RAISE A GLASS

Our pick of must-try spirits and craft beer

beer

Wild Dog IPA

Fauna is a new craft beer brand inspired by, and created for, African wildlife. Founded by Phil F Howard, a former bush ranger in Botswana, each of the London-based company’s brews is dedicated to an endangered species, partnering with three small charities who work round-theclock to protect animals at risk. As well as this hoppy and juicy Wild Dog IPA with flavours of tropical and stone fruit, the range includes a bright and grassy Cheetah lager (4.5% ABV); and Pango Table beer (2.8% ABV). 4.2% ABV, £2.70 (330ml), faunabrewing.com

boxed wine

Laylo Vino Rosso Vulcanico

Online business Laylo is all about sourcing top-notch wines from indie winemakers and boxing them up to keep the carbon footprint to a minimum. We’ve been sipping on its Vino Rosso Vulcanico, made with grapes grown on Mount Etna. This vegan red is on the lighter-bodied side and is fresh with red fruit flavours. The beautifully designed box contains three bottles’ worth of wine and stays fresh for up to six weeks after opening. As a bonus, the price includes next day delivery. 13% ABV, £36.99 (2.25l), drinklaylo.com

whiskey liqueur Sheep Dog peanut butter whiskey liqueur

After US and Australia launches, this sweet-salty drink has just landed in the UK. Softer and sweeter than straight-up whiskey – not to mention with lower ABVS – liqueurs are a great stepping stone into the world of the amber spirit. This number is all buttery and biscuity in its aroma with a peanutbutter-esque edge. Take a sip and you’ll notice its subtle savouriness which is rounded off with whispers of vanilla and butterscotch. Great to drink neat or mix into cocktails. 35% ABV, £22 (70cl), Tesco

gin

Chase raspberry & basil gin

This Herefordshire distillery is known all over the country for its solid collection of gins and vodkas. Its latest release is this deep crimson-coloured gin, infused with raspberry and basil. Take a whiff and you’ll instantly be hit with refreshing scents of juicy red fruit. The flavour – true to the berry – is sweet and tart with a bitter juniper backdrop, and the subtle suggestion of basil rounds things off on a herbaceous, fresh note. Sip neat over a large hunk of ice or mixed with tonic. 40% ABV, £44.99 (70cl), selfridges.com