Bored of Whisky? Here are four drinks to try to shake up your order

We love a wee dram as much as the next person, in fact we may just consume more whisky than an ageing man in a leather armchair in a London Private Member's Club. One of the reasons we love it is because of its range; you have baby whiskies, aged, bourbons, peated, single malt, blended. You also have an array of different casks - Sherry, Oak, Beechwood. Really, you could spend most of your life never having the same whisky twice and still not run out. But, we’re the first to admit it’s not for everyone.

Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur who is really for a taste-bud holiday, or you’re a non-whisky drinker looking to ease yourself in, we’re rounded up four recommendations for spirits to try instead, one for every palate.

1. Swap out rare aged whisky for Cognac

It’s not traditionally been that cool, it has to be said. But, it’s definitely on its way to a resurgence. Much like whisky, the cognac industry is currently subject to big innovation and creativity. Distillers are playing with traditional cognacs a lot more, ageing them and infusing different flavour notes.

• We’d recommend trying out Maze Churchill Origine - it's fairly new to the scene but are redefining cognac. Originine Number 1 is the first cognac from the distiller, and pays homage to the scents and vivid colours of spring. It’s a private collection that blends art with tradition and has the same very premium credentials that connoisseurs look for in whiskies. Aged for around 35 years, it’s nutty, sweet and layered so will give you the feeling of whisky but also something a little more unusual.

2. Swap fruity, warm Irish whisky for Rum

Rum is also getting the Whisky / Cognac treatment where the spirit and distillers are getting more and more experimental. We’re also seeing more diversity in where the rum is being produced, and the distilling techniques themselves are becoming more varied and experimental, plus the flavours and going far, far beyond your simple spiced rum and spiced gold.

We’d recommend:

• Sly Dog Rum which will give you that smoothed balanced taste with a touch caramel. Plus you'll get a hint of blended fruits and spices
• Gosling’s Spirited Seas Ocean-Aged Bermuda Rum. It’s a blended dark rum that’s been aged for eight years in bourbon barrels. The fun part? During its final year, the rum is aged in the actual ocean. It has the same smoothness as a whisky but with a lighter (and saltier) taste. If you like the richness of whisky without the strength, this is a great one to try.

3. Swap peated whisky for Mezcal

Mezcal is having the spirits equivalent of a hot girl summer. So much so we actually did a whole separate feature on it which tells you everything you need to know. It may be a little rogue to compare a mezcal with a whisky, however, if you’re a fan of a peated whisky, one that blends caramel, vanilla, and smoke, then a mezcal will be right up your street.

• We’d recommend trying: Corte Vetusto Espadín mezcal. The agave is cooked (roasted) for four days using mesquite wood which enhances the smoky flavour. It gives an almost whisky-like aroma, with hints of vanilla, pear, and caramel on the palate.
• If you’re looking for a more entry level mezcal to get you started, you could try Casamigos' mezcal which will give you that deep smoky flavour.

4. Swap out a sweet, aged Whisky for Sherry

It’s a cliche perhaps, but seeing how popular sherry casks are for ageing whiskies, it felt only right to put in a Sherry. True, Sherry’s popularity has steadily declined in recent decades, but it’s worth reacquainting yourself with to get out of a tasting rut.

• We’d recommend Bodegas Barbadillo, Reliquia Oloroso

If none of these sound like your kind of thing, we tested Sake ONO for National Sake Week