Gold Medal Triumph: Wiggly Bridge Distillery’s Whiskey Recognized in York
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YORK, Maine — Wiggly Bridge Distillery, a family-owned and operated craft distillery in York, has been awarded a Gold medal by The Fifty Best for its New England Single Malt Whiskey.
The Fifty Best is a digital guide to wines and spirits. Using professional criteria, a panel of judges blind-tasted more than a dozen American single malt whiskies and rated them individually on a 1- to 5-point scoring system with 5 being the highest.
After tallying the scores, Wiggly Bridge Distillery was one of the ones who came out on top.
Their award-winning New England Single Malt is crafted from 100% Maine-grown malted barley.
“My son and I have always been connoisseurs of top-notch whiskies, with a special penchant for bourbon,” stated David Woods, co-proprietor of Wiggly Bridge. “Our foray into crafting a unique New England Single Malt Whisky stimulated by a wish to innovate while paying tribute to tradition. This recognition illustrates our pledge to high quality.”
Woods detailed that the extraction process commences with barley gathered from the upper regions of Maine. It endures floor malting at Blue Ox Malthouse in Lisbon Falls, Maine, prior to initiating the route of cooking, fermenting, distilling, and barrel maturing at Wiggly Bridge’s facility.
The adjudicators’ remarks reflect a detailed portrait of the whisky’s complex character: “Beginning from the fragrant blend of caramel, toffee, and mocha to the intricate palate incorporating hints of honey, dried fruit, and ginger, culminating in a finish brimming with dark chocolate, mocha, and a velvety, ultra-smooth texture. This profile highlights the distillery’s expertise within the craft, producing a whisky that personifies the spirit of creativity and tradition that defines the American single malt category.”
Wiggly Bridge Distillery was instituted in 2012 by David Woods and his progeny David Woods Jr. The distillery derives its name from the Wiggly Bridge, a miniature wooden footbridge in York, reputed to be the world’s smallest suspension bridge. The distillery extends a selection of spirits, such as bourbon, rye, rum, gin, and vodka, besides tours, tastings, and occasions. The distillery has acquired numerous accolades and distinctions for its contributions, inclusive of the 2019 Best In Category at the Seattle International Spirits Competition.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wiggly Bridge Distillery in York wins gold medal for whiskey
Kylie Jenner Dives into Alcohol Industry with Sprinter, Her New Vodka Soda Brand
Kylie Jenner has introduced another venture, stepping into the alcoholic beverage field, much like her sister Kendall Jenner.
On March 5, Kylie, 26, unveiled Sprinter, her vodka soda cocktail in a can, through a bikini-adorned Instagram video. She announced that the drink would be accessible for buyers throughout the country starting March 21.
In a statement about the new product, Kylie said, “Sprinter is my response to the increasing consumer desire for high-grade canned cocktails. We are joining a market currently dominated by a few key players with an incredibly tasty vodka soda in a can. Apart from its distinctive bold branding that represents the joy of hanging out with friends, Sprinter is the best vodka soda I’ve ever had. I’m excited for people to try it themselves.”
But Sprinter is not Kylie’s inaugural venture in the world of beverages. She became an equity stakeholder in Glow Beverages Inc., a sparkling vitamin water brand initiated by football celebrity Dak Prescott, in October 2022. For her latest company, Kylie hired Chandra Richter, a veteran in the alcohol sector with two decades of experience and a PhD in molecular biology. Richter, who serves as the Head of Product Development and Operations at Sprinter, stated their aim to make the four flavours – black cherry, lime, grapefruit, and peach – as “natural” and as close-to fruit as they can get.
The Kardashians star’s decision to dabble in the lucrative alcohol industry may have been inspired by her big sis. Kendall, 28, launched 818 Tequila in May 2021. The brand has won 13 awards since its launch and earned the model a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024.
In addition to Sprinter, Kylie has unveiled a number of new projects as of late. On Friday, March 1, she announced the debut of her first fragrance, Cosmic. The product, which boasts a “sweet, warm floral, elevated scent” will be available for purchase through Kylie Cosmetics on Thursday, March 7.
Just five months prior, Kylie launched her clothing line Khy, which takes inspiration from her “King Kylie” era of style. The brand has dropped four collections since it’s inception. Before jumping head first into her fashion line, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum created Kylie Swim, which was met with mixed reviews for its 2021 and 2022 collections.
Kylie is no stranger to entrepreneurship after launching her makeup empire in 2015, which came to be Kylie Cosmetics. In November 2019, Coty bought a 51 percent controlling stake in the company for $600 million, valuing Kylie Cosmetics at approximately $1.2 billion.
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Kylie Cosmetics branched out in 2019 to commence Kylie Skin, featuring a range of body and skincare products such as moisturizers and lip oils. In 2021, the empire further broadened its horizons by launching Kylie Baby products.
Her mother, Kris Jenner, has been a solid pillar of support in her journey right from her teen years, shared Kylie, and the experience has been an enlightening one for her.
At the tender age of 15, an obsession with lipstick led Kylie to her mother, expressing her desire to start a beauty product line. Initially, her aspiration wasn’t taken too seriously, but later, her mother started supporting her in this venture,” Kylie divulged to Vanity Fair in February 2023. “There were slip-ups along the way, but they are inherent parts of any initiatives and necessary for progress. Perhaps it’s not right to label them as ‘mistakes’.”
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Top Irish Whiskeys to Savor This St. Paddy’s Day – Bypassing the Green Beer Tradition
The best Irish whiskey is an utterly sippable spirit and the perfect way to more maturely raise a glass this March 17. So put down the Midori and Sour Apple Pucker. And yes, you, with the green beer — that’s quite enough. St. Patrick’s Day may have come a long way from its original religious roots in the Emerald Isle, but we’re here to say that this festive holiday can still be enjoyed with a simulacrum of sophistication.
Though many may have been introduced to Irish whiskey via the venerable mainstay Jameson, things have come a long way in the last two decades. “In 2013, there were only 4 operating distilleries in Ireland. That number has grown to around 30 now,” says Jonathan Adler, beverage director of New York City’s trendy Shinji’s cocktail bar. In fact, according to DISCUS, (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States), it’s the higher end, premium and super premium brands that have been pulling folks in for a twee taste, allowing Irish whiskey to grow a staggering 932 percent and 6000 percent respectively.
Related article: The 7 best wine subscriptions for bottles delivered to your door
They may look similar, but not all whiskeys are created equal. “It has been highly contested whether the Irish or Scots actually created whiskey, but the differences between the two make it quite the exciting spirit to sip on,” Adler says, adding that his tastes skew towards Irish whiskeys with less malted grain, which tend to be on the lighter side.
The first thing to note is the three categories you can choose from: blended, single pot still and single malt. But what truly sets Irish whiskeys apart are their looser specifications. “Irish whiskey is a relatively flexible term in that the whiskey needs only to be made in Ireland and aged for a minimum of three years from any yeast-fermented mash of cereal grains,” says Brett Esler, a bartender at Murray’s Tavern, Austin, TX. “This allows for very diverse flavor profiles across the spirit category as a whole in comparison to its popular counterparts like Bourbon and Scotch, which are a bit more bound to their legal requirements.”
But why should you give it a try and what do you need to know before you decide on a bottle? “Irish whiskey is perhaps the most approachable category of whiskey for newcomers. Most Irish whiskeys (but not all) are triple-distilled, which gives them an extra smoothness that can be lacking in many other types of whiskey,” says Mark Gallespie, host of the WhiskeyCast podcast. “Look for the creaminess in a blended Irish whiskey, while Single Pot Still will have a lot of baking spices on the nose and palate. Single malts will generally combine the two with barley sugar sweetness.”
