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OK I was wrong. I probably have had Schnapps as in Jagermeister. Which I don't think I particularly like. Have to try it again, have a bottle somewhere. Also I reckon I have a bottle of some DeKruyper Butterscoth Schnapps. Probably unopened A female acquaintance liked to mix the Butterscotch Schnapps with Baileys Irish creme, aka as a Cowboy Cocksucker ... she was probably.

Kuduae and Lancaster would probably shoot me for aclling some of these "schnappes".

This article makes a distinction between German or European Schnapps and "American" Schnapps. The only reason I include the American 'version' is because I have had a version of it. Visiting a friends house in Le Mans, Nicole, we attended a dinner where at the end and after seven courses of food and seven different wines the evening finished off with a very alcoholic homemade "cherry brandy. A clear alcohol, in jars with whole cherries soaked in the alcohol. Thius seems like the American version of schnapps.

At the end of this dinner, only had to walk down the hall to our bedroom, which wa s quite an effort.

Everyone either lived in the house, or were neighbours next door.

Also had a cherry alcohol, home made by some of EirkD's hunting crew in Norway, a couple of older gentlemen, when we visited them for Erik to discuss the elg hunt, and drink beer, cherry "brandy" or perhaps schnapps and smoke cigars.

By the way one of sisters had the nickname Schnapps.

The article:

What Is Schnapps?

Schnapps is a type of distilled spirit that has two meanings.

Essentially, true schnapps is made by fermenting fruit juices along with the base liquor. In this sense, schnapps is considered a fruit brandy or eau de vie.

The result of this schnapps process is a stronger and often clear distilled spirit, much like a lightly flavored vodka.

In contrast, schnapps in the United States is often used to describe a category of sweetened, fruit-flavored liqueurs (there are exceptions to the fruit). Instead of distilling the fruit, liqueurs are often made by steeping fruits in alcohol after fermentation and/or distillation.

As we see often with these varieties of schnapps, flavor and color additives are frequently added. That is a step you will not find in authentic schnapps.
European Schnapps

The German word for schnapps drops one 'p' and translates into English to mean hard liquor, booze, and the like. Schnaps is used to describe any strong distilled spirit, particularly those of at least 32% ABV (64 proof).

The word also comes with a loose translation of snap, referring to the strength of the spirits.

While schnaps can technically refer to any liquor, it is often used for fruit brandies distilled from fresh fruit juices. These are often called Obstler, or fruit schnaps. Apple, apricot, cherry, pear, and plum are the most popular flavors and many distillers grow their own fruit for their schnaps.

Tip: If you're traveling in Europe and looking for schnaps, you may have to be more specific about what you're looking for because of these double meanings. Obstler will likely be the best bet when seeking fruit brandies. Also, German for fruit is die Frucht or das Obst.

Schnaps is most popular in Germany, where it originated for medicinal uses. Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland are also big on the schnaps. European drinkers rarely mix their schnaps into cocktails, opting instead to enjoy it straight out of the bottle and often before or after a meal.
North American Schnapps

In the United States, schnapps is used to describe a category of liquors that have often been on the lower end of the quality spectrum. There are exceptions and good schnapps can be found at a higher price.

These spirits are often drier than their sweet liqueur counterparts. For example, peppermint schnapps is not as sweet as creme de menthe. They are flavored with a variety of fruits and spices.

The alcohol content of these schnapps can range from between 15 to 25% ABV (30 to 50 proof) depending on the brand. This is significantly lower than the German definition of schnaps .

Some schnapps use a mix of flavors, others can be considered outlandish, and a few can be very tart, bitter, and not the best to mix with.

Then again, there is some very good schnapps available.
Flavors of Schnapps

Schnapps come in a great variety of flavors and they are fun to use in mixed drinks. Apple, butterscotch, cinnamon, peach, and peppermint are by far the most popular schnapps flavors in the bar.

If you prefer, a liqueur of the same flavor can be used as a substitute for schnapps, but it's important to remember that often (though not always) the liqueur is sweeter. You may have to make some adjustments to the recipe to compensate for this.

Apple
Apricot
Banana
Blackberry
Butterscotch
Cherry
Cinnamon
Grape
Lemon
Peach
Peppermint
Root beer
Watermelon

Tips for Buying Schnapps

If you're looking for the German equivalent to schnaps in the U.S., seek fruit brandies instead. Many craft distillers are producing excellent bottles of apple, apricot, and other flavored brandy that rival many European schnaps.

Tip: Do be wary of 'brandies' that have sweeteners, these are not true brandies and are instead liqueurs (or closer to the American definition of schnapps).

Many drink recipes that call for schnapps refer to the North American definition. When it comes to those, these brands are the most popular.

99
Arrow
DeKuyper
Dr. McGillicuddy
Hiram Walker

Tip: Even in this category, all schnapps are not created equal and you often get what you pay for. Shop smart and fork over a few extra dollars to improve your drinks.

https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-schnapps-759917

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Edited by NitroX (02/03/18 08:36 PM)

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