Over the years I have featured Cinzano on many a back bar, but it’s only recently that I have decided to really look into the brand and why it is something I keep listing. Cinzano dates back to 1757 and the Turin herbal shop of two brothers, Giovanni Giacomo and Carlo Stefano Cinzano. On theContinue reading “Cinzano Tasting Notes”
Author Archives: Drinks Enthusiast
Cynar Tasting Notes
There’s always something unusual when it comes to spirits, especially in the category of liqueurs. But have you ever heard of an artichoke liqueur? Cynar, or Cynara scolymus in Latin, or artichoke in English, has actually been around since 1952, but only really in the market since 1995. An Italian bitter liqueur created using thirteenContinue reading “Cynar Tasting Notes”
Illyquore di Caffe Tasting Notes
You’d expect Illy to be making coffee as one of the biggest coffee names around. But they’ve had something a little different out for the past few years in the name of Illyquore di Caffe. But what is it? Illyquore di Caffe was previously named ‘Illy Espresso liqueur’ with it’s packaging designed by the famous ItalianContinue reading “Illyquore di Caffe Tasting Notes”
Marie Brizard Tasting Notes
Marie Brizard is a brand that many of you have probably heard of and seen on back bar’s a plenty. But did you know that it’s been around since 1755? That year saw Marie Brizard and her nephew, Jean-Baptiste Roger setting up the company and creating their first expression in Anisette (anise flavoured liqueur) in 1760.Continue reading “Marie Brizard Tasting Notes”
Ron Abuelo Tasting Notes
One brand of rum that I’ve only recently come across goes by the name of Ron Abuelo. On the odd occasion I’ve heard its name crop up, and seen the bottle in my hands, but never had the chance to give the liquid a go. But now I have! But before I share with youContinue reading “Ron Abuelo Tasting Notes”
Opihr Tasting Notes
There’s a new spiced gin on the market going by the name of Opihr. From new company Quintessential, it has been developed by Master Distiller Joanne Moore to ‘open your senses to the rich aromas of the ancient spice route.’ Using hand-picked botanicals including juniper from Italy, coriander from Morocco, angelica from Germany, cubebs from Indonesia, orangeContinue reading “Opihr Tasting Notes”
Hoxton Tasting Notes
Hoxton gin is a brand that has been doing the rounds these past few years and is becoming more and more seen on the back bars of many an establishment. But what makes this different? Advertising itself as ‘the most distinctive gin in the world’ and appealing to people who ‘want something different’, Hoxton isContinue reading “Hoxton Tasting Notes”
SW4 Tasting Notes
The name behind a gin can sometimes define the brand. There’s brands that name themselves after a specific process, others after their originator, some to a loose connection, and in the case of this one – after the postcode that it originates from. Originator Martin Price mentions on his website his inspiration and influence behindContinue reading “SW4 Tasting Notes”
Langley’s
Langley’s recently expanded their range for the first time since their launch back in April 2013 with the addition of the Old Tom expression. It’s with this that it’s a good opportunity to re-visit one of the mainstays in the recent gin renaissance here in the UK. Langley’s Distillery was founded back in 1920 byContinue reading “Langley’s”
Giulio Cocchi Tasting Notes
I love a master class. It gives the chance to try a brand that you may have never have experienced properly, or even knew that they had more than one expression available. It also has the opportunity on the odd occasion to meet some fascinating industry figures, whether it’s a brand ambassador, master distiller orContinue reading “Giulio Cocchi Tasting Notes”
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 