Patrick Watson, wine & spirits educator at Smith & Vine, a local wine store in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, sees Irish whiskey sales picking up considerably around this time of year. And he’s a fan. “What I love about Irish whiskey is … it has a rich viscosity and rarely burns like some other high alcohol whiskeys,” he adds.
Of course, if you’re playing it safe with wine this year, or want to join the fun without the alcohol, there’s plenty of other options as well. But if you decide to pick up a bottle of Irish whiskey before you paint the town green this St. Patrick’s Day, here are six of our favorite bottles.
Why not put a new spin on a classic favourite? Jameson’s Black Barrel Irish whiskey is often touted as the most enjoyable sip, a sentiment we concur with. This irish whiskey, which is triple distilled and rich in single pot ingredients, bursts with flavour. It’s also seasoned for up to 16 years, resulting in a robust, sweet, and potent drink. The initial smoky charred scent is particularly appealing to us.
Suitably named after the Natterjack toad native to — you guessed it, Ireland — this newly introduced, triple-distilled spirit advertises itself as an Irish whiskey featuring an American accent. The blend consists of 20% malted barley and 80% corn, which is then refined in American oak casks — giving it an ultra-smooth and mild flavour, with notes of toffee, vanilla, and even a hint of cinnamon. Coupled with the fantastic design on the bottle, it makes for an ideal gift for whiskey enthusiasts.
Produced in a distillery stationed at Slane Castle, a stone’s throw away from Dublin, this high-quality, triple distilled blend of three casks offers a first note of pronounced spice, mellows out to a sweet flavour, featuring subtle hints of butterscotch and banana. What we particularly appreciate about it is its toasty finish — and its reasonable price tag. And who could forget that Slane grows its own barley on site for brewing?
Are you in the mood for something slightly unique? Powers is the first-ever Irish whiskey made entirely from Irish rye mash, and it’s definitely worth a try. Aged in American oak barrels, this whiskey has a lighter gold hue compared to our other selections, and the flavour veers towards the sweet to counterbalance the earthy spice. In addition, it’s smoother to sip than your usual American ryes.
Micro Distilleries have become extremely popular, which has brought the same attention to Irish whiskey. This one-of-a-kind single-pot whiskey, developed by the expert distillers at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, has an unique, somewhat earthy aroma, primarily due to the Garryana oak barrels it’s matured in, sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Even though it’s a little pricey at almost $100, it’s certainly worth it for the smooth texture and the complex flavors of sweet golden raisins and crushed black pepper.
Redbreast is the first taste of high-end Irish whiskey for many, and this 12-year-old spirit is the perfect starting point for those new to the experience. It’s a combination of malted and unmalted barleys and has been aged in both sherry and bourbon casks. This single pot still whiskey is very enjoyable to drink, with a sweet aroma, a creamy, nutty flavor and a dry yet spicy conclusion.
Miss Manners Advises: Navigating Social Dinners as a Newly Sober Individual
Judith Martin, known as Miss Manners, answers a question about expectations of bringing wine when invited to dine.Canva
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m newly sober — a long time coming — and wondering if it’s still required to bring a bottle of wine when I’ve been invited to dine. I’m happy to do this, but just curious about protocol.
GENTLE READER: Bringing wine was never required. Traditionally, it was even considered somewhat insulting, as if the host could not be counted on to provide a decent drink. Flowers or candy were the usual choices.
But Miss Manners understands why you thought otherwise, now that guests assume that they must contribute to the actual meals in their hosts’ homes. Bringing wine — if not a course of the dinner — has become commonplace, even though it may not go with the food and may not be enough for the number of guests. It makes hosts feel they must serve it anyway.
But they are not obliged to serve it, and you are not obliged to bring it in the first place.
***
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
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Kylie Jenner Unveils Sprinter- Her New Line of Canned Vodka Sodas
Jenner said her new line is the “best tasting vodka soda I’ve ever tried — and I’ve tried a lot.”
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock; Travis Rathbone
Kylie Jenner is throwing her hat into the celeb spirit game.
