Two of the north’s most celebrated breweries have collaborated for the first time to launch a 4.4% stout, Northern Rising. It took the two award-winning breweries twelve months to perfect Northern Rising, which is being released in casks and kegs across Northern Monk’s and Timothy Taylor’s estates, and in pubs across the UK; it will […]
Scotland’s only Scotch whisky cream liqueur brand, Magnum, is made with single malt Scotch whisky, which delivers a silky smooth indulgent experience. We were sent a full size ‘bottle’ of Magnum, which is in fact a stylish stainless steel flask, which is designed to be reusable and recyclable. It also keeps the liqueur chilled at […]
When we were asked if we would like to sample a new seasonal beer, crafted by award-winning London-based Orbit Beers, we responded with a unanimous ‘yes’. Established in the heart of south London in 2014, Orbit Beers has earned a reputation for producing a fine range of contemporary beers that are deeply rooted in European […]
Freelance writer Ramy James Salameh embraces the good life at the Skyline Rooftop Bar in Venice. The word ‘artisan’ has never been more relevant than in Venice – a city with a history of craftsmanship, precious products and inimitable style. It is through these arts, crafts and traditions that ‘Le Serenissima’ comes alive, and still […]
Derbyshire-based Global Brands has recently launched Gather, a range of classic cocktails with indulgent twists, including Chocolate Honeycomb Espresso Martini and Spicy Mango Margarita, all in 150ml cans. Gather’s range combines delicious cocktails with the desire to drink something different, including Chocolate Honeycomb Espresso Martini, Raspberry Ripple Daiquiri, Caramelised Pineapple Rum Punch, Spicy Mango Margarita, […]
Earlier this year we reviewed Firebrand Brewing Company’s range of what we agreed were excellent beers; we were all impressed with their fine lagers and on-trend IPAs. So, when we were asked if we would like to sample Silent Night, the award-winning Cornish brewery’s newest beer, designed specifically to toast the festive season, it was […]
If you’re not sure what to buy the person that has everything, you might consider choosing one of Shakespeare Distillery’s new range of spirits. Equally, for those managing or running bars, pubs or restaurants, you need to get this trio in stock in time for the Christmas party season, because these unique new spirits offer […]
During the summer of 2024 award-winning Dorset-based Badger Brewery invested significantly in their Outland brand, comprising a range of beers whose outstanding taste received endorsement at the World Beer Awards 2024. The Outland range was launched in April 2023 giving the independent family brewer a presence in the craft beer sector to complement their success […]
Ten bottles of Sir David Hempleman-Adams Explorers Grand Slam Gin, inspired and signed by the legendary British adventurer, are going under the auction hammer towards the end of November to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. This inspirational new gin is the brainchild of Phil Kite, ocean rower and founder of the Adventurers Drinks […]
It doesn’t always follow that a strong brand identity equates to a great product or service. In too many cases the style-over-substance cliché is played out. In the case of Cold Town Beer, an artisan small-batch brewery based in Edinburgh, which launched in 2017, their strong brand identity is more than equalled by the quality […]
As we reported in September, Gina Duke is now at the helm at La Quinta, a family-run restaurant and nightclub in Benfleet, Essex, founded by her father Simon Duke and his brother, Rupert. Along with managing the venue, Gina recently launched G&I Spirits Group, which produces a range of drinks, including vodka, gin and three […]
Having sampled the Highland Birchwater produced by Birkentree I struggled to find enough superlatives to describe the smoothness that their product adds to whisky. When I first poured the birchwater into my tumbler of whisky there was no discernible difference from adding regular water. At this stage I didn’t really expect to experience anything dramatically […]
At Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine we write headlines that condense the essence of the story that we’re covering and in the case of the liqueurs we have sampled from Hogg Norton, the headline just about does their products justice. We recently had the privilege of meeting the owners of Hogg Norton, a Derbyshire-based producer of […]
Whilst we never buy the beers, wines or spirits that we sample and review, we always ensure that what we write is unbiased and honest, otherwise what’s the point in our reviews? When we were sent two new fruit-flavoured beers from Haacht Brewery in Belgium, our review was very balanced and measured – it was […]
