Category Archives: Alcohol Reviews

Garmence Wine Studio SS16 Capsule Collection

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I know what you’re thinking, A capsule collection for wine? ‘WI-NE NOT’ we say. Indeed, we are in a renaissance of wine and Garmence Wine Studio are leading the way with their capsule SS16 Collection. Garmence Wine Studio are a fresh, new wine company committed to bring you wine which is ‘crafted with love’ by people who love wine. The new concept created by the hard-working Charlotte Calvet, who’s family have been in the wine business for generations, is, in a nutshell, based on blending the highest quality wines which are the most memorable and fragrant to match the Garmence unique tasting profile. Their aim is to make it easier for you to select wines that you enjoy based on your own unique taste and aim to deliver a high quality wine to you at a fair price. Helping you to pick your wines with the help of a food pairing wheel, they want you to find exactly the wine you’re after and aim to help you pick something you’ll enjoy.

Essentially, Garmence Wine Studio work with wine growers and producers from all over Europe and have selected wines that ‘evoke a unique sensorial experience.’ Their cooperative approach means that even smaller wine producers get a look in. These guys have done all of the leg work capturing the best of the best and it’s clear that this concept can only be overseen by someone who has an immense passion for wine and after meeting and speaking with Charlotte and her Father you are safe in the knowledge that they really know and adore their wines.

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The SS16 collection is created with the premise that consumers’ taste changes with the seasons, so alongside their ‘core collection’, there are a few Spring/Summer heroes that feature with a lighter, fresher taste. Lucky for you, us at Frost got to do all the hard work and attend the wine tasting and here are our top picks;

The Whites;

Pouilly-Fumé

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This Sauvignon Blanc has got to be one of the sexiest wines I have ever tried. Deliciously crisp and energetic, this Pouilly-Fumé has flavours of green apples, stone fruits and lemons. This fantastic little number will go well with seafood, Italian food and poultry.

Serving suggestions; a bottle of this on a date will go a long way!
£18

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/16-pouilly-fume-france.html

The Reds:

Fleurie

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This fruity wine is King of the Beaujolais region which makes it perfect to drink chilled. Perfect for the summer this wine is fresh and light with almost no tannins. Hints of strawberry, cherries and bramble spice this wine is well paired with all meats and of course a cheese board.

Serving suggestions; A foolproof dinner party wine.
£16

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/28-fleurie.html

The Heroes;

With some collective positive thinking, hopefully the Summer will be here in no time, but in the meantime Garmence are on a mission to create you the best Rosé. Exclusively to their SS16 collection they have two on offer for you to try.

Côtes De Provence

ROSE DE PROVENCE – FRANCE £15 (2)

The clarity of the wine is enough to let you know it’s going to be sublime. Putting Rosé back on the map, this delicious blend of Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah make the perfect balance of citrus, exotic and white fruits. Great paired with steak, seafood and veg.

Serving suggestions; This elegant wine is a showstopper at a BBQ or picnic.
£15

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/26-rose-de-provence.html

Crémant De Bordeaux

CREMANT DE BORDEAUX – FRANCE £20

Because who doesn’t love a bottle of pink fizz! This one is every bit as delicious and exquisite as it looks and just bursting with aromatic fruitiness. Fresh and fizzy, this wine is produced according to the “Champagne traditional method”.

Serving suggestions; Suitable for every occasion
£20

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/27-cremant-de-bordeaux-rose.html

These are just our top picks but visit their website to choose wines based on your flavour profile. The minimum order is three bottles and once you’ve selected your wines, pick a day and a time slot. Bottles are stylishly wrapped and delivered in fantastic wine storage boxes which can be doubled up as a wine rack to suit your home.

So visit Garmence for their full collection.

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“Fewer, better wines – Crafted with love”

Get Set for The Spirit Show launching December ’16

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This Winter see’s the UK launch of the alcohol industry’s hotly tipped Premium Spirit Show and we’re happy to announce its going to be hosted it in good ol’ London Town. Taking place at The Business Design Centre in the heart of Angel, traders from all ends of the Spirit world… not the phantom kind, will be showcasing their brands to traders and consumers alike. From a host of Premium Whisky Distilleries to a number of Boutique Gin and Vodka producers, this will certainly be the place to be for all customers/traders wishing to explore something old or new and discover something inspiring. With Organisers expecting close to 10,000 visitors over the two-day duration, no wonder it has been billed as “The Ultimate Tasting Event.”

