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“Splice The Lemon” – It’s The Kerr’s Gin Tweet Tasting!

June 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Splice The Lemon” – It’s The Kerr’s Gin Tweet Tasting!

Kerr’s Gin was the subject of last nights @TweetTastings, which was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire.

The Gins sampled were:-

  • Kerr’s Borders Gin
  • Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin

We were very lucky to get a chance to try their brand new, limited edition Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin and it didn’t disappoint!

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #KerrsGin on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Kerr’s Borders Gin (43%)


Named after William Kerr, a botanist from their home-town of Hawick. Kerr was one of the 19th century’s great plant hunters, sending 238 plants to Kew Gardens from his travels to Canton, Java and Manila.

Kerr’s Borders Gin is classed as a “barley to bottle gin” which uses its own malted barley spirit for re-distillation through its unique recipe of botanicals in its specially commissioned one-shot vapour Carter-Head still.

This Gin is made from local Scottish borders barley. Every grain is grown within 33 miles of the distillery (The Borders Distillery) and their Growers & Distillers programme has allowed them to form relationships with each of the 12 farms involved.

In addition, it is made with botanicals from around the world; Macedonian Juniper, English Coriander, Scottish Heracleum, Bitter Orange, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Cassia, Angelica, Myrtle, Angelica, Orris, Almond and Liquorice.

£33 – Buy Now


Nose: Quite strong ‘corn-on-the-cob’ nose for me initially leading to creamy strawberries and nice citrus (mainly lemon.) Lots of biscuit comin’ thru later on.

Palate: Mmm … creamy sweet, sugared lemons (like a lemon drizzle cake) with some very punchy. peppery spiciness!

Finish: With tonic the lemons are holding out nicely, but are not so sweet – but it’s even more morish than when it’s taken neat!

Overall: A classy gin to make the perfect cocktail with. As an alternative, add cucumber to your G&T instead of the usual – it’s crackingly good!

Tasting Notes – Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin (57.1%)


Brand new and Limited to only 2,022 bottles, this is the first limited-edited Kerr’s Gin release.

The term Navy Strength harks back to the 18th century when the British Navy would mix spirits with gunpowder, then light with a match to test the strength of the alcohol. Today it usually refers to gins and rums bottled at over 57% ABV.

Produced using the same botanicals and locally harvested Scottish barley as their Borders Gin, the increased ABV of the Navy Strength, is said to master the balance of intensity and smoothness.

The rich blue design features state of the art printing technology, with Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin being the first Borders Distillery bottle to be completely paperless.

£50 – Buy Now


Nose: Very herby and citrusy straight off the bat! A juniper / citrus ‘dreadnought’ for sure!

Palate: Surprisingly smooth for such an abv. Juniper, creamy lemon, licorice coupled with muted spice that doesn’t bully the taste buds too much!

Finish: Adding tonic turn this into a smooth, sweet n’ savoury drink – that hides it’s high abv very nicely – could be dangerous at a party though!

Overall: It’s a very sippable gin this – maybe the higher abv has given it some mixer independance? Either way, neat or cocktailed, it’ll have you ‘riding on the ocean wave’ in no time!

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 2, I think it’s got to be the Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin – totally abfab – either neat or as a cocktail – devilishly powerful though!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and of course, Kerr’s Gin (#KerrsGin), without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @Sake_Baku @dvdbloke @moonbites @B_R_Drams @sprungatom @fiona_whisky @PhilScott101 @FiShoop @whiskyRubhach @iheartwhisky @WhiskyUnplugged @_PickledGinger @RealDramRob @socialdrammer @Nescaphe @MashtunandMeow @rodbodtoo @drinkersite @DramofWar @Whisky_And1 @WhiskyWithMolly @whiskygraeme @DistilleryBikes

Filed Under: Cocktails, Gin, Kerr's Gin, New Arrivals, News, Sampling

Celebrate Diwali & Old Fashioned Week With A Rampur ‘Asava’ Whisky Cocktail!

November 2, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky Old Fashioned Cocktail!

To celebrate Diwali – the Festival of Light (2nd. – 6th. November) and Old Fashioned Week (5th. -14th. November), Rampur Distillery has very kindly sent me their Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky Old Fashioned Cocktail to try!
(Many Thanks Rampur Distillery!)

