This summer, we’re taking you on a tour of some of our favourite wine regions via their cultural riches. For the last stop on our journey, we head to California, to venture through its sun-kissed beaches, dive into its melting-pot of cuisine, and enjoy a delicious Chardonnay in the sun.

California. Home to Hollywood, with its star-filled hills and palm-lined boulevards; of the bustling hubbubs of San Francisco, Venice Beach and Silicon Valley; and of acres of rolling vineyards across Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, and beyond.

As a disclaimer: I have never been to California. The extent of my across-the-pond explorations were limited to the rather less sun-dappled cities of the East Coast and Mid West. And yet – without having set foot in the place – California’s culture has become so definable, so well-known through TV shows, films and music, that it feels almost like an old friend.

With the UK summer finally deigning to make an extended appearance this week, it’s time to round off our global explorations, and settle down to enjoy the sun at home. What better way for us to end than to head to the balmy beaches and mellow vibes of California?

What to listen to

The first thing you’ll notice on this particular escape from the UK is the music. As you relax in the sun, gently drifting towards you come the unmistakable, mellifluous sounds of The Beach Boys.

This Southern Californian five-piece had one of the most distinctive sounds of the 1960s, thanks to their mesh of vocal harmonies and twists on classic rock. Aside from gracing the world with gems like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows”, they were also the origin of the “California Sound” – a genre inspired by the sunlight days of the California youth. As Harry Sumrall put it, in his book Pioneers of Rock and Roll: 100 Artists Who Changed The Face Of Rock, “They virtually defined the image of surfers, hot rods, sun, beaches, girls, and fun, fun, fun.”

This image – of dream-like, sun-kissed, easy-living California – persists to this day, and just a snippet of a Beach Boys song will transport you straight to the coasts of the Orange County. Good vibrations, indeed.

What to drink

There was a time when California was known for big, bold styles of wine. Made with a hefty amount of oak, these had enough butter and tannins to frighten even the bravest among us. Things are, generally, a little different today; the region’s producers still pack an exceptional amount of power and personality into each glass, but now strive for a more restrained, elegant character.

We’ll be giving the punchier styles of old a wide berth here. It is summer, after all, and I personally like a limited tannin count with my sunshine. I’m opting instead for a sunny-dispositioned white: the Wild Boy Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat.

Au Bon Climat may be a famous name to Californian wine devotees. Founder Jim Clenenden was, prior to his untimely death in 2021, one of the state’s most charismatic and influential characters. Jim is missed. Yet, his approach – using French clones and cooler vineyards to ensure elegance – lives on. It’s something that really shines through in the Wild Boy Chardonnay. Here, there’s all the buttered toast and ripe tropical fruit you’d expect from a Californian Chardonnay, tempered by a delicious backbone of citrussy freshness and stony, mineral notes that are almost Burgundian in style.

What to eat

California is an absolute melting pot of cultures and ethnicities; over a quarter of its population was born outside the USA. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that its cuisine has become defined by one word: fusion.

Fusion cuisine’s success comes thanks to the rise of the food truck in the 2000s. Cheaper to run than a restaurant, and certainly easier to move around, this gave Californians a greater ability to share and try food from other cultures than ever before. Chefs began to experiment, bringing flavours, formats, spices and styles together – taking advantage of the enormous range of fresh ingredients grown in the state.

Now, a long list of fusion dishes credit California as their birthplace: chop suey and General Tso’s chicken (Chinese-American), bibimbap tacos (Korean-Mexican), tiradito (Japanese-Peruvian); there’s even a “Californian pizza”, which starts with a crisp Italian base, and tops it with vegetables and sauces from any cuisine you can think of.

Yet one of the best known, and certainly one of the most influential, is the humble California roll. Combining traditional Japanese techniques with fresh Californian crab and avocado, this sushi roll was first mentioned in the Los Angeles Times in 1979. Since then, it’s become incredibly popular, even making its way back to restaurants in Tokyo. Further iterations and adaptations have followed, and it’s widely said to have spurred on sushi’s global popularity – plus, its fresh and delicate flavours pair perfectly with our ripe, creamy Wild Boy Chardonnay. Cheers to that.

