El Ron Prohibido

A new rum has made it to the shores of the UK for the first time, but interestingly not from the Caribbean. Mexico is where El Ron Prohibido hails from and brings with it a rather simple story. It is said that during the 18th century, the Spanish ships reached America with sweet wine reservesContinue reading “El Ron Prohibido”

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal

The start of 2014 saw a whole host of vermouth hit the market. The likes of Riserva Carlo Alberto and Mancino arrived to bulk up the traditionally Martini & Rossi, Noilly Prat and Cinzano led category. One brand that attempted to stand out the most came to light in January from a star-studded launch, held atContinue reading “La Quintinye Vermouth Royal”

Cork Dry

Cork Dry Gin is not a brand you would really expect to see over here within the shores of England, Scotland and Wales, but its home country of Ireland hails it as the biggest selling gin around. A bold statement perhaps, but on the odd occasion, and especially with Ireland, a home-brew outstrips even the mostContinue reading “Cork Dry”

Hawkes

Lately I’ve been commissioned by a new mixer brand based in London to create a range of cocktails ready for their official launch. Duly obliging, I came up with a variety, all with different base spirits to capture a variety of moods the drink could capture. The chance to create cocktails for a brand isContinue reading “Hawkes”

Artisan – Does It Change In A Year?

“There always seems to be something new popping up in the Manchester restaurant scene. New concepts, new ideas, re-vamping tired menus or giving a new lease of life into forgotten venues. These are what seem to define many a city’s food culture. To be fair, nothing against that. It’s what keeps us on our toesContinue reading “Artisan – Does It Change In A Year?”

Lamb’s

18 rums together. A hard task for many a rum lover, but spare a thought for Alfred Lamb, wine connoisseur and entrepreneur, who blended 18 back in 1849 to create the staple that we know call Lamb’s. It might sound like a simple story, but some of the best and well-known names are simple, andContinue reading “Lamb’s”

Tincup

Jess Graber. Not a name that many of you will know, but he is a man who has shown passion for distilling since the age of 22, and it’s all down to his neighbour. You see, when Jess’s neighbour moved, he left behind his 10 gallon still, resulting in Jess tinkering, learning the art andContinue reading “Tincup”

Ypioca

Ypioca has been a back bar favourite for most over the last decade or so. 2014 sees a resurgence due to the World Cup being held in Brazil, and Ypioca has stepped up its game and awareness. So it makes sense for me to look at a brand that I will hold me hands up,Continue reading “Ypioca”

Grasovka

Grasovka was released into the UK at the tail end of last year, capitalizing on the bison vodka market. As any brand who wishes to be a part of the vodka trend, you have to stand out as unique, otherwise you fall into oblivion and end up being part of the forgotten depths. The categoryContinue reading “Grasovka”

Marca Negra

Marca Negra is the latest addition to the UK’s growing Mezcal market. I’ve managed to get my teeth into some this past month, after realising that I am yet to feature a Mezcal on my site. But what is Mezcal? Well Mezcal is essentially a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the maguey plant (a formContinue reading “Marca Negra”