Spirits Inn Beringen makes a strong first impression in Koersel

This Sunday afternoon, the latest edition of the annual Spirits Inn Beringen festival took place in Koersel for the very first time — and the new location proved to be a winning choice. The venue offered a warm, inviting atmosphere and more spacious surroundings, allowing visitors to browse the stands in comfort. Both local and (inter)national exhibitors contributed to a dynamic and diverse tasting experience.

Upon entering, guests were immediately greeted with a notable premiere: a special bottling to mark the 20th anniversary of whisky club The Finest Notes. This commemorative release — a single grain whisky distilled in 1991 at the North British Distillery — was a fitting tribute to two decades of whisky passion.

A familiar and always impressive presence at the festival was Ivo Drabs of Wine4You. Like a seasoned sleuth, he scours the cellars of France in search of forgotten cognac casks. This year, I tasted a true flavour bomb: a cognac aged for an astonishing 100 years in oak. A rare find, given that most cognacs are transferred to large ‘Dame Jeanne’ bottles after a few years, halting further maturation.

As always, the exhibition floor showcased a fascinating mix of vintage, rare, and brand-new releases. One standout was Young Charly, represented by Bruno Simons, a former Antwerp cocktail bar owner with a well-trained palate. At his stand, I discovered Raasay, a brand I had not yet encountered, hailing from the Isle of Skye. This distillery stands as a compelling alternative to nearby Talisker, located just 20 miles away.

There was also exciting local news. Jeroen Aerts, known for his Appelstook (a Calvados-style apple spirit) and Bierbrand, presented his very own Black Creek Whisky. After three years and one month maturing in an ex-bourbon cask, this spirit now officially carries the name "whisky." The result? A fresh, fruity dram with a pleasant tartness and a long, satisfying finish. A remarkably strong debut. Even Mayor Thomas Vints joined in to taste this hometown premiere.

And there’s more to come: a second batch is already aging — this time in a completely different type of cask. It’s something to look forward to, much like the festival itself, which is set to return next year.

Blood Orange Old Fashioned

During my wife's recent trip to London, she surprised me with a delightful gift from Harrods – a jar of exquisite blood orange marmalade. The moment I tasted it, I was captivated by its incredible flavour. Now, enjoying a slice of toast slathered with butter and this unique marmalade has become a cherished ritual.

What makes blood oranges truly special is their connection to the original oranges that flourished in Europe. Unlike the sweeter varieties imported from China much later, blood oranges offer a distinct and robust taste that has stood the test of time.

These vibrant citrus gems have not only earned a place in the culinary world but have also become a source of inspiration for mixologists worldwide. A stroll through a liqueur store reveals the influence of blood oranges on various spirits. Brands like Cointreau, feature bottles based on this bittersweet fruit.

In my recent cocktail experiment, I decided to elevate the classic Old Fashioned by incorporating a spoonful of this delectable marmalade. The result? An absolutely delicious concoction that seamlessly blends the rich notes of blood oranges with the timeless allure of a well-crafted Old Fashioned.

Indeed, the world of flavours is vast and ever-evolving, and my journey with blood orange-infused treats has been a delightful exploration of culinary innovation. Whether enjoyed on toast or in a carefully crafted cocktail, the distinctive taste of blood oranges continues to be a source of culinary inspiration and satisfaction. Cheers to the sweet and tangy wonders that enrich our taste buds and create memorable culinary experiences!

Blood Orange Old Fashioned

Ingredients

60ml The Classic Laddie (whisky)

7ml Simple Syrup

2 dashes of orange bitters

a spoonful of Harrods Blood Orange Marmalade

a splash of tonic or soda

Method

First add a barspoon of marmalade to your tumbler, together with a splash of tonic or soda. Give it a good stir to dissolve the marmalade. Add whiskey, simple syrup and bitters. Add ice cubes and give it a good stir for 15 seconds. Garnish with dehydrated blood orange and a cocktail cherry. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Aberfeldy 125 years celebration

Last Monday, I had the delightful privilege of raising my glass in a toast to 125 years of exquisite craftsmanship, celebrating the enduring legacy of Aberfeldy, a renowned single malt distillery nestled amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands since its establishment in 1898. This grand occasion unfolded within the hallowed halls of the 'Produits Dangereux' warehouse at the Brussels restyled Tour & Taxis venue.

