Category Archives: Alcohol Reviews

Oscars, Manchester | Bar Review

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If you ever find yourself on Manchester’s Canal Street make sure you set aside time to visit the little gem that is Oscars. Although centred around musicals, it manages to avoid being a tacky themed bar (although themed it is) and instead celebrates vintage Hollywood with all the class and panache of Gene Kelly himself.

Inside you’ll find staff who truly care about the drinks that they serve, their ingredients and the flavour combinations. Whilst there I had the privilege to sample a variety of drinks from their extensive cocktail menu. A particular favourite of mine was the Pomegranate Bloom made with Bloom gin and, of course, pomegranate. Many of their Bloom goblets were light and fruity and more than palatable even to people who don’t normally like gin – me included.  Ones to watch out for if you fall into that category include the Summer Bloom and the English Bloom. Also on the menu was a delightful Opihr cocktail with notes of cardamom, cumin and ginger and the Mary Pickford cocktail which will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Less successful for me were the Moulin Rouge and the rather bland Folies Bergere.

Bloom Gin Cocktail

Bloom Gin Cocktail

As for more traditional spirits, I recommend the West Rock rum mixed with Fentimans Ginger Ale. It was my favourite drink of the night and one that I will certainly be ordering again.

On the evening I was there, entertainment was provided by Paul Walker who sang  a selection of musical numbers from stage and screen. His choice of songs was spot on and his powerful voice and warm rapport with the crowd really added to the experience.

Oscars Bar Interior

Oscars Bar Interior

I can’t recommend Oscars highly enough. A word of warning though – it’s a small room so if you’re planning on going on a Friday or Saturday you might want to get there early to nab a table. If people know what’s good for them then it’ll be very busy.

 

Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition Review

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Beefeater 24 'Quintessentially British Edition' 2

We get sent a lot of stuff to review at Frost so it takes a lot to bowl us over. The Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition definitely managed it. The packaging, by talented illustrator Glenn Hin, is in a world of its own. It even pops out in a very fun way. All of that before we even get to the actual gin, which is first-class, first-rate stunning. This gorgeous bottle also came with a so-fashionable-it-hurts glass teacup and the best tea I have ever tasted in my life: My Cup of Tea Breakfast Tea. Sigh. Tea? With Gin? Yes, this is for the Beefeater 24 Gin & Tea cocktail which features on the ‘gates’ of the limited edition pack. Infused with English Breakfast tea which compliments Beefeater 24’s unique blend of rare Japanese Senchea and Chinese teas, the Gin & Tea is a refreshing modern interpretation of the classic Iced Tea, making it the perfect drink this summer. This is a limited edition so get your hands on one as soon as possible.


Toast ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’ this summer

Introducing the latest from Beefeater 24 – the ‘Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition’. The limited edition collectible gift pack showcases a multi-dimensional design by talented illustrator Glenn Hin and was selected as the winner of a competition held by the brand inviting artists to capture ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’. To be released selectively worldwide, Hin’s pack design evokes images of British secret gardens and sophisticated summer parties.

The Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition design centres around an imposing, fine country house hidden in the British countryside, which theatrically releases a pair of beautifully manicured shrubs on opening the pack. On closer inspection the elegant illustration reveals details that hint at a Quintessentially British summer garden party; cocktail glasses, tennis rackets and botanicals found in Beefeater 24 all float magically around the grand estate.

JC Iglesias, Global Brand Director of Beefeater 24 said “Beefeater 24 asked artists to draw inspiration from the theme ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’, as we were seeking designs that celebrated our elegant, British traditions but in a romantic and contemporary way. Glenn Hin captured this beautifully with exacting detail referencing a glamorous garden party. Beefeater 24 is the perfect accompaniment for such an occasion so the design really grabbed the imagination of the judges.”

As an ode to Hin’s design and the Quintessentially British garden party, the Beefeater 24 Gin & Tea cocktail features on the ‘gates’ of the limited edition pack. Infused with English Breakfast tea which compliments Beefeater 24’s unique blend of rare Japanese Senchea and Chinese teas, the Gin & Tea is a refreshing modern interpretation of the classic Iced Tea, making it the perfect drink this summer.

