Craft gin aficionados might be surprised to learn that a £10 supermarket gin has been named one of the best gins in the world at the International Spirits Challenge. Aldi’s Oliver Cromwell gin sells for £9.99 and yet won a gold medal ahead of such prestigious names as Gordon’s, Beefeater and Sipsmith.
How does Aldi do it for the money? The supermarket won’t say who makes it but there are a number of big distillers around Britain who do contract distilling. They make supermarket-label booze, but they also make small-batch gins, so your “craft” gin may well be made in the same factory as Oliver Cromwell.
The discount retailers Lidl and Aldi have shaken drinks retailing in recent years with some aggressive pricing and startling offerings. Scotch doesn’t offer quite the same bargains as gin, mainly because there is a global shortage of whisky, but even in this tough category the discounters are able to offer some highly drinkable whiskies for very little money.
Whereas most bargain spirits hide their origins, wines should have the name of the producer on the back label. Some supermarket own-labels will be made by prestigious names. This is particularly true of fortified wines such as sherry, where own-labels are made by grand old names such as Barbadillo or Lustau. They are sitting on gallons of top-quality sherry that nobody wants. Very sad for them, but wonderful for the bargain hunter.
So it is time to lose your drinks snobbery, do a bit of research and unearth some hidden treasures. Here are some of my favourite drinks from the budget supermarkets.
Oloroso dry sherry
(Morrisons, £6 for 37.5cl)
This is pungent, earthy and rich but with a bone-dry finish.
Ben Bracken Islay single malt
(Lidl, £17.49)
The label has no age statement (that’ll be the global Scotch shortage), but this is a good, smoky and distinctive single malt at a very good price.
Exquisite Clare Valley riesling 2017
(Aldi, £6.99)
This part of South Australia makes some of the world’s best dry rieslings and this is a fine example of the style bursting with vivid, limey fruit.
Bradshaw pinot noir 2017
(Asda, £4.98)
Despite its Anglo name, this is actually made in Romania and I can reveal it is exactly the same wine as some much more expensive Romanian pinot noirs. You won’t find a better pinot for the money.
Exquisite cremant du Jura 2015
(Aldi, £7.99)
Made from a champagne grape, chardonnay, by the champagne method, this is, year-in, year-out, the best value sparkling wine on the high street.
Wine Atlas feteasca regala 2017
(Asda, £5)
Romania is a happy hunting ground for the bargain lover. Made from a native variety, this white wine is floral with notes of ginger and honey.
Extra Special Louis Bernard brut NV
(Asda, £18)
I did a blind taste test of supermarket champagnes last year and this was one of the nicest; lemony with hints of brioche.
Veuve Monsigny NV
(Aldi, £10.99)
Crisp, lemony and much, much better than a £10 champagne has any right to be. Though, to be honest, you would be better off spending a little bit more for a lot more flavour.