On Tuesday, the Kylie Cosmetics founder announced the launch of her new canned vodka soda line, Sprinter. The drinks come in four flavors — black cherry, peach, grapefruit and lime. Each can contains 100 calories with no added sugar.
To bring her new business venture to life, Jenner, 26, worked with drink development expert, Chandra Richter, for one year before the cans were perfected.
The 4.5% ABV canned vodka soda will be available in an eight-can variety pack for $20 when it launches nationwide on March 21.
Travis Rathbone
Related: Oreo Adds a New Flavor That Will Take You Back to Your Childhood
“Sprinter is my answer to the growing consumer demand for quality canned cocktails — we’re adding to a market dominated by only a few players with an incredibly delicious vodka soda in a can,” Jenner said in a statement.
She said that her entrance into the liquor industry is with a beverage she’s proud of.
“Not only does Sprinter have a unique bold branding that captures the feeling of fun with your friends, it is also the best tasting vodka soda I’ve ever tried – and I’ve tried a lot. I can’t wait for people to taste it for themselves,” she added.
Jenner subtly revealed Sprinter on social media before officially announcing the venture. She posted a getting-ready TikTok from her car on Sunday before posing in a mirror holding a case of the cans.
The mom of two is following her sister’s lead into the alcohol space. In 2021, Kendall Jenner launched 818 Tequila. Her announcement gave a behind-the-scenes look at what went into building the brand.
“For almost 4 years I’ve been on a journey to create the best-tasting tequila. After dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING (🥳)…3.5 years later i think we’ve done it!” Kendall, 28, wrote in the post at the time.
Related: Kylie Jenner Launches First Fragrance: ‘Elevated Scent That Is Perfect for Day and Night’
A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner)
Named after The Kardashians star’s hometown area code, the spirit anonymously won several tasting competitions the year that it launched. The tequila is available in four varieties — Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Eight Reserve by 818— and is sold at restaurants and bars nationwide, even at 818 Shack, an open-air cocktail lounge at SLS Baha Mar in the Bahamas.
Kendall has been taking her tequila on a college tour. From Oct. 9-11, the model visited four college campuses across the Midwest to promote 818 Tequila. Ohio State University, Indiana University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Michigan were all on her list.
The founder made multiple stops at each campus where she surprised students and patrons with signed bottles, meet-and-greets and brand merch items.
“i ♥️college @drink818,” Kendall captioned an Instagram montage of her college stops. “Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan thank you for the warm welcome 🥹🫶”
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Read the original article on People.
Ultimate Rap League Announces Face-off between Loaded Lux and Rum Nitty Alongside Major Update to URLtv App
Ultimate Rap League just unveiled an exciting new development to the URLtv app, announcing the arrival of live streaming.
URL enjoyed a fairly quiet start to the year with no major event announcements, but they are making up for it in a big way with the news of their latest developments, including the return of Loaded Lux.
Over the weekend, the self-proclaimed “world’s most respected” battle rap platform told fans to tune into their app on Monday (March 4) “to be a part of history” for their debut live stream.
The broadcast, hosted by acclaimed battle rap media personality Jay Blac, marked the first time viewers could watch live content on the app.
That was just the beginning. Blac then revealed that the upcoming Volume XI card would be streamed live on the URLtv App.
URL, the owner of the app launched in 2019, billed it as “the Netflix of battle rap,” transforming how fans engaged with the media. It fostered new talents, offered licensing prospects for smaller leagues to share their content, and established a video network for the community.
URL also unveiled another thrilling news. The eagerly awaited showdown between the legendary Harlem lyricist Loaded Lux and the Phoenix, Arizona-based “Alien”, Rum Nitty is now happening. After months of fans’ anticipation and requests, the battle between Lux and Nitty is planned for the Spring.
This Spring #youcantcopyrespect @iAmLoadedLux versus @RumNitty
Download the https://t.co/ylYNue1dQL app today
Their first ever live stream on the URLtv App will feature the full-packed Volume XI event on March 16. The main event of the card is Tay Roc vs. Serius Jones. Review the entire lineup below and view the trailer at the conclusion of the page.
