Monday, February 27, 2012

Spirit Sunday Unhinged - This week Teichenne' Coconut Schnapps

Teichenne' Coconut Schnapps

Many people will turn to Malibu (or its cheaper grape-based equivalent Bombora) when in need of a coconut hit as part of a cocktail or apertif, which is why the idea of a coconut schnapps might seem a bit odd. In all honesty there isn't a huge deal of difference between most coconut liqueurs and spirits considering the flavour is a potent one.

Ultimately all schnapps can be termed to be either "German Schnapps" or "American Schnapps", the difference essentially being that former is a naturally flavoured spirit whereas the latter is a an artificially flavoured spirit. Traditionally German Schnapps are actually made from the thing on the label, be it peaches, apricots or something similar. At some point in its lifespan the liquid you drink was one a fruit, thus naturally making it a heavier drink in terms of proof.

American Schnapps, by contrast, is a neutral grain spirit, such as vodka, with a sugary flavoured syrup added. This lowers the proof and technically creates a liqueur. It's this process that allows unusual flavours to develop, like butterscotch and coffee schnapps. Teichenne' schnapps fall into the latter category.

At 20% it is a liqueur masquerading as schnapps, which is the case with schnapps almost universally outside of central Europe. It fulfils its function well, with enough sweetness to be sipped by itself where some other schnapps in the range might not. Produced in Spain and imported worldwide it is reasonably easy to come across in the full range. 

As mentioned above it makes a nice change from the popular alternative Malibu, and should be considered next cocktail night, but probably not any sooner. 

Teichenne' Coconut Schnapps rates 3 stars.