The Cocktail Nation

02/11/2020

The chance that you've heard from Label 5 is quite big, it's among the top 10 of best selling Scotch whisky in the world! The funny part is that it is Scottish made, but owned by the French (La Martiniquaise Company). So if you'd think that the French only drink Cognac and Calvados you're only half right. In 1969 whisky had a huge commercial boom and… [ 355 more words ]

The chance that you’ve heard from Label 5 is quite big, it’s among the top 10 of best selling Scotch whisky in the world! The funny part is that it is Scottish made, but owned by the Fr…

29/10/2020

Unicorn Purity! Fettercairn is a small, quiet town or village rather, as Queen Victoria used to describe it, in Eastern Schotland (Aberdeenshire). It roughly translates as "at the foot of the hill". One day, things became exceptionally dreary and boring at Balmoral Castle and Queen V decided to go to a local pub, incognito, accompanied by just a few people. This pub happened to be the ' [ 676 more words ]

Unicorn Purity! Fettercairn is a small, quiet town or village rather, as Queen Victoria used to describe it, in Eastern Schotland (Aberdeenshire). It roughly translates as “at the foot of the…

22/10/2020

A River Runs Through It Last month Macallan revealed its latest and final number in their Edition series, N°6. The Edition series is a rather unique set of whiskies, because at the same time they showcase and celebrate everything that constitutes Macallan Whisky. The 6th Edition celebrates the fast flowing river that runs through the estate of the Macallan distillery: the river Spey. [ 397 more words ]

A River Runs Through It Last month Macallan revealed its latest and final number in their Edition series, N°6. The Edition series is a rather unique set of whiskies, because at the same time they s…

14/08/2020

"Pugnatus sum avec kumquat" - Eddie Izzard If you don't understand the subtitle or you don't know who Mr. Izzard is, you're missing out on a whole lot of fun! If you don't know what Fortunella is, have no fear I will explain it to you. If you're in a hurry, just remember these three things: 1) it's Belgian (from Ghent), 2) it has kumquat in it and 3) it's delicious! [ 218 more words ]

“Pugnatus sum avec kumquat” – Eddie Izzard If you don’t understand the subtitle or you don’t know who Mr. Izzard is, you’re missing out on a whole lot of fun! If…

06/08/2020

No Booze, All Bliss! Today in the arcane world of drinking there are two rising trends (until covid smashed everything): 1) aperitivo and 2) non-alcoholic spirits. Aperitivo Aperitif in Belgium until recently didn't really exist as a thing on its own. Aperitif was just waiting until dinner was ready, it wasn't really special, just drinking before dining. In Italy however, aperitivo is sacred. [ 484 more words ]

No Booze, All Bliss! Today in the arcane world of drinking there are two rising trends (until covid smashed everything): 1) aperitivo and 2) non-alcoholic spirits. Aperitivo Aperitif in Belgium unt…

23/07/2020

Spiced rum is on the rise, slowly but steadily over the last couple of years. And that's wonderful, because it's really a category in itself, a playground without rules. And there's a new kid on the playground...or well, it looks a lot like that older kid we knew, but this time with a new jacket and a bit of a makeover: Bacardi Spiced. [ 865 more words ]

Spiced rum is on the rise, slowly but steadily over the last couple of years. And that’s wonderful, because it’s really a category in itself, a playground without rules. And there& #8217…

26/04/2020

A unique, atypical and cosy 18th Century Speakeasy hidden in the centre of a small industrial city If there's one thing that would summarize the Ravazjol, then it's the fact that it doesn't really fit into any category of cocktailbar you've seen before. "The Ravazjol is the Ravazjol," is the answer you get from locals when you ask what kind of place it is. [ 695 more words ]

A unique, atypical and cosy 18th Century Speakeasy hidden in the centre of a small industrial city If there’s one thing that would summarize the Ravazjol, then it’s the fact that it doe…

05/12/2019

On The Wall the Night's Watch stays vigilant and today we discuss some of their daily rations: Oban Bay Special Reserve, the Night's Watch Edition of the Game Of Thrones Single Malt Series. I don't have to explain Game Of Thrones or even the Night's Watch, by now that's common knowledge. The Watch has always been one of the most intriguing aspects of the entire GoT world to me. [ 791 more words ]

On The Wall the Night’s Watch stays vigilant and today we discuss some of their daily rations: Oban Bay Special Reserve, the Night’s Watch Edition of the Game Of Thrones Single Malt Ser…

19/09/2019

Yes, The Dublin Phoenix has a new batch of their Single Pot Still and yes, it's different! Also this VIP Masterclass presented by none other than Alex Chasko the Master Distiller himself and hosted by the Nectar in their more than amazing spirits shop, let us taste their Poteen, Teeling 24 "the famous 24" and the Teeling 30 year old. Read on below and learn more about your Irish Whiskeys. [ 642 more words ]

Yes, The Dublin Phoenix has a new batch of their Single Pot Still and yes, it’s different! Also this VIP Masterclass presented by none other than Alex Chasko the Master Distiller himself and …

12/09/2019

Ever wondered what the difference is between batch #2, batch #3 en unreleased batch #4 of Teeling Irish Whiskey Single Pot Still? Find out soon on our blog! Also including Teeling 24, Teeling 30 and Poteen (Potje voor de vrienden).

10/09/2019

Port Askaig is the name of a very small harbor on the isle of Islay, but it's also the name of a single malt and quite a mysterious one so it seems. We were happy to receive five bottles of Port Askaig ranging from 'smoke bombs' to 'so balanced it can do yoga on its own'. Find out more below. [ 648 more words ]

Port Askaig is the name of a very small harbor on the isle of Islay, but it’s also the name of a single malt and quite a mysterious one so it seems. We were happy to receive five bottles of P…