ABSOLUT 100

With vodka being one of the most dynamic and innovative spirits categories, “what’s new?” is a frequent question on the circuit. Having initially been available exclusively in duty free and global travel retail, Absolut 100 (€20 a litre, www.absolutdrinks.com) can now also be ordered in 100 of the world’s leading bars. In the UK, for example, there is a selection of 16 venues, including Chinawhite in London and Tigerlily in Edinburgh. Offering depth and roundness on the palate, with subtle, creamy sweetness, Absolut 100 has a strength of 50% abv. This is a more potent version of the familiar brand of Absolut, bottled at 40% abv, which was itself renowned as a key pioneer of vodka’s rise to supreme fashionability.

BUSHMILLS 1608 ANNIVERSARY EDITION
A great way of marking an anniversary is to raise a glass, and Bushmills distillery will this year have reason to toast itself . Having first gained a licence to distill in 1608, it is celebrating its 400th anniversary. And we can all celebrate by opening a special edition of this Irish whiskey, Bushmills 1608 Anniversary Edition (€64, www. bushmills.com). Aromas of honey and dried fruit set an indulgent tone, with honeyed sweetness and dried fruit reappearing on the palate, together with vanilla and dark chocolate, while the finish leads to a final hint of toffee. This anniversary bottling will be available in various countries until the end of the year, but from 2009 will be sold exclusively in travel retail, and at the distillery.

GLENROTHES 1978 VINTAGE
There are various reasons for choosing a vintage malt whisky, with particular years corresponding to historical events, for example. But the best reason for choosing a vintage malt whisky is the flavour it offers. The Glenrothes 1978 Vintage (€524, www. theglenrothes.com), bottled in 2008, gets off to a great start with an aroma composed of equal parts citrus, honey and oak. This leads to a palate with creamy creme caramel, a hint of raisins and fresh, lively citrus notes. Specialising in vintage malts, The Glenrothes has now launched 16 vintages, of which 12 have sold out, including a previous release of a 1978 vintage, bottled in 1999. This second 1978 bottling is bound to have the same popularity, so if you want one, buy now.