FIREBALL CINNAMON WHISKY

Written by Gavin // June 05, 2012 // Drinks

When I first heard about cinnamon whisky a few years ago, I dismissed it as a drunken enigma.  What distiller would be brave enough to make a mockery of the rich traditions of whisky and add a spice used in baking to the process?

The answer is a crazy Canadian, and it is rumoured he forged Fireball out of necessity during a particularly harsh winter during the 80’s.  After years of being secretly passed from bartender to bartender, a savvy American distributor managed to get hold of the surreptitious spirit and thankfully decided to share the secret with the world.

So here I am with a bottle of Fireball on my table, and I can hardly wait to break the seal.  I smell the tonic and the pungent cinnamon influence nearly burns my nostrils- I’m already a believer in the slogan “Tastes like Heaven, Burns like Hell” and I haven’t even tasted it yet!  As the Fireball hits the back of my tongue, the sweet receptors are immediately alerted and I can’t help but purse my lips in delight.  Even as it slides down my throat, it is not the burning sensation I was expecting, but more like the gentle caress of a lover, warming me up from the inside.  It is hard to believe that this is a 33% abv whisky as it is so smooth, thanks largely to the sugar content of the cinnamon.  For those with an extra sweet tooth, it goes very well with cola in a long drink, but this is a bit too much of a sugar overload for me.

I will make it clear that whisky lovers will absolutely despise Fireball, as it is shares absolutely no characteristics with any whisky in the world, but this is not a drink to sit around a wood fire, pipe in hand discussing the state of the economy.  Fireball is to be enjoyed with a group of friends, discussing which nightclub to hit, and possibly watching Game of Thrones downing a shot every time someone declares “Winter is coming” (or is that just me?).  The brand’s international expansion is testament that many others share my enthusiasm and I for one am glad that mad Canadian decided to share his experiment with the world.

Fireball is available in various bars throughout the UK & to buy at The Whisky Exchange, priced £18.25.  For more info visit www.ignitethenite.co.uk