Drambuie Liqueur, Scotland 40%

Additional information

Origin	Scotland
Bottle sizes	70cl
Vintage	NV

Description

Drambuie is a Scotch Whisky based liqueur flavoured with heather honey, herbs and spices. It is produced in Scotland by William Grant and Sons and is available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.

A Legendary Elixir with a Storied Past

Drambuie is the oldest whisky liqueur brand, dating back to 1745. Its origins can be traced back to a secret recipe created for Bonnie Prince Charlie. According to legend, Prince Charlie gave the recipe for the liqueur to his loyal supporter, Captain John MacKinnon of Clan MacKinnon from the Isle of Skye, as a token of gratitude. The recipe remained a closely guarded secret and remained in the MacKinnon family for several generations.

From Skye to Commercial Success

A hundred or so years after the Battle of Culloden, a man called John Ross, the hotelier of the Broadford Hotel on Skye, persuaded the MacKinnons to let him make up a batch of their family liqueur. John’s son, James Ross, registered a patent for the name Drambuie in 1893 and it was his widow, Eleanor, who took the recipe the Edinburgh.

Drambuie Liqueur: Rise to Fame

Drambuie was first commercially produced in Edinburgh’s Union Street in 1910 and soon gained popularity, particularly among the British aristocracy. In 1916, Drambuie became the first liqueur to be allowed in the cellars of the House of Lords. Drambuie also began shipping globally to British Army officers’ messes. The brand was acquired by William Grant and Sons in 2014. It is said that only three people know the recipe, one of whom personally mixes each batch of Drambuie.

The Meaning & Legacy of Drambuie

The name is perhaps derived from Scots Gaelic ‘An Dram Buidheach’ and means “The Drink that Satisfies”. Drambuie’s elegant bottle and rich heritage make it an ideal gift for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Drambuie has a clear, golden-amber colour reminiscent of an aged whisky.

Nose: There are notes of sweet heather honey and caramel with aged Scotch whisky, hints of saffron, anise, nutmeg, and subtle citrus-floral notes.

Palate: Velvety and medium-bodied with honey sweetness, spiced orange, clove and a peppery warmth.

Finish: Warm and smooth, with honey, herbal spices, and a touch of whisky smokiness and a lingering aftertaste.

To Serve

Drambuie is often served neat or over ice and in cocktails. For a luxuriously afterdinner drink, try it in a hot coffee with cream.

The sweet honey character also pairs well with certain cheeses. Try it with hard and soft mature cheeses like Gouda, Comte, Ossau Iraty or Cheddar.

It also adds an extra dimension to many dishes. Try a splash in the Burns Night Dinner dessert, Cranachan.

Cocktails

Drambuie is an essential ingredient in The Rat Pack cocktail favourite, popular in the 1960s, the Rusty Nail.

Try an iced coffee:

Ice Coffee Cocktail

2 oz Drambuie
4 oz cold brew coffee
1 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon powder or cocoa powder (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the Drambuie, cold brew coffee, and simple syrup (if using). Stir well.
Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Pour the coffee and Drambuie mixture over the ice.
Stir gently.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon powder or cocoa powder on top for garnish.