For the past twenty years, with Halloween comes Harry Potter. And Hermione, Ron, Tonks, Sirius, and the crew. I’ll admit to donning my own version of a Slytherin costume (well, as a Hufflepuff why not go as my polar opposite?) on All Hallows. There’s lots of branded items to snack on if you’re interested in keeping your Hogwarts themed celebration ‘authentic’, but unless you’re lucky enough to be at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter park? You’re up to making your own drinks. Except for one; butter(scotch) beer. Flying Cauldron – of course – makes a lovely bottled drink that while I’ve never had a real one, I’d bet holds up to the real stuff.
Flying Cauldron’s Butterscotch Beer is a light, fizzy soda that’s non-alcoholic, for the wee muggles/no-mags in your life. Don’t think that means adults won’t like it, however. As cream-esque sodas go, it’s not that sweet. Yes, it’s got its moment, but this beer doesn’t make the teeth rattle from sugar shock.
There’s notes of butterscotch hard candy and cream in the nose. That echoes the taste, though when it hits the tongue it’s got a little bit of smoky to it, before the ‘scotch hits a second or two later. A solid wallop of butterscotch at the finish rounds things out. All this delicious butterscotch fizz, and no caffeine! But there is real cane sugar here; none of that syrupy goop.
Yes, I’ve just said that this brew is a delicious sweet treat for young and old alike, but that doesn’t mean grownups can’t kick things up a touch. Cocktail-wise, try adding a splash of vodka or rum. No need messing with the flavored or spiced kind, there’s more than enough flavor to keep things interesting. Okay, folks who are interested in spicy cinnamon or chili-infused spirits may want to give that a try, to add a layered kick to your quaff.
A nice quaff when you’re feeling Potterish. And this time of year, especially with #HarryPotter20, who isn’t?
