Frajil Spirits

Frank Weber

Spirits

rumson’s grand reserve rum

Rumsons_Grand_Reserve_rum
I recently bumped into my friend Sam who had just returned from an island vacation and we got to talking about our favorite rums. So I am sharing my pick of the day—Rumson’s Grand Reserve Rum. Rightfully called their Crown Jewel, this is a grand sipping rum. This custom blend of aged Caribbean rums is blended and finished in, of all places, Salem Massachusetts. Don’t let that fact keep you from trying this exceptional spirit. Blender Eric Glass is truly an artist.

Try making a Periodista using Rumson’s Grand Reserve. In fact just a year ago, this was one of the signature cocktails I chose for our good friend’s Dave and Linda’s wedding in Maine. Happy Anniversary to Dave and Linda!

PERIODISTA

  • 1 part Rumson’s Grand Reserve Rum
  • 1 part Combier Liqueur de Abricot
  • ½ part Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao
  • ½ part fresh lime juice

Pour ingredients into a shaker glass filled with ice. Shake and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Monkey Shoulder Scotch

IMG_7481The price of single malt scotches continue to rise at a remarkable rate. The quality to price debate will go on till the end of time. That being said, one of the last scotches made by David Stewart of Balvenie and Glenfiddich distilleries before his retirement was Monkey Shoulder. For my money, it’s the best value for a scotch whiskey today.

Here’s a bit of history worth drinking over—Monkey shoulder was a condition malt men would get from relentless hours of turning barley by hand. Their arms would hang down like a monkey’s giving this Scotch its name. After all these years, the barley is still turned by hand, but you know what they say — “shorter hours, shorter arms”.

Monkey Shoulder Scotch is a superbly blended “triple” malt whiskey combining single malts from Dufftown {Balvenie, Glenfiddich andKininvie}. The result is a smooth and soft, malty scotch which works well with or without ice and is a wonderful addition to a cocktail. {Look for my recipe Blood and Sand, coming soon.} It is matured in bourbon casks and has delicate floral notes with a hint of honey.

This whisky appeals to a wide range of palates, from those that enjoy a strong and heavy whisky, to those seeking a lighter taste. It’s a crowd pleaser.