Diwali celebrates the Indian New Year, traditionally enjoyed with fireworks, the exchanging of sweets and the lighting of candles and lamps in all the homes in India.

Diwali – the Festival of Light (2nd. – 6th. November)

Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies are a range of luxury whiskies produced by one of India’s oldest distilleries, Rampur Distillery. These super premium malt whiskies, which are styled as “The Kohinoor of Single Malts”, are steeped in the rich Indian heritage and enduring traditions of the Maharajas. Rampur whiskies are named after the princely India state known for its rich heritage and royal traditions.

The Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky Old Fashioned Cocktail is infused with Chai Tea, Cardamom Pods, Cloves, Cumin Seeds & Cinnamon, Demerara Sugar Syrup and Cardamom Bitters!

Rampur Distillery is owned by Radico Khaitan, which was established in 1943 and is the largest Indian beverage company. Radico Khaitan is also one of the oldest whisky distillers in India and Rampur Distillery has been distilling high quality and innovative malt for over 25 years. Rampur Whisky is distilled, matured and bottled in Uttar Pradesh in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The Process

The Himalayas provide polar opposite climate conditions throughout the year, which means that Indian whisky matures significantly more quickly than other whiskies such as Scotch and Irish whiskies.

As Rampur Distillery is situated at the foothills of The Himalayas, the cold winters and hot summers give their whiskies added dimension and produce single malts with depth of flavour which are smooth and mellow tasting with a long-lasting finish. Master Blender, Anup Barik, was born into a family of blenders and brings decades of expertise and perfection to the blending of these fine whiskies.

I find that Rampur is a great dram for people who are new to whisky. Their sweet, tropical fruit trademark is an easy introduction to the world of whiskies!

So, what did I think of the cocktail? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky Old Fashioned (26.4%)

Indian spices galore!

Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky infused with Chai Tea, Cardamom Pods, Cloves, Cumin Seeds & Cinnamon, Demerara Sugar Syrup and Cardamom Bitters.

Nose: Rich ginger and a whole myriad of aromatic spices!

Palate: So many flavours with ginger being on top followed by cloves, cumin and all wrapped up in sweet sugar and bitters coupled with the solid body of Asava whisky.

Finish: A warming, spicy ginger finish with a sweet and bitter combo and those ever present indian spices!

Overall: A flavoursome rich, full-bodied cocktail – one of the best I’ve ever tasted!


I’ve also included my Tasting Notes for Asava Whisky ….

Tasting Notes – Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky (45%)

Matured in American Bourbon barrels and meticulously perfected in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks for the first time in History!
Non-chill filtered.
£64.95



Nose: Creamy biscuit, vanilla and tropical fruit. The blackcurrant is there but arrives slowly. Then make way for chocolate and coffee.

Palate: Gorgeous Lychee with very smooth creamy chocolate.

Finish: Very peppery with tannic and tobacco.

Overall: The red colour from the Cabernet Sauvignon casks is very Alluring – and so is the taste! Forget the dessert course – just have a Rampur Asava!

Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky is available from The Whisky Exchange

Once again, many thanks to Rampur Distillery (Instagram: @rampursinglemalt) for the lovely sample!

Filed Under: Cocktails, Diwali, Indian, News, Rampur, Sampling, Whisky tasting

Whisky Sour Day Is 25th. August – Celebrate With J&B Rare’s Iconic Cocktail!

August 24, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

It’s Whisky Sour Day!

Whisky Sour Day is 25th. August!

And why not celebrate it with J&B Rare’s Iconic Cocktail!

J&B Rare Whisky is distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland. A blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies, the heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside single malts: Knockando, Auchroisk, Strathmill and Glen Spey and is expertly blended to create an approachable, rich and complex flavour.

STARLINO Cherries!

The round, fruity, unique and distinctive taste of the fine malt whiskies is delicately balanced by carefully chosen grain whiskies which gives J&B Rare its distinctive character.

J&B is available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange – £20.45
  • Master of Malt – £22.65

Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries are made from high-quality, Italian Marasca Cherries, also known as some of the highest quality cocktail cherries in the world. Marasca Cherries are a type of sour Morello cherry made from Royal Ann, Rainier or Gold Varieties Cherries. The de-stoned, plump, ruby red cherries produce a small “pop” after every bite, with a distinct sweet cherry flavour experience.

Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries are available to buy from:-

  • Master of Malt – £11.94

J&B has kindly sent me a very generous bottle of J&B Rare with some Marcascino Cherries to try. Thanks J&B / @Justerinis!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Firstly: Tasting Notes for J&B Rare Blended Whisky (40%)

Nose: Creamy, toffee sweetness, green apple and white wood.

Palate: Smooth and creamy with toffee sweetness.

Finish: Long, spicy finish with lemon citrus tang. Slightly woody and tannin.

Overall: Great for cocktails (as we’ll see below) but very satisfying neat which I find is always a good test of a whisky!

J&B Rare Whisky Sour

35ml J&B Rare
10ml Lemon Juice
10ml Sugar Syrup
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add J&B Rare, lemon juice, sugar syrup and bitters.

Shake the ingredients together, strain and remove the ice.

Add mixture to the shaker and dry shake.

Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherries.

So, what did I think?
Sadly, no pictures as the cocktail I produced was none too attractive – I don’t have a cocktail shaker so I had to improvise!

However, the cocktail was wonderful!
Savoury, lemony sourness, which mellows to a sweetness and reminds me of a chilled hot toddy.

The Maraschino Cherries are absolutely gorgeous! And with that thought in mind I thought “Why not use them more?”

So here it is – my take on the Whisky Sour!

J&B Rare Whisky ‘Cherry’ Sour

50ml J&B Rare
20ml Lemon Juice
Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries syrup – too taste
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries

Prepare as above – or just put it all in a glass like I did!

So, what did I think?
As the syrup settles on bottom over time you first get nice, tangy lemon and a little lip-smacking, savoury bitters. As you progress it gets sweeter with luscious, marzipan cherry, fruity sweetness – highly recommended – I reckon (but then I’m biased!)

However you make your Whisky Sour – Enjoy it on 25th August!

Filed Under: Cocktails, J&B, News, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky Sour Day, Whisky tasting

Funkin Reveals The World’s Favourite Cocktail – Margarita Takes the Crown!

May 13, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

What’s Your Favourite Cocktail?

Today is World Cocktail Day and Funkin Cocktails has researched each country’s favourite cocktail across the globe!

UK specific results

Using Google search data, they were able to determine which cocktails were the most searched for from 115 different countries – showing us which cocktail is any country’s refreshment of choice.

Favourite Cocktails per Worldwide Search Volume

We can also see the total worldwide search volume for each cocktail, giving us the ultimate cocktail league table, featuring over 80 cocktails.

Total Favourite Cocktails per Country

Using this data, we can see that:

The Margarita is the undisputed cocktail champion of the world: with 30 countries claiming it as their favourite and around 546,280 searches for them worldwide per month – the Marg’s are in charge.

The classics are classic for a reason: The Margarita, Mojito, Pornstar Martini and White Russian made up 80% of the total favourite cocktails for each country.

Popularity isn’t everything: While the Old Fashioned, Bloody Mary, Sex On The Beach & Manhattan cocktails all made the top 10 of the world’s most popular cocktails – no country had them as their outright favourite!

See the favourite cocktails for each country as an interactive map

Funkin Cocktails are The award-winning cocktail experts with more than 21 years in the making. Established in 1999 as a cocktail expert for high-end bars, Funkin soon became the #1 cocktail brand in the UK.

The favourite cocktails for each country

Funkin believes that to shake the best cocktail, you have to use the best ingredients. That’s why they use real fruit to create their products, famous amongst the best bartenders all around the world.

Popularity isn’t everything!

It’s fascinating to see the differences across the globe for which cocktails are the favourite around each country.

There definitely seems to be a theme in the most popular cocktails: refreshing with a hint of something tropical, to feel like you’re being whisked away to warmer climates with every sip.

While it had stiff competition, Margarita grabbing the top spot as the world’s favourite cocktail is no surprise to me, after all, it’s even got its own glass!
– Nicolas Gomez-Gonzalez: Cocktail Expert at Funkin Cocktails

Filed Under: Cocktails, News, World Cocktail Day

Celebrate World Cocktail Day With Cotswolds Distillery!

May 7, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Celebrate World Cocktail Day with Cotswolds Distillery!

