Consider the Jaffa cake. A timeless treat. Now, if something is delicious, chances are someone will make a gin with it, and that’s exactly what has happened here. Jaffa Cake Gin is distilled with oranges, fresh orange peel, cocoa powder and Jaffa cakes. Actual Jaffa cakes. As in “Right, we could eat these yummy Jaffa cakes, or we could put the Jaffa cakes in this vacuum still and make Jaffa Cake Gin.” It’s that kind of situation. The result is just like you’d expect - full-on Jaffa cake tastiness built around a distinctive base of crisp juniper. The label claims it’ll make the best Negroni mankind has ever seen, but we’ll let you be the judge of that one - though you will get top marks if you stick a Jaffa cake on your glass like a citrus wheel garnish. m the California lettering depicted in the middle.
County Cork’s finest creation, Jameson whisky has been enjoyed in Ireland and beyond for over two centuries. Known around the world for its palatable smoothness and velvety touch on the palate, Jameson’s flavour is also worthy of note, sweet and aromatic and thick with marmalade and citrus notes. The sharper flavours are balanced against a touch of sweet vanilla cream, delivering that classic Jameson’s flavour the world knows and loves.
The second release in Jameson Caskmates range, finished this time in casks that once held zesty IPA. The combination adds further layers of hop fruitiness to the whiskies already fruity character as well as a touch of citrus, floral notes and some balancing bitterness. Perfect for a boilermaker – sip of IPA, sip of Jameson Caskmates, repeat.
Jameson Caskmates is an intriguing release. Having sent some of their casks to the local craft stout brewers at Franciscan Well, the casks were returned to Midleton where they were subsequently used to give a stout finish to Jameson!
We tasted it before it was available in the UK when we visited Cork just before St. Patrick's Day 2015, and we know that some of the fine folk at Irish Distillers were worried that it may be seen as a bit of a gimmick. Perhaps to an extent it is, but more importantly, it works - a worthwhile experiment that's produced a unique and interesting Irish whiskey.
A triple distilled single pot still Irish whiskey
Classic flavour with added notes of cocoa, coffee and butterscotch
Classic pure pot still - silky, full bodied with nuts, citrus fruits
Jameson - Select Reserve - Black Barrel. Great whiskeys don't just happen by chance. Years of experience and consummate skill go into the precise selection of whiskeys used in Jameson Select Reserve. The Jameson Masters carefully select a high proportion of single Irish pot still whiskey and a rare small batch grain whiskey, all matured in flame-charred bourbon barrels and toasted sherry casks. The trademark Jameson notes of toasted wood and spice develop while the rich pot still whiskey matures in the dark, aromatic warehouses of our single distillery. The rare, sweet grain whiskey - not found in any other Jameson Whiskey - is triple distilled in small batch quantities on just one occasion each year. The result is an extremely rich and luxurious taste experience, combining spice and exotic fruits. We think you will agree it is a selection well made. Nose: Rich and full, developing into the succulent sweetness of exotic fruits like nectarines, apricot and papaya. Taste: A burst of flavours combine to produce a creamy, luscious taste experience. The special fruity sweetness from the grain remains consistent, while the waves of vanilla, toasted wood and spices roll through from the pot still whiskey and flame charred barrels. Finish: An incredibly long finish with fruit and wood spices lingering in perfect proportion, delivering an extremely rich and luxurious taste experience.
County Cork’s finest creation, Jameson whisky has been enjoyed in Ireland and beyond for over two centuries. Known around the world for its palatable smoothness and velvety touch on the palate, Jameson’s flavour is also worthy of note, sweet and aromatic and thick with marmalade and citrus notes. The sharper flavours are balanced against a touch of sweet vanilla cream, delivering that classic Jameson’s flavour the world knows and loves.
Double oak is a whiskey to rival any other. It is first aged in charred
American white oak barrels then we pour it into another freshly charred barrel to mature for a second time
The added interaction with the oak wood results in a liquid intense in flavor, smooth in taste.
The world's no. 1 bourbon expertly aged and then matured in a second freshly charred oak barrel.
Jim Beam Double Oak is a new take on the classic Kentucky bourbon matured in not one, but two freshly charred oak barrels. The double maturation process allows the bourbon greater contact with the wood creating an intense yet smooth taste, featuring caramel, toffee and a distinctive spiced oakiness.
Jim Beam Double Oak is perfect savoured neat over ice to highlight the unique rich flavours or in a classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
Expertly aged and then matured in a second oak barrel, Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in oak
For your classic Kentucky Bourbon, look no further than Jim Beam. Aged for double the necessary time, Jim is smooth, mellow and perfect for mixing with cocktails. It’s your perfect introductory bourbon but it’s also the favourite of many bourbon connoisseurs. Vanilla and caramel aromas quickly lead to a flavour with a rich, woody character with both those initial flavour notes carrying through. Gentle to the end, Jim Beam is perfect for sipping all night long.
The name ‘Jindea’ is a portmanteau of ‘Juniper’ and the French words for India and tea, which provides a fairly accurate picture of the brand, as it is made in an alembic still in France, with juniper and first-flush Darjeeling tea as its main botanicals.
Jindea’s other botanicals are lemon, grapefruit, coriander, ginger, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon, and angelica. Maceration lasts between three and five days, followed by pot still distillation.
Exuding class and a little mystery, our pal Johnnie Black deserves a spot in your drinks cabinet. Deep and complex with a flavour that tantalises the tongue, Johnnie Black has been perfectly refined with as many as 40 whiskies brought together to create a mature, intricate and enjoyable scotch. A long fruity finish is exceptional amongst others in its class, with currant and citrus notes lingering longest of all.
