The 5pm Dining blog is partial to the odd liquid sharpener every now and then and we’ve been lucky enough to write about lots of pretty special drinks.
But it’s not all about 50 year-old whiskies and $25,000 rums.
Given the current climate of austerity, it’s always good to be introduced to good quality bottles that don’t leave a huge dent in the wallet.
Which is why, earlier this week, we found ourselves at Lidl’s first Scottish spirit tasting.
To be specific, the tasting took place on Wednesday, the day when we learned who was to be the next President of the United States.
It’s fair to say that most of those present were only too happy to sip something to calm the nerves.
French wheat vodka
First up was a 40% ABV French vodka made with wheat.
It had a good weight along with a creamy viscosity. Quite sweet and with hints of vanilla, it would mix well with elderflower tonic or cordial.
At £17.99, it’s about half the price of Grey Goose or Belvedere. This scribbler would be happy to serve it up and, once this is finished, we’re nipping out to the new Lidl around the corner to buy a bottle.
Small batch gin
We were also impressed by Hortus, Lidl’s own 40% ABV London Dry Gin. Smartly packaged and keenly priced at £15.99, it’s a small batch distilled gin made with seven botanicals.
It’s fresh, simple, mixes well and lends itself to lime citrus flavours. I thought it was very juniper forward on the nose. Other people picked up on lavender and rosemary.
The tasting was at Lucky 13, the sister bar to Bramble (currently celebrating its tenth birthday!) and The Last Word.
The bars’ co-founder and top cocktail bod Jason Scott reckoned that Hortus would work very well in an Aviation, should you wish to get more fancy than a g ‘n’ t.
Abrachan blended malt
We also tried an Abrachan whisky. It’s a 42% ABV blended malt whisky which had spent time in American oak, Oloroso casks and port pipes.
Whisky expert Charles MacLean reckoned that it tasted like a ‘malted fruit loaf’. There were certainly elements of ginger and spice coming through.
Pair it up with a slice of Christmas cake and you would have a fine mid-afternoon snack.
Priced at £17.99, it’s not going to leave you with a hangover when the credit card bill comes in.
22 year-old Islay
Moving up a few price points to £44.99, Lidl are also selling Ben Bracken. This is a 22 year-old Islay malt.
Despite being from the island famous for its peaty whisky, this was gentler, subtly smoky and very approachable. Rather than being a peat monster, it had hints of sea salt and seaweed.
My personal favourite was Lidl’s 22 year-old Glenalba, an award-winning blend of malt and grain whiskies finished in sherry casks.
Warming, full bodied, rich and sweet, it’s one to mull over on a cold night.
It is on sale at £29.99 and is also on this scribbler’s shopping list.