Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, Straight Up

Reggie was at the mall earlier today, and found some Manille Liqueur de Calamansi. As promised, I got some for those who requested. One will be for us, one for an uncle (hopefully) arriving this Sunday, and one to be dropped off to a friend.

Manille is produced by Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc.,  the oldest distillery in the Philippines. They were established in 1852, and are the original producers of Sioktong, a colloquial term for locally produced Chinese herbal wine. I remember Casey recounting how they would buy Sioktong to get drunk when they didn’t have enough money to buy what they really wanted. They also produce White Castle Whiskey, Napoleon Brandy, Maria Clara Sangria, and of course, their Chinese herbal wines:  Vino de Chino and Vino de Kung Fu.

Who can forget White Castle Whiskey with the white horse and bikini clad woman? I never drank the stuff, but I have to admit that image brings back plenty of childhood memories. Including when liquor was advertised on t.v. during the day!

So what does it taste like? It is reminiscent of limoncello, which according to an interview  was the peg. It is less syrupy than limoncello. Flavor-wise, it’s a finely made calamansi juice, with a great big kick. Not too sweet, not too sour, no discernible bitterness. It’s something to drink slowly, and savor. I took it at room temperature, half a shot’s worth. I’m pretty sure it will work well with cocktails. But I’ve had my fill, and will leave the cocktail mixing to another day.