Michters Small Batch Bourbon, 70cl

A Spanish gin that is one of only two gins in the world with its own EU Designation of Origin, Xorigeur is based on an 18th century recipe and was popular with the sailors at that time. The green handled bottle makes it stand out from the crowd but it’s the perfumed flavour and orange-rich character which really make this gin sing. A grape alcohol base gives it a juicy flavour which is peppered with bright herbaceous and spicy notes. Fresh, almost menthol juniper ends each sip, lingering as a quenching aftertaste.

One of Brazil’s favourite Cachaça, Velho Barreiro is delicate on the nose but powerful earthy tones come through when you sip. Ripe marrow and fresh orchard fruit aromas are all present in the nose but when enjoyed neatthe flavour is crisp and clean, with a rounded flavour profile which once again allows the sweet vegetal notes to shine. This also applies when you add it to your favourite exotic cocktail, unsurprisingly a perfect partner for the other essential ingredients in a Caipirinha.

Nose: The first hints of fresh almond and harvest aromas immediately open up into preserved lemon and dried fruits, the whole rounded off by darker smoky and toasted qualities. Palate: The presence of the wine on the palate is immediately captivating. Paradoxically concentrated yet creamy, it is energetic and warm in the mouth, focusing on the fruit, then gradually taking on more profound bass notes. The whole holds its note perfectly, intensively, with just a subtle, elegant hint of underlying bitterness.