Founded by the visionary John Alexander Dewar, this distillery holds a hallowed place in the annals of the Scottish whisky industry. His tireless efforts and passion blazed a trail, propelling him into the ranks of the industry's pioneers. 

The result? A whisky that exudes a soft and opulent character, an essence that has left an indelible mark on the distinct style of Highland whisky throughout the years.

As we gathered at the bar, mixologists skilfully concocted a range of tantalizing cocktails, each masterfully crafted with Aberfeldy 12 at its core. Guests had their pick, whether it was the refreshing highball, the timeless and iconic Old Fashioned, the intriguing Penicillin or simply a sublime dram of this exceptional whisky. Soft drink options were, naturally, at our disposal as well. 

It is interesting to know that the famous TV chef Jamie Oliver uses Dewar’s 12 for his Penicillin cocktail, a blended whisky from the same house. Aberfeldy 12 leans a bit more towards Aberlour in taste, while Dewar’s 12 leans a bit more in the direction of the softer Glenlivet. Both use Aberfeldy Single Malt, but Dewar’s is a blend of 40 different single malt and grain whiskies, aged for at least 12 years. I also found an in-depth comparison in this article.  

Following a sumptuous dinner and a delightful array of Aberfeldy 12-based cocktails, the evening took a remarkable turn as we were ushered upstairs and into an exclusive masterclass. Here, we were introduced to a limited edition gem: Aberfeldy 25, specially bottled for this momentous occasion. This meticulously selected first-fill Oloroso sherry barrel lent its essence to the spirit, resulting in a whisky that flawlessly encapsulates Aberfeldy's trademark softness while teasing the palate with an abundance of honey notes from the Oloroso cask.

Culminating this enchanting evening, we had the privilege of observing the live wax sealing of our very own personalized bottles, a tangible memento of a truly exceptional celebration of Aberfeldy's enduring legacy.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Exploring the World of Jack Daniel's Bonded Whiskey

From the time I hit my mid-twenties, my passion for collecting all things Jack Daniel's has grown steadily. Over the past three decades, I've amassed a collection of bottles, glassware, and branded bar paraphernalia. My affinity for retro and vintage items has always been my guiding light in this pursuit.

So, imagine my excitement when I received the news that Vincent, the Belgian brand ambassador for Jack Daniel's, was dropping by my office to discuss the new addition to the Jack Daniel's family - Jack Daniel's Bonded Whiskey. After a neat sip of this remarkable whiskey, I set out to create a new edition of my previously published popcorn Old Fashioned. What sets this version apart from my previous attempts? Well, for starters, the whiskey itself boasts a robust 100 proof, and that alone makes a world of difference. Additionally, the choice of barrels for this release is something special. They've hand-selected barrels with a deeper colour, richer flavour, and an aroma that's more oak-forward.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly bonded whiskey, or Bottled-in-Bond, means. It's a set of stringent rules designed to guarantee the quality of the whiskey, including:

• It must originate from a single distillery.
• Distilled in a single season.
• Bottled at precisely 100 proof (50% ABV).
• A minimum aging period of four years in a federal warehouse.
  
  

The key distinction between the iconic Old No. 7 and this bonded whiskey is that the latter has earned its place in the permanent range as a super-premium product. The mash bill remains consistent with the same blend of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye.

Notably, this Jack Daniel's expression isn't just bonded; it's still quintessential Tennessee Whiskey. It undergoes a unique process of dripping for six days in 10-foot vats, passing through charcoal made by burning maple wood saturated with 140 proof Jack Daniel's whiskey, before being placed in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years.

Now, let's delve into the tasting experience:

• Nose: A captivating burst of sweet caramel, vanilla, and hints of banana. Subtle notes of cookie dough intertwine beautifully, with the barrel's distinct influence making its presence known.
• Palate: Caramel continues to shine, now accompanied by the delightful flavours of marshmallow and cookie dough. Banana comes into play, crowned with a medley of popcorn and waffle notes.
• Finish: A dash of spice emerges, followed by a harmonious encore of caramel.
  
  

You might be wondering if there's a notable difference from the 'Bottled-in-Bond' release of a few years ago. I embarked on a quest to unearth differences and tasting notes, but they proved elusive. My search led me to an informative tasting video by Task Force Bourbon, which I already shared on our Facebook page. In a nutshell, it appears to be pretty much the same excellent product, with Vincent hinting at grooves carved into the charred wood, similar to what they did with the JD Sinatra barrels, to influence the final result.

In conclusion, my journey as a Jack Daniel's enthusiast and collector has led me to this exceptional bonded whiskey, which seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. With each sip, I'm reminded of the rich history and dedication that goes into every bottle of Jack Daniel's, making it a timeless classic for connoisseurs and collectors alike.

As promised, I’ll share my updated Popcorn Old Fashioned recipe, but I’m looking forward to experiment and share more recipes with this new Bonded spirit. Since the complete month of September is considered Mr. Jack’s birthday (because nobody really knows the exact date), we have many reasons to raise a glass of Jack. Spoiler: my second drink will be the Jack Daniel’s Bonded Boulevardier… I’ll try to do a reel with that one. 

Popcorn Old Fashioned – Bonded edition

Ingredients
50ml Jack Daniel’s Bonded

10ml Monin Popcorn syrup

2 dashes of Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters

Method

Add everything to a tumbler with ice. Stir for 15 seconds. Garnish with a cocktail cherry. Close your eyes, have a sip and get transported to a typical American Fun Fair. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Best of two worlds

I often get inspired by things I spot online or read in books and newspapers, but always try to do my own thing. This recipe is adapted from a couple of drinks I saw online. This drink is a combination of American Rye and Japanese Blended whisky. I wanted to keep it in the Old Fashioned style but picked very fresh citrussy bitters of kalamansi and grapefruit. The result is a very Japanese style of Old Fashioned, but with the spicy notes of the rye whiskey.

Best of two worlds

Ingredients

40 ml American Rye Whiskey

20 ml Japanese Blended whisky

7 ml Simple syrup

2 dashes of kalamansi bitters

2 dashes of grapefruit bitters

Method

Add everything to a mixing glass with lots of ice. Stir for 15 seconds and strain over fresh ice in a tumbler. Garnish with a dehydrated slice of blood orange. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Brooklyn

Angostura aromatic bitters are probably among the very first bitters that were ever used to prepare mixed drinks. And even today they still seem to be the salt and pepper used to season drinks by any bartender around the world. While you have a choice in hundreds of different bitters today, the original Angostura aromatical bitters are still the preferred bitters for a wide array of drinks. 

The Brooklyn is a variation on the Manhattan, adding the sweetness of Maraschino liqueur to the recipe. Again a recipe that will work much better with slightly higher proof whisky. (100-110 Proof would be a much better choice than 80 proof in this case). 

Brooklyn

Ingredients

60 ml Rye Whiskey (higher proof is better!)

30 ml Red Italian vermouth

20 ml Maraschino liqueur

2 dashes of Angostura aromatical bitters

Method

Add everything to a shaker with lots of ice. Give it a good shake and strain into a chilled tumbler with fresh ice. Garnish with a cocktail cherry. Add a few drops of cherry syrup.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Birmingham Sour

If you visit cocktailbars once in a while, the New York Sour won’t be a complete stranger to you. It’s a perfectly crafted whisky sour with a float of bold red wine. It takes some skill and experience to serve this drink Instagrammable. You need a good layer of egg whites (or a substitute) and the red wine can’t mix too much with the rest of the drink. 

