New spirits for the new year

Give your drinks shelf a refresh with five favourite finds and new releases from recent tastings...

- JULIE SHEPPARD

Hedonistas de la Fe Espadín Mezcal

£53.94-£59/70cl Amazon, Berry Bros & Rudd, Hedonism, Master of Malt, Soho Wine Supply, The Whisky Exchange

Made in Mexico, mezcal can be produced from a range of agaves. This is made in Oaxaca from Espadín agave in small batches using traditional methods, including a stone tahona wheel and open-top wooden fermenters. There's a good balance of smokiness, fruit and earthiness, with flavours of citrus, ripe peach, sweet orange and creamy vanilla, plenty of white pepper and red chilli spiciness on the finish, plus a lick of salinity. Delicious in a Margarita. Alcohol 46%

Lochlea Overtone Stout Cask Finish Whisky

£60/70cl Harris & Co, Robert Graham, Still Spirit, The Good Spirits Co, The Spirit Specialist