The App is accessible on the URLtv website and various servers. Look for it on platforms like Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, XBOX, and more.
URL’S SMACK VOLUME XI
SAT MARCH 16TH 3PM EST ON https://t.co/K989dTUlaw WEBSITE OR ON THE URLTV TELEVISION APP ON AMAZON FIRESTICK, APPLE TV, XBOX, ROKU & SAMSUNG SMART TV’S
$40 App Subscribers
$60 Non Subscribers pic.twitter.com/VE8An9OxsP
Ingenious Bike Pump Hack: Opening a Wine Bottle in a Jiffy!
If you find yourself without a corkscrew when opening a bottle of wine or simply want to impress your friends, head out to the garage and grab your bicycle pump. Bicycle pumps are super effective for putting air in tires, basketballs, and, believe it or not, your wine bottle. The air pressure causes the corkscrew to rise so that you can pull it out, leaving you with a perfectly opened bottle of wine to enjoy (without pieces of cork in your glass).
To do this creative corkscrew alternative, after inserting a clean needle into your bicycle pump, push the needle into the cork until you can see it coming out through the opposite end of the cork in the bottle, and slowly pump air into it. Another method that works if the needle isn’t long enough to go through the cork, is to insert the needle on the side of the cork so that it’s wedged between the cork and the side of the bottle.
Either way, the air pressure will cause the cork to rise out of the bottle after just a couple of pumps. Just make sure to take caution and pump slowly to allow the cork to rise enough to pull it out with your hands or pliers/tweezers. If done carefully, this wine bottle opening hack works great in a pinch. If you’re a fan of this method you might consider buying an air-pressure wine opener that works similarly but is likely safer and easier to use.
Read more: 11 Tips For Keeping Your Grill Shiny And Clean
A bicycle pump can be handy if you’re at home without a corkscrew, however, it’s often the case that you’re lacking a corkscrew while on a holiday or enjoying a picnic in a park. In such situations, a bicycle pump is typically not readily available.
We’ve all been in this common situation – you get to your location, take out a bottle of wine, and then realize there’s no corkscrew. Do you forfeit? Not at all. Chances are, you’re most likely to have a key with you that can be utilized to uncork a bottle. This approach does require some strength but it’s possible. Find the most rugged key on your keyring, and after cleaning it as best as you can, insert it into the cork at an angle. Then, use your thumbs to twist the key to break the seal of the cork. Keep rotating the cork while using the key like a lever, and pull it upwards.
The cork might chip a little, but as long as the key remains inside, you should manage to continue turning and tugging it upwards. When it’s out of the bottle enough, use a cloth for a better grip to pull it out. Check your wine for any accidental cork bits. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be astonishing all your friends and family with your knack for uncorking wine bottles anywhere and anytime.
Suppose you’ve lost your corkscrew, can’t find your keys, and don’t own a bicycle pump. There have been other techniques devised to open wine without a corkscrew, however, they aren’t always safe. Striking your wine bottle against a wall or using footwear to force the cork out isn’t suggested. There’s a chance that the glass might break resulting in a large mess and risking injury. The same precaution applies to using heat – a potentially harmful TikTok hack that suggests using a flat iron to open wine bottles became popular, but since high temperatures can break glass, it’s inadvisable.
Opt for the reverse corkscrew method if you’re in a bit of a pickle. This could arguably be one of the safest methods to let your wine flow. Instead of yanking out the cork, use an instrument that doesn’t have a sharp edge, like a tube of lipstick, a marker or a spoon handle to push the cork into the bottle. You can tap a kitchen tool such as a rolling pin gently on your blunt object to push the cork down. Although your cork will be bobbing in your wine, your bottle will be open and the wine ready to be poured out. Remember, if you’re opening an older bottle, the cork might crack more easily. If you do find pieces of cork in your bottle, ensure you strain it when pouring so that it doesn’t end up in your glass.