Cotswolds Distillery are looking forward to celebrating World Cocktail Day on the 13th May and their Head of Mixology Oliver Morris has created these delicious cocktails which can be easily made at home:

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky – Cotswolds Boulevardier

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky – Cotswolds Boulevardier:
A rich and warming variation on the Negroni. A delicious marriage of honeyed malt, rich aromatics and bittersweet marmalade.

Ingredients:
45ml Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky,
30ml Sweet Vermouth,
30ml Campari

Method: Place all the ingredients into an ice filled cocktail jar. Stir and strain into an ice filled rocks glass and garnish with an orange wedge or dehydrated orange wheel

Cotswolds Dry Gin – Cotswolds Clover Leaf

Ingredients: 50ml Cotswolds Dry Gin,
15ml Fresh Lime Juice,
12.5ml Raspberry Syrup,
5 fresh raspberries,
2 mint leaves

Method: Muddle the raspberries and mint. Shake all the ingredients over ice and strain back into the shaker without ice. Dry shake and fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberry and mint.

Cotswolds Products are available to buy from:-

  • Master of Malt
  • cotswoldsdistillery.com

Filed Under: Cocktails, Cotswolds Distillery, News

World Whisky Day – Why Not Celebrate With A Cocktail On The 15th. May?!

May 6, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

WORLD WHISKY DAY: celebrate with a cocktail!

Celebrate World Whisky Day on the 15th May with one of Europe’s favourite blended whiskies J&B Rare. This approachable and accessible Scotch appeals to whisky connoisseurs and ‘new world’ drinkers alike!

The consistent high quality of the blend, which is light in colour with a smooth and elegant taste, makes it the perfect whisky to be enjoyed as a dram or for an at home cocktail this World Whisky Day.

J&B Rare Whisky is distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland. A blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies, the heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside single malts: Knockando, Auchroisk, Strathmill and Glen Spey and is expertly blended to create an approachable, rich and complex flavour.

The round, fruity, unique and distinctive taste of the fine malt whiskies is delicately balanced by carefully chosen grain whiskies which gives J&B Rare its distinctive character.


A great cocktail to create is the J&B Rare Whisky Sour:

35ml J&B Rare,
10ml lemon juice,
10ml sugar syrup
3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Add to an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
Shake and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with maraschino cherries.

RRP: £22.50, ABV: 40%

J&B Rare is available from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

Abundance Cocktail

If you are nervous of creating a cocktail for World Whisky Day but would love to celebrate with one, these two delicious pre-made cocktails have been created by top London bartenders and can be delivered nationally to your door.

Abundance Cocktail @ Callooh Callay

Created by Amber Blood

J&B Rare | Giffard Banana Liqueur | Sencha Rose Green Tea | Lime Leaf Cordial

Available to purchase online from calloohcallaybar.com

RRP: £12.50 plus delivery.

Twinkle Tea Cocktail


Twinkle Tea Cocktail @ Callooh Callay

Created by Sophia Zangerl

J&B Rare Scotch | Tamarind | Sweet Vermouth | Ginger | Earl Grey Tea | Honey | Mineral Water, Carbonated

Available to purchase online from calloohcallaybar.com

RRP: £12.50 plus delivery.


Alternatively, celebrate World Whisky Day, 15th May with three cocktails from recently launched Shanky’s Whip, an Irish Whiskey-based liqueur!

Shankys – Irish Old Fashioned

For the 10th anniversary of World Whisky Day there is a brand new Irish whiskey-based liqueur, Shanky’s Whip. Launched in the UK in April 2021, it is based on a combination of Irish spirits and aged pot still whiskey, blended in with the natural flavour of vanilla infused with caramel.

If you are looking for something a bit different to celebrate the ‘water of life’, Shanky’s Whip won’t disappoint. A smooth, black spirit with a rich and whippy flavour dominated by spicy Irish notes and can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails such as an Irish Old Fashioned, Cold Whip or The Long and the Short of It.

Shanky’s Whip – Irish Old Fashioned
1 part Aperol
1 part Shanky’s Whip
Dash of Bitters
1 part Bourbon

Mix all of the above together and garnish with Orange peel and a Maraschino cherry

Shankys Whip ‘The Long And Short Of It’

The Long and Short of It
1 part Shanky’s Whip
4 parts cola
Garnish – slice of lime

Serve in a tall glass over ice with a slice of lime

The Whip
A chilled shot of Shanky’s Whip

RRP £24. ABV: 33%.

