Christmas best cellars!

Whether visitors prefer a marvellous Merlot, subtly sophisticated cocktail or a punchy craft beer, one thing is certain: none of your customers will want to find themselves caught short and unable to serve up their family and friends’ preferred tipples. With that in mind, here’s our annual guide to the beverage brands guaranteed to be in demand this festive season

Brand Central

6 December 2023

Share this post:

It’s that time of year again when your shoppers will be most keen to stock up on spirits, wines, beers and ciders to ensure they have a well-stocked drinks cabinet (or trendy bar cart!) One that satisfy the palates of all visitors, both planned and unexpectedly “just popping in”, during this most social of seasons.

The Irish Spirits Market Report 2022 by Ibec trade association Drinks Ireland | Spirits showed that spirits sales in the domestic market were up by 6% last year and by 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, driven by the consumer trend of premiumisation.

Domestically, vodka remains Ireland’s favourite spirits drink, followed by Irish whiskey and gin respectively.

The report shows gin’s meteoric rise in the last ten years slowed in 2022, but that slowdown is driven by “standard” gin brand sales, with “premium” brands increasing by 15% in 2022. While less gin was sold, consumers are focused on quality and new tastes.

In line with their successes in export markets, Irish whiskey and Irish cream continued their impressive growth at home too, with sales up by almost 11% and over 8% respectively.

An emerging category in recent years has been ‘ready to drink’ spirit drinks. With the on-trade recovering last year, sales of these products in Ireland slowed, down by 0.3%, but this is after a growth of 14% in 2021 and 26% in 2020, the report showed.

The research also showed that while no alcohol beer is leading the growth of the low and no category here, low and no spirits have emerged in Ireland in recent years, growing by 1122% between 2019 and 2022, albeit from a very low base.

Meanwhile, the Irish cider industry celebrated a year of resurgence in 2022 as bars and restaurants fully reopened, according to a new report by Ibec trade association Drinks Ireland | Cider. Overall, domestic cider sales grew by 3.9% in 2022 compared to 2021. The total share of the alcohol market held by cider grew by 13.8% to reach 6.6% of sales. These markers of growth, though promising, are yet to fully recover to the pre-pandemic levels as the sale increase remains 12% below pre-pandemic levels and the share of the market was 7.4% in 2019. Cider consumption per capita also rose by 1.8% in 2022.

The report also notes that there is a growing trend of premiumisation in the cider market, presenting an opportunity for the craft cider sector. A recent report on the craft cider market by Bord Bia, in collaboration with Drinks Ireland, highlights the growing craft cider category that offers consumers an array of choices and exciting innovations.

The Bord Bia report* also showed that the consumption of beer has declined in Ireland by 2.1% since 2017, while that of Irish craft beer rose by 13.5%. There was also an increase in market share of the 79 independent microbreweries that are currently in operation in the Republic of Ireland, as consumption of craft beer rose from 2.9% in 2017 to 3.4% in 2022. In recent years, consumers have embraced independent beverage options. There are currently 12 craft cider producers in Ireland, and craft cider production accounts for 2.2% of total domestic cider consumption.

WineSpark, the premium Irish wine subscription service, also recently released its latest trends report and the results show that Irish tastes are expanding rapidly. While the big five grapes (Tempranillo, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) still have the biggest market share, customers are also moving more towards lighter styles.

*(Source: www.bordbia.ie/industry/insights/publications/craft-beer-and-cider-report)

An exceptional blend

O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey is a pitch perfect Irish whiskey, ideal to gift this Christmas to a loved one who always seeks the best.

O’Driscoll’s is a beautifully blended Irish whiskey and is currently the only Irish-owned Irish whiskey in the standard blend category.

Inspired by Michael Stafford’s Grandfather Diarmuid O’Driscoll, the O’Driscoll’s were a famous pirate clan from Baltimore, West Cork.

