The sun is shining and barbecue season is calling, so here are some of the best locally-produced tipples to enjoy…
Chapel Down’s Curious Brew
Now available in a can for ultimate barbecue ease, Chapel Down’s popular Curious Brew lager is well worth sipping on this weekend. Re-fermented with the yeast from sparkling wine, it’s a light, fruity beer perfect for the warmer weather.
24 cans/bottles, £40 www.chapeldown.com
Ableforth’s Summer Fruit Cup
Forget Pimm’s, this locally created concoction is all you need to enjoy a fruity drink in the sun. This spirit is made with fruit, gin, fine wines, herbs and all sorts of other exciting flavours, and can be served in a number of ways – try with lemonade, cucumber, strawberries, orange mint and ice – or spice things up by mixing throwing some ginger beer into the mix.
£27.95 www.masterofmalt.com
Greensand Ridge’s London Dry Gin
Distilled locally in Shipbourne and containing 15 botanicals including Kentish cobnuts, this delicious gin is aromatic, citrusy and the perfect tipple to sip on in the garden on a summer’s day. Savour the flavour and serve without any fruit garnishes to really enjoy a taste of Kent in your glass.
£35.50 www.greensanddistillery.com
Hush Heath Nannette’s Rose
Rosé is a summer drink staple, but finding a good, dry, fruity offering can sometimes be a struggle. Not with local vineyard Hush Heath’s Nannette’s Rose though – this pale pink wine has strawberries on the nose and tastes vibrant and fruity – perfect for quaffing on its own, or enjoy with seafood, salads or at a barbecue.
£16.50 www.hushheath.com
Turners Elderflower Cider
This refreshing, award-winning cider is something a little bit different from Marden-based Turners. Made with naturally-sweetened elderflower syrup, it’s fruity, floral and a great way to welcome the warmer weather.
£3.50 www.turnerscider.co.uk
Biddenden’s Ortega 2015
If you’re looking for a crisp, dry and refreshing white wine then Biddenden’s Ortega fits the bill. With aromas of apple and cut grass, this is like summer in a glassor, you know, bottle if you fancy more than the one!
£12.20 www.biddendenvineyards.com
The Mount Vineyard’s Sparkling White 2013
Forget Prosecco and indulge in this fizz from the Mount Vineyard instead. This complex dry sparkling wine is made from Seyval, Phoenix and Pinot Noir grapes and has fresh citrus aromas and a creamy finish. Ideal for drinking on any occasionbut especially summer weekends, of course!
