The Ginvent Advent Calendar - the first 6 days

I am really enjoying my alternative Advent Calendar this year.  Here's my thoughts on the first six days.

Day One: Edinburgh Gin (43% ABV) this award winning gin is distilled in Edinburgh and the botanicals used are Scottish Juniper, Pine, Heather and Milk Thistle.  Really tasty with Juniper and soft heather notes.  It makes a perfect G&T. One of my favourites.

Day 2: Filliers Dry Gin 28 (46% ABV) - I've not tried this gin before. It is made using 28 botanicals plus Juniper. It has quite a citrus taste with light Juniper notes.  

Day 3: Hayman's Old Tom Gin (40% ABV) - this has been my least favourite so far. It has a slightly sweet taste which I didn't really like. It is made with botanicals of Juniper and Liquorice root.

Day 4: Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin (42% ABV) WOW this gin is amazing. I love its slightly floral notes of Devon violets and orange blossom with a fresh flavour. Delicious served neat too.  An extra special gin. (dropping hints to Santa!)

Day 5: Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin (57% ABV) - this gin surely packs a punch! With botanicals such as Juniper, Cinnamon, Cardamon, Star Anise, Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit.  An interesting addition is Wild Flower Honey. It is absolutely delicious served over ice...and I absolutely love it!

Day 6: Two Birds Gin (40% ABV) - made using Juniper and four countryside botanicals. It tastes delicious and is refreshing and flavoursome.  It makes a perfect G&T.

Well from the first six days I'd buy: Edinburgh Gin (already a favourite), Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin, Perry's Tot and Two Birds.

Have you tried any of these gins before?

November: Lately I've been Loving

These are the things which have been making me smile this month:

I picked up some delicious cinnamon shortbread and a super yummy homemade chocolate bar studded with seeds, fruit and Calendula petals from Pinnies & Poppy Seeds (well worth a visit if you are in Edinburgh).  I'll be visiting again...and soon!  You can see the shortbread flavours here.

I received this extra special gift* from Bee Good which was sent to bloggers for their support throughout the year. It made me smile...lots! The little bee Christmas decoration is the cutest thing. I'm looking forward to hanging up the pretty stocking, and having toast with my honey, eating the bee embossed chocolate and making sure my lips are smooth and nourished with the very gorgeous Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm.  You can purchase the Christmas Bee Pampered Gift set here which comes with beauty goodies and delicious biscuits! - see my review of it here*.

I've been going to watch the football and rugby more often lately. Makes for a fun afternoon out (especially if we win!)  Here are my handbag essentials.

Another November highlight as been the arrival of my Ginvent Advent Calendar.

I finally got round to using my super pretty Kate Heiss Stationery notebooks. I just love nice notebooks and cards.

I'm a huge fan of Skin & Tonic's Steam Clean which I received in November's YOU Beauty Discovery Box. It quite simply is one of the best cleansing balms I've ever used! I love its minty scent too and the fact you can use it as a cleanser, a moisturiser, for cuticles and I've even used it to tame frizzy flyaways.  Just adore!

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

The Ginvent Calendar 2014

I've been lusting over the Ginvent Advent Calendar for the last few years. Imagine my delight and surprise when hubby treated me!  See more details here. Included is 24 x 3cl samples of gin!  Roll on 1st December!

I've only tried 5 of the gins which are in the Calendar so I'm looking forward to trying some new to me gins including - Bathtub Gin, Tarquin's Handcrafted Cornish Gin, Four Pillars Gin and Two Birds London Dry Gin.  You can see the full list of contents here.

Have you picked yourself up an Advent Calendar this year?