The Cocktail Bar
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2018 Bordeaux: How weather from ‘hell and paradise’ has produced Claret that's truly exceptional
Winter snowfall, springtime mildew, hail and the hottest, driest summer in generations have conspired to make 2018 Bordeaux something you must absolutely snap up, explains Harry Eyres.
By Harry Eyres Published
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The Oxford don who turned his hand to making English rum: ‘It’s like drinking liquid Christmas pudding’
Ten years ago an Oxbridge scientist turned his considerable brainpower to distilling proper Caribbean rum in the heart of Cambridgeshire. Emma Hughes tells his story.
By Emma Hughes Published
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Is English whisky becoming a worthy opponent for its Scottish rival?
We’ve all heard the hype about English gin and sparkling wine, but those with an eye on the future should look to whisky, says Rupert Ponsonby.
By Country Life Published
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The extraordinary rise of single malt Scotch whisky – and how 2018's £1m bottle will likely be be the first of many
Whisky prices have gone through the roof of late, with 2018 seeing a 40% rise – but is it a bubble or the genuine emergence of a new collectible asset?
By Toby Keel Published
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10 glorious vineyards for sale across the world
Leaving the job behind and taking on a vineyard needn't just be a pipe dream – there are vineyards for sale across Europe, many at very reasonable prices and with beautiful properties attached. Laura Seal of Decanter picks out some likely-looking places.
By Country Life Published
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Curious Questions: Why is New Year called 'Hogmanay' in Scotland?
For as long as anyone can remember, New Year – Hogmanay – has been a bigger deal to those living north of Anglo-Scottish border. Jason Goodwin explains why, and takes a look at the curious origins of this name.
By Jason Goodwin Published
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Wokefield Estate Mansion House review: A weekend break with a gin-loving twist
The grand Mansion House on the Wokefield Estate is within easy reach of London – and also Bombay Sapphire's distillery at Laverstoke Mill, a fact which has inspired a gin-themed weekend.
By Toby Keel Published
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The Coral Room review: A touch of the Twenties in the heart of Bloomsbury
The recently-refurbished bar at The Bloomsbury has added a touch of glamour to an area once full of chains and tourist traps. Rosie Paterson paid a visit.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Carla Carlisle: The end of the world may be nigh, but it won't be permanent. Now pass the wine.
Our columnist takes aim at everything from Remainers and Leavers to Donald Trump and the weather – and ends up remembering that the world has ground to a halt many times before, only to keep on going.
By Country Life Published
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Curious Questions: What is the perfect hangover cure?
If there's a definite answer, it's time we knew. Martin Fone, author of 'Fifty Curious Questions', investigates.
By Martin Fone Published
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Best Claret under £20: Six fine wines from Bordeaux that won't break le banque
Bordeaux from the world's most famous wine makers can cost a fortune, but you can buy magnificent wine at a fraction of the price from lesser-known neighbouring vineyards. Harry Eyres picks out six favourites under £20.
By Country Life Published
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The Maltster: How an art that's thousands of years old is once again gaining recognition
There are only a handful of people left in Britain who still extract malt from Barley using the 'floor-made' method – and today, people are beginning to value their efforts more than ever. Tessa Waugh explains.
By Country Life Published
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Why Châteauneuf-du-Pape's latest vintage is 'a great year' – and four sublime wines to buy
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most famous of French wines – yet also the most misunderstood. Harry Eyres explains more – and celebrates its latest superb vintage.
By Country Life Published
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Living with plastic | Part 6: Keeping a balanced diet of cheese, vegetables... and tequila
Every year, Country Life's Rosie Paterson gives up something for Lent – this year, it's plastics. Over a month in and she discovers that even alcohol can cause plastic-related grief.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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The new whisky distillery in one of North Wales's most beautiful spots
What better day than St David's Day to take a look at Wales's newest whisky distillery – the first in the north of the country for a century.
By Toby Keel Published
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Pol Roger unearth ancient bottles of champagne during building excavation
Champagne house Pol Roger have unearthed an extraordinary treasure while laying the foundations for a new building: 20 bottles of their finest bubbly dating back to the 19th century. Laura Seal of Decanter reports.
By Country Life Published
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Best bottles of whisky for any budget to bring in the New Year in style
Don't toast 2018 with something substandard - we've got expert tips on the best whisky to see off the old and bring in the new.
By Toby Keel Published
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Seven stupendous wine cellars which go light years beyond dusty old storage
Wine cellars were once forgotten, cobweb-ridden holes. Now they're becoming a real feature of many modern homes, as Amelia Thorpe explains.
By Country Life Published
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Five things you probably never knew about gin, in honour of 'International Gin and Tonic Day'
Yes, it's one of those silly theme days again. But who's going to complain when it gives us all a chance to talk about gin?
By Country Life Published
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Differentiating between Gin cocktails
Mrs Danvers tackles housekeeping questions
By Country Life Published
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Wine and superyachts: When two rather lovely worlds collide
Jane Anson of Decanter is fresh off the superyachts of France's Côte d'Azur with tales of the tastes of today's luxury boat owners and how staff scour Europe for rare bottles.
By Country Life Published