Check out the original article on Daily Meal.
Beer Nut: Comparing Three Classic Beers with Modern IPAs
How do these three classics stand up to modern IPAs? (George Lenker photo) George Lenker
Regular readers will be familiar with my love for old-school West Coast IPAs. The style remains my favorite overall.
Of course, readers are also acquainted with my frustration over the oversaturation of New England IPAs these days. The style itself is fine, although it can be taken to extremes that I’m not crazy about. But again, my main issue is the sheer number of them. Yet as I’ve said: I can’t blame brewers for making beer that sells.
Last week I was poking around in Liquors 44 here in Northampton and wandered down to the last beer case in the corner on the left. That’s where you can find single cans and bottles of random beers. As luck (fate?) would have it, I was able to snag three old-school classic IPAs (although one is a double IPA): Stone IPA, Dogfish Head 60-minute IPA and Dogfish Head 90-minute IPA (the double).
I seized them with the thought of re-exploring the beers considering how much modern IPAs have transformed. As I hadn’t tasted any of the three in a long time, the outcomes were both somewhat astonishing and also consistent with my assumptions.
Initiating with Stone, the initial swigs seemed hoppier than my memory served. This was an unexpected revelation, given that I remembered it being one of the most hopped beers around 20-plus years back. It retained a strong malt composition, albeit without any sweetness. I discovered subsequently that Stone had modified the beer’s dry-hopping over the years, rationalizing the heightened hoppiness.
I have the impression that Stone IPA holds its own exceptionally well against today’s hop heavyweights, though in a more level manner. This is a bonus in my view. The hops mix yet delivers the delicious citrusy character that rendered it a preferred beer in times past.
Dogfish’s 60-minute IPA brings along another narrative entirely, but one that culminates in a happy (or should I say, hoppy?) conclusion. I was always more inclined towards the 90-minute IPA, but I must concede that the 60-minute variant matches up well. Bright and grassy, this beer was actually the sequel to the 90. Currently, my preference leans towards more sessionable beers, in which case, the 60 is an impeccable choice if you’re yearning for a phenomenal IPA. I sampled it alongside Building 8’s The IPA (a personal favourite), and it held its ground impeccably.
I shouldn’t really even include the 90-minute IPA here because it’s a double, but since I bought and drank it, I’m going to. I actually recall the very first time I had it (in Northampton’s Bishop’s Lounge circa 2003(?). One sip and I was in love. The blend of piney notes with a citrus blast, finished with slightly sweet aftertaste, rocketed the beer to the top of my list.
I’m here to tell you that it still tastes just as good.
So, although I’m always saying to drink local beer when you can, I would never fault anyone for cheating with these out-of-towners here and there.
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Little Rock Brewery Joins National Effort to Brew Special Beer for April 8 Eclipse
The total solar eclipse is coming to Arkansas.
And so is an eclipse-themed beer.
If you’re lucky, as the last total solar eclipse to visit North America until 2044 crosses over Arkansas and 12 other states on April 8, you could be one of the few sipping such a beer while sitting…
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Discover the Recipe for Roasted Leg of Lamb with Sweet Rum Glaze
Roast lamb is often reserved for special occasions due to its relatively high cost and the sophistication associated with it. So when you decide to splurge on a leg of lamb, you’d want to ensure it is flawlessly cooked. This flavorful and robust meat can be wonderfully succulent when handled correctly.
This roast leg of lamb recipe by Tasting Table recipe creator, Jennine Rye, incorporates a rich and sweet rum glaze that enhances the lamb while cooking, giving it a distinctive finish. The glaze is sticky, well-seasoned, and permeated with cinnamon and allspice flavors that blend well with the dark rum and brown sugar. The intense savory taste of the lamb is improved by the sweet and heavy rum glaze, resulting in a tasty and extremely satisfying meal that will unquestionably be the centerpiece. Find out how to repeat this recipe yourself and create a lamb dish you’ll want to recreate over and over again.
