An Excellent Straight Whiskey Adjective - Marzipan

[Gillman]

For many years, I have noted a quality in some (not all) very good bourbon or rye which adds complexity and interest. I have found it hard to describe this taste, at one time I used the term here "old curtains" which aroused some amusement. When you think of it, it's not such an odd expression since good textile is (I believe) from vegetable matter such as cotton (just an example) and of course grains are a growth of the earth too.

Recently, I was reading this review of Maker's Mark CS:

http://www.drinkspirits.com/bourbon/review-makers-mark-cask-strength-whiskey/

And there is the term, marzipan. And I can see exactly what he meant by that term. Just the other day an Eagle Rare (current one, 10 years old) had exactly that character.

And I've actually detected it sometimes in MM, but not always and clearly the barrels selected for the CS bottling had it and the reviewer is right the higher proof (112) would showcase it more. I believe the taste may actually be some kind of ester that is produced by the aging process, by the oxidative breakdown of some of the alcohols in the whiskey but I'm not 100% sure.

Gary

[Enoch]

Now I have to go out and buy some marzipan.....

[Gillman]

Now I have to go out and buy some marzipan.....

Yes Enoch! Many Central European delis have it, it is used in confections and cakes. You seem to be based in the Old South so not sure how easy it is to find it, if there is an Indian (Asian) or Lebanese store nearby they may have it.

I would eat one of those and then down the hatch with any bourbon or rye. It's a riff on blending. I'm serious!

Gary

[Quantum]

Now I have to go out and buy some marzipan.....

Along with currents, demara sugar, wet slate, creosote, and an assortment of wood chips. Someone needs to put together a whiskey tasting companion sampler.

[Flyfish]

Now I have to go out and buy some marzipan.....

Or you could just make some. Marzipan is just almond paste, sugar, and corn syrup. I used to make little marzipan animals for the children at Christmas. It is easy to model like soft clay and takes food color well. "Marzipan" in bourbon is probably the nuts and corn.

[Gillman]

Is it that simple? I always get a fruity note in marzipan but maybe other things are added in the confectionary. Interesting.

Gary

[Flyfish]

You could add nuts (finely chopped almonds) or eentsy-teensy bits of fruit or chocolate or any number of things but basic marzipan is really basic.

[Gillman]

Okay I see, yes. The ones I've had have a little diced crystallized fruit added I think. There is a good German candy bar you can get with a marzipan filling and coating of dark chocolate, excellent.

Gary

[MauiSon]

Or you could just make some. Marzipan is just almond paste, sugar, and corn syrup. I used to make little marzipan animals for the children at Christmas. It is easy to model like soft clay and takes food color well. "Marzipan" in bourbon is probably the nuts and corn.

[Gillman]

Thanks for that and that too (the rosewater part) helped evoke aged damask curtains, yes. Some people who reviewed mature malts used to say dried flowers in a book, all the same idea.

Gary