Gift Guide, Day 9
Monday, December 6, 2010
La Vieille Prune
It was pretty much love at first whiff. The first time I tasted this aged, plum brandy the aroma came surging toward me out of the glass. It was so mellow that I imagined a crackling fire, violins playing, a cashmere hug. I folded my hands around the glass and the aroma lingered, still seducing me with its perfume long after the liquor itself had vanished.
I love cooking with Vieille Prune; add it to apple sauce, or chicken liver pate, or just toss a drop into a ragu – and whatever you’re making becomes softer, rounder, more appealing.
For years you couldn’t buy Vieille Prune in America, and I faithfully brought bottles back from France for my friends. I usually bought mine at La Maison de la Truffe in Paris, because I loved the old-fashioned writing on the label. This wonderful liquor is still shockingly rare in the United States – and isn’t that one reason to offer it as a gift? – but I’ve found a few sources in California. If anyone knows another place to buy Vieille Prune, I’d love to know about it.
you can also get this in Quebec, CANADA at the local SAQ! that's where we purchase it! so YUMMY is right.
Ruth, here's a link: http://www.thewinecountry.com/pc/0000000037372/Brandy/Louis+Roque+La+Vieille+Prune+Gascony+Plum+Brandy.html
Ruth! I fell for this stuff like a ton of bricks the first time I went to France. Who knew it had its own facebook page? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vieille-Prune/30216582687 I'd love to find a domestic importer, since I am nursing my last quarter bottle. If one doesn't exist, though, I guess I'll just have to get on a plane and go get some.
Cheers,
jdl
Susan: I don't even know where to leave a comment for you... but I love that you're having such a good time with this blog. Thanks!!
Regine; I learned to like slivovitz during the month I spent in Dubrovnik, but I wouldn't call it a cousin. Vieille Prune is closer to Cognac or Calvados.