Adult Beverages in Sherlock Holmes Canon & (their) Premium Tobacco Pairings Vol. 3 Brandy
::: BRANDY IN SHERLOCKIAN CANON :::
The Hound of the Baskervilles [HOUN] is a decent start, as it was my own Sherlockian point of entry. "Give me another mouthful of that Brandy, and I shall be ready for anything. So! Now, if you will help me up. What do you propose to do?" HOUN. These words uttered by Sir Henry Baskerville, immediately post a snootful given by Lestrade who 'thrust his brandy-flask between the baronet’s teeth...' In a successful effort to revive said Baronet after a run-in w/ the family's Hound itself. This is a somewhat funny circumstance however, seeing as the usage of medicinal Brandy is more typically dosed at the hands of Dr. Watson.
For instance, in The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter [GREE] wherein the good doctor credited his Brandy (and ammonia) quick-thinkings with saving the life of one Mr. Melas. "I had the satisfaction of seeing him open his eyes." Alas, poor Kratides: dead. Other times, Watson is simply acting at the directing of Holmes himself--as in The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle [BLUE] when he fingered Ryder for the theft of the jewel. "Give him a drink of brandy," instructs Holmes. "For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks and he sat staring with frightened eyes at his accuser."
Worthy of note is that the use of Brandy as a stimulant of great medicinal value was a true thing in the Victorian Era. One that was quite widely known and employed. Also, insofar as I can tell--Watson only used it in cases of emergency. A therapeutic device in oft dire straits. Elsewhere & in other hands, it is seen as a simple enjoyment if not one tinged with darkness or at least judgment. In The Five Orange Pips [FIVE], say, John Openshaw orates in regards to his uncle Elias: "He drank a great deal of brandy, and smoked very heavily, but he would see no society, and did not want any friends, not even his own brother." He sure sounds nice.
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::: ON THE DRINK OF BRANDY :::
Brandy is the liquor that occurs upon the distilling of wine. In case you somehow did not already know this, I will say it again so as to allow it to sink in. Brandy is the liquor that occurs upon the distilling of wine. & IT IS EASILY AS DELICIOUS AS IT SOUNDS. This has been happening since Classical times, but really kicked off during the 15th century. Brandy began as simply a preservation method, but also quickly proved much easier to transport. On top of that, it was a tax dodge, as its lesser volume worked around how taxes were assessed.
Because of its long life span and all-around better bang for its buck, it at a time, out-gained even the popularity of Port Wine in Portugal itself. I mean, just add some water to your Brandy and BOOM: Port wine. As far as serving etiquette goes: "Brandy is traditionally served at room temperature (neat) from a snifter, a wine glass or a tulip glass. When drunk at room temperature, it is often slightly warmed by holding the glass cupped in the palm or by gentle heating ... Brandy drinkers who like their brandy warmed may ask for the glass to be heated before the brandy is poured." Charles Dubow (14 March 1998). "Cognac Q&A". Forbes magazine.
Antepenultimately, Brandy is popularly used in the making of these popular cocktails which have sustained no small amounts of popularity for ages now: Brandy Sour, Brandy Alexander, Brandy Old Fashioned... among many others. Penultimately now, Brandy also has its culinary uses. These include but are not limited to: deglazing, adding intense flavors where needed (onion soup, say), mulled wines, & flambe dishes. Ultimately, Brandy is actually related to Snoop Dogg; they are cousins.
REMINDER: check out I hear of Sherlock Everywhere HERE.
The podcasts & show notes are entertaining and informative.
(As well as used in parts of my research.)
::: BRANDY PREMIUM TOBACCO PAIRINGS :::
Typically, and with the knowledge that Brandies do indeed vary, I'd recommend a medium-bodied Maduro cigar and Va/Per (Virginia/Perique blend) pipe tobacco. Or a hearty, perhaps Black, Cavendish. This is because each (& all) can hold up to Brandy's sweet strength while not over-shadowing the heavy juice. Try these...
CIGARS
PIPE TOBACCO
::: COMPANION READING :::
On the Sherlock Holmes, Card Games, & Cigar | Pipe Tobacco Pairing Series (& Future Others)
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::: very :::