The Black Grouse
€24, www.famousgrouse.com
As the top-selling blended Scotch whisky in Scotland, and the number five blended Scotch worldwide, The Famous Grouse certainly has status. And it also has a new relation in the form of The Black Grouse, available in various European countries, and global travel retail. Being a blend of The Famous Grouse with malt whiskies from the Scottish island of Islay, which are renowned for a distinctive smokiness, The Black Grouse delivers an additional dimension. Aromas that include toasty, smoky notes prepare you for a palate in which mellow vanilla and dried fruit have a background waft of smoke, followed by another wave of vanilla and fruit. It’s a great combination.

Havana Club Cuban Barrel Proof
€35, www.havana-club.com
The growing interest in rum internationally has resulted in a greater range becoming available. And while choice is a wonderful thing, the question is, where do you start? Selecting a rum needs to be an informed decision, and one way of finalising a shortlist is utilising other people’s opinions, such as judges in spirits competitions. Winning a gold medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one positive verdict on Havana Club Cuban Barrel Proof rum but this also means that it’s now won a total of three gold medals. For anyone more technically minded, details of the production process are a feast in themselves, resulting in a rum with a strength of 45% abv. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the flavour. The palate opens with dark chocolate, creme caramel and mellow spices, with hints of oak adding structure, while the finish provides a lingering taste of chocolate.

Ardbeg Double Barrel
£10,000, www.ardbeg.com
The flavour of a malt whisky provides a complete experience in itself, but when it’s part of a deluxe package the experience can become even more comprehensive. Ardbeg Double Barrel is presented in a special case that includes two bottles of Ardbeg 1974, together witheight numbered solid silver drinking cups crafted by Hamilton & Inches, silversmiths to Queen Elizabeth II. Additionally, there are two leather, hand-stitched books, The Ardbeg Double Barrel story, and The Ardbeg Sampling Register, in which to record tasting notes, while an Omas pen provides the means with which to write them. Delivering complexity that includes various, distinguished nuances of fruit, spice and smoke, Ardbeg 1974 dispenses complete fulfilment by the glass.