Ask the Barkeeper!

[Lynda Bradford]

Just a note this is the Topic of Month for September so open for any questions

I occasionally like a Manhattan cocktail. 

When I order this when cruising with Cunard, the waiter gives a list of American "Whisky"such as Jack Daniels and asks which one I would like used for the cocktail.  They never offer Scots Whisky, so I do not know which one is the best.  I usually ask what is the most popular and choose that one. 

What would be the best choice for a good Manhattan cocktail?

[Louis De Sousa]

I occasionally like a Manhattan cocktail. 

When I order this when cruising with Cunard, the waiter gives a list of American "Whisky"such as Jack Daniels and asks which one I would like used for the cocktail.  They never offer Scots Whisky, so I do not know which one is the best.  I usually ask what is the most popular and choose that one. 

What would be the best choice for a good Manhattan cocktail?

Canadian Rye or Bourbon is the best choice

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Another question, Louis.

Have you ever come across a cocktail called Yukiguni (??, meaning Snow Country)? I saw this on a Japanese menu the other day, which added that it was "Vodka based". I wondered whether I might try it if ever I get the chance...

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Another question, Louis.

Have you ever come across a cocktail called Yukiguni (??, meaning Snow Country)? I saw this on a Japanese menu the other day, which added that it was "Vodka based". I wondered whether I might try it if ever I get the chance...

I have meanwhile tried it and liked it. It resembles Kamikaze, my favourite cocktail, but on this occasion at least was more bitter than I remember Kamikaze to be (the last time I had it was on QE2...).

http://iwamoto-hiroyoshi.com/cocktail/131018/

It was presented very nicely. The frosted glass with the sugared rim, into which the green cherry was popped, and then the drink was slowly poured in, all the way to the top.

Oh! And the drink was definitely standing up! No idea why the photo upload has made it lie down...

[June Ingram]

If the drink tasted as good as it appears welcoming to look at, it must have been very good ! 

[Louis De Sousa]

Thought id bring this back up for new members

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Good thing you brought this back up, Louis!

A question for you. I have developed a liking for Port (for reasons that are irrelevant to this Forum), but know very little about it. Let me narrow it down to red Port.

When buying it, what should I be watching out for? What makes for a good Port, particularly if one wants a good Port that is not too expensive? Are the vintages important? What other characteristics are useful to know about?

Thank you in advance for your advice .

[Lynda Bradford]

Louis last year you created the QE2 50 cocktail that many of us enjoyed in Glasgow last year. 

Have you created other cocktails? ... and are there competitions for Barkeepers' to compete creating new cocktail recipes?

[Louis De Sousa]

Good thing you brought this back up, Louis!

A question for you. I have developed a liking for Port (for reasons that are irrelevant to this Forum), but know very little about it. Let me narrow it down to red Port.

When buying it, what should I be watching out for? What makes for a good Port, particularly if one wants a good Port that is not too expensive? Are the vintages important? What other characteristics are useful to know about?

Thank you in advance for your advice .

The best port for a normal household is the Tawny Port go for at least the 20 year old
Late Bottle Vintage are good but very expensive

[Louis De Sousa]

Louis last year you created the QE2 50 cocktail that many of us enjoyed in Glasgow last year. 

Have you created other cocktails? ... and are there competitions for Barkeepers' to compete creating new cocktail recipes?

Yes


Competitions are very famous check this link for example https://www.britishbartendersassociation.com/competitions

On QE2 on early years competitions were done too amogst the Barkeepers

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

The best port for a normal household is the Tawny Port go for at least the 20 year old
Late Bottle Vintage are good but very expensive

Thank you very much, Louis! I shall keep this in mind.

Are there any particular names that are better than others?

As for the QE2 50 cocktail, if I knew a place that served it, I would definitely go for it again. One of the pleasures of last year's Conference .

[Louis De Sousa]

Thank you very much, Louis! I shall keep this in mind.

Are there any particular names that are better than others?

As for the QE2 50 cocktail, if I knew a place that served it, I would definitely go for it again. One of the pleasures of last year's Conference .

Take the recipe with you next time you go to a bar or hotel and ask them if they can do it

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Take the recipe with you next time you go to a bar or hotel and ask them if they can do it

Good idea! I'll try it and report back -- but it might take some months until I get the chance.

[Louis De Sousa]

Good idea! I'll try it and report back -- but it might take some months until I get the chance.

Any good Bartender will be happy to do it

[June Ingram]

Very good idea !  I will do that !