Liqueur for the New Year

We all know that the New Year brings on New Year’s resolutions. Certainly it is easy to say that one of my resolutions is to travel more and another is to continue to write epic novels, but I decided to entertain the resolution of giving up my favorite “go to” liqueur for a year and see what else is out there on the market.

With the temperatures finally dropping to blistery levels in Washington last night, I decided to write about a couple of liquors that will warm your soul and/or take you away from the blustery conditions.

If you don’t know, my “go to” liqueur is Grand Marnier – which is why it is not included below. I’m sure it will be a challenge!

Glayva (Pronounced: Gle Mhath)

35% ABV (70 Proof)

Origin: Scotland

This liqueur, first produced by Whyte and Mackay Ltd. in Leith, Scotland (Glasgow), is marketed with the slogan 'Best Liqueur in the World'. Glayva (Gaelic for “very good”) was first produced by Ronald Morrison (a whiskey merchant from Edinburgh) in 1947.

Glayva’s flavor comes from a blend of aged Scotch whiskies combined with herbs, anise, honey, cloves, almonds, and citrus fruits. Its deep, gold color and distinctive flavor of exotic spices (from the Far East), tangerines (from the Mediterranean), cinnamon and honey combine well with the smokiness of the Scotch whiskeys.

Today, Glayva is produced and bottled by The Glayva Liqueur Company in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Baerenjager (Pronounced: Bear-en-Yager)

30% - 45% ABV (60 – 90 Proof)

Origin: Germany

This honey based liqueur, with a backbone of vodka, is produced in Steinhagen, Germany, by the Teucke & Koenig Company. Gaining its name from “Bärenfang” or “Likör, der Bienenhonig enthält” (which translates from German to ‘liqueur which contains honey’), Baerenjager is now made with honey from nectar. The original recipe called for honey from honeydew which created a bitter aftertaste.

Bärenfang liqueur was first developed in eastern Prussia in the 15th century. Bärenjäger is the first commercial brand of this type of liquor and is now widely exported, and therefore the name “Bärenjäger” is commonly used outside of Germany. There are other producers of Bärenfang in Germany, but their products are less often available in other countries.

Baerenjager (which translates to “Bear Hunter”) is the perfect cordial for coffee and hot drinks as well as on its own.

Mill Six

35% ABV (70 Proof)

Origin: Holland

It may be difficult to think of tropical drinks during the cold, winter months, but they may help take your mind away from snow and more towards sand. Distilled in Schiedam, Holland, Mill Six is a premium citrus liqueur which has been family-owned since 1977.

This super premium liqueur is created by combining Dutch grains, the essence of blood oranges, and the peels of exotic citrus fruits from around the world. Being small batch distilled, Mill Six is able to cultivate one of the smoothest liquors in the world.

With its tropical aroma and fresh taste, Mill Six is the ideal citrus liqueur for martinis, straight up or on the rocks, or in the ever popular margarita.

Kahlua Cinnamon Spice

20% ABV (40 Proof)

Origin: Mexico

Kahlua Cinnamon Spice, made by Kaluha in Veracruz, Mexico, is a blended liqueur of Arabica coffee, traditional Mexican spices and rum. The distillery created this new flavour to idolize ‘Cafe de Olla’ (traditional Mexican coffee made with roasted coffee, cinnamon and Mexican dark–brown sugar (called Piloncillo).

This liqueur reminds me of standing in a local Starbucks as patrons pass with high octane coffee, topped with whipped cream and powdered with a film of cinnamon. If that’s your thing, you will love it.

Coffers drinkers will find a smooth, coffee experience that can be enjoyed on its own or in their favorite coffee drinks.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing. Swig Knowledge finished 2011 with over 4,500 followers in 120 countries throughout the World. I hope we can keep it going in 2012 with new book coming out (this month) based on the blog!