What to read

For many who have been pulled through the British school system, there’s one name and one name alone that will spring to mind as a suggestion here. Who, after all, can forget having to sit through GCSE English classes as a teenager, trying desperately to hide any sign of emotion (desperately uncool, after all) from your classmates, as you reached the final pages of Of Mice and Men?

George and Lennie’s devastating ending aside – few writers have offered a snapshot into Californian history like John Steinbeck. Through the pages of The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden, we find a different state to the glossy Orange Coast of TV: this is a land filled with opportunity and out-of-reach dreams; a land of industrialisation, determination, and grit. It’s a less idyllic picture than the one created by The Beach Boys, to be sure – but an important one to peruse, while winding down the evening.

What to watch

The opportunities are truly endless. As the home of Hollywood, it’s impossible to pick just one film that encapsulates California’s character. But, perhaps, for the wine lovers amongst us – one that will fully transport you to wine country, immerse you in the rolling hills of Napa Valley, and bring California’s vineyards to life, is Sideways. Just – maybe – skip this suggestion if you’re a fan of Merlot.  

On Friday 31st July 1970, a centuries-old British naval tradition was brought to an abrupt end. Here, Alexandra Gray de Walden explores the origins of Black Tot Rum.

The last day of July represents a dark day in British naval history – a “black” day, you might say. Since the 17th century, sailors onboard British warships had been issued with a daily ration of alcohol. It started as “small beer”, a much weaker incarnation of the beers we know today, coming in at less than one percent alcohol-by-volume (ABV). As with most traditions from the British Armed Forces, this was for a purely practical rather than romantic reason – the beer would keep better and for longer than water.

Small beers soon evolved into harder spirits which were even better at retaining freshness due to the high alcohol content. The Admiralty had originally chosen brandy but with ever-increasing naval conflicts with France, it was decided it was a poor show of patriotism to continue with that French spirit.

It is widely considered that 1655 is the year in which brandy was swapped out for rum as the Navy’s daily “tot” of choice. Around this time, Britain was extending its reach into the Caribbean. Without wishing to diminish them, the ramifications of colonialism are beyond the scope of this article. But one result of this period, for all its horrors, is the introduction of rum. This local spirit became an obvious choice for daily rations due to its accessibility – and better yet, it had nothing to do with the French.

A sailor’s daily tot had, previously, not been quantified or codified and had been known to reach as much as a gallon a day. Unsurprisingly, this meant regular incidents of inebriated sailors no doubt tripping over anchor lines and hoisting the wrong semaphore flags. Thus, in 1740, an official “recipe” and allocation was created. Each sailor was issued with a quarter-pint of diluted rum per day, issued in two parts. This was instigated by Admiral Edward Vernon, who became affectionately known in the Navy as “Old Grog” due to his grogram (silk and mohair or wool mix) coat. Shortly, these daily rations became known as “grog” and to feel “groggy” followed soon after.

While the daily tot was beginning to die out for certain ranks as early as the 1880s, the Second World War was to signal yet further prohibition on board. These regulations were not issued officially by the Admiralty but instead, instigated in-house by certain Navy branches. For instance, Navy aircrews insisted on a four-hour break “from bottle to throttle”.

Eventually, after being debated in the House of Commons, it was agreed (fairly swiftly) that the days of the Navy tot were over. On Friday 31st July 1970, the last tots were issued and First Sea Lord and Admiral of the Fleet, Michael Le Fanu, marked this black day with a special signal (a written memo, rather like a telegram). “Most farewell messages try, to jerk a tear from the eye. But I say to you lot, ‘Very sad about the tot’ but thank you, good luck and goodbye.” This swansong was made all the more poignant as Le Fanu was terminally ill at this point and died before the end of the year.

Due to the speed at which this ruling had been made, the Navy had a fairly healthy stock of rum flagons remaining. Enter whisky afficionado and entrepreneur Sukhinder Singh. After having the opportunity to taste one of these ex-Navy flagons, he then bought all the remaining ones he could find. He then decided, even more astutely, to bottle them as “Black Tot Last Consignment” – a blend of some of these flagons, bottled to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Black Tot Day in 2010.  

This incredibly limited rum delights with treacle and dark chocolate notes. Despite the age of its component liquids, there are still flavours of ripe black fruits which descend into dark depths of muscovado sugar and walnuts on the palate. A drop of water wakes up bruised banana and liquorice from their slumber.