The O’Driscolls were men of the sea. They were pirates and smugglers who built castles and harbours and by the fifteenth century were one of the strongest clans in Ireland. It was the wild Atlantic Ocean that was their real domain. O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey is a tribute to those famous men of the sea and encapsulates that wild Atlantic spirit of adventure, bravery, and survival.

An exceptional blend of golden grain and malted barley, triple distilled and aged in bourbon casks for a minimum of three years, giving the signature smoothness of Irish whiskey.

Maturation of whiskey is an art form. The influence of 100% bourbon cask maturation beautifully enhances the sweet vanilla profile of the whiskey.

Holiday thyme is here!

America’s original craft vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is also one of the fastest growing spirits brands in Ireland

This season, stand under the mistletoe and spend some quality thyme with Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Sip on this tart cocktail topped with the aroma of savoury thyme, a bit of a sparkle, and a burst of colour. To make the distinctive Tito’s “Holiday Thyme” cocktail: Simply shake 45ml of Tito’s, 45ml of cranberry juice, and 15ml of lime juice with ice, pour into a glass and then top with 90ml of sparkling water and a sprig of thyme for garnish.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is America’s original craft vodka, and it’s also one of the fastest growing spirits brands in Ireland. In 1995, sixth-generation Texan Bert “Tito” Beveridge obtained the first legal permit to distil in Texas and created Tito’s Handmade Vodka on a plot of land in rural Austin where he built a small shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts and batch distilled his corn-based, naturally gluten-free vodka. Today, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is now available in over 140 markets including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, and is distilled and bottled in Austin on the very same land where the whole thing started.

Tito’s is also highly committed to community causes, charitable organisations, and disaster relief efforts across the world, through the brand’s “Love, Tito’s” initiatives, especially pet welfare efforts. In Ireland, Tito’s is proudly represented by Comans Beverages Ltd.

Superbly stocked Christmas cellars

Ampersand won an impressive four gold star awards at the recent NOffLA Irish Wine Show Awards

For wine retailers looking to stock up on excellent wines and exceptional offerings this Christmas season, Ampersand Wines has a fabulous selection of award-winning wines and some delightful newcomers which have been recently added to its portfolio.

At the recent Irish Wine Show Awards, Ampersand swept the board again, winning four gold star awards, seven silver and five bronze awards, a total of 16 awards on the night.

Ampersand won the four gold star awards for the following wines:

Hans Baer Riesling 2022 – Best Old-World White Under €12
Rioja Vega Semi Crianza 2022 – Best Old-World Red Under €12
Remy Pannier Cépages de Loire Sauvignon 2022 – Best Old-World White Under €15
Faber Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rosé NV – Best Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Under €15

These winning wines stood out for their excellence in their various categories, offering a delightful range of Old-World wines and a remarkable non-alcoholic sparkling option, making them a perfect choice for wine lovers this Christmas.

For champagne and sparkling wine enthusiasts, Ampersand recently launched Prestige des Sacres, a Champagne that exudes elegance and sophistication. Prestige des Sacres Champagne is deeply rooted in the history of France, with its origins dating back to the coronation of 33 French kings in Reims, at the heart of the Champagne Appellation area.

Arthur Metz is another excellent option available from Ampersand that offers a delightful range of Cremant d’Alsace wines that capture the essence of celebration. Ampersand’s Calvet Sparkling Wines would also make a great choice this Christmas. These wines are renowned for their effervescent charm, exceptional quality and attractive bottle and packaging.

Retailers should also consider non-alcoholic options in this category by stocking Ampersand’s award-winning, Faber Non-Alcoholic range of sparkling wines – an ideal choice to ensure the holiday spirit remains alive for everyone.

In addition, Ampersand Wines has also recently introduced two exceptional new additions to its portfolio. Chateau Bouquey Grand Cru St-Emilion, a gem from the Bordeaux region, offers the embodiment of rich, full-bodied red wine with its deep flavours and velvety texture, making it a wonderful companion for hearty holiday feasts. Jardins de Loire Sancerre is a crisp and refreshing white wine that hails from the famous Loire Valley vineyards. It’s vibrant acidity and citrusy notes make it a superb pairing for seafood and lighter holiday fare.

