A selection of some of the finest spirits available, drawing on inspiration and expertise from across the globe
The Lost Explorer Mezcal
A handcrafted spirit made from 100% agave, cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca in Mexico. Each small batch is crafted by mezcalero maestro Don Fortino Ramos through a sustainable approach that is in tune with the rhythms of nature. It comes in beautiful hand-labelled bottles made from recycled crystal, sealed with a natural wood stopper and biodegradable natural beeswax.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal comes in three expressions, Espadín, Tobalá and Salmiana. All are a perfect gift for those intrigued by the allure of mezcal. They can be enjoyed sipping neat from traditional clay copitas, or are just as enjoyable in a cocktail, such as the heady paloma or the more down-to-earth negroni.
Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo Tequila
Storywood, a tequila with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland, was created by founder Michael Ballantyne, who was born in Scotland and raised in Texas. After an unexpected meeting with Master distiller Luis Trejo at La Cofradia Distillery in Mexico, Michael began the journey of this delicious tequila by expertly aging 100% agave liquid in single malt whisky casks from Speyside and creating the world’s first sipping tequilas.
The whisky-like characteristics drawn from the wood mean that Storywood Tequilas can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Award-winning Storywood Tequila Speyside 14 Añejo is smooth and hiding in every deep amber sip are notes of toasted oak, roasted nuts and treacle toffee. Perfect for summer cocktail creation.
Rampur Asava
For the first time in history, a single malt matured in American bourbon barrels has been carefully finished in Indian cabernet sauvignon casks. The combination of Rampur’s unique distillation and maturation process sees Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky taking traditional Indian heritage and rooting it in contemporary culture. Rampur Asava is non-chill filtered and bottled at 45% ABV, resulting in a groundbreaking expression with perfect balance.
Rampur Whiskies are produced by Rampur Distillery, located at the foothills of the Himalayas in India. On the palate the texture of Rampur Asava is velvety, with Manuka honey sweetness highlighted by spicy oak, vanilla and balanced with dryness from the Indian red wine. The finish is medium to long.
Compass Box Menagerie
Compass Box Scotch Whiskymakers have recently launched a new limited-edition Menagerie, a blended malt that explores Scotch whisky’s wilder side. They were inspired to search out malts with a touch of the wild about them. Underneath fruitiness or maltiness lurk subtly animalic notes, qualities either built in thanks to distillation, or gained from subsequent maturation. By bringing all these elements together Compass Box has created their latest limited edition, Menagerie.
Menagerie boasts a complex aroma of baking spices, leather, tar and musky fruits. The palate is engagingly lush with even more fruit, while oily smoke and forest floor notes linger in the finish. Combining Menagerie with the air-dried beef, bresaola or biltong is terrific – both will bring the whisky’s layers of spicy sweetness into focus.