Christmas Spice and Festive Treats!

500x500_Dark_Matter_RumWell the Christmas spirit is in full swing now and nothing comes to mind more than indulging in some real festive tipples for this fabulous time of the year!  My favourite spirit at Christmas time has to be Rum and the one that springs to my mind is spiced rum called Dark Matter Spiced Rum.

Created in Banchory by two brothers, Jim and John Ewen, Dark Matter Spiced Rum is molasses-based rum which features full-bodied notes of long pepper, fresh ginger, green peppercorns and allspice.

The taste equivalent of warping into a liquid black hole but without every atom in your body being crushed to an infinitely small point.
Nose: Peppercorn, sweet & sour pork and balsamic vinegar.
Palate: Chewy with ginger and yet more peppercorn. A kick of chilli, plum and raisins.

It wouldn’t be right not to mention  some fabulous mouthwatering Single Malts perfect to share amongst your friends and family over the aberlour_18_yoChristmas holiday. For me nothing beats the rich Sherry or the Port cask finished Single Malts.
The first one I just love is the Aberlour 18 Years.

Introduced in 2008, this 18 year old is now one of the stars of the range: rich and fruity, with a smooth texture. The Aberlour 18 year old has been a previous winner of a Gold Medal & Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Nose: Rich and complex, milk chocolate and butterscotch combine with ripe peach and orange zest.
Palate: Perfect structure – initial notes of soft apricot and cream offset by developing flavours of Liquorice and oak with a touch of honey.
Finish: Very long and balanced, progresses from creme brulee to a gentle oak flourish.

A second real favourite of mine also is the Tomintoul 15 Years Portwood Finish.

Tomintoul have upped the age on the Portwood Finish from 12 to 15 for this stunning limited release.

Bottled at 46%, this 15 year old is full-bodied and rich with lots of red-fruit notes.

Overall this Tomintoul 15 Year Old, Portwood Finish is a very approachable yet, complex whisky.500x500_tomintoul_15
Nose: Blueberries, scones and clotted cream with a hint of peppery oak and tobacco.

Palate: Barley sweets, delicious caramel, quince with light wafts of red wine.

Finish: Zesty, damson, red grape and a hint of butterscotch candies.

I hope these great spirits have put you in a festive mood to get you inspired for this month ahead!

Slainte

Pete