Somerset Cider Brandy Alchemy - 15yr old, 42%

A marvellous drink. Apples gathered in the autumn are blended and pressed. The juice is fermented in huge oak vats and, after three months, the cider is distilled then put into old sherry casks to age for 15 years. It's smooth, mellow and rich. If you watched the excellent 'Great British Menu' on BBC 2 you will have seen West Country chef Michael Caines using this elixir in one of his dishes. Julian Temperley is the man responsible for making it.