Two decades of writing about drinks (!) This week marks 20 years since I began my first job in the industry, as a staff writer, and soon realised I'd never be done learning. I've been immersed ever since, working with a vast number of talented, incredible people, visiting producers and propping up countless bars around the world, and making some life-long friends along the way.
Marked the occasion late last year with a few tequilas at the ever-wonderful and enduring Cafe Pacifico. Here's to another couple decades... at least.
Amazing visit to Goa to learn more about @pauljohnwhisky - one of the pioneers of the Indian single malt scene - and taste some excellent whiskies, both peated and unpeated, the Zodiac series among the highlights. Incredible hospitality throughout, with great cocktails and food, as well as a boat cruise to celebrate Diwali a few days early. Stopped by some great bars too, including @ftr_vinylbar , @mtwbar and @baroutriggergoa .
#pauljohn #pauljohnwhiskey #indianwhisky #whisky #singlemalt #cocktails #drinks #india #goa #presstrip
Some excellent single malts, and one that isn't - a single malt, that is - in this year's Special Releases collection from Diageo, entitled Horizons Unbound. A few highlights:
- Rye Rebel, Teaninich 8yo Single Grain Scotch, made from malted rye and malted barley, matured in ex-bourbon American Oak, 59.3% ABV, RRP $100. A spicy, rich nose of toffee, molasses and rye bread leading to generous texture and sweetness balanced by toasted spice on the palate.
- Into the Blue, Singleton 17yo finished in ex-mezcal and second-fill ex-sherry casks, 56.2% ABV, RRP $200. An evocative aroma of leather and dried fruit, warming and wonderful, with a little spice. Sweet chocolate and salted caramel on the unctuous palate, lifted by some clementine, with a silky mouthfeel.
- A Warm Welcome, Oban 12yo matured in ex-bourbon American oak, 55.3% ABV, RRP $150. Approachable, with cream, honey and raisin - a bowl of muesli - as well as dried grass and a herbal note. Lithe and easy-drinking, particularly for the ABV.
- Marble Treasure, Dailuaine 21yo matured in Spanish ex-sherry casks, 54.8% ABV, RRP $500. This one's dessert, rich with syrup and fruit, yet nutty too - like pecans - and drying towards the finish. Substantial and complex.
Also in the collection is a Roseisle 14yo, Clynelish 18yo with some distillation cut-point
experiments, Lagavulin 12yo with Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned European Oak, and Talisker 14yo finished in volcanic rock-toasted American oak.
#presssample #DiageoSpecialReleases2025 #whisky #scotch #singlemalt #singlemaltscotch
Visited more bars on this trip to Guadalajara than any time I've been before, and some excellent ones too, including @elgalloaltanero , @mecenasbar , @delao_gdl , @farmacia.ritaperez , @vietnambargdl and more. Fantastic cocktails, agave spirits and beers, and a couple pulques too...
#mexico #mexicobars #guadalajara #guadalajarabars #tequila #cocktails #agave #raicilla #pulque
Epic week in Guadalajara for this year's @altostequila@tahonasociety competition, with the main prize of US$50k going to Christina Mercado @shakestirpour to develop sugar alternative @csweetsyrups . Additional awards went to Audrey Hands @audrey.hands and Cristina Botero Orozco @crisboteroorozco . Inspiring projects from all of the competitors, and unreal hospitality throughout.
Next stop: Oaxaca...
Twenty four hours in Amsterdam last weekend, starting with @advocatuuramsterdam at @rosewoodamsterdam , a rather fine new addition to the city's drinking scene. First up was their own jenever, Prøvo, made using the bar's on-site still, served in a Martini/Kopstoot alongside a beer and quail's egg. Cocktail highlights included Hemingway Daiquiri twist Propaganda, and Sazerac-style Wild Romance.
Dinner at the always exceptional @sal_ams , pairing steak with mezcal, and a nightcap Hanky Panky at @tales.and.spirits . And of course an obligatory stop at @wynand_fockink the next day for another, more classic, kopstootje, beer not pictured.
#amsterdam #amsterdambars #cocktails #cocktailbars #spirits #genever
The first of what will no doubt be many visits to the new @allmygodsbar in Bethnal Green, from the @dram.ldn crew and @roxyvelvet . Pool table, Fish House Punch on tap, frozen Nuclear Daiquiri, Martinis and Guinness, an Ozzy shrine, Picklebacks, BuzzBallz vending machine...
A few highlights from the Cask Showcase this week at Kachette in London. Revamped @skipper_rum range, now with an Overproof expression. An excellent talk by @helloclairewarner and @atelier_pip on Storytelling Through the Senses. The new aquavit from @hepple_spirits . @fewspirits Bourbon cut with cold brew coffee and Rye cut with Eight Immortals Oolong Tea. Everything by @wovenwhisky . And much more...
#spirits #drinks #cocktails #rum #aquavit #whiskey #whisky #london
The UK launch of non-alc spirit The Pathfinder at Archive & Myth this week. Hemp-based, with botanicals including wormwood, saffron and juniper, it's versatile stuff, for both alcoholic and non-alc drinks, and pretty good on its own over ice too. The full spectrum was on offer at the event, from zero-ABV Ammazzacaffe to a boozy Boulevardier, with low-ABV options like a Colada too. "Destroyer of bad vibes" indeed...
#nonalcoholicspirits #nonalcspirits #nonalc #lowabv #hempspirit #cocktails