To accompany a selection of Beefeater 24 cocktails, the brand has also teamed with prestigious British chef Mark Hix’s newest venue HIXTER to create a selection of delicious canapés that can be created at home.

Ensuring that guests are treated to the full Quintessentially British garden party experience, hosts have the opportunity to share a piece of Glenn Hin’s work as an elegant invitation or thank you card featuring a vignette from the one-off design. Available to download from www.beefeatergin.com/24

Created in 2008 by Master Distiller, Desmond Payne, Beefeater 24 is a traditional gin with a modern twist, capturing the essence of contemporary British life and is the perfect accompaniment for the inspired Quintessentially British garden party this summer.

 

 

 

 

One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor

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We think these tequila shot glasses made from Himalayan rock salt are amazing.

tequilashotglass

No need for salt when drinking tequila, each glass is individually carved out of Himalayan rock salt making each one unique. These glasses contain anti-bacterial qualities, so no need to wash, just wipe clean and pop back in the cupboard for next time. How cool and unique.

 

Available now on prezzybox.com

 

‘Gentleman’s Wager… A Bet In Which Nothing Is Wagered’

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With the prospect of an exquisite mixture of two of the finest Hollywood actors and the world’s leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, the elegant Bulgari Hotel & Residences in Knightsbridge played host to an intimate group of VIPs and influencers who attended the UK premier of JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™’s ‘Gentleman’s Wager’ Screening on Tuesday evening before its official launch to the public on 30th July. Laura Bailey, Clara Paget, Camilla Rutherford, Natalie Pinkham, Izzy Lawrence, Natalie Coyle, Sam Hoare, Noelle Reno, Lord Harry Dalmeny, Alistair Guy, Yasmin Mills, Ozwald Boateng, Jemma Powell, Beatrix Ong and Joanne Sykes were among the VIPs who were welcomed with Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Gentleman’s Wager’ cocktails, innovative and refreshing, breaking down the barriers of whisky-drinking to bring it to the forefront of summer consumption. Cute little canapés of saffron aranchini, fresh burrata with black olive condiment, salmon rillettes, dill and capers made the perfect accompaniment alongside the pinnacle offerings from Johnnie Walker.

Before the screening commenced, guests were invited to taste the Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Perfect Serve’… straight, no ice. Relishing the enjoyment of this fine blend, the main event was introduced, the silence only pierced by the Propercorn popcorn served for the screening itself. Created by JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™, the world’s leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ stars Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini and tells the story of a wager between two men which results in a truly rare experience as part of their quest for personal progress. Commenting on his involvement, Law says: “The film is about improvement and progress and this is something I try to do in my work and my everyday life. I had to learn new skills shooting this film that combined with the places we visited and shot in, alongside working with Jake and Giancarlo, (this) made it a truly rare experience.” Such is the game of perception and reality…. CLEMXBLUEKELLY_FR

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Understated charm appeared to be the dress code with VIPs opting for sophistication on a warm summer evening in the heart of SW7.

 

Laura Bailey wore a classic pink Louis Vuitton waistcoat paired with culottes, Clara Paget’s gorgeous summer offering was from the Peter Pilotto collection and newly-engaged classical singing sensation, Natalie Coyle, wore a muted nude dress from ASOS, choosing instead to accentuate her beautiful engagement ring given to her a few weeks ago during a holiday in Santorini by her fiancée Zafar Rushdie (son of Salman). Noelle Reno looked stunning in a red V cut French lace dress by Adriana Minari whilst Ozwald Boateng dictated style with key pieces from his own collection.

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Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is the ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era. Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL. BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate. With just a little hint of ‘The Italian Job’ in the opening sequence of ‘Gentleman’s Wager’, the short film combined inquisitiveness with a smooth solicitous lust for grasping what appears unattainable… epitomising the brand, JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL.

