Equipo Navazos La Bota 122 de Vermut Rojo 2020 is a captivating vermouth hailing from the coastal town of Sanlucar de Barrameda in Spain. Crafted by the esteemed Equipo Navazos, this 2020 vintage is a true masterpiece. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe red berries and herbs mingle with a subtle hint of oak, creating a sense of depth and complexity. On the palate, this vermouth reveals a beautiful ruby red colour, with luscious flavours of juicy cherries, dried figs, and a touch of spice. Its velvety texture and balanced acidity leave a lasting impression, making it a perfect aperitif or companion to tapas. This 375ml bottle is a true gem, showcasing the unique terroir of Sanlucar de Barrameda and the expertise of Equipo Navazos. A must-try for any vermouth lover, La Bota 122 de Vermut Rojo 2020 is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Enjoy chilled and savour every sip.

15% ABV. From the stellar Equipo Navazos stable, this Manzanilla comes from a 60-strong cask selection made by Navazos founders Jesus Barquín and Eduardo Ojeda that was plucked from the production of La Guita, one of the most famous (and finest) Manzanilla producers (and where Ojeda oversees production in his role as the technical director of José Estévez). As always, this current bottling was drawn from its barrels en rama (directly). This is how Manzanilla used to be bottled before sterile filtering became the standard in Jerez. The current batch was bottled in March 2024. It’s a wonderfully potent and briny yet seductive wine with a deep, silky texture and plenty of sustained, tangy drive. Four and a half years under flor and gentle bottling direct from cask has also delivered a vibrant orange/gold colour and some nutty development. It’s a much deeper colour than most other Manzanillas on the market (which are typically very clear due to their youth and sterile filtration). That makes this unique in comparison to other Manzanillas in its price range. It remains light years ahead of more common, conventional Manzanillas.

Bottled in 2020. 46% abv. This is a malt whiskey that comes entirely from malted barley that was grown and subsequently distilled in Castilla la Vieja. It is a sister cask of the one bottled several years ago (Bota No.66). Its age is about 16 years, of which the last 12 were in a single vessel that previously housed an excellent old dry Oloroso. It is a unique spirit, since the bota from which it comes has been emptied entirely for this saca. It has not been cold filtered and, following an unbreakable rule for Equipo Navazos, has no added aroma, sweetness or colour.

It’s a Whisky of remarkable character and complexity. It boasts an enticing peaty touch to the nose (which may give some a clue as to its origin) balanced beautifully with the intense influence of the old Sherry cask. Fragrant and soft with poached pear, roasted malt and a hint of coffee bean and crème brûlée, the aromas give way to a sweet palate, intense and softly fruited, with florals, butterscotch and plenty of peaty smokiness—like Balvenie meets Islay. It’s got some power—even at 46% it’s happy with a touch of water—yet remains in perfect proportion. Finishes with notes of wild honey and, again, that delicious twang of iodine. La Bota de Magic.