While Europe has been sweltering in a mighty heatwave, us poor folk in Blighty have been battered and splattered by the wind and rain this Summer season. But with the news that thermometers are set to rise to more balmy temperatures rather than just barmy, we thought it was finally time to signal the start of summer proper with our latest drinks guide.
We’ve pulled together a tailored selection of adult beverages so you can easily select the perfect libation for every situation. Whether indulging in a beer fuelled barbie, or partaking in a civilised rum in the sun, we have you covered. Starting with a trifecta of the aforementioned fastest growing spirit on the market, here’s our roundup of the best summer booze 2023. Bottoms up!
Vapoura Spiced Rum | 70cl | 42% ABV | RRP £50
Given that UK sales of the fabled pirate drink in the last 12 months were worth over a billion pounds, it seems rum is the spirit on everybody’s lips these days. And we’ve got a particularly classy drop to share with you here in the shapely form of recently launched Vapoura. They’ve used ground-breaking techniques to craft a drink filled with flavours of citrus and spice, that delivers pleasing hits to the palate. Whether sipped or mixed into a captivating cocktail, this bold and beautiful English rum is a real winner.
Havana Club Selección de Maestros | 70cl | 45% ABV | RRP £52-57
You probably don’t need us to tell you that Havana Club distill fabulous premium spirits, but with their Selección de Maestros, they’ve made their great even greater. Crafted by the renowned Maestros del Ron Cubano, this expression is a taste sensation. The nutty, spicy, dark chocolate and caramel flavours all combine to make a complex yet easy to drink rum. And at 45%, despite being silky smooth, it packs something of a punch. One of the very best on the market.
Duppy Share Aged Rum | 70cl | 40% ABV | RRP £26
Named after ‘Duppies’, the fabled dark spirits in the Caribbean that swoop between distilleries stealing the best rum, this smooth, award-winning blend of two island rums – one 3-year-old 100% pot still from Jamaica, one smooth 5-year-old 100% column still from Barbados – is a delightfully drinkable drop. Made even better after being aged in ex-bourbon barrels, giving it a distinctive, tasty mix of tropical fruit and subtle oak flavours. Perfect for a rum punch this summer season.
Gaia Red Blend 2019 | 75cl | 14.5% ABV | RRP £17.95
We’ve previously extolled the virtues of The Bousquet family’s premier organic winery in Argentina. They simply make superb reds. Their Gaia red blend is no exception and it has the awards to prove it. Made from 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon organic grapes, this one is very full-bodied and rich, yet incredible smooth. Also helped by the process of spending 8-10 months in second use French oak. Perfect for an after dinner drink watching the sun go down.
Domaine Bousquet Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 | 75cl | 13.5% ABV | RRP £14.50
So good are the reds from The Bousquet family, we’ve included another from their estate here. This Pinot Noir is a real summer star, offering up a delicious alternative to our previous recommendation. A well rounded, decidedly quaffable little number, its red plum and cherry notes help pair this one with food fresh off the BBQ.
Porta 6 Lisboa White Wine | 750ml | 12.5% ABV | RRP £7.50
If you want a white wine that’s as pleasant on the palate as it is on the pocket, then this Porta 6 Lisboa white may be for you. It’s made from a refreshing blend of 25% Arinto, 25% Viosinho, 25% Viognier and 25% Chardonnay grapes, that deliver fresh aromas of citrus and tropical fruits. The ideal accompaniment to a fish dish.
Cune Cava NV | 75ml | 11.5% ABV | RRP £16.99
As the great American showman Liberace once said, “too much of a good thing is wonderful.” And you can never have too much fizz come summertime celebrations. This tasty Cava is made with Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada grapes creating a full-bodied, fresh drink that zings with flavour. The perfect summer party starter.
