Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur

Episode 121: Bénédictine

Episode 121 features Bénédictine. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $40. Enjoy this episode with a Béné & Hot, or just sip on it neat. Bénédictine's official website: https://www.benedictinedom.com/ [https://www.benedictinedom.com/] Brief Historical Timeline: * 1510 - Dom Bernado Vincelli, a monk at the Abbey in Fécamp, Normandy, France, creates an elixir intended to revie tired monks. * 1789 - The Abbey is destroyed during the French Revolution and the monks gift documents to secular benefactor Prosper Couillard. * 1863 - Alexandre Le Grand creates Bénédictine based upon a manuscript he finds in his grandfather Prosper Couillard's collection. * 1864 - Bénédictine is commercialized and the bottle trademarked. * 1882 - Alexandre Le Grand purchases the site of the old Abbey and builds a distillery. * 1888 - Bottles are first available in the United States. * 1904 - The new Le Palais Bénédictine opens after the original distillery was destroyed by arson. * 1905 - An outpost for the brand is opened in Paris. * 1917 - British soldiers during WWI get a taste for Bénédictine and begin drinking it mixed with hot water post war back home. * 1937 - B&B, a version of Bénédictine mixed with Brandy, is first produced. * 1984 - The La Grand family sells the brand to Martini-Rossi. * 1992 - Bacardi purchases Martini-Rossi, becoming owner of Bénédictine. Key Cocktails: Bénédictine has been around for ages and prominently features in the Vieux Carré and Singapore Sling. But, you can also enjoy it like the patrons of the Burnley Miner's Club in England and drink it mixed with hot water. References: Wikipedia Article on Bénédictine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9n%C3%A9dictine] YouTube Video Featuring Le Palais Bénédictine [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9B1BA5qXfg] - French language The Spruce Eats Article on Bénédictine [https://www.thespruceeats.com/benedictine-d-o-m-liqueur-760249] Diffords Guide Article on Bénédictine [https://www.diffordsguide.com/producers/41/distillerie-benedictine-sa/history] The Culture Trip Article on Bénédictine [https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/the-story-of-the-secret-elixir-benedictine-liqueur] Epicurious Article on Bénédictine [https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/benedictine-history] Liquor.com Article on Bénédictine [https://www.liquor.com/benedictine-review-7112998] BBC Article and Video on the Burnley Miner's Club [https://WW1troopsBenedictineloveaffairlivesoninminers'club-BBCNews] Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails - Book Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com [https://www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com/] Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf [http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur [https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ [https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/]

Guest Episode - B&B from My Tiny Bottles

This is a special guest episode featuring B&B - Bénédictine & Brandy, courtesy of My Tiny Bottles [https://mytinybottles.com/] hosted by Tammy Coxen. Tammy and I are on similar paths, diving into the world of distilled spirits, though Tammy is doing this by exploring her grandmother’s legacy of miniature liquor bottles, one tiny bottle at a time. She has hundreds of bottles waiting to be discovered, and with each she’s telling the story of them and then opening & tasting many of these vintage, collectible bottles! Later this year Tammy and I are planning to get together to taste some tiny bottles, but in the meantime, here’s the story of Benedictine as told through bottle #17 in her collection, B&B [https://mytinybottles.com/bottle-17-benedictine-brandy-bb/]. Enjoy this episode while I work on more of my regular content, including an episode on Bénédictine to follow shortly!

Episode 120: Everclear

Episode 120 features Everclear Grain Alcohol. Bottled in 750ml at 95% ABV, or 190 proof and it retails for about $21. Enjoy this episode with something you've made with Everclear. Everclear's official website: https://diywitheverclear.com/ [https://diywitheverclear.com/] Brief Historical Timeline: * 1922 - Everclear is mentioned in various issues of the Druggists Circular as a product of American Distilling Company. * 1936 - Article lists Everclear alongside whiskey, gin and rum. * 1950 - Everclear is registered as a trademark. * 1981 - American Distilling Company sells the Everclear brand to David Sherman Corporation. * 2006 - David Sherman Corporation rebrands as Luxco. * 2015 - First marketing campaign for Everclear, the "Make It Your Own" is launched. * 2018 - New packaging, labeling is introduced. * 2021 - Luxco is purchased by MGP Ingredients. Key Cocktails: Everclear is described as a blank canvas, a clean slate and open invitation to make it your own. Everclear will add more "Punch to your Punch." Ample recipes are featured on the brand's website. References: Luxco Website [https://www.luxco.com/] Vinepair Article on Everclear History [https://vinepair.com/articles/everclear-alcohol-proof-percentage/] Vinepair List on Everclear [https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-everclear-guide/] The Druggists Circular [https://www.google.com/books/edition/Druggists_Circular/1n4gAQAAMAAJ?q=%22everclear%22+%22The+American+Distilling+Company%22&gbpv=1#f=false] Punch Article on Rebrand [https://punchdrink.com/articles/can-everclear-shake-its-frat-boy-image/] Press Release on Updated Packaging [https://www.bevnet.com/spirits/2018/everclear-launches-updated-packaging/] Wikipedia Article on Everclear [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear] MGP Purchase of Luxco [https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2021/04/mgp-completes-475m-luxco-acquisition/] Art Alexakis Quote on Everclear as his Band Name [https://web.archive.org/web/20111115195543/https://discoveringalcoholic.com/recovery/art-alexakis-of-everclear-at-the-discovering-alcoholic] Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com [https://www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com/] Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf [http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur [https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ [https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/]

