{"title":"Basco","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"xoriguer-gin","title":"Xoriguer Mahon Gin","description":"\u003cp\u003eA cult gin from Mahon in Menorca, Xoriguer (pronounced sho-ri-gair) is one of the only gins in the world alongside Plymouth to have a geographical indication, Gin de Menorca. It was first made for the British Sailors who were stationed on the Island between 1708 and 1802, who were hankering for some gin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXoriguer is still made in the same way, according to the 18th century recipe, commanding a devoted following of happy travellers. Gin Xoriguer is the result of a distillation in traditional copper stills, using high quality wine alcohol (eau-de-vie) and carefully selected juniper berries, which come from the neighbouring Mediterranean mountains, together with aromatic herbs. These herbs are the guarded secret of Xoriguer gin’s original bouquet. Only the Pons family know the identity and proportion of this valuable ingredient, which is added behind closed doors and without witnesses, at the start of each distilling. The respect for tradition is such that the fuel still used today in the distillation is wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry Gin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Botanicals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUndeclared botanicals but at a guess; Juniper, coriander seed, cumin seed, aniseed, bay leaf, lavender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of juniper on the nose, with some camphorous and herbaceous notes suggesting pine resin and rich, oily juniper berries as well. The nose is largely one note by my assessment, though it does an excellent job at capturing a really rich portrait of that one note. Heady and juniper-forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is thick and luscious, with copious amounts of pine and juniper again. Spruce, an some faint intimations of lemon zest behind the scenes, with sage, juniper needle and pine. The finish is long with juniper. It’s dry with conifer in the rain sort of notes, with a pleasant ensuring warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Serve\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFantastic served with lemonade! Premium tonic garnished with fresh lemon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Latitude Wine \u0026 Liquor Merchant","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55129592758648,"sku":"GINS211386","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0251\/6048\/2912\/files\/xoriguer-gin-875658.jpg?v=1747262816"},{"product_id":"kupela-basque-cider","title":"Kupela Sagardoa Basque Cider","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreated in 2015, Kupela was born with the desire to introduce Basque cider, with an original and modern recipe while preserving tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgustín Etxeberria, a cider maker in Astigarraga, the “mecca” of Basque cider, next to Donostia-San Sebastián was brought in for the set up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slow natural fermentation of the apple must transforms the sugars into alcohol, in barrels called Kupela in Basque.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgustín’s know-how results in fresh, low-alcohol drinks that preserve the naturally tart flavours of Basque apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKupela pays tribute to the Basque sailors who used to take barrels of cider, rich in vitamin C, to fight scurvy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNowadays, there is no scurvy to worry about, but the subtle flavours of apple wine are sought after by discerning gourmets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts acidity, lightness and fruitiness are a perfect match for the gastronomy appreciated by modern epicureans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe humid and temperate climate of the Basque Country is naturally favourable to the cultivation of apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fruit has had a central place on Basque tables since the dawn of time. The apples are selected when fully ripe, in the orchards surrounding the village of Astigarraga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSagardoa is obtained by fermentation, without the addition of sugar, water or any other additive. Thanks to the know-how of our cider makers, Kupela Sagardoa is distinguished by its strong character, balanced flavours and notes of fresh sour apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKupela is a natural Basque cider made from the blend of selected Basque wild apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cider is produced using advanced methods whilst maintaining its tradition. Kupela which means “barrel” is where the natural fermentation of the apple must transforms the sugar into alcohol which results into a fresh and fruity cider made only from natural apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mix between sweetness, fruitiness and structure; the balanced body of Basque traditional cider provides Kupela with an inviting taste, full of fresh apple aromas and sunny fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasque Cider houses are known for serving large amounts of cider with the traditional cider menu which includes the widely famous large txuleton steaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKupela Basque Cider should be served cool, between 10-12°C. It should be poured from about 30cm in height with a special cider pourer called ‘escanciador’, into a wide, tumbler thin glass; this way the bubbles of carbon dioxide are released, creating texture whilst releasing the aromas and qualities of the cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair with fish dishes, Basque pintxos,\u003cspan\u003e tapas\u003c\/span\u003e, txuleton steak, paella\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand sushi.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Latitude Wine \u0026 Liquor Merchant","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55197221486968,"sku":"CIDER301025","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0251\/6048\/2912\/files\/CIDER301025.jpg?v=1752588727"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0251\/6048\/2912\/collections\/download_8ca679d8-cf62-40f9-8597-6a9b83b4384b.png?v=1781614415","url":"https:\/\/latitudewine.co.uk\/collections\/basco.oembed","provider":"Latitude Wine \u0026 Liquor Merchant ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}