Linie

Aquavit. Ever come across the name? It’s not the most common of spirit categories here in the UK compared to the likes of whisky, rum or gin, but if you’ve ever visited any part of Scandinavia you will have more than likely drank some form of aquavit, the local tipple of choice. Aquavit itself isContinue reading “Linie”

Gancia

Gancia, available all over the world, yet a sort of unsung brand when talking vermouth. Shall we rectify a little? Carlo Gancia was born back in 1829 in Borolo, Italy and studied in Reims, France to learn the production techniques for Champagne. He returned to Italy in 1850 to establish the ‘Fratelli Gancia’ Company andContinue reading “Gancia”

And Union

The gentleman at And Union have launched an Indian Pale Ale expression named Friday. Brewed over a 10 week period, it’s said to be their first take on the American style IPA and joins the existing And Union range of unfiltered biers and IPA’s that are brewed in Bavaria. But who are they actually? BackContinue reading “And Union”

E&J Gallo Winery

E&J Gallo is one of the most well-known brands within the wine category here in the UK, and you have no doubt come across one of its expressions over dinner, a gathering with friends or trying one of the many cocktail recipes they like to release to show off its versatility. But what do weContinue reading “E&J Gallo Winery”

Finest Call

High volume venues can struggle to produce consistent cocktails, especially in the high-demand areas where one below-par drink can effect several others. It’s with this that developers have sought out opportunities to produce brands that can take the stress away from cocktail creations, especially in venues that are not traditionally cocktail led. By coming upContinue reading “Finest Call”

Thomas Henry

Mixers, and premium ones at that, are becoming a force within the drinks industry as more and more spirits tie themselves to unique brands to show off a signature serve. The mixers alone are seen as more fashionable to order too, with Fentimans complimenting their mixer range with their soft drink expressions, and Fever TreeContinue reading “Thomas Henry”

Van Bulck

Organic products are a way of life in the times we live in. No longer is it seen as a gimmick or a culture difference, but as accepted as any new brand can be. Van Bulck is the latest organic beer to hit the UK, and it promises a range that only a few brewersContinue reading “Van Bulck”

Villa Lobos

A range of tequila expressions that have floated around the UK market over the last few years has found footing on some major stepping-stones coming in the next few months, placing itself within the highly respected Instil Spirits portfolio to certify that it’s not just a one-trick-pony. So what is Villa Lobos? Villa Lobos is theContinue reading “Villa Lobos”

A Look At The Linie Awards 2015

Last week saw myself attend the annual Nordic extravaganza, the Linie Awards 2015. The event is the culmination of the best that the Nordic countries have to offer from the world of food and drink, with respective competitions to find the number one dish and cocktail for the year. In its 10th year, 2015 sawContinue reading “A Look At The Linie Awards 2015”

Russian Standard

Vodka as a category is huge, and has been for many a decade now. There are many brands you rattle off when one talks about vodka; Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Belvedere and Russian Standard are present in many a list, and it’s the Russian liquid that this feature will concentrate on, looking at why it isContinue reading “Russian Standard”