Cocktail Party!

            Hosting a party in itself is such a big deal. A perfect host is the one who manages everything from food ,theme, keeps the guests engaged, makes them comfortable , talks to the shy blah blah. You are getting the drift BUT.. if you have not planned your drinks well. Your party is gonna be a flop show. 
We have to always design a great Drink Menu . 
So here is the blog that would make your party fun . As we have chosen Cocktail Party as theme I would be mentioning 6 best drinks that you could make out of scotch . 
                  Honestly, Scotch in itself has such distinct flavor that it needs nothing to pair up with. I am sure many serious drinkers and snobby foodies would not like to mix scotch with anything to make the experience complete.
                        The scarcity of mixology of Scotch is mainly due to its hallmark flavor : rich and robust, with a character ranging from bright and heathery to smoky and medicinal, Black Dog scotch is so assertive in its own right that it simply doesn't require to share the stage well with any other ingrediants.
                  Most bartending guides from the late 19th and 20th centuries have only a handful of scotch-based cocktails.

Variety is the spice of life. When you have to try out something new why not get a bottle of Black Dog and try out some jazzy cocktails or just host a party to show off your bartending skills. 

So here is the list of top 3.

The Blood and Sand: The earliest printed recipe I've found for this drink was in the Savoy Cocktail Book, from 1930, and it likely takes its name from the popular 1922 silent film starring Rudolph Valentino. The Blood and Sand rises above the chaos and helps set the stage for the approach of more robust-flavored drinks for the cooler months.
Here's the link on how to make it.

 

Mamie Taylor:  Named for an opera singer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Mamie Taylor was quite fashionable at the turn of the last century, though by the middle of the 20th it had almost completely disappeared. For fortification, the Mamie Taylor relies on blended scotch, but while this dark spirit can evoke the cooler months, fresh lime juice lightens the spirit's ponderous demeanor, and a spicy ginger ale or ginger beer places it firmly in summer-cooler territory--making it just the thing to help celebrate a long holiday weekend.  

[Photo credits recipes-drink.ru ]

Recipe 

• 2 ounces blended scotch whisky
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• Ginger ale or ginger beer, the spicier the better

Procedures

Fill an 8-ounce highball glass with ice and add Black Dog scotch and lime juice. Fill with ginger ale or ginger beer and gently stir; garnish with a lime wedge. 


The Godfather: (My Favorite) This is an interesting cocktail. When I mixed it with the less flavorful scotch, I found it to be awfully sweet. I prefer it with Black Dog Scotch only. This is one the most liked mixes.
Two parts scotch, one part amaretto. Surprisingly palatable. 
                   

Use the best available scotch whiskey in the market and that's none other than Black Dog. 

Like Black Dog on: http://www.facebook.com/blackdogscotland

You’re no superman so don’t drive drunk but unwind and relax

                                   Drinking is such a pleasure giving task. It is considered culturally disrespectful if you don't drink at their parties. Who wouldn't drink. Keep a bottle of BLACK DOG in front of me and I would be definitely attracted to it like a moth to the light. Yes , I would. Who wouldn't like to sip the golden liquid.
            It was a cold Sunday evening when we decided to go to a bar in the neighborhood.As I began with a few harsh drinks and doing shots all I wanted was something smooth. My obvious choice was BLACK DOG!
Even before I could sip on it. The smell..... Ah!! Its so amazing. I would not know exactly how to describe this hallmark smell but like a little metallic yet mesmerizing aroma. It could win hands down in comparison with scotch or wh of the same genre.

