01 August 08

Taste Test

Taste Test

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DIGESTIFS
Experts we’re not, but we’ve still got an opinion

1 A BIT WHISKY
Glayva
What? A Scottish blend of whisky, herbs and honey, first created in the 1930s.
Verdict: Reminiscent of Grand Marnier, Glayva was smooth, though some found its sweetness a bit cloying.
Did you know? Glayva derives its name from the Gaelic phrase “glè mhaith”, meaning very good.

2 CZECH CHALLENGE
Becherovka
What? A Czech herbal bitter, originally knocked up as a medicinal aid, but now served after dinner.
Verdict: Though fragrant, the herbal elements were a little overpowering.
Did you know? Czech pharmacist Josef Becher drew up the recipe for Becherovka in 1807.

3 ZEST WISHES
Evangelista limoncello
What? The Italian holiday fave, made from lemon zest, sugar, water and alcohol.
Verdict:Though it could have done with a chill,this tangy shot spoke of Mediterranean sunshine and long evenings on piazzas.
Did you know? Commercial production of limoncello only began in the late 1980s.

4 POMME WRONG
Anée Fine Calvados
What? A potent apple distillate from Normandy in northern France.
Verdict:At 40%, any autumnal juiciness was squeezed out, making this cider brandy a bit too fiery for our tastes.
Did you know? You can mix this with apple juice to make a “pommeau” cocktail.

5 STORMIN’ PORT
Anée Fine Calvados
What? Vintage port from Taylor’s prestigious Douro Valley estate.
Verdict:An inky, scented, delightful after-dinner tipple. This stuff could smooth over the roughest of takeaways.
Did you know? 17thcentury French trade wars popularised port in England.