1939 The Gentleman's Companion volume II Beeing an Exotic Drinking Book

THE GENTLEMAN'S COMPANION

works of art when it comes to what they actually know, have cooked and eaten; but when it comes to many exotic foods and drinks, they are hoist by the petard of their credence for what others-travelers– have written on those unfamiliar subjects. The result is often a slight cloud of ridiculous misinformation blighting an otherwise sound book. Vicomte de Mauduit, however, sticks to what he personally knows, or has himself originated, or has known to have been originated by gourmet friends. He is charmingly frank about his own information on wines, claiming "a brilliant training and a consummate experi– ence," on the subject. Above all, however, it is the bright clean blade of his originality which pleases us inost. He is not content to stick to eternally traditionjtl variations of this or that, but with the wit of an angel or an amiable devil, figures out trimming all his own! This rose brandy receipt we quote from his volume, rendering a respectful hom– age and credit for its loveliness. We have tried it ourself and find that the fastidious guest ;ho silently judges his host by the not-too-com– plicated excellence of his food and drink, obtains a fanatical and de– lighted gleam in the eye when it passes his lips. We cannot say why, but Monsieur le Vicomte's further thoroughness in listing the names of the red roses best suited for this liqueur, also satisfies us wholly. Just why we cannot say, but we are vastly uplifted, packed with a toast-warm and intimate titillation at the thought that the fragrant rose-brandy cocktail we sip was yielded up by the willing death of Lady Helen Maglona. This plane of reasoning is somewhat baffled however, should we become fragrantly swacked on a quartet brewed from the rufous petals of a General McArthur, or a George Dickson! TO MAKE THE ROSE LIQUEUR BRANDY Take 8 big red roses-and don't go around under the fond mis– c~nception that because no one is checking up, that yellow, white, or pmk roses will do. The Vicomte says red roses are en regle, and au fait-and that means red roses! These furthermore must be picked after a rainless night and before the morning sun strikes them, for, like

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