Candy Shot Viking Pepper Essence 20 ml

Candy Shot Viking Pepper Essence 20 ml

There is liquorice, there is salty liquorice – and then there is pepper liquorice. The little black pastille with the white dusting that tastes salty at first, then gives a sudden burn and finally has you reaching for another. Viking Pepper is that flavour as a shot: strong salty liquorice (salmiak) with peppery heat, named after people who were not known for choosing the mild path.

Pepper shots are one of the most enduring party traditions, often made by leaving pastilles to steep in a bottle. With an essence you get higher quality than dissolved sweets – no waiting, no sediment, and the same bite every time. This is, without question, a shot for adult taste buds.

Colour & Appearance

The drink turns black as tar in the bottle and dark brown at the rim of the glass. It is dense and glossy, and straight from the freezer it pours as slowly as syrup.

Nose

The nose gives a sharp prickle: salmiak in the front rank, then dark liquorice and something reminiscent of freshly ground black pepper. There is a sweetness underneath, but it keeps to the background.

Palate

The first impression is salty and sharp – the salmiak takes command at once and puckers the mouth in that thoroughly enjoyable way. Then comes the liquorice, dark and a little sweet, giving the whole thing body. And then the heat: a peppery warmth that builds towards the end of the sip and spreads down the throat. It is pronounced but not punishing, more glow than fire. The sweetness from the sugar binds salt, liquorice and pepper into a whole that is considerably better balanced than its reputation suggests.

Finish

The finish is long, salty and warming. The peppery heat stays in the throat for a good while, the salmiak on the tongue for longer still. A shot you remember.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit and sugar. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished drink. Leave the bottle in the freezer before serving. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• An ice-cold shot in small glasses – the classic.
• Alongside a glass of beer after the sauna.
• A few drops in a Bloody Mary in place of pepper sauce.
• With dark chocolate as a contrast after dinner.
• A splash in liquorice ice cream or chocolate truffles.

About the Essence

Viking Pepper is the toughest flavour in the Candy Shot range and tends to become a talking point around the table. It suits a summer seafood party, the hour after a ski tour, or a games night when old friends get together. Precisely because the flavour is so powerful, a small glass is enough – this is a shot you taste, not one you count.

If someone in the party prefers a rounder liquorice flavour without the heat, there is Candy Shot Salty Liquorice, with its sweet-and-salty balance and a note of aniseed. Put both on the table and let your guests pick a side.