One of the latest samples to arrive at the Casa de Whiskey via Santa FedEx Dude was a few small airplane bottles of the new
Crown Royal Maple Finished Whisky. Now I don't normally drink blended whiskeys like this, but there's nothing wrong with a nice Crown and Coke every once in awhile, and the addition of a subtle maple flavor doesn't hurt at all.
Then last week I was at my favorite neighborhood watering hole, the Sportsman's Grille in the Village, when I noticed that the bartender had a pint glass full of crispy bacon sitting on the bar. being the naturally inquisitive sort, I asked him what was up with that. He said that the raucous patrons at the other end of the bar had just arrived form a holiday party where everyone was doing "Breakfast Shooters." Before I could say Joyeaux Noel, what should my wondering eyes appear but a shot glass full of crown Royal Maple, another shot of orange juice and a slice of bacon on a bev nap. Instructed to shoot them in that order, I discovered what may well be the perfect morning drink.
The Crown is smooth enough to prevent your head from snapping back at the first shot, and the thin maple syrupy consistency and flavor of the whiskey actually was reminiscent of a good pancake. Then the OJ and bacon completed the morning meal. I can see why the party had been so festive, since there's no reason to stop at just one. Y'know, there's always room for more bacon.
Pick up a bottle and bake up a raft of bacon in your oven on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 18 minutes (frying bacon is a good way to ruin some good pork belly by steeping it in its own grease ...) and you've got New Year's Day brunch covered. But don't forget the black-eyed peas.
If you want to crack open that Crown for the NYE festivities, here's an interesting cocktail recipe to ring in the new year:
