Does the style of glassware actually matter when it comes to whisky tasting? There are several glassware options for whisky drinking, some especially designed to improve your nosing and tasting experience. You can choose from tasting glasses with or without a stem, different shapes and sizes, bigger openings and heavier bases…. I decided to test […]
Animals Working in the Drinks Industry
A while back I was on a press trip visiting Glenfiddich distillery when their malt master Brian Kinsman mentioned some dogs that work at the distillery. Of course, I’ve previously heard about famous cats like Towser the Mouser who keep distillery buildings mouse-free, but I never really encountered working dogs at distilleries. That gave me […]
Random Leftover Bottles – What to Do with Them?
We all have one or two leftover bottles at the back of the cupboard that are simply collecting dust. Maybe someone gifted you a bottle of brandy or you bought some banana liqueur because you really wanted to try the recipe on Instagram, or perhaps you tried a cocktail on holiday and decided to bring […]
Tips for Pairing Whisky with Food
Who doesn’t love a good food and drink pairing? I’ve spent enough time in Italy to have adapted their ‘no alcohol without food’ policy. I love a good snack to go with whatever I’m drinking, whether it is simply salted nuts and olives or something fancier like a smoked salmon blini. I’m also always interested […]
12 Smoke-Fuelled Bottles for Winter
These smoky bottles will offer warming spices, chilli kicks and memories of bonfire that will definitely keep you nice and toasty. Also, if you aren’t able to celebrate Bonfire Night (5th Nov) but wish to experience the smoke and fire flavours at home, these bottlings are for you! I have selected a range of spirits […]
16 Ready-to-Drink Premixed Spirits Tested
Ready-to-drink (RTD) spirit cans have become rather popular in recent years, with many distilleries bringing out their own premixed G&Ts or, more recently, a hard seltzer. Hard seltzer is a spirit, usually vodka, mixed with flavoured sparkling water. These are lower in calories than your regular G&T due to the lack of sugar. I’ve been […]
How to Level Up Your Picnic
Everyone is eagerly waiting for the warmer weather so that we can make the most of our new-found freedom post various degrees of lockdown and Covid-era restrictions. One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors responsibly is to create a picnic. Picnics are easy to organise, people can keep their distance, and everyone can […]
The History of Women in Spirits
The spirits industry has been male-dominant for quite some time, yet it was women who used to do the hard yards of distilling and distribution in the pre-industrial era. Back in the day, it was common practice to make spirits from the comfort of your home using the ingredients at hand, and the work was […]
This Is How to Store Your Spirits and Liqueurs Properly
We all have those bottles at the back of the bar or cupboard that are simply collecting dust. Perhaps you aren’t sure how to use them or maybe it was a gift. Or perhaps it’s an expensive bottle of whisky that you are savouring and only having a dram or two on special occasions. Over […]