GSN Brews News: November 23rd 2021 Edition

Nütrl Vodka Seltzer is releasing an all-cranberry variety pack ahead of Thanksgiving. Launching today, the cranberry-only variety pack features Cranberry, Cranberry Orange, Cranberry Grapefruit, and Cranberry Apple expressions, all at 4.5% abv. All four flavors are brand new, as Nütrl launched in September with Raspberry, Watermelon, and Pineapple options. The brand is currently available in states including New York and Florida, among others, with a 12-pack priced at $33 on its website. 

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

The 2021 GSN Holiday Gift Guide

It’s time once again to share our gift suggestions for the holidays! This year we have even more spirited suggestions for everyone on your list, whether they enjoy beer, cider, spirits, wine, or coffee, tea, or non-alcoholic beverages. Cheers!

BOXED SETS

Heritage Distilling Co. Spirits Advent Calendar The only US craft distillery produced Spirits Advent Calendar features 24 – 50ML bottles of HDC’s award winning spirits including vodkas, gins, whiskeys and rum. Starting December 1, countdown to Christmas by popping open the square for the day and seeing what is inside. Each calendar the products are randomly placed so you’ll be truly surprised and delighted each day of December.

Adagio Teas: Twelve Teas of Christmas This holiday season give the gift that keeps on giving: our 12 Days of Christmas Gift Set! This jolly collection contains a selection of our most festive blends, one for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. The reusable tins line up to create a fun scene and can hang as ornaments until ready to be brewed. Each tin contains one single serving pouch of loose tea.

Drinks by the Dram: Tequila & Mezcal Collection If you’re struggling to pick out a cracking gift for an agave fan, we have something to help you. It’s the 12 Dram Tequila & Mezcal Collection! This beautiful box contains 12 different 30ml wax-sealed drams of tequila and mezcal from some excellent producers, sure to please even the most picky of agave lovers.

BEER CLUB

Brewvana Brews Less Traveled Beer Club Not only do you get some eclectic brews and cool local swag, but you also get to virtually hear from the brewmasters while you sample their wares. It doesn’t get any better than this, outside of taking a road trip. And a subscription is a lot less expensive than gas, tolls and lodging. 

 

BOOKS

The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails Compiled by world authority David Wondrich, with the assistance of a team of experts from around the globe, The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails provides an authoritative, enlightening and entertaining overview of this third branch of the alcohol family.

Tiki Triangle Why another tiki book? Because this one puts recipes and history into a chronological perspective. Author Cristaldi shares some personal history with the culture before giving a brief and informative lesson on rum itself, along with some cocktails pre-1933, which is considered to be the birth year of the genre. 

CBD & VAPING

Precision Botanical CBD Precision Botanical products come from its own Oregon hemp farm and uses a commercial-level proprietary extraction of hemp oil that’s in the patent process. All products are third-party audited and certified for potency and purity.

Vessel Eclipse Vape Kit This is a beautifully made and classy set that is perfect for traveling or a day out. What we especially like is the compact and easy to carry case which is designed specifically for the three pieces. Vessel has been in business for nearly three years and have several smoking related products available.

CIDER LOVERS

Austin Eastciders Imperial Cider A quite dry, powerhouse of a cider. We like it. Fruity, almost rustic in flavor, and eminently quaffable. With such a high alcohol content, you’ll want to take your time with one to truly enjoy it. We especially like this one paired with a meal. Try this with a pork stew, or mushroom quiche. For a lighter table, craft a cheese board using aged cheddar, brie and camembert. 

 

COFFEE LOVERS

Fire Dept. Coffee Their signature spirit-infusion process expertly combines the flavors of bourbon, whiskey, rum, or tequila with the best coffee beans, ensuring you the perfect cup of infused coffee every time. Whether you’re sitting at your desk, dropping the kids at school, or looking for an afternoon pick me up, Fire Department Coffee’s Spirit Infused Coffee is the perfect choice.

 

LGTBQ+

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka Tom of Finland Organic Vodka is crafted in Finland from organically grown wheat, rye and arctic water. A percentage of profit from each bottle will be donated to the Tom of Finland Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Tom of Finland and Durk Dehner and dedicated to promoting tolerant attitudes towards sexuality and the preservation of erotic art. 

