Benchmark Tasting Notes

McAfee’s Benchmark is a premium bourbon, but one that you probably won’t see on your bar travels as much as it probably should. As I’m one for highlighting some of the more ‘forgotten’ brands within my work, I took the time to dig a little deeper for you all. The McAfee’s Benchmark brand was createdContinue reading “Benchmark Tasting Notes”

Broker’s Tasting Notes

A gin, specially blended to be dry with an image driven to literally tip the hat to the gin craze of England. Broker’s does just that, the brain child of Martin and Andy Dawson. Broker’s has also won more top awards in international competitions over the last ten years than any other gin. But we’reContinue reading “Broker’s Tasting Notes”

Create The Berry Gallo For The Festive Season

At the recent Cheshire Christmas Festival, I showcased a variety of Christmas drinks to suit all moods during the festive period. One in particular went down very well over the two days, so I thought I’d recreate and showcase to you all, just in time for the holiday season! Berry Gallo Glass – Wine orContinue reading “Create The Berry Gallo For The Festive Season”

Ballantine’s

Over the past two years, I’ve been enjoying two rather nice drams from Ballantine’s. The Christmas reserve blew me away back in 2012, and I hailed it as one of the best drams that I have experienced. One year later, I’ve been sent the latest expression in the Christmas Reserve portfolio, but as I conductedContinue reading “Ballantine’s”

Girvan Tasting Notes

I’ve been rather lucky recently. A friend of mine travelled up to Manchester armed with three bottles of exclusive whisky, and the intent of showcasing for only the second time in history. Rather honoured for the invite, and to be hosted within the Manchester branch of The Whisky Shop, Mark Thomson of The Spirits BureauContinue reading “Girvan Tasting Notes”

The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter Tasting Notes

I’m a whisky lover. Whisky is the biggest category explored on my website due to my love for finding something new within its boundaries. This also means that I love to be ahead of the game sometimes, and have been honoured with the chance to sample new expressions over the years. Today though, I haveContinue reading “The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter Tasting Notes”

Manchester Whisky Club Review – November

The end of last month saw the next meeting of the Manchester Whisky Club held at The Castle in Manchester. Like previous meetings, a region of Scotland was the order of the day, with Campbeltown being the chosen. Club founder Andy brought with him 5 expressions, but like last month, set a challenge to the restContinue reading “Manchester Whisky Club Review – November”

Elixir Tonics & Treats

I do love Manchester when it comes to its bar scene, there’s always something new opening, and this past Thursday was no different. The guys behind event and mobile bar company Escapade Bars have gone for something a little more static in the shape and form of Elixir Tonics & Treats. Located on the easyContinue reading “Elixir Tonics & Treats”

Heering Tasting Notes

A bartenders favourite, and a staple since 1818 in many a classic cocktail such as the Singapore Sling and Blood & Sand, is Heering. You may have seen the bottle on many a back bar, and more than likely had it within at least one cocktail in your life time, but do you know whatContinue reading “Heering Tasting Notes”

The London No. 1 Tasting Notes

Coloured gin could be seen as a marketing gimmick. But have you ever just dismissed it, not really giving it a second glance and presuming it’s going to be cheap and tacky? What ever your answer, let me introduce you to The London No. 1. 12 different botanicals are within The London No. 1, including juniper fromContinue reading “The London No. 1 Tasting Notes”