Today, I’m diving into the Aultmore 18 year old Foggie Moss single malt Scotch whisky, and what immediately captures my attention is the enchanting name of their single malt collection: Foggy Moss. Just mentioning it conjures a vivid image – a hauntingly beautiful scene of fog weaving through the corridors of a moss-draped, long-forgotten castle nestled on the misty moors.
I have some vermouth left from my Negroni cocktail experiments and looked for other cocktail recipes to use it in. I found the best recipe for a Manhattan cocktail, and I have all the ingredients on hand. The Manhattan cocktail is a mix of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth looked perfect. So let’s explore.
I have not had a glass of Balvenie in ages. The last time I had any Balvenie in my glass was when we did the Balvenie Golden Cask vs Caribbean Cask comparison, and the bottles were empty after that tasting. I looked at my whisky collection for something new to drink and saw the Balvenie 17 year old DoubleWood single malt Scotch whisky, so I grabbed it and am glad I did.
A few nights ago, we visited friends for a BBQ, and when we arrived, she had tequila shooters standing ready. I am not the biggest fan of tequila. But this was some decent tequila añejo.
I realised I had done very little exploring around tequila and tequila-based cocktails. The most famous tequila cocktail is the Margarita, and what better place to learn more about tequila when making cocktails at home?
The Margarita recipe comprises tequila, triple sec, and lime juice shaken and strained into a stepped-diameter martini-shaped glass rimmed with salt. The name conjures up images of tacos, guacamole, and enchiladas, as the Margarita is associated with Mexican cuisine.
Exactly where the margarita cocktail is from and who invented it is unknown. A cocktail recipe with similar ingredients was included in the Cafe Royal cocktail book published in 1937. This cocktail was called Picador.
Other sources claim that it was invented by a bartender for a dancer who was allergic to other alcohols but not tequila.
I have seen recipes with different ingredient ratios. From 2:1:1 (tequila, triple sec, lime juice) to 10:4:3. Personally, the best margarita recipe is the sweeter version where the triple sec is slightly more than the lime juice.
Also Read: Cosmopolitan Cocktail
However, looking around, you will find Margarita recipes in various flavours and variations beyond the classic lime version. I have seen different fruit flavours, like strawberry, mango, and watermelon. Today, I am staying with the classic Margarita recipe and investigate how to make a margarita at home.
Like all alcohol-forward cocktails, using only the best ingredients is essential. But let’s start at the most important ingredient; the tequila.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a Mexican distilled spirit distilled from the blue agave plant (agave tequiliana). Tequila is a type of Mezcal, a spirits category made from various agave plants.
Different types of tequila
- Tequila blanco (silver tequila): Tequila that is not aged. This typically has notes of pepper and citrus with a spicy finish. This is the perfect tequila to use for Margaritas.
- Tequila reposado: Tequila aged between 2 to 12 months in oak barrels. It has a smooth flavour and typical oak, vanilla, and caramel notes.
- Tequila añejo: Tequila aged between 1 to 4 years in oak barrels. It is richer, with typical notes of vanilla and cinnamon. A good sipping tequila.
- Tequila joven is a blend of unaged and aged tequila.
- Tequila cristalino is a clear spirit as the tequila añejo is filtered to remove tannins.
Other variations on the theme
Frozen Margarita: When the ingredients are slushed together with ice to create the perfect summer drink.
Paloma Margarita: When you replace the lime juice with grapefruit juice. A soft pink version of the classic.
Tequila Sours: When the whiskey in a sour is replaced by tequila.
Mexican Mule: Where the tequila replaces the vodka in the classic Moscow Mule. The spicy ginger beer and lime juice are the perfect pairing for tequila.
Why do you rim a Margarita cocktail with salt?
According to some research, salt changes the way our taste buds process the bitterness of the tequila and the lime. By adding a few grains to each sip, the alcohol and bitterness are balanced and additional flavours can come through.
How to make a Margarita at home
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz triple sec (Cointreau)
- 3/4 oz lime juice,
- lime wedge and wheel
- salt
- ice
Instructions
- Sprinkle some salt on a small plate. Rub the wedge of lime along the rim of a glass and then dip it into the salt.
- Add tequila, triple sec and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well-chilled.
- Carefully strain into the cocktail glass with a few blocks of ice.
- Decorate the Margarita with a lime wheel and enjoy.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky
This travel retail exclusive whisky is perfect for my current setting. I am trying the Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt Scotch whisky here on the beautiful green island of Mauritius.
There is, however, nothing tropical about the Island Green whisky. It is Islay rather than island. But the colour of the box and the coconut trees around me matches, so it is as good an excuse as any.
The Johnnie Walker Island Green is a blended malt whisky and retail travel release. It blends malts from Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie and Cardhu. So a malt from each Scottish region. Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, and Speyside. Caol Ila malts make up most of the blend, hence the reference to Island.
When you look at the make-up of Island Green vs Green Label, the Green Label has an age statement. It also blends many more malts, including Talisker, Cragganmore and Linkwood.
The Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt Scotch whisky was released in July 2016. Because it is a travel retail release, it is available in a 1L bottle. It has no age statement. I shared my bottle with friends on the island, and the tasting notes also included their comments.
Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky Review
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Rich gold
NOSE: Smooth, soft peaty goodness mixed with cereals and a green earthy note. Hints of vanilla, wood and light pepper. You can’t miss the Islay base on the Island Green. My friend D said the nose reminded her of her granny’s fashioned emergency kit with rolled-up bandages and disinfectant. The peaty notes are all Caol Ila, but the Cardhu toasted wood, malt and vanilla also have a spot. Rich and delicious.
PALATE: Again, the Caol Ila stands upfront with soft peat, oak and smoke. Hints of oily fish and malt in the background. With a few drops of water, a fruity sweetness comes forward with caramel, marmalade and pepper, probably from the Glenkinchie.
Malty goodness and vanilla with bits of cinnamon. Medium body with an oily mouth feel. A few people around the table got woody notes.
FINISH: Medium length with notes of lemon pepper, oak and drying ash.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What a delicious blended malt. Between the 5 of us, we finished the bottle. The peat is drinkable even for a novice, with enough sweetness to suit many tastes. It is complex enough to entice the serious whisky drinkers in our group but approachable enough for the newbie to enjoy.
An outstanding balance between the peppery notes and fruity sweetness. A great bottle. I will restock this Johnnie Walker as soon as I travel again.
Also Read: Big Peat 26 yo Whisky