Finally, Ampersand has also released two new limited-edition wines from Rioja Vega in time for the festive season; Venta Jalón Reserva Especial and Tempranillo Blanco Reserva. These wines represent the essence of Rioja Vega’s winemaking expertise. The Venta Jalón Reserva Especial offers a deeply nuanced red, made with a Graciano and Tempranillo blend while the Tempranillo Blanco Reserva presents a premium-quality limited production white wine fermented in French and Hungarian oak barrels.

If you would like more information on Ampersand’s Christmas wines or would like to stock any of Ampersand’s 16 award-winning wines, contact your Ampersand representative or call the sales line on 01 4151050 or email info@ampersandsales.ie.

Authentic Wicklow experience

Each Powerscourt Distillery hamper represents the exquisite flavours of Wicklow and supports local businesses and artisans

The Powerscourt Distillery is delighted to announce the return of the acclaimed Fercullen Irish Whiskey & Food Pairing Hampers, available for delivery nationwide, bringing the authentic Wicklow experience right to your doorstep.

Back by popular demand, following the sell-out success of previous years, the 2023 Fercullen Whiskey Hampers are brimming with premium Irish produce, promising to elevate festive celebrations with a taste of the Garden of Ireland.

All orders include a complimentary Whiskey Tour and Tasting Experience for two, valued at €50. The last order date for pre-Christmas delivery is 15 December, while a click-and-collect option from the Distillery will be available until 21 December. Shipping is free on all hamper orders (see website details below).

Customers can choose from a range of hampers, each offering a curated selection of Fercullen Whiskeys and selected with gourmet pairings. Notable hampers for 2023 include:

Estate Series Hamper: €165

Limited Edition Estate Series 3, award-winning Wicklow Way Wines, and a selection of premium local produce, including Coolattin Mature Cheddar and Powerscourt Honey, exclusive items like Glencairn tasting glasses and a complimentary Whiskey Tour and Tasting Experience for two.

Single Malt Hamper: €120

Fercullen Single Malt, assorted gourmet chocolates and cheeses, two Glencairn Glasses, and a complimentary Whiskey Tour and Tasting Experience for two.

Fercullen Whiskey Start Pack Hamper: €66

Trilogy pack of Irish Whiskey, metal hip flask, Glencairn glass, and a complimentary Whiskey Tour and Tasting Experience for two.

Promoting the spirit of “Shop Local”, The Powerscourt Distillery emphasises its commitment to utilising high-quality, local produce, allowing each hamper to represent the exquisite flavours of Wicklow and support many local businesses and artisans.

“We extend warm festive wishes to all our customers and look forward to welcoming them to our Whiskey Lounge at the Distillery Visitors Centre this festive season,” a distillery spokesperson said.

Hampers can be ordered online for nationwide delivery or click and collect directly from The Powerscourt Distillery: https://powerscourtdistillery.com/product-category/gift-hampers/.

Punking up craft beer scene

The addition of fruity hops to BrewDog Punk IPA creates an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish

Punk IPA is the beer that kick-started the BrewDog revolution.

This scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion; synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts – full-on, full-flavour; at full-throttle.

Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee before a spiky bitter finish, this is the perfect drink to quench thirst.

This 5.6% trans-Atlantic fusion IPA is light golden in colour with tropical fruits and light caramel on the nose. The palate soon becomes assertive and resinous with the New Zealand hops balanced by the biscuit malt. The finish is aggressive and dry with the hops emerging over the warming alcohol.

This fresh, full flavour natural beer is BrewDog’s tribute to the classic IPAs of yester-year. The postmodern twist is the addition of amazing fruity hops giving an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, BrewDog reports sales are on a high and the rebellious Punk IPA shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

World’s favourite Italian liqueur

Disaronno is an Italian icon loved for its smooth taste and unmistakable aroma

Disaronno enjoys cult status as an Italian style icon: featuring a smooth taste, unmistakable aroma, unique and distinctive design of its bottle, original square cap and its golden label which adds a sense of contemporary elegance and style.

