A warm and delicate Cognac, Courviosier VSOP is considered to be one of the finest produced. A complex aroma of spice and oak, it then opens on the palate to reveal its true depth with almonds, vanilla and floral notes.

Michters is Americas first distilling company, dating back to 1753 when they started out making rye whiskey. They take a 'Cost Be Damned' approach to the production of every barrel, using various methods including air drying their barrels for 36 months, toasting the barrels before charring them, using a low barrel-entry strength, heat cycling to encourage ageing during the frigid winters and using specific filtration types for each whiskey they make.

Four Pillars Navy Strength is a gin very much in the style of the Rare Dry Gin but with the volume turned up slightly beyond 11. At 58.8% ABV the gin can support some more robust and interesting botanicals, so there are three new botanicals that are both new (and fresh), including fresh turmeric and ginger. Together they have heightened the spiciness of the gin, and the turmeric in particular has added weight and a lovely earthiness to the palate. Also in the botanical basket about half the normal oranges have been replaced with some explosive native finger limes, grown in Byron Bay. They have an intensity of flavour and acid that is almost impossible to believe, and in the basket they help the gin attain super citrus notes and lovely high-toned freshness.

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is a blend of 20 per cent light column distilled rums with 80 per cent pot still rums aged up to 12 years, a proportion of which are rums from exceptional barrels which are used in Master Blender Tito Cordero's secret preparation. Although he won't reveal the ages of the rums used he has disclosed that he mixes these exceptional rums with a little cane sugar prior to blending with the main body of rums to amplify their flavour so they impart a slight touch of sweetness and a distinctive flavour to the finished rum.

Double matured in port casks, this malt is a toast to the Scottish traders who braved the high seas and were instrumental in founding the port wine trade, shipping it to the world. 'Port Ruighe' (pronounced 'Portree') is the Gaelic spelling of the once bustling trading port on Skye. The Port finish combines Talisker's powerful maritime character with succulent sweet notes of rich berry fruits for a superb contrasting taste experience.

Michters is Americas first distilling company, dating back to 1753 when they started out making rye whiskey. They take a Cost Be Damned approach to the production of every barrel, using various methods including air drying their barrels for 36 months, toasting the barrels before charring them, using a low barrel-entry strength, heat cycling to encourage ageing during the winter. This Rye is a brilliant whiskey with fresh spice notes and a lingering soft finish.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey is the quintessential example of premium Irish Whiskey, and considered to be the purest form of the art. With a history dating back to 1903 when John Jameson & Company entered into an agreement with Gilbeys Wines & Spirits Import Company to supply new make whiskey which was then 'bonded' in old sherry and port casks. Single Pot Still whiskey is unique to Ireland and this exciting example is crafted from both malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in a traditional copper still. The result is a whiskey of unrivalled richness, complexity and smoothness. Hints of creaminess on the finish round out an true Irish Whiskey of pedigree.

Scheibel Premium Altes Pflümle is based on a fruit brandy of oat plums from the Ortenau, with plum extract refined. The range of premium fruit brandies from Scheibel is distilled in the so-called Auria process that uses real gold plates during the distilling process. This creates finesse distillates.

Wild sloe from the Carpathians, harvested after the first frost - for better aroma development. Nose: finely nuanced scent of marzipan Taste: subtle hints of chilli and juniper blend in powerful aromas of cherry and almond Finish: soft on the finish, slightly bitter almond and a hint of mint