RAISE A GLASS

Our pick of must-try spirits and craft beer

rum

Discarded banana peel rum

This innovative distillery is all about turning the drinks industry’s trash into bottled treasure. For example, rum that’s used to season whisky casks is often thrown away after use. Discarded takes this rum and blends it with an unlikely partner: banana peel extract. It’s smooth and tastes like liquid Jamaican ginger cake. Enjoy as is, or use to make a banana-flavoured mule – a classic rum and ginger beer combo. 21% ABV, £30 (70cl), clinkspirit.com

craft spirit

Damson negroni

This three-star Great Taste Award-winning damson negroni balances sweet and bitter flavours perfectly, with a long, lingering finish. Made using a blend of vermouths, Wye Valley damson-infused gin and Campari, this bottle makes a wonderful gift. Simply serve over ice with a slice of orange. 30% ABV, £28 (50cl), silvercircledistillery.com

gin

Butter gin

This spirit takes inspiration from Dickensian descriptions of by-gone gins. Believe it or not, redistilling gin with blocks of salted butter creates a touch of popcorn-like sweet-and-salty flavour and a fuller mouthfeel. The creamy texture shines in martinis or in other spirit-forward cocktails that let gin take centre stage. 42% ABV, £30 (70cl), portobelloroadgin.com

whisky Stauning El Clásico

If you’re a fan of cocktails such as the manhattan, then you’ll enjoy sipping on this unique Danish whisky gem. Peppery rye whisky is aged in sweet and herbaceous Spanish vermouth casks – it’s an unusual match, but works very nicely. A balance of bittersweet botanicals and spicy rye, this warming whisky is one for fans looking to be surprised by something different. 45.7% ABV, £59.95 (70cl), masterofmalt.com