The Spirit Show will focus on it’s premium market of Whiskies, Gin, Vodka and Rum but will also feature Champagnes, Wines and Fine Foods making it the ultimate fancy, boozy weekend. The weekend will also feature tastings and expert discussions, cookery demo’s and a host of other fun-filled activities all set within a backdrop of Live Music, entertainment and some other surprises.

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We’re sure this is going to be a sell out so get into the Christmas Spirit and sign up for The Spirit Show’s newsletter for information about pre-sale tickets. Corporate and group packages are also available in case you fancy ditching The Christmas Party. Or avoid the Christmas Party complete and impress someone with the must have ticket of the year.

Ticket’s will be launched soon so sign up for info here;

The Spirit Show

December 9-10

The Business Design Centre,
Upper Street
Angel Islington.

Toast Father’s Day with “only the best” Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne

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With Father’s Day less than a fortnight away we’re ditching socks in order for something a bit luxurious, Mumm. No, we didn’t mean our mums, after all it is Father’s day. We meant the finest, most luxurious Mumm Champagne on the market. The prestigious G.H Mumm Champagne traces back to the Knights and Barons of the 12th Century. Now one of the largest Champagne producers in The World, the motto of Georges Hermann Mumm remains “only the best” and we think that’s nothing short of what our Dad’s deserve. After all, Mumm is not just for Mums.

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So why not raise a toast to Dad this Father’s Day and celebrate in style. Whatever your budget, we have a round-up of the best Mumm Champagne’s to suit you. All of which feature the iconic Cordon Rouge Champagne summing up the style and spirit of the Mumm Champagne house. Crafted from a blend of 50 different wines from up to 77 different vineyards with a high proportion of reserve wines from five different vintages, Mumm Cordon Rouge provides aromas of lemon and grapefruit, with notes of white peach, apricot and apple, plus lingering notes of vanilla, dried fruit and honey. We were lucky enough to review a bottle of G.H Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne and this is what we thought.

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The sun is out…almost, and the popping of a Champagne cork is the most heavenly sound. Decanting Mumm into the flutes reveal a luxurious straw colour filled with lots of little bubbles. Light and chilled to perfection, this is one of the most crisp and more-ish bottles of Champagne on the market. Made up of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this wonderful Champagne is perfectly balanced in every way, rich without being too overpowering. The fruity notes of peach and apple on the nose and hints of citrus is what strikes me straight away as it’s almost like a summer crumble, definitely winning already. Don’t be fooled by the lightness, this delectable glass has a strong taste without being as overly dry as some of it’s other competitors which is a great indication to me that I will not be suffering from the dreaded Champagne headache making it a very palatable glass of fizz. Again because of the great range, you could pair this Champagne with anything from poultry to meatier fish and game. Or if you’re like me, add a few strawberries to the bottom of your glass, pour over and enjoy. With an average price of £25 per 75cl bottle, this Champagne is excellent value for money and having been the official Formula One victory Champagne, if it’s good enough to be sprayed all over Lewis Hamilton, it’s good enough for us.

Whether you’re looking to splash out on the biggest bottle of bubbles or get a more reasonable priced bottle in addition to a pair of socks, we’re here to help you pick something to suit you, because after all, “only the best” for Dad.

On a Budget:

MUMM Half Bottle (37.5cl)

If you’re looking for a great introduction to Mumm give this a go. Perfect as an accompanying gift;

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Serves 3-4 Glasses

RRP: £17

The Champagne Company

Value for Money:

MUMM Bottle (75cl)

The Classic and unbeatable full size bottle serves perfectly as a stand alone gift;

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Serves 5-6 Glasses

RRP: £27.50

The Champagne Company

A Little Pricier:

MUMM No.1 Victory Limited Edition Bottle (75cl)

For any Formula One enthusiast, this specially designed Victory bottle is perfect. With its iconic red sash you get to create your very own victorious Formula One podium moment presenting this to Dad;

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Serves 5-6 Glasses

RRP: £50

The Champagne Company

Feeling Flush:

MUMM Jeroboam (300cl)

Equivalent to 4 standard bottles, this boxed Jeroboam is designed for sharing. Presented in a wooden gift box let the Jeroboam take pride of place atop a bar or at the front of a drinks cabinet until it’s time to celebrate. After all no celebration is complete without everyone toasting with a glass of Champagne;

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Size of 4 standard bottles; presented in a beautiful wooden gift box

RRP: £185

The Champagne Company

So make it Mumm this Father’s Day with “only the best” Mumm Champagne

For a full range and Next Day Delivery before 3pm we recommend you use

The Champagne Company

Celebrate 325 years of Ketel One Vodka

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The World’s much loved Vodka brand, Ketel One, celebrate 325 years of their family’s distilling expertise and to celebrate they are hosting some very unique and impressive Supper Clubs in South London. Boasting an impressive 325 years in the business, it’s no wonder why they are one of the most recognised and trusted Vodka brands ever and The Nolet Family, who founded the distillery, have continued to carry out their dedication by personally approving each final production before bottling.

