BEERS and SPIRITS OF THE MONTH

 

Nastro Peroni - Italy - 24x330ml bottles - £20.99

Brewed from the finest spring planted barley malts, has a unique balanced taste with a delicate aroma arising from the hops of the most exclusive varieties. Young, balanced and sparkling, Nastro Azzurro is the beer for the knowledgeable and demanding consumer. Great bulk buy for restaurants and pubs, or just for your next BBQ!

 

 

Palma Luca - Brazil - 24x355ml bottles - £21.00
available as single bottles at just £0.99 each
light and delicious

 

and some spirits...

 

CLÉS DES DUCS XO ARMAGNAC- £49.00

 

The production of Armagnac differs in several ways from that of Cognac and it is the oldest "eau-de-vie" dating back to the 12th century. Armagnac is only distilled once and at a lower temperature than Cognac, meaning that Armagnac retains more of the fruit character, whereas the second distillation of cognac results in a lower balance. Armagnac are aged for nearly the same period as Cognac, which has a significant impact on the grape once it has been distilled. Armagnac is aged in limousine and local oak casks giving them nice and delicate color, as well as an intricate flavor more complex than that of Cognac.

Armagnac ages in oak barrels which give it its complex flavor and color. Armagnac is sold with different agings. The minimum for bottles is 2 years. In the case of assemblies, the age on the bottle refers to the youngest component. . For the XO, the ageing is at least at least 6.

Ageing in the barrel removes a part of the alcohol by evaporation, known as "part des anges", attribute of angels, and allows more complex aromatic compounds to appear by oxidation, which further improves the flavor of armagnac. When the alcohol part reaches 40% or more, the armagnac is kept in large glass bottles, called Dame Jeanne, for storage. From then on, the armagnac does not age, and can be bottled for sale from the next year on.

Nose: - full intense, rich -open and mature -elegant and complex smell of rancio (Port, walnut, hazelnut, prune) - subtle and pleasant vanilla touch - light and fine oak wood aromas - some discreet flowery and fresh fruity aromas - very long
Mouth - good attack -round, harmonious but still keeping its wild typical - characteristics (pleasant combination of softness and violence) - complex, very mature but lively and vigorous -long finish (very good persistence)

 

Mandarine Napoléon Grande Liqueur Imperiale - only £6.49

 

Belgium. Fourcroy Mandarine Napoléon Grande Liqueur Imperiale. This gorgeous golden-orange liqueur bears fresh mandarin/tangerine aromas body is thick and buttery, and the palate follows the nose, well-balanced with a tingling spiciness. The liqueur is a mix of macerated mandarin skins in cognac, and 21 herbs and spices including green tea, clover, coriander and cumin. Any information in addition to that is a closely guarded secret.

Similar to (some say better than)Grand Marnier, as the name implies this was a favorite of Napoleon - and in fact was "invented" by his own physician. A word to the wise: beware! Its sweet form only really hints at its alcoholic kick. "Dream in colours!" the maker says..

BORGHETTI CAFFE EXPRESSO - £13.99
Just taste this wonder

 

We also bring you these spirits which we highly recommend...

BUNNAHABHAIN 12 YR OLD SINGLE MALT - £29.99
The nose offers a fresh and aromatic experience with a subtle whiff of smoke floating through the air. The taste starts with a light fruit and nut appeal that leads to a spectacular malty sweetness, finishing into a beautifully rich full-bodied, lingering experience.

GLENFIDDICH 40 YR OLD SINGLE MALT
“THE DISTILLERS CHOICE” - Limited
not cheap! But great value at... £1250.00

ROYAL BIRKDALE BRUICHLADDICH - £40.00
The 9th bottling in Bruichladdich's golf series that uses Graeme Baxter's panoramic paintings of famous golf courses. This one commemorates The Open 2008. Limited to 12,000 bottles worldwide and matured in bourbon casks.

 

OLD PULTENEY 12 YR OLD SINGLE MALT- £21.00

 

HANKEY BANNISTER 1litre. - £16.49
If you like Grouse, try this one and you will change to it for the wonderful fullness and flavour

 

 

CAORUNN “SPECIALITY GIN FROM SCOTLAND - £21.99
see details HERE

Fuller details and tasting notes will appear in the next few days - for now, just ask in the shop...