Family reunions, gatherings with friends… Christmas is a time to celebrate with others and having your bar stocked with a few well chosen high-quality drinks does make a difference. At I-M Inquisitive Minds we have picked five premium spirits that are a little bit unusual and will most certainly enhance your celebrations with every sip.
HIBIKI SUNTORY WHISKY JAPANESE HARMONY
Relish on the generous and elegant profile of this blend of the finest selection of malt and grain whiskies by Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky. Created under the watchful eye of master blender Shinjiro Torii, this is an easy, light whisky that will enamour both beginners and connoisseurs.
Hibiki Harmony gets its fruit notes and sweetness from Yamazaki whisky, herbs and smoky character from Hakushu and the spices from Chita.
Sweet, seductive aromas of fruit and spice continue on the palate, where the complexity of the liquor opens revealing all its subtleties. Adding a few drops of water brings out the citrus and vanilla aromas even further. Five different cask types contribute to the personality of Hibiki Harmony, including Mizunara and ex-sherry casks. Available at Waitrose Cellar and House of Malt among other retailers.
HERMITAGE COGNAC CIGAR 15
The youngest of the Hermitage trilogy (Cigar 15, Café 20 and Cacao 25) is a great premium spirit to have in your bar cart. Produced in Grande Champagne, a district in the Cognac region known for producing the finest cognacs, Hermitage Cigar 15 is, unsurprisingly, a no-brainer choice for cigar smokers. Its fine aromas of tobacco, almond, cinnamon and nutmeg – courtesy of maturing in Limousin oak casks – complement the flavour of black tea and tropical fruits, which lead to cocoa notes and a citrusy kumquat finish.
I would recommend Hermitage Cigar 15 for cognac connoisseurs rather than beginners. Ideally, drink it neat to appreciate the complexity of its aromas and flavours.
Hermitage cognacs are known for their individuality and distinctive character. They are produced using specific distillation methods and long ageing in oak casks. For many connoisseurs, Hermitage cognacs are a statement of sophistication and legacy. Cigar 15 delivers an excellent drinking experience. Available from Brandy Classics among other retailers.
BEEBLE HONEY TEQUILA
Founded in 2018, Beeble is a story of passion and commitment by amateur beekeeper Nicola Reed and her family, who have created a range of high-quality spirits infused with raw honey from their own hives. Tequila is the latest addition to the family.
Beeble infuses tequila from the Mexican Agave fields of Jalisco with its Wiltshire honey to create a beautifully smooth liquor.
The blend of agave and honey releases the delicate floral notes from the honey and the earthiness of the tequila, which develop fully in the palate leading to a silky smooth finish. Someone told me to try it with chocolate, which I did, and to my surprise, it works really well. I like drinking it on its own, very cold, but it would work well in cocktails. Purchase directly from Beeble.
RENAIS GIN
Another lovely artisan story. Following on his family’s love for Burgundy and inspired by French winemaking traditions, Alex Watson and his sister Emma (yes, that Emma Watson) decided in 2023 to create a gin from upcycled French wine grapes. That is how Renais (rebirth) was founded.
Renais gin makes a mean martini. The secret to me is to keep the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes and make sure that your mix of gin and vermouth is very cold and well stirred.
Renais gin is infused with not just your usual botanicals such as juniper berries, citrus peel and coriander seeds, but also with the more unusual linden flowers, cubeb berries and the limestone that gives Chablis wines their minerality and structure. The flavour is well balanced between minerality, botanicals and sweetness from the tiny bit of acacia honey in it. Purchase directly from Renais.
TOKU SAKÉ
From the coldest region in Japan, Hokkaido comes this luxurious Junmai Daiginjo saké, made from Yamada Nishiki rice, fermented in water drawn from the Daisetsuzan mountains. After months of patiently developing its flavour at sub-zero temperatures, Toku saké is filtered and bottled, ready to be enjoyed by sybarites all around the world.
Toku saké is best enjoyed on its own, in a white wine glass, to help channel its aromas to your nose. Ideally, drink at 5°C.
Toku saké surprises with its sweet nose, reminiscing of flowers and summer fruits, a character that develops further on the palate. Let it linger in your mouth to discover hints of marzipan and enjoy its chalky finish.
If you are wondering about its cool looks, you may be interested to know that Toku saké’s creative director is the uber-stylish actress Cate Blanchett. A detail worth mentioning: the label at the back is thermochromic, so you’ll always know when your Toku is at the right temperature to drink. Buy directly from Toku.
Find other suggestions for your private bar, HERE.
Author: Julia Pasarón
Photography: Lina Ress
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