Celebrate Christmas the Hampshire Way With Candover Brook & ChalkStream®

This Christmas, two leading Hampshire producers are inviting us to look beyond Champagne and smoked salmon, and choose something closer to home, namely delicious trout and English Sparkling Wine.

Candover Brook, the award-winning English Sparkling Wine, and ChalkStream®, suppliers of the region's finest trout, are joining forces to set a new festive tradition. 

It's an invitation to celebrate with flavour, provenance and purpose. Sustainability never tasted so good.

Together, they've created the brand-new Candover Brook & ChalkStream® Canapé Box, a ready-to-enjoy set of festive essentials, designed for effortless entertaining or thoughtful gifting.

The Canapé Box includes:

ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout 200g

ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout Paté 150g

Trout Caviar 50g

Pack of 16 blinis

Tracklements Dill & Mustard Sauce 140g

1 x 750ml bottle of Candover Brook Brut NV

Simply layer smoked trout or trout pâté onto the blinis, add a spoon of trout caviar or a drizzle of dill and mustard sauce, and pair with a glass of Candover Brook Brut NV. A combination crafted for Christmas gatherings, New Year's Eve celebrations, or gifting to friends and family.

Both Candover Brook and ChalkStream® are inspired by Hampshire's rare chalk stream landscapes, among the most fragile habitats in the world. Each is committed to protecting and regenerating the environment that sustains their craft, from vineyard to river.

Availability

Price: £75

Delivery: UK mainland (excl. Highlands & Islands), allow 5 working days

Shelf life: Cold smoked trout, 7 days minimum (suitable for freezing); pâté, 3 days

Allergy advice: Blinis contain WHEAT, MILK, EGG

Order online:  www.chalkstreamfoods.co.uk 

A Christmas rooted in place, shaped by care, and joyfully shared. And a new tradition for your family.

Looking for a unique Christmas tipple for the whisky fan in your life? Then you should raise a Glass to the English Whisky Festival 2024 in Birmingham!

Calling all whisky lovers! Mark your calendar for a standout event in the heart of Birmingham this November. 

The English Whisky Festival is coming to The Bond in Digbeth on Saturday, 23 November 2024, for the third year, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike. 

And those who are seeking out a Chirstmas gift with a difference.

What to Expect

The English Whisky Festival is renowned for celebrating the thriving whisky scene in England, showcasing exceptional home-grown talent and bringing together an impressive line-up of distillers and industry experts. 

his year, it’s all about the rich diversity of English whiskies, featuring established names and new distilleries breaking onto the scene. With its scenic canalside location, The Bond in Digbeth is the perfect setting, combining industrial charm with modern appeal.

Tasting Sessions and Masterclasses

One of the festival’s highlights is the opportunity to sample an array of whiskies from across England. With many distilleries offering limited-edition releases and exclusive tastings, this is your chance to sip and savour expressions not typically found in shops. Alongside traditional single malts, look out for creative blends and innovative finishes that showcase the versatility and artistry of English whisky-making.

The festival also offers masterclasses led by experts, giving you a deep dive into the art of whisky-making. Whether you're interested in the science of ageing or the nuances of flavour profiling, these sessions will expand your understanding and appreciation of English whisky.

Meet the Makers

A hallmark of the festival is its community spirit. Guests have the unique chance to meet and chat with the distillers, blenders, and brand ambassadors behind their favourite whiskies. These passionate artisans are keen to share their insights, from the careful selection of ingredients to the intricate ageing processes that define their whiskies. It’s a rare opportunity to gain a personal perspective on the industry and what drives these craftsmen and craftswomen to perfect their craft.

Food, Music, and More

No whisky festival is complete without some fantastic food to complement the drinks. Expect a selection of food stalls offering dishes that pair beautifully with whisky, from cheese platters to smoked meats. Live music performances throughout the day will add to the vibrant atmosphere, making this an event where all your senses are engaged.

Important Details

When: Saturday, 23 November 2024

Where: The Bond, Digbeth, Birmingham

Tickets: Available online – it’s recommended to book in advance as the event is expected to sell out.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a connoisseur or a curious beginner, or looking for a Christmas gift for a whisky lover, the English Whisky Festival is a brilliant way to dive into England’s burgeoning whisky culture. With its unique tastings, informative masterclasses, and the chance to meet the faces behind the bottles, it’s set to be a celebration of English whisky unlike any other.

So, raise your glass and join the festival that brings whisky lovers together – here’s to the English Whisky Festival 2024! Cheers!

Which brands can you see? Confirmed so far are:-

Abingdon Distillery

Ad Gefrin

Adnams

Bankhall

Bimber Distillery

Canterbury Brewers & Distillers

Circumstance

Cooper King Distillery

Masthouse (Copper Rivet)

Cotswolds Distillery

East London Liquor Company

Exploring English Whisky

Ellers Farm

Elsham Wold

English Whisky Co

Fielden

Grasmere Distillery

Henstone Distillery

The Lakes Distillery

Lancaster Spirits Company

Ludlow Distillery

Mercia Whisky

Penrock Distillery

Retribution Distilling Co.

Sacred Spirits

Spirit of Birmingham

One Point Six (Spirit of Manchester)

The Cheshire (Weetwood Distillery)

Wireworks (White Peak)

Whittakers Distillery

Witchmark (Wiltshire distilling Co)

To learn more and to book tickets visit https://www.exploringenglishwhisky.co.uk.