In 2011, Sukhinder went one better and founded the Black Tot Rum brand. Far from being reliant on one, finite, source of liquid, Black Tot Rum has endeavoured to lead “the evolution of rum blends” and become something of an expert bottler. The 2024 Master Blender’s Reserve is a concoction of some of those famous flagons with a pick of the rum world’s rarest casks. The 2024 release includes a 22-year-old Mount Gay (Barbados), a 26-year-old Caroni (Trinidad) and a 17-year-old Foursquare (Barbados). The result is a decidedly fruit-forward rum with delightful, tropical notes of pineapple, lime and ginger. This is a deft blend of elegantly aged rums with an enticing, treacle-like mouthfeel.

Instead of lamenting the loss of a Royal Navy tradition, we should look instead to the expertise, revival and unbridled passion for rum that the day has brought us in the form of Black Tot Rum.  

With BBX, our fine wine exchange, you can buy and sell through Berry Bros. & Rudd’s community of fine-wine lovers. With almost 11,000 wines listed for sale, it can be hard to know where to start. So we asked the secondary market experts from our BBX team for some pointers on what to buy, sell (or drink) and bid on this autumn.

BORDEAUX

Buy: 2016 and 2019

The 2016 and 2019 vintages are fast becoming legendary. The quality was immediately recognised when the wines were tasted in barrel, but after a few years in the bottle it has become impossible to ignore. Put simply, every collection should have at least one wine from both vintages in it. To help you, we’ve rounded up the best-priced wines from the two vintages here.

Sell or drink: 2008, 2011 and 2012

The supply-and-demand dynamic of the fine wine market is simple enough. We’re seeing it in action with a few vintages which are really hitting their stride, notably 2008, 2011 and 2012. More and more customers are withdrawing these vintages to drink. And, with more of these wines being consumed, we’re also seeing increased selling activity. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: Château Talbot

Château Talbot is one of those deeply dependable Bordeaux estates which is beloved by our customers. As a result, we have vintages stretching back to the much-lauded “victory vintage” of 1945 which you can bid on. If you fancy adding a piece of history to your cellar, have a look at the back vintages of Talbot available to bid on here.

BURGUNDY

Buy: 2019 red Burgundy and 2020 white Burgundy

For red Burgundy, look to 2019. This was a “solar” year, where precise vineyard work produced wines with density and freshness. As for white Burgundy, the 2020 vintage was recently tasted at the annual Burgfest event. There was talk of this being the best white vintage since 2017. Some of our favourite producers to look out for include Jean-Benoît Droin, Jean-Claude Bachelet, Dujac, Michèle & Patrice Rion, Thibault Liger-Belair, Méo-Camuzet and Rossignol-Trapet. To help you, we’ve rounded up the best-priced red 2019s and white 2020s here.

Sell or drink: 2017 red Burgundy

We’ve seen an increase in the number of 2017s being listed for sale, which have been matched by a number of customers withdrawing them to drink. So if you have some 2017 red Burgundy in your cellar, now is the time to take action. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: Domaine Ghislaine Barthod

Customers that have been collecting Burgundy for decades speak with misty-eyed nostalgia about the days when getting a case of Ghislaine Barthod’s Chambolle-Musigny was not only achievable, but wouldn’t break the bank. Her star has risen astronomically since. And yet, there is an incredible treasure-trove of back vintages stretching to 1999, which are worth placing some bids on. Explore what’s available here.

Champagne

Buy: 2008 and 2012

The growing season in 2008 was cooler than average until conditions finally changed; the bright, dry and sunny days helped push the grapes to the desired ripeness. This resulted in wines with plenty of freshness and rich, ripe fruit – and great acidity, too. The 2012 vintage was equally challenging, with a hailstorm that devastated yields. The end of that summer brought steady and warm conditions. The result: wines with great depth, complexity and aromatic flavours along with balanced acidity. Both vintages are widely acknowledged as two of Champagne’s greatest in decades. Many of the wines will develop in the cellar for years to come.

