Does your drinks cabinet need a makeover? Whether you’re restocking or starting from scratch, assembling a well-rounded collection can be daunting and expensive. With countless brands vying for attention, it can be tough to know what to purchase. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.
To start, set a budget. Next, decide if you prefer classic brands or if you’re in the mood for something unique. A smart move is to include one bottle from each major spirit category, providing you with versatility for personal enjoyment, entertaining guests, or crafting classic cocktails.
Here are seven excellent choices to kick off your collection, all priced around £40 or less (at the time of writing), proving that quality doesn’t have to break the bank.
The Gin
Citadelle Gin de France
Recognized as one of the original craft gins, Citadelle has garnered numerous prestigious awards since its debut in 1996. Developed by Alexandre Gabriel of the esteemed Maison Ferrand, it is produced at the stunning Château de Bonbonnet in France’s Cognac region.
The estate, which features lush juniper fields and an orangerie, significantly influences the gin’s character. Citadelle pays homage to the Citadel de Dunkirk, a distillery known for genever production in the 18th century. Featuring 19 distinct botanicals, including cubeb pepper, violet, and fennel, it offers a bright, zesty flavor perfect for classic G&Ts or cocktails.
The Rum
Angostura Founders Reserve 1824
This luxurious blend of rums, aged for a minimum of 12 years, exudes sophistication. The name honors the establishment of the Angostura company and the year its iconic bitters recipe came to life. Crafted from locally sourced molasses at the distillery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, it remains the sole rum producer on the island.
Utilizing charred American oak ex-bourbon barrels for maturation, the final product delivers rich caramel, dried fruit, and warm baking spices, crafting a rum that feels much more premium than its price suggests. It’s ideal for sipping neat, especially alongside a fine cigar.
The Cognac
Hennessy VS
As the largest producer of Cognac in France, Hennessy is a global brand that accounts for approximately 40% of the region’s production. Founded by Irishman Richard Hennessy in 1765, the brand remains located along the banks of the River Charente in Cognac.
The VS, or Very Special variant, is a fundamental part of Hennessy’s offerings, showcasing sweet, fruity, and floral notes accentuated by brown sugar, toffee, and soft sultana flavors.
It’s versatile, whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks, mixed with lemonade for a refreshing long drink, or incorporated into a classic Sidecar cocktail.
The Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Red Soul
Red Soul is the latest offering from the renowned Johnnie Walker range, aimed at attracting new whisky enthusiasts. Crafted by Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker, this spirit is a sweeter, smoother variation of the traditional Red Label.
The smoke has been toned down significantly, catering to those who may be put off by its more robust flavors. Instead, you’ll find hints of brown sugar, vanilla fudge, baked apple, golden syrup, cinnamon, and warm gingerbread spice.
Its versatility shines in both a simple highball and classic cocktails like the Rob Roy.
The American Bourbon
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark stands out with its distinctive square bottle and hand-dipped red wax seal. Founded by T. William Samuels Sr. in 1954 in Loretto, Kentucky, this distillery has garnered a devoted following.
The bourbon’s mash bill contains no rye, a combination perfected by Samuels through baking different grain blends into bread. As a result, Maker’s Mark is celebrated for its sweet, approachable character, featuring notes of vanilla, caramel, coconut, and delicate baking spices.
Additionally, it has embraced regenerative farming practices, using wheat from its own Star Hill Farm—making it a key player in American whiskey production and a must-have for your drinks cabinet.
The Tequila
Ocho 8 Plata
Tequila, especially in conjunction with mezcal, is currently enjoying a surge in popularity. With agave cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas trending, Ocho stands out as an essential choice for understanding this movement.
Founded in 2008 by fifth-generation agave farmer Carlos Camarena and the late bar owner Tomas Estes, Ocho is known for its commitment to terroir, with each batch sourced from a single field on a single estate.
The name “Ocho,” meaning “eight” in Spanish, comes from the eighth sample the pair tasted during their initial trials. This Plata variant showcases a peppery, vegetal profile, layered with lemon, black olive, and a touch of saline minerality.
Whether enjoyed as a shot or in a meticulously crafted Margarita or Paloma, this tequila is sure to impress.
The Vodka
Witchmark Single Origin
The Witchmark distillery, located in Wiltshire, has been gaining recognition for its exceptional spirits since its inception during the pandemic. While its single malt whisky is still maturing, the gin has already garnered accolades; however, this vodka might just steal the show.
Crafted from locally sourced Wiltshire barley and produced in small batches of just 1,000 bottles, it offers a vodka with real character. Its creamy, almost oily texture provides a richness often lacking in many vodkas.
It shines when served simply over ice with a lemon twist but also elevates cocktails such as Martinis or Cosmopolitans. If you think vodka is dull, this bottle might just change your perspective.
