The invitation to learn how to make and sample the perfect Gin and Tonic proved irresistible. No surprise there, my wife says.

For me, the first surprise was to learn that Caorunn is Gaelic for Rowan i.e. my own surname, although pedants may well point out, that it actually means Rowan berry. The red star fish logo is based on the base of the Rowan berry, where it attaches, to the stem.

Rowan berries are one of the 11 botanicals used in Caorunn gins, I like to think it is the main botanical, but that may be stretching things, but whether it is or not, it would be churlish not to raise a glass or two to the Rowan.

First stop was learning how to make the perfect gin and tonic, and whilst I feel that I am pretty well practiced, there is always room to learn.

My Copa glass, resplendent with the Rowan berry logo, was filled with ice, over which was poured the gin. Fevertree Tonic water was also added, a little at a time, to my taste. Remember you can always add more tonic, but you can’t reverse the process. Finally, a slice of Pink Lady apple, because the sweetness cuts through the sharp taste of the Coul Blush Apple, one of the other main botanicals. The resulting gin has a clean fresh taste.

Caorunn is based in and well known in Scotland, but now is the time to share this fabulous gin south of the border. Whilst a regular imbiber of the straight Caorunn gin I had no idea that they had also brought out a Raspberry Gin with Perthshire Raspberries and Blood Orange and Chilli the latter is going straight to the top of my Christmas list for Santa.

The Orange and Chilli gin was blended by Claire, to whom I shall be forever grateful, for a gin that will be perfect for Christmas, with that Christmassy Orangey citrus flavour, and the hint of chilli that only comes in at the end.

Claire took me through to the next gin station where I was about to taste something magical:

My first task was to decide on my favourite gin between the orange and the raspberry, an easy choice, although I will definitely buy the raspberry, come the summer.

The man performing the magic filled my Copa glass with ice, before producing, not a rabbit from a hat, but a small plastic spritzer. The spritzer was filled with Caorunn Blood Orange and Chilli together with a sprig of thyme and some shreds of orange peel which once strained would form the spray essence.

This I was informed was to be stored for three days to a week to allow the botanicals to infuse. Like the gin magician he was, he produced one that he had made earlier which he spritzed over the iced tonic water and the rim of the glass, a very impressive cabaret. I tend to rub the orange peel around the rim but this is far more effective in bestowing the flavour immediately to the lips, and how useful for drivers, who would like the experience without the level of alcohol. Of course, if like me you are not driving you can still enjoy the magic, and add the gin, which is my preference.

I feel as though I have rather ignored the Raspberry Gin throughout this review, and my last stop at the mixologist’s proved to me what a mistake that would have been. My final taste of gin was in Raspberry Gin Fizz which was light and lip smackingly tasty, and I could imagine enjoying this on the beach or in the garden on a hot summer’s day. Though to be honest, a number of us were enjoying it in late October.

If you think you would like to try this at home, I did manage to get the recipe for you.

40ml Caorunn gin

20 ml Raspberry Cordial

20 ml Lemon Juice

30 ml Soda Water

Method

Build over ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Images courtesy of Jonathon Hordle.

Caorunn Gin | Handcrafted Premium Gin

https://www.caorunngin.com

RRP £28.00.

A successful architect finds himself at a funeral in his local church. Scanning the aisles and seeing all his family and friends he’s shocked to realise it’s his own – what’s more, he’s supposed to have committed suicide.

The ghostly Adam knows he wouldn’t have harmed himself. So he must have been murdered. But by whom? And actually, frankly, why? What had he done and said?

So what does any good ghost do? Set out to track and then challenge the still-living suspects among his family and work colleagues.  There are, not surprisingly, surprises in store. Heavens… Not often the detective is a corpse, but this book is most certainly haunting.

The key question is: is it a page turner? whoo hoo a chorus of ghosts might say…

It most certainly is a page turner, from the first page into which we are drawn as Lucille, the vicar, stumbles halfway up the wooden steps to the pulpit, creak creak. Then, settling herself, looking over her tortoiseshell half-moons: ‘I didn’t know Adam that well,’ she began, ‘but he’s always been a great believer in the church…’

Right on the first point and most definitely wrong on the second, Adam thought.

Boom Boom, there you have it. Adam is listening. How can that be? On we gallop, turning the pages, whoosh whoosh. Did devious Jeff do it? Did the missus? What about dear Lucille and her half-moon spectacles?

I’m saying nowt. Do read this charming amusing mystery. It’s a blast, one which is also thought provoking.

