In my position as Spirits buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd, many producers, importers and distributors bring new products to me. Some of them are seeking my qualitative or stylistic views, some request my input whilst in the process of development and some arrive seeking a listing in the oldest family owned Spirits and Wine […]

Being a multi-award-winning independent bottler of single cask whiskies makes for some splendid surprises sometimes. Whilst tasting through our inventory of barrels sleeping peacefully in Scotland, we occasionally chance upon two whiskies from the same distillery, both drinking beautifully, at very different ages.  Even more rarely, we find three differently aged samples of the same […]

Sometimes, when re-reading tasting notes I have written, one word or phrase rather sticks out from the rest. Often, it’s a flavour or aroma that is not commonly associated with spirits or their un-distilled brethren, wines and beers. Sometimes it’s a texture or taste of something most people would be unlikely to put in their […]

Firstly, allow me to make a swift apology to anyone reading this after our current heat-wave has inevitably subsided. Please feel free to remember it wistfully/irritably depending on your own personal preference. There is something deeply reassuring, I often find, in our ability, as Brits, to malign our weather, opine about our weather, foolishly attempt […]