A classic demerara navy style rum produced in guyana, wood’s 100 blends together a range of young rums. both pot still and continuously distilled rums make their way into the mix and it’s a distinct flavour that’s often used in tiki-style cocktails. prunes, caramel and sweet toffee are the first aromas released on opening and they’re soon joined by nutmeg and cinnamon spiciness. dark chocolate and fudge come through but the spiciness is the flavour that endures.

Not for the faint-hearted wray & nephew overproof is one of jamaica’s finest spirits and packs a punch as soon as you open the bottle. a jamaican legend, wray & nephew is essential for a classic caribbean mai tai and it’s also the secret ingredient which many cocktail masters use to finish their drinks with a flourish. crystal clear and powerfully sharp on the tongue wray & nephew overproof is one of jamaica’s finest exports and is perfectly paired with tropical fruit juice cocktails.

Clean polish vodka that holds its own. Bread and butter with dried apple and lemon zest on entry. crushed grains then take over with deep spicy overtones. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and the finish is both flinty and pepper driven. This is really very good for the price and remains a favourite of the polish, who seem to drink cauldrons of it every weekend.

A spanish gin that is one of only two gins in the world with its own EU designation of origin, Xorigeur is based on an 18th century recipe and was popular with the sailors at that time. The green handled bottle makes it stand out from the crowd but it’s the perfumed flavour and orange-rich character which really make this gin sing. A grape alcohol base gives it a juicy flavour which is peppered with bright herbaceous and spicy notes. Fresh, almost menthol juniper ends each sip, lingering as a quenching aftertaste.

Yamazaki 12-year-old is probably the most famous Japanese whisky there is. an exceptional single malt, it was one of the first seriously marketed offerings from japan to reach the rest of the world. Intensely enjoyable and rich with nut oils and citrus zest, Yamazaki 12-year-old is smooth in the mouth with biting winter spice providing that classic whisky flavour, with the fruity notes ensuring a rounded finish. A must for first-time Japanese whisky drinkers.

Guatemalan ron zacapa rum includes a wide range of exceptional flavours which work together in perfect harmony. zacapa black label is a 23 year aged rum and its nose is rich with banana, maraschino cherry, caramelised fruit and roasted chestnuts. these flavours then come through strongly when you sip, combined with sweet molasses and smoky wood. hints at chilli chocolate lead into a long finish, deep with toasted nuts and spices.

A truly exceptional guatamalan rum, zacapa centenario xo is a premium offering which doesn’t disappoint when it comes to flavour. beautifully delicate, the flavour of zacapa centenario xo is matured in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks which together deliver a flavour which is exceptionally sweet and sugary, without being sickly. the softness on the palate of this mature rum is surprising and very welcome, with only a hint of smoke coming through in the finish.

Excellent and original grass and herb driven vodka. Opens up with freshly mowed grass and green apple notes. These move through into deep yet balanced and complexed herbal notes followed by waves of hay and green apple. The finish is grassy, clean and almost refreshing with a soft lime and herb bite that fades into apples. Best served from the fridge and tastes fantastic with freshly pressed apple juice.