This XO Cognac of the house of Rémy Martin comes in a 70 cl decanter and is at an ABV of 40%. The eaux-de-vie blend consists of 85% Grande Champagne and 15% Petite Champagne.
Based on an original absinthe recipe from back before it was banned in France in 1915. Pernod opened the first absinthe distillery in 1805, so they know their stuff.
This aniseed aperitif was invented in France by Jules Pernod as a relacement for the banned absinthe, and quickly became a massive successs in its own right. Serve diluted with ice-cold water.
The violet heralds the arrival of spring, but you can drink this any time. Smells and tastes like palma violet sweets from the 70's. Looks like meths from the school chemistry lab. Surprisingly moreish, not at all confected or sickly. Over ice or in fizz.
Favourite of Alan Titchmarsh and an essential ingredient in the classic Grasshopper. Minty fresh breath and dutch courage all in one. On the down side, it will turn your tongue blue.
Made to a 19th century colonial recipe. Perfect serve is over ice with tonic and a slice of orange which adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
A rich, perfumed Calvados from Henry de Querville. Made by La Ribaude at the distillerie du Houley in Moyaux. This is aged for at least 2 years before release.
Planteray 3 Star Rum is a blend of rums from the '3 Stars of the Caribbean'(Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad). These rums have been expertly blended by the Cognac Ferrand Cellar Master.
Nose: fresh and intense, it opens with notes of juniper and citrus fruits (yuzu and orange peels, candied lemon), complemented by flowers (violet) and fennel with the soft spices and licorice.
Mouth: very delicate and with a beautiful freshness, it follows the floral profile of the nose but on a spicier and fruitier expression with tangerine, melon and cubeb. It evolves with notes of angelica, nutmeg, orris root and star anise.
Finish: very long, floral and fruity, on citrus fruits, almonds, cumin, savory and grains of paradise.
A splendid cognac from top producer Maxime Trijol. This elegant VSOP is a must-try. The family began distilling in 1859 and Maxime set up his own distillery in 1962.
The base distillate comes through the "Coffey Still", a traditional continuous still which produces Nikka's whiskies, giving a silky texture and rich body. Botanicals include Japanese citrus such as Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu, Apple and Sansho pepper.
