Born in the UK

Flying the flag for the latest products raised in the UK

Somerset

SHOWERINGS TRIPLE VINTAGE CIDER

They say “Made from three vintages from a single orchard. Principally late season Dabinetts, an aromatic Somerset variety, rich in tannins, considered the premier cider apple.”

We say We’re not usually cider drinkers but this has swung us round. Perfectly crisp and clean, and delightful as an aperitif or paired with food.

6.8% ABV, 375ml, RRP £4

Scottish Highlands

GLENGLASSAUGH 12 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

They say “The new expressions transport us to a place where the spirit is awakened and soul invigorated, inviting us to stop, take a breath and appreciate our surroundings.”

We say Ooh, how we love a good Highland whisky, and this one delivers on every front. There’s tropical fruitiness and an agreeable wee bit of peat.

45% ABV, 70cl, RRP £50

Herefordshire

VAPOURA GOLD RUM

They say “Friends, family, connection, music, growth, adventure. We wanted to combine the things that make us feel alive with a lifelong passion for rum.” We say Herefordshire? Rum? When it’s laced with big hits of ripe raisin, caramel and bursts of chocolate, why the hell not?

42% ABV, 70cl, RRP £65

Swansea

CYGNET 22 WELSH DRY GIN

They say “I have crafted my Cygnet Gin in the same way that I have approached my singing career, with the deepest respect for my audience, striving for a ‘best in glass’ experience that reflects all the values I hold close to my heart.”

We say Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins hits the right notes with her first foray into the world of spirits. Her secret weapon for her voice and recently launched gin? Manuka honey.

44% ABV, 70cl, RRP £47.50

Scottish Lowlands

THE BLADNOCH SAMHLA COLLECTION

They say “The Samhla Collection stands as a tribute to the remarkable journey Bladnoch has undertaken. It is a privilege to ensure its continued existence, and to carry the torch of tradition, innovation and excellence for generations to come.”

We say We missed our chance to try this limited-run trio, so we can only assume that each of the three expressions is worth the price tag. They sure look the part.

The Sage 2008, 52.4% ABV, 70cl, £5,250; The Prior 1990, 47.6% ABV, 70cl, £10,500; The McClelland 1966, 42.8% ABV, 70cl, £50,000

London

FORTNUM & MASON

AMALTHEA DRY GIN

They say “This fresh and bright London Dry is distilled with British apple spirit and an array of traditional ingredients, alongside Fortnum’s Earl Grey Tea and Monarch Marmalade.”

We say As classy and classic as you’d expect from a gin distilled and bottled on-site in the copper still at the famous Fortnum’s in Piccadilly, this is light, bright and just perfect in a refreshing G&T.

43% ABV, 50cl, RRP £35

Yorkshire

SPIRIT OF YORKSHIRE FILEY BAY PEATED FINISH BATCH #3

They say “This forward-thinking whisky is made with 100% homegrown barley from the distillery’s farm, and is one of the only true ‘field to bottle’ whiskies in the world.”

We say We’ve always loved true Yorkshire spirit and this one seals the deal. Subtly peated, agreeably creamy and with just the right amount of citrus shining through, it has a complexity that everyone can get down with.

46% ABV, 70cl, RRP £65