4

Situated in the heart of Montone, just 50 metres from the stunning piazza, La Locanda del Capitano nestles within one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval villages. With its narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside, Montone is a place that draws visitors from around the globe. Over the past 17 years, I’ve visited this village dozens (if not hundreds) of times, sometimes twice in a single day. Such is its charm and breathtaking beauty.

Tomatin

Highland distillery Tomatin has launched a new series of single malts, The Sherry Collection, featuring three unique expressions that celebrate Sherry’s influence on Scotch whisky. This limited-edition collection highlights the distinct characteristics imparted by Manzanilla, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez casks.

Rum is an incredibly diverse and complex spirit, a discovery that becomes clearer the more you delve into its world. Made from either sugar cane or molasses, rum can vary widely in style, from light and fruity profiles to rich, dark expressions with bold, almost petrol-like flavours. 

Founded in 1905 by the young Norwegian adventurer Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen, the house has maintained its commitment to producing high-quality cognac for over a century. Thomas began his journey when he left Norway for France, driven by a passion for spirits and a keen entrepreneurial spirit. Joining forces with Peter Anton Rustad, another Norwegian, they acquired the established cognac house A. Edmond Dupuy. This acquisition marked the birth of Bache-Gabrielsen Cognac. I recently spoke with Claire Ronsin from the estate:-

I have been suffering from a rather nasty cold, which has prevented me from tasting, so a little behind in my diaries. This edition focuses on a selection of wines that have passed over my desk recently. I believe it is important to enjoy everyday wines, to provide perspective on the finer wine we enjoy. I recently had lunch with an old friend at Luca (report coming soon), who happens to be one of the world’s finest wine writers. When he is not drinking 1st Growth Claret, or sipping on DRC, he often buys a £8 bottle of white from Waitrose to enjoy.

Ardbeg The Rollercoaster

Ardbeg, one of Islay's predominate distilleries launched The Rollercoaster last week. This two-bottle set comprises a 1981 and 1989 expression representing the years the distillery closed and then reopened. 

As I made a left turn from the A6 in Derbyshire to visit White Peak Distillery located in the stunning Derwent Valley, I was transported to a bygone era, steeped in decades of industrial history. This locale evoked the ambience of an environment where workers might have toiled for 12-hour shifts, clocking out at the end of the day, covered in the grime of their labour, fatigued, and longing for a full plate of homecooked food. It held a certain charm, which resonated with me, as it must have with Max and Claire Vaughan.

Tomatin Distillery: Bridging Tradition and Innovation