Drinks expert Helena Nicklin takes us on a tasting tour of Britain and Ireland as she samples tipples – then tots up the marks out of five for each.
The English Distillery Sherry Cask 700ml, £59Sherry cask ageing gives it a warming, fruit cake feel. Smooth and sweet, it’s certainly easy drinking, though real aficionados might crave a bit more balance.
3/5
Cotswolds Single Malt700ml, £35-45Fruity and rich, with a whiff of vanilla from Bourbon barrels and a splash of red fruit. With a tenner off in certain supermarkets right now there’s no better time.
4/5
Aber Falls, Single Malt Welsh70cl, £27.50Soft without a boozy sting, a gentler dram with honeyed fruit notes, a bit of pear, a sprinkle of spice, subtle cocoa and coffee bean notes.
3/5
Penderyn Welsh Whisky70cl, £27Soft, creamy and slightly tropical, with notes of toffee apple and Christmas cake. Packs a punch at 46% but is highly drinkable.
4/5
Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey70cl, £21.25Seriously flavoursome and round, with dried fruit and spicy, ginger notes. Light on its feet - the best for balance for me by an Irish country mile.
5/5
Ben Bracken Speyside Single Malt70cl, £18.49Fruity, not peaty, with a classic Highland style. A little hot on the finish and could have a more authentic flavour. But for the price, it’s hard to argue.