BOTTOMS UP!
For those who like a tipple or two, or as a thank you for the humble host, browse our FOODLOVER bottle bank for the perfect gift...
“Bring a bottle” Etiquette
T ere is nothing worse than seeing your contribution sitting at the end of the table collecting dust, but choosing the perfect tipple for the occasion can be hard. With the Christmas season in full swing, FOODLOVER gives you fi ve top tips for fi nding the perfect plonk for the party….
Take something that can be used in cocktails – cocktails are always great fun at this time of year, and off ering up a drink that can be made into a cocktail is always a winner. Whether that’s a sparkling wine, a liqueur or even a sophisticated mixer.
Ask if the host wants something specifi c – any good host will already have thought about the drinks on off er. Having said that, it is always nice to see whether they require a specifi c tipple for their drinks cabinet. T ey might have bought too much red wine and be in desperate need of a refreshing white – this is where you can step in.
Know the guests – try and fi nd out who is attending and tailor your drinks choice to the guests. T ere is nothing worse than your drink selection going down like a lead balloon. At least, choose something that you know you will drink.
Make it local – West Country tipples are in absolute abundance – whether you are planning on taking a wine, some bubbles or even a spirit, all the aforementioned are beautifully craſt ed in our region. It’s always a great ice breaker too, so be sure to fi nd out the story behind your bottle.
Bring a game-changer – Although you don’t want to off er up something so unique that everyone is to apprehensive to try, a bottle that is a little diff erent is a great talking point. T is also gives you an opportunity to break away from the conventional. Visit a wine merchant or independent off license for guidance.
THATCHERS CIDER RANGE
TRADITIONAL MEAD
Sweet and moreish, with rich, deep honey fl avours mead really is the fl avour of Christmas. A great accompaniment to strong cheeses and full fl avoured casseroles, mead is easy drinking and comforting all at once. This golden nectar comes in a traditional fl agon making it a great gift for any host you want to make an impression with.
www.lymebaywinery.co.uk; £6.95
Off er a Christmas gift with a diff erence by creating your own selection box of 12 bottles of Thatchers ciders. Your mixed case of cider could include favourites such as Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze or Thatchers Vintage, or the Somerset cider maker’s special, Cider Barn ciders, including Redstreak, Redwood or Dabinett. Great to take to Christmas get-togethers or to slip under the tree for your favourite cider- drinking family member.
www.thatcherscider.co.uk; from £21.60
ST. AUSTELL BREWERY & BATH ALES ADVENT CALENDAR
Celebrate the start of the festive season with a collection of beers from St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales. From chocolatey stouts to light hoppy ales and everything in between, this advent calendar will take you on a journey of tastes and styles in the run-up to Christmas.
www.staustellbreweryshop.co.uk £65.00
SHARPHAM SPARKLING WINE
Bring some fi zz to the party with Sharpham’s Sparkling Blanc. Made from 2014 grapes grown in their vineyard overlooking the River Dart in South Devon, this English sparkling wine makes for a great festive alternative to imported Champagne or Prosecco. Its crisp, fresh and citrus palate makes for easy drinking, whether enjoyed at brunch on Christmas Day or your bubbles of choice to take to a drinks party.
www.sharpham.com; £26.25 per bottle
46 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
