There is always a quest to come up with new materials in the spirits world. Go to any major liquor store and peruse the liquor aisles, and you are likely to come across new flavors, taste combinations, or fortified variations on familiar foodstuffs. While these attempts can veer from the creative to the desperate, these tend to be more miss than hit. It is this reality that had me approaching a new discovery with equal parts trepidation and excitement.
When I saw that someone was being released called Eggo - Brunch In A Jar Appalachian Sippin’ Cream, I was more than a little intrigued. It sounded rather wrong, in concept, while at the same time, it got the mind spinning with possibilities. I considered this like it was a bad movie in a Mason Jar. The question taunted me: Could this actually be a thing, and could it work as a potable ingredient?
Make space on your bar cart for NEW Eggo Brunch in a Jar Sipping Cream. 🧇 Flavors of Eggo waffles covered in maple syrup are the perfect addition to any brunch extravaganza.
— Total Wine & More (@TotalWine) September 14, 2023
Currently spotted in select stores in the following states: FL, GA, MA, MI, MN, NV, SC, TN, and TX! pic.twitter.com/lL8VYgERit
This is a product created with Sugarlands Distilling Company, known primarily for its line of flavored moonshines. It makes for the second time Kellogg’s has teamed with Sugarlands to produce a featured product with its waffle brand. Last holiday season, the companies put out a limited edition “Eggo-Nog.” This time around, a more straightforward teaming with the distiller’s base product is released -- and this is said to be a permanent option from the company. They even launched this release with NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse having a branded car.
Weekend ⏪
— SugarlandsDistilling (@SugarlandsShine) August 21, 2023
Incredible time with @StenhouseJr + @JTGRacing at Watkins Glen!
That @eggo Brunch in a Jar car sure looked sweet out there! 🧇#SipsUp #NASCAR #NASCAR75 pic.twitter.com/HrZluujxj3
So, just what are we talking about here, and is this odd creation worth anyone’s time? Rather than a moonshine product, the Sugarlands sipping cream options are rum-based products, delivering a number of options with 40-proof strength. It is supposed to deliver the flavors of buttered and toasted Eggo waffle, savory bacon slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Okay then…does it deliver?
In cracking the seal on this, you are quickly hit with the aroma that evokes breakfast, instantly. Any thoughts of this being an abomination were dispelled; I was tempted straight away. Sampling this, you are struck with a distinct impression of pancakes or waffles. Not overly thick, it spreads across the mouth lightly and gives you the familiar, light taste of syrup that does not dominate as much as expected. You even get a light impression of butter. As for the bacon element, that does not make itself obvious.
Also, you are well aware this is an alcohol product; it is well-balanced. It does not overpower but you do feel a slight kick from the base of rum. This is a damned interesting blend, as it has all the familiar flavors, and it delivers that syrupy sensation while avoiding becoming cloyingly sweet. As a straight sipping cordial, this will do as a breakfast accompaniment.
With satisfaction with the base product established, it was time to seek out variations. The failed promise of a bacon element had me desiring it, so I went with another Sugarland product: their maple bacon moonshine. Mixed in equal parts, shaken with ice, and strained into an old-fashioned glass, this is an elevated cocktail. The bacon flavor now arrives and compliments the base flavors, as well as boosting the alcohol, as the flavored shine is at 70-proof.
I next had an idea for boosting another of the flavors, and some experimentation gave it another dimension. I combined equal parts Eggo Brunch with Rumchata; I also added a teaspoon of melted butter, dry-shaken well, and poured over ice. Dust the mix with a little cinnamon, and you have a taste now approaching French toast.
Keeping with the breakfast/brunch theme, I next explored another flavor. Looking at this now as more of a creamer component, I went with two parts George Ocean Coffe Rum and one part Eggo Brunch, shaken with ice and poured in a glass. It delivers something closer to a cafe mocha flavor, as the slight coffee bitterness cuts down the maple, and the sweetness of the cream blends it all together.
As odd as this creation might strike you, it actually fits in perfectly with a brunch setting and compliments most morning foods. The NFL is delivering a number of European games this season, and since they are played live in the morning, any watch parties with daybreak edibles could be augmented by serving up some breakfast in a glass.
