If anyone knows how Eggnog should taste, it’s this guy. A Crappy Review.
I hate articles that insist on telling you their entire life story before they get to the point, so here’s the point. Ol’ Santy rules. If you need boozy Eggnog look no further, or farther, whichever.
I’ve never been a fan of premixed eggnog and booze. Either they use cheap spirits, or the eggnog is sub-par or both. I’ve never found one I really liked.
I DO like the southern comfort eggnog without alcohol, and my body likes the Lactaid eggnog. For the last several years those have been my go-to brands.
Are you thinking that I swill down a couple of gallons of the stuff every holiday season? I don’t. I get one quart shortly after thanksgiving, and it lasts usually up until Christmas. A little in coffee or a small glass every couple of nights is plenty.
When I saw Ol’ Santy on the shelf at Total Wine I was attracted to the name and the label. As you should know by now, I love a good label.
I looked at the ingredients and thought ‘Rum… and Bourbon…. and Brandy? What kind of sorcery is this? I had always been a purist in such matters. Woodford or SoCo or Wild Turkey 101. That last being a sure way to loosen up party goers.
long story short. I bought it put it in the fridge and tried it that evening.
Here’s my ONLY complaint. The label should remind you to shake well before pouring. I poured a small amount tipped it back and got several little clumps of congealed whatever in my mouth. So gross. I almost dumped it right then thinking it had turned. I dumped the glass closed the bottle, shook vigorously and poured another bit.
I tentatively tasted a bit, feeling for any textural inconsistencies and then once I was sure the coast was clear I concentrated on the taste. It is as close to perfect as I can imagine. The rum, bourbon and brandy blend so smoothly that they create a deep complex flavor that is a counterpoint to the creamy rich nog.
I will absolutely hang out with Ol’ Santy next year.
Look at that guy, so happy… Or was one of those cookies actually an edible?