Disaronno is the proud ambassador of the ‘Endless Dolce Vita’, telling a story through the iconic postcards of the Italian beauty, thanks to a new world of reference.

La Dolce Vita, the endless pursuit of pleasure, is an attitude, a lifestyle ascribed to the Italians. The “contemporary dolce vita” lifestyle is full of worldly immersive pleasures. Nowadays, this is suspended between the new and the ancient, tradition and contemporary.

Disaronno Amaretto captures the senses with its amber colour, rich aroma and incomparable taste which has made it the world’s favourite Italian liqueur.

This Christmas, every customer can “enjoy Disaronno your way”, in a cocktail or even with cola and a slice of lemon.

How to make a Disaronno Sour:

With over 100 perfect mixes, the brand and fan base continue to grow. Disaronno Sour is a favourite at the moment – this is a unique and refreshing drink in which the distinctive notes of Disaronno blend with the scent of freshly squeezed lemons. It’s easy to make too. All that’s required is 50ml Disaronno, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 5ml of sugar syrup and egg white. You shake all the ingredients with ice and serve with a garnish of lemon for a beautiful cocktail.

The most popular Disaronno cocktails include the Disaronno Sour, the Irish Godfather and the Disaronno Fizz. For more cocktail ideas from Disaronno, check out Disaronno.com.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Created to turn heads!

Broadcasting legend Graham Norton alongside Invivo co-founders, entrepreneurs Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron

Arguably Ireland’s favourite West Cork native, Graham Norton’s wine brand has reached Ireland’s top 20 wine brands this year. The Graham Norton wine range is produced in collaboration with New Zealand’s Invivo and Graham Norton controls every aspect of the blending process for his wines, combining southern hemisphere grapes with ‘Norton Hemisphere’ brilliance to create a super range of six wines. Invivo was founded by two Kiwi wine entrepreneurs Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in 2008. This year, 2023, Graham and Invivo will celebrate ten years of making award-winning wine together.

Graham’s range includes his best-selling (and awarded) Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand joined by a wildly popular New Zealand Rosé, Graham Norton’s Shiraz and the most recent addition, an Argentinian Malbec named He-Devil after Graham’s memoirs ‘The Lives and Loves of a He-Devil’.

“My He-Devil was created to turn heads, break hearts and leave you wanting more…and it’s delivered on all counts,” said Graham Norton, chief winemaker.

In relation to bubbles, GN Frizzante Bianco and the GN Frizzante Rosé are wildly popular in Ireland.

Moving onto spirits, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gins celebrate Graham’s West Cork heritage, the beauty and flavours of his idyllic native county and his award-winning flair for blending perfection.

Partnering with an Irish distillery was very important to Graham and that is why he decided to work with his West Cork neighbours, West Cork Distillers. West Cork Distillery is the most southerly located distillery on the Atlantic Archipelago, an area close to Graham’s West Cork retreat.

Graham has three gins in the portfolio: Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin, Irish Pink Gin and Irish Marmalade Gin. The latest spirit addition is Graham Norton’s Own Irish Vodka – made form potatoes, it is ridiculously smooth on the palate.

Graham Norton’s wine and spirits are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

A worldwide phenomenon

Pop icon Kylie Minogue says she has been “unbelievably humbled and thrilled by the global response” her wine range has received

Kylie Minogue Wines is an exquisite, elegant portfolio of bespoke wines, crafted with passion and integrity. Launched in 2020 on Kylie’s birthday, on 28 May, the rosé quickly became one of the most successful launches in its category ever. Kylie Minogue Wines has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a glass of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé sold every six seconds*.

Kylie Minogue Wines has sold 9 million bottles since launch (that’s over 43 million glasses of Kylie Minogue Wine poured) and is available to purchase in 31 countries.

