If you’re feeling stuck choosing a Christmas gift for someone this year, then Deeside Drinks Emporium have got you covered.
Here are ten drinks that you can get on Deeside that will put a smile on the face of your loved ones this festive season.
We’ve got everything covered… Wines, beers and spirits.
1) Sibling’s Gin
Sibling Triple Distilled Gin is distilled in Cheltenham by four siblings, all aged under 24. Their fresh ideas are reflected in this breakthrough new gin which combines and incredibly pure base spirit (which, unusually, is made on-site by the team) with light refreshing botanicals.
Fresh blueberries, orange and lemon combine with rich Madagascan vanilla to create a gin which is so smooth and subtle it can be sipped on it’s own, or combined with tonic to create a beautifully complex G&T without the need for lime!
Using a revolutionary glass and stainless steel distillery, their botanicals are infused through a ‘Carter Head’ vapour chamber where they are replenished every 17 litres, ensuring their flavours stay perfectly clean and crisp. In their first year, Sibling have been awarded full marks in the great taste awards, showing that this new take on a very traditional drink has been hugely popular.
2) Ogilvy Spirits
Ogilvy Spirits is a new distillery based in the heart of Angus at Hatton of Ogilvy Farm producing Scotland’s first potato vodka. Graeme Jarron, fourth generation farmer at the farm, founded the distillery in 2014. Ogilvy is an authentic tale of craft and graft, spuds and science, small-scale quality and big ideas. At its root is the family’s affinity with the land, a bond which inspired the creation of award winning Ogilvy potato vodka.
Ogilvy’s potatoes grow a short tractor ride from where they’re transformed into vodka. Everything is undertaken on their own farm to form a small-batch local liquor of international quality.Their singular spirit is warm and welcoming, smooth and sweet. Its neutral essence makes it a great option for cocktails and a natural choice for the gluten-intolerant. Yet it’s a smart pick for anyone wishing to try a vodka that offers purity of palate alongside hidden depths of flavour.
3) Mr P Knows
The vineyards are on a mountain plateau 420 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In a country where cool sites are precious, these vineyards are like gold dust — the grapes ripening up to two months later than other Cape vineyards and in perfect balance. Iona is South Africa’s coolest vineyard site.
The vineyards are farmed according to organic and biodynamic practices with a particular focus on ensuring the health of the soils. Natural pest management is provided by the flock of geese that roam the vineyards. Grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and not crushed. 10% whole bunch fermented for complexity.
The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28’C with regular punch downs during fermentation. A gentle period of resting in French oak barrels for 8 Months adds depth and complexity. On tasting this wine, you will see elegant flavours of fresh cherry and red berry nose with undergrowth mélange.
The palate is pure with lovely texture and sweet cherry fruit dominates with spicy undertones. The wine is fresh and intense with real vibrancy. This wine is simply stunning, and goes well with Salmon, duck, roasted mushroom.
4) Dark Matter Distillers
Dark Matter is the first and only Rum distillery in Scotland and launched their Spiced Rum in May 2015. Infused with fresh ginger, allspice, long pepper and fresh green peppercorns our spiced rum is a bold step out from the other spiced rums on the market and is attracting a broad demographic of drinkers many of whom did not previously drink rum at all.
“In the last few weeks we’ve seen sales increase dramatically with a lot of feedback about our rum’s flavour profile and aroma lending itself extremely well to Christmas” said the director, Jim.
A recent opportunity for the first 10 casks of rum has also sold out. “We were delighted with the response and found there is significant interest in doing further cask sales. Dark Matter operates from their purpose built distillery in Banchory, royal Deeside. Further information can be found at www.darkmatterdistillers.com
5) Cairngorm Brewery
Cairngorm Brewery, established in 2001, is situated in the village of Aviemore within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The brewery is keen to keep traditional recipes alive, as well as brewing new and interesting styles, by using old and new malt and hop varieties.