Shanky’s Whip is available from:-

  • Master of Malt

Filed Under: Cocktails, News, World Whisky Day

Celebrate Old Fashioned Week!

October 30, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cotswolds Distillery Old Fashioned

Happy Old Fashioned Week!

Celebrate Old Fashioned Week (30th October – 8th November) with these four amazing cocktail recipes from around the world!

Delicious recipes to inspire you to get creative and have a go at creating this classic cocktail!


Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky – this award winning English single malt whisky adds a twist to the classic recipe which is simplicity in a glass. With delicious notes of sweet malted barley, hints of caramel and overtones of toasted butterscotch, with a marmalade finish!

Ingredients: 60ml Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky, 10ml maple syrup and 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters

Method: dissolve the whisky and maple syrup in a cocktail jar or glass. Add ice and stir continuously for dilution. Add the bitters, more ice and stir a few more times. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass, express orange peel around the glass. Garnish with the orange peel and serve.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky: RRP: £39 for 700 ml. ABV 46%. Available from:
The Whisky Exchange


Rampur Old Fashioned (Photographed by @Mix.Mann)

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky Golden Old Fashioned – add an Indian touch to your Old Fashioned with this stunning subtly spiced recipe created by @Mix.Mann which includes Cumin, Star Anise, Orange Peel and Demerara Sugar. The addition of Black Pepper Cardamom Bitters adds further spice.


Cumin Anise Syrup ingredients:
half teaspoon Cumin Seeds (place in palm of hand, use your other thumb to apply pressure whilst rubbing the seeds, this opens them up releasing the delicious aromas),
2 pods/points from a Star Anise,
Orange Peel from 1 x Orange (remove as much pith as possible),
200ml Water
200ml Demerara Sugar.

Method: add all the ingredients to a saucepan. Gently bring to the boil, stir occasionally and simmer for 6-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Strain into a clean jar to remove the spices and peels. Store in the fridge.

Rampur Golden Old Fashioned ingredients:
60ml Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky,
10ml Cumin Anise Syrup,
1 x dash Ms Betters Bitters Black Pepper Cardamom Bitters
Garnish with dehydrated orange wheel, STARLINO Maraschino Cherry and Star Anise

Method: add all the ingredients to a mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir for 30 seconds, add more ice and stir again for 30-40 seconds. Strain into a glass over a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish.

Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky: RRP: £60 for a 70cl bottle 45% ABV

Available from:

The Whisky Exchange

Master of Malt


J&B Rare

J&B Rare Old Fashioned. Created in the 1930’s and distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland.

Ingredients: 50ml J&B Rare, 1 x sugar cube, 2 x dashes of Angostura Bitters and orange zest to garnish

Method: stir all the ingredients in a rocks glass, adding ice as you go along. Garnish with orange zest and STARLINO Maraschino Cherries!

J&B Rare RRP: £22.50 for a 70cl bottle. ABV 40%

Available from:
The Whisky Exchange

Master of Malt


Storywood Tequila

Storywood Tequila – why not add a twist to the cocktail and create an Old Fashioned with a whisky aged Tequila – Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo?

Ingredients: 50ml Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo, 10ml agave syrup, 2 dashes of bitters and dehydrated orange wheel.

Method: Stir half the tequila with three cubes of ice in a glass. Add agave syrup, bitters and two more ice cubes, before stirring again. Add the rest of the tequila before stirring once more. Add more ice cubes, if there is room, and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.

Storywood Tequila Speyside 14 Añejo. RRP: £47.45 for a 700ml bottle. ABV: 40%

Available from: amazon.co.uk and proofdrinks.com


Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries

Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries would add the final flourish to an Old Fashioned Cocktail. Hailing from San Gennaro, Vesuviano, close to Naples, these cherries are moreish and a delicious addition to the classic old fashioned cocktail.

Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries RRP: £10 for a 400g jar and £20 for a 1kg tin

Available from:

Master of Malt

Filed Under: Cocktails, Cotswolds Distillery, J&B, News, Old Fashioned, Old Fashioned Cocktail Week, Rampur

Whisky Sour Day – Celebrate With J&B Rare!

August 14, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The J&B Sinatra Sour!

Whisky Sour Day is celebrated every year in America on the 25th August. This iconic cocktail is delicious, easy to create and perfect to enjoy on a hot Summer evening.