I can easily imagine that such a delicate serve wasn’t really possible in speakeasy bars, during the prohibition. It would be more likely something like this drink, the Birmingham Sour. 

This drink contains the same ingredients, but with a completely different cocktail as a result. 

Yes, you should read that again. 

While the New York Sour gives you a separate taste experience between the wine and the rest of the cocktail, the Birmingham Sour mixes the flavours from the start. This means the typical notes from the wine are strongly diluted but added directly to the flavour profile of the cocktail. Interesting at least.

Since my wife and I are both Italy fans, I picked a bottle of good quality Chianti Classico for the red wine. And of course, we enjoyed the rest of the bottle with a good meal. 

Birmingham Sour

Ingredients

60 ml Rittenhouse Rye whiskey

30 ml Freshly s6queezed lemon juice

20 ml Cane sugar syrup

10 ml Perano Chianti Classico 2019 (Red wine)

Method

Add all ingredients to a shaker with lots of ice. Shake hard and fine strain in an Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Sweet Tea Old Fashioned

Most recipes featuring a combination of whisky and tea are highball drinks, measuring three times more tea than whisky. I really wanted to try a different approach. I have experimented with tea infusions before and I remember some of those results being very tasty. This time I don't want to create a syrup with tea-flavour, I want to use the tea as a tasty sweetener. 

What I want to do today is start with some tea, made with fresh ‘Bring me back to Bali’ tea, with lemongrass and lemon peel, spicy ginger, bamboo and pepper. While the tea is still hot, I’ll add lots of sugar, the result should be something in between a sweet cup of tea and simple syrup. After cooling down, this tea will be used to sweeten the drink instead of sugar, simple syrup or other sweet elements. I want this drink to be very easy, so everyone who wants a sip can try this at home. A few drops of bitters complete this Eastern-style Old Fashioned. 

Yesterday, I already shared a reel on Instagram with this drink, but you still need the recipe.

Sweet Tea Old Fashioned

Ingredients

For the tea: 

A tea egg filled with Tastea “Bring me back to Bali” tea

4 to 5 lumps of cane sugar

Water

For the cocktail:

50 ml whisky (I used Roe & Co Irish whiskey)

50 ml sweetened tea

1 dash of bitters (I used calamansi bitters, but do try with the bitters of your choice)

Method

Let’s keep it easy and build this Old Fashioned directly in your glass. Add whisky, tea and bitters, fill the glass with ice cubes and stir for 15 seconds. Garnish with fresh lemon. 

P.S. Want to start experimenting yourself? Order your tea at www.premiumtea.store before 31/12 and use the code “STRAINGER” for a 10% discount on all products. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Yellow Fever II - A unit drink

Let’s talk about “unit-drinks”. What??? 

Imagine craving a nice drink, but you’re driving your car. You would like a cocktail, but you want to make sure you’re within the legal limits for driving. Of course, you should try to avoid drinking and driving, but in Belgium up to two units is still safe and allowed. 

Or maybe you want to have a drink, but you are worried about your health and you want to stay within limits as published by the government. Reports state you will stay healthy if you don’t drink more than 10 units per week. If you know that some cocktail recipes hold 2, 3 or even 4 units of alcohol, you might need to think this over. 

One unit of alcohol in Belgium is 12,7ml or 10g of pure alcohol. Other countries might use different limits. In the UK one unit is only 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. Because alcoholic drinks come in different strengths and sizes, units are always an excellent way to display how strong your drink is. 

It also shouldn’t be wrong to ask your bartender how many units are in a specific drink, or ask if they serve “unit-cocktails” that contain exactly (or maximum) one unit of alcohol. 

