Expert: Paul Wagner - 8/6/2005

Question
Paul, my husbands uncle gave us 5 bottles of Versa Montes Liqueur, made with scotch whiskey and Vermont Maple Syrup.  It is 80 proof.  This same uncle recently passed away and among what we inherited are 6 one half gallon containers of pure vermont maple syrup. Do you know of a recipe that we can use to make our own liqueur using these two ingredients?  It is wonderfu.  Thank you.  Jill Holbert
The label says it is a product of Scotland

Answer
Dear Jill:

You may not be able to make the real thing at home.  Most recipes I have found suggest that you mix the maple syrup and the whiskey in equal parts....but that won't get you anything that is 80 proof.

When whiskey is made, it is actually distilled at 192 proof...and it is aged in barrel like that.  Then, before bottling, it is mixed with water to bring the alcohol level down to about 40-50%, or 80-100 proof. I bet the real liqueur is made with higher proof whiskey.  But why not try a couple of different blends, to decide which you like best?  

The tasting would be fun!


Paul Wagner