Diageo is targeting Scotch aficionados and cocktail lovers with three new experimental whiskies launched under its Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch brand. The limited-edition whiskies are Wine Cask Blend, Rum Cask Finish and Espresso Roast and are all created by master blender Jim Beveridge and his 12-strong team. Aimée Gibson, named the rising star of 2017 at our International Spirits Challenge, oversaw the development of the…

Suffolk producer Aspall has launched canned cider to satisfy growing demand for consumers for “mid-strength cider that doesn’t compromise on quality or taste”. Aspall Cyder, the new canned drink, has an abv of 4.5% and is made in the Aspall house style by blending culinary and bittersweet apple varieties such as cox and russet. It has an exclusive listing at Waitrose starting on May 1,…

Fowey Valley Cider has created a cider with a natural gold-blush colour, in time for Spring. The 6.5% abv Castledore, which is made from West Country sharp and sweet apples, is a lightly sparkling, fresh and medium-dry cider. The producer describes it as an easy-drinking cider, which pairs well with food. Fowey Valley Cider’s owner, artisan cider maker Barrie Gibson, first started making cider 20…

It’s always exciting when a new movement comes along, be it social, political or cultural. So it is with wine. When a movement arrives, it signifies a new direction and a potentially important future trend. It’s in the interests of everyone who works with wine to keep abreast of the latest developments – and besides, unearthing the newest trends is an exciting part of the…

Mont Ventoux has a special place in cycling folklore as its gruelling 6,273ft peak has overwhelmed some of the sport’s leading stars during the Tour de France. The Giant of Provence is well known by millions of people round the world as the fiercest climb in cycling and a bucket list event for many. But the wines produced on its foothills are a lot less…

Other than sandcastles, it’s generally inadvisable to build things on sand. It’s pretty much the exact opposite of a solid foundation. Building on sand is like drinking seawater when you’re dehydrated or reading tabloids when you want balanced reporting: a self-defeating exercise. The viticultural equivalent can be found on the Portuguese coast near Lisbon. Colares is a wine region whose vineyards are pure sand. There’s…

Wimbledon, strawberries and cream, seaside staycations, cricket, festivals, sunshine and rain are all part of the delicious cocktail that is the Great British Summer. The greatest tennis championship on earth is reaching its crescendo, heralding the true start of summertime fun – and we’ve asked key drinks suppliers for their top tips on how to enjoy the best of British. As the weather finally…