This week I was experimenting with unit recipes and I will share some in the next few days. Often these are longdrink recipes, using a mixer that’s spiked with a relatively small amount of spirit. These drinks won’t give you a real kick of alcohol, they are lighter drinks perfect to serve for a conversation with friends. You’ll keep a clear mind and still enjoy a tasty drink. 

Yellow Fever II

Ingredients

20ml Whisky

20ml Clément Creole Shrubb (or Triple Sec)

10ml Simple syrup

200ml FERM Kombucha Ginger & Lemongrass

Method

Add whisky, syrup and triple sec to your highball glass with a few ice cubes. Stir for 10 seconds. Add more ice, top it with the kombucha and give it a few more gentle stirs. Garnish with citrus or lemongrass. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations

Spirits Inn Beringen 2022

I live in Beringen (Belgium). Each year in September, our local whisky club organises the “Spirits Inn Beringen” Festival. It’s a rather small festival, but people join us from all around the country, to sample rare and special spirits. Each year the members of the club build up the tension and tease us with pictures of very old or rare bottles that will be available for tasting. At last year’s edition, I managed to sample a spirit from the year of my birth, 1968. 

Of course, as a spiritsblogger, I already know several importers and distributors. When I visit this festival, they will have me taste a few new and exciting bottlings. This year, on the 5th edition of the event, I intended to search for the two most special bottles at the festival. 

Wine4you, represented this year by Jos Mertens, brought a Cognac Prunier Lot 40 (55%), distilled in 1940. That’s a whopping 81 years ago, at the very start of the Second World War. Cask strength Cognac from just one single barrel. Only 168 bottles could be filled, the angels already had a large share. Rated at 91/100 by Whiskyfun, 92/100 by Whiskynotes. 

81 years... You really need a moment to take this in. Even my parents (both already deceased) weren’t even born in 1940. What a great discovery. 

But… at the same table I saw another bottle, Cognac Mauxion Selection Borderies, distilled at the very start of the first World War in 1914… 108 years ago. That was two years before my eldest grandfather was born. This is absolutely the first bottle I wanted to taste. These very old bottles are not always a treasure, but this one sure is. Cognac and brandy often have very strong alcohol “burn”, which makes it almost impossible to detect their fantastic flavours and aromas. This one doesn’t. The balance of this bottle is extremely close to perfection. All the fruity flavours and aromas are present. It’s been a while since I’ve tasted something like this. What a discovery. A very old cask, at a certain point bottled and stored in “Dame-Jeanne” bottles (=large balloon bottles), which functioned as time capsules to preserve this great spirit. Now bottled again by Ivo Drabs and his team, for us to explore and enjoy.

A few booths to the right, Pieter from Malternative had me sample his latest discovery, another Cognac, distilled in 1975. Great story, he was hunting for casks in the Grand Champagne region, when he walked into a Boulangerie. They told him the neighbour across the road had some old casks ageing in his basement, they were even handed down from a former generation. One of those casks is now bottled and presented at this festival. Lots of flavours, but also still pretty “kick in the face” on alcohol. I think this is a great find for the real Cognac afficionado.  

At the Cinoco-booth, I tried Indri whisky from India, distilled near the Himalayan foothills. A blend of three kinds of casks (ex-Bourbon, ex-PX Sherry and ex-wine). Very interesting taste profile. Halfway through your sip, you’ll detect the typical slightly tart grape skin popping up. Very nice bottle to share with friends.  

Very tempting, but I really wanted something different. For my second “find of the year”, I’m going to promise you a “part 2” to this story. At the booth of “Het Aerts Paradijs”, I discovered a local producer of beer, apple juice, gin, apple brandy (Let’s call it a young Calvados) and… a soon-to-be-whisky. I already arranged to visit the distillery somewhere in the next few weeks. I think this is very interesting and I will write another article about their products. Interesting fact, the distillery is only a 7-minute drive from my office… 

Conclusion: Spirits Inn Beringen is still THE festival for old and rare spirits. This festival never disappoints, you’ll always be amazed by the bottles you’ll find and the spirits you’ll taste. See you next year!

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Frontera

Can an Old Fashioned recipe inspire me to create a totally different sour-style drink? Apparently, it can. When I saw this recipe online with Japanese whisky mixed with rum agricole, I just needed to try this with some pineapple. The result was interesting. It’s a cocktail with complex flavours, which you don’t expect. 

If your palate is more “bartender-like”, try it without the sugar, to experience the true profile of this drink. Including the sugar, this drink is ready for an audience that wants something more than a simple Whisky Sour. 

For this drink, I used Mexican Sol Tarasco Charanda Rum, aged for 4 years. Charanda is a regional product from the state of Michoacàn. It’s distilled from sugar cane, and harvested 1300 metres above sea level, using traditional production methods and a slow distillation process. The Pacheco family has been making Charanda (also known as Guarapo) for more than 11 years. The distillery is located in Uruapan.

Frontera

Ingredients

25 ml Japanese blended whisky
(I used ‘The Tottori’)

25 ml Sol Tarasco Charanda Rum 4y

25 ml Gonzalez Byass Amontillado sherry

25 ml Pineapple juice

7 ml Simple Syrup

Method

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Give it a good shake and strain over fresh ice in a tumbler. Garnish with a cocktail sherry. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

New York Sour - The Capian Edition

The New York Sour is a semi-classic variation on the Whisky Sour (or Bourbon Sour). It’s basically a normal whisky sour with egg white foam, with an extra float of red wine which settles more or less below the foam layer. 

I have tried several New York Sour recipes in the past years, but often for me, it’s slightly too bitter. That of course depends on the red wine used for the float. When my friends at PresentDa launched a campaign for Château Prieuré Sainte Anne, I was immediately intrigued. Could this 90% Merlot wine be the perfect wine for my New York Sour float? 

Château Prieuré Sainte Anne is full of red fruits, the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes add more tannins and a slight smokiness. The wine had aged for a year in oak barrels to add that slight note of wood. Château Prieuré Sainte Anne is served at several Michelin star restaurants. 

New York Sour – The Capian Edition

Ingredients

50 ml Whisky / Bourbon

30 ml Lemon juice

10 ml Honey Syrup

Egg white (or aquafaba)

Château Prieuré Sainte Anne (Merlot wine)

Method

Add the egg white, whisky, lemon juice and syrup to a shaker without ice. I recommend adding the spring of a hawthorn strainer (it works like a whisk). Give it a good shake for 10 seconds. Open the shaker and add a few ice cubes. Shake again for 12 to 14 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a tumbler. Hold your barspoon just above the foam layer and carefully add some red wine. Garnish with dehydrated orange.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Aikan Easter Old Fashioned

Last day of the extended Easter weekend. As always I had too much chocolate, but I also started thinking of a nice cocktail to pair with those delicious chocolate eggs. When I think of chocolate, I automatically think of rum. But maybe, there are other options…

Aikan whisky is not your average Scotch. After a first maturation of 3 years in Scotland, this whisky is shipped to Martinique, for an extra year of maturation in the tropical climate of the West-Indies. This extra maturation is done in “highly aromatic rhum barrels”. Taste wise, one year in the tropics is the same as 4 years in the UK, with an angel share of 10% instead of 1,5%. 

Aikan means “marriage” in the original language of Martinique. A marriage blending together the best of two worlds.

• Nose: Fresh, baba au rhum, banana, lime, vanilla, liquerice. 
• Palate: Fruity tones, mango, brioche, almond, honey, black and green olives.
• Finish: Long and extensive finish with cherry, vanilla, herbs, overripe tropical fruit. 

Aikan Easter Old Fashioned

Ingredients
60ml Aikan Intense Rhum barrels
10ml Vanilla syrup
2 dashes Angostura cacao bitters

Method
Stir together in a tumbler with ice cubes. Add a cocktail cherry. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations. 