       When you take the first sip you realize how smooth it is.
I need not even describe it here. Com'on I know anyone with an eye for perfection and palette for rich taste would go for a second peg. By this time you are already in the heaven. Just relax , unwind yourself , feel every sip of BLACK DOG , its smoothness , its taste . You feel so relaxed. Its a common thing that no one can stop at one . Go ahead make yourself comfortable and go for next glass . Need not feel guilty or even think you are an alcoholic. BLACK DOG is a drink that makes you indulge. You deserve to relax.
                     I would suggest not to add too much water, ice it lowers its temperature and taste varies. Enjoy this drink in its best form. Combining it with too spicy things would also vary the taste. Could always combine with cashews, cheese dips, chips.Even without ice and water this drink is NOT at all harsh . I am emphasizing so much on its taste because it is unmatched.  BLACK DOG is like an epitome of good drinks.  It is 129 years of perfection . BLACK DOG is a 100% genuine Scotch whisky distilled, matured and blended in Scotland. This classy whisky is available in four exciting blends  Centenary, 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 21 Year Old. Can read more on BLACK DOG . Kudos to United Spirits - The world's largest spirit company by volume.

So just hit the best bar or the worst, stay indoors or outdoors BLACK DOG will definitely be the best companion.

 While you relax & unwind. Remember you need not put extra pressure on your brain and drive.Driving is a very complex task that requires correct decision-making , total concentration and presence of mind. Have a friend who could take you home and you can sleep like a baby. Why to kill the buzz and the best feel after an amazing drink by arguing with the cops. Better be safe.
                 You deserve the best .

                 Do let me know how you enjoyed your drink. I would love to hear.
"Unwind and Relax " . Forget the daily hustle and bustle , forget traffic, deadlines, managers, supervisors, shoot the world and get in your comfortable shoes and relax.

Facts you must know about Scotch

• Scotch whisky is always spelled without an “e” . Every other nation calls it  whiskey. There are lots of theories as to why this is the case, most of which are disputed. Just be sure you never add the “e” when writing to a Scotsman or you may be the cause of the beginning of World War III.

•  A staggering one billion bottles of scotch are exported from Scotland every year. America is the second-largest customer, importing an impressive 120 million bottles a year. This is still quite a ways behind the French, however, who are rapidly approaching 200 million bottles a year.

• Canadian whiskey is distilled any number of times using malted rye as the grain.
•  In Gaelic, whiskey translates to uisce beatha or "water of life."
  
  
• There were riots to reduce taxes on whiskey in 1794 which definitely means it was an important commodity

• There are over 100 distilleries and five regions for the production of whisky in Scotland: the Highlands, Speyside, Islay, the Lowlands, and Campbeltown. Each area produces whisky with a very particular style. 
• Single Grain Whisky: This is relatively rare and is made from nonmalted grains
•  True whiskey drinkers don't add ice to their drink. OMG!! Really! I was seeing this interview in which it says that it reduces the temperature way too much hence leading to blocking of taste.

• Only a few people are blessed with the palette to taste whiskey to rest everyone it tastes like burnt ass. I don't know how far this is true.
  Compiled and edited after research . 
  
  Must try scotch which encompasses the best of the best flavor, aroma and feel is Black Dog. 
  
  

To age like Scotch Whiskey

      Aged Scotch whisky is one of the most prized, and famous, alcoholic beverages in the world. This article delves into the history of this Scottish drink and the process that gives it its distinct flavor and reputation. It will examine how Scotch evolved and why it uses peat moss and old oak barrels. This article also includes information on the different Scotch whiskies as well as how it differs from its cousins, whiskey and bourbon.

                       

History

Scotch whisky, or simply "scotch," is related to whisky and bourbon because all three are derived from Irish brewing practices. Sometime during the 9th century, Irish monks brought Christianity and the process of alcohol distillation to Scotland. The Scots modified the process over time, creating a distinct brew that became Scotch whisky.

Scotch whisky is malt whisky or grain made in Scotland. All Scotch whisky was originally made from malt barley. Commercial distilleries began introducing whisky made from wheat and rye in the late eighteenth century. 

Types

Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: 
-  Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended grain Scotch whisky (formerly called "vatted malt" or "pure malt"), blended grain Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky.

Significance   

Scotch whisky was heavily taxed in the early 19th century, causing many of the distillers to begin hiding their stills in the rough back country of Scotland. It is this turn of events that introduced the use of peat moss to fire the stills. Scotch whisky, usually referred to as "whisky" in England and Scotland, became popular in England in the middle of the 19th century. 

