Tom Gilbey has spent over 30 years in the wine trade, but you’ll probably know him best as that guy on social media who is brutally and hilariously honest about every wine he tastes, rating them CLASS, PASS or absolute ARSE.
He’s tasted a different bottle at every mile of the London Marathon, demonstrated wine temperature by sitting in an ice bath at 3 degrees, he has a book, a new wine club and is about to take his live show Absolute Filth on tour around the UK and Ireland. In a world of stuffy tasting notes, he’s a real breath of fresh air.
In this conversation, we talk about his long family history in booze, a joint love of unpretentious wine places, the bottle that ‘did it’ for him, ice baths, sensory memories, TikTok, Jam Shed wine and his upcoming tour, Absolute Filth.
Find Tom Gilbey
Instagram: @tomgilbeywine
For all things tour, book and info: tomgilbey.com
In the glass…
A Chilli Martini from Sophie’s Soho
Make it yourself? Here’s how:
Vodka: 50 ml (or 1.75 oz) premium or vanilla-infused vodka
Passionfruit Puree: 25 ml (or 0.8 oz)
Vanilla Syrup: 15–20 ml (or 0.5–0.75 oz) depending on sweetness preference
Red Chilli: 1/2 to 1 sliced red chilli (adjust to your preferred heat
Chill a martini glass, then muddle fresh red chilli slices with vanilla syrup in a shaker to release the heat. Add vodka and passionfruit puree, fill with ice and shake hard for 15-20 seconds. Double strain into the chilled glass to keep out seeds, and float a chilli slice on top to garnish.
*******
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