Posts Tagged “alcohol”
It’s true that many British tourists are regulars on the beaches of the Algarve and they will say they love the country. Yes, they enjoy that little corner of this amazing land; but far fewer visitors travel away from the resorts to discover the real personality of Portugal. The Portuguese are the product of a…
We in the West are becoming more familiar with Sake. There are now many more Japanese restaurants in our cities and all of them will have a drinks menu that will include a sake or two. It’s the Japanese national alcoholic beverage and most people already know that it’s made of rice. Yes, it’s called…
Well, what a strange year. We have had full Lockdowns, fluctuating Lockdowns and threats of Lockdowns. Sipful might add a little cheer to changed circumstances, and we can all do with that! A little sparkle is most welcome. Sipful produce canned cocktails and organic sparkling canned wine. The neat, slim and textured tins are ready…
The mountains have been here for 80 million years; humans have been using the mountains for a lot less time than that, but nevertheless for a long time, historically speaking. The Romans used one of the peaks as a military fort. Later, in the 14th century, a monastery was built that gave birth to this…
The Whisky Dictionary, or to give this book its full title – The Whisky Dictionary: An A–Z of whisky, from history & heritage to distilling & drinking, is the discerning sipper’s guide to everything appertaining to whisky as well as whiskey. The difference between those is also explained. Everything from American rye to bourbon spirits…
Here is something a little different for Christmas. Besos de Oro Original Liqueur. Yes, a cream liqueur …but without cream. It’s perfect for those with allergies as this delicious drink is free from gluten, dairy, lactose, nuts, soya – and it’s suitable for vegans. I am always somewhat wary of the ‘free from’ products as…
Let’s Get Tropical: Over 60 Cocktail Recipes from Caribbean Classics to Modern Tiki Drinks It will soon be that time of year. Those warm (we hope) summer months when our thoughts turn to al fresco lunches and dinners under the stars. To go with those meals will probably be some exotic drinks, and it’s the…
Well, what a surprise. A bottle of Foxhole Gin arrived. The event was no surprise, but the shelf appeal was. There are so many new gins around, but this one grabbed my attention before the nose or palate could evaluate quality. Each Foxhole Gin bottle is screenprinted by hand with a precious-metal ink, which is…
The first thing one notices about Caorunn gin is, well, the gin! Its rather classy bottle presents mountain-stream-clear aromatic alcohol in its purest form. It invites the prospective drinker to anticipate the cool, crisp gin within. For me, Caorunn is a classic gin. It’s well-crafted and balanced. Its infusion is delicate, a few of the…
Junmai Ginjo is just one of many styles of sake. The differences are derived from the type of rice used, the local water, the skill of the Master Brewer or Toji, the koji mould, yeast and, in some cases, added alcohol. But the main factor isn’t an ingredient at all but the degree to which…
Ah, beautiful Portugal! Striking architecture in iconic Lisbon. History and character in Porto …and then there is the Douro Valley, which is stunning and will entice any visitor. This area is known for its natural beauty and also for its wines and, in particular, Port. No, it isn’t made in Porto although it’s that city…
The Wines and Winemakers of the Heart of Burgundy The name Côte d’Or might not be well known but it is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution. It was formed from part of the former province of Burgundy. This is not only a beautiful part of France but a celebrated…
Christmas isn’t far away. The ads on TV herald the coming season and offer the threat of Yuletide gift giving. Men are famously difficult with regard to pressies but for those chaps and indeed ladies who have a passion for whisky then the problem is solved. Whisky – The Connoisseur’s Journal is the must-have accessory….
You might have visited Porto in Portugal before but it’s worth another look, and perhaps with food and drink in mind this time. There has been more investment lately in this vibrant town, which exudes character and charm. During the 15th and 16th centuries Portugal was a leading European power, ranking with England, France and…
Chateau Civrac Wine and Honest Grapes What a kind invitation! A food and wine pairing evening at impressive Lutyens, off Fleet Street… and Cornish wine! Well, no, not really – the wine is French and very good too. The maker is Cornish and that, strangely, might give him some advantages: he has an appreciation of…
Many of us have become interested in wine. Yes, drinking it and pairing it. Remember the days when we in the UK drank just a few different wines? It wasn’t that they were so good that they became popular; truth to tell, it was all we had. Red or white from ‘various countries’. They were…
Mezcal? Isn’t that a brand of tequila? No – they are slightly different beverages but with great similarities in both taste and production methods. Tequila and mezcal are made from agave which grows in many parts of Mexico. Most mezcal is made in Oaxaca. Tequila must be made from blue agave and mezcal should not…
The name ‘lobby bar’ might give the impression that this is something of an after-thought. Perhaps a venue through which to pass. A prequel to the main event. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It now has a trolley! One Aldwych and its Lobby Bar occupy one of the most important Edwardian buildings in…
Independently-owned Alhambra Beers, a celebrated brewery in Spain, was founded in 1925 and is named after the Alhambra Palace in its home town of Granada. Alhambra Reserva 1925 is the foremost artisan beer of the Alhambra Company and expresses its tradition and quality. Tasteful elegance One might not know too much about beer but the…
Les Grands Chais de France Group is a company based in the Northern Vosges region of France. It’s run by the Helfrich family. When Joseph Helfrich founded the winery in 1979 he made the decision to sell Cognac and brandy around the world – wine followed soon after. Les Grands Chais de France Group is…