J&B Rare has created their own twist on this classic cocktail – The J&B Sinatra Sour, named after Frank Sinatra, who was part of the infamous Hollywood ‘Rat Pack’ and was known to enjoy J&B Rare in their heyday:

J&B Whisky Sour

Ingredients: 35ml J&B Rare, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, 3 dashes Angostura Bitters, Maraschino cherries

Method: add all the ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a black cherry, preferably a Maraschino cherry.

Created in the 1930’s, J&B Rare is distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland. A blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies, the heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside malts including Knockando, Glen Spey, Auchriosk and Strathmill. The blend is returned to the cask for a further three years’ maturation which brings together the bold flavours of the single malts, with the lighter grain whiskies adding fullness and depth to the blend.

As this elegant blended whisky is lighter than most Scotch whiskies, J&B Rare is the bartenders go-to for blended Scotch whisky cocktails. Perfect for celebrating Whisky Sour Day!

RRP: £22.50, ABV: 40%

J&B is available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

Filed Under: Cocktails, J&B, Whisky Sour Day

Celebrate Burns Night With J&B Rare’s Bobby Burns Cocktail!

January 14, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The J&B Rare ‘Bobby Burns’

Are you celebrating Burns Night on the 25th January 2020?

If you are, why not raise a glass to Robert Burns with the classic Bobby Burns cocktail? Especially as it has been given an unexpected ‘Rare’ twist by world-renowned Jason Scott, owner of Bramble Bar and the iconic blended Scotch whisky, J&B Rare!

Now in its 219th year, Burns Night is a true celebration of friends, food and whisky

Created in the 1930’s (at the very same time the first known printed recipe of the Bobby Burns appeared in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book), J&B Rare has a light flavour profile, which makes it the perfect canvas for whisky cocktails such as The Bobby Burns.

Craddock’s original recipe called for Italian Vermouth and Scotch Whisky with 3 dashes of bitters, Jason Scott’s twist on the traditional combines J&B Rare with Balthazar Vermouth, Benedictine and Peychaud bitters, creating a subtle yet complex Bobby Burns.

Now in its 219th year, Burns Night is a true celebration of friends, food and whisky. What better way to mark the occasion than with Jason’s instant classic?

To make the J&B Rare Bobby Burns simply:

  • Add ice to a cocktail shaker
  • Pour in 50ml J&B Rare
  • 25ml Balthazar Vermouth
  • 5ml Benedictine
  • 2 dashes of Peychaud Bitters
  • Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass
  • Garnish with a fresh lemon peel twist

J&B Rare has been distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland since the 1930’s and is a blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies. The heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside malts including Knockando, Glen Spey, Auchriosk and Strathmill. The blend is returned to the cask for a further three years’ maturation which brings together the bold flavours of the single malts with the lighter grain whiskies adding fullness and depth to the blend.

J&B Rare is available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

Filed Under: Burns Night, Cocktails, J&B, New Arrivals

Glen Moray Celebrates Old Fashioned Week With Five Modern Versions Of The Classic Cocktail!

October 29, 2019 by Gary Leave a Comment

GlenMoray, Fired Oak, Bitters and Griottines – Yum!

With a view to championing the versatility and diversity of Single Malt, Glen Moray (@GlenMorayDist) has worked with Joel Harrison (@joeldram) and Neil Ridley (@NeilDram), from World’s Best Spirits, to shift the perception of Single Malt to make Old Fashioned Week 2019 (November 1st. to 10th.) even more adventurous this year!

Fired Oak Southern Old Fashioned

Using the whiskies from the Glen Moray Elgin Classic Collection and the recently released Glen Moray Fired Oak 10 Year Old Single Malt, Neil and Joel have created five new innovative twists on the classic Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe.

In addition to the innovative recipes, and again in collaboration with World’s Best Spirits, Glen Moray ran a series of Old-Fashioned Masterclasses across the UK this Autumn. The masterclasses ensured that the mastery of creating this historic cocktail was spread to the trade and consumers, whilst also encouraging people to be inventive and explore the Glen Moray range by creating their own Glen Moray Old Fashioned masterpiece.
(You can read about my Masterclass experience here!)

