29 February only comes around once every four years. So for this leap year, why not crack open something distinctly special to mark the occasion? We’ve gathered some of the rarest and most unusual wines and spirits that are sure to make 29th February 2024 a night to remember.
The History Behind Leap Year Libations
The origins of leap year celebrations can be traced back to 5th century Ireland, when St Brigid struck a deal allowing women to propose to men on 29th February. Legend has it that any man who refused such a proposal would have to pay a forfeit, often in the form of buying the first leap year round of drinks!
Whilst this quirky custom may have faded over time, leap day remains a perfect excuse to indulge in something out of the ordinary. So in honour of St Brigid, we recommend raising a glass with one of these conversation-starting tipples.
A Ghostly Greek Delight
First up is a spirit so rare that until recently, it was practically unheard of outside of its native Greece. Tsikoudia, or raki as it’s often called, is a grape-based brandy that’s produced on the island of Crete. Whilst raki is relatively commonplace in Greece, this particular expression from the Stilianou Distillery is considered the crème de la crème.
Their Organic ‘Oregenous’ Raki is produced from the indigenous Oregenous grape variety, in strictly limited quantities. With lifted aromas of citrus zest and white flowers, it makes for a fine apéritif. Or if leap day also happens to fall on pancake day, try flambéing your pancakes with this Greek brandy for a flavourful fusion.
The ‘Everest’ of Eau de Vies
If you’re looking for something truly rare to mark the occasion, look no further than the exquisite eaux de vie from acclaimed Austrian distiller Johann Doppler. His Stirling Single Malt Whisky Cask edition took out ‘World’s Best Brandy’ at the 2014 World Drinks Awards, against stiff competition from traditional Cognac houses.
Matured for years in Scotch whisky barrels sourced from the Stirling distillery in Scotland, this extraordinary eau de vie showcases rich butterscotch notes followed by peat smoke on the finish. With only 1,200 bottles ever produced, it’s a true collector’s item. Enjoy neat or pair with dark chocolate for an elevated after dinner treat. As whisky connoisseur Charles MacLean once said, “this is the Everest all other eaux de vie merely try to climb”.
A Toast to St Brigid
Legend has it that St Brigid once turned her bathwater into beer to satisfy visiting priests. So to pay homage, why not partake in a revered Belgian beer this leap year? Hard to come by outside Belgium, the St Brigid’s Kriek is a special edition cherry lambic beer from Brussels brewer 3 Fonteinen.
Only produced in leap years, this tart cherry sour ale is first matured in oak wine barrels for eight months, before spending a further 18 months with locally grown Schaarbeekse cherries. The end result is rich, jammy fruit flavours and bracing acidity that dances across your tongue. Enjoy the fading last few bottles of this ethereal brew to toast both St Brigid and leap year.
Pair any of these special drinks with good company and conversation to fully immerse in the spirit of leap year. Sláinte!