Yes, it's World Whisky Day on 20th May but this episode isn't completely whisk(e)y flavoured. We're sampling a new non-alc botanical spirit! A brand new gin! A fabulous new bar in Hackney! And a few more bits besides.

We kick things off by mixing up a Black Manhattan. No, we hadn't heard of it either but now that we've tried the delicious rye and amaro based cocktail, we're definitely keeping it in our repertoire. It sets us up nicely for our two tastings – the first of which is Botivo, a bitter and herbaceous non-alcoholic aperitif, the second is Renais, a gin distilled in England but inspired by Burgundy.

Our bar review sees us heading East to the recently opened, oh-so fabulous Equal Parts in Hackney and as for our library pick, well, that takes us to the US for 'Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey' , Clay Risen's beautiful box set.

Then it's time to talk whisky without the 'e', with our very spacial guest, Colin Dunn, Whisky Ambassador at Diageo. Listen in for some fun facts, down-to-earth tips and the most engaging anecdotes from one of our favourite self-confessed whisky geeks of all time.

Black Manhattan

50ml rye whiskey

25ml amaro

1 dash Angostura aromatic biiters

1 dash orange bitters

Maraschino cherry to garnish

Method:

Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled Coupe glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

Botivo

Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey

Colin Dunn

Equal Parts

Renais

Coupe glass. Garnish with the Maraschino cherry.

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