Additional reading: 11 Cleaning Tips For Keeping Your Oven Spotless
To start with this roasted leg of lamb with sweet rum glaze recipe, first gather all the ingredients. You will need a leg of lamb, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. For the rum glaze, you will need dark rum, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, mustard powder, ground allspice, and cinnamon, as well as butter.
Remove the leg of lamb from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Pierce the skin of the lamb using a sharp knife, and push in the cloves of garlic. Season well with salt and pepper.
Place the leg of lamb into a roasting tin and place into the oven to roast for 45 minutes.
Place the dark rum, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, mustard powder, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and butter into a small pan over a medium heat.
Simmer the mixture gently for five minutes, until it has reduced and thickened a bit. Then, take it off the heat.
Once 45 minutes have passed, take the lamb out of the oven.
Give the lamb a layer of glaze before putting it back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
Once again, extract the lamb from the oven, apply another coating of glaze, and place it back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Take the lamb out of the oven and let it sit, covered, for a quarter of an hour.
Segment and serve.
The thought of altering a recipe such as this roast lamb may seem intimidating, but the dish is less complicated than it appears, and can be customised to suit your individual tastes or requirements. Whilst this recipe requires leg of lamb, other lamb cuts can work equally well and may be more suitable for you. The shoulder is another lamb part that creates a highly flavourful roast, often more affordable than the leg. Furthermore, if you’re preparing a meal for two, you might consider using lamb neck for a luxurious yet perfectly portioned dinner.
While this recipe is ideally cooked in an oven, it also works just as effectively in an air fryer. So, if you’re a fan of the air fryer, why not give it a try? All you need to do is decrease the cooking time to 40-50 minutes and ensure that the deepest part of the lamb leg is cooked at 145 F prior to serving.
For varied flavour combinations, rosemary makes a traditional pairing with lamb and can be embedded into the lamb with the garlic before roasting. And, to modify the taste of the rum glaze, why not experiment with different spices? Cumin and coriander both mesh well with lamb, and add a delightful, somewhat more savory finish to the glaze.
Once you have perfectly roasted your lamb leg, you should thoughtfully select what you will serve alongside it to complement your dish. Fortunately, lamb is a versatile meat that goes well with a wide variety of side dishes, thus, you won’t be short of options. For a traditional pairing, consider roasting some potatoes or sweet potatoes with the lamb? They can be placed in the oven with the meat, and their crisp, crunchy outer layer will add texture and tasty flavor to your plate. Complete this off, simply serve with some steamed greens and a splash of lamb gravy.
Couscous and quinoa-based dishes also wonderfully complement lamb, and would make great side dishes for this meal. Roasted assorted vegetables, freshly cut herbs, roasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds all make great additions to these grain-based sides, and will introduce a heap of bright fresh flavor as well as being packed with nutrients. To round off the meal, we suggest pairing this lamb dish with a robust red wine such as a Malbec or cabernet sauvignon, though ultimately the choice is down to your personal preference.
Prep Time: 1hCook Time: 1h 10mYield: 4 ServingsIngredients
1 (2-pound) leg of lamb
10 garlic cloves
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons dark rum
¼ cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
Remove the leg of lamb from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Pierce the skin of the lamb using a sharp knife, and push in the cloves of garlic. Season well with salt and pepper.
Place the leg of lamb into a roasting tin and place into the oven to roast for 45 minutes.
In a small pan over medium heat, add the dark rum, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, mustard powder, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and butter.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, until it has reduced and thickened slightly. Remove from the heat.
After 45 minutes, remove the lamb from the oven.
Brush the lamb with a coating of glaze and then return it to the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove the lamb from the oven once more, brush with a second layer of glaze, and return to the oven to cook for 10 more minutes.
Remove the lamb from the oven and allow it to rest, covered, for 15 minutes.
Carve and serve.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.