With Father’s Day fast approaching, James Robertson, takes us through some drinks to make the prefect gift.
Well Father’s Day is on the horizon and there is little doubt that for many whisky will be top of the list as a gift. A month or so ago I had the pleasure of meeting John Robertson, no relation I might add, at the very plush offices of Caskshare located on Manor Place, Edinburgh. The team have set themselves the goal of finding amazing drams and rather than selling them as a cask or in a case the customer can buy a single bottle from the selection available.
Their mantra is ‘Reserve, Mature & Enjoy’. They have what they have described as unique single cask releases from around the world and of course Scotland. They then bottle them partnering with an artist to design a distinctive piece of art to go with the release. John kindly brought out the most recent bottlings two of which are as follows –
Dailuaine 14yo
Rich toffee apple and spice on the nose with a taste of tarte tatin, sherry and cinnamon spice with dried apricots and a touch of oak on the finish. £85
Agitator Four Grain White Port Cask
Interesting flavours of toffee, spice and honeyed oats. On the palate there is a rich toffee apple, orange peel and sweet pecans on the finish. £75
However whisky is not for everyone and over the past few weeks I have had a look at some alternatives.
Hawkstone Lager
Hawkstone Lager
I was never a fan of Top Gear, I am not sure why but I just wasn’t, however when it came to Clarkson’s Farm I was hooked. So it was natural that I tried his new venture Hawkstone Lager and blow me down its not half bad. Malty, crisp, with a light citrus note, it’s a really good lager made in a brewery round the corner. 24 bottle case £42.50 or the Father’s Day Gift Pack 10 bottles of IPA and 2 glasses for £35 www.hawkstone.co
Croft Pink Port
Croft Pink Port
Having been on holiday many times to Portugal the pre lunch or dinner aperitif is White Port and Tonic so I was intrigued to see Croft Pink on the market. It has an abundance of summer fruit notes with a hint of ripe cherries. Drink it either chilled or as above with a good Tonic Water or Lemonade. £11 for a 50cl bottle from Amazon, Master of Malt, Selfridges and many others. There is also a pre mixed version in a can for £2.50. Ideal for picnics.
Henriques & Henriques 15yo Verdelho
The joke from the people at H&H was that there was only one name in Madeira and they used it twice. Often overlooked Madeira is a wonderful wine and this example is fabulous. It is an off dry style which has wonderful aromas of dried apricots, honey, figs and all of these combine in the taste with an excellent finish. The perfect drink with olives, salted almonds or cured meats. £27 Waitrose.
Read more of James’ reviews on his drinks blog, The Grape & The Grain.
Plus, don’t miss the July issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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