Who likes cocktails? Actually who doesn’t, right? I love cocktails, but to make them at home is a pain in the arse especially if you’re only going to make it once and then you’re left with a bottle of something you’ll never use again. So many of us will go to grab a canned cocktail from the supermarket for a night in, but that doesn’t always cut it and tastes nothing like a freshly made cocktail in a bar. With that in mind and the last year we‘ve had, you probably would have noticed a few bottle cocktail companies have popped up and this week I’ve been able to catch up with Whistle & Cap, a Dorset based cocktail brand who have done just that.
Sadly I was only able to meet up with Ashley of the Whistle & Cap team as James had been called away with his day job, however Ashley’s passion was just enough to capture everything I needed.
Founded by both Ashley and James, with 25 years experience of bartending between them, they looked for something to keep them busy during our first Covid lockdown in 2020. Both being creative minded and not being able to work as normal during the pandemic meant they found a gap in the market and worked hard to explore it. They wanted to create something that was more refined and with a bit of class to it, rather than the sugary canned cocktails you can pick up in the supermarket. With that in mind they also needed a great name and as Ashley told me it wasn’t easy, but to be fair they did pretty well with this one. Ashley wears a cap most of the time so first thoughts and with looking at the logo you assume this part of the name is based on him. You’d be incorrect though and safe to say I was. The Whistle part comes from “Wet your whistle” and the Cap part from “Nightcap”, both two very well known phrases within the drinks world. Put them both together and you have Whistle & Cap.
So what do these guys make? They currently have two bottled cocktails that can be bought both online on their website, or in selected Deli’s and shops in Dorset and Hampshire. These are created and bottled in both Ashley’s place of work and James’ ‘shed’ that is also where everything is sold from. Each 300ml bottle holds 3 servings of cocktail. Yes you did hear that right, 3 servings but if you’re like me that’ll probably go in one night. They have a great shelf life as they have no preservatives inside of them as they both wanted to keep them straight forward and easy to store without having to use them within a set time once opened.
Coffee Negroni
Sorry back to the cocktails! First up we have the Coffee Negroni, a different take on the Italian classic. With Coffee, Gin, Campari and Vermouth you’re in with a treat. Negroni isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, or should we say coffee in this case. I must admit it’s still one that is growing on me as it is an acquired taste, but I really like this one. I like it a bit more now though after Ashley told me what amazing Dorset ingredients it’s made with. Of course they went to Bad Hand coffee to create this banger, and I’d be surprised if they didn’t! But to top it off the gin they went with is one of my favourite Dorset gins, Viper Gin! It’s a complex taste on the palate, it’s bitter yet sweet and a nice drink to sip at the end of a night.
Maple Old Fashioned
For seconds we have the Maple Old Fashioned, created using Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Bitters and Canadian Maple Syrup. This one is an easy sipper and that’s saying something coming from me. I’m not a Bourbon fan of any means and even in a cocktail I’ll know if it’s in there. This is different though. The maple syrup has made it sweet with undertones of vanilla, which is just heavenly and it hasn’t given me that horrid burning at the back of my throat after. This is definitely one I’ll be buying again!
Since starting out with these two cocktails they have also done a limited edition 50 year Negroni which started off with a bottle of Campari they found and had to match the gin and vermouth around the same era. They have also collaborated with The Butchers Dog and created 3 ready to pour cocktails for those who aren’t that into beer; Hopped Negroni, BD Highball and Margot Spritz which was named after the owner’s daughter. They also collaborated with Small Block Doughnuts to create a Maple Old Fashioned Doughnut!
Now back at their day to day jobs, Ashley working as a Bar Manager for Thirsty Bird and James a brand ambassador for Salcombe Gin, they aren’t slowing down. They have another collaboration coming up very soon with another great Dorset brand, some Christmas cocktails that will be launched very soon and they are also looking to launch a new style of drinks next year so keep your eyes peeled, I’m sure a few of these will be popping up here!
I can not wait to see what Ashley and James come up with next and wish them all the best with their venture!
** Please note one item in is article was Gifted however all reviews and views are my own**
Price: £20.50 / Where to Buy: You can buy directly from their website or through selected Deli’s in Dorset and Hampshire / Website: www.whistleandcap.co.uk/
ginandcoast.co.uk 