Countdown to World Whisky Day

Yes, it's World Whisky Day on 20th May but this episode isn't completely whisk(e)y flavoured. We're sampling a new non-alc botanical spirit! A brand new gin! A fabulous new bar in Hackney! And a few more bits besides. We kick things off by mixing up a Black Manhattan. No, we hadn't heard of it either but now that we've tried the delicious rye and amaro based cocktail, we're definitely keeping it in our repertoire. It sets us up nicely for our two tastings – the first of which is Botivo, a bitter and herbaceous non-alcoholic aperitif, the second is Renais, a gin distilled in England but inspired by Burgundy. Our bar review sees us heading East to the recently opened, oh-so fabulous Equal Parts in Hackney and as for our library pick, well, that takes us to the US for 'Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey' , Clay Risen's beautiful box set. Then it's time to talk whisky without the 'e', with our very spacial guest, Colin Dunn, Whisky Ambassador at Diageo. Listen in for some fun facts, down-to-earth tips and the most engaging anecdotes from one of our favourite self-confessed whisky geeks of all time. What we're mixing: Black Manhattan 50ml rye whiskey 25ml amaro 1 dash Angostura aromatic biiters 1 dash orange bitters Maraschino cherry to garnish Method: Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled Coupe glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry. For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.com For the products featured in this episode, see websites below: Botivo Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey Colin Dunn Equal Parts Renais The Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' Watson Edited by Christian Fox Coupe glass. Garnish with the Maraschino cherry.