Bonnie Hill – Ferrand Double Cask
Sometimes I do get ideas while browsing the internet. In this case, I discovered a new banana liqueur which spiked my interest. So, I combined it with some cognac for an Old-Fashioned variation.
Liqueur
Tab Dancer – Engel Juniper Uno Gin
At the end of June 2026, I visited my friend Manuel at his summer party, where he let me try his new gin. The Juniper Uno is made using only foraged Italian juniper. Obviously, I had to try the gin alongside another new eau de vie in a White Negroni variation.
Secret Meeting – Vallein Tercinier V.S.O.P
The Vallein Tercinier V.S.O.P cognac has recently been given a new design. Fortunately, Kirsch Whisky was kind enough to send me a bottle to sample. I opted for a Cognac Summit variation, which turned out to be the perfect choice for such hot days.
Hijo del Mar – Casa Eva Aperitiu
I guess it comes with the job, that when you have a reputation for creating great spirits, people request certain things. In this case, bars and restaurants on Mallorca asked Casa Eva for an aperitif liqueur. So they obliged.
Hazy Image – Farthofer Emmer Whisky
It has been a long time since I featured Farthofer Whisky on my blog. Yet, way back when I did enjoy them very much. Now I am happy to feature another bottle here. Additionally, I also managed to remix the winning cocktail of the ‘Whisky category’ from the “Made in GSA” cocktail competition.
Ode to New York – Ode Bright Lemon
I first noticed the Ode Aperitifs a while back thanks to their iconic design. However, it was not until the Haut Les Vins Signature Wine Show in 2026 that I tried the aperitifs. From the moment I tasted them, I knew I had to feature both in combination with different recipes.
Aquavit Cocktails – Wild Wood
I basically, kept some elements of the modern classic Norwegian Wood cocktail from Jeffrey Morgenthaler, but twisted them slightly. Obviously, the resulting drink tastes quite different from the original.
The Bell – Fortaleza Still Strength Tequila
It is not so easy to find a good high-quality tequila here in Germany. Luckily, I got my hands on a bottle of Fortaleza Still Strength Tequila. This also seemed like the perfect base spirit for a White Agavoni recipe I had written down a long time ago.
Kind of Anesthetic – Engel Szechuan Pepper
We stay a little while longer with the rather interesting Szechuan eau de vie from Manuel Engel. I knew instantly that I had to create a Penicillin variation using it. Then I heard the Villagers’ song ‘Fool’ with the line ‘[…] kind of anaesthetic for the journey’ and I instantly knew how to call the […]
Vallecito – Del Maguey Vida Puebla
Since a few years there is another Vida bottling from Del Maguey. I had to chance to compare both neat and in cocktails. Apart from that, I came up with a spiced Margarita variation using Piment d’Espelette liqueur.