Kylie Minogue now has five rosés in her wine portfolio – Sparkling Prosecco Spumante, Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante, Cotes des Provence, Signature Rosé and Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé.

This Signature range comprises of two wines from France including the delicate pale-dry rosé made from Cabernet and Carignan grapes, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony.

The latest addition is the delicious Prosecco Frizzante produced in the heart of Veneto on the picturesque hills of Gambellara. This wine is fresh and fragrant with a marked aromatic character rich in floral scents of acacia and wisteria flowers.

“I am unbelievably humbled and thrilled by the global response to Kylie Minogue Wines,” the pop icon said. “It has been incredible, and testimony to the amazing producers and winemakers Kylie Minogue Wines have been lucky enough to work alongside. I have been incredibly touched by the joy our wines have brought to so many people.”

Kylie Minogue Wines are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

*(Source: Nielsen EPOS volume sales – Total UK Off Trade to 11 March 2023)

Outperforming the market

The McGuigan Zero range offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate

McGuigan Wines continue to outperform the market as the number one Australian wine brand in Ireland.

The Black Label range comprises of a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rosé and Malbec. McGuigan has once again demonstrated its innovation by introducing McGuigan Frizzante to the market. This is a light style of sparkling full of lively yet delicate bubbles that give a crisp and refreshing sparkle.

The latest addition to the McGuigan portfolio is McGuigan Zero. With unrivalled taste and zero alcohol, this is for everyone, everywhere. McGuigan Zero is a true trailblazer in its category. The range offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate. Launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling, McGuigan Zero is created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product. McGuigan Wines are distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Profoundly rich and perfectly balanced

The Busker Single Pot Still Small Batch is double aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, and non-chill filtered to preserve its taste and aromas

Discover The Busker Small Batch Double Aged Collection. The Busker Small Batch Whiskeys are double matured by using a limited number of casks accurately selected by its team from its warehouse in Royal Oak Distillery, Co. Carlow. The Small Batch Collection has been personally selected by master blender Caroline Martin. These exclusive releases are the best expression of what the Royal Oak Distillery has to offer within the premium category.

The first in this collection is the Single Pot Still Small Batch. Double aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, and non-chill filtered to preserve the taste and aromas. Tasting notes include fruit notes, raisins, sultanas, prunes and figs, warming spice ginger and cinnamon. With a long, smooth and mellow finish; on the nose, the Single Pot Still gives leathery, profoundly rich, complex, robust, fresh pipe tobacco, aromatic, rounded and perfectly balanced aromas. It’s best enjoyed neat, or on the rocks.

The Small Batch Single Pot Still has already won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023 and 93 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023 before it had been released.

With a new take on the packaging side, the Small Batch Single Pot Still is corked, and has the Royal Oak Distillery embedded into the glass, this new look will be what we see for the Busker single range coming into 2024.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Coffee lovers’ classic choice

Tia Maria is made with Madagascar vanilla, Jamaican rum, and 100% arabica coffee

Tia Maria has been designed for the Espresso Martini. It is the must-have ingredient for this classic cocktail. The Espresso Martini is the seventh most popular cocktail sold in the world. The Tia Espresso Martini has been the classic evening pick-me-up since its creation in the 1980s. It’s as delicious today as it’s always been.

The combination of cold brew coffee and hot espresso coffee enhances the true coffee taste in an Espresso Martini.

Made with Madagascar vanilla, Jamaican rum, and 100% arabica coffee, Tia Maria has a classic roasted, full-bodied, and rich taste. An exclusive cold brew extraction process gives it its distinctive intense coffee aroma, which is followed by notes of chocolate and pipe tobacco, caramelised cane sugar and vanilla.

Learn how to make the perfect Espresso Martini with Tia Maria

All you need is: 25ml Tia Maria, 25ml vodka, single or double shot of espresso and coffee beans to garnish. Fill a martini glass with ice and set aside to chill. Pour Tia Maria, vodka and espresso into a cocktail shaker. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice. Shake the ingredients together. Empty the martini glass of ice. Pour in the contents of the shaker using a strainer and sieve into the glass. Finish with three coffee beans.

