CW food writer Fiona Harrington shows us what’s trending with taste buds.
Get into the spirit
Caramel vodka
Meticulously crafted from locally-sourced high-quality Australian ingredients, Canberra-based Underground Spirits’ Caramel Vodka undergoes a post distillation with a cryofiltration process that ensures all impurities are removed, leaving a vodka of unsurpassed purity and clarity. The caramel is then gently folded into the vodka. Purely indulgent and moreish, this caramel vodka is silky smooth on the palate.
$80; available at most independent liquor retailers and all BWS in ACT, Old Bus Depot Markets and via undergroundspirits.com.au
Barrel aged gin
From the heart of Ballarat, this Larrikin Gin has been ‘aged’ in small American oak barrels that once held bourbon and then Tasmanian whisky. It’s called ‘aged’ because the gin is only there for a few weeks, sufficient to provide oaky nuances and soften the juniper to let some of the other botanicals come through more clearly.
$95; available at independent bottle shops and Dan Murphys.
Cinnamon whiskey
Made with Canadian whiskey and natural cinnamon flavours, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskeywas originally created to fight off the harsh winters in North Canada. Its bold flavours and spicy notes make this spirit a memorable festive flavour. Its popularity has been built on its fiery taste as a “shot” enjoyed with friends on occasion.
$48.95; available at independent bottle shops and Dan Murphys.
Coffee liqueur
If espresso martinis are your drink of choice, this dark and bold liqueur may be just the way to get into the spirit this festive season. Mr BlackCold Brew Coffee Liqueuris a drop made for the coffee enthusiasts and purists. With an overwhelming fresh coffee flavour, Mr Black is best enjoyed on ice or in cocktails.
$51.99; available at independent bottle shops and Dan Murphys.
Sunset gin
Inspired by the hues of remote Australian sunsets, 78 Degrees Sunset Gin encapsulates the distinctive taste of all Adelaide Hills Distillery products, boasting flavours of strawberry gum, bush apple, juniper, rosella, and exhibits fresh red berries with hints of pine and eucalyptus.
$79.99, available at independent bottle shops and Dan Murphys.
Shiraz and Tasmanian Pepperberry gin
The Underground Spirits’Tasmanian Pepperberry is allowed to dominate the blend before maturing for two months in Shiraz oak barrels sourced from local Canberra region winemakers. The results are a remarkable uniqueness of each batch derived from the individual flavour qualities of each barrel. Notes of vanilla, toast and cedar are very forward as well as the fruity and juicy characters of the wine, providing the palate with a strong, spicy hit in this single cask release.
$90; available at most independent liquor retailers and all BWS in ACT, Old Bus Depot Markets and via undergroundspirits.com.au
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