In 1918, a young Japanese man with an ambition to make genuine whisky went alone to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making. He is Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. He enrolled at the University of Glasgow, took chemistry courses and then apprenticed at three Scotch distilleries. In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan with his Scottish wife Jessie Roberta (Rita). The two had married earlier that year and Rita decided to immigrate to Japan to support her husband’s dream. However after returning to Japan, Masataka and Rita were heartbroken to find out that Settsu Shuzo, the company which invested in Masataka to learn in Scotland, had to abandon its plan to produce genuine whisky in Japan due to recessions after World War I. In the meantime another company, Kotobukiya Limited (Suntory), was in search for someone who could conduct whisky production. Being the only Japanese who knew how to produce whisky at that time, Masataka was hired by Kotobukiya in 1923 to direct building the Yamazaki Distillery. There he led the project and devoted himself to producing Japan’s first genuine whisky. These limited edition 2 bottle set of the Yoichi and Miyagiko has been finished in Nikka’s apple brandy casks and bottled in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Masataka and Rita’s marriage in 1920. At the foundation in 1934, apple products helped Nikka to keep the business sustainable while the first whiskies were maturing, just like Rita supported Masataka’s dream. Both of these whiskies have the delicate aroma of apples, with the expression showcasing a beautiful harmony of finesse and sweetness brought by apple brandy casks. The Yoichi single malt’s original characteristics appear such as rich malt flavors, gentle peaty notes and smokiness and the Miyagikyo single malt’s has its original characteristics such as distinctive hints of Sherry and spiciness like cinnamon.

Godet XO Terre Cognac expresses the heart of a powerful and masculine cognac. Extra old, its aged for 30 years in oak casks blended with 6 crus of AOC cognac. Produced in France by Godet's family owned cognac house that dates back to 1872.

From the oldest house in Cognac, Martell XO is often overlooked for more commercial counterparts. Those in the know realise that with such a great history and cellar-stock to draw upon, this is one of the most complex, well-made Cognacs produced in the great region.

The union of cognacs of different ages make it possible to develop a unique style the youngest bring vigour and power, while the oldest bring complexity and maturity. Merlet Brothers Blend can be enjoyed on ice the fruit aromas are highlighted and new floral flavours come to the fore.The fruitiness and elegance of the Merlet Brothers Blend cognac make it very easy to sip and wonderful in cocktails such as the Sidecar. Its fresh and delicate notes work perfectly with other ingredients without overpowering them.

Meukow Palme dOr collection is a selection of rare vintages and exceptional blends offered for limited edition. Rarissime is a blend of exceptional eaux-de-vie aged for up to 80 years, coming from the 2 of the most prestigious cognac appellations, Grande and Petite Champagne. This exceptional and very rare Cognac has very fine aromas of vanilla reinforced by shades of leather and tobacco. Its remarkable aromatic persistence reveals a rich and powerful rancio typical of long aging in oak barrels.

Established in Cognac for over 150 years, Meukow has built a strong reputation as masters in the art of distillation, ageing and blending of fine Brandy. Meukow XO is a luxury Cognac; its harmonious and smooth taste the result of meticulous fruit selection, traditional double distillation, prestige oak usage and a long ageing process.

Since 1765, Maison Hennessy has perfected the art of cognac-making, a tradition perpetuated by eight generations of Master Blenders. A legacy of cultural openness lets Maison Hennessy shine around the world, wherever its celebrated cognacs are shared. In 1817, James Hennessy created a unique blend for the future King George IV of England. From the encounter of these two visionaries, was born the first Hennessy “Very Superior Old Pale,” know today as Hennessy V.S.O.P. The savoir-faire of the Maison Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years. The key to a perfect bottle of VSOP starts at the roots. A tradition of careful aging in hand-crafted French oak barrels develops an eaux-de-vie’s unique expression. From ugni blanc grapes to V.S.O.P, the beauty of this blend is in the selection. It’s through the process of blending that eaux-de-vie becomes V.S.O.P. This Cognac has flavours and aromas of French oak, vanilla, cinnamon, candied fruit, and clove.

A balanced cognac, marked by an oaky taste. Its time spent ageing in a barrel infuses it with complex aromas along with notes of caramelised dried fruits and prunes. This tone adds a number of rich qualities to a cocktail.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Cognacs, Hennessy has a tradition of producing Cognacs of the highest quality. The VSOP from Hennessy is the epitome of balance and class and is a blend of 60 different eaux-de-vie aged up to 15 years. Every aspect of this Cognac is perfectly proportioned and demands to be drunk slowly, unadulterated and savoured.

Superb XO Cognac that displays fruit, nutmeg and spice on the nose and a palate with will take you from floral sweetness to savoury oak. Enjoy a small amount in a big glass and savour the aroma.