Old Raj Dry Gin is 55% abv. / 110 proof and has been distilled in Scotland since the early 1970's for Cadenhead, a renowned maker of premium single malt scotch. The strength is that of traditional dry gins and that powerful spirit works very well. It is considered the super premium gin that lead the pack by decades, compared to the new, premium gins that have hit the market in the last few years. What makes Old Raj unusual is that it has a hint of a pale yellow/ gold color to it. This is because one of the last steps in its manufacture is infusing it with Saffron, the floral spice that is worth up to $3,000-$5,000 per pound. For those of you who don't know, saffron is the stigmas of the crocus flower. There are three of these tiny threads in each flower and they must be carefully picked by hand, and then dried quickly but gently to preserve the intense floral flavor and aroma. It is an extremely labor intensive process with 14,000 threads needed to make up one ounce. Some of the other botanicals used are Juniper, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Lemon and Orange Peels, Orris Root, Cassia Bark, and Almond Powder.
In a bid to compete with Coca Cola's Odwalla line of smoothies and vitamin-fortified fruit drinks, which the company acquired in 2001, Pepsi has 
Cheese Course: Brebis Pardou
A transcendent summer tomato salad
Sliced bread turns 80 today
