UP Viking Punch Essence 20 ml

UP Viking Punch Essence 20 ml

Punsch can be a simple, everyday drink – but it can also be something to sit with for a long time. In the finest bottles the arrack runs deeper, the sweetness is more complex and the finish so long that the glass warms before the flavour has faded. That is the kind of classic arrack punsch UP Viking Punch was created to deliver.

UP stands for Ultra Premium, the highest quality level in the range. Set beside a straightforward, classic punsch, this one offers more layers: a darker, more aromatic arrack, more pronounced vanilla, candied citrus peel rather than just fresh zest, and a roundness that makes it a digestif in its own right. A punsch for the celebration dinner, for the best china and for anyone who takes their pea soup supper seriously.

Colour & Appearance

In the glass the punsch is deep gold leaning towards amber – a little darker than a standard punsch. The body is dense and oily, and the slow legs on the side of the glass give away its richness and sweetness.

Nose

The nose is rich and inviting. The aromatic arrack arrives first, dark and faintly smoky, closely followed by vanilla pod and candied orange and lemon peel. Underneath lie toffee, raisins, black tea and a pinch of cardamom – one to return to before the first sip.

Palate

The palate is soft, deep and many-layered. The arrack spreads out with its spicy, almost floral warmth, and the rum’s notes of molasses and dark sugar fill in from below. The vanilla is generous and binds the sweetness to the candied citrus peel, which brings both fruitiness and a fine little bitterness. An astringency as of strong tea and a hint of toasted oak provide structure, keeping the full sweetness balanced and grown-up.

Finish

The finish is the pride of this punsch: very long, warm and slowly shifting. First vanilla and toffee, then candied citrus and finally the aromatic arrack, which stays on for several minutes.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit plus sugar – from dry to sweet punsch, the amount of sugar settles it, see the label. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished punsch. It can be enjoyed at once, but if the bottle is left to stand for a while the flavour rounds out further.

Serving Suggestions

• Well chilled in small glasses with coffee – that is how the depth shows best.
• Warm with pea soup when the occasion deserves a little extra.
• As a digestif with dark chocolate or almond biscuits.
• Over vanilla ice cream with toasted flaked almonds.
• In a stirred drink with lemon zest and a dash of bitters – the punsch carries the drink on its own.

About the Essence

UP Viking Punch has its home in the Ultra Premium series, where essences are composed with extra care for depth and length. The difference from Viking Rum Punsch is most obvious when the punsch is drunk neat: the arrack is darker, the vanilla richer and the finish considerably longer.

As always with punsch essence, you set the sweetness yourself – a drier mix brings out arrack and tea, a sweeter one lifts vanilla and candied citrus. Experiment until you have found your own house style. For professional producers, UP Viking Punsch Essence is also available in 25 litres.