Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SPIRITS</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Black Bridge Distillery</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/blackbridge_Fotor-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The jewel in the crown of St Albans-based <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blackbridgedistillery.co.uk" target="_blank">Black Bridge Distillery</a> is their <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blackbridgedistillery.co.uk/products/blue-admiral-gin" target="_blank">Blue Admiral Gin</a> (£39 per bottle), which actually changes colour when you mix it with tonic. But for Christmas they&#8217;ve launched these fab <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="gingerbread (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KXY9W9C?ref=myi_title_dp" target="_blank">gingerbread</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Christmas pudding with Cranberry (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KXW2C84?ref=myi_title_dp" target="_blank">Christmas pudding with Cranberry</a> gin liqueurs which light up AND have a snowglobe effect when you shake them &#8211; strictly adults only though! They&#8217;re available on Amazon for a limited time. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Copper in the Clouds</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="914" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Copper-in-the-clouds.png" alt="" class="wp-image-67859" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Copper-in-the-clouds.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Copper-in-the-clouds-300x274.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Copper-in-the-clouds-547x500.png 547w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Copper-in-the-clouds-574x525.png 574w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Based on Dowsetts Farm in Ware, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://copperintheclouds.co.uk" target="_blank">Copper in the Clouds</a> use locally produced wheat, and botanicals foraged on the farm (where possible), to produce small batch and slightly bonkers spirits in gorgeous packaging. Each tells its own story, through the production, ingredients, flavour and bottle designs. Check out the festive <a href="https://copperintheclouds.co.uk/product/mulled-blackberry-gin-liqueur-50cl/">Mulled Blackberry Gin Liqueur</a> (£24.99 for 500ml), with clementine, red wine and infused with cinnamon, star anise, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Stir into warmed cloudy apple juice for a delicious cocktail. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Old Vodka</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="523" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Old-Vodka.jpg" alt="Old Vodka" class="wp-image-61411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Old-Vodka.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Old-Vodka-300x157.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Old-Vodka-720x377.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Old-Vodka-900x471.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Distilled right here in Hertfordshire &#8211; Stevenage to be precise &#8211;&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://oldvodka.co.uk/" target="_blank">Old Vodka</a>&nbsp;is a premium spirit made using a 200-year-old Georgian family recipe which has been handed down through three generations. Still a family fun business it&#8217;s made with all the original passion and it&#8217;s won a Great Taste award to prove it. Now there are&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://oldvodka.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">15 different flavours to choose from</a>, including sloe and caramel if you&#8217;re after something festive. £29.99 for 70cl.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Willow Tree Gin</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/05/Willow-Tree.png" alt="" class="wp-image-54157" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.willowtreedistilling.co.uk" target="_blank">Willow Tree Gin</a> is hand-crafted, by founder, Mary, on her family farm in Bedfordshire. It’s made with a blend of blend of 12 botanicals, including fresh lemon thyme and Thai basil and the herbs are all grown there on the farm – you don’t get much more home-grown than that! It’s local but with a hint of the exotic, inspired by Mary’s love of travel. £38 for 50cl.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carpenter&#8217;s Festive Gin</h2>



