Liquors & Lace  Musings on fine wine & spirits.  Little notes on beautiful things.  Stylish picks and high-fashion loves.

Blog for Imbibe: The Soho Whisky Club

“This is where I lure unsuspecting young women, up to my dungeon with whips and chains and things” deadpans Keith, The Vintage House’s resident spirits nut, as he leads us above the malt whisky shop for a sneaky peek at The Soho Whisky Club, a newly opened private members’ club in the heart of London…”

If I’m going to be drinking whisky, I’d better be drinking it in a place where my parents know I’m safe - at least this is Keith’s logic for why my parents should buy me a membership to The Soho Whisky Club. In the likely event that my parents do not wish to fund my whisky habit, I will be appealing for donations towards the membership fee. Paypal accepted.

What’s all the fuss about? Stagger over to Imbibe and read on.

Blog for Imbibe:  Local Food, Local Wine

“The Italians do it best. Or at least in terms of regional food and wine, they’re certainly hot property at the moment. London restaurants Bocca di Lupo and the Polpo clan are bright and buzzing Italian offerings in a sea of drab pizzeria chains, serving up small plates ranging from crostino to fritto misto and battuto from their respective Italian regions. Yet where it gets really exciting is when these flavour-packed dishes are paired with wines from their local area, exacting a beautiful harmony between the flavours, textures and aromas…”

My second blog post for Imbibe is now live. Grab yourself a nice glass (or bottle) of something and have a read.

Blog for Imbibe:  Winter Warmers

“Brr!  It’s chilly outside!  So it’s a darned good thing that seasonal, sweetly-spiced tipples are creeping onto back bars and retailers’ shelves.  They’re drinks that hug you like a big woolly jumper and are all about comfort and enjoyment, warding off Jack Frost before he has time to nip at your nose…”

I was recently asked to contribute to Imbibe’s website as a blogger and the above is an extract from my first post, which went online at the beginning of the week.  To read my ‘Winter Warmers’ piece in full, head over to Imbibe.com.

Wine & Spirit Notes:  Tastings Galore

Shiny Riedel glasses.  Open bottles lined up, labels stained with violet to burgundy streaks.  A low murmur of thoughtful chatter.

Over the past few months I have migrated from Leeds to London, taking up an Assistant Sommelier position and immersing myself fully within the wine industry.  One thing that Leeds always seemed to lack but London is certainly not short of, is wine tastings.  They have been frequent since I moved here, ranging in quality and excitement.  The Natural Wine Fair had even the most seasoned industry professionals intrigued while there were such gems to be found at the Big Fortified Tasting, once again proving that sherry needn’t be slapped with the “old ladies drink” label.

Seeing as Liquors & Lace has been somewhat neglected in my transition period, I will be digging out my tasting notes from the various events I’ve attended, posting the pick of the bunch on here.

And so, one to get the ball rolling…

Chateau Cambon, Beaujolais 2009:  Fresh redcurrant nose overlaid with some pungent, dried berry notes, slightly smoky, charred and gamey.  Raspberries and cranberries on the palate carry through freshness from the nose, with tart acidity adding to its charm.  Light and juicy with lovely, subtle flavours on the length.  Biodynamic and using wild yeasts, it’s not a commercial style of Beaujolais, with much more rusticity than you’d expect, but a thrilling little drop if you look beyond appellation typicity.

From a Beaujolais Masterclass, hosted by Master Sommelier, Gearoid Devaney, for Imbibe.

(Photo taken with iPhone & instagram)