Six to try: delicious spirits by winemakers

1 Cardrona The Reid Single Malt Vodka, New Zealand

£48.99-£55/70cl

Distillers Direct, Hedonism, House of Malt,

Master of Malt, Robbie’s, The Whisky World, Waitrose Cellar

Cardrona Distillery’s malted barley spirit has rich aromas of toasted nut, baked banana, tropical fruit salad and pear drops, and a fruity palate with a distilled malt note on the finish. See also Cardrona’s gin (aged in barrels previously used for Felton Road’s Pinot Noir) and whisky. Alc 44%

2 Chapel Down Chardonnay Vodka, England

£29.45-£36.99/70cl

Chapel Down, Grape Britannia, Majestic, Master of Malt, The Drink Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Waitrose Cellar Chapel Down winemaker Josh Donaghay-Spire triple-distils this from the estate’s own Chardonnay grapes and English wheat spirit. Green grape and peach; delicate, smooth, with a velvety mouthfeel. Sip neat or enjoy in a very dry Martini. Alc 40%

3 Mirabeau Rosé Gin, France

£34.95-£39.95/70cl

Distillers Direct, Master of Malt, ND John, Slurp, The Bottle Club, The Whisky Exchange, Waitrose

Aromas of Provence – lavender, white pepper, sun-baked thyme – meet rose petals and a juniper backbone. A natural extension of Mirabeau’s popular rosé wine range. Alc 43%

4 Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Australia

£35-£44.95/70cl

Distillers Direct, Hard to Find Whisky, House of Malt, Majestic, Master of Malt, Saxtys, The Gin Box Shop, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Tipples of Manchester, Waitrose

One of the founders of this Aussie gin brand is an ex-winemaker. A drier, punchier take on sloe gin using Shiraz grapes. Medicinal mint and chocolate chip nose, with a mulled wine palate of winter spice, blackcurrant and orange peel. 37.8%

Alc 5 The Story Gin, Australia

£41.99-£46.80/70cl

Chester Beer & Wine, Pull the Cork,

Simply Wines Direct, South Downs Cellars, The Oxford Wine Co

An aromatic spirit by Melbourne winemaker Rory Lane with a real sense of place. Only-in- Oz botanicals translate to Thai basil, green pepper and lemongrass aromas – and a distinctly herbal palate. Clean, fresh, bright; a drink for sunny days. Alc 42%

6 AA Badenhorst The 4th Rabbit Karoo Agave Spirit, South Africa

£47.25-£55/50cl

Butlers Wine Cellar, Hedonism, Museum Wines,

Swig, The Whisky Exchange

Adi Badenhorst’s mezcal-style spirit has aromas of charred padrón pepper, barbecued pineapple, eau de vie and lingering smoke. The palate is lightly smoky, smooth and honeyed. Alc 43%