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”

Sip or Mix Portfolio Tasting Notes

A well-respected industry figure came into Manchester a few weeks back with her London-based Sip or Mix. Jenny Gardener set up her company back in June 2011 armed with experience from her past titles within Vanquish Wine, Green Island, Amathus and Oddbins as well as a passion for brands that are small batched, hand crafted, authentic andContinue reading “Sip or Mix Portfolio Tasting Notes”

Manchester Whisky Club Review – June

The end of last month saw meeting number six of the Manchester Whisky Club, held at the new venue of The Castle in Manchester. Just like last month, a theme was the order of the day, with everything American celebrated. Club founder Andy brought with him 5 expressions covering a little bit of everything, so withoutContinue reading “Manchester Whisky Club Review – June”

Manchester Whisky Club Review – May

A little over-due, but back at the end of May, the fifth instalment of the Manchester Whisky Club had a little Irish added to the occasion. Held at the Lass O’Gowrie, the fifth meeting had a special guest in the form of Jameson Brand Ambassador Stephen Carberry, bringing with him 5 expressions from their range. After talkingContinue reading “Manchester Whisky Club Review – May”

Campari Tasting Notes

A classic brand that I’m sure everyone has come across at some point is Campari. But what makes this brand so well-known? Campari was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. Bitter Uso Olanda, as Campari was initially called, was the result of Gaspare’s experiments concocting new beverages. The real change was having aContinue reading “Campari Tasting Notes”

Aperol Tasting Notes

Aperol has seen a bit of a resurgence lately, or to be fair, most summers. Why? Their signature serve comes into play and graces many a bar top. But do you really know what it is? Way back in 1919, the Barbieri brothers presented to the International Fair of Padua a bright orange liqueur namedContinue reading “Aperol Tasting Notes”

Sacred Tasting Notes

Sacred is a name that has been part of the London distillery scene for the past few years, and one feature that takes pride over them all is the fascinating story behind its creation. Sacred Microdistillery was established in London in 2009 by Ian Hart and Hilary Whitney. Their initial idea of creating gin hasContinue reading “Sacred Tasting Notes”

Vestal

A brand I’ve known of for a while determines itself as “Once you’ve tasted a Vestal Vodka you’ll probably never want to drink a commercial vodka again”. A rather bold statement their, but is it true? Let’s take a look. The Vestal Vodka Company is a father and son team, John and William. Wanting toContinue reading “Vestal”