Episode 119: Kentucky Owl Bourbon - Maighstir Edition

Episode 119 features Kentucky Owl, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Maighstir Edition. Bottled in 750ml at 50% ABV, or 100 proof and it retails for about $134. Enjoy this episode with a pour of Kentucky Owl as you like it. Kentucky Owl's official website: https://kentuckyowlbourbon.com/ [https://kentuckyowlbourbon.com/] Brief Historical Timeline: * 1879 - Kentucky Owl is founded by C.M. Dedman. * 1916 - Production ends and aging stocks are confiscated by the US government, they are then all "lost in a fire". * 2014 - Dixon Dedman, great-great-grandson of the founder, releases Batch #1, resurrecting the brand. * 2017 - Stoli Group purchases Kentucky Owl. * 2018 - Groundbreaking of the 420 acre distillery complex and brand home. * 2023 - Maureen Robinson collaborates with John Rhea in the release of the Maighstir Edition. * 2023 - Maureen Robinson is named Master Blender for Kentucky Owl. Key Cocktails: Simply drink Kentucky Owl as you like it. Neat, on the rocks, with water, or you could mix it if you like. References: Interview with Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender, Maureen Robinson Stoli Group Website [https://stoli-group.com/] Coverage of Stoli Group's Purchase of Kentucky Owl [https://www.distillerytrail.com/blog/stoli-group-gets-talons-us-whiskey-market-acquisition-kentucky-owl-bourbon/] Kentucky Owl's Distillery Complex Announcement [https://www.distillerytrail.com/blog/kentucky-owl-bourbon-and-stoli-unveil-21st-century-design-and-3d-rendering-of-its-new-pyramid-shaped-distillery/] Press Release on Maureen Robinson Becoming Master Blender [https://www.prweb.com/releases/maureen-robinson-named-as-new-kentucky-owl-master-blender-301920527.html] Press Release on Maighstir Edition Release [https://www.prweb.com/releases/kentucky-owl-releases-maighstir-edition-301927755.html] Maureen Robinson Background [https://www.dramface.com/news/maureen-robinson-retires] Keepers of the Quaich [https://www.keepersofthequaich.co.uk/] Story of Kentucky Owl in American Whiskey [https://americanwhiskeymag.com/2023/03/29/feature-the-story-of-kentucky-owl/] The Whiskey Wash Article on Kentucky Owl [https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/bourbon/kentucky-owl-bourbon-story-cult-whiskey/] Forbes Article on Kentucky Owl [https://www.forbes.com/sites/hudsonlindenberger/2023/11/10/kentucky-owl-is-poised-for-continued-success-with-its-whiskeys/] The Beaumont Inn Website [https://www.beaumontinn.com/location/beaumontinn/] Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com [https://www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com/] Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf [http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur [https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ [https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/]

Episode 118: St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram

Episode 118 features St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. Bottled in 750ml at 22.5% ABV, or 45 proof and it retails for about $30. Enjoy this episode with a tiki cocktail using "Pimento Dram" if you like. St. Elizabeth doesn't have standalone brand website, but here's the producer's website: https://alpenz.com/product-allspice.html [https://alpenz.com/product-allspice.html] Brief Historical Timeline: * 1850s - Pimento Dram is thought to have been invented. * 1862 - First written reference to Pimento Dram as a commercial product. * 1900s - Pimento Dram is fairly common, and finds use in Tiki cocktails. * 1980s - Pimento Dram leaves the US market. * 2008 - Haus Alpenz creates St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, bringing Pimento Dram back to the US. Key Cocktails: St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram works in many tiki cocktails, but try this British concoction from 1937, the Lion's Tail. Ingredients: * 2 oz. Bourbon * 0.5 oz. of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram * 0.5 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice * 1 teaspoon simple syrup * 2 dashes Angostura bitters * Orange twist Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until well-chilled, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Express oil from the orange twist over the top of the drink and discard (the twist, not the drink!). References: Book: Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh, copyright 2009 revised edition. Wikipedia Article on Allspice [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allspice] Wikipedia Article on Saint Elizabeth Parish [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Elizabeth_Parish] What is Pimento Dram by The Spruce Eats [https://www.thespruceeats.com/profile-of-pimento-dram-760260] 2008 Article from the San Francisco Chronicle discussing the launch of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram [https://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/hot-dram-complex-jamaican-liqueur-s-american-3221904.php] 2015 New York Times Article [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/magazine/a-dash-of-cocktails-past.html] Cocktail Society Article on Allspice Dram [https://cocktail-society.com/liqueur/allspice-dram-explained/] Liquor.com Article on the Lions Tale Cocktail [https://www.liquor.com/recipes/lions-tail/] Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com [https://www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com/] Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf [http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur [https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ [https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/]