HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Oh yes it’s that point in the calendar again, where I share my round up of the year and hopes for the year ahead. And this time, I’m going to add a boozy twist to it, by sharing exactly what I’ll be drinking this festive period.

So let’s kick off with my musing for the year. For the most part I’ll keep them to a business nature but I think I have to say, I do hope next year we see an end to the various conflicts that are taking place around the world. In this day and age, there should be no need for human suffering. And these conflicts are also having a dramatic effect on the world’s various economies too – although that pales in comparison to the former.

Back to hospitality, I just hope, above all else, for a period of peace and prosperity for the whole sector. So many venues must feel battered and bruised with everything they’ve had to endure since Covid and Brexit and I hope the powers at be find a way to adequately support them. I have the same hope for the supply chain. We know it’s going to be a tough ride, but if any sector has the creative prowess, work ethic, and sheer stubbornness to get through it, then it's ours. With the right support, we could be the British economy’s golden goose once again – but we need to see the help coming from the top down.

Now to Mangrove – I’m excited! We doubled our team in 2024 and were lucky enough to add some outstanding talent along the way. We have continued to evolve our portfolio, and we now have the numbers, talent, and power to take our brands to the next level. It would be nice if our global competitors kept their cheque books shut but hey, maybe that’s too much to hope for.

On a personal level, I’m hoping to add that one partner of real size, quality, and ambition to reflect the investment our owners committed to. Our strategy is a bold one, and it flies against the strategies taken by many of our competitors, but I believe it works for us. We are an industry built upon human interaction and by looking after our customers in the Mangrove way (using the best of team purple’s knowledge, expertise, passion, and professionalism) I’m certain we’ll succeed – although time will only tell if my instincts are right.

Right – you’ve made it this far into my musings, so you’ll now be rewarded with my top tipple tips for the festive season ahead.

As you can imagine, my portfolio informs most of my festive drinks offering, but given we don’t represent beers or wines, I do need to branch out a little. As is the Gillett tradition, I'm hosting Christmas Eve drinks this year and from the world of beer we'll be enjoying Adnams bitter and Taylors Landlord. Bubbles will be present, and I have a few bottles of a really nice English Sparkling from Woodchester Valley – a place I was dragged one weekend, not expecting to fall in love with their wines. I'll be trying to make Margaritas with VIVIR Tequila Blanco and for those practicing moderation - Almave Blanco. I'm completely spoilt by Giffard Liqueurs & Sirops , who make a wonderful range of liqueurs that level-up your cocktails, so I’ll be doing just that, to try and mask my poor mixology skills. As is typical of my household, there will be gins a plenty with Classic East London Dry, Glendalough Rose Gin and Nordes for a more Mediterranean feel. I will be giving my Manhattans another attempt using the beautiful Jaywalk Rye from New York Distilling Company, LLC , trying my hand at Caipirinhas using Velho Barrero, and using ABA Pisco to mix up the proverbial Pisco Sours. I’ll be mixing up some Avallen Spirits | BCorp Appletinis not only because they are planet positive but because they are delicious! And to round off the cocktails you’ll be able to grab an Aluna Colada using the elegant dry Aluna Coconut Rum.

I'm covered on the cream liqueur front with the unbeatable Norfolk Nog (might get the 1.5L just to be sure) or the simply stunning Limoncello DI CAPRI Crema so that gets us to the main course.

Bounty and Cokes – simple but effective – and the spirit of Saint Lucia will bring the party before we introduce Chairman’s Spiced into the mix, with Ginger or Coconut water. I’ll make a negroni or two no doubt, for the discerning party animals, and I’ll be using the exquisite Dolin Vermouths. Before you scream at me - yes, I know its French but its bloody lovely.

With our whisky portfolio there is definitely a style and a product to suit everyone so I tend to let people help themselves to my range which includes Stauning Whisky from Denmark, The M&H Distillery from Israel, The English Distillery from Norfolk, MORRIS Australian Single Malt Whisky from Australia, The Pokeno Whisky Company from New Zealand, Akashi from Japan, and Indri from India… I'll be pointing out all the awards they've been winning and we can run a great tasting session that is sure to get folks arguing. For those looking for something softer and lighter we can share a glass of Red Bank Whisky from Canada and I can bore them about my fun nights out with one of the founders Kiefer Sutherland.

For the smokers in the garden (although there aren’t many left) they’re probably out bracing the elements – and sipping the Elemental series from BEARFACE. Because they positively ‘embrace the wilderness’.

We will then bring out the Uncle Nearest, Inc. , Louis Royer XO and Carlos XO for those wishing to spoil themselves and in the same vein Cincoro Tequila Anjeo Tequila which is deliciously rich and smooth.

The newest products to the portfolio offer me a chance to do some research. Moda has gone nuts in the on-trade and I want to see how many people can walk past without picking the bottles up and the other is Soto Sake. I’m a massive fan and there’s always a bottle open and we know I’m not alone as there is a huge trend for sake at the moment. Not sure I started it but I’m happy to take the credit and those 180 ml cans are genius.

For those that need that just one more for the road, my fair-trade espresso martini should hit the spot with FAIR. Quinoa Vodka and Café Liqueur. I know this sounds a lot but with Almave and The Giffard non-alcoholic range you’ll be in for some great tasting drinks without the alcohol and I’ll be sure to have some Lucky Saint in the house too.

So yes that’s a lot of tipple, but when you’re MD of a stellar spirits portfolio – your guests are expecting the very best of booze. But in case you’ve missed the overarching point - Mangrove has you covered for every part of the season; every section of your menu; every slice of cake or pie. And I know I speak for the entire team when I say, we’re incredibly proud to work with all of our partners.

Thanks to them, to the team, and to our loyal and supportive customer base. I wish every one of you, the very best for the year ahead.

Mark Anthony Brands International Grupo Osborne #VelhoBarrero #ABAPisco Aluna Rum The English Distillery #limoncellodicapri Richard Glover DOLIN PICCADILY AGRO INDUSTRIES LIMITED #LouisRoyer Casa Lumbre