 

MIXERS

Juke Cordialities Jukes 1 is definitely more akin to a sweet white style wine, let’s say a Sauternes or perhaps a Riesling. Jukes 6 is still sweet, but has a fuller flavor of dark berries and fruits. It’s closest in style to a table red or even a Port. Both are well made, and we particularly like the fact that they can be diluted to your own chosen strength. We recommend these for anyone who is looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption, as well as those who are interested in a healthier and lower calorie alternative to fruit juices and sodas. 

Twisted Alchemy Cold Pressed Juice The juices have a fresh quality to them, and are miles above and beyond anything canned or even massed produced in plastic containers. We love the fact that these juices will last for several months (not days or weeks), thus cutting down on wasted from unusable product. Plus, they definitely save labor behind the bar.

RTD (Ready to drink) COCKTAILS

DRNXMYTH Cocktails After reviewing dozens of RTD’s, we can honestly say that DRNXMYTH has cornered the market on freshness. The bottle design is clever and adds a sense of elegance that adds to the experience. As any decent bartender knows, balance is key, and the cocktails we received are all excellent. Outside of going to a bar, these are the best ready to drink cocktails you will find on the market.

 

STOCKING STUFFER

Puffin Drinkware These are the coolest koozies we’ve ever seen. And they work! We especially like the handles which add a fun grip when toasting. We’ve only shown a few styles here, but there are many more to choose from. We recommend these as great stocking stuffers for the upcoming holidays. Especially since they are so affordable. 

 

WATER BOTTLES

Philips GoZero Hydration Bottle What we like about this new water bottle is that it is metal, has a rubber carrying handle, holds hot or cold liquids, has a smooth drinking rim, and best of all, it self sanitizes and purifies itself on a regular basis. We can actually taste the difference in the water afterwards. It seems purer, fresher and near to spring water. Really, this is everything we could ask for in a water bottle whether we’re behind the stick, at home, or in the great outdoors. 

 

WINE LOVERS

Ficklin Vineyards Old Vine Tinta Port This truly is a remarkable and delicious port. What makes it even more extraordinary is that it comes from old vine Portuguese varietals. A smooth, raisin-like character hits upon the entry, and then immediately opens up into a world of masterful oak aging. The body is fulsome, with a near viscous mouthfeel that is often lacking in ports. But, it’s the overall flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

GSN Review: Cocalero Clásico Resident Evil Infinite Darkness

Cocalero Clásico, the premium South American-inspired botanical spirit, announces the release of a limited edition bottling in collaboration with RESIDENT EVIL: Infinite Darkness, the popular Netflix anime series. The series takes place in the universe based on the popular Resident Evil game franchise and was created by Capcom with TMS Entertainment handling the production. The collector’s edition bottle is limited to just 1,000 cases and will be sold exclusively online.

Cocalero is a family of premium botanical spirits inspired by the flavors and culture of South America. Since its launch in 2013, Cocalero Clásico has grown to become one of the hottest spirit brands in Asia.

The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996 giving rise to the entirely new gaming genre of “survival horror.” The series has spawned over 140 different titles on consoles, phone apps, and more to become one of Capcom’s most popular brands. With a huge fanbase around the world, more than 100 million total copies from the game series have shipped worldwide.

“How better to salute two such iconic brands than coming together to create the ultimate collectors’ item?” remarked John Ralph, CEO of Intrepid Spirits and Cocalero founder. “Plus, the November release date is perfect timing for those about to shop for gifts this season; we are anticipating a huge holiday demand for this limited edition Cocalero bottling.”

The release celebrates RESIDENT EVIL: Infinite Darkness, a Netflix special series made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Resident Evil which first released in 1996.

Cocalero Clásico (58 proof)
Visual: Emerald.
Nose: Lightly bitter and herbal. There is a hint of sweet grass and vanilla.
Taste: Initially quite sweet and in the liqueur category, after a half a minute that fades and a gentle herbal blend comes into play. Nothing aggressive or overwhelming, but rather a mild numbing quality coupled with a tinge of fruitiness.
Finish: Long and pleasant with no medicinal aftertaste.
Overall: I was expecting a more intense herbal quality, but this has a subtle flavor and easily imbibed.
GSN Rating: B

For more information go to: Shop Cocalero

#cocalero

#residentevilinfinitedarkness

GSN Alert: November 23rd – National Espresso Day

In honor of National Espresso Day, I was challenged to create an original and unique cocktail using Caffe Borghetti Espresso Liqueur.  Everyone who has tried this (even those who don’t like coffee drinks) has said it is absolutely delicious.  Celebrate with one today!