 

Time Ticks

  The maturation process for Scotch whisky numbers in the handful to dozens of years. During the maturation process, the seasons heat or cool the barrel, resulting in the liquid expanding or contracting, respectively. When the alcohol expands, it begins to absorb some of the tannins and other flavors from the wood. It also loses some of its alcoholic potency. As it contracts, it draws those tannins and flavors out of the wood to mix with the rest of the alcohol. Aging is a long process and results in a "smoother" beverage. Young whiskies, about 6 or so years old, are harsher but cheaper. Older whiskies, about 12 to 18 years old or more, are more highly prized and expensive.

 

Benefits

There are several types of Scotch whisky. Single malt is made exclusively from barley malt and is produced in one distillery. Single grain whisky is created by a single distillery and does not refer to the amount of grains used. Blended Scotch whiskies, as the name implies, are blends of Scotch whiskies from two or more distilleries.

 So know your drink before you relish on it.

Perfection is the word for Black Dog scotch

In India, the awareness about spirits is quite low, which is understandable given that drinking is still a taboo across 99% Indian Households.

I am sure that most of you started out (just like me) with the poison by drinking a beer or vodka. As time progressed some of you switched to higher alcohol content drinks such as Vodka and Whisky.

I had heard it from one seasoned drinker that no matter what you start with, ultimately every passionate drinker will end up being hooked on to whisky/scotch. (Definitely)

Black Dog is a premium range whisky (call it scotch if you wish to). In high end pubs in Bangalore, it will set you back by about INR 700 to INR 1200 for a 30 ml peg (This price range depends on the hype surrounding the bar/pub). However, I think at wine shops it is available at about INR 2000 for a 600 (or may be 650 ml) ml bottle.

The best part of this brand is the smoothness. Do not insult it by mixing Soda or worse - cola - with it. If you can not live without soda or cola, try some less expensive brands which I don't want to name here. Now, I am not being elitist. Even I have had brands like Royal Challenge, Blenders Pride etc. which don’t really go down well when drunk neat. But Black Dog must be taken neat or at the max, on the rocks (i.e. just with ice cubes - note: no water).

So, pour in 60 ml, add 3-4 ice cubes, swirl it slightly and you are ready. The poison goes down pretty smoothly and does not ’pinch’ your throat. It has a slightly metallic kind of taste, and you won’t know when you are already 2 pegs down. Tastes best with not-so-spicy snacks. Please avoid spicy Indian snacks like Chicken Tikka. I like it with nacchos .

One of the best place to drink this is, at home. Make a peg, lower the lights, Switch on the AC, let some smooth music (ghazals, oldies or anything slow that you like) start, push back in a comfortable chair and let the magic engulf you! 

The other best place is a pub why not show off your taste and your maturity in choice of drinks. While all your friends order something harsh and unbearable you indulge yourself into something smooth, classy, royal. The golden liquid flows down your throat creating ripples of  

An Introduction to Black Dog

       The birth of the great Scotch Whisky took place over 125 years ago when James MacKinlay of the second generation of the Leith Scotch Whisky blending family launched the masterful whisky by the name of Millard Black Dog. It is said that in the year 1883 Walter Millard, a Scot from the British East India Company came searching for the perfect Scotch and eventually discovered the great taste of this whisky in these misty shores of Scotland.

Being a keen angler, Walter Millard named the whisky Black Dog in honour of his favourite salmon fishing fly used in the Spey and Tay rivers of Scotland since the early 19th century.
                          From the dramatic highlands to the remotest islands and from fertile low lands to the rich Spey valley, one man was on a mission to find the best Scotch. He was in India but returned home in Scotland to pursue his two passions – angling and Scotch Whisky. His search for the perfect blended scotch whisky took him to the home of the Mackinlay Family in Leith in Edinburgh. Together they created a new blend which is now popularly known as Black Dog Scotch Whisky.
              
