Drinks

Millésime 1992 Cognac Frapin

An expression of age-old know-how, Millésime 1992 is the last vintage to join Frapin’s collection of rare cognacs. During its year of harvest, vineyards in the heart of the Grande Champagne, on the hillsides of the Chateau Fontpinot, produced an abundance of grapes with high levels of acidity and low levels of alcohol. These conditions are essential in ensuring the concentration of aromas before heating time. Distilled over lees and aged in sealed barrels in the cellar of Frapin’s family estate, the vintage XO gave its angels’ share over 26 years, resulting in a complex and elegant product. On the palate, the cognac is rich and aromatic, developing subtle floral variations, before revealing a fruity undertone with notes of orange. www.cognac-frapin.com

Grönt Te Mackmyra Swedish Whisky

Launched 20 years ago, Mackmyra blends its Swedish heritage with a vision to strive for new and exciting taste combinations. Its newest release Grönt Te is a single malt whisky finished for 19 months in casks saturated with a blend of elegant Japanese green tea leaves. The resulting spirit is subtly spicy, boasting a fruity and floral finish with hints of fine vanilla, herbal tea and green apple. “Producing Japanese tea is in many ways similar to the production of whisky, as they both share the same values in quality, taste and aromatic experience,” comments Yuko Ono, tea advisor for the blend. “Grönt Te raises the characters and flavours of the leaves giving the whisky a unique aroma and taste inspired by Sweden and Japan.” www.mackmyra.com

Gin Cap Gin

Cap Gin was born from a conversation between three friends living in the South of France, all of whom shared a vision to introduce a gin that would encapsulate the region’s essence. Distilled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the spirit is produced following the traditional London Dry method; however, its individuality lies in its tasting notes taken from the location. Enlisted to help create and refine the recipe, distillation expert David Clutton explains: “Cap Gin is built on a solid foundation of premium quality juniper berries. With citrus elements derived from lemon and sweet orange peel, the combination of aromatic fleur d’oranger buds and mimosa flowers delivers a complex, elegant and perfectly balanced gin.” www.capgin.com

Atlantic Dry Mead Kinsale Mead Co .

Based in West Cork, Ireland, Kinsale Mead Co. was established to share the ancient art of mead making with the world. Each batch uses natural ingredients, and variants of the beverage include Wild Red, Hazy Summer and Atlantic Dry. The latter is a delicious, off-dry, traditional style of the drink made from raw orange blossom honey that was carefully sourced from Southern Spain. This is mixed with local water and yeast before being fermented in the meadery. The drink delivers vibrant citrus and floral aromas, as well as long, lingering hints of honey with almost no sweetness. Best served lightly chilled or over ice as a pre-dinner refreshment, the mead pairs perfectly with salty appetisers such as olives, almonds or seafood. www.kinsalemeadco.ie