Whiskey - a noble alcoholic beverage, the birthplace of which is Scotland. Since the 17th century, manufacturers have made it by distillation of alcohols obtained from wheat, barley and other cereals with the addition of water and yeast. And after that, according to the technology, they kept the required time in oak or cherry wood barrels. Of course, each owner of the distillery had their own secrets for preparing the drink, which were kept in the strictest confidence. It is to them that we owe such a variety of variants of this strong alcohol, one of the most popular in the whole world. Today, not only Scotland, but also the USA, Japan, Canada and a number of other countries are the largest producers of the drink. Today, let's find out in more detail the history of the appearance of the Red Label whiskey, its characteristics and strength, as well as drinking options in pure form and in cocktails. Remember that this drink is very strong, with an alcohol content of up to 43%, so you need to use it in moderation in order not to harm your own health.
How is Red Label whiskey made?
This drink is original, the manufacturer is located in Scotland. Since 1825, they make, perhaps, one of the best varieties in the world. This drink is single malt, that is, its recipe is exactly the one that was first created about 400 years ago. The raw material used to make Red Label whiskey is barley, but water, peat and special oak barrels also exert a great influence on the taste and color of the drink, where it is aged for a certain time.
Why peat? It is required for the preparation of malt and drying of barley, and thanks to the smoke from its burning (during the preparation of raw materials, barley is smoked), which has a very specific smell, the drink acquires a special aftertaste. Water extracted from sources is not only crystal clear, but also contains certain minerals. All these factors contribute to the creation of a unique taste of the drink, which connoisseurs use not only in its pure form, but also in cocktails. The strength of this whiskey is 43%, it is traditionally bottled in square bottles with a unique label, located at an angle of 24 degrees, with a capacity of 750 ml. Their design and shape has not changed since 1860.
How to drink red label whiskey in its pure form and in cocktails?
Connoisseurs of this noble drink recommend using it in its pure form, its temperature should be below room temperature - about 20 degrees Celsius. Whiskey is poured into a low glass with wide sides and a thick bottom. It is under these conditions that you will most fully enjoy the aroma of the drink, the light taste of chocolate with hints of flowers, as well as the mild aftertaste that is characteristic of the Red Label. Whiskey, the price of which is considered affordable compared to the same Chivas Regal and is approximately 730-750 rubles for a standard 750 ml bottle, can also be used in cocktails. This is a good option if you do not like to drink strong drinks or prefer interesting combinations of several ingredients. The main rule - before you start creating various mixes, this alcohol should be kept at room temperature, and not added cold. For example, to mix Pool House, you would need:
- 50 ml Baileys liquor ;
- 20 ml of caramel syrup;
- 50 ml low-fat liquid cream;
- 20 ml Red Label whiskey;
- whipped cream for decoration.
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker for about 15-20 seconds, pour into a martini glass, and garnish with whipped cream on top. Such a rather sweet and weak cocktail will surely appeal to the ladies. And for the "Kite" mix, take:
- 20 ml Red Label whiskey;
- 20 ml of any gin;
- 10 ml of lemon juice;
- Cherry from a can for decoration.
All the ingredients are standardly mixed in a shaker, and then poured into a cocktail glass, which at the end should be decorated with a cherry. Now you can not only mix delicious cocktails based on Red Label whiskey, but also tell your friends the story of its creation and manufacture (just like a real bartender does). By the way, if you are looking for an original gift for friends or have a grand party at home, you can buy a giant bottle of Red Label whiskey, the price of 4500 milliliters (4.5 liters) of the drink will be about 5000 rubles. It is packed in a beautiful box, and the bottle itself is held on a special stand-swing for the convenience of filling the drink. Be sure your guests will be delighted.