Gotta Have It: Local tipples you need in your drink’s cabinet
Is there anything better than a cocktail in the evening? Yes – knowing your drink has been made right here in Warks and the West Mids!
Warwickshire Gin Company – The Philosopher’s Daughter
I’ve been raving about this gin for a good while now – it’s one of my favourites. A hit of fruity and floral flavours like rosehip peel, rose petals, apples and cherries and the perfect G for your T. It won the Bronze Award in the 2022 IWSC International Spirits Awards too – not just me who thinks it’s bloody delicious then!
Spirit of Birmingham – English Single Pot Still Vodka
This hand-proofed, hand-bottled and hand-labelled vodka recently featured on Saturday Kitchen which saw a deluge of orders for the distillery. Luckily normal service has resumed and you can get your mitts on a bottle of this delicious flavourful vodka without the wait!
Shakespeare Distillery
Is there anything more summery than a rum singing with notes of tropical fruits? This one is made with cinnamon, allspice, ginger, mace, lime, orange and mango before being steeped in pineapple for a few weeks – perfect in a Pina colada or mix with Mexican lime soda and you’re good to go.
Dr Eamer’s – Black Country Gin
If you’re made of hardy stuff this gin is for you – it’s a whopping 43 per cent. It’s naturally black and distilled with nine botanicals including a double hit of juniper before being macerated with more juniper and butterfly pea flower. The pretty bottles are hand-painted at the distillery, so no two are the same.
St Maur – Elderflower Liquor
Like your drinks with a royal connection? This pretty tipple was first created by the Earl and Countess of Yarmouth to enjoy with guests on their wedding day. Knowing they were onto something special St Maur was born, made in Warwickshire using ingredient grown in the family woodlands. Fancy!
Purity Brewing Co – Lawless Lager
Have a bbq coming up? Then you’re going to want to get a few cans (or cases, you party animal) of this in. There’s not much better than a cold beer on a hot summer day, and this one is brimming with refreshing citrusy notes and is made following the 500-year-old Bavarian brewing law (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!) using just four ingredients.
Rugby Distillery – Half Time Orange Gin
This summery sip was inspired by rugby matches with the old tradition of players having a slice of orange at half time – well it is made in the town that founded the game! The distillery won the Muddy Award for best food & drink producer for the last two years, so they must be on to something good!
Cotswolds Distillery – Founder’s Choice Single Malt
Sometimes only whiskey will cut it, and if you’re going to buy one then make it a good bottle. This is one of my personal favourites, aged in the distillery founder’s favourite casks with notes of toffee, chocolate and red fruits – dreamy, and perfect with a single cube of ice on a warm evening.
