Our New Year’s Eve Spirits and Wine Guide 2016

The New Year is nearly upon us and therefore it is almost time for the last celebration of 2016. So, kick back, grab your shopping list and remember to add some of our fabulous drink recommendations for your party. Whether you need a new gin to sample, some new wines to try or a bourbon to get your teeth into, then we have it here! 

The Botanist Gin

 Gin has to be up there with one of the most popular drinks to order for a celebratory knees up. So, why not bring one of the finest gins on the market home with you – introducing The Botanist Gin. This sublime gin manages to balance over 30 botanicals (31 to be precise), whilst also delivered a classic gin backbone and freshness.

The Botanist is a truly unique gin and a representation of the region’s progressive heritage. Nine classic gin botanicals are augmented by 22 local herbs and flowers, all foraged responsibly and by hand from the hills, shores and bogs of the Hebridean Island by botanical scientists. 

The list of natural ingredients carefully picked and crafted for this gin is mind boggling. The ingredients are then distilled on the Scottish island of Islay and packaged within an embossed bottle, for a sleek aesthetic. The taste has a citrus freshness and the depth of flavour from each element really shines through for a highly enjoyable and unique gin experience. 

The Botanist Gin is available with an RRP of £34.99 at selected Waitrose stores, nationwide premium retailers, specialist stores and department stores, such as Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Fortnum and Mason, and Fenwick. Find out more here: http://www.thebotanist.com/  

Old Forester Bourbon (£29.99, 70cl)

One fashionable and fun way to see in the New Year is with a glass of bourbon by your side. But not just any bourbon, a bourbon which claims to be America’s first bottled bourbon! Amazingly, this tipple has been available before, during and after the US Prohibition, so it has quite the history and a great level of experience.

The Kentucky straight bourbon whisky was first created by George Garvin Brown in 1870 in Louisville. Brown was a pharmacist who recognised early the need for a reliably high-quality whisky at a time when alcohol could only be sold for medicinal purposes. He was the first to sell his bourbon in bottles as opposed to straight from the barrel to the customer and the bottle still bears his handwritten guarantee today. It is this entrepreneurial approach and commitment to quality that has led to Old Forester’s respected reputation around the world.

Made using a recipe first introduced in 1870, this high in rye bourbon is full-bodied and rich – perfect for those cold winter nights. Old Forester delivers a genuine bourbon experience, making it perfect for sipping neat, or in a Whiskey Smash.

But how does it taste? Well, we are happy to report that the original whiskey recipe used by Old Forester delivers caramel and maple syrup on the palate, and a slight refreshing orange finish. This is a fantastic bourbon!

Russian Standard Gold

What makes this different to Russian Standard Vodka we know and love? According to the brand, it is the “finest vodka found in the leading bars of the world, this very special Russian Standard Gold is lightly flavoured with extracts of ginseng, known as ‘golden root’ in Russian and the perfect gift for the discerning vodka drinker.” In our opinion, the addition of Ginseng does elevate Russian Standard to new levels.

Plus, the taste is sumptuously smooth and velvety. For a vodka available for less than £25, the flavour is certainly high-end and worth trying.  Available for £22.00 from The Whisky Exchange and Asda.

Why not try a Russian Collins? 

Ingredients 

• 50ml Russian Standard Gold
• 75ml Soda Water
• 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• 12.5ml Sugar Syrup

Method

Pour the lemon juice, sugar syrup and vodka into the tumbler, then fill with ice and top with soda. Pull all the ingredients together with a bar spoon and garnish. 

Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port (75cl)

A celebration would not be the same without a fantastic port! A must have at each festive occasion, Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port is a an affordable drop with a taste of real quality and experience.

This port was originally introduced in 1969 and has been going strong ever since. According to the history of this port, it is one of the most iconic of its generation. Featuring notes of strawberry and plums this classic is perfect for enjoying on its own. Available for only £12.

Our New Year’s Eve Wine Cellar

Bolney Bubbly (£22.99)

According to history, the Bolney Wine Estate story began in 1972, when owners Janet and Rodney Pratt planted three acres of vines to create what was then only the sixth commercial vineyard in England. Since then, the Bolney Wine state has grown a range of grape varieties, from Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, plus a few others. Now at over 39 acres, the Estate is now a thriving producer of premium red, white rose and award winning sparkling English wines.

Described as “A simple, light and refreshing English sparkling wine. Very easy to drink with a charming elderflower creaminess.” One to watch for New Year’s Eve!

To find out more about Bolney Wine Estate, click here. 

Cocchi Barolo Chinato

Barolo Chinato is a special wine produced with Barolo DOCG, aromatized with cinchona calisaya bark, rhubarb and gentian root and the precious cardamom seed whose active principles are extracted with a slow maceration at room temperature followed by a refining period of almost one year in barrel.

Characterized by balance and harmony in the perfume with an immediate pleasant taste and a pleasant aromatic persistence.

Barolo Chinato can be used as a digestif and is a wonderful way to round off a New Year’s celebratory meal, as well as being unbeatable with dark chocolate. Very rich, but still clean and refreshing, this simply must be tried. Find out more here.

Gentleman’s Collection – Cabernet Sauvignon

Inspired by the gentleman and wine-master himself, Dr. Henry. Lindeman. A bottle of Gentleman’s Collect Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine wine by anyone’s standard. Rich in blackberry and cassis, with a dash of fortified wine for a smooth finish, this bottle is sure to put all your worries to rest.

Aimed for the gentleman in your life be it son, brother, friend, boyfriend, or husband, this Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect gift for those who enjoy a sophisticated and relaxed New Year’s celebration.

Packaged and branded in a eye catching and sophisticated manner, this drink is sure to set your gentlemanly taste buds alight.

‘Opaque dark red black colour with a bright dark red hue. Aromas of dark cherries and mulberries are followed by a hint of bay leaf and spicy cedar. Medium bodied and sweetly fruited the palate has flavours of cherries soaked in Kirsch, cassis liqueur, sweet plums and a touch of spice. Soft tannins. Modest aftertaste of sweet ripe cherries, cassis liqueur and plums. A concoction of sorts. An earnest drop to match the earnest gent.’ Available here. 

Domaine Chateauneuf-du-Pape

An outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape showing powerful and intense redcurrant and cherry fruit flavours with a finish that is all about earth, pepper and spice.

This complex red is just the drink to accompany you with your New Year’s celebrations this winter and will be sure to stand out on the table. Winter is made for the powerful, intense dark berry flavours and peppery spiced finish that this beautiful red delivers. Buy here.

 

Altano Organic Red

Altano Organic Red is a well-balanced, medium to full bodied wine, with a lingering finish. Ruby coloured, it has strong aromas of ripe red fruits, flowers, and spices. There are notes of rose petal and cranberry, leading to a richly fruited palate, with blackberry and lifted raspberry flavours. Made from a classic blend of Douro grapes. A strong statement for any occasion!

 

Portuguese red wine from Douro Portugal, made with Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. Organic. Find out more here.

McGuigan Black Label Malbec

McGuigan Wines, one of the world’s most awarded wineries, has expanded its famous Black Label range with the release of a new full- bodied Malbec, the perfect drink for those who enjoy a winter’s evening tipple in celebration of a new year.

Renowned for it’s rich fruity flavours and a smooth mouth filling finish, this Malbec has a lovely berry and spice aroma coupled with the delightful flavours of spicy plum, cherry and blackberry, leaving your taste buds tingling with joy.

When you open this bottle of Malbec, you will immediately be hooked and reluctant to share a drop with friends and family. Buy here.