Check out TiaMaria.com for more cocktail inspiration. Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Leading New Zealand star

Sauvignon Blush is the most recent launch from Ireland’s number one New Zealand wine brand, Villa Maria

Villa Maria is Ireland’s number one New Zealand wine brand. Villa Maria’s extensive portfolio is one of the most geographically and stylistically diverse and highly awarded range of premium wines by any New Zealand producer, fuelling consumer adoration and success across the globe. In Ireland we have the Private Bin range available most famously known for the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, yet other varietals available such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Villa Maria wines have a fresh new look for the Private Bin range; the wine is the same outstanding quality just in a new contemporary pack. The high tier Cellar Selection Pinot Noir and the Reserve Wairau Sauvignon Blanc are also available in the Irish market.

The most recent launch from Villa Maria is the beautiful Sauvignon Blush: Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of Merlot. This delivers the taste experience of New Zealand’s favourite white wine with a playful fun-factor that opens up a whole new occasion for Sauvignon Blanc. It’s Sauvignon Blanc. 90% Sauvignon Blanc in fact, caressed with 10% Merlot for a beautiful ‘Provence-like’ blush. Looks like Rose; tastes like Sauvignon Blanc.

Villa Maria Wines are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Matches made in festive heaven

Barefoot is the number one USA wine brand in Ireland

Your customers can make sweater weather even better with Barefoot Wine this festive season, the number one USA wine brand in Ireland.

Barefoot Wine has got everyone covered with the ultimate food matching guide:

The reds (dry to sweet)

Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon

Traditional in taste, this big red has bold flavours. The Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with foods that complement strong flavours. Beef, lamb, rib eye or other red meats are good wine pairings. Enjoy with a meze of hard cheese such as cheddar, smoked, cured meats, as well as tomato pasta dishes, broccoli and even cheeseburgers.

Barefoot Malbec

Traditional Malbec is dry with a jammy taste, similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. This plush wine is full and gorgeous, bursting with characteristics of thick juicy blackberries, currants and caramel. You’ll notice a hint of toasted oak which means it’ll complement smoked meats as well as caramelized onion. Rich mushroom pasta, red meats, pulled pork, BBQ ribs, salsa and strong Stilton are great foods to pair with Malbec.

Barefoot Merlot

With a RRP of €10.50, there is a Barefoot Wine to suit every taste and meal occassion

You’ll find merlot to be one of the sweeter red wines while still being typically mild. Enjoy the warm chocolatey, mocha finish with a smoky vanilla-oak aftertone. A medium merlot is the most versatile out of the reds and can be paired nicely with all red, smoked and cured meats. Merlot can also complement swordfish, grilled tuna, roasted chestnuts and all poultry.

The whites (dry to sweet)

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh flavours like green vegetables, crisp apples, citrus fruits as well as potatoes, pasta and even chips all go well with Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy a chilled glass with roasted turkey, smoked fish like salmon, salty oysters and feta or goat’s cheese salad.

Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay

Fruity in taste, Chardonnay is the perfect addition to meals which include soft and hard cheese, chicken, pork, salmon, shellfish and potatoes. Enjoy chardonnay with creamy pastas, roasted veg and hearty lasagne.

Barefoot Chardonnay

Barefoot Pinot Grigio

Light-bodied and floral, Pinot Grigio is one of the sweeter white wines. You’ll be able to taste the tart green apple, fruity citrus and peachy undertones. Fish and white meats are great food pairings for Pinot Grigio. Enjoy with poultry, spicy pasta, cheese pizza and green veg.

The pink (sweet)

Barefoot White Zinfandel

Enjoy a glass with spicy tandoori Indian and Asian food, along with salty bacon, grapes, mild cheese and cured meat. Most seafood and shellfish can also be paired with the sweetness of White Zinfandel. For those with a sweet tooth, your options are endless. Enjoy a glass paired with Eton Mess, strawberry trifle, apple crumble, caramel, sticky toffee pudding and currant buns.

