TASTING NOTES
APPLETON’S LUXURY RUM
Jamaican brand Appleton Estate is known for some very fine rums, but its latest trumps the bunch. The notably-dark 30 Year Old is about as expensive a rum as you will find, and as rare – only a few bottles exist. After three decades in tropical barrels, it’s been hand-blended for something very special.£550 at Harrods. www.harrods.com
THE SPIRIT OF SRI LANKA
Ceylon Arrack is a rather rare, handcrafted spirit from Sri Lanka that’s made from the sap of coconut flowers, which are hand collected by chaps who shimmy high up the trees to grab them. The taste is pure, delicate and long, and it’s newly available in the UK. £27.50 at Harvey Nichols. www.ceylonarrack.com
BLENDED WHISKY’S TOP TRUMP
Johnnie Walker’s Blue Label range has ruled the blended whisky roost forever and a day, and it now has a new release that’s the pick of the bunch. Simply called The John Walker, it sits in a Baccarat crystal decanter, which comes in a hand-crafted case of Chinese pine – and tastes, we’re told, sensational. £2,000 from Harrods. www.harrods.com