IS BUCKFAST NOW UPMARKET?

BUCKFAST Tonic Wine has gained a large cult following, and it continues to grow in popularity. It’s not hard to see why. I’d describe the taste as smooth and fruity, but its real strength is in its versatility, which may surprise people.

Traditionally, it’s enjoyed neat, as an aperitif, which is served at room temperature, or chilled – perhaps in a tumbler over ice.

It’s refreshing on its own, or can simply be served with lemonade, ice and a fruit garnish. As a long, cool summer drink, it’s perfect for this time of year.

Buckfast also adds itself extremely well when creating cocktails – for instance there’s the Buckfast version of the classic Negroni cocktail, or the rum-based black tot grog. We have more cocktail recipes at buckfast.com

Such is the versatility of Buckfast, we were proud to partner with Michelin-starred chef Martin Blunos to create some sumptuous dishes.

I recommend the Buckfast beef and onion cobbler, or the chilli con Buckfast.

In the past Buckfast, has come in for some unjustifiable criticism from politicians, and these criticisms have been published without factual information to support the claims. We’ve always said that all brands of alcohol must be consumed responsibly, and that includes Buckfast.

It’s a high quality product, and we want consumers to

enjoy it responsibly. I RUN a speciality wine and beer shop in Glasgow called Marchtown. I should also probably state for the record that we do not stock Buckfast.

I don’t disapprove of the stuff, but it isn’t what I would call “delicious”. Technically, it isn’t even wine. Sure, it pleases the palates of those who enjoy its, erm, medicinal properties, but it is what we might call an acquired taste.

And we all know about the baggage. I certainly wouldn’t want to attract that kind of trouble to my door, but at the same time, one should be cautious of perpetuating the myth that Buckfast is somehow to blame.

There are a number of cider drinks on the market that would fill the void should the venerable abbey call it a day. These have just as much booze, caffeine and sugar, they’re considerably cheaper, and they come in three-litre bottles! Vile stuff.

But the abbey won’t close the doors, as business is booming. This is why I don’t stock it. It’s a mass-market drink, like Tennent’s Lager or Glen’s Vodka, raking in millions upon millions.

And the inevitable attempts to rehabilitate and gentrify the Buckfast brand are under way.

You can demand it chilled, plan cocktail ideas and food matches, and you can be sure every tourist and student buys a bottle ironically.

Despite the reputation for trouble, its financial clout, like it or not, has made it part of our cultural fabric.

But it still isn’t wine.