Bootlegger Tasting Notes

Prohibition. A term that most of you would know if you ever looked at the history of a brand, a category or indeed even your own family. Prohibition came about in the US back in 1919, which meant that America banned the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors. As with anything you take away,Continue reading “Bootlegger Tasting Notes”

Death’s Door Tasting Notes

Washington Island, Wisconsin isn’t the first place you would think of when it comes to naming a birth place of a gin brand. To be fair, compared to the likes of Britain and Holland, the US lacks the productivity and numbers of every mothers favourite tipple. But the trend is changing, and America is onceContinue reading “Death’s Door Tasting Notes”

Oseven and Boompjes Tasting Notes

I’ve recently covered a new brand which gives its name to one of the fathers of gin, Franciscus Sylvius, the aptly named Sylvius. The distillery Onder de boompjes doesn’t just produce Sylvius though, it also houses a brand of genever named Boompjes as well as a vodka called Oseven. Take a look at my piece onContinue reading “Oseven and Boompjes Tasting Notes”

Sylvius Tasting Notes

Gin is a fickle subject. Its history and origins can be one of chatter over many a juniper based cocktail, and recently it’s come into light again with the release of a brand with what some credit as gins founding father. Sylvius originates from Holland, as did its namesake, the Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius, who isContinue reading “Sylvius Tasting Notes”

Bénédictine Trip Review

This week I’ve been extremely lucky to be invited along to not one, but two fantastic places within France, courtesy of the French liqueur Bénédictine. Following on from their nationwide cocktail competitions from the past few weeks, winners from Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester and London came together, alongside the Bénédictine team and fellow media representative Gary Sharpen ofContinue reading “Bénédictine Trip Review”

Vogue’s Fashion Night Out at Frog Flowers Review

Fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue came to Manchester last week with their Fashion Night Out event being held for one night only, collaborating with the likes of Manchester heavyweights Selfridges and Harvey Nichols as well as stores such as DKNY and Top Shop. With various drink brands coming on board to showcase their names with fashionContinue reading “Vogue’s Fashion Night Out at Frog Flowers Review”

Jefferson’s Tasting Notes

Everyone loves a small-batch spirit. Usually it means more care and attention, no commercialisation, no huge production lines ‘ruining’ the quality of the spirit its producing. Quick question though, how small do you have to be to be called ‘small-batch’? Thousands of barrels produced like usual? Well how about around 8-12? Jefferson’s Bourbon is aContinue reading “Jefferson’s Tasting Notes”

Père Magloire

National Calvados Week! What I hear you cry? Calvados? Well if your anything like the North of England, Calvados isn’t a  big market compared to some of the other categories in the spirits world, but it is in London, and to help spread the word, a whole week dedicated to Calvados has been created. ToContinue reading “Père Magloire”

Manchester Whisky Festival 2013 Review

The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester was the host of the biggest whisky festival outside of London, so big in fact that there had to be two floors filled with some cracking brands. The Whisky Lounge were the proud organisers for the 5th year in a row and had on offer the crème de la crèmeContinue reading “Manchester Whisky Festival 2013 Review”

Old Pulteney Tasting Notes

I do love trying something different. Over the years I’ve come across many a gem, whether it’s in the spirits, beer or wine world. Some stick in your head, some your forget about and wonder why when they re-appear. Old Pulteney does just that to me. I’ve had this brand many a time, but neverContinue reading “Old Pulteney Tasting Notes”