Christmas is a great time for sharing tipples – but why not take a chance on something a little different this year. There are the concoctions that defy conventional categorization, the rare brews that intrigue with their exotic ingredients or unexpected flavors.
From distillations crafted in remote corners of the world to oddball infusions that push the limits of what’s possible in a glass, these spirits are as much about exploration and discovery as they are about taste. Here, we embark on a journey to uncover some unusual spirits…
JG 05 California Dreamgin’ by James Gin
Price: £36.95
California Dreamgin’ – distilled with mushroom and patchouli can be perfectly paired with tonic, a slice of counterculture, and a dash of peace and love. It joins a range that includes Asian Parsnip, American Mustard and London Drizzle, (inspired by the smell of rain on London pavements.) However, this is the first time one of James’ creations has been officially certified vegan.
Bathtub Gin – Miso, Black Cardamom & Pine
Price:£34.95
A savoury gin featuring wintery pine, umami-rich miso and aromatic black cardamom recently awarded gold at the Global Spirits Masters. This sophisticated twist on festive spirits combines pine’s crispness with miso’s depth, making it an exceptional choice for a Dirty Martini.
Price: £29.95
Inspired by the BBQ joints of America, this rich, meaty expression brings together Tennessee Rye Whiskey and sherry-cask finished peated, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. All served up in a bottle that could easily be holding your favourite BBQ sauce! It certainly does what it says on the label, as well as packing a mighty punch – best drank neat with an ice cube (just leave it a few minutes first).
Price: £18.95 (was £37.95, save £19)
Bursting with sparkles and flavours of frankincense, myrrh, and a gingerbread house, this festive gin is complemented by traditional winter botanicals like nutmeg and cloves.
Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey
Price: £58.68
Direct from Kentucky USA, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey has made a bold entrance into the UK, as part of this latest innovative wave of single malts, ready to challenge the staunchest of Scottish single malt fans. Made from 100% malted barley and perfectly aged for four years in new charred American Oak barrels, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey offers a nose of cereal malt and honey, with a sweet, medium body that carries notes of honey, pear, stone fruit and dates. The finish contains notes of oak, with hints of cinnamon and English walnuts.
Project 173 Christmas Pudding Rum
Price: £19.95
Ideal for sipping with a slice of Christmas pudding, featuring notes of raisins, sultanas, mince pie, and ginger.
Price: £49.95
Darkness 8yo is an intense sherried whisky. Finished in specially-coopered Oloroso sherry octaves, these small casks allow for more interaction between the wood and the whisky. The outcome is bold, sherry-bomb flavours such as amaretti biscuits, candied orange and powerful raisins.
Price: £19.95
A delightful blend of sweet and spicy gingerbread notes, perfect when paired with ginger ale for a zesty festive highball.
Price: £21.83
This adventurous bourbon cream liqueur has made the trip over from Kentucky USA to celebrate the festive season, with fans of bourbon whiskey and liqueur-loving sippers alike guaranteed to delight in its arrival. Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream can be enjoyed sipped over ice, shaken into a creamy cocktail, added to your coffee or even poured over your Christmas pudding for that added indulgence!
Price: £29.95
Infused with actual Jaffa Cakes, this playful gin combines the festive flavours of rum and orange—perfect for your next Negroni or a Christmas morning Mimosa.
Price: £28
This botanically rich spirit incorporates ingredients that can be spotted around local grassland and coastal golf courses in Scotland. Inspired by the ocean view of St Andrews Links, Eden Mill created a seaweed base, with fresh pine to transport us to windswept fairways, and quintessentially Scottish heather adding a floral undertone.
Price: £35
This silky-smooth cream liqueur is a blend of the signature Salford Rum with luxurious dairy cream from Ireland, and subtle yet sensational spices, delivering flavours of vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon. It can be enjoyed over ice on its own, or in a variety of festive cocktails.
Price: £51
Currently on offer, this delicious rum was once produced exclusively for members of the Gosling family, but they have since decided to share the quality spirit from Bermuda. Each bottle is hand labelled, dipped in wax, packed into boxes, stamped, put in the post box, you’ll even hand pour it into your glass… This corking rum was given a Double Gold Medal at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirit Competition.
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Price: £58.45
Thanks to a unique secondary finishing technique using Portuguese ruby port casks, the drink possesses a nuanced flavour complexity, featuring ripe fruits and vanilla with bitter chocolate on the palate. Bottled in a unique design with an embossed illustration in tribute to its namesake.