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Aqua Perfecta Framboise Liqueur: Like Wow

posted on 19 June 2009 by tony

I would say it’s likely most folk don’t know about St. George Spirits, even if they’ve sampled their wares.  This stems from the fact that St. George doesn’t put their name on a lot of their spirits, instead having various lines of product under different handles.  You’ve most likely heard of Hangar One Vodka, arguably the most successful brand they’ve launched.  The brand they use to market the liqueurs and eaux de vie, Aqua Perfecta, is much less known.  I am going to attempt to fix that.  First though, I must give you the requisite background information.

Somewhere in the realm on two decades ago, a youth named Jörg Rupf, hailing from a long line of Black Forest distillers,  arrived in the Bay Area of California.  Loving the area, he quickly began distilling eaux de vie and showing Americans exactly how it could be done.  Sourcing his fruit from up and down the West Coast, Mr. Rupf is able to ensure he is always getting the highest quality ingredients year after year. With a line of products that include vodka, whiskey and a few liqueurs in addition to the eaux de vies, St. George Spirits is one of the best American distilleries out there.  Their framboise liqueur is no exception to their standard of excellence.

This liqueur pours a bit viscous, and a particularly dark red.  The nose is crazy with raspberries and maybe just a hint of grape.  All it takes is one sip to see what’s going on here.  It’s essentially an explosion of raspberry juice in your mouth.  Sweet, but not sticky, and dry, but not bone dry.  The finish is long and smooth, with no alcohol burn to speak of, even though this particular bottle is a respectable 40 proof.

It goes without saying that if you’re eating chocolate and want to pair a liqueur, this is the way to go.  I would also advise pouring it over ice cream, waffles or anything else that generally has a syrup added to it.  You may also wish to add this spirit to your list of seduction materials, because pouring this  on any date is going to increase your chance of closing the deal significantly. Aqua Perfecta is a playful drink for serious drinkers my friends.  Don’t miss out on it.

-Out.

The Soyer Au Champagne

posted on 4 June 2009 by tony

For summer I thought I’d do something fun and do a champagne based cocktail or two.  With the hot nights ahead, throwing a little bubbly into the mix can’t hurt.  Plus, it makes everything you do feel like a celebration.

Soyer Au Champagne, for you non-French readers out there, means “Silk With Champagne”.  That’s really about all I was able to find out in regards to it’s history.  So, in lieu of an exciting back story or even a personal anecdote, I’ll just have to leave you with the recipe and let you create your own fabulous tale.

1/4 teaspoon cognac
1/4 teaspoon maraschino liqueur
1/4 teaspoon triple sec
2 heaping tablespoons vanilla ice cream
Champagne (Jeff suggests the Henriot)

What you’re going to want to do to start is chill down a wine glass.  Once you’ve got that done, mix all the hard stuff with the ice cream, and then fill it up with champagne.  The amount of champagne is variable depending on how large a wine glass you use.  The ones I rock at home turn a bottle of wine into a three glass enterprise, as opposed to a five.  Anyway, give your cocktail a gentle stir, top if off with a maraschino cherry and enjoy.  Have some company on a steamy July evening and wow them with this.  People will think you’re a genius, especially if you pour enough drinks down their throats. Personally, I’m going to buy Lupec one of these instead of an ice cream cone next time we go out.

-Out.