Today the spirit of Sir Walter Millard lives on under the watchful eyes of Richard Paterson, master blender and distiller. A total of 25 Scotch Whiskies from the Black Dog family trace their origin to Islay, Campbeltown and the lowlands. Not to forget the highlands and the Speyside. These Scotch Whiskies are matured in American White Oak and European Sherry Oak. They are married together to create perfection. Its a delicate balance of Malt and Grain Scotch Whiskies. They have luscious malty tones and rich velvety textures!
Having the Black Dog Scotch Whisky makes you feel like ‘Let the World Wait’ while you enjoy the impeccable taste of the Scotch, either on the rocks or with soda!

You can watch the following video to know more about Black Dog Scotch Whisky –Black Dog 

                        They have recently won The Silver Medal from Concours Mondial De Bruxelles.

Concours Mondial De Bruxelles

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is an organization recognized by the European Union, which conducts annual competition for various spirits and wines manufactured all over the world. The organization is well known in spirits and wine industry through its expertise, professionalism, integrity and excellence of its sensory panel. These competitions have been held for the last 11 years. The committee of judges comprises of well-Known experts in the field.The competition is open to various categories of spirits like whisky, rum, fruit wines, liqueur, cognac, brandy, vodka and gin.

A stupendous meal at Taj Vivanta

Taj Vivanta - Latitude!

Lives up its reputation.
Stupendous lunch is spread at Taj Vivanta. Every penny spent is worth it.
I had to strategically plan how to conquer the entire buffet. I know greedy! Not a bit embarrassed. This place is definitely a gastronomical heaven.
We went here on a THURSDAY

Starters: A huge spread of starters.Variety of breads for all the bread lovers.
Along with it was hummus and banana something. I did not like banana thing much as I am not a fan of banana with chilly and spices but hummus was so yummy. Was forced to take two servings. Soups were pretty decent. As the menu keeps changing there is no point going into finer details.
All salads are a must try. Salads were neatly kept in tiny plates. So you could carry all different variety in your plate along with that fresh vegetables, olives were kept extra with at least 5 types of dips. Mayo,mustard,onion etc.

MAIN COURSE: I had white pasta with chicken. Trust me on this it was so smooth balanced with sinfully mild tasting cheese. Wow!! This would be served by the chef on request. Warning: Some might not like a little chewy pasta so make sure you ask to boil a little more or best thing leave it chef's choice . He knows it better. For god's sake its Taj!!
I did not find Non veg food that great. I was expecting much more tasty barbeque chicken. It did not live up to the expectation.Fish was also okay. Like any other restaurant .
There was another section with boiled/steamed food. I liked fish but its for people who have acquired taste for steamed or spice-less food. I could not have much but yeah! I did it!
Veg main course was comparatively better. Palak fried rolls were good .
There was on chat which was mouth watering good. Along with chats lassi was served. It was smooth and went well with spicy food.
Kaati rolls both veg and non veg were good.


Coming to my favorite section :
DESSERTS!
Before we indulge and I take you to a sweet ride. Fresh juices were very zestful.
They had a good combination :Apple+Grapes, Orange+Sweet Lime and my fav Gauva+Pineapple (Recommended)

Desserts were sinfully delicious for which I closed eyes every time I took a bite and gratified my sweet tooth.
Dirty mud cake : The chocolate was so properly cooked. Perfect flavor and it perfectly oozed out with every bite.
Apricot sweet: It was not like qubani the Middle east style but it was very fresh halwa types.
Double ka meeta(Mughlai) was good . I am not that a fan of it as I end up eating in all our weddings ! Darn it!
Wonderful desserts were made my chef with dragon fruit and cream. Wow! I still miss it.
It was so smooth, flavory, piquant that I lost myself in every bite.

Ice cream were of limited flavor but on request they were kind enough to get it .

Overall its a divine place. Go empty stomach and let your tummy thank you.

This buffet closes at 3pm so plan your strategy before you jump in.

Service is obviously good!
Always at your service changing the plates quickly.
I remember this particular instance where I was standing behind a guy so chef was unable to see me. The manager quickly jumped in and took my order and asked me to take a seat and delivered it at the table.
Highly appreciate their service .
Staff is well aware of what they are doing.
Awesome place.
                         

Ahhh! So descriptive. Looking for summary then just go ahead and indulge.