Ghosted by Mark McCrum: pub Bloodhound Books pb  @ £9.99 and e-Book

Off we went, mud, lots of it,  shoes that leak – off to buy Wellington’s tomorrow – I have had quite enough of waterproof boots that, frankly, are not. A slip slide to the beck, dogs fed up, grown ups, Margaret and Dick, saying nothing.  And there, on our return, under the chair near the front door was this little beauty.

I was about to rip it open, then thought, no – Frost Magazine readers need to see this from start to finish, for the wonderful Williams Handbaked Biscuits and Cakes bakery had sent me a box of treats. Why? Well, because I have bought from them before, many times. Well, I should say sent to us, for Dick may share. I did for one fleeting moment wonder if he could share only a little, but then I heard my mother’s words from her cloud on high.  ‘Margaret, that is not funny, kind or nice.’

Opened, here it is. Such a huge treat. Who cares if one is already about to breach one’s size in clothes, I – sorry, we – can ration ourselves. Honestly, they are sublime. I – sorry, we – rate them really really highly. Such a fabulous range of goodies, and they are perfect for Christmas presents. I whisper that, as I often send to friends and family and one mustn’t spoil the surprise.

I suppose we could always walk once more around the beck to ease the waistline, but why? One does so deserve a treat. Try them and see. You’ll make a habit of Williams Handbaked Biscuits and Cakes.

Williams Handbaked Ltd    @williamsbaked

Identical twins Clemmy and Helen, named after the beautiful heroines of Greek mythology, live in a dilapidated cottage in the woods, having little contact with the outside world. Abandoned at birth by their father, a painter, the girls are raised by their mother, who they ignore, existing only for each other.

At 14 they break into their father’s studio and discover a self-portrait left by him with a note for ‘his beauties’.

This opens the first crack in their relationship. Helen becomes obsessed with him and is determined to be a painter. Clemmy, rebellious and headstrong, wants nothing to do with him, and dreams of escape from the forest and of becoming an actor. Aged 16 their mother abandons them. Clemmy celebrates their freedom and the fault lines between them widens. Within a year, Clemmy leaves for London and Helen finds herself alone at the cottage, and pregnant by Beautiful Boy…

That’s as far as I take you. Read each page yourselves, you won’t regret it. There is a rhythm to Hogarth’s writing; it flows, it sings and she does not ignore the plot. Interesting and original. I thoroughly enjoyed The Other.

Sandy Hogath was long listed for the 2019 Cinnamon Literature Prize with Because of You I am

The Other by Sandy Hogarth is available in pb and e-Book

I frequently hop onto a bus with the ‘Bus Club’ –  my mates who assemble at the stop – and the first to see the bus is the winner, though of what we have never decided.  I then head for The Golden Fleece for cappuccino and three maltesers to start off the working day. If I have the chance of a chat, all the better, because there are such fascinating tales to be told.

This week has been no different: I met Jessica James a local creative artist and designer based between Thirsk and Easingwold. We chatted and what creativity was uncovered. Consequently Frost Magazine simply has to show you some of her stunning work. Jessica  started drawing at a young age but it is only in the last few years that she taken it to a more professional level.

 ‘The “Creative Artist” title of my business appeared this year after deciding to take my art from hobby to a business,‘ Jessica said.‘I specialise in animal portraits but also have a collection of truly special black and white pieces incorporating my love of dance, animals and art. A selection of my artwork has been printed onto greeting cards with the help of a fantastic local company in Ripon, North Sreet Prints. These can be ordered direct from myself via my Facebook page.’

As a single mum of 4, ranging from 3 up to 16years old Jessica has to organise her time to the last second. ‘I’m very proud of my children and work hard to set the best example to them, of where hard work, and perseverance can take you. I often work into the early hours to ensure my customers receive orders on time, and by doing so it means I can still be a present mum.’

You will notice the wonderful black and white ballet dancer that leads into this piece, and now see the Latin Dancers… Guess what, just like our gorgeous medical correspondent and Award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope, Dr Kathleen Thompson, Jessica James is also an avid Latin dancer. Can’t you just tell from the movement, and emotion in her dancers. 

 ‘My love of dance started 17 years ago after a pop-up salsa session had me hooked. You could say I’ve been mambo-ing ever since. In an effort to raise interest in the dance world I’ve come to call family, I’m always encouraging others to follow suit.’ explained Jessica. ‘I will hopefully be holding a charity fundraiser with this intention in the New Year, raising money towards Alzheimer’s UK for my father who is currently suffering this devastating disease.’  

