With party season just about to kick in, what better time to discover your new go-to wine or spirit? From a moreish toffee vodka and a smoky Speyside whisky, to a bold liquorice-based digestivo and an artisan tequila from an indie Leeds brand, we round up some of the very best wines and spirits available right now.
Thunder Toffee Vodka
The vodka shot sensation that’s proved to be a hit all over Europe with the apres ski crowd is now widely available in the UK. Thunder Toffee Vodka offers up a silky smooth hit of sweet toffee with a kick and tastes just as delicious poured over ice as it does in a shot. Pick up a bottle for £23 from Sainsbury’s.
Black Madonna Liquorice Liqueur
Digestivo lovers looking for something different might want to check out the divine Black Madonna by Assuntina di Capri. Named after a painting found in a church in Positano in Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this bold tipple is made with the juice of the root of the liquorice plant.
Serve straight from the freezer to create a thick, chewy texture and intense flavour sensation. Pick up a bottle from Sacla for £40.
Limoncello by Assuntina di Capri
Made using lemons from the Island of Ischia, where the sunshine, volcanic earth, and sea breeze help to produce deliciously sweet and zesty fruit, this refreshing Limoncello is an exceptional digestivo. Ideal as both a palate cleanser or post-meal tipple, the beautiful vintage bottle also makes it a great gift.
Pick up a bottle of Limoncello by Assuntina di Capri from Sacla for £40.
Hacien Tequila Añejo Cristalino
Since debuting their trio of premium tequilas early in 2022, Leeds-based Hacien has rapidly become a cult brand, appearing in some of the UK’s best cocktail bars. We love all three variants, but their barrel-aged Añejo Cristalino might just be our favourite.
Filtered with charcoal for an intense flavour profile which includes honey, roasted agave, toffee and pink peppercorn, Añejo Cristalino is best enjoyed on the rocks and sipped slowly. Grab a bottle direct from Hacien for £74.95.
Meikle Tòir Chinquapin Whisky
If you like your whisky smoky with a hint of sweetness, then Meikle Tòir Chinquapin Whisky from acclaimed Speyside distillery Glenallachie is a must. Matured in virgin Chinquapin oak casks sourced from the Northern Ozark region of Missouri in the USA, this single malt Scotch whisky is a feast for all senses. Expect notes of milk chocolate, charred hazelnut and toasted cinnamon.
Available from Master of Malt for £49.99.
Aber Falls Whisky
Wales may not be famous for its whiskies, however, the full-bodied Aber Falls is a force to be reckoned with. Boasting aromas of vanilla and toffee, candied fruits and citrus, this amber gold single malt Welsh whisky gives off flavours of sherry and spice to create a satisfying tipple. Excellent mixed in cocktails or served on the rocks. Purchase direct from Aber Falls Distillery for £27.
Rock Rose Gin Smoked Orange Edition
Crafted by Dunnet Bay Distillery, Rock Rose Gin Smoked Orange Edition is a smoky and citrusy serve, which hits with its big flavours of Lapsang Souchong Tea and candied orange. It’s perfect over ice with tonic and a slice of orange, but also versatile enough to mix in cocktails. Pick up a bottle from Dunnet Bay for £36.
Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée
Independent family-run Champagne house Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée is an excellent wine that deserves a special occasion. Blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier to create a complex yet elegant Champagne that’s rich and buttery and with hints of melon and green apple. Pick it up for £46.90 from Wanderlust Wine.