Fuyu Tonic

When we talk about whisky and mixers, the first mixers that come to mind are cola, soda, ginger-ale and ginger beer. But what about tonic? I recently saw a social media post of one of my favourite Scottish brands, launching ready to drink highballs, mixing their whisky with tonic. Interesting. 

You won’t have the sweetness of cola or ginger-ale, but it will have more actual taste than soda. Tonic has this slight lemon touch. Let’s try to mix up a Japanese style highball, the Fuyu Tonic.

I added 50 ml of Fuyu Small batch blended Japanese whisky to a highball glass with a big rock of clear ice. Then I added Schweppes Premium tonic and gave it a gentle stir. 

What about the result?
This was probably the very first time I tasted whisky and tonic. I would probably add a pinch of lime next time and maybe use a bolder whisky. It is definitely interesting to try and explore. 

Fuyu is a blended whisky made from malted grain and mash corn on the island of Honshu, aged for 3 years in oak barrels. This handcrafted whisky uses distillates from several distilleries, carefully selected by producer BBC, which is actually located in Bordeaux, France. It’s a powerful blend in a typical Japanese style. 

COLOUR : dark amber

NOSE : floral and youthful aromas with caramel and spicy notes

PALATE : Generous oak and cooked fruit

FINISH : Hint of smoke

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Shanky's Whip

It’s always a bit weird when you receive a parcel from a distributor in Italy… and it contains a bottle “Made in Ireland” 😉.

Two weeks ago we visited a friend who told us she really loves to mix spirits with ginger beer, but she’s not really fond of rum. This came back to mind when I opened this parcel and found a bottle of Shanky’s Whip, the original black liqueur based on Irish whiskey. This black liqueur is “whipped together” with Irish spirits, Irish whiskey, cream flavour and caramel. The aroma is fantastic and immediately reminds me of some sweets I really loved as a kid. 

This liqueur is packed with flavour and it doesn’t “burn” like a whisky. It’s easy and tasty to sip. You can drink it on the rocks, as a shot next to your pint of Guinness or with a good mixer. Mixologists can of course experiment by using it as an ingredient in a cocktail. I already have multiple ideas for this liqueur. 

Shanky Ginger Highball

Ingredients
50 ml Shanky’s Whip
100 ml Ginger Ale

Method

On the website they suggest mixing with coke, but I think Coke really dominates the taste.

I mixed Shanky’s Whip with Ginger Ale. Just build in a highball glass with ice and give it a quick stir. Garnish with a slice of orange. 

But since this is such a special bottle, let’s do another one...

Shanky’s Irish Old Fashioned

Ingredients

40 ml Teeling whiskey

15 ml Aperol

15 ml Shanky’s Whip liqueur

1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters

Method

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with lots of ice. Give it a good stir and strain in a tumbler with fresh ice. Garnish with orange and a maraschino cherry. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Oranges Everywhere

A little bit inspired by the oranges in The Godfather (In the three movies, each time oranges appear in a scene, someone dies), I craved for a sour with orange, but without actually using orange juice. 

Oranges everywhere

Ingredients
50 ml Milk & Honey Whisky
30 ml Triple Sec
20 ml Fresh lime juice
2 dashes Orange bitters

Method
Add everything to a shaker with lots of ice. Shake hard and fine strain in a tumbler with fresh ice. Garnish with orange.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Christmas Gifts Parade 2021 - Irish Mist

Boxing Day – It’s time to round up our annual Christmas series. I had lots of fun exploring these spirits. Too bad Facebook was constantly trying to block my post in the last two weeks. Next year I’ll have to think of other vocabulary to avoid being jailed by the algorithms. To end our series, let’s mix up the easiest drink possible… just adding a bit of lemon juice to a liqueur.