Jessica continues, ‘As the season changes my creative flow  becomes one of fabrics. During these colder months I can be found buried under a sewing machine, hand-making unique scarves, headbands, neck warmers, and other boutique items. A collaboration of tweeds, fleece, and the softest velvets make my accessories really special and I’m proud to be at the helm of their creation.‘ 

Aren’t they amazing, everyone? Do know that all such items can be ordered direct from Jessica, and commission art piece orders are now open from New Year onwards. Jessica will also be attending a selection of Christmas markets in the region. 

As I said, one meets the most interesting people at The Golden Fleece. Do look at Jessica’s Facebook Page for finding regular updates, ordering items, and bespoke art pieces. 

 https://www.facebook.com/lunacreative2021

I make no apology for writing more than usual on a fascinating  subject: a transport system which delivered people and mail in the 1700s from Edinburgh to London along the Great North Road, via Thirsk. In Thirsk they would perhaps stay overnight, or at least  chomp away at something nice, and, of course, change the horses. The majority of these coach horses were stabled overnight at The Golden Fleece, (stabling  for 50 to 60)  then known as The Fleece, but sadly it was a time when there were NO maltesers to go with coffee, which was more a sort of Turkish coffee back then. Horses were also changed at The Three Tuns, and passengers refreshed (now a Weatherstones pub), though not in such numbers.

But why am I writing about this historic subject? One Sunday morning recently, a coach clip-clopped over the cobbles to stop outside The Golden Fleece – yes, it did, really.  We were walking the dogs. Talk about gawping. Soon a crowd grew as the passengers and hornblower quaffed fizz. Such excitement, and of course I chatted to John Moorhouse hoping to hear, why, how, what?

John is based in Stockton and runs a commercial carriage business supplying horses for funerals, weddings, proms and film and tv, including Peaky Blinders, Downton abbey, Lloyds bank commercial, many period dramas including Jamaica Inn, Death Comes to Pemberly, Victoria, Emily, and many more. A carriage even appeared in music videos for Stormzy and others and Live Arena Tour Shows for Jack Whitehall. Ah, and let’s not forget that a few weeks ago they supplied a carriage for a funeral.

So, as another sip of fizz was taken, it was revealed that John is part of a group of enthusiasts who hail from all over the UK and are involved with many coaching events throughout the season including Royal Ascot. This particular trip, though, was an informal end of season jaunt over 3 days from Croft Spa to Harrogate, staying at old coaching inns along the way.

Two teams of horses were used, the first being John’s  own team of black Dutch Gelderlanders which I read have a stylish gait,  and the other team, grey Hungarian Lippizaners which belong to John’s friend Chris Rawlings from the Newcastle area. I have seen Lippizaners perform at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna – amazing. As for the magnificent coach, (it is truly such, I had a good look) it is  a modern reproduction of a Whitlock coach ‘The Regulator’ which ran a route from London to Bedford, and belongs to Chris Rawlings.

As well as seating for a few within the coach, there was space for more on top. It might seem the inside seats would be the most popular, with perhaps a few elbows being brought into play to bagsy a seat, it transpired that in the summer it could become too warm and stuffy.

The coachmen for the weekend’s run  were split between Chris, John, Keith Hodgson and  Colin Varle. The guard and hornblower was Martin Horler. All were very much dressed for the part.  Honestly, it was just a magical experience for the onlooker, but imagine if you were one of the guests on this journey …

So what did the guests experience? They stayed on Friday night at Croft Spa and Saturday morning they set off about 10 am and drove the black horses 14 miles to The Golden Lion at Northallerton for a lunch stop, then a further 10 miles to The Golden Fleece at Thirsk to stay overnight. Oh, I wish I’d known, I could have slipped into the bar as Saturday evening wore on, to imbibe and chat.

Come Sunday morning, the greys were harnessed, coach sorted, and lo and behold they appeared in front of the hotel.

After the Sunday gawp – the travellers  left Thirsk to drive  12 miles to The Commercial Hotel Easingwold for lunch, then 15 miles on to York Minster to stay the night in York. Oh, what an eyeful for the people of Easingwold and York, but thankfully not a highwayman ‘Stand and Deliver’ in sight. On Monday morning the group journeyed on for 22 miles to Harrogate, splitting the journey and with both teams of horses arriving at The Old Swan in Harrogate mid afternoon. Heavens, what an adventure.

John and the group are intending to offer a similar service to clients next summer with their own world famous ‘Defiance’ road coach that previously ran the London to Brighton road. Interested clients are welcome to get in touch.

Oh, if you do, let Frost Magazine know what you think. Please, please.

Despite the occasional heatwave, autumn is on the way, and very soon we will be putting the clocks back, as we hunker down in readiness for Christmas.

