Bourbon
Besides being distinctly easy to drink for a dark spirit, America’s native spirit has benefited from long and glamorous connections with popular culture and the stars of the day, from Hollywood via the rat-pack to rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop.
Guide to spirits
Guide toSpirits
Champagne
In 1668, in the village of Hautvillers the monk turned cellar master, Dom Perignon, is said to have discovered how to make sparkling wine. The technique is used all over the world today, but the region of Champagne continues to make some of the finest.
Cognac
The earliest known spirits were made from wine. In 1411 wine was recorded being distilled into a spirit in the Armagnac region of France, though the great days of Cognac were not to emerge for another 300 years - and when they did, it was as a distinctly luxurious spirit.
Gin
Gin and genever perhaps have a more chequered history than any other spirit: from the earliest medicinal uses by 12th century Italian monks via ‘Dutch Courage' and ‘Gin Lane' to golf club respectability and finally rebirth as a cool cocktail spirit in the 1990s.
Liqueur
Most liqueurs - and almost all the old ones - are made by infusing the flavourings in the raw spirit then sweetening. Occasionally the infused spirit is redistilled to give a stronger, more concentrated tincture, and many bitters are also made this way.
Malt Whisky
Malt whisky is known throughout the world as the preserve of gastronomes and enthusiasts, a category with a global image as the epitome of luxury, sophistication and good living.
Rum
Whether it be mixed in Punches or served on the rocks, rum can be enjoyed in so many ways which is probably the reason for it being the new bartender’s drinks of choice.
Tequila
Tequila is a drink with a serious reputation. It is commonly thought of as the rebel party spirit and is very often misunderstood, however, tequila has so much more to offer…
Vodka
The origins of vodka date back at least to the 11th century, and the honour of being the first nation to distil vodka is claimed by both Russia and Poland.
Whisky
Scotch whisky is one of the few drinks categories which is defined by law. This can be looked upon as protection or restriction, but whichever point of view you take, the result is legal definition of the different processes and ingredients which go into each of the four classes of Scotch whisky.