FLAVOURS

Last week I attended an interesting event hosted by the The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States - A tasting session of American Whiskeys, which was truly educative and enjoyable. In addition, I learnt a lot obout the uniquiness of American Whiskeys and how one can make interesing cocktails using these Whiskeys.

David Pickerell, the Master Distiller of George Washington Distillery explained to us that “American Whiskeys are produced in a completely natural process. Unlike other whiskeys, Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskeys are primarily made from corn, and are aged in charred, new oak barrels which can be used only once. This combination makes for a fuller, sweeter whiskey than its European counterparts.”

Several whiskey-based cocktails such as a Bourbon Manhattan and a Twisted Whiskey Sour were demonstrated at the event by master mixologist Shatbhi Basu, who explained that “Bourbon & Tennessee whiskeys make great cocktails because of their definitive flavour. They bring an edginess and depth to the drink - a certain assertiveness that redefines the taste experience! This is what makes them hugely popular with Indian consumers.”

I am sharing two of the recipes that Shatbhi Basu mixed up for us... Black Gold and Twisted Whiskey

Black Gold

30ml Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey
30ml Coffee Flavored Liquor
Splash of Cola
1. Take old-fashioned glass filled with ice
2. Pour whiskey, coffee liquor, add a splash of cola, and stir
3. Serve in an old fashioned glass
4. Garnish with a stick of Kit Kat chocolate

Twisted Whiskey Sour
45ml Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey
20ml Lime Juice
15ml Sugar Syrup
30ml Orange Juice
2/3 drops of Aromatic Bitters
1. Take a mixing tin filled 3/4th with ice
2. Add whiskey, lime juice, sugar syrup, orange juice, bitters. Shake
3. Serve in a Champagne tulip
4. Garnish with a slice of orange / cherry