Honey liqueurs are very popular. Irish Mist was originally created at the Tullamore distillery is one of the best known bottles in this category. Made with Irish whiskey, honey, herbs and spices. It was the very first commercial whisky-liqueur in Ireland. Let’s make the most simple sour possible. 

Simple Sour

Ingredients
50 ml Irish Mist Honey
15 ml Fresh lemon juice

Method
Add both ingredients to your shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds and strain in a tumbler with fresh ice. Garnish with citrus.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations. 

Christmas Gifts Parade 2021 - Gwalarn Whisky

Next bottle for the Christmas series is - again - a whisky from a country that isn’t often related with whisky: France. Gwalarn Whisky is made at the Celtic Whisky Distillerie in Pleubian (Normandy). To create Gwalarn, the first premium Celtic Whisky brand, the cellar master carefully selected some of the most complex whiskies from across the Celtic world to carefully blend them with their own single malts. Slowly diluted with water from the distillery’s own spring. The result is a whisky with a French soul and Celtic roots. 

• Nose: Elegant, frank, distinguished. Cereals, ripe fruits, vanilla on a slightly peaty background.
• Palate: Fruity at first. Very clear vanilla. Peaty and salty. 
• Finish : Peaty and salty. 

Cherish your Celtic roots.

Ingredients
50 ml Gwalarn Whisky
20 ml Fresh lemon juice
12 ml Monin Cherry syrup

Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Fine strain in a tumbler with fresh ice. Garnish with cherries. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Xmas Gifts Parade 2021 - Starward Nova

Today’s spirit is not your average whisky. For starters, it’s the first Australian whisky I have tasted. Nova is Starward’s signature single malt, fully matured in Australian red wine barrels. The barrels are sourced from local wineries close to the distillery. These wineries produce great Australian shiraz, cabernet and pinot noir wines. The close proximity often leads to receiving barrels within hours of being emptied. This unique opportunity is used to ‘wet fill’ the barrels with new make spirit to access as much of the wine’s fruity character as possible. The result is a bold whisky, deliciously balanced and really made for sharing and mixing. 

• Aroma: Bright flavours of red berries.
• Palate: Like a red berry pudding covered in vanilla, caramel and spice. 
• Finish: Long and balanced. The sweetness fades away while the flavour keeps going. 

The fruitiness inspires in the direction of a Manhattan-style drink. We don’t want to make it sweeter by using recipes with extra sugar or liqueur.

To enhance the fruitiness even further, I used Kiss My Blackberries vermouth. This is a blend of ripe blackberries, fresh white wine, refined distillates and a touch of fennel. Aromas of red fruits and anise take you straight to the south of France. 

Have yourself a Berry little Christmas

Ingredients

45 ml Starward Nova Single Malt Red Wine Barrel
20 ml Kiss my blackberries vermouth
1 dash of orange bitters

Method
Stir everything together in a mixing glass with lots of ice. Strain in a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with cherries. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

The Corleone

The core of my activities as a drinksblogger (=a hobby that got a little bit out of hand…) is searching for interesting cocktail recipes, often forgotten old classics, and experimenting with those recipes to give them a modern update. That was also the idea with this beauty today.

The original recipe was of course ‘The Godfather’ (50/50 whisky and amaretto), but I saw a recipe online using cola as a mixer to top off the drink, which inspired me to use cola syrup instead of cola. This result in a more balanced drink with subtle tones added to a good quality whiskey. It’s almost like a special kind of Old Fashioned.

As a base for this drink I selected Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2013. This is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon put on oak in December 2013. Handpicked by the Master Distiller and bottled as a single barrel on 29 January 2021 at 86,6 Proof (43,3 % ABV).

The Corleone

Ingredients
50 ml Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage whiskey
10 ml Amaretto Adriatico Roasted Almonds 
10 ml Cola Syrup

Method
Add everything to a mixing glass with lots of ice. Give it a good stir for 15 seconds. Strain into a Cognac glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.