Back in April 2024, a big name in the Indian spirits industry released a premium Dark Rum. A striking vial-like bottle that’d steal the show with ease. In a conversation regarding the bottle, I recollect saying,“This would make for a good collector’s gift. As a comfort drink, I’m not so sure.”My colleague rebutted that the drink could be our usual go-to drink but would not be comforting because it might burn a hole in our pockets. He also mentioned how the pricing for many such bottles is equated considering the bottle manufacturing costs. The more exquisite the bottle, the greater …
An old-fashioned happens to be the most straightforward recipe, but one that probably took us the longest to perfect. The idea remains the same – spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. Quite simple, right? However, each element tipping off more than needed can turn the drink into a rather new-fashioned drink instead. Which is probably what made the Watergate Hotel in Washington DC price their version of the Old Fashioned for $1500. Their version, called the ‘Impeachment’, includes a limited edition 23-year-old bourbon, peaches that have been macerated in 1995 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes, poured over hand-cut ice covered in gold leaf. …
The simple answer to why we celebrate a Cocktail Day is – somebody got curious about the definition of cocktail, an editor responded to their query on 13th May 1806, and the day has ever since been set aside for Cocktails. On this day, more than 200 years back, the editor of ‘The Balance and Columbian Repository’ responded the first-known definition to a cocktail: “..cock-tail, then, is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters – it is vulgarly called a bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much …
Rather than going all “rum is produced from ‘Genus saccharum officinarun’”, we’re going to break down the process for you the way our Wise Monkeys passed on to us. No BS, just pure rum. It’s a simple idea: Where there’s sugarcane, there shall be sugarcane-based spirits. It’s an unsaid rule that made its way since centuries, and the process roughly goes like this: This was the TLDR version. Now for those who are looking for a longer version of the story, lets take a walk back in history. It is said that after sugar cane was introduced in the Caribbeans, …
We like to believe that rum was made for the laidback souls to drink it the way they like it – bound by not many rules or regulations. However, some day if you fancy serving it the way rum connoisseurs do, let our Wise Monkeys be your guide to it. Setting the glassGlassware is important for two reasons. 1) Because you need to pour the drink into something, and drinking out of the bottle may not seem very connoisseur-like. 2) After having a few drinks, your mind would be at a lot more ease if you knocked over the glass …
Wise Tribute by Malinda Kalupahana Your friendly neighborhood bartender is an ongoing series by the Wise Monkey team featuring fun interactions and crazy cocktails whipped up by the artists behind bar counters. (is what we say as we continue making more excuses to drink free WiseMonkey cocktails in the name of content) – – This month’s artist is Malinda Kalupahana of Siddharta Lounge, Abu Dhabi. And the art he has created with Wise Monkey Rum is the Wise Tribute.A fan of bitter and tropical flavors, Malinda crafts the most imaginative cocktails with an Asian-Mediterranean touch. Proudly speaking about the range …
There definitely some sort of sorcery in Jamaican rum. Anyone who drinks it becomes a lifelong devotee, and an advocate of that full-bodied, high-spirited, fruity flavour that takes over the senses. So what is it about the Jamaican variety of rum that appeals to accionados and those with an adventurous palate? Most of them swear by the flavour profile of Jamaican rum, which is unlike any they have tasted before. It comes on strong, as though unafraid of getting you mixed up in mischief. What creates this strong flavour profile? Esters. Esters are often considered impurities, which you won’t find …
Cooking with rum is not a new concept. Although it has been used mostly in the preparation of desserts before, using rum to cook savoury dishes is a relatively new trend. It’s mostly used in the cooking of meats as the flavours of caramel, spices and molasses make the perfect combination for a tender piece of pork tenderloin or any kind of seafood. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking! Coconut rum grilled shrimp This recipe is perfect for the summer days when you decide to have an impromptu barbeque party because it’s so simple and easy …
Rum has effortlessly secured its place as one of the most versatile spirits out there on the racks. So much so that there are countries that have perfected their own versions of the drink. Each variation is crafted with a surprising flavour that’s personal to the region. Which is why knowing what’s in your bottle becomes your one-step guide to truly appreciating the drink. Be it Rum, Rhum, or Ron – it’s the same formula, but packed with a different culture and a different kick. So, let’s dive further to understanding what goes beyond the name! Rum Bottled in the …
Wilderness and heritage meet in Cockpit Country If rum is your go-to poison, then this little profile of Cockpit Country in Jamaica is right up your alley. Home to some of the most popular rums known worldwide, read on to find out what makes Cockpit Country so special. Cockpit Country lies in west-central Jamaica, which happens to be the third largest island in the Caribbean. Covered in lush forests, it is rich in flora, fauna and history. The limestone forests of Cockpit Country are home to some of the largest remaining natural evergreen rainforests and many rare and …