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with temptingly tasty gift ideas for gastronomes and
those who like a tipple this Christmas.
Cramming a festive hamper full with delicious and wholesome goodies from Gloucestershire couldn't be easier with our selection of some of the county's best food and drink gift ideas.
Cotswold Country Liqueurs
An elegant, gift-wrapped bottle from Cotswold Country Liqueurs is sure to leave a lasting impression on loved ones. The award-winning Arlingham-based producers' handmade, festive favourites include: wild damson gin (£14.60) made with Gloucestershire damsons, and wild sloe gin (£14.60), which is perfect served as a winter warmer.
Available from www.cotswoldcountryliqueurs.com, as well as The Natural Grocery Store, Cheltenham (01242) 243737 and Quayles Deli, Tetbury (01666) 505151.
Miette Artisan Chocolatiers of Stow
Give a sweet treat that screams quality this season, with a box of Miette's handmade chocolates (from £5.25). Made from the rare Venezuelan Carenero bean and available in a range of fillings – including the chestnut liqueur to the celebratory strawberry and champagne – chocolate connoisseurs will be suitably impressed.
Available from Miette, Stow-on-the-Wold (01451) 832232
Hunter & Todd Severn Sauce
If you know someone who's a dab hand with cooking utensils, a bottle of Severn Sauce (£3.99) is sure to prove a unique addition to their kitchen. The savoury condiment made exclusively by Claire's Kitchen for the Forest of Dean-based delicatessens Hunter & Todd, offers a tangy taste that cooks will lap up.
Available from Hunter & Todd Delicatessen and Wine, Newnham-on-Severn on (01594) 516211 www.hunterandtodd.co.uk
Three Choirs Vineyard Wine
Made from the finest grapes grown among 70 acres of carefully cultivated Forest of Dean vines, Three Choirs Vineyard's selection of delicate whites and fine reds (costing from £57 a case) is sure to make an unusual gift for wine lovers left uninspired by supermarket plonk.
Available from Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent (01531) 890223
www.three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk
Simon Weaver Organic Cotswold Brie
Treat cheese connoisseurs to a taste of the Cotswolds this Christmas, with an organic award-winning Cotswold Brie (£6.50). The sweeter, more delicate, version of the French favourite works perfectly with The Cheeseworks' Autumn Apple chutney and Rosemary crackers – if you really want to show you know your stuff.
Available from The CheeseWorks, Cheltenham (01242) 255022. www.thecheeseworks.co.uk
Day's Cottage Cider and Perry
Whether you're shopping for a perry or cider lover, Day's Cottage premium range (costing from £30 to £40 a case) is sure to fit the bill. Made using fruit from their 'unsprayed' orchard near Gloucester, which includes 100 varieties of apples and pears of traditional varieties, a fresh and first class tipple is guaranteed.
Available from Day's Cottage, Brookthorpe (01452) 813602.
Kitchen Garden Preserves' seasonal specials
Stroud-based Kitchen Garden Preserves' seasonal specials are perfect for filling a plump festive hamper, including: handmade brandy butter made with organic cognac (£2.90), cranberry sauce bursting with whole cranberries (£2.60), and Christmas chutney overflowing with walnuts, spices and all things festive (£2.90). While the Old Spot real ale chutney (£2.60) and Tewkesbury mustard (£2.30) – a creamy, medium hot, blend of mustard and horseradish based on a traditional recipe mentioned by Shakespeare – are firm favourites all year round.
Available from www.kitchengardenpreserves.co.uk and Made in Gloucestershire, Gloucester (01452) 522693.
Whittingtons Brewery Real Ale
For a thoughtful treat for a beer lover, you can't beat buying a personalised nine-pint barrel of Cat's Whiskers real ale from Gloucestershire micro-brewery Whittingtons (£22.95). The tawny coloured, medium-bodied beer with a gentle sparkle delivers a rich hop flavour sure to impress real ale enthusiasts.
Available from Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent (01531) 890223.
www.three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk
Selsley Herb & Spice Co Gourmet Mulling Syrup
There isn't anything more Christmassy than a festive mug of mulled wine or cider. Selsley Herb & Spice Co's Gourmet Mulling Syrup (from £3.50), made using the finest local ingredients, is a classy, quick and simple way to mix up a delicious drink, not to mention a heart warming present.
Available from Made in Gloucestershire, Gloucester (01452) 522693.