The Booze Doctor Prescribes: Bénédictine
The conversation went a bit like this:
I got married about six months ago, so it’s all over for me. And not just my bachelorhood either, but also my wedding blog; because it’s a bit tricky to write about wedding stuff when you’re no longer involved in one. So I mentioned to Shan (Editor Andrew Shanahan, the brains behind this site) that I might turn in my pen soon; unless there was anything else he’d like me to write about?
Invented by drunken monks.
Which was when he mentioned that Staggered was looking for a Booze Correspondent.
It’s not often that you get offered a role that could have been invented for you, and this did sound too good to be true, but I put the word out there to any alcohol companies looking for coverage, and the bottles and crates have started rolling in. It would be amazing if I got paid for this…
So, first up for the Booze Doctor test is an herbal liqueur invented by French monks in the 19th century – Bénédictine. Weighing in at 40% ABV, this is a spirit, but the people at Bénédictine helpfully sent me a list of stuff that it mixes well with, including tonic, soda, grapefruit juice and milk. So all that was left was to round up the troops and crack the bottle open.
This was the reaction:
A – Hmmm. Quite sweet.
W – It’s got quite a flavour. A good nose [coughs]… Smells like it’s stronger than it is though, it’s actually quite smooth.
D – It’s alright, tastes a bit like medicine though. I prefer gin!
A – Not sure I’d order it in a pub, but it’s quite smooth for 40%, compared to say tequila or sambuca.
D – 27 secret herbs and spices? Is this like Colonel’s secret sauce then?
A – Really nice with milk, not a million miles away from a white Russian.
D – Makes you feel quite good after a couple. Happy juice!
A - The grapefruit juice makes it a bit too bitter.
W – Soda takes the edge of it quite nicely. Anyone who likes a bourbon or rum session should give this a go.
D – I don’t think this is really a shot drink…
The Booze Doctor’s verdict:
TASTE: Acquired, but not unpleasant. Best mixed with a clear mixer (or milk). Try it for a change.
KICK: At 40% you should probably go easy, but this is suprisingly smooth and goes down pretty easy once you get started.
DAMAGE: It’s a liqueur, but I couldn’t drink much of it neat. Nice in a long glass though, and hits the spot pretty nicely.
MORNING AFTER: Hard to tell as we went out for a few pints after, but it’s a clear spirit, and there were no unexpected headaches in the morning.
SCORE: 7/10. Extra points for the novelty value.
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