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Recommendations Spring/Summer 2005

for mixing, cocktails... but best just on its own...

A distinctive, golden, aromatic rum, 46%, one of W.M. Cadenhead's Green label Rums. A Caribbean summer drink – even if we do not get the weather. Those who put a premium on uniqueness should consider CADENHEAD'S ORIGINAL GREEN LABEL RUMS. Made by the Scottish firm of William Cadenhead Ltd., the world's pre-eminent independent bottler of single cask Caribbean rums, the Green Label Collection features rums from select barrels made by smaller, quality distillers in Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados and Guyana. When a cask is emptied, that individual rum is simply no longer available. No two barrels of rum age exactly alike, even when they're resting next to each other in the Campbeltown warehouses. These 92 proof bottlings are like slices of life never to be repeated.

From its home in Campbeltown, Springbank is the only distillery in Scotland to carry out the entire production process, from traditional floor malting to bottling, on site. Whilst bourbon casks are mainly used for maturation, allowing the distillery character to shine through, a number of sherry casks are also used for added body. The light colour of this malt belies the richness of its character. Whilst the nose suggests a wide range of aromas, from citrus fruits to pears and a hint of peat, the palate excites even further with touches of smoke, vanilla essence, nutmeg, cinnamon and the salty tang we have come to expect from Springbank. Complexity is the key word yet it remains perfectly balanced from first sip to the full, rich finish.

Rosés for summer drinking

Guerrieri Rizzardi - Bardolino D.O.C. Classico Chiaretto

The chiaretto is a glorious rosè whose colour varies through shades of cherry, pink and copper. The wine is obtained from white wine fermentation of the must of red Bardolino grapes producing delicate floral flavours and aromas. It is usually drunk at a temperature of from 10°C to 12°C and is an ideal accompaniment to light summer dishes. It may also be taken as an aperitif.

Delheim PINOTAGE ROSÉ 2003

A delicious dry, fruity rosè full of flavour, drink chilled with a wide range of foods – or just a glass or two in the sun. TASTING COMMENTS: Intense cape-ruby red colour. Concentrated strawberry flavours with floral tones on the nose. Wine is crisp with a refreshing finish. The first impression of fruit on the nose is also prominent on the palate. A very charming, versatile wine and part of Delheim's award winning range since 1976.

Cider

The Guernsey Cider Company

Roquette 6% Cider – as might be expected from the Channel Islands, a cross between the creamy, fresh apple taste of Normandy cider and the traditional, robust British brew. Sold in packs of 12, it is the ideal refreshing daytime drink or meal accompaniment.