The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and indulge, and no Christmas feast is complete without the perfect wines to match the occasion. From the sparkle of Champagne at breakfast to the richness of a fortified wine with cheese (if you still have room!), each moment of the day offers an opportunity to open something different.
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is a sophisticated Asian-inspired restaurant in the heart of Mayfair (also in Manchester). Drawing inspiration from the energy of 1930s Tokyo kissas and Shanghai drinking dens, it effortlessly merges vintage glamour with contemporary flair. The restaurant's design and atmosphere take you to a bygone era of allure and intrigue while maintaining an intimate, exclusive feel.
In recent years, Prosecco has taken the world by storm, loved by consumers for its light, fruity style and accessible price point. Yet, perhaps it’s time to reconsider Cava, a sparkling wine that has quietly matured and evolved over the past few years. Though it shares shelf space with Champagne and Prosecco, Cava is often overlooked or misunderstood. Made from the same grape varieties as Champagne (among others), it’s worth exploring the more serious producers, especially Codorníu.
Founded by Fred Schrader in 1998, Schrader Cellars has swiftly become one of the most respected names in Napa Valley, renowned for its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. At the core of Schrader’s success is the legendary To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, widely recognised as one of Napa's premier sources of Cabernet grapes.
The past few weeks have been incredibly busy, filled with a whirlwind of tastings, travels, and dinners. It's been a bit of a challenge to keep up with everything, but it's a good problem to have when you're surrounded by such exceptional wines and whiskies. From visiting renowned vineyards to experiencing rare bottles, I’ve been lucky to immerse myself in some truly unforgettable moments. As I catch my breath and start to write about my recent experiences, I wanted to share with you a few of the highlights that have stood out.
I have had the privilege of attending numerous events and meeting an array of fascinating people. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Kiefer Sutherland at the launch of his new whisky brand, Red Bank. As both a fan of the television series 24 and a whisky writer, this encounter was particularly special for me.
Rooted in the heart of Cognac, this family-owned distillery boasts a history dating back to 1875. The distillery was established by Medéric Tiffon, whose passion for cognac laid the foundation for the brand. The early 20th century saw significant expansion under the stewardship of Sverre Braastad, a Norwegian who married into the Tiffon family. Braastad's influence was instrumental in expanding Tiffon's reach, particularly in the Scandinavian markets.
In the heart of Scotland's rugged northeast, the Cabrach distillery is breathing new life into one of the country’s most storied whisky-producing regions, 170 years after the last distillery here closed. Nestled within the wild, windswept landscapes of the Highlands, this distillery, with the legendary Master Distiller Alan Winchester, formerly of Glenlivet, at the helm, Cabrach Distillery is poised to make a significant impact in the whisky landscape over the coming decades.
A few weeks ago I attended the Cognac Show in central London, organised by The Whisky Exchange. It offered an opportunity to taste the cognacs of several producers that are unfamiliar to me, which I shall be writing about in due course. One of those was Vallein Tercinier, who very kindly sent me a great selection of samples, covering a multitude of their cognacs, that I would like to introduce you to now.
As a whisky lover, I am unsure why I hadn’t joined the Scotch Malt Whisky Society before. Not only are there a serious amount of their own bottles, but also members rooms throughout Scotland and one in central London. With 32k members worldwide, I am rather slow to get on board!