Graham’s Blend No.12 | 75cl | 19% ABV | RRP £24.99
We know what you’re thinking. Port is a Christmas drink. Well this ruby port may have you thinking again. Graham’s Blend No.12 is crafted using small batches of quality grapes from their own vineyards. It’s fresh and aromatic and unlike most ports is specifically created for mixing. Whether just served over ice, with a splash of fizz or with tonic (aka a Portonic), it’s a unique tipple to get your guests talking.
Soberano 5 | 70cl | 36% ABV | RRP £15.50
A popular Spanish brandy for you here, crafted by master distillers in Jerez. It’s made by ageing the liquid for 5 years in Oloroso casks under the solera system and produced using copper stills in the same way traditional since 1913. All of this helps the brandy develop great complexity and character. Smooth on the palate, this one is perfect for sipping, or in a classic brandy cocktail like a sidecar.
Micil Inverin Whiskey | 70cl | 46% ABV | RRP £44.50
A really fine small batch blended Irish whiskey here out of the Micil distillery on the shores of Galway Bay. This five-part peated blend with a triple cask finish evokes it’s rich heritage, with it’s peaty flavour and aroma. Finished in re-charred ex-bourbon quarter casks there’s also a nice hint of vanilla and honey sweetness that makes this dram a bit of a champion in our books. Sláinte!
Jura 10 Year Old | 70cl | 40% ABV | RRP £39
Jura 10 is one of the smoothest all-rounders on the market. Little wonder it’s the UK’s number one single malt. Although this spirit does has some help from overseas in the shape of the finest aged Oloroso Sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. They give this drop a smokey yet sweet finish that doesn’t disappoint. One for toasting around the campfire on a dusky summers eve.
Brockmans Orange Kiss Gin | 70cl | 40% ABV | RRP £34
Along with numerous others, we can attest to the fact that Brockmans make excellent gin. They’re a brand that likes to go against the grain by daring to blend traditional gin botanicals with the non-traditional, creating a deliciously different drink. Their Orange Kiss expression is a choice blend of Triple sec and fresh Valencia orange that really hits the spot whether in a classic G&T or an ice cold Martini.
Komos Anejo Cristalino Tequila | 700cl | % ABV | RRP £145
Some things in life are worth paying that little bit extra for. A sentiment you’ll no doubt agree with after sampling this ultra-luxury offering from award-winning tequila brand Komos. They use superior blue agave from the highlands and lowlands of Tequila which is roasted in a traditional volcanic stone oven before being double distilled in pot stills. The result, as in this Cristalino expression, being a sublimely smooth libation that gets better with every sip.
CÎROC Vodka Pineapple | 70cl | 37.5% ABV | RRP £42
CÎROC have long been renowned for their quality when it comes to making ultra-premium vodka. This, their fifth flavour-infused variety takes their famed, distilled five times, silky-smooth spirit and masterfully infuses it with a distinctive blend of pineapple and other natural flavours. It all results in a rather unique taste sensation. Whether served simply on the rocks or in a pineapple screwdriver, this bottle will help you make friends very quickly at any summer parties.
Tropical IPA Tropigamma | 330ml | 5.4% ABV | RRP £2.50
We’ve championed iconic British brewing brand Beavertown for a number of years now and will no doubt continue to do so. Being the time of year it is they’ve relaunched one of their summer staples in the hazy shape of Tropigamma. This particular IPA is inspired by their Gamma Ray brew, yet with a tropical twist. Combining flavours of guava, papaya, mango, mandarin, and peach it’s a must for summer barbecues come rain or shine.
Cranes Cider | 500cl | 4.8% ABV | RRP £22.95 (for 9)
Here at The MALESTROM we’re something of the cider connoisseurs, having sampled more varieties of fermented apple juice than we can remember. So we’re in a excellent position to point others in the direction of a good one, of which Cranes cider most certainly is. Their tasty Cambridge brews are made using completely natural ingredients and perhaps best of all contain 30% fewer calories and over 40% less sugar compared to other brands. Their Cider Bundle crate offers something for everyone, from a host of fruity flavours like raspberries & pomegranates, to their crisp, classic apple cider.
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