Virgin Atlantic Retail Therapy

ALCOHOL

A NEAT SPIRIT

Your guide

Three delicious drams from the Masters of Malt worth raising a glass to… Talisker 10YO single malt (p95) Aged in American casks on the Isle of Skye, this smokey spirit has a coastal kick.

to tequila

With a history stretching back to the Aztecs, here’s what you need to know about the Mexican spirit.

KEEP IT REAL To ensure your tequila is authentic, you have to follow the rules. Rule 1. it must be distilled from blue Agave or Agave Azul. Rule 2. it can only be produced in five areas of Mexico – Jalisco, Guanajuanto, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Nayarit. Rule 3. the ABV must be between 35 per cent and 55 per cent Pantalones Tequila Blanco (p97) is a great example. tequila, followed by a sucked wedge of lime. Repeat until the room spins. No thank you. To fully appreciate this complex spirit, it should be sipped and savoured slowly. The flavour is subtle, complex and best served at room temperature. SIP, DON’T SLAM A lick of salt, a shot of

KNOWWHAT YOU’RE DRINKING There are five types of tequila.

lightly dipped in sea salt, add ice and serve either ‘straight up’ or on the rocks, depending on your preference. FOR AN AGAVE TWIST, TRY A MEZCAL Although all tequilas are mezcals, not all mezcals are tequila. UK cocktail company Tom Savano knows the difference and we heartily recommend their Spicy Mezcal Margarita (p97) . A blend of Oaxacan

1. Blanco retains its natural colour and has been aged for less than two months. 2. Joven is a blend of unaged and aged Tequila. 3. Reposado tequila must be aged for at least two months and has a golden colour. 4. Añejo has been aged for at least a year. 5. Extra añejo must be at least three years old. MIX LIKE A PRO To make the perfect classic Margarita, remember the ratio 3:2:1 – three parts tequila, two parts triple sec (an orange liqueur such as Cointreau) and one part fresh lime juice. Add to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice and shake. Take a cold tumbler with the rim

Johnnie Walker Double Black (p94) An intense, bold blend, Double Black is matured in charred oak giving it a rich, malty flavour.

mezcal, Scotch Bonnet chillies, lime, agave and bitters, it delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweet.

Jack Daniel’s (p95) An American icon, JD’s signature Tennessee whiskey is smooth and sweet with a fruity aroma.

Gin city Edinburgh Gin is distilled in the Scottish capital, but enjoyed the world over

Scottish whisky-loving traditionalists look away

the Classic London Dry gin, the range has been expanded to include other London Drys, liqueurs, and flavoured gins including the refreshing Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger, which is ideal for the summer. Slàinte! (p91)

now. Since 2010 Edinburgh Gin has been quietly distilling their multi award-winning spirit in the city centre, and this year production moved to a new showpiece distillery. Having started out with just

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