Sell or drink: 2004 and 2006

These are two very good vintages but without quite the magic of the above-mentioned. The 2004 and 2006 vintages have now reached maturity in appreciation and drinkability. If you have, for example, some Dom Pérignon, Cristal or Taittinger Comtes de Champagne in your cellar, now is a good time to either withdraw them and pop the cork, or sell them on to another enthusiast. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: Salon and Krug

Champagne has been among the first regions to be affected by price contractions in the fine wine market. So if you are looking for something rather legendary, for a very special occasion: Salon and Krug are both very well priced compared to a few months ago. You might also find favourable pricing – and collectors open to bids – on small-scale growers like Ulysse Colin, Cedric Bouchard, Egly-Ouriet, Marguet and Savart.

Rhône

Buy: 2017

Wine collectors will often allow the quality of a Bordeaux vintage to sway their opinion of the quality across the whole of France – or even all of Europe – for that year. There has been deserved focus in both Northern and Southern Rhône on some excellent vintages such as 2016, 2019 and 2020. This has allowed a stellar Rhône vintage like 2017 (relatively decent but not outstanding in Bordeaux) to slip quietly under the radar. Guigal’s trio of Côte-Rôties, affectionately known as the La La’s, were particularly noteworthy in 2017.

Sell or drink: 2012, 2013 and 2014

With a decade or so of bottle age behind them, the trio of vintages from 2012 to 2014 are in the absolute right place to be drinking now. Aside from the very best plots, the conditions from the harvest suggest that these vintages might not improve a huge amount more. They are, however, at their optimum maturity to enjoy over the coming months. If you aren’t in a position to enjoy these wines yourself, listing them on BBX will allow another wine lover to do so in your stead. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

A perennial favourite, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is among the most renowned estates in the Southern Rhône. Blessed with the finest locations in the area, on the famed Le Crau plateau, there is an emphasis on terroir expression and natural winemaking. This excellent location was, sadly, not enough to protect the vines from a ferocious hailstorm in August 2022; all the leaves and grapes were stripped from the vines. Devastatingly, this left Vieux Télégraphe with no wine to make from Le Crau for the first time since 2002 – leaving a huge hole in collectors’ cellars. You can bid on back vintages back to the mid-to-late 1990s here.

Piedmont

Buy: 2013 Barolo and 2016 (Barolo and Barbaresco)

The 2013 vintage is excellent overall for Piedmont, especially for Barolo. Barolo from this vintage generally has less grip than 2010, more freshness than 2011 and more overall structure than 2012, with fine tannins. The best examples will blossom with further ageing. This is considered a classic vintage for the area. For the whole region, including Barbaresco, 2016 is already a classic. It was one of the longest and latest vintages in recent memory; the Nebbiolo grape thrived in ideal conditions. This resulted in wines with the structure and aromatics necessary for long-term ageing – though some are already drinking well now.

Sell or drink: 2011, 2012 and 2014 (Barolo and Barbaresco)

There is plenty of personality now showing in the 2011s – especially in those from Barolo’s most prestigious sites. However, the silkiness and generosity of these wines probably suggest that they are not built for long-term cellaring. Barbaresco 2011 is considered excellent, and is drinking beautifully now. For Barolo 2012, the wines are generally mid-weight, with higher acidity and lower alcohol; they have great early drinking appeal. Barbaresco 2012 is ripe, juicy and deep. Both Barolo and Barbaresco 2014 are characterised by freshness, fine aromatics and purity; they are a pleasure to drink now. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: Bartolo Mascarello, Roagna and Fratelli Alessandria

These three are among the very best producers in the region. Each has a variety of vintages and crus available to bid on. Stronger than usual availability can create competition between sellers – and therefore bid acceptance, too.

Tuscany

Buy: 2016

Considered to be the vintage of the decade, the growing conditions were perfect throughout Tuscany in 2016. This was an outstanding year for both Bolgheri and Brunello di Montalcino; the wines have power and precision. They are built for cellaring. There is value for money to be found in Chianti Classico in 2016, where the wines are of very high quality while pricing remains relatively reasonable.

Sell or drink: 2011, 2012 and 2014

Both 2011 and 2012 were warm vintages, producing approachable wines that are now in their drinking window. Conditions in 2014 were much cooler, producing wines in a lighter, earlier-drinking style. If you have any of these vintages in your cellar, now would be a good time to withdraw and enjoy them or, alternatively, sell them on for another collector to enjoy. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: hard-to-find producers

Some of Tuscany’s finest wines are particularly hard to find on initial release. With tight allocations worldwide, there is often not enough supply to meet demand for the most sought-after names. Placing bids on BBX is a great way to secure a case or two of these illustrious wines for your own cellar. In Bolgheri, Masseto has developed a huge following for its Merlot-based Super Tuscan wines; some collectors consider it to be the “Petrus of Bolgheri”. With Brunello di Montalcino, we see a lot of interest in Il Marroneto, Poggio di Sotto and Soldera Case Basse.