The Brewery’s beers have won many awards including Champion Beer of Scotland in 2004, 2005 and 2015 Specialty Beer of Britain 2004, 2005 and 2006, UK Champion Best Bitter in 2008, SIBA Supreme Champion Beer of the Year was awarded for 2009 in cask and Supreme Champion bottled beer in 2014
The Brewery support local community and environmental causes. Based on sales of certain beers it donates money to the Scottish Wildcat Action, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Cairngorms Nature.
The Brewery is open to the public for tours.
6) Phantom
The wait is over…Phantom has reappeared for the season! Californian winery Bogle’s tantalizing apparition of rich berry and relentless spice returns to tease wine lovers. Full of flavor, concentration and intensity, this mysterious wine will haunt you well after the last sip is gone.
A spectre of rubies sparkles in the glass, awaiting with its first impression. Bright red cherry fruit and black pepper tempt you to take that sip, with hints of brawny juniper, rich blackberry and briary boysenberry in the background.
Succulent in mouthfeel, the wine showcases its versatile grape varietals: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Aged for over 24 months in 1 and 2 year old American oak, tones of spicy vanilla and toasted coconut moderate the firm tannins and create a focused and intense finish. Enjoy this passionate and commanding red wine, yet another vintage impossible to ignore.
7) Iona Chardonnay
Iona is the coolest vineyard in the Cape, 420m above sea-level, high above the picturesque Elgin Valley. An extremely long growing season, harvesting up to 2 months after Stellenbosch, results in diverse, complex flavours and uniquely fresh and elegant wines.
Long renowned for their Sauvignon blanc, their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; recently awarded 5 stars in Platter, are also very fine. The Chardonnay is produced from 2 north-facing vineyards on the western boundary of the estate, both planted in 2003.Grapes were whole bunch pressed and each block vinified separately.
The juice settled for 24 months, after which it was raked to 300L French oak barrels Barrel for 11months in French oak (30% new),60% spontaneous malolatic fermentation. The wine shows concentrated marzipan and citrus notes, with underlying hazelnut and lime notes, which adds to layered complexity. The wine is seamless, with flavoursome and long finish. It is excellent with Lobster or Turbot in a cream sauce, Shellfish and Turkey.
8) Sloesecco
Here’s one for the adventurous, would be mixologists amongst us. A cunning blend of delicious Italian Fizz and classic fruity spirit.
Ingredients: 35ml Warner Edwards Harrington Sloe Gin, 100ml Prosecc, 10ml suga, 10ml raspberry puree. Try a Garnish of Nasturtium flower, foraged leaf. Stir then serve in glassware like a Coupette.
Made by two friends on a farm in Northamptonshire, Warner Edwards Harrington Sloe Gin is infused with local, hand-picked sloes, with a wonderfully jammy and fresh flavour.
The team are able to call on the natural spring water that flows through Harrington during the distillation process and to cut the final gin back to the required strength and balance.
Warner Edwards sloe gin is bursting with berried fruit whilst being slightly drier than usual, due to the moderate addition of sugar.
9) Ferrari Perle
Ferrari Trentodoc has achieved a stunning upset in the world of sparkling wine showing that it is possible to make world-class bubbles outside of Champagne. These awards add themselves to the many prestigious accolades that confirm the extraordinary vocation of the Trentino region and its mountain viticulture.
This wine has an intense bouquet, but of particular finesse, with scents of almond blossom, rennet apples, a faint spiciness and a hint of crusty bread. Dry, crisp and elegant, with a very persistent finish.
10) Cromarty Brewery
The team at Cromarty brewery believe that their passion, enthusiasm, and quality beer brewing skills blended with the finest locally and globally sourced ingredients make beer that is truly worth believing in.
Their Highland HQ lies on the scenic top road from Cromarty above the firth. It is here that their fanatical crew discusses beer, works with beer, and creates beer that is worth believing in.
Their New Wave Pale Ale made with the crisp citrus hops from the USA and fresh tropical hops of NZ. At a modest 4.1% this beer is perfect for a session. So go on, grab a pint and become a Happy Chappy!
Excellent with chicken dishes, salads and pizzas.