Review: Alcoholic centrepiece spirits in time for spring

MCRJourno

With shorter nights come longer celebrations as we step into spring-time. Often spirits can be the centre-piece of any gathering so our dedicated team has tried, tested, and sipped tirelessly to give a spring review of a few signature pours.

Isle of Raasay Single Malt Whisky 

Set your compass 57o 21’N 6o 04’W and head to the Isle of Raasay nestling between the Scottish mainland and its bigger brother Skye in the inner Hebrides. Here you will find the distillery of this rather special single malt whisky - with its own well drawing water through layers of jurassic sandstone and volcanic rock creating the mineral rich water which forms the basis for this single malt.

The heavily mottled glass bottle would not look out of place on a storm tossed beach having endured the ravages of the North Atlantic waves, nor in the hands of a distinguished modern socialite placing their thumb neatly on the bottle's indent to create the perfect grasp that almost whispers 'this bottle belongs in my hand.'

Its contents however deliver an altogether more enriching experience. It has a rich golden hue developed from its time in Chinkapin oak casks and a pleasant smokey, fruity nose. The first sip gives you a subtle introduction to both its well balanced dark fruitiness and highland peat neither of which is over powering.

This smoothness makes it a perfect introduction to peaty whiskeys before venturing to the more heavily peated brands such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin with their distinctive ‘medicinal’ earthy thump. Fruity, smoky, refined and delicious Isle of Raasay could become a firm favourite sitting as it does neatly between traditional malty and peaty varieties.

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

This tequila is a high quality premium pour made from 100% roasted Blue Agave grown in the Jalisco region, known as tequila valley which gives it a distinct earthy taste with subtle hints of fruitiness as opposed to the more floral tastes of those grown higher on the mountain.

It is clear double distilled un-aged tequila giving it a very refreshing taste. It’s subtle smooth finish makes it perfect for drinking on its own over ice or as the main constituent in top end cocktails. An extremely drinkable quality tequila using only the finest ingredients makes Pancho Datos a must try for any tequila aficionado.

Desi Daru Mango Vodka

At first sight one gets the impression that this is a quality product. The design and colour of the bottle gives an invitation that something special awaits inside. Upon opening the bottle you are immediately met with a burst of fresh Alphonso Indian Mangoes. The fruity aroma deceives you into thinking that the contents must themselves bear a mango hue.

Pouring the crystal clear liquid into the glass releases more of its fruity zest, while sipping the Vodka neat you appreciate its exceptionally smooth and refreshing taste. A drinker may expect the mangoes to overpower the taste of the vodka but they don't, instead you are treated to a perfect balance of the two.

Most vodkas are merely ‘raw materials’ to be mixed with other elements to make a better and more inviting drink or cocktail. Desi Daru doesn’t need anything else however except perhaps the odd drop of ice. This is an ultra premium vodka distilled seven times and using only the finest ingredients to create a unique award winning taste sensation - and it shows.