Cadenhead's Old Raj Dry Gin

The Old Raj Dry Gin is one of the strongest comercial gin. At 55% it is very powerful, yet tasty and drinkable. I made the following cocktail:

• 5cL Old Raj 55%
• 1cL Bénédictine
• 1cL simple syrup
• 2cL lemon juice
• sprig of thyme

In a heat-resistant recipient, put the thyme sprig with Bénédictine and 1 cL Old Raj gin and set it to fire to cook the thyme (don't let the thyme burn). Put this in a cocktail shaker adding the other ingredients and shake. Double strain into an old-fashioned glass over a big ice cube. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

55% ABV.

Sierra Nevada's Kellerweis

"Kellerweis is deeply complex, with flavors reminiscent of ripe banana and spicy clove. This hazy-golden beer glows with suspended yeast creating a velvety texture. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest."

The description is pretty accurate, except the complexity. The taste of banana and spice is present but very subtle.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. website.

Dos Equis Lager Especial

Not better than the Ambar version, which is not great.

4.5% ABV. Read more on Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma website.

Little Valley's Withens IPA

"Withens India Pale Ale (IPA) is a light version of the traditional IPA. Withens is steeped with Cascade hops, which gives the beer a refreshing floral aroma with hints of spice, citrus and orange.
"Withens IPA is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Withens IPA at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Withens IPA is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

3.9% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Žatecký pivovar's Žatec

"Since 1004, the town of Žatec (pronounced jhatets) has been at the centre of cultivation of quality hops – the vital ingredient for beer.
"Žatec hops continue to be used today by many of the world's most popular beers.
"In 2002, the small Žatec brewery in the old castle was regenerated in a quest to produce the best quality beer in the world.
"To this end, Žatec beer is traditionally brewed, using only pure water, Moravian malt and the finest Žatec hops, with no additive or artificial carbonation."

4.6% ABV. Read more on Žatecký pivovar website.

Little Valley's Ginger Pale Ale

"Little Valley's Ginger Pale Ale has exceptional drinkability. Light and fresh with a hint of ginger and citrus, it makes a delicious aperitif or perfectly accompanies any spicy Indian or Chinese meal.
"Ginger Pale Ale is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Ginger Pale Ale at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve, carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Ginger Pale Ale is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

This is not a ginger beer or ginger ale, but a real beer flavoured with ginger. The ginger and citrus taste is very noticeable and it is surprisingly crisp and sour (as opposed to ginger beer/ale).

4.0% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Little Valley's Stoodley Stout

"Stoodley Stout is a Traditional British Stout. The beer is rich and pitch black and contains chocolate malt mixed with oats and wheat. Stoodley Stout has a rich and creamy roasted flavour with aromas of orange, citrus and berry.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

"Stoodley Stout is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Stoodley Stout at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

More typical that the others from the same brand.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Little Valley's Cragg Vale Bitter

"Cragg Vale Bitter is a classic Yorkshire Bitter. The beer is rich and red brown in colour with a full and rounded body. Using Challenger and Goldings hops, Cragg Vale Bitter is crisp and fruity with a spice and grapefruit aroma.
"Cragg Vale Bitter is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Cragg Vale Bitter at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Cragg Vale Bitter is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

Not as enjoyable as the others from the same brand.

4.2% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.