Lauren McKenna
Drambuie is a sweet, golden-colored liqueur with a Scotch whisky base that has become a popular staple in bars worldwide.
It is a flavored Scotch whiskey with honey and a confidential mix of herbs and spices. The liqueur has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40 percent and is produced in Scotland.
The recipe for Drambuie has evolved over time. In the 1880s, Ross developed and improved the recipe, changing the original brandy base to one of Scotch whisky, initially for his friends and then later for hotel patrons.
Today, Drambuie is solely produced by one manufacturer and retails for an average price of 36 dollars in the U.S.
While Drambuie is often associated with the Rusty Nail cocktail, there are many other ways to enjoy this versatile liqueur.
In this article, we will explore the history of Drambuie, how it is made, and some popular ways to drink it. Whether you are a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this article will provide you with all you need to know about Drambuie.
History of Drambuie
Origins of Drambuie
Drambuie is a sweet, gold-colored liqueur with a Scotch whisky base that is accented with the flavors of Scottish heather honey, herbs, and spices.
Its origins date back to the 18th century when a Scottish prince, Bonnie Prince Charlie, was on the run from the English army.
According to legend, he gave the recipe for the liqueur to John MacKinnon, the chief of Clan MacKinnon, as a token of gratitude for helping him escape. The recipe was then passed down through the MacKinnon family for generations.
The MacKinnon Family
The MacKinnon family continued to produce the liqueur for their personal use until the early 20th century when they decided to commercialize it.
In 1910, they began producing Drambuie in Union Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. Only twelve cases were originally sold, but the liqueur quickly gained popularity and began to ship worldwide to British Army officers’ messes.
The Legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie
The legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his gift of the recipe for Drambuie has been passed down through the generations.
While there is no concrete evidence to support the story, it has become an integral part of the history and mythology of the liqueur. Today, Drambuie is still made to the same secret recipe, which is known only to a select few.
Production of Drambuie
Ingredients
Drambuie is a sweet, golden-colored liqueur that has a base of Scotch whisky.
The drink is made by blending aged Scotch whisky with a secret mix of herbs, spices, and Scottish heather honey. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret and is only known to three people, one of whom is the fifth generation of the founder, William Grant.
The ingredients used in the production of Drambuie are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality of the final product.
The Scotch whisky used in the production of Drambuie is aged for a minimum of 15 years, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The herbs and spices used in the mix are sourced from all over the world and are blended together to create a unique flavor profile that is distinct to Drambuie.
Distillation Process
The production process of Drambuie involves a careful and precise distillation process.
The Scotch whisky and the secret mix of herbs and spices are combined and then distilled to create a concentrated spirit.
This spirit is then blended with more aged Scotch whisky and Scottish heather honey to create the final product.
The distillation process is carried out in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. The process is overseen by a team of experts who have years of experience in the production of high-quality spirits.
Maturation Process
After the distillation process is complete, the spirit is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
The oak casks used in the maturation process are carefully selected to ensure that they impart the desired flavors and aromas to the final product.
During the maturation process, the spirit takes on the flavors and aromas of the oak casks, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. The length of the maturation process is carefully monitored to ensure that the final product has the desired characteristics.
Once the maturation process is complete, the spirit is then blended with more aged Scotch whisky and Scottish heather honey to create the final product, Drambuie.
Tasting Notes
When it comes to tasting Drambuie, there are several elements to consider, including appearance, aroma, and palate.
Drambuie is a delicious and well-balanced liqueur that is perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails. Its complex flavors and aromas make it a favorite among whisky lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Appearance
Drambuie has a beautiful golden color that is reminiscent of honey.
It is clear and bright, with no visible sediment or cloudiness. When swirled in a glass, it leaves a thin, oily film that coats the sides of the glass.
Aroma
The aroma of Drambuie is complex and inviting.
The nose is greeted with a sweet scent of honey, followed by a rich, malty aroma of Scotch whisky. There are also notes of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
The overall aroma is warm and comforting, with just a hint of smokiness.
Palate
The palate of Drambuie is just as complex as its aroma.
The first sip is sweet and smooth, with a rich, velvety texture. The flavors of honey and Scotch whisky are prominent, followed by a subtle hint of herbs and spices.
There is also a slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable liqueur.
The finish is long and warming, with a pleasant aftertaste of honey and spices. It leaves a slight tingling sensation on the tongue, which is a testament to its high-quality ingredients.
Mixology with Drambuie
The Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that features Drambuie.
Pour 2 oz of Scotch whiskey and 1 oz of Drambuie into an old fashioned glass with ice. Garnish the drink with a lemon twist.
The Bobby Burns
The Bobby Burns is another classic cocktail that features Drambuie.
Pour 2 oz of Scotch whiskey, 3/4 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1/4 oz of Benedictine into a chilled cocktail glass. Finish the drink with a lemon twist garnish.
The Drambuie Collins
The Drambuie Collins is a modern cocktail that features Drambuie.
Combine 2 oz of gin with 1 oz of Drambuie into a Collins glass, and stir. Top the drink with club soda, and garnish it with a lemon wheel and sprig of rosemary.
The Highland Fling
The Highland Fling is another modern cocktail that features Drambuie.
Pour 1 oz of scotch whiskey and 1 oz of Drambuie into a cocktail glass with ice. Top with apple cider and garnish with an apple slice.
Conclusion
Drambuie is a unique and complex whisky-based liqueur that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Its sweet and smooth flavor profile is a perfect blend of spiced honey, anise, orange peel, oak, and other herbs and spices that give it a distinct taste.
With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40 percent, Drambuie is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks, as well as in a variety of cocktails. Its popularity is largely attributed to the rusty nail cocktail in which it is paired with scotch.
Produced in Scotland, Drambuie has been around since 1745, and it has become a staple in bars across the world. Each bottle retails for an average price of 36 dollars in the U.S. and it is solely produced by one manufacturer.
Overall, Drambuie is a delicious and unique drink that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of whisky and honey. Its rich history and complex flavor profile make it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their palate and try something new.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings