As the Jingle Bells start a’ringing and the glasses start a’clinking it’s time stock that cabinet high with the finest wines, spirits and ales the Great British retail consortiums have to offer. In this month’s cabinet we have a fine little selection to tickle the taste buds and wash down that turkey dinner.
The Aperitifs
A classic flavour beautifully redesigned. No.3 is a complexly simplistic taste, consisting of 3 fruits and 3 spices giving a fragrance on the nose that we just love. Named after the Berry Brother’s home, No.3. St James’s Street this gin is as premium as the postcode from which it hails and deserves some quality pairings of lime and lemon to off set the heavy juniper notes.
Available from Waitrose.
Tio Pepe Jerez Xeres Sherry
Make sure you’ve got your fridge turned all the way up for this one. A dry sherry that is best served as cold as Champagne, the Tio Pepe will make a welcome alternative to the fizz on Christmas morning. It’s pale colour and crisp finish means this isn’t just for Gran, but the whole team will be indulging.
Available from Sainsbury’s
The Main Events
Pig In A Poke: Old Spot Rose
Available as a full bottle or as part of their Christmas Gift Selection Bucket, this Rose combines Syrah and Montepulciano grapes – the latter of which we have become recently addicted to in its pure Red variety. A refreshing accompaniment to your spuds and pigs in blankets (no relation) however may sit better with your salmon starter to avoid overcrowding the sweetness of your main course meat.
Limited Edition Buckets available online
Golden Sheep: Black Sheep Ale
The Golden Sheep from the Yorkshire based brewery is one of Black Sheep’s pale ales, which will make a great match to the Boxing Day left overs. But to be honest we aren’t fussy. Pick up any of the other variations they have and you will be equally satisfied. We particularly like the Monty Python inspired Holy Gr’Ale.
Pick up a Black Sheep Hamper for Christmas Online
For Dessert
Baileys Biscotti Flavour
One in the now fairly established range of Baileys variations, this year’s Christmas treat is a rich almond and vanilla “Biscotti” flavour. We’ve tried mixing with actual biscotti biscuits to make an awesome cheesecake base, but to be honest whack it over some ice and it’ll do for dessert all on its own.
Available in Supermarkets nationwide
