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Spicy favourite: Four Roses bourbon
(Picture: Press handout)Whether you’re spending New Year’s Eve alone or hosting a group of friends, having a well-stocked spirits cupboard is often one of the last things to consider while trying to navigate how the hell a butter board works — but a carefully chosen bottle or two of a special whisky, gin, rum or something else entirely can be the perfect way to elevate proceedings. And let’s face it: by the time December 31 rolls around, you’ve probably smashed through enough port and sherry to sink a small fleet. Sometimes, then, spirits are the answer.
While bubbles are of course to be on the agenda, I like to whip out a few interesting bottles as the countdown begins to a new year; deciding on the right bottle to ring in another year with is a wonderful way to make people — and yourself — feel special. So start 2023 as you mean to go on, with one, two or even a few of these special bottles.
Gin (of course)
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It always pays to have a good bottle of gin on hand for special occasions — and, well, most other times too. When it comes to the beginning of the celebrations, there is one guise that I usually find myself drinking gin in, which is a Martini. Wet, dry, olive, twist — or, as is most often in my case, with a pickled onion which turns this cocktail into a Gibson. However you like your Martini, making sure you have a gin with a little something-something is paramount. Haggerston-born 58 & Co. London Dry Gin (£32.94, masterofmalt.com) is beautifully bright and clean with botanicals like pink grapefruit, bergamot and vanilla, but if you really want to splash out — I’d suggest this for a smaller group — then Seventy One gin (£168, seventyonegin.com) will do an elegant job: the liquid has been rested in a variety of oak barrels for 71 nights (hence the name), resulting in a heady, piney and floral gin. Still, my top pick would have to be Height of Arrows from Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery (£31.95, thewhiskyexchange.com), which is an absolute steal for its quality — and despite being made with just three botanicals (juniper, sea salt and beeswax), bursts with texture and character.
Whiskies from around the world
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Arguably the most celebratory of spirits, whisky is perfect for post-firework cheersing. Scottish, Irish, American, Japanese, Taiwanese, English — as long as you like it, it doesn’t really matter where it’s from. I usually keep things simple around New Year’s Eve and serve a little neat in some special cut or vintage glassware to bring a touch of glamour to things. An elegant option is the Glenturret 12 Year Old 2022 release (£65, masterofmalt.com), which is stunning in its Lalique glass bottle and tastes just as good — think baking spices and vanilla custard. American fan? Four Roses Small Batch (£29.95, spiritskiosk.com) is a beautiful bourbon full of dried fruits, oak and spice. For a proper treat though, I’d suggest splashing out on a bottle of Taiwan’s Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask which, while decidely pricey (£179.95, htfw.com) is one for real enthusiasts. The colour and depth of this liquid is astounding — my bottle is under lock and key.
Sipping rums
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When it comes to rum, while an overproof Daiquiri always goes down an absolute treat, during colder more festive nights I like to hunker down with a good sipping rum, some hot-buttered panettone and glittering lights. Whether you go for funky Jamaican, grassy agricole from Martinique or something with more spice, rum is built for sharing. My ultimate pick right now is Hampden Estate 8-Year-Old (£62.95, thewhiskyexchange.com) which is worth every single penny and an utter flavour bomb. Made in Jamaica, it’s all banana, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger — one for savouring and slowing down with. For something more purse-friendly, the Seychelles’ Takamaka Extra Noir (£29.94, masterofmalt.com) is warming with vanilla and wood notes, while Ron Abuelo XII Two Oaks (£48.45, spiritskiosk.com) brings some smoke to proceedings and is rich with wood, spice and vanilla; the Panamanians have nailed it.
Christmassy Cognac
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If whisky and rum aren’t your bag, try a moreish Cognac as a just-as-special darker spirit. Made from distilled grape juice, this beautifully aged French spirit is a strong contender for the festive season, bursting with dried fruits and nuts and also looking glorious in the glass. A nod to the celebratory season, Frapin VSOP Grand Champagne is my top pick (£52.95, thewhiskyexchange.com) as it is teaming with festive spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and gingerbread, while Remy Martin XO is one to splash out for (£149.99, masterofmalt.com), as it brings rich notes of dates and orange peel. For something more affordable, Seignette VS (£29.89, masterofmalt.com) is a slightly lighter option too, and one that works nicely in cocktails.
Best of the rest
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While the more traditional spirits categories aren’t short of options, there are some certain spirits that don’t fit into a neat category but definitely have the celebratory and special prowess needed for the occasion. While technically a rum, clairin from Haiti is in a world of its own and Clairin Communal (£33.29, distillersdirect.com) is a sipper that will without a doubt start a conversation, while for a touch of campfire smoke — perhaps while preparing the fireworks — I’d opt for a bottle of Derrumbes Michoacan mezcal (£58.95, thewhiskyexchange.com), which is brimming with green notes and earthiness. Still, ultimate pick is Capreolus Raspberry Eaux de View 2021 (£125, capreolusdistillery.co.uk) which may not be cheap, but is one of the most special and coveted bottles in my cabinet due to the sheer amount of work founder Barney Wilczak puts into every single bottle. I treat myself to one every Christmas – you should, too.