A masterful rum
One for rum connoisseurs and collectors, Andrés Brugal (Alc 41.5%) is an ultra-premium launch from Dominican Republic distiller Brugal, which has been producing rums since 1888. Named after the distillery’s founder and blended by the Caribbean nation’s first-ever feminine rum grasp, Jassil Villanueva Quintana, solely 460 bottles have been produced. ‘Andrés Brugal combines particular single cask household reserves and our signature double ageing method to inform a twin story of my household’s legacy of rum-making, in addition to my very own as maestra ronera,’ mentioned Quintana. She described the sipping rum as: ‘A real celebration of the distinctive flavours of Puerto Plata.’ Andrés Brugal is introduced in crystal decanter and bespoke diamond-patterned oak case. £2,200 Selfridges.
What’s… infusion?
A completed spirit will be infused with an extra flavour or flavours, to create a brand new expression or particular launch. That is normally carried out by placing a botanical ingredient, corresponding to spices, herbs or fruit, immediately into the spirit and letting it steep for a selected time period. Sloe gin is a traditional instance. Infusion is extra usually carried out with lighter spirits, corresponding to gin and vodka, the place the added flavour shall be extra noticeable. However there are additionally an rising variety of botanical rums made by infusion.
Botanicals for infusion can embrace dried orange peel and juniper berries, as within the backside two jars pictured. Credit score: iStock/Getty Pictures Plus
What to drink now…Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré was created within the Nineteen Thirties by Walter Bergeron on the Monteleone Lodge in New Orleans. The identify interprets as ‘outdated sq.’ and refers back to the metropolis’s iconic French Quarter. Tasting a bit like a Manhattan (whiskey, vermouth, bitters) it’s an amazing selection for chilly winter nights due to the added spiciness and natural richness from French liqueur Bénédictine. Attempt it with H by Hine, a Cognac blended particularly to be used in cocktails, with notes of caramel, vanilla, nuts, black pepper and ginger spice (Alc 40%, obtainable via Amazon UK).
Vieux Carré
Components 30ml Cognac, 30ml rye whisky, 30ml candy vermouth, 5ml Bénédictine DOM liqueur, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Glass Rocks
Garnish Cocktail cherry and lemon peel
Technique Add all the substances to a mixing glass with ice. Stir effectively to mix, then pressure into an ice-filled glass and garnish.
