The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

is nuanced, mellow, and earthy, with aromas of dried fruits, cinnamon, and raisin. This is the one for Bourbon fans! Port Askaig’s 8 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is the youngest age-statement release in the range. It is a balanced whisky which presents sweet fruity flavours and smoky, peaty charac- ter. Through the warmth and taste of the whisky, and the style of the presentation, Port Askaig embodies the unique spirit of the island of Islay and its people in Scotland. This Christmas, the whisky is available as a gift pack and accompanied by two Glencairn tasting glasses, a must-have for the whisky connoisseur. To enhance your Christmas celebration, why not try Speciality Brand’s spirits in your cock- tails? For example, Flip cocktail is made with a spirit or fortified wine of your choice, cream, eggs, and sugar. Add 35 ml Michter’s US* 1 Unblended American Whiskey, 25 ml Sweet Oloroso Sherry, 5 ml sugar syrup, one whole egg, and 10 ml double cream to a cocktail shaker. First dry shake all the ingredients, then add ice and wet shake. Finally, double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with grated nutmeg and dark chocolate. Apricot is a year-round drink that is refreshing in summer and warming in winter. The tropical and spicy notes of Amrut Single Malt perfectly marry the botanicals in Cocchi Americano with apricot and peach. Add 40 ml Amrut Single Malt, 25 ml Cocchi Americano, 5 ml apricot-infused white balsamic and one dash of peach bitters into a glass filled with ice and stir until the drink has the correct level of dilution. When ready, strain whilst pouring into a pre-chilled coupette glass and garnish with lemon thyme. Generally made with Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, Charcoal Old Fashioned is a Japanese twist on the classic. Add 50 ml Nikka From The Barrel, 10 ml chamomile flower syrup, two dashes of Angostura bitters and two pinches of bamboo charcoal to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir it down and pour over hand-carved ice. To make chamomile syrup, mix one cup of water with one cup of sugar in a pan on the hob and let it dissolve. Add a chamomile tea bag and remove once infused. Garnish with chamomile flowers and orange zest and serve in a rocks glass. Red Dragon is a twist on the Manhattan with Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva taking the place of Bourbon or Rye Whiskey. Dry curaçao and chocolate and orange bitters bring out the rum’s dark chocolate and candied orange peel notes. Add 45 ml Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, 15 ml Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, 5 ml dry curaçao, two dashes each of chocolate and orange bitters into a mixing glass with cubed ice. Stir for 30 seconds and pour into a chilled coupette glass and garnish with two struck matches. Beluga Vodka Celebration is available at Master of Malt, Selfridges, and independent retailers. H by Hine, Hine Ball Gift Pack and Cocchi Negroni In A Box can be found at The Whisky Exchange. Diplomático Selección de Familia and Nikka Days Japanese Whisky are stocked at both The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt. Michter’s US* 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is available in stores and online at Waitrose, and Port Askaig’s 8 Year Old Single Malt Whisky can be found at The Whisky World. https://specialitybrands.com bitedrinks Images courtesy of Speciality Brands and product shots by Tony Wellington