Michael Hepworth
INTRODUCTION TO GRAND BRULOT-A CLASSIC BLEND OF COGNAC AND ECUADORIAN COFFEE
HOLLYWOOD (Spritisman)What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I said to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars Just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted Into the 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean Essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and then it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. Retail price for the drink is $42.99.
The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town. The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes.
THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist
Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.
BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters
Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish with orange wheel.
FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari
Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.
GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters
Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.
