Give ocean-aged English Never Say Die bourbon whiskey this Christmas

Only three years after its miraculous revival, Never Say Die was the first American horse to win the Epsom Derby at 33-1 odds, astonishing spectators – including Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Winston Churchill.

The story doesn't stop there, though: in Liverpool, Mona Best pawned all her jewellery to bet everything she had on Never Say Die. When the horse won, she bought a house and turned it into a music venue, the basement of which went on to become the Casbah Coffee Club. Mona's son, Pete Best, played on the opening night with his three friends John, Paul and George. Later, Pete was replaced by Ringo Starr, and the band became The Beatles.

Read on for everything you need to know about Never Say Die bourbon whiskey, including where to buy it for your loved ones this Christmas.

Buy Never Say Die bourbon whiskey for £59.95 at The Whisky Exchange

How is Never Say Die bourbon made?

Never Say Die has a unique name, and is produced by an equally unique method. It's the first-ever American whiskey to be distilled in Kentucky before being ocean-aged and further matured in England.

The whiskey is shipped from the US to England by ocean vessel, and the continuous agitation caused by the barrels rocking in the waves contributes to its colour. This accelerated interaction between the whiskey and wood of the barrels also results in a greater depth.

Buy Never Say Die bourbon whiskey for £59.95 at The Whisky Exchange

What is small-batch bourbon whiskey?

"Small batch" refers to the number of barrels the whiskey in the blend is taken from. Never Say Die is the brand's flagship product, and is made with a mash bill using 75 per cent corn, 21 per cent rye and 4 per cent malted barley. Just 2,750 bottles of Never Say Die bourbon are made from each small batch.

Buy Never Say Die bourbon whiskey for £59.95 at The Whisky Exchange

What does Never Say Die bourbon taste like?

Never Say Die has a lower ABV of 47.5% compared to other young bourbons, and an incomparable flavour. It is light and approachable, with vanilla, caramel and orange notes.

The 21 per cent rye means this is considered a high rye bourbon, which brings the spicy notes of rye together with the complexity of a bourbon whiskey.

Buy Never Say Die bourbon whiskey for £59.95 at The Whisky Exchange

Where to buy Never Say Die bourbon in the UK

Never Say Die would make the perfect gift for a whiskey lover this Christmas. It is available to buy in the UK from The Whisky Exchange for £59.95 (70cl bottle).

Buy Never Say Die bourbon whiskey for £59.95 at The Whisky Exchange