Whiskey Black Velvet - a young drink with a centuries-old history

Whiskey - a drink so old that it is impossibleto say exactly where his homeland is. Applied to this title are two countries: Ireland and Scotland. Each of them has its own vision of the origin of this drink. Today, not only these countries import it. For example, one of the best varieties is Black Velvet whiskey. In different parts of the world its own recipe and traditions of use.

History of the drink

The Scots believe that whiskey went to them inan inheritance from Christian missionaries who replaced grapes for barley and got a whole new flavor and a strong drink flavor. And in Ireland they think that this is the same "holy water" that their patron Saint Patrick created. Perhaps the Scots are closer to the truth, if only because the still cube was invented in Scotland by Robert Stein. At the beginning of its journey, this strong alcoholic beverage was a medicinal preparation prepared by Scottish monks. To use it in everyday life began only when the recipe and technology fell into the hands of the peasants. Used then and barley, and rye, and oats. For example, modern Black Velvet whiskey is made from rye, barley and malt.

Production technology

Production can be divided into six main stages:

• First the barley is dried. Then it is soaked, and when it sprouts in about 10 days, it is dried again, and in Ireland, for this use hot smoke from burning peat, beech wood or coal. This is how barley malt is obtained.
• To make the wort, crushed malt is soaked in hot water for 12 hours.
• After to yeast, yeast is added and left to ferment for two days. At the output, you already get an alcoholic drink with a strength of 5%.
• The resulting beverage is twice subjected to distillation. So get a whiskey with a strength of up to 70%, which after diluted to 50-63%.
• Excerpt.
• Filtration and bottling.

Canadian Whiskey Black Velvet

Not only Ireland and Scotland importelite varieties of a favorite drink. Whiskey Black Velvet, or "Black Velvet", began to produce relatively recently - in the middle of the last century. The birthplace of the drink is Canada. Whiskey ripens in barrels for two years, after which it is mixed with corn alcohol and again aged in large oak barrels. After a while, it is filtered and diluted with water to 40 degrees. It is the youngest variety, but today it is imported to more than 50 countries.

Black Velvet Reserve - whiskey, which can withstandin barrels not less than 8 years. Then it is bottled. The maximum volume of containers, which sells the drink Black Velvet (whiskey), - 1L. The price for this alcohol is very democratic and is only $ 30.

Beverage culture

In America, bourbon is traditionally taken to dilutesoda or "Cola". If it is not too good quality, then this is perfectly acceptable. But a good drink, such as Black Velvet whiskey, is better to drink in pure form. No need for ice, too, since it only hinders the opening of the fragrance.

This is a strong liquor, so drink itmainly in the evening. It is best combined with a relaxed home atmosphere, comfortable armchair, a good cigar. Whiskey is not suitable for the atmosphere of a nightclub.

Unlike cognac, it is drunk slightly chilled- up to 18-20 degrees. Usually, they serve special glasses with a thick bottom, but it is permissible, and perhaps even better, to drink whiskey from wine glasses, because in this way the aroma is better revealed. A glass or a glass is filled not more than on third. Men pour themselves, and women do not do this according to etiquette, they should be courted by gentlemen. It should be noted that whiskey is generally considered a non-junky drink.

Biting is best with fruits. You can also dilute with mineral water.

Whiskey-based cocktails

Thanks to its pleasant aroma and warmingeffect, the so-called Irish coffee is very popular all over the world. In a hot natural coffee, add 50 ml of whiskey, and top with whipped cream. This cocktail has been cooking for almost 100 years.

Whiskey is also used in a notorious cocktailManhattan. In it, alcohol is mixed with orange and apricot juices in equal parts. Usually take 20 ml of each ingredient. The glass is decorated with a cocktail cherry.

The Whiskey-Cola cocktail has nothing to do withtaste qualities with an inexpensive low-alcohol beverage in bottles, which appeared in our market in the early 90's. To get a tasty, sweet and fragrant drink, whiskey is mixed with Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola in a 1: 1 ratio. They drink this cocktail, in contrast to pure whiskey, with a lot of ice.

In the US, the Whiskey-Sauer cocktail is very popular. For its preparation, mix 40 ml of bourbon, 20 ml of lemon juice and 20 ml of sugar syrup. This drink is served with ice.

Already our invention is a cocktail "Bogatyrskoe zdorove." In equal parts mix whiskey, rum, Drambui liquor and cherry liqueur.

Whiskey - a very popular component of alcoholic beveragescocktails. This old conservative male drink somehow magically became part of the club culture. However, the strong taste of Coca-Cola, and the taste and aroma of citrus fruits, and the large amount of ice do not allow you to feel and appreciate the whole bouquet of fragrances of a real good bourbon.