USA

Buy: 2016 and 2018 Oregon Pinot Noir

Oregon is fast becoming the counterweight to the Cabernets of California; those in the know are enjoying the incredible array of Pinot Noir produced in the state. You can find reliably expressive wines here that belie the challenges with which this fickle grape is often associated. Oregon has attracted a fascinating mix of collaborations from renowned Burgundy producers: Domaine Nicolas-Jay in conjunction with Domaine Méo-Camuzet; Lingua Franca with the influence of Dominique Lafon; and Résonance with investment from Maison Louis Jadot. While you wait for the latest releases, the 2016 and 2018 vintages are particularly noteworthy. They are worth seeking out before the region sees Burgundian levels of demand – and the consequent impact on pricing.

Sell or drink: back vintages of Opus One

There is a real buzz surrounding this iconic wine, with Jane Anson scoring the new 2021 vintage a perfect 100 points. Back vintages such as 2004, 2007 and 2008 are drinking wonderfully now and are in a prime position to enjoy this autumn. I would make some room in your cellar by enjoying some of your back-catalogue from this wonderful producer. Browse your cellar here.

Bid on: top-tier Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends have become the hallmark of California, and the Napa Valley in particular. The sheer depth of exceptional wines coming out of the region is increasingly impressive. With the French eye for opportunity and the American can-do attitude, the Bordeaux influence is prevalent – and nowhere more so than at Dominus. Here, the same meticulous details that make Petrus the most sought-after Bordeaux are applied by Christian Moueix to ensure the estate’s wines are equally absorbing. With several recent vintages available on the exchange, there are also vintages dating back to 1991, waiting to be bid on. You can find them here. Other Napa Cabernets that have attained a cult-like status and are worthy of a bid include Harlan Estate, Promontory and Scarecrow.

Explore BBX, our fine wine exchange.

This summer, we’re taking you on a tour of some of our favourite wine and spirits regions via their cultural riches. Here, Alexandra Gray de Walden introduces you to the colourful magic of Mexico.

As the opening bars of Carlos Santana’s “Corazón Espinado” flow across the breeze and a cooling gush of Tequila and tonic passes my lips, I could be at a beach bar in Cancun. The air is alive with blooming guitar and the strong aroma of roasted pork and spices. But here I am in my garden in Berkshire recreating a Mexican fiesta.  

There is something so wonderfully exciting and colourful about the culture of Mexico. Take the Day of the Dead Festival (Día de los Muertos), held annually at the start of November. An amalgamation of the Aztec custom of honouring ancestors, with the tradition of All Souls’ Day introduced by Spanish invaders in the 1500s, this is far from the ghoulish notion of skeletons and ghosts.  

Deceased relatives are the guests of the day. Papier mâché skeletons in vibrant hues covered with flowers are displayed in windows, on street parades and at family altars. This is as much an honouring of the departed as it is a reminder to the living that death is only a part of life.

What better way to celebrate the joy of living than with a glass of Mexico’s national drink, Tequila?

What to drink

Mijenta, Reposado Tequila

I can’t be the only one whose first introduction to Tequila was in shot form. It was usually from a plastic shot glass, laced with table salt and followed by a suspiciously dry-looking lime wedge. Imagine my surprise, early in my spirits education at Berry Bros. & Rudd, when I was told that not only do we sell Tequila but that it is now a must-have for spirits collectors and widely considered by those in the know as the “next big thing”.  

Far from the high-volume, overtly alcoholic, paint-stripping Tequilas of my youth, artisan Tequila producers are now honing their craft and producing superlative spirits in traditional and time-honoured fashion. A distilled spirit produced from the blue agave plant, Tequila is mostly made in Mexico’s Jalisco region and, like Mexico itself, has become an increasingly cultural influence.