Barefoot Wine is available from all good stockists (RRP: €10.50).

Superb craftmanship

Feeling the pinch this Christmas? Why not try an Irish Wine Show Gold Star award winning wine with a few years of age for an absolute snip? The winner of the Best New World White Under €12, Santa Rita Estates Semillon 2017 proved a hit at a recent press tasting with many recommendations.

Superb quality and craftsmanship are the hallmarks of Santa Rita, one of Chile’s most admired and innovative wine estates. The dynamic Reserva series has a well-structured, fruity style, perfect for any occasion. This Semillon has an elegant golden colour. It shows soft aromas of pineapple and melon, nicely complemented with white roses and honey caramel. It is balanced with a smooth mouthfeel, while still fresh with a lingering finish.

The Irish Wine Show Gold Star winner of the Best New World Red Under €12 was the 2015 Carmen Premier 1850 Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a beautifully mature Cabernet, with leafy aromas, cassis and blackcurrant on the palate and a soft, smooth finish.

Meanwhile, for those watching the calories or alcohol units, there’s the 120 Dealcoholised range which includes a zesty Sauvignon Blanc and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon.

Elegant yet approachable

For those seeking the pleasure of a warming glass of red, the Doña Paula Estate Malbec from Argentina is a must. This elegant, refined yet very approachable Malbec is made by renowned winemaker and viticulturalist of the year Martin Kaiser using grapes grown at 1350 meters in the foothills of the Andes. The range also includes Doña Paula Estate Blue Velvet, an alluring blend of Malbec, Pinot Noir and Bonarda and the Estate Black Edition which is a complex and full-bodied blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. A single varietal Doña Paula Estate Sauvignon Blanc completes the line-up.

Christmas gift ideas for the discerning spirit lover

Silks Irish Dry Gin is a fresh, floral contemporary spirit distilled by hand in small batches

Boann Distillery is renowned for its innovative distilling techniques and unparalleled craftsmanship, making it a standout in the Irish drinks industry.

This Christmas, it has an array of exceptional and distinctive spirits, poised to delight during the festive season:

Silks Irish Gin, €42.95

Winner of Best Irish Gin at the Irish Whiskey awards 2022, Silks Irish Dry Gin is a fresh, floral contemporary spirit distilled by hand in small batches.

Conceived by mum-and-daughter beekeepers, Sally-Anne and Marie Cooney of Boann Distillery, the gin uses signature botanicals including honey, apple blossom and elderflower, all hand-foraged from the family’s orchards to produce a contemporary gin with bright citrus and sweet florals on the nose.

A special Christmas gift pack can be purchased for €50 which includes two branded Silks Gin glasses and a jigger. A 70cl bottle retails for €42.95 and both can be purchased on the Boann Distillery website, boanndistillery.ie for domestic and international delivery.

1848 Apple Brandy, €45.95

Experience the marriage of two worlds in the form of 1848 Apple Brandy, a unique blend that pays homage to the inaugural flying of the Irish national flag in 1848. This brandy blends the finest elements of France’s renowned Calvados Pays D’Auge from Chateau du Breuil in Normandy with Boann’s distinctive triple-distilled apple brandy. The result is a harmonious, smooth, and rounded balance with notes of honey, dried fruits, hazelnut, apple, cinnamon, and vanilla.

It can be purchased from boanndistillery.ie, IrishMalts.com, or The Celtic Whiskey Shop and costs €45.95 for a 70cl bottle.

The Whistler 10-year-old French Oak, €75

The Whistler 10-year-old French Oak offers a unique single malt whiskey that weaves together the best traits of two different species of oak.

The whiskey is matured in American Oak for a full-bodied and honeyed profile and is then finished in French Oak infused with the finest Bordeaux wine.

The French barrel, having been through the New Era Oak Cask (N.E.O.C.) process, provides a virgin oak base for further maturation, infusing the whiskey with a ‘New Oak’ style spice that works in harmony with notes of dried fruits.