A preview of ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ film can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/johnniewalker

The Bulgari Hotel & Residencies, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1D

Thanks to Harriet at Quintessentially

#GentlemansWager @JohnnieWalker_

Images ©Shane Finn at www.visual-devotion.co.uk

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

The Launch of Finest Fizz Skinny Rose

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This event was one to remember and one that won’t be add the pounds to the waistline! We give you Tribaut ‘Skinny’ Rosé de Reserve Extra Brut from Finest Fizz. This delicious Premier Cru Rose champagne is skinny…Yes we said Skinny, with just 65 calories a glass its spoilt us forever. No other real champagne will top this now. Our taste buds have well and truly been altered. It tasted remarkable and lets just say it was just too good!

We suggest you get some as soon as you can, as this is set to be the best tipple ever created and will become every girls best friend. Oh you boys can have some too, just leave enough for us to enjoy. You boys won’t want it anyway will you….No! Ok well you might but we can ignore that for now. Tempted to keep this a secret and keep it all to ourselves we have been persuaded to let you all know about it… Darn it you sure we can’t just secretly buy the entire lot!

Frost team

Howard and Randi Abernethy are the husband and wife creators of Finest Fizz and they are such a great couple. Howard is so passionate about the creation he just oozes those sumptuous, bubbly and exuberant bubbles himself. We chatted away to him while he topped up our glasses on more than a few occasions. Hey at 65 calories a glass who cares! The best bit….its just £38 a bottle. Thats right you heard me, £38! For an extra £10 you can have it presented in a stunning silk lined, sandalwood box. So decadent and so beautiful it will make the perfect gift for any girl!

Lottie Smith

The secret to this remarkable tipple is that its created with 0% residual sugar, what that basically means is the 3 year process of creating this beautiful, tasty and modish drink isn’t disturbed by added sugars at the end to create the most flavoursome treat, its all done with the ingredients right from the start. We where delighted and as you can see Lottie was rather impressed at the delicate and delicious flavour right from the first sip! No after taste that can ruin a good glass of Champagne. All it leaves you with is the desire to have more, and at just 65 calories a glass a girl can!

 

The Champagne is now only available online but we feel it won’t be long before you see Finest Fizz is a supermarket near you! Keep your eyes peeled for Skinny Rose Champagne!

Finest Fizz

Drink up boys and girls, this is guaranteed to be the biggest thing since Champagne was created. You won’t want to drink anything else we promise you!

Follow them on Twitter @FinestFizz

Order your Finest Fizz over at www.finestfizz.biz

For more fun and fashion from the day visit www.slbstyle.com

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 Review

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Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage (75cl) £13.50

 Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008, port, grahams

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 is a particularly fine port. It is a deep, red colour. It is full and generous with great tastes of black cherries, fruit and kirsch with a chocolate edge. It is dry with a smooth finish and is very drinkable. This was one of our favourite ports that we have tried and we would definitely buy it.

 

Perfect for drinking on a hot summer night. It is richly inky in hue and bursting with fruits of the forest, whilst its time spent in oak barrels gives it its dryness. Enjoy its lingering velvety smooth finish on its own or pair with some hard cheese.

 

Stockist Information:

Available from Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons

 

 

Louis Jadot Poncereau Fleurie 2011 Wine Review

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Louis Jadot Poncereau Fleurie 2011 is a soft and fragrant Gamay. Classic, elegant and succulently fruity. It also has an aroma of floral. It is both mellow and a little racy. 

Louis Jadot Poncereau Fleurie 2011review



It has a silky texture and has wonderful aromas of ripe red fruits. It is good quality and easy to drink. It has an excellent balance of freshness and acidity. 

Drink within five years and enjoy with charcuterie, poultry and cheese.

 

RRP £14.99 from Tesco, NISA, Flagship Wines and Rhyme & Booze.

 

 

 

Adnams Copper House Distilled Gin Review

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Named “Best Gin in the World” at last year’s IWSC awards, add ice, some lime and a good amount of tonic for something quite close to heaven.

adnams Copper House Distilled Gin

From the famed Southwold brewer Adnams. This is a barley spirit with a base of juniper. Incredible, just incredible. More aromatic and fragrant than most gins. You make think that all gin is created equal, drink this to be proven wrong.

Handcrafted and copper stilled using East Anglian malted barley, it has a selection of six botanicals. Distinct with lots of character. It is amazing.

Adnams Copper House Distilled Gin is available here.

Copper House Distilled Gin – 40% abv 750ml. RRP £26.99