Licor Beirao 700ml

Portugal is known for many things – football, Fado, tourism, to name just three, but I really love the country's food and drink. One alcoholic treat that is sold in more than 40 countries around the world is Licor Beirão, Portugal's favourite spirit which has been produced in the J. Carranca Redondo distillery since 1929. Made from a secret recipe of 13 botanicals passed down through three family generations and local spring water, this 22% ABV seeds, spices and herbs-based liqueur had originally been produced in the 19th century as a medicinal aid for stomach pain. Today, its consumption may be for different reasons, but the original copper stills remain at the heart of the production process and the taste remains unique. Cold maceration for a minimum of three weeks allows the aromas and flavours of the botanicals to infuse the spirit base. This is followed by a double distillation, after which the liqueur is filtered and stored in stainless steel vats for a few months prior to bottling. Each bottle is then adorned by a yellow ribbon which is still tied by hand – that's an average of 30,000 every day!

Licor Beirão is sweet, but not cloyingly so. Delicate on the nose and palate, with notes of eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon and other spices, there is a refreshing touch of bitterness which offsets the sweeter notes perfectly.

-- alcoholprofessor.com