Unveiling Hidden Gems: Low-Priced British Supermarket Own Brand Spirits That Are Worth Buying

In the world of spirits, there's often a misconception that quality comes with a hefty price tag. However, British supermarkets have been quietly challenging this notion with their own-brand spirits, offering remarkable quality at affordable prices.

These hidden gems not only cater to budget-conscious consumers but also surprise enthusiasts with their exceptional taste profiles. Let's embark on a journey through the aisles of British supermarkets to discover the low-priced own-brand spirits that are truly worth buying.

1. Tesco: Tesco Finest Blended Scotch Whisky

Starting our exploration with Tesco, their Finest Blended Scotch Whisky stands out as a remarkable choice. Crafted with a blend of malt and grain whiskies, this spirit boasts a smooth and rich flavor profile with hints of oak and caramel. Perfect for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails, it offers an unparalleled value for its price.

2. Sainsbury's: Sainsbury's London Dry Gin

Sainsbury's London Dry Gin is a true testament to the quality found in own-brand spirits. This classic gin delivers a refreshing burst of juniper alongside citrus and herbal notes. Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T or as the base for a variety of cocktails, this gin offers exceptional versatility without breaking the bank.

3. Asda: Asda Extra Special Triple Distilled Vodka

For vodka enthusiasts, Asda's Extra Special Triple Distilled Vodka is a must-try. Distilled three times for purity and smoothness, this vodka boasts a clean and crisp taste with subtle hints of sweetness. Whether enjoyed on the rocks or as the foundation for your favourite vodka cocktails, it offers a premium drinking experience at an unbeatable price.

4. Morrisons: Morrisons Signature Blended Scotch Whisky

Morrisons Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Crafted using a blend of malt and grain whiskies, this spirit offers a complex flavour profile with notes of oak, caramel, and a subtle hint of spice. Whether savored neat or mixed into your favorite whisky cocktails, it delivers an impressive drinking experience that belies its affordable price tag. (I must say this personally that I love this Scotch.)

5. Aldi: Aldi Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin

Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin has gained quite a reputation for its exceptional quality and unbeatable price. This award-winning gin offers a classic juniper-forward profile with citrus undertones, making it a versatile option for cocktails or a refreshing G&T. With its premium taste at a fraction of the cost of other brands, it's no wonder this gin has become a favourite among budget-savvy consumers.

In conclusion, the world of spirits is filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, and British supermarkets are no exception. From Tesco's Finest Blended Scotch Whisky to Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin, these low-priced own-brand spirits offer exceptional quality and value. Whether you're a whisky connoisseur, gin enthusiast, or vodka aficionado, there's a hidden gem waiting for you on the shelves of your local supermarket. Also, look out for own brand rums, brandies and liquors. 

So why not embark on a tasting journey and uncover your new favorite spirit without breaking the bank? Cheers to quality and affordability!

St-Remy Launches Limited Edition Bottle With Artist Lucas Beaufort

St-Rémy, the world's number one French brandy, unveils its exclusive collaboration with celebrated French artist Lucas Beaufort, which unites the worlds of fine spirits and of urban artistry, and will be certain to captivate collectors, art enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of fine brandy alike. 

Lucas Beaufort brings his revered vibrant street artist vision into the St-Rémy brand with a stunning limited-edition bottle design that showcases Beaufort's signature urban style, blending dynamic colours and captivating geometry that reflects his inspiration after tasting the St-Rémy XO with Master Blender, Cécile Roudaut.  

At the heart of this collaboration lies the shared values of authenticity, generosity, and open-mindedness, both of which Lucas Beaufort and St-Rémy hold dear. It's a meeting of two artists: Lucas, the painter of colours, memories, and emotions, and Cécile, the Master Blender, who expertly crafts harmony from the diversity of French terroirs. 

"Collaborating with St-Rémy on this project has been an genuinely incredible opportunity to fuse the worlds of art and savoire-faire," said Lucas Beaufort. "The design of this limited-edition bottle encapsulates the spirit of both our artistic endeavours and the refined excellence of St-Rémy brandy." 

Lucas Beaufort's captivating bottle artwork was inspired by an extensive tasting and masterclass with Master Blender Cécile Roudaut, where he translated St-Rémy XO's bold flavours of vanilla and wood, paired with the delicate notes of ripe fruits and honey into different shades of colours.   

"Diversity is the cornerstone of both Lucas and St-Rémy's artistic expressions," said Aveline Rimbaud, Executive Director at St-Rémy. "For St-Rémy, it is the diversity of the eaux-de-vie sourced from the different regions, grape varieties and vineyards of France. For Lucas Beaufort, it is his palette of colours, shapes, emotions, and memories that fuel his creativity. We share the belief that harmony is born from diversity." 

Both Cécile Roudaut and Lucas Beaufort embody the spirit of exploration in their unique ways - searching, waiting, observing, and adapting, to result in a harmonious creation. 

St-Rémy XO Tasting Notes 

Appearance  

Luminous amber, with a rich golden aura. 

Nose

Mature nose underpinned with echoes of oak and delicate vanilla aromas, layered with hints of ripe fruits and honey.  

