March 16, 2007

Perique Liqueur de Tabac Tasting Notes

You might remember we told you about a tobacco-based liqueur called Perique a couple months ago, and we told you we'd try to find out if there was nicotine in the drink? Well, it turns out we failed in our mission to get the word directly from the horse's mouth on it, but through our skills of patient waiting, we've come across word that someone else has gotten confirmation.

There is no nicotine to be found in Perique.

As much of a bummer that is for all of you looking to beat your nicotine jones in another way, we still thought you should know. The fine folks over at SlashFood have gotten their hands on a bottle and proceeded to review it. We're jealous, but we're glad they were able to do so - and they did a good job of it too. See below.

The color is a very light amber/gold, strikingly similar to an old cognac. The aroma is unique, but with touches of cognac, woody tones, Perique tobacco, spices, and briny sea air. In addition I was surprised and intrigued by a complex base of fermented notes in the aroma which bring to mind just a touch of belacan or bagoong alamang suspended pleasantly within. Some could think this a negative aroma, but as in the iodine brine of a good seaside single malt Scotch, it adds a unique touch that brings the other components together.
The taste is sharp, but smooth, with a mild sweetness that balances the fire in the liqueur. The tangy fermented Perique tobacco comes through more so than in the aroma, as do the hints of spices. Then it has a woody finish combined with fine leather, as if you were sitting in an old leather armchair, in a cozy library where your favorite grandfather had smoked his pipe a few hours before.

SlashFood

Availability of Perique is extremely limited, plus the shipping is pretty prohibitive, but for the time being all you die hards can still get it at AbsintheOnline.