Atholl Brose
A traditional Scottish drink combining whisky, honey, cream, and oatmeal water for a rich experience
- 2 ozscotch whisky
- ¾ ozhoney syrup
- 1 ozheavy cream
- ½ ozoat milk
- grated nutmeggarnish
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One of Scotland's oldest recorded whisky drinks, Atholl Brose traces its origin to a legendary military stratagem of 1475. According to tradition, John Stewart, the 1st Earl of Atholl, thwarted a Highland rebellion by filling the insurgents' water well with a mixture of whisky, oats, and honey — causing the rebel forces to linger and drink until they were easily captured. Whether or not the tale is literal, the combination of Scotch whisky, oatmeal water, and heather honey has been a Highland staple for centuries. Three variations appear in Charles H. Baker's 1939 The Gentleman's Companion. King George IV reportedly enjoyed the drink during his 1822 visit to Scotland, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert tasted it at Blair Castle in 1844. Today Atholl Brose is closely associated with Hogmanay celebrations and Burns Night suppers across Scotland and the diaspora.
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