With the Six Nations rugby in full flow (come on, Scotland – I’m forever the optimist) now is a great time to look at amazing beverages from all the nations competing.
To get the game started we have from Scotland the Crabbies Scottish Rugby Citrus Orange Gin (www.scottishrugbygin.com, £25). Crabbies are the official sponsor of Scottish Rugby and have released two gins named after family members that previously played for Scotland. The one that I took a shine to was the George Crabbie Citrus Orange Gin. The orange and lemon aromas jump out of the glass, the finish has a green herb and zingy quality.
From England, why not try Camel Valley Bacchus (Waitrose, £14.99)? Despite being Germanic in origin the grape varietal suits the English climate. So much so that it is the fourth most-grown grape in England. This version has a Sauvignon Blanc-esque style of tropical fruit and citrus notes with a dry finish.
A bit to the west takes to the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, where we have the Penderyn Distillery. Launching their first whisky on St David’s Day in 2004 they have gone on to achieve some major awards.
A great starting point is the Penderyn Legend Single Malt (Royal Mile Whiskies, £34.95). Matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in ex-madeira casks gives this whisky a warm floral note with a dried, but slightly sweet, red berry fruit finish.
Jumping over the channel, the Domaine de la Tourmaline Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie (Majestic, £7.99) from France is a must drink if you love seafood. The Sur Lie is an indication that this wine has spent an additional time resting on its lees (the residual yeast) for extra complexity. Lemon with reflections of green fruits on the nose and bottled with an ever so slightly fizz to retain freshness.
Representing Italy is the Castlefort Corvina (Inverarity 121, £8.49). If you have ever tried any of the Valpolicella wines (the most famous being Amarone) then you have tried Corvina, albeit mixed with a few other regional grape varietals. This bottling is 100% Corvina and shows off the typical characteristics of the grape, an attractive red colour but still light in structure. A small scattering of black forest gateaux with just touch extra of dark cherry.
And from Ireland, why not just order a Guinness (widely available). Velvety, rich and full of both sweet and sour notes.
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