Chinchon Anis-Anisette from Spain
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Anis-Anisette from Spain Details
Anis-Anisette from Chinchon, Spain.
1 liter/1 quart
Alcohol 35%
Chinchon is an anis-anisette from Spain. Chinchon is a kind of anis-anisette produced in the village of Chinchon, Madrid. It can be called Anis de Chinchon (Anis-Anisette from Chinchon) or simply Chinchon.
This tradition comes from the 16th century, when large amounts of vineyards were planted. The medium grade distilled wine alcohol is first marinated with green anis seeds and then is redistilled in copper. The result is a transparent liquid, free of suspended particles. There are three varieties, each with a different alcohol content: special dry (70-74%), dry (40-45%) and sweet, made with sugar added to the distillate (35-40%).
Because of its extraordinary quality, Chinchon was named a "Royal House Provider" by Queen Maria Cristina in the 19th century, and anis from Chinchon obtained the gold medal at the Universal Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and in Paris in 1900. It was the only brandy wine to earn the Great Medal of Honor in Paris in 1889.
It has been considered to be the perfect drink to have as a digestive after a meal, served at room temperature mixed with water, on the rocks, or added to tea or coffee. It can be used as well for making sweets. Traditionally men mix it with brandy, calling it sol y sombra (sun and shade), drinking it after lunch with coffee and a cigar whilst they play cards in the local bar. Some people drink it in the morning since they claim it warms you up and it boosts your energy level.
But the real Chinchon drinkers in Spain are older women, ladies who drink it just for its curative properties or as a digestion aid or so they say. They also use it as a relaxant, and maintaining it keeps you young. Years ago women did not go to bars as much as men, so they met at home and would drink Chinchon or other anis-anisette brands. Since everybody in Chinchon drinks anis, did not refer to it as a drink for old ladies, nobody will agree or admit it.
Now there is just one Chinchon distillery in town, Alcoholera de Chinchon, belonging to the famous group Gonzalez-Byass, makers of wine, brandy and different liquors. Since it is not open for visits or tastings, the best place to taste Anis de Chinchon is in the local bars, where you can see the different products and get a tasting session with all the explanations you may need from any local folk, the older the better.
