Baby it’s cold outside, freezing actually, as the icy grip of winter takes hold and dials on thermostats up and down the country are cranked to the max. But despite the unhospitable temperature, one of the joys of this season is imbibing a few festive winter warmers to keep us nice and cosy.
And for when the weather out there is particularly frightful, we’ve selected some of the best wines, beers and winter spirits to help ease you through these chilliest of months. Put another log on the fire, pour yourself a healthy measure and check out our choice of Winter Booze 24′.
— WHISKY —
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon | 70cl | 47% ABV | RRP £44.99
Reverend Elijah Craig who founded his distillery in 1789 is credited with being the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels, earning the moniker the “Father of Bourbon”. And this current small batch expression would undoubtedly make the Reverend very proud. This extra aged bourbon has a robust body and rich warm smokey flavour with notes of caramel and vanilla. It’s a smooth drink that’s perfect for the cold season.
The Dubliner Irish Whiskey | 70cl | 40% ABV | RRP £29.48
As warm and welcoming as the city it calls home, The Dubliner Irish whiskey has certainly won us over. This blend of single malt and grain whiskies aged in Bourbon casks, is as smooth as velvet, with honey and caramel notes and a peppery finish. A versatile number, this one is equally at home drunk on the rocks as it is quaffed in a Christmas cocktail.
— RUM —
Mount Gay XO | 70cl | 43% ABV | RRP £60.50
We’re fans of a good rum and few come better than those produced from the World’s oldest running rum distillery, Mount Gay. Their XO rum is made by maturing the spirit n a combination of American whiskey, ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks for between five and 17 years. Resulting in a spicy, fruity rum with a creamy, smooth palate.
Those with deeper pockets may want to investigate the second edition in their Single Estate Series. This limited run, first vintage expression created by Master Blender Trudiann Branker, is rather special, as it’s £337 price tag suggests.
— GIN —
Cotswolds Cloudy Christmas Gin | 700ml | 46% ABV | RRP £37
A limited edition gin perfect for the holidays here, in the shape of Cotswolds Cloudy Christmas Gin. This festive twist on their classic expression features nine carefully considered botanicals, like clementine and cardamom. That delivers a slightly spiced, and very balanced, drinkable gin. And all the botanicals and essential oils give the drink a special signature cloudy glow when ice or tonic is added.
— TEQUILA —
Komos Anejo Cristalino Tequila | 700cl | 40% ABV | RRP £170
Komos tequila may not be the cheapest you’ll ever buy, but it almost certainly will be one of the best. Their Añejo Cristalino expression is aged for 1 year in French oak white wine barrels, and then filtered through charcoal to create a deliciously clear, smooth, sipping spirit. This ultra-luxury drop also comes in a striking handmade ceramic bottle.
— BEER —
ERDINGER Dunkel | 500ml | 5.3% ABV | RRP £2 (4 for£7)
This dark, German wheat beer from ERDINGER is quickly becoming something of a favourite at MALESTROM HQ. Thick and smooth, this Dunkel is perfect for the winter months with its rich, roasted malt and caramel flavour, culminating in a slightly spicy finish. Which all makes for a dangerously drinkable beer.
Northern Rising | 500ml | 4.4% ABV | RRP £2.75
This recent collaboration between two of West Yorkshire’s best breweries has produced a stout to be proud of. Northern Monk and Timothy Taylor have used their years of expertise to bring nitro stout, Northern Rising, to life. This full bodied, yet silky-smooth beverage, filled with malty flavours, makes for a satisfying and unique drinking experience.
— CIDER —
Aldi Mulled Cider | 750ml | 5% ABV | RRP £3.99
A classic Christmas drink here, with this new addition to ALDI’s drinks range. Their mulled cider blends cinnamon, ginger and orange with the classic taste of English apple cider to create an excellent interpretation of the festive favourite. Perfect served warm on a chilly winter evening.
— FIZZ —
Maison Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru MV | 75cl | 12.5% ABV | RRP £75
We’ve long championed Maison Bruno Paillard, one of Champagne’s few independent, family-owned houses. Chiefly because they craft some of the most spectacular fizz known to mankind. Made from 100% white Chardonnay grapes (hence the Blanc de Blancs name), all sourced exclusively from grand cru vineyards, this particular drop boasts a lighter effervescence than in the other Champagnes thanks to a less powerful bottle fermentation. This elegant number is perfect for any special occasion.
Louis Couturier Crémant| 75cl | 12.5% ABV | RRP £12
For the uninitiated Crémant is sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region in France. It tends to be kinder on the wallet, while still remaining a quality drink. This enjoyable, fresh Crémant from Louis Couturier has light and soft bubbles, with aromas of lemon sorbet. The perfect palate cleanser to enjoy with a slap up meal.
— WINE —
Domaine Bousquet’s Ameri Organic Red Blend | 75cl | 14.5% ABV | RRP £30
Another great drop here from the Bousquet family. These Argentinian alchemists are renowned for their winemaking, with their top-tier expertise combining with Mendoza’s ideal growing conditions to create excellent wine. The Ameri Organic Red Blend combines Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes from a single vineyard at over 4,000 feet, then ages the elixir in French oak barrels for 16 months. The result, a punchy, powerful red that doesn’t disappoint.
Calvet Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon | 75cl | 14% ABV | RRP £9.99
This silky-textured claret from France is a particular winner when paired with a hearty roast dinner. Calvet Reserve Merlot is a fruity, rich, full bodied vino that boasts hints of gingerbread and black pepper. A well balanced and affordable Bordeaux that will keep you reaching for a refill.
Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet | 75cl | 13% ABV | RRP £11.99
A crisp, refreshing white wine to finish off our selection, with this Villemarin Picpoul. The vines are exclusively grown next to the Languedoc’s Thau lagoon near Montpellier, a plateau covered in fragrant garrigue herbs and pine groves. All of which make for a wine packed with zesty, lemony flavours, that pairs perfectly with fish and seafood dishes.
Click the banner to share on Facebook
