Why should you swap steady old JB or Ballentines for a brand with such a smirk-inducing name? Well, it’s more economical for starters – about a third of the price in the supermarket, and possibly a Euro or two cheaper for a copa in a bar. And if you’re going to do like the Spanish in [...]
Also spelt with a t and an x, pacharán is a Designation of Origin product of the Autonomous Community of Navarra. To its detractors, the deep raspberry- coloured ‘syrup’ looks, smells and tastes like cough medicine, to its fans, it’s candy for grown-ups in a glass. The first thing that hits you is the aniseed, [...]
Acorns are not only meant for the crème de la crème of Spain’s porcine population. These sweet nuts, rich in oils and oleic acid, come from the evergreen holm oak and have been used since forever to make a truly delicious post-dinner tipple. Home to the best jamón ibérico, Extremadura is also home to the [...]
Perhaps you’ve seen your face distorted in the shiny silver bottle and wondered what was inside? After reading that ‘Gentleman’s Punch’ was in fact Spain’s most widely-consumed spirit, I decided to investigate. On websites the fruity nectar is described as an orange brandy, steeped with the flavours of plums, raisins, nuts and cinnamon. Sounded interesting [...]
With Christmas on the horizon it’s time to break out of your conservative imbibery, to take a long hard look at all those jazzy bottles lined up on the barman’s shelves – and dare to drink something different. Watch out over the next couple of weeks for regular doses of useless but possibly inspiring tipple-related [...]