For now, the green leaves are beginning to change colour, and with it my attitude to spirits. In summer I like the lighter wines and spirits, but as the nights draw in my thoughts turn to a log (or in my case coal) fire, where I can be found sipping a whisky. No wonder, therefore, I was  delighted to be asked to sample some new whiskies just in time for Christmas and those dark evenings.

I never cease to be amazed at how the slightest addition to a whisky can completely alter the taste. To begin, I selected a crystal whisky glass with a slight tulip shape in order to capture the bouquet, a jug of still water at room temperature and a dish of ice cubes.

So comfortably settled, music pIaying in the background, I was finally ready to taste these four new whiskies. I say I but whilst whisky can be enjoyed alone, I always prefer good company and so had assembled a panel of 4 people.

The first to be sampled was the Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky. I wanted to have a clean palate for this as it was the most expensive of the four. We were duly informed that for the first time in history, a single malt matured in American Bourbon Barrels has been carefully finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks. The combination of Rampur’s unique distillation and maturation process sees Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky taking traditional Indian heritage and rooting it in contemporary culture.

All very well, but what about the bouquet, and how did it taste? For the bouquet, we detected notes of cherry, vanilla, wine and even Martini.

It has a strong burn factor, beloved by some, disparaged by others, and in the mouth we tasted salt and liquorice, to be precise, the Dutch version of those tiny liquorice sweets.

Adding a teaspoon of water at room temperature transforms this whisky and brings to the nose elements of Christmas Pudding/ Christmas Cake, dates. It tastes salty and much warmer. I would always add a splash of water to this. (A teaspoon at a time – one can always add more, but it is impossible to remove if you add too much.)

Finally, we tried it with ice and came up with pepper and Martini on the nose and more citrusy notes with celery in the mouth.

Interesting, but not my favourite.

Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky – RRP £68.00. ABV: 45%. Available from: DrinkSupermarket, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt.

Micil Inverin Small Batch – a five-part peated blend with a triple cask finish, it embodies the fruity spice of the finest Connemara ‘fuisce’ and the peat smoke of the illicit stills and kilns of Inverin. Finished in recharred ex-bourbon quarter casks, Pedro Ximenez casks & Micil peated poitín octaves, imparting a hint of sweet, smoky turf from the family land in Connemara.

Without ice and water, we identified vinegar sour, capers and olives on the nose, whilst adding a teaspoon of water softened the sourness, and it became much sweeter, crème caramel and Pecan nuts. By adding ice, we came up with lemon and pepper and slightly floral,as in Polenta cake, on the nose.

Drunk straight, we felt that it still burns, but it is a good heat with lemony notes, adding water brought out the smoke, lemon thyme and rosemary. Interestingly when ice was added we felt that it lost something, and it became a much milder drink.

Overall, we really rated Micil Inverin Small Batch.

RRP: From £33.95 for 70cl. ABV: 46%. Available from Micil Distillery and The Whisky Exchange

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey – Elijah Craig Small Batch, is the signature Bourbon bearing the name of Reverend Elijah Craig, who founded his distillery in 1789 along Elkhorn Creek in present day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels, earning his place in history as the Father of Bourbon. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is naturally aged and presented in a contemporary bottle.

Unadulterated, we found marzipan, wood, apricots, and cranberry on the nose. The addition of water proffered sweet fruits, and the ice lent us vanilla, and apple.

By itself we tasted salt and experienced what we came to describe as a good burn, sour acid, sweet smoke, all in all, a classic Bourbon. Adding water brought out the fruit but mellow not sharp. With ice we discovered pepper and marzipan.

RRP: £44.95 for 70cl. ABV: 47%. Available from: Master of Malt, Amazon and The Whisky Exchange.

Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon – describes itself as a smooth, easy to drink Bourbon named after Evan Williams who, in 1783, opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the banks of the Ohio River. Today, Evan Williams is the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey in the world, distilled just a few streets away from the site where Evan himself built his distillery.

Again – when unadulterated we had chalk, sawed wood, acetone, vanilla extract, almond on the nose. With water it was more sugary, and by adding ice it revealed white chocolate.

Drunk neat, we could detect cherry sour, vanilla, sugar and icing sugar together with unripe stone fruit such as nectarine and plum. Perhaps unsurprisingly the addition of water merely diluted the taste and so I would avoid with this particular Bourban. However, by adding ice it brought out amaretto and coconut.

We felt that this represented excellent value for money at only £25.00 rrp. ABV: 43%. Available from: The Whisky Exchange, House of Malt and Milroy’s

My favourite? Well, that is not how this game works, taste is very individual, so, if you have whisky lovers in the house this Christmas why not buy all four and conduct your own tasting. I promise you that Boxing Day evenings will never be the same.