Discovering the Delights of Benedictine in Normandy

Discovering the Delights of Benedictine in Normandy
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Benedictine PalaisWe are standing in the courtyard of the Palais Benedictine, scarves wrapped around our throats to ward off the chill December air of coastal Fecamp, Normandy. The majestic stairs, turrets and rooms designed by Camille Albert stretch towards the powder-white sky.

This impressive building is the sole place in the world where Benedictine liqueur is produced – the well known and much-imitated drink which has sparked so many counterfeits that, inside one room of the Palais, there is a wall dedicated to the fakes. It is a superb digestive, goes wonderfully with brandy, and is loved by cocktail makers and Burnley football fans alike. Ever had a Singapore Sling? Then you’ve tried it.

The Palais not only houses a working distillery, but it is also a museum – a celebration of the history and creation of this ancient elixir that was nearly lost to history. It is built in the Gothic style, with flamboyant swoops, staircases and stained glass.

It’s like Hogwarts, only more boozy.

In fact, the story of how Benedictine came to be tells almost like a legend or a fairytale. Back in 1505, a monk by the name of Dom Bernardo Vincelli was sent to Normandy. He took with him his aptitude and love for alchemy, and five years later had developed the recipe for an elixir that used 27 plants and spices. It was passed down through the Benedictine order until, in 1789, a threat approached. The French Revolution forced the monks to leave the abbey, and the manuscript detailing the recipe was entrusted to a wealthy citizen who, it is thought, had worked alongside the monks in the hospital.

Fast forward to 1863 and an entrepreneur named Alexander Le Grand came across this recipe for success. The book, dated 1510, included nearly 200 pages written in Gothic script by that same monk Vincelli. The work dealt mainly with a serious study of alchemy, covering the search for the Philosopher’s Stone and the transmutation of metals. Plus, among the pages, a complicated recipe.

Studying the manuscript, Alexander Le Grand knew there was scope for something brilliant to be created. It took almost a year to balance exactly the right ingredients, until in 1864 the elixir was complete once more, and Alexander was meticulously designing the bottle that would become iconic from thereon after.

The Palais Benedictine was built as a testament to the monks, as well as an iconic monument to mark Benedictine’s creation. Not only is the liquid created here, but it is also a museum that recounts the rich history of the drink. The Palais boasts some superb stained glass artwork, ancient manuscripts from the sixteenth century, and priceless memorabilia such as the original copper still used by Alexander, and some of the first advertisements for Benedictine.

So why are we standing among the towering spires as our lovely guide Sebastian imparts his knowledge? Well, it is the finals of Benedictine’s annual competition, where they challenge bartenders to come up with an original cocktail that encapsulate the spirit and ethos of the liqueur.  Not only should it showcase Benedictine in a unique and inventive way, but must also create an exciting experience for the consumer.

The competition was judged by mixologist maestro and top cocktail whizz Ludo Miazga – as a bartender at the top of his game, no one seemed more qualified to test the drinks. Add to this his experience on the bar scene and his role of French ambassador for Benedictine then all libations were under scrutiny of a truly expert eye.

And so, without further ado, meet the final four and see what inspired their ultimate Benedictine Cocktails…

 

Lewis Cooke - Manchester WinnerLewis Cooke – Manchester

Works at: Epernay, Manchester

Favourite tipple: A bottle of Amarone, Valpolicella Red (with a bowl of olives)

 

The Cocktail:

Catholicon

 

The Catholicon is inspired by the elixir the Benedictine monks made in 1510, and is a twist on an ancient penicillin to create a modern day drink based around curing ailments. All the components in the drink have an element of healing to their background or are the ingredients one would find amongst Benedictine’s 27 herbs and spices.

This delicious concoction also tastes similar to lemon lockets; not quite so surprising since they are both a modern day panacea. The drink is named Catholicon as it encapsulates the healing and religious history of Benedictine.

If you want to know how Lewis made this marvelously medicinal drink then here’s his secret recipe…

35ml Benedictine

20ml Lemon Juice

20ml Homemade Saffron Honey

5ml Apple Cider Vinegar

Egg White

Nutmeg & Thyme Garnish

Black Tea Aroma

Double shake all the ingredients of this delight in a cocktail shaker and double strain into a fancy coupette! Garnish with a light grating of nutmeg and a sprinkle of thyme. Serve next to a brewed black tea and cover both glasses with a bell jar to serve.

Simon Smith - Glasgow WinnerSimon Smith – Scotland

Works at: The Drake, Glasgow (Formerly at The George Hotel, Inveraray)

Favourite Tipple: An Old Fashioned – where it all started, both personally and in the cocktail sphere

 

The Cocktail:

First Over The Wall

The inspiration for First Over The Wall was the iconic drink ‘Bene and Brandy’, since it was described as ‘the drink that won the war.’ The bigwigs in WWI were big fans, and so this cocktail is a refinement of the classic, and a tribute to the boys in the trenches who really won the war.

35ml Benedictine

35ml Cognac

20ml Creme de Abricot

10ml Ginger Syrup

Dash bitters

Simply stirred down and served up – garnished with a festive piece of orange peel.

 

Jeremy Pascal - London WinnerJeremy Pascal -London

Works at: Sixtyone Restaurant and Bar

Favourite Tipple: Tight between a good Martinez, a Negroni, and a Blood & Sand

 

The Cocktail:

Monk’s Flip

The inspiration for this drink is related to Don Bernardo Vincelli, the first Benedictine monk who made the liqueur in Fecamp. It is made with ingredients which were easy to find in the 1500s, thus giving an idea of what drinks could be made with their first concoctions.

50ml Benedictine

2 pieces of Rosemary

2 pieces of Thyme

3 Bar spoons Vanilla butterscotch

2 Bar spoons Stout reduction

30ml Spice mixture

25ml Earl grey tea

1 full egg

Flame the Benedictine with rosemary & thyme in order to make a warm infusion. On the side, pour all other ingredients (apart from the egg) in the shaker. While Benedictine is flaming, pour it into the shaker. Add the ice and egg, give a full shake, then double strain into a ceramic cup. Use an orange twist for scent, then discard.

CJ Lohez - Bournemouth WinnerCJ Cohez – Bournemouth

Works at: The Larder House, Southbourne

Favourite Tipple: A good daiquiri

 

The Cocktail:

For Whom the Bell Tolls

 

This is a drink inspired by the French Revolution and all the abbeys that were destroyed. The large glass cloche (French for bell) helps keep in the smoke and release a fabulous aroma, to great aesthetic effect.

25ml Ketel One Vodka

20ml Benedictine

5ml Talisker 10yr

1 dash Fee Bros Orange Bitters

Stir ingredients and serve in a metal chalice over an ice ball, under a cloche filled with Myhrr smoke and a lit candle. The ringing of monastery bells also do wonders for the theatre of this cocktail…

 

So, have you been inspired by Benedictine? Check out their website here for more recipes, and keep an eye on future competitions for a chance to experience the Palais for yourself…

 

 Rebecca

Written by Rebecca Milford

Posted: December 15, 2014

Rebecca is a cocktail connoisseur & fan of good nosh. A PR whizz with a gold medal in bar hopping, you can follow her on Twitter here.