High Spirits
A month’s worth of comings and goings in the world of The Whisky Exchange
Where to begin? I suppose the biggest news for us this month is the grand opening of our brand new, bricks and mortar store in London’s Fitzrovia region. Expect the same floor-to-ceiling selection of whiskies and other world spirits, with an added emphasis on some truly spectacular French cognacs and armagnacs. Elsewhere, we bear witness to the rebirth of one of Turin’s oldest family-run vermouth brands, which has recently restarted production using its original 1876 recipes, just in time for this summer’s vermouth renaissance. We couldn’t be happier!
Who we’re visiting: The Whisky Exchange, Fitzrovia
Ok, so we’re a little biased about this month’s destination, but we’ve opened a brand spanking new Whisky Exchange in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia district and we’re all rather excited. It’s a little bigger than our other shop in Covent Garden and is quite the treasure trove of spirits, wines and beers. There are jeroboams of spirits for a personalised ‘fill your bottle’ service and the shop has an unrivalled selection of armagnacs and cognacs selected by our superstar buyer Dawn Davies MW. And of course there’s whisky. Lots and lots of whisky. Come see for yourself.
The Whisky Exchange, 90-92 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7NT
Open seven days a week: Mon-Tue: 10.30am – 7pm, Wed- Fri: 10.30am – 8pm, Sat: 10.00am – 8pm & Sun: 12.00pm – 6pm
What we’re Dramming: Compass Box Delilah’s XXV Blended Scotch Whisky
Delilah’s bar in Chicago is a must for any travelling whisky lover – they’re serious about their whisky. They’re also serious about their entertainment. You never know what you might get until you get there. This special edition of Compass Box celebrates the Chicago bar’s 25th year. Owner Mike Miller has worked with Compass Box’s John Glaser to create a suitable follow-up to their 20th birthday bottle. This takes some of that original edition, further aged, and combines it with a variety of other whiskies, including lots of sherry-matured spirit. Weighing in at a respectable 46% ABV, the result is a creamy and fruity dram with a backbone of dried fruit and spices.
£110 – thewhiskyexchange.com
What we’re Drinking: Chazalettes Vermouth
This is officially the summer of vermouth so it’s time to discover more about this aromatised wine. Chazalettes was a huge player in the vermouth industry in the Savoy region but ceased production in the 1970s. Now, with a helping hand from the Bava winery in Piedmont, Chazalettes Vermouth di Torino is revived. The Chazalettes and Bava families are bringing back one of the oldest producers in Italy, bearing the Royal House of Savoia’s seal, granted by Queen Margherita in 1907. With vermouth sales quickly rising as people turn to lower ABV, summer-friendly options, it’s high-time you rediscovered Queen Margherita’s favorite vermouth. Available in rosso, bianco, and extra dry expressions.
£22.75 – thewhiskyexchange.com
What we’re Mixing: Lion of Soho
The inevitable has happened: We’ve started to look for something other than tonic for our gin. It was always going to happen, and whilst the good old gin and tonic will always be a part of our lives, it’s time to move on to something a little more sophisticated.
This deliciously refreshing little pick-me-up keeps it simple with some fresh juice and sugar syrup.
Ingredients
50ml King of Soho Gin
15ml Sugar Syrup
25ml Lemon Juice
15ml Fresh Grapefruit Juice
3 Basil Leaves
Method
Shake well with ice before fine straining into a tumbler filled with cubed ice. Add an optional pinch of pink Himalayan salt. Garnish with 3 basil leaves and a slice of grapefruit.
Who we’re Following: @thecocktaillovers
Cocktail-loving duo Gary and Sandrae are The Cocktail Lovers. Give them a follow to catch a glimpse of the latest and greatest that the cocktail world has to offer. From masterful mixes to the most fabulous garnishes, the @thecocktaillovers capture cocktails that look so good you’ll want to reach right out and taste them for yourself. While you’re at it, you could even subscribe to their neat little quarterly magazine.
Words by Liz Lock
Image Credits by The Whisky Exchange
