Scotch whiskey is considered one of the best in the world. For every Scotsman, this is not just an alcoholic drink, but one of the symbols of his homeland. With no less reverence, the people of Scotland speak of yet another well-known alcoholic drink, which is the Drumbuy liquor.
Appearance story
The Scots, with their love of antiquity and all kinds of legends, simply could not invent a drink from which antiquity and folklore would not blow. The history of the creation of Drambuy dates back to the days of the national liberation struggle for independence with the colonialists from England.
Liquor "Drambuie" (Drambuie) was coined in 1745 in the Scottish city of Skye. He owes his appearance to the McKinnon family. At first they produced it exclusively for personal needs and did not even think about trade. In 1892, the drink was officially registered as An Dram Buidheach. Translated from Gaelic, this means "a drink that meets all the requirements." Subsequently, from these words came the name that is known to the whole world today.
Only in 1906, the McKinnon family established a mass production of the drink, so that the liquor became available to a wide audience.
Secrets of Mastery
The world knows not so many reliable facts about the preparation of Drambui. Liquor is produced in a closed plant, which visitors are not led to. There are no analogues of this drink anywhere in the world.
It is known for certain that the main ingredient is seasoned Scottish high-mountain whiskey, which underwent about 60 distillations during the preparation process. Simply put, distillation is used, which makes it possible to clear the drink of all impurities, as well as to obtain a mild taste and noble color. Ripening Drumbuy liquor in port barrels. This process is long - it lasts about 20 years.
Taste and color
The liquor "Drambui" is well felt shade of malt whiskey. It is known that before getting into the liquor, whiskey can withstand 15-17 years.
In addition, the composition of the drink includes infusions of many mountain herbs. Refined spicy aroma of the drink is given by the Scottish beloved heather honey, sung by the poet Robert Lewis Stevenson in the famous ballad. And although the recipe still remains secret, it is known that among the components there are definitely coriander, saffron, hazelnuts, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg. Of course, this is not all; other spices and herbs are also used.
The liquor itself has a light golden color and a very expressive aroma. Those who have tried this drink note an explosive rich taste in which the shades do not overshadow each other, but emphasize. The strength of the drink reaches 40%, and sugar contains 320 g / l.
How to drink "Drambui"
The Scots know a lot about good alcoholic drinks. Therefore, they often drink this liquor in its purest form. A drink born in a cold northern country is often served warmed up to the table. From this, his bouquet only benefits: the exquisite aroma of heather honey intertwines with muscat notes, emphasized by spices. The party is dominated by a loud and expressive chord of cognac.
When chilled, liquor is just as good. Those who consider its fortress too large add soda or ice cubes to the glasses.
Serving "Drambui" for tea or coffee is also very common. And no snacks are supposed. But a good cigar makes up the perfect batch.
Drumbuies in cocktails
Like most liquors, this drink is ideal for preparing a variety of cocktails. It is combined with juices, tinctures, strong alcohol, cocktail berries, citrus zest. The best bartenders in the world always prefer to have Drumbuy liquor on hand.
Among them there are several particularly popular ones. For example, a cocktail with the unusual name "Rusty Nail", in which the liqueur is combined with the world famous whiskey Isle of Skye. No less famous is the cocktail with the poetic name "Dreams of Scotland". In it, "Drambui" is diluted with orange juice and generously flavored with a portion of great whiskey of great strength. This drink is pretty serious in terms of degree, despite the orange content. But many beloved “Libertina”, on the contrary, comes out quite easy. For its preparation, natural lime juice, some sweet soda and crushed ice are added to the liquor. Drambui is also included in the world-famous aperitif Dolce Vita, in which it is combined with sparkling wine Canti Prosecco Brut.
Cost
"Drambuy" - liquor, the price of which is quite affordable compared to other alcoholic drinks from Scotland. However, when compared with local alcohol, it cannot be called budget alcohol. It is sold all over the world. It can also be found on the shelves of wine boutiques in the CIS countries. The cost of one liter bottle in retail ranges from 24 to 40 US dollars. When buying, pay attention to the reputation of the supplier, as there is a risk of acquiring a fake. Pay attention to the excise stamp and label. The real Dumbouy is made in Scotland; it cannot cost less than $ 20 and is unlikely to be sold in a regular supermarket.