<p>The family run Nursery, Farm Shop and Garden Centre in St Albans, Carpenter&#8217;s, has teamed up with the Spirit of Hertfordshire distillery to create their very own special edition festive gin. It&#8217;s infused with festive spices, zesty orange peel and Hertfordshire Douglas fir. <a href="https://www.carpentersnursery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Available to buy at Carpenter's (opens in a new tab)">Available to buy at Carpenter&#8217;s</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1243" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Carpenters.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Carpenters.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Carpenters-241x300.jpg 241w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Carpenters-402x500.jpg 402w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Carpenters-422x525.jpg 422w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wooden Moose Rum</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1005" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Wooden-Moose-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-68035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Wooden-Moose-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Wooden-Moose-1-498x500.png 498w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Wooden-Moose-1-150x150.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Wooden-Moose-1-522x525.png 522w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Wooden-Moose-1-200x200.png 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Distilled in Ware, Wooden Moose spiced rum is paired with interesting flavour combos to give it real punch. There&#8217;s Caramelised Banana and Peanut Butter or Caramelised Pineapple and Passionfruit, but our pick for Christmas is <a href="https://woodenmoose.co.uk/products/coffee-cocoa-caramelised-chipotle-spiced-rum-50cl-40-abv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coffee, Cocoa and Caramelised Chipotle. £23.95 for 50cl.  (opens in a new tab)">Coffee, Cocoa and Caramelised Chipotle. £23.95 for 50cl. </a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WINE</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Warden Abbey</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="443" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Warden-Abbey-wines.jpg" alt="Warden Abbey wines" class="wp-image-61406" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Warden-Abbey-wines.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Warden-Abbey-wines-300x133.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Warden-Abbey-wines-720x319.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Warden-Abbey-wines-900x399.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Once a monastery, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.wardenvineyard.org.uk" target="_blank">Warden Abbey</a> is now a community-run vineyard in Bedfordshire. Four white grape varieties are grown there – Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Regner, and Muller Thurgau &#8211; and around 4000-6000 bottles produced per yield. As well as being made from locally grown grapes, they are also ethical, vegan and win awards year after year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BEER</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tring Brewery</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1020" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Tring-brewery.png" alt="" class="wp-image-67860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Tring-brewery.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Tring-brewery-294x300.png 294w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Tring-brewery-490x500.png 490w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Tring-brewery-515x525.png 515w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tringbrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tring Brewery</a> rekindled the Herts town&#8217;s brewing tradition when it opened its doors in 1992 and now you can spot their beers at loads of local pubs and restaurants. They produce the beer on site with different varieties of hops and chalk-filtered Chiltern Hills water and have won bags of awards for their fab and quirkily named brews (Side Pocket for a Toad, anyone?). Visit the brewery shop and mix and match from the selection of core, seasonal and small batch beers. Check out this year&#8217;s festive brew &#8211; Santa&#8217;s Little Helper, which pairs perfectly with turkey and the trimmings of course! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mad Squirrel</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="837" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Mad-Squirrel.png" alt="" class="wp-image-67864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Mad-Squirrel.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Mad-Squirrel-300x251.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Mad-Squirrel-597x500.png 597w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Mad-Squirrel-627x525.png 627w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.madsquirrelbrew.co.uk" target="_blank">Mad Squirrel</a> brewery is based in Potten End Herts and only came about in 2010. It&#8217;s since become <em>the</em> cool craft beer brand to be seen drinking in and around Herts with taprooms in Berkhamsted, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden, as well as around Bucks. Play it safe with the more tame pale ales and Pilsners or give their <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="festive stouts (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.madsquirrelbrew.co.uk/item/210/madsquirrel/Christmas-Stout-Gift-Pack.html" target="_blank">festive stouts</a> a go &#8211; the Walnut milk stout (pair with a walnut whip!), Caramel Macchiato Stout and Raspberry White Stout sound pretty tempting, plus they come in gift packs (£30 for 6 cans) &#8211; perfect for pressies. </p>



<p><strong>Farr Brew</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="502" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Farr-brew.png" alt="" class="wp-image-67863" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Farr-brew.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Farr-brew-300x151.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Farr-brew-720x361.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/Farr-brew-900x452.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.farrbrew.com" target="_blank">Farr Brew</a>&#8216;s mantra is &#8216;creating great tasting real ales brewed with craft and a commitment to quality&#8217; and the magic happens at their 10-barrel brewery, taproom and bottle shop in Wheathampstead, Herts. Since their humble microbrewery start, the team have now opened three pubs across the county and produce a range of ales, porters and bitters. Check out the seasonal Brewdolph (very funny!), which you can pre-order (along with other Farr favess) in 5-36 pint polypins or mini kegs, </p>


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