Roman Holiday
1 oz Caffe Borghetti Espresso Liqueur
0.75 oz 100 proof rye (I used James E. Pepper 1776)
0.5 oz fresh squeezed Meyer Lemon juice (if using regular lemons, adjust simple syrup to 1/2 ounce)
0.25 oz simple syrup
Rinse cocktail glass with absinthe and discard excess. Add all other ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake well. Strain into rinsed cocktail glass.

Garnish with a Meyer Lemon twist if desired.

GSN Review: Compass Box No Name, No. 3 Whiskey

Compass Box Whisky punched up the peat in its latest release of its limited edition Scotch whisky: No Name, No. 3 (48.9% ABV). This final creation in the No Name series brings a new smoky experience to the trio with just 10,794 bottles available worldwide.

“No Name was not intended to become a series, but we have thoroughly enjoyed showcasing different heavily-peated malt whiskies within a consistent recipe structure,” says John Glaser, Compass Box founder and whisky maker. “The interplay of smokiness between all three blends is completely different, showing that peat is far from one-dimensional. No Name, No. 3 showcases a rich intensity that makes it vibrant and expansive, with a wild yet graceful peatiness. No Name, No. 3 completes a compelling trilogy, and we are excited for fans of this style to try it.”

A big-boned and peaty whisky, No Name, No. 3 is based around malt whisky from the Laphroaig Distillery, aged in re-charred hogsheads. Compellingly waxy, fruity and sooty malt whisky from the Bowmore Distillery supports this. Fruity and silky unpeated malts, and a little of the Compass Box Highland Malt Blend, complete the composition. James Saxon, lead whisky maker for No Name, No. 3, recommends enjoying it neat alongside a full bodied blue cheese.

The label, designed by Stranger and Stranger, lends itself to the season with bold and contrasting colors reflective of the dramatic array of flavors within the whisky, making it an artful addition to any home bar this holiday season.

GSN’s Remarks: A remarkable blend of smoke and fruit. Both are in equal abundance, with a salty, creosote coloration entwined with notes of pineapple, poached pears, and baked apple. We’re reminded of a smoked ham dinner in some ways. We agree that this whisky pairs well with a Stilton or Roquefort cheese. Try it with fresh shucked oysters as well, but if you’re not into seafood, you can’t go wrong with a dark chocolate. The body is somewhat light and elegant, while the finish has an even, smokey fade. This is a cleverly blended spirit, and makes for a fine finish to the trilogy of releases. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Compass Box Whisky

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GSN Review: Paul John Christmas Edition 2021 Indian Single Malt Whisky

Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky, produced at John Distilleries in Goa, India, recently introduced Paul John Christmas Edition 2021. The fourth in the annual series of holiday releases, this festive peated malt is now available in the United States.

Non-chill filtered and with no added colors or flavors, Paul John Single Malts are created from six-row barley harvested from across Rajasthan to the foothills of the Himalayas and distilled in specially-designed copper pot stills with longer necks that result in fruitier spirits. To create Paul John Christmas Edition 2021, the liquid is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and a mélange of port and madeira casks in coastal Goa, where the tropical climate helps the whiskies mature faster with an angel’s share of eight percent.

Paul John Christmas Edition 2021 joins the Great Indian Single Malt portfolio alongside core and additional limited-edition expressions including Nirvana, Brilliance, Edited, Bold, Classic Select Cask, Peated Select Cask, Pedro Ximénez (PX) Select Cask, Oloroso Select Cask and The Zodiac Series.

This exotic, multi-faceted expression features a nose of caramel, orange marmalade, a touch of coconut and sweet berries with a contrast of dry raisins. The palate is rich and creamy, with butterscotch and spice balanced perfectly on light peat and barley. The finish of alluring spice, smoke and flavorful cocoa is long and satisfying, beautifully capturing the essence of the holiday season.

GSN’s Remarks: Very much in line with a holiday dessert table. Notes of fruitcake, spiced oranges, brandied raisins, caramel and spice cake all play a role in this melange of flavors. Some slight smokiness keeps things in line with whisky, but overall this is a fruity and light spirit. The body is near creamy and the finish is long, soft and ends with some high spice notes. Overall, you can’t go wring with this lovely limited edition. GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: Paul John Whisky

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GSN Alert: The Kraken Rum Rewards Those Who Are Willing to Step Into the Dark This Black Friday

Black Friday may still be the biggest retail day of the year, but the thrill of the hunt has become rather ho-hum. While everyone else is battling bots and bargain hunters, fans of The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum will be tuning into the darkest event yet. On Friday November 26, The Kraken will take Black Friday even darker at PitchBlackFriday.com, where The Kraken demands a dark sacrifice to score some of the most unique items never to grace the usual Black Friday catalog.

At the top of each hour starting at 12:00 pm EST, one of eight mysterious chests will open to reveal a prize, along with the sacrifice required for a chance to win. Whether that’s inking a tattoo of the mythical sea beast on your body for a chance to train for a submarine captain’s license in Curacao ($23,000 ARV) or donating blood to earn a shot at a VIP hockey experience with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken ($5,000 ARV). The greater the sacrifice, the more generous the reward.

Those willing to #StepIntoTheDark are invited to enter PitchBlackFriday.com on November 26. PitchBlackFriday.com is part of The Kraken Rum’s latest marketing campaign, Step Into the Dark, which encourages people with a maverick spirit to look beyond the expected and find great reward in the unknown.

Wherever you hunt this Black Friday, you can find The Kraken Rum in local wine and spirits stores or online at KrakenRum.com.  To make a signature Cephalopunch, simply mix one part Kraken Rum, one part pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine in a shaker with crushed ice. Shake briefly, pour contents into a glass, top with more crushed ice and enjoy.

No purchase necessary.  Must be documented resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21+.  Registration ends 11/26/21.  See official rules at PitchBlackFriday.com.  Void wherever prohibited. 

 

 

GSN Review: Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year Old Rum

In 1862, Dupré Barbancourt, a native of the Charente region in France, put the finishing touches to a recipe for rum using a double distillation method usually reserved for cognacs. Barbancourt left no heir and when he died the company passed to his wife Nathalie Gardère who managed it with the help of her nephew, Paul Gardère. When she died, Paul then directed the company’s destiny until 1946. At this time Rhum Barbancourt’s distillery was still located on le Chemin des Dalles in Port au Prince and only produced a limited quantity of rum. The older aged rums being exclusively reserved for family and friends. The company is now overseen by Delphine Natalie Gardère, the fifth generation of the family and the second woman to head the company that has grown to become Haiti’s leading brand of rum. La Société du Rhum Barbancourt’s now sells its products in 20 countries and employs 250 people. Its wide reaching activities are responsible for the livelihood of 20,000 people. 

Rhum Barbancourt 15-year-old Estate Reserve is a 86 proof Rhum Agricole distilled from pure sugar cane juice. Aged 15 years, in Limousin oak then ex-Bourbon oak, the rum comes in a gift box featuring Haitian art. 

GSN’s Remarks: A remarkably dry entry with a slight bourbon patina, followed by mild cane sweetness. There is a lot of mid-range here, with vegetal and spice notes filling the space encompassed by oak. A fulsome rum that is great on its own, but also makes for a killer rum cocktail. A fine spirit that deserves a place on your back bar. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Crillon Importers Ltd

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GSN Spirited News: November 16th 2021 Edition

Beam Suntory has launched a new collection, the Mundial Limited Edition Series, as part of the El Tesoro collection of Tequilas. The first release in the series is an Añejo expression finished in Laphroaig barrels. The single barrel Tequila is bottled at 40% abv and matured for 13 months in total—nine months in ex-Bourbon barrels and four in Laphroaig casks—and will retail for around $125 a 750-ml. El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition is rolling out now in select markets across the U.S.

Mezcal Amarás has launched the Logia Collection, comprising three new limited-release expressions in the U.S. First up is Logia Cenizo, a 43% abv mezcal made from 14-year-old agave durangensis plants that will retail for $85 a 750-ml. The second release is Logia Sierra Negra, a mezcal made from 12-year-old agave americana plants. Sierra Negra, also bottled at 43% abv, is made with pink peppercorn and chili peppers mixed in with the volcanic rock and oak used to cook the agave. It carries a suggested price of $125. The final release—Logia Tobalá—is made from 12-year-old agave potatorum plants and will retail for $150. Like the other mezcals, Logia Tobalá is bottled at 43% abv.

Louisville, Kentucky’s Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey has debuted its first Bourbon. The company’s namesake Bourbon is a blend of two 4-year-old high-rye whiskies sourced from Indiana and bottled at 57.2% abv, barrel strength. Buzzard’s Roost Bourbon carries a suggested price of $85 a 750-ml. In addition to launching a new whiskey, the company has announced a new home at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Going forward, the company’s whiskies, which are chosen and rebarreled by Buzzard’s Roost, will be aged and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

A new organic Tequila brand, Hermosa, is debuting across 10 states. Hermosa includes Silver ($45), Reposado ($53), and Añejo ($60) expressions, with the Reposado and Añejo spending eight and 18 months in American oak barrels, respectively. It’s made at family-owned Tequilas Las Americas NOM 1480, a third-generation distillery and agave grower based in Amatitán, Jalisco. Founder Will Elger said the inspiration for the brand came from an old bottle of homemade Tequila given to his father, who was a local hotel manager. The name “Hermosa” was written on the label of that bottle from 1939.

Teeling Irish whiskey has announced a 30-year-old single malt, the latest in the brand’s series of extra-aged whiskies. The 46% abv whiskey was distilled in 1991 and first matured in ex-Bourbon barrels before spending nine years in Sauternes casks before bottling. The release is limited to 4,000 bottles and will be available at the Teeling Distillery in Dublin this month and the U.S. in January 2022 for a suggested price of $2,200 a 750-ml.

Mezcal brand Vamonos Riendo has entered California and Illinois, partnering with RNDC for the former and Southern Glazer’s for the latter. The new partnership will see the super-premium priced mezcal sold in chains like Total Wine and Binny’s, plus independent stores in California and Chicagoland. Vamonos Riendo is an ensemble mezcal triple distilled from Tobala and Espadin agaves (with fruit added for the final distillation) and bottled at 42% abv. It’s available for a suggested price of $60 a 750-ml.

Savage & Cooke, the Mare Island, California distillery from Dave Phinney, has launched its winter seasonal whiskey: Bad Sweater. The whiskey is a blend of four-year-old Bourbon with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, cacao nibs, and vanilla bean, and bottled at 40% abv. This year’s edition, the third, features a sweater draped around the bottle’s shoulders. It’s available through December for $38 a 750-ml.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: November 16th 2021 Edition

WeSake, a new canned sake, has launched in the U.S. The Junmai Gingo sake comes in at 13% abv and is made from only rice, water, yeast, and koji. The brand is taking aim at new sake drinkers, as well as those looking for portable alternatives to beer and canned RTDs and wines. WeSake, created by Pablo Rivera, formerly of AB InBev’s ZX Ventures, is now available in New York, California, Connecticut, and Georgia, in 4-packs of 200-ml. cans for a suggested price of $19. Additionally, WeSake is available through the brand’s website.

Waitsfield, Vermont-based Lawson’s Finest Liquids is releasing its Triple Sunshine IPA beyond its taproom for the first time. Triple Sunshine is part of Lawson’s Sunshine series, which includes Sip of Sunshine, Double Sunshine, and Little Sip in addition, with Triple Sunshine the strongest at 10.5% abv and showing a fruity profile featuring pineapple, grapefruit, and lychee. Its expanded availability to nine states including Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, among others, is part of the brewery’s specialty limited release schedule it launched this spring that previously raised the profile of its Scrag Mountain Pils, Hopcelot IPA, and Kiwi, which featured New Zealand-grown hops; Triple Sunshine will be the final release in the series this year.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Alert: November 18th – International Poitín Day

International Poitín Day occurs every year on November 18th to celebrate the resurgence of Ireland’s most notorious spirit, Irish poitín. Poitín is Ireland’s original spirit—in fact it is thought to be the oldest potable spirit in the world—dating back to the 6th century when records show it was distilled by monks on the island. Long before Irish whiskey came into existence, poitín was being made in nearly every town and village across the country until 1661 when the British Crown outlawed poitín in an effort to control, and therefore tax, all distilled alcohol production in Ireland. For 300 years, fervent drinkers continued to produce their own poitíns, keeping them under the counter and out of sight. Though a beloved part of Irish culture, it wasn’t until 1997 that the Irish government re-legalized the production and sale of poitín.

International Poitín Day is now in its sixth year, celebrating the history, the tradition and the resurrection of the formerly illicit spirit. In the past ten years, poitín has been experiencing a renaissance, with several premium producers making their own unique recipe.

GSN Review: Austin Eastciders Imperial Cider

In a market that has shown growth in lower alcohol cocktails and lower ABV, Austin Eastciders has bucked the trend by debuting a limited-edition Imperial Cider at an 8.3% ABV, well higher than its other offerings.  Austin Eastciders Imperial Cider is a limited offering that will be on shelves for a short time with one production run and once it runs out, it could be the last time the company puts this blend into cans.

“Our biggest community request is for a cider with higher alcohol content.  We were inspired by high-impact American ciders.” says Austin Eastciders’ Master Cider Maker Brittnay Perlo.  “Austin Eastciders Imperial Cider delivers a full-flavored cider blended with hazy unfiltered apple juice.”

GSN’s Remarks: A quite dry, powerhouse of a cider. We like it. Fruity, almost rustic in flavor, and eminently quaffable. With such a high alcohol content, you’ll want to take your time with one to truly enjoy it. We especially like this one paired with a meal. Try this with a pork stew, or mushroom quiche. For a lighter table, craft a cheese board using aged cheddar, brie and camembert. We applaud Austin Eastciders for pushing the envelope in this category, and hope that more cideries follow suit. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Austin Eastciders

#austineastciders

GSN Review: Darnley’s London Dry Gin

Named after the moment Lord Darnley fell in love with Mary Queen of Scots at the Wemyss Castle where it’s distilled, Darnley’s Gin brings the Wemyss Family history to life in a new way. The Darnley’s story is rooted in Fife, Scotland where the Wemyss family have lived and worked for generations, and it’s here the Darnley’s journey begins.

Using elderflower sourced from the distillery’s local grounds, Darnley’s is a  gin that delivers an expression of Eastern Scotland’s unique coastal terroir. Combined with other ingredients like juniper, orris root, citrus, coriander and grains of paradise, the result is spirit created from sustainably sourced, traceable botanicals and Scottish water. Darnley’s grows all the botanicals they can in their Gin Cottage gardens. What they can’t grow, they forage with the help of local experts, and what they can’t grow or forage, they source sustainably from trusted farmers.

 GSN’s Remarks: This is an interesting spirit, with both the floral loveliness of an elderflower liqueur, and the sprightliness of a juniper forward gin. It strikes a fine balance between the two, with a soft and fruity entry that fades into a crisp finish. A very friendly and welcoming gin, we enjoy the round mouthfeel and easy going attitude. A perfect gin for just about any cocktail, this also is one of the few that we truly have enjoyed neat. Kudos to the blender and master distiller for this true Scottish gem. Elderflower rocks! GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: Darnleys Gin

#DarnleysGin

GSN Review: Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream

A New Orleans centered business from the very start, Gambino’s grew out of Big Easy traditions and a local’s home. In the early 1920’s Beulah Ledner began baking out of her uptown kitchen on Lowerline Street. Her treats became a fast favorite of Tulane and Newcomb students and faculty and grew both her name and her baking business beyond the four walls of her home and into a location on Claiborne. Known as the “Doberge Queen of New Orleans,” Beulah invented the classic Crescent City cake and became a baking legend.

Her bakery made the perfect marriage in 1946 when Beulah decided to sell her retail location and recipes to a man named Joe Gambino. Gambino began operating the bakery, which remained named the “Beulah Ledner Bakery,” and stayed loyal to Beulah’s creations. His pastries and cakes quickly gained notoriety in New Orleans and in 1949 he decided to reopen the bakery under his name, thus becoming “Joe Gambino’s Bakery.” His uptown business quickly expanded, allowing him to open multiple locations throughout New Orleans, into the surrounding suburbs, and eventually spreading into southern Louisiana.

Thriving through the end of the twentieth century, it wasn’t until 2005 that Gambino’s suffered a setback. Hurricane Katrina buried all of the New Orleans locations beneath ten feet of water and Gambino’s was forced to close several of their stores. But the Gambino name persisted through the devastation, reopening stores in Metairie and continuing to serve New Orleanians the cakes and treats they had become famous for.

With almost 100 years of tradition, Gambino’s Bakery has now debuted their King Cake Rum Cream. After all, NOLA, parties and drinking go hand in hand. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

GSN’s Remarks: There really is nothing like a king cake. Sweet, slightly spiced, vanilla forward and filling. So, it only makes sense that this culinary experience would finally make its way into a glass. Who better to craft this liqueur than the premier king cake bakery Gambino’s? They smartly use rum for their base, while the label adds a festive quality of Mardi Gras. Try this with your beignet brunch by adding a splash to your chicory coffee. A fun party beverage any time of the year. Bring a lagnappe of NOLA home with you! GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Gambinos Passion Spirits

#Gambinos