It was clear those university memories would take some bashing but it didn’t take quite as long as I imagined once I’d discovered Mijenta Tequila. The name comes from the Mexican “mi gente”, meaning “my people” and people are very much at the core of this producer’s ethos. The agave is grown without pesticides, the labels are made of agave waste, and the boxes are made from recycled paper. Mijenta has also been B-Corp certified since 2022.

The word Reposado means “rested”. After six months of slumber in American white oak, French oak and French acacia casks, Mijenta’s Reposado strikes the perfect balance between the earthy, herbal agave flavours and the softer, tempered spice from the oak. Its subtle golden colour well belies its heady nose of blossom, orange, hazelnut and rich bergamot.

The joy of artisan Tequilas such as Mijenta’s is you really can enjoy them neat – I promise. Mijenta’s Reposado has the most exquisite texture. Far from the throat-searing shots of yesteryear, it is velveteen and coating, almost like moleskin. Flavours of key lime, salted orange and dried chilli are woven together so elegantly that it’s challenging to pick them apart.

My preferred method for enjoying Tequila, however, is a Reposado and tonic water with a healthy squeeze of lime juice. This is a much more interesting and hedonistic alternative to a gin and tonic. It’s exquisitely refreshing and vastly more flavoursome.

For the cocktail fiends, El Diablo has a devilish twist, as its name suggests. Forget the Margarita or the Paloma – El Diablo is the Tequila cocktail to rule them all. It is a deft blend of Reposado, crème de cassis (or blackcurrant cordial if you’re feeling saintly), lime juice and ginger beer. This amalgam of earthy and fruity flavours with that twist of ginger spice is the last word in refreshment.

What to eat

Mexican cuisine is unquestionably delicious and has a strong historical influence from both the Mayan and Aztec civilisations. Indeed, the Aztecs are often credited with having invented the tortilla. Heavily focused around bases of local ingredients such as corn, maize and beans, the vast scope of Mexican food pleases all tastes and persuasions.

The taco is a folded or rolled tortilla filled with meat, beans and a sauce. Taco al pastor is thought to have been introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants and is considered one of the most delectable and aromatic. Slow-roasted pork cooked on a spit (or trompo) is marinated in a mixture of chillies, spices and smoky achiote paste and served in a taco. Topped with coriander, onions and even pineapple, it is another festival of flavours and textures – so typical of Mexican culture. The mingling of local spices and succulent pork are elegantly cooled by the pineapple.

In this instance, I would probably advise against El Diablo as your pairing of choice – that ginger beer spice would zing the chillies in the taco far too much. Instead, flood some neat Mijenta Reposado over ice or crack open the tonic – this is the T&T’s time to shine. For the vegetarians, or for something a little lighter, the Mexican street corn salad also offers a flavour explosion. Brown some corn kernels in garlic and butter, add a mayonnaise, sour cream and lime dressing and top with torn coriander and chopped jalapeños. The blend of jalapeño heat, zingy lime and cooling sour cream is pure heaven.

What to listen to

The musical charms of Mexico can’t possibly be discussed without Carlos Santana. Often cited as one of the most talented guitarists of all time, he has been sharing Mexican-inspired rock around the world since the late 1960s.  

In fact, it is Santana’s eponymous first album, released in 1969, which provides the soundtrack to my Mexican-inspired, al fresco evening. It opens with “Waiting”, a highly 60s-sounding medley of psychedelic drums, cymbal skits and some Ray Manzarek-inspired keys. Carlos’s signature fretboard licks arrive for the last quarter and signal to the world what it would be lucky enough to hear for the next 50-plus years. The treasured gem on this album is “Evil Ways”. A tale as old as time, it tells of a lover who can’t give up their free-spirited partner who refuses to commit.

For a more contemporary foray into música mexicana, look no further than guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. Their flamboyant mix of flamenco, traditional guitar and metal has featured in numerous film and television scores from Pirates of the Caribbean to Breaking Bad.

Despite arriving more recently on the scene than Santana, their music has a more distinctly traditional guitar sound to it: acoustic, raw and crisp enough to almost pick out each individual string. From their album In Between Thoughts… A New World (2023), you simply must listen to “Descending To Nowhere”. All seems subtle and calm but things quickly crescendo to a powerful, emotive and passionate flamenco – rather like that Reposado, in fact.

Buy Mijenta’s Tequila Reposado here.