Hood tries Talonmore
As a dedicated wine enthusiast (shhh), I decided to venture into the world of non-alcoholic spirits last night, at an evening hosted by Talonmore.
The tasting experience unfolded at Lucky Yu on Broughton Street, an aesthetically pleasing venue serving Asian-inspired delicacies such as handmade speciality dumplings, bao buns and small plates. Amid the lime washed walls and neon lights, the (semi) private dining area comfortably accommodated eight—a valuable find in the Capital's limited spaces. It’s cute, I’ll definitely go again.
Talonmore, a Scottish family-run venture led by Lewis Kennedy, is certainly one to watch. Despite battling a lingering cold, Kennedy shared the brand's journey since its 2020 inception, proudly mentioning its presence in Harvey Nichols and collaborations with some of the country’s coolest bars and restaurants. Exciting plans to expand to the US are on the horizon.
The non-alcoholic spirit brewed with pure Scottish water, boasts key ingredients like prickly pear, hawthorn berry, Assam tea, and the star of the show, ginger. I was impressed with its sinus-clearing, chest-warming effect and delightful flavour profile. It might be alcohol-free but this is definitely one for the grown ups.
Stepping beyond shots, I sampled three cocktails crafted by the Lucky Yu team. The Penicillin, a blend of Talonmore, acid blend, and honey syrup served over ice with candied ginger, resembled a sophisticated Old Fashioned. Contrary to the usual fruity non-alcoholic options, it exuded a mature appeal.
The Bitoruto, a long drink featuring Talonmore, beetroot juice, acid blend, and soda, showcased an earthy yet refreshing quality—typical of beetroot concoctions - but the heat of the ginger made it particularly delicious. Lastly, the Lapsang Old Fashioned, served in a Nick & Nora glass, blended Talonmore with Lapsang tea syrup, creating a smoky and flavoursome digestif.
Surprisingly, the absence of alcohol didn't dampen the lively atmosphere; the room remained buoyant and convivial, proving that I can have a good time without a drop to drink.