To mark the milestone and love of their successful family business, The Nolet Family are hoping that their much loved customers will help celebrate with them and are inviting you to attend one of their family-style suppers at the historic and dramatic Brunswick House. Your evening will be hosted and curated by Ketel One and renowned chef Jackson Boxer and set in the Parlour and Library Rooms of the prestigious eighteenth-century mansion.

The menu created by Boxer has been inspired by family dishes and served with specially paired Ketel One Vodka cocktails;

Sample Menu

Squid, Vodka with Caviar

Dry-Aged Brisket with Horseradish and Redcurrant

Alphonso Mango, Almond Milk, Rice, Black Sesame

The ticketed Supper Clubs will take place on

*Wednesday 25th May, 6.30pm – 10pm*

*Friday 27th May, 6.30pm – 10pm*

*Brunswick House, 30 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2LG*

Tickets will be £45 per person, and include a cocktail
and canapé reception, followed by a five-course meal with paired
cocktails

We think that is seriously good value to enjoy and celebrate the legacy that is Ketel One in a stunning setting with superb food.

Tickets are available now through Design My Night

Alongside these celebrations, for those who are unable to attend the event but still want to be raise a toast to Ketel One’s triumphant milestone, a limited “325 anniversary” edition copper coloured bottle is available to buy now from Harvey Nichols, both in store and online (*priced at £45*).

For recipes and to learn more about Ketel One visit;

http://www.ketelone.com

London Wine Week – May 23-29

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Wines at Bishopsgate

Over the next few days London will become a paradise for wine lovers. London Wine Week (LWW), which lasts from 23 to 29 May, will be based in around 125 venues – mainly bars and pubs – around London.

Wine lovers have to buy an LWW wristband for £10. Equipped with this, they can go into a large number of bars and buy a ‘flight of wines’ – ie an exciting selection – for a mere £5. Many of the bars will be offering free snacks to show how the wines pair with different types of food.

In addition Aldi will be setting up a display in Shoreditch, at which they will offer masterclasses and taster sessions, to help people understand the wide variety of wines now available. This is completely free. As Aldi is building up quite a name for itself as a supplier of high quality but reasonably priced wines, this should be worth a look.

Stylish Gins at Wine Rack

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It may often be thought of as ‘mother’s ruin’, but these days gin is becoming very popular – and not just with mums. A lot of stylish bars and pubs with a young and trendy clientele have entire racks full of different gins.

Wine Rack and Bargain Booze had their Spring tasting yesterday. And the most exciting thing was the range of superb gins. The two chains – they are part of the same organisation – sell around 140 different varieties of gin. And many of them have unusual flavours.

Gin is a neutral spirit – made from potatoes or grain or apples or just about anything which can be fermented – flavoured with juniper berries. In addition to the juniper it can have just about any other type of flavour. So gins can be quite distinctive.

The Slingsby London Dry Gin (£39.99) is flavoured with rhubarb, tea and jasmine, which makes it pleasantly smooth with a soft aroma. Chase Gin (£39.99) made in Herefordshire is distilled from apples, giving it a freshness on the palate, and is flavoured with just a hint of orange zest and liquorice.

Gins on offer at Winerack

Gins on offer at Winerack

 

Obviously not every drink will appeal to everyone. Brocks Intensely Smooth Gin (£35.99) is flavoured with blueberries and blackberries, but I felt that this made it somewhat medicinal in taste. But I particularly enjoyed the Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin made in Germany (£39.99 for 50cl). This is flavoured with sage and verbena and ginger, and I thought it was delicious.

With so many different types of gin, it would be lovely to work your way through the lot, although if you want to get through all 140 varieties, you’ll need deep pockets and a strong liver.