The single malt 16-year-old Whistler El Misterioso is elegantly presented in a striking red single bottle presentation case

It retails for €75 for a 70cl bottle and can be purchased from the Boann Distillery website, www.boanndistillery.ie.

The Whistler 16-year-old Palo Cortado “El Misterioso”, €165

At the top end of the range is the single malt 16-year-old Whistler “El Misterioso”, elegantly presented in a striking red single bottle presentation case.

First matured in second fill bourbon barrels for fourteen years, this unique triple distilled Irish Whiskey was then finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks for two years.

It retails for €165 for a 70cl bottle and can be purchased from the Boann Distillery website, www.boanndistillery.ie.

Put a little Hendrick’s in your holidays!

From an extravagant feast to an intimate soirée, Hendrick’s gin is a deliciously super premium gin, made with a number of unusual twists.

To deliver a most curious and delightfully unique flavour, Hendrick’s combines a distinct blend of eleven botanicals, as well as the signature infusions of cucumber and rose petals, producing a wonderfully refreshing gin with a delightfully unique aroma. Hand crafted in
Scotland in miniscule batches by William Grant & Sons, Hendrick’s is the only gin that uses a marriage of spirits from both Carterhead and Bennett Copper Pot Still, a combination that produces a divinely smooth gin that has both the required character and balance of subtle flavours.

This Christmas, the brand’s recommendation is to ‘Put A Little Hendrick’s in Your Holidays’ with its ‘maestro of the gin and tonic’ Christmas gift box, now available in leading retailers nationwide (RRP: €38).

All wrapped up for Christmas

Dublin cocktail company Craft Cocktails is back with a limited-edition trio of Christmas cocktails to bring some elevated tippling to the silly season.

The All Wrapped Up range features three drinks with retro wrapping paper design, in a large 700ml size, perfect for under the tree, or a small 200ml size to fill a stocking. The Mistletoe Margarita, Festive Old Fashioned and Gingerbread Punch join Craft Cocktails’ core range of colourful bottled cocktails, hand mixed and bottled in Dublin 7 and available for delivery around Ireland.

The Mistletoe Margarita is made for the season by infusing Don Julio 100% Agave Tequila with pine needles for some extra festive flair. Mixed with fresh green apple, agave and lime, this original Christmas cocktail is best served over ice with a sprig of Xmas tree to garnish.

This new cocktail joins Craft Cocktail seasonal favourites: the Festive Old Fashioned; a slow winter sipper for after the kids have gone to bed, made with a mix of Bulleit Bourbon and flavours of fig, caramel, orange spiced bitters and a dash of PX Sherry, and the Gingerbread Punch; a warming winter mix of Ketel One vodka, sloe gin and ruby port, with cranberry, gingerbread spices, and clementine.

The range can be purchased in Craft Cocktails’ factory ‘Cuckoo Lane’ off Capel Street in Dublin 7 and online from www.craftcocktails.ie with delivery nationwide. The brand is taking orders until 15 December for Christmas deliveries (12 December for personalised cocktail delivery), and 19 December for collection. Craft Cocktails’ colourful range of classic flavours are also stocked in over 50 retailers, hotels, and venues nationwide as well as being a regular on the festival circuit.

Gin’gle bells!

In recent years, premium gin, particularly flavoured gins, have become increasingly popular as Christmas gifts. Malfy Italian Gin is the number five super-premium gin brand globally*.

It continues to perform well within the Irish market with Malfy Gin Rosa, Con Limon and Con Arancia being perfect Christmas Gifts, exporting your customers to the Amalfi Coast with each sip.

Irish Distillers is leaning into Malfy Gin’s Italian provenance in a new marketing push for the brand. The ‘Immagina Malfy’ campaign launched earlier this year. The campaign centres around an advert that will run on video on demand (VOD), backed by social media posts, digital and traditional out-of-home activity, on trade experiential and retail point-of-sale.

Share this post: