Aperitifs

[toobfreak]

I was buying some cordials and favorite liqueurs the other day and decided to try a couple of few new ones. I'll rate them by bang for the buck--- in other words, starting with the cheapest per volume that had the highest proof that will light you up, down to the most expensive with the lowest proofs--- these you enjoy for the flavor only because they just don't have much alcohol.

1. Evan Williams Cherry Whiskey: there are many varieties of cherry whiskey--- I never tried a flavored whiskey before. I liked it. Moderately proofed at just 65 proof mainly because you can really taste it has a lot of genuine cherry juice in it.
2. The next four were pretty close in score, the fourth has a much lower proof, but you get a lot and the stuff was cheap. Topping the list was Galliano, an old favorite of mine, licorice flavored or maybe anise (does it matter), I love the stuff and it's 84 proof too.
3. Pretty much tied even both in cost, proof and volume are both Cointreau and Grand Marnier. They are both 80 proof and can light you up. I used to think I leaned Marnier for its orange essence, but Cointreau is giving it a stiff run for the money.
4. DeKuyper Buttershots Butterscotch Schnapps just sounded too odd but the butterscotch sounded good. Great stuff, delicious, but only 30 proof, the lowest alcohol of the batch, still, it scored right up there with Cointreau and Marnier for value because it was half the price. It won't get you buzzed easily but if you like buttery butterscotch, you'll like this.
5. Last of the six was probably the best of all, but also the most expensive and nearly tied for the lowest proof. Chambord Raspberry Liquor, I love the stuff but figure on it costing you about $5.00 a serving. Made of essence of the finest black raspberry, black currents, Madagascan vanilla, and extra old cognac. Delicate and delicious. It would be easy to just drink down the whole 375 mL bottle at once. Made in France of the finest ingredients. The stuff is probably a health food.