Palate  

A rich palate of flavours. Subtle notes of wood and vanilla are enriched with flavours of gingerbread, candied apricots, dates, figs, and nuts. This complex taste is subtly spicy and offers a long finish. 

http://www.st-remy.com/

New Hot Spot: The Brandy House Bar at Burnt Faith

This month, the Brandy House Bar at Burnt Faith opens its doors to cocktail lovers in London.

The UK's first dedicated Brandy Bar from the UK's first dedicated Brandy House, it is a spirited addition to the Blackhorse Road Beer Mile of craft breweries and wineries – a destination for those who like to drink well and choose local.

The menu showcases the classic cocktails you know and love with an innovative edge and local nod. Each cocktail is served with a neat pour of Burnt Faith brandy to allow guests to appreciate the base spirit inside the drink.

Burnt Faith is on a mission to expand people's understanding and appreciation of what brandy can be and how it can be enjoyed. This is a buzzy, vibey urban space where drinkers can learn a little more about this fascinating spirit. 

Not sure if brandy is for you? The Brandy House Bar at Burnt Faith is the place to convert you. There's also an array of cocktails that whisky, gin and rum lovers will know and adore, including an Aged Negroni, a banging Espresso Martini and a chocolate-tinged Cocoa Old Fashioned.

It's not just brandy from Burnt Faith that you'll find in the drinks, as the Burnt Faith eau de vie – unaged grape spirit distilled in London – plays a supporting role in the Honey Man Daiquiri alongside honey from the Local Honey Man. While the Burnt Faith Triple Sec – home-made orange liqueur - boosts the Plum margarita along with Lacto-fermented E17 foraged plums.

Burnt Faith is a proudly British Brandy House and is uses only local suppliers wherever possible, including Local Honey Man who ios just up the road, Bethnal Green Chocolatiers cocoa to infuse the Rye for the Old Fashioned, as well as Devils Botany Absinthe and VSRD London Vermouth.

The Brandy House bar at Burnt Faith will offer flights of brandy tastings, a full programme of events and masterclasses, tours and tastings to follow.

Opening hours: Friday & Saturdays 4pm – 11pm

Address: Burnt Faith Brandy House, 57 Sutherland Rd, London E17 6BH

Booking policy: Reservations via Designmynight and walk-ins

Burnt Faith Brandy

Burnt Faith Brandy Batch 001 | 40% | £36 | Stockists : Burnt Faith online,  The Whisky Exchange Harvey Nichols

The first release from the new British Brandy house that is making waves for all the right reasons, Burnt Faith. Burnt Faith is on a mission to unlock the real potential of brandy and is redefining what brandy can be. 

Burnt Faith Batch 001 is aged, blended and bottled in Britain and is crafted with an intriguing blend of aromatic grape varieties and unusual cask finishes to deliver a brandy like no other. This is a delicious blend in a stunning bottle at a very reasonable price. It is packed full of fruit, notes of caramel and a truly elevated chocolatey smooth finish.

https://burntfaith.com/products/burnt-faith-brandy-batch-001

 

Keep Everyone Cooled Down This Summer With St-Remy Brandy

Those lovely folks at St-Remy has the perfect cooler cocktail to keep you refreshed this summer, with the St-Rémy XO, Chardonnay and citrus it's just like summer in a glass!

The St-Rémy XO is made with 100% French wine grapes only harvested in the Loire valley, which will elevate the chardonnay is this cocktail elegantly. The notes of vanilla, oak and gingerbread will add a delicious spiciness that rounds off the concoction.

The recipe here serves four so mix up a batch for all your loved ones at your next garden party.

250 ml St-Rémy XO

500 ml Tonic water

150 ml Chardonnay wine (we recommend the Pasari Chardonnay from Cramele Recas)

50 ml Lemon juice

1 Grapefruit

Add all ingredients to a pitcher with ice and leave to cool for three hours. Zest a grapefruit peel above each glass, serve with a grapefruit slice and enjoy.

Available at Ocado, Morrisons, Amazon and Asda – RRP £24

A great Easter treat with St-Rémy Brandy

Spring is here! We're all looking forward to saying goodbye to the winter blues, and whilst we're waiting for warmer days, St-Rémy Brandy can help us celebrate Easter with a series of two deliciously chocolatey Exclusive Easter cocktails that are certain to warm us up and beat any Easter eggs!

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon at home with friends, the St-Rémy White Mocha is a delightfully indulgent cocktail, provided you serve with extra whipped cream of course! Composed of St-Rémy XO, black coffee and chocolate syrup, it's the ultimate Easter treat in a glass!

Recipe:

45ml / 1.5oz St-Rémy XO

60ml / 2oz Black Coffee

30ml / 1oz Chocolate Syrup

30ml / 1oz Whole Milk

Add all ingredients to a mug and stir.

Top with whipped cream and chocolate powder.

Hosting an Easter feast? The St-Rémy French Alexander will provide the perfect post lunch pick me up, with St-Rémy Signature, cacao cream and grated nutmeg.

Recipe:

45ml St-Rémy Signature

20ml thick cream

15ml cacao cream

8ml simple syrup

Shake hard with ice, and fine strain into a coupe glass or glass coffee mug.

Garnish with  nutmeg grated all over the top.

St-Rémy is the world's number one and most renowned French brandy, prized by connoisseurs and critics alike since 1886. Originally from the heart of the French Loire Valley, St-Rémy has garnered international recognition for its peerless savoir-faire and distinctive aromatic identity and style.