ATHOLL BROSE

 The Original one and only recipe.

Quantities 

a.     The standard measure for quantities of various liquids used in the making of Atholl Brose is the whisky bottle.

b.     One whisky bottle full of Atholl Brose holds sufficient (sic) for 6 persons i.e. one large wine glass or two port glasses per person.

c.     Ratio of whisky to cream is 4 to 1. Therefore 4 bottles whisky and 1 bottle cream will make 6 bottles Atholl Brose sufficient for 30 people.

 

Basic Ingredients

 

4 bottles Whisky

1 bottle Cream ,

1 lb Oatmeal (medium coarse)

1 lb liquid clear heather honey (or whatever is selected on tasting)

1 tablespoonful brandy

 

Procedure

 

a.     Place the oatmeal in a large shallow container. Pour all the whisky into it. Let it remain in a cool place, covered with a clean linen cloth, totally undisturbed for at least 48 hours, preferably 72 hours. (The idea of soaking the oatmeal with whisky is to 'impart purity', flavour to, and extract  rawness from the latter).

b.     After the period of soaking, the whisky should be drained, and strained, off the oatmeal into a large Jug or container, preferably the one from which it will be finally served. Great Care should be taken that only clear liquid enters the jug, i.e.  strain through clean linen. The last drop of Whisky should be extracted from the oatmeal,  by placing small quantities of the latter in the linen strainer and squeezing it by twisting.  The oatmeal now becomes a by-product and can be used to make porridge the following day.

c.     The cream should now be placed in a separate jug which has a good spout on it, to ensure glow steady pouring. Add the tablespoonful of brandy to the cream. (This is to prevent the cream from curdling when it hits the whisky).  Pour the cream very, very slowly into the Whisky stirring continuously and evenly with a wooden spoon,

 

d.     Add the honey, pouring even more slowly than the cream and –stirring continually and evenly - about a pound of clear liquid honey is sufficient, certainly. not more. If it is an over sweet variety about 1/4 lb will do. The honey can be slightly warmed (by putting the honey jar in hot water) to facilitate steady pouring and mixing.

 

Good Atholl Brose requires time and trouble

and its making may be summarized as requiring:

 Long Soaking

Slow and careful mixing

Plenty of tasting!