Classic Play It Again Sam Old Fashioned

We are firm believers that Scotch, especially single malt, should be explored in as many diverse serves as possible and the Old Fashioned is a wonderfully flavoursome vehicle to experience the huge variety of flavours on offer: from lighter, fruity and vanilla notes, through to big, rich, bold and spicy ones.

The Glen Moray range works really well to illustrate this.
– Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison: World’s Best Spirits

Seated Smoke And Mirrors Old Fashioned

Another key ingredient to an Old Fashioned are bitters, so to further enhance and elevate an Old Fashioned, or any other whisky cocktail, the Glen Moray team has created their own unique Glen Moray Bitters.

The aromas and flavours of the Glen Moray Bitters are from the maceration and distillation of rosemary and pepper with natural quinquina, dry gentian, absinthe, angelica and whisky.

Although Glen Moray Bitters cannot currently be purchased, they are available to bar tenders and will be showcased at masterclasses and consumer shows around the world.

The world famous Griottines Cherries, which are part of the La Martiniquaise-Bardinet company which owns Glen Moray Distillery, are also launching in the UK this October.

Not only is a cherry an essential addition to a classic Old Fashioned cocktail, but Griottines Cherries are held in the highest regard by bartenders and mixologists the world over. (And they are gorgeous!)

Port Cask Pink Old Fashioned

Here are the five new Glen Moray Old Fashioned Cocktails for 2020:

1. Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish: Marmalade Old Fashioned

50ml Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish, 1 heaped tsp of marmalade, 3 dashes of Aztec chocolate bitters (Fee Brothers), Ice

In an Old Fashioned glass, add the marmalade and whisky and stir down. Add a couple of cubes of ice and pour over the whisky. Stir down again before adding the bitters. Add more ice and stir. Once the drink is balanced, garnish with candied orange

2. Glen Moray Elgin Classic: Play It Again, Sam

50ml Glen Moray Elgin Classic, 1 tsp of golden caster sugar, 2 tsp water, 2 tsp rose water, 1 dash cardamom bitters (Bob’s bitters), Ice

In an Old Fashioned glass, mix the sugar and water by stirring with a bar spoon, slowly
adding ice. Then add the rose water and keep stirring. Add more ice, and the whisky followed by the dash of bitters until smooth. Add more cubed ice. Garnish with a rose petal.

3. Glen Moray Port Cask Finish: The Pink Old Fashioned

50ml Glen Moray Port Cask Finish, 1 tsp of golden caster sugar, 2 tsp of water, 2 dashes cherry bitters (Fee Brothers), Ice

In an Old Fashioned glass, add the sugar and water with a cube of ice and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the whisky and stir down with another cube of ice. Then add the bitters and another cube of ice, while stirring down. Keep adding ice and stirring until the drink is well balanced and not too diluted. Garnish with a fresh cherry. Option to lengthen with sparking water for an ‘Old Fashioned Spritz’.

4. Glen Moray Fired Oak: Southern Old Fashioned

50ml Glen Moray Fired Oak,1 tsp Maple Syrup, 2 dashes habanero shrub (Bittermens Hellfire habanero shrub), Ice

Add the maple syrup and the whisky into an Old Fashioned glass and stir a few times to mix together. Then fill with three ice cubes and add 2 dashes of the habanero shrub. Keep adding ice, stirring and tasting until perfectly balanced and garnish with a green chili pepper cut down the middle. Optional: rim the glass with chili salt.

Sherry Cask Marmalade Old Fashioned

5. Glen Moray Peated Single Malt: Smoke and Mirrors

50ml Glen Moray Peated Single Malt, 1 tsp dark brown soft sugar, 2 tsp water, 2 dashes black walnut bitters (Fee Brothers), Ice

In an Old Fashioned glass, add the sugar and water and mix. Add a cube of ice and continue to mix. Add the bitters, more ice and mix. Finally, once the drink is the right mix of flavours, garnish with a sprig of pine.

If you are still unsure about experimenting and creating your own Old Fashioned Cocktail, World’s Best Spirits have created excellent short film guides to making an Old Fashioned. Please click on the link to see how to create a Glen Moray Classic Old Fashioned and a Glen Moray Fired Oak Old Fashioned.

Need more inspiration – there’s videos!

Glen Moray is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • The Whisky Barrel

Filed Under: Cocktails, Glen Moray, Old Fashioned, Whisky tasting

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