Secret’s out Heliot Steak House serves up a Feast worthy of Kings

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Voted The Best Steakhouse in London by the customers of Bookatable 2015 we had high expectations for Heliot and boy did they live up to them. Known as West-End’s secret, we wondered why the secret? As the food is outstanding we would want to be on the rooftops shouting about it

Tuna Tartare

Tuna Tartare

Located in London’s Hippodrome Casino, perhaps this wouldn’t be the first place you would think of going for dinner, but trust us on this, the food really does speak for itself. On the subject of Steak, the restaurant serves up to it’s hungry customers USDA Prime Steak. Basically a Steak Lovers fantasy, USDA is meat that has been approved by the US department of Agriculture, and the Prime cut Heliot serve is the superior grade. Nothing but the best here, Head Chef, Ioannis Grammanos, is the master or serving up a decent bit of meat and the reputation is built on his ability to grill a steak to perfection. We must admit when the Steak arrived, I opted for the 7oz Fillet, I was slightly worried that I should have ordered larger, but a little certainly goes a long way here and Grammanos certainly delivers flavour and quality by the steak load.

Flaming USDA Steak

Flaming USDA Steak

With such a varied and well versed menu, we decided to pick the most indulgent options to accompany our Steaks. Think Lobster Tails, Roasted Bone Marrow and the ultimate indulgence, Millionaires Mac n Cheese with Poached Duck Egg and Truffles. Each of the heavenly and luxurious side dishes complimented the steak just as you think it would. The Roasted Bone Marrow was sweet, caramel but meaty with a herb crumb and the Mac and Cheese was unctuous, sumptuous and every bit as fit for a King as it sounds. But don’t take our word for it the only way to know is to get the full experience yourself.

Steak with all the Sides

Steak with all the Sides

Overlooking the bustling Hippodrome Casino, we went on a Sunday night and it was buzzy and alive and a little bit of Vegas in the heart of London, with a wine list which is just about as extensive as the different steaks being served, we paired our steak with a 2008 Malbec because we really were pulling out all the stops for this meal, a sublime and full-bodied choice for any Steak Lover, our tummies and hearts were full. Finishing off with Baked Alaska and Irish Coffee, it really is surprising to think that two skinny ladies could have eaten as much as we did but with such a triumphant menu and did I forget to mention, the best Espresso Martini ever, this will be somewhere i’ll definitely be visiting again for a good feeding. The piéce de la resistance is that the enigmatic restaurant dishes up fine dining at fast food prices. Prices start from just £13 for a rump steak with the priciest item just £29 for the 23oz T Bone. The menu is simple but delicious after all there’s nothing better than your traditional and old favourites cooked to absolute perfection and that’s all you need. No more secrets, book a table and thank me later.

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Heliot Steak House can be enjoyed as a destination in its own right, or as part of an unforgettable 24-hour ‘night out’.

Opening Times; Monday-Friday from 5pm until late

With American Brunch from 12pm until late on weekends.

For Bookings Call;

0207 769 8844

or visit; London_reservations@togrp.com

Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting events coming up at Heliot Steak House including their unique 24hour Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding fest for St George’s Day. More info on the way…

The Best of The London Whisky Weekender

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With hundreds of delicious Whiskies to choose from, we were spoilt for choice at this years London Whisky Weekender. It seems almost criminal to pick a favourite as most of the exhibitors deserved a special mention and also being a novice to Whisky compared to most of my fellow attendees, I would feel slightly foolish. But if I had to pick there were some absolutely stand out drams. Obviously we didn’t make our way through the entirety of the selection…we would clearly need another hour or so, but this year I made sure that I tried out some of the less known and small batch distilleries, trying some drams that I wouldn’t normally favour such as the Peatier kinds.

With that said, our favourites this year;

Murray McBride; The Vatting Peatside

Youth is favoured here at only 6 years old, Peatside has been resting in a bourbon barrel with a combination of port pipes and a sweet sherry cask. The overpowering flavour of bacon will bowl you over in a most pleasant way. We had to go back for more.

Scapa

Scapa, originating from The Orkney mainland, is a fresh and balanced Single Malt. Aged 16, the sweet Heather Honey and flavours of autumn will leave you feeling content.

The Quiet Man 8 year old Single Malt

An Irish Whisky to add to the mix, this very new craft distillery have created something which would rival the legends. Sweet Vanilla, Honey and Spicy Oak all contribute to the smooth finish.

Michters American Whisky

A real small batch Whiskey here, Michters unblended American Whiskey is blended in Bourbon soaked barrels. The result, butterscotch, caramel and ripened fruit. Delicious.

If this has inspired you to get your dram on, then make sure you don’t miss out next year.