Will it be brandy, rum or whiskey in your eggnog this year? All are relatively common spirit bases but which is the best? I put this question to the test, making a glass of eggnog using each liquor and tasting them side by side. My conclusion is that while each has their own profile and are nice in their own right, brandy is the best. That's my personal taste, but brandy is probably the most traditional eggnog base - rum is also right up there - and that many years of this drink's popularity are there to back me up.
© Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
© Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
- The Brandy Eggnog (I used Korbel VS) was perfectly balanced with sweetness throughout. It has a catchy, lively flavor with more depth than the others and a nice, warm brandy note that isn't hidden by the nog nor overly pronounced. This eggnog is almost floral and a real delight - for any anti-eggnog person, this one will turn you around.
- Rum Eggnog (tested with Mount Gay Eclipse) was my second choice, although compared to the brandy, the rum fell a little too much into the background, almost to the point of being unnoticeable. While the rum was very subtle it was a bit more pronounced on the backed and overall the eggnog was tasty and just sweet enough so I could tell there was something beyond creamy egg inside.
- My Whiskey Eggnog was not what I was hoping for and I'm thinking that a rye or sweeter bourbon like Maker's Mark would be a better fit than the sour mash bourbon I had in stock and used. It was certainly an interesting eggnog and the sweet and sour flavor was captivating at first, then the novelty wore off. Whiskey, no matter which style, does make the most flavorful eggnog as the profile just pops out of the drink.
Comments
Hey Colleen
I like to combine a 2:1 mix of brandy and rum in my eggnogg. The combination of those two spirits interplays vey well with each other. Give it a try and have a wonderful holiday!!!!
Chris
Thanks for the tip Chris. I will definitely try that – not quite nogged out yet.
Buttershots is good too, sometimes.
I find that Jameson’s Irish makes for an excellent Egg Nog.
Have you ever tried Southern Comfort in egg nog? Yum
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky + eggnog is a favorite of mine.
I made my Eggnog with Brandy, Bacardi Gold Rum, and 1/2 cup of Tia Maria. Yummy
I’m with Dave but I use Tullamore Dew. But thanks for the comparisons and your valued opinion. When I was young and lived on a ranch my folks would make their own Rum and boy it could knock you into tomorrow if you weren’t aware of the strength!
Korbel VS good choice for brandy, Captain Morgan spiced rum makes a smooth nog, and Southern Comfort Is best if you want to use whiskey