Best spirits for cocktails are often discovered behind the bar. As people start stocking up their home bars, we asked a collection of London’s leading bartenders which bottles have caught their attention and why.
GIULIO GUARANI – DIRECTOR OF BARS – 1 HOTELS
I recently tried SIR DAVIS, it really caught my attention and jumped into my likes of the year. It’s not your classic Rye style and some people won’t like it for that reason but I find it expresses really well in cocktails with peach and creamy notes and make it a great introduction to the Rye Whiskey category.
About Sir Davis: Sir Davis Whiskey is a luxury American whisky brand launched in 2024 by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy, blending rye and malted barley with Scottish and Japanese influences, finished in sherry casks, and crafted in Texas to honour her great-grandfather’s moonshining legacy
GIOVANNI SPEZZIGA – GENERAL MANAGER – CORAL ROOM
The liquid that has impressed me most over the last couple of years is Amaro Santoni. It’s a beautiful Italian bittersweet aperetivo, beautifully complex on the palate with a great finish light citrus notes and perfect for a lighter twist on your classic Negroni.
About Amaro Santoni: A Florentine aperitivo crafted from 34 botanicals including rhubarb root, iris flower, olive leaf, and citrus, offering a fragrant, bittersweet liqueur at 16% ABV
SARA CASSANO – ASSISTANT HEAD BARTENDER – ARTESIAN
A brand that surprised me quite a lot this year was Laphroaig 18-year-old. The flavours absolutely blew me away, it was unbelievable. A combination of lovely fruity flavours with smooth, smoky notes. I would drink this straight up or as an Old Fashioned to let the amazing flavours of the Whiskey shine through. The palate is surprisingly refreshing with notes of cinnamon and mint with a long finish.
CARLOS LONDONO – BAR OWNER – CAFE PACIFICO
I have to be a bit cheeky and mention my own tequila brand that I launched this year, El Pandillo. Named after the distillery it’s produced in, the distillery’s owner, Felipe Camarena, is a close friend and widely known as one of the best producers in the business. We were blessed to create a blend that satisfies the agave beginner or aficionado as the flavour profile builds from mineral, pepper and grassy notes at the beginning into creamier velvety notes at the finish. You can enjoy this straight up or in our house margarita at Cafe Pacifico in Covent Garden.
MASSIMO GOLFETTO – BAR MANAGER – GAMBIT BAR
I would choose Karminia Karato. This is a brand new release from the family of Karminia Vermouths, you get flavours of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, citrus and a touch of smoke. It is perfect for a Mexican Manhattan which is growing in popularity. My recipe is 50ml Amores Verde Mezcal, 25ml Karminia Karato, 1 drop of grapefruit bitter.
MINAS KOTOULAS – HEAD OF BARS – WOLSELEY GROUP
Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Cask Strength really caught my eye because it’s a bold statement from Islay’s newest distillery. Ardnahoe only opened in 2019, yet this release shows confidence and character. Bottled at cask strength, it offers a taste of Islay, peat smoke, gentle sweetness, and that distinctive coastal influence. It’s full of personality, and the higher ABV gives it extra punch for those who love big flavours. For me, Ardnahoe is one to watch and if this is what they can achieve in just a few years, I can’t wait to see what their future expressions will bring. I would just drink it neat or with a splash of water.
