A perfect serve: Presenting spring’s standout spirits

Dictador Generations En Lalique

A first in the world of aged rum, Colombian rum distillery Dictador has released a limited-edition collection in collaboration with French luxury crystal maker Lalique. Named 'Generations' in recognition of the Parra family that produces Dictador - now in its third generation - 300 limited-edition crystal carafes contain a new blend created by Master Blender Hernan Parra alongside with his father Dario. Aged in both American Oak and Port casks, the distinctly indulgent spirit offers up aromas of ripe plum, spices and mahogany on the nose, while flavours of dark chocolate, burnt orange peel and leather come through on the palate, balanced with sweet ripe fruit. Collectors should snap up a bottle while they can - one was recently auctioned for an unprecedented £30,000 via Sotheby's, making it one of the most expensive bottles of rum ever sold. 

£14,000, dictador.com

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection

One for art lovers and whisky collectors alike, The Macallan has enlisted the talents of Sir Peter Blake on the design of its new Anecdotes of Ages range. The launch marks the brand's third project with the renowned pop artist, spanning three decades of collaboration. 13 bottles of exceptionally rare 1967 whisky feature in the collection, each decorated with one-of-a-kind Peter Blake artwork that references The Macallan's heritage or the landscape found on its scenic estate, as well as a label signed by the artist. The expressions are also presented in a handcrafted oak case featuring photography of Blake's history with The Macallan, as well as a leather-bound book containing all 13 label artworks and details of the stories behind them. 

A 360-degree virtual art exhibit dedicated to the collection can also be seen here. 

£50,000, themacallan.com

Bladnoch Vinaya Single Malt Scotch Whisky

As the oldest working Scotch distillery in the Scottish Lowlands, Bladnoch has launched a new whisky worldwide in recognition of its 204th year. Named 'Vinaya' - the Sanskrit word for respect and gratitude - the expression has been crafted as a nod to Bladnoch's historic founders while celebrating the brand's optimistic future. In a Bladnoch first, a combination of both 1st-fill ex-bourbon and 1st-fill ex-sherry cask types were used during the production process, the former lending floral and citrus characters while the latter introduces a rich body.

On the nose, the whisky opens with fresh green notes with a hint of candied fruit, while flavours of apple, chocolate and pepper come together on the palate before leaving a light, clean finish. An ideal dram to enjoy in warmer weather.  

£49, bladnoch.com

Bowmore Timeless Series 

Islay distillery Bowmore has added two new additions to its Timeless Series, a collection of single malts that highlights the longevity and craft behind its older whisky offering. The two new expressions are each available in a limited run of 3,000 bottles. The Bowmore Timeless 27 Year Old has been matured in sherry and ex-bourbon casks for 15 years before being aged in first-fill Oloroso butts for a further 12 years, creating a cask-strength bottle with notes of rich fruit, sherry, leather, charcoal and beeswax. Meanwhile, the Bowmore Timeless 31 Year Old (available only via Global Travel Retail) spent 29 years in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Spanish oak Matusalem sherry seasoned butts for two years, creating a complex dram with a floral yet sweet character, complete with aspects of honey, vanilla and peppermint. 

bowmore.com