, this is one gutsy and glorious, big bang for buck blended belter. A superb solo sipper that lends itself magnificently well to a multitude of cocktails. We love this one poured tall and cool with Fever Tree ginger ale.
Available from Master of Malt for £26.90
 
Writers Tears Copper Pot40% ABV 
A vibrant and vivacious, bountifully balanced blend, that makes for one moreish marvel. Designed as a pure sipper in our opinion, but on those warmer evenings it does lend itself rather well to a Highball.
Available from Master of Malt for £33.99
 
Redbreast 12 Year Old - 40% ABV
A deeply delish, richly rounded, sumptuous smacker of a single pot still sipper, which in our opinion is a drop of pure Irish dramming class in a glass!
Available from Master of Malt for £40.90
 
Teeling Single Grain Whiskey – 46% ABV 
A stunningly, sassily, sweet and spiced seductress of a solo sipping superstar, which makes for one of our favourite whisk(e)y bases in an Old Fashioned.
Available from Master of Malt for £45.34

Jameson Irish Whiskey – 40% ABV
A consistent cracking core range classic, that never disappoints! As well as being a real treat poured neat, it serves up superbly in the likes of a Julep, and in our opinion still makes for the ultimate whisk(e)y base in an Irish coffee.
Available from Master of Malt for £22.50

*Prices correct at time of publishing

Sláinte!

25 February 2019

Quick Fire Whisky Tasting Notes

Wemyss Malts "Smoky Nectar"
1983 - 35 Year Old Caol Ila

Single Cask Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
 

Nose: Tenacious teases of peat smoke - waves of sea spray – dusty old books - damp limestone - ripe banana skin – grilled pineapple rings – poached pears – lemon sherbet - sugared almonds – raspberry ripple ice cream - heather honey – wood spice - ground white pepper and a kiss of anise.

Palate: Pleasurable protrusions of peat smoke – brine – lemon Dib Dabs – pineapple cubes - Edinburgh rock – baked spiced apples – blackberry jam – gooseberry yoghurt - strawberries dusted with black pepper - shortbread - gingernut biscuits – cinnamon sticks – wood spice and a finishing sprig of mint.

Finish: A long, lush, lingering feisty finish, that unfolds as excitingly and exceedingly well as it did on the nose and palate.

Summary: If I’m being completely honest, the majority of indie Caol Ila’s I’ve sampled over the last few years, have been rather unexciting, predictable, one dimensional and quite boring. This latest Wemyss release as part of their new Cask Club, is not only one of the best independent Caol Ila’s I’ve ever sampled, but it’s now also one of my favourites from the distillery full-stop! A drop of real liquid history, with all the right notes in all the right places!

 

13 February 2019

Gin Insiders Interview - Ian Puddick



Company:
Old Bakery Gin Ltd

Job:
Distiller and Tea Boy

Website:
oldbakerygin.com



How long have you been working in the gin industry?
I got my licence in the last week of Nov 2016. We missed the Christmas trade rush and I had no contacts in the industry, apart from my favourite shop Gerry’s of Soho, were I was a customer.


What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Well, there have been quite a few so far: Receiving such amazing and positive feedback from both the trade and public - Being surprised to see Harvey Nichols write about our gin - Getting invited to Lancaster House for a tasting - Having Michael Portillo kindly offer to come and film at the distillery - Members the Royal Family trying Old Bakery Gin - Having directors of Pernod Ricard come and visit and show an interest in our brand. These are just a few.
 
Can you remember your first gin, and indeed what it was?
I tried a sip of my dad’s gin and tonic as a child…not good, bitter and sour.
 
What does gin mean to you?
It’s starting to change my life, not because I drink more of it (I don’t), but it’s started to change all my habits, I have been in the routine of managing a leak detection business and managing people, now most of time is spent on sales and marketing, making appointments and having meeting to try taste and sell my gin. It’s a very social business!

Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?
Selling 12,000 cases of gin a year. A case of gin in industry language, equates to 18 litres.

What was your last gin?
Old Bakery Gin, last night at Ally Pally Kaleidoscope Festival, we had exclusivity at the Festival Bars.

What’s your favourite time and place to enjoy a gin?
When relaxing, preferably in the sun, this rarely happens!

What are your favourite gin based cocktails and serves?
Our own 'Mums Gin Fizz':

- 50ml Old Bakery Gin on ice

- 10ml Fresh lemon juice

- 20ml Elderflower cordial

- Large splash of Prosecco
 
What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the gin horizon?
Market consolidation. There are up to 40+ new gins a month coming out.
 
What’s the one gin you couldn’t live without?
Old Bakery Gin and Beefeater 24.
 
Many thanks to Ian Puddick. Who will be our next gin insider? Click back soon to find out!