Since early July, two new fruit-flavoured beers have been available to UK consumers. Produced by Belgian-based independent brewer, Haacht, their premium fruit-flavoured wheat beers, Super 8 Cherry and Super 8 Peach, have arrived in time for the summer. Haacht Brewery was established in 1898 and has become one of the largest breweries in Europe. […]
The dictionary definition of a ‘firebrand’ is a person who causes political or social trouble by opposing authority and encouraging others to do so. I can’t say that Firebrand Brewing Company is necessarily trying to oppose authority, but I think they’re challenging the status quo of what a craft brewing company can, and should, be. […]
The award-winning Ramsbury Distillery recently launched Ramsbury Lemon Balm Gin, made using fresh lemon balm grown on their estate in Wiltshire. The press release that was sent out with news of the gin described the Lemon Balm Gin as: “a vibrant and vivacious spirit” and having been sent a bottle to sample we can confirm […]
According to various reports published in recent years, the demand for rum in the UK is set to continue to grow. An article published by The Spirits Business in 2022 reported that: “The UK is the third-largest rum market in the world and is valued at £1.17 billion (US$1.47bn), according to a new report by […]
When running a drinks magazine, along with being sent myriad press releases, you also get invited to a growing number of product launches, tastings and industry events. The most recent invitation came from High West Distillery’s UK PR agency who had organised a product launch that we were invited to. Unfortunately, we didn’t think we […]
Fresh to market is Toxin, a new range of social media-driven drinks aimed at students and the young adult market. The new brand is a joint venture between instagram and TikTok influencer, Rufus Rice, and The East Coast Cocktail Company. When celebrities or high profile personalities launch their own products, fame will only get you […]
The OST Tipple Top Drinks Measure (TTDM) is a remarkably simple and unique concept. The essence of the product is a 25ml measure that has been incorporated into stylish bottle tops, which have been designed to replace those supplied with bottles of spirits. David Ostick, the product designer, wanted to create something that would help […]
2024 marks Batemans Brewery’s 150th anniversary and during the year various celebrations, events and initiatives have been launched, including The World Hop Tour. The World Hop Tour comprises a range of limited edition beers that is being produced using a variety of hops and styles of production from across the globe – underpinned by the […]
The results of the seventh international London Wine Competition, which took place on 18/19 March, are now in. The competition has become established as the world’s most relevant wine competition, where wines are judged on their quality, value and packaging.; the professional panel of judges included some of the most esteemed and highly-regarded professionals in […]
We were approached by the UK-based PR agency looking after Belgian Owl, a Belgian distillery based in the region of Hesbaye, producing a range of authentic, Scottish-inspired whiskies. The focus of the agency’s approach was that the distillery had undergone a major rebrand and we were invited to run the story. We agreed and we […]
When asked if we wanted to sample some handmade Belgian chocolate truffles, filled with a delicious chocolate ganache and Warwickshire Gin Company’s very own gins and rums, the answer was unequivocal: ‘yes’. The stunning truffles are a collaboration between two south Warwickshire businesses – Warwickshire Gin Company and Dale’s Handmade Ltd. The gin truffles, made […]
Lebogang Mooka, the founder of Mooka Rum explains why she entered the London Spirits Competition and the positive impact it has had on her business. Mooka Rum was launched in August 2022, manufactured and produced by one of South African’s best distilleries called Earthbound Distillery. I initially wanted to do gin, however after doing some […]
When Purity Brewing Company, the award-winning brewery based in Warwickshire, announced a historic licensing partnership with English Heritage, we were intrigued. Having contacted their PR agency, as we had already covered the news of this unique partnership, a box of six beers arrived at the office and appetites were whetted. The range comprises a 4% […]
The first thing you think of when you mention Scotland, in relation to drinks, is whisky, and for obvious reasons. With over 150 distilleries producing some of the finest whiskies in the world, there’s a good reason for this hand-in-glove association. So, when we were sent details of a gin produced in Scotland and, […]