Johnnie Walker Double Black is an exceptional limited edition offering which brings out the finest notes of traditional Black Label and combines them with a peatier whisky which is matured in barrels which are more charred. A smoke-filled nose offers up a little vanilla, citrus and malt and the flavour is creamy, malty and packed with enjoyable peat smoke. Salty butter, sweetened custard and cereals add further depth and character to this premium blend.
Johnnie Walker Gold Blend Reserve is one premium whisky that all connoisseurs are rushing to try. Constructed around the flavours of a single malt from Clynelish, the flavours have been nurtured and brought into their own with great care. The nose is rich with Scottish heather, honey and caramel, with just a little subtle nutmeg coming through. On drinking you’ll enjoy the smoothness immediately, with a velvety mouth feel and more of that satisfying honey warmth. Spiced vanilla comes through accompanied by bright floral notes, leading into a long toffee-rich finish. Extremely drinkable.
Johnnie Walker Green Label is one of the lesser found offerings from the hugely popular distillery and has a flavour which deserves at least one taste. A blended malt whisky which binds together many different flavours of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Green Label is rich in oak tones, coffee beans and even chocolate. Dates and walnut also come through with oak and charcoal wood smoke also getting a look in. A long finish is nicely spiced, rich with honey and sweetened by malty cereals.
Johnnie Walker Red Label was first created in 1909 and brings together a classic blend of whiskies. It’s a favourite for mixing, creating original cocktails and sitting at the back of the bar, simply waiting to be chosen. Johnnie Walker Red Label has a full and pungent aroma, with heather notes, herbaceous freshness and sweet honey. The palate is rich with winter spices, fruitcake and melt-in-the-mouth barley sugar depth, further enhancing this already enjoyable whisky.
A particularly decadent Extra Añejo Tequila from the 1800 range, first released in 2000. This expression is given a lengthy initial maturation in American oak barrels before being transferred over to Cognac casks for a finishing period.
Jose Cuervo Anejo 1800 is an exceptional offering for one of our favourite tequila distilleries. Aged for over a year and selective French oak casks, each bottle of this tequila has been prepared to perfection. The aroma is rich in roasted coconut, toffee and a woody floral depth. This leads into a flavour which is equally woody, with the spice coming through in the form of cracked black pepper. The end note is dry yet immensely satisfying, wonderful for sipping at leisure.
The classic golden tequila, Jose Cuervo Gold has a distinctive flavour that stands out against the crowd. Smooth and mellow compared to other tequilas, it benefits from a maturation process which involves time resting in oak casks. Blending both young and aged tequilas together ensures you have an ingredient that just begs to be added to your next margarita or dashed over the rocks for an enjoyable, thirst quenching drink.
Jose Cuervo Reposado 1800 is a further edition to the 1800 series of tequilas from Jose Cuervo. Rested for just six months in American and French oak casks, this tequila is a bittersweet, light offering which is exceptionally easy to drink. Light coconut and vanilla flavours come through in the nose with spicy pepper and cinnamon coming through too. The taste begins sweetly, with butterscotch taking centre stage but then leading into familiar notes of vanilla and charred vegetables.
BOX MAY VARY..........Hand picked from the family private collection, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is the cream of the Cuervo crop. The blue agave is peaked at peak maturity after spending 7 - 12 years growing in the baking Mexican sun, the resulting tequila is then aged in French and American oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years, the result is a fine tequila that is leagues beyond the rest, this is tequila for sipping not slamming!
One of the newer offerings from the famous Jose Cuervo range, Jose Cuervo Reserva da le Familia Blanco is an exceptional new silver tequila. Limited edition, hand signed, hand dipped and corked, each bottle of Reserva Blanco is highly sought after and it’s easy to see why. The strength of quality agave comes through in the nose, closely followed by charred vegetables and hints at linseed oil. The flavour keeps the vegetable notes alive but teams them with fresh pear and of course the sweetness of agave. Pepper only comes through towards the end but it strong and satisfying.
Jose Cuervo Silver 1800 is a 100% agave tequila which rests in ex-American whisky casks and benefits from the depths of both the oak and the whiskey flavours coming through. Chargrilled vegetables and celery notes come through in the nose which then leads into a flavour which allows the agave to take centre stage. Light and delicate, the agave is surrounded by the smokiness of the vegetable flavours and a light peppering of spice. Herbaceous and rounded to the final sip.
A quintessentially French flavour, Jules Clairon Napoleon is a warm and sweet brandy which has been nurtured to develop its distinctive flavour and aroma. Small, hand selected oak barrels are used in the maturation process and help to develop the lingering caramel flavour that Jules Clairon Napoleon is known for. A balanced mix of spirits ensures the Ideal for your brandy balloon and naturally warmed in the hand after dinner.
Juniper by name and packing a punch by nature, Junipero knows exactly where it sits in the gin market, firmly at the heart of small batch distillation. Made using tiny copper pot stills, Junipero is distilled using more than twelve different botanicals. Juniper of course is heavy and pungent throughout as you sip and the high alcohol level allows for intensity in each of the flavours. Juniper is backed up by traditional coriander and liquorice with sweet ruby grapefruit notes providing a welcome sweetness.
Cyprus traditional spirit distilled from local grape varieties. Once discovered, Zivania is flavoured for its purity and alcohol strength. Zivania is both an aperitif and desert drink, served ice-cold with savoury snacks, nuts, dried fruits or crudités.
Lemons from the fridge and buttery croissant notes on entry. This is followed by Lemon Meringue and lemon barley water with hot toast. The kick is chalky,( in a lemon Barley way) but with a touch of aggression. The finish is full with bitter lemon notes.
