Crème de Noyaux facts for kids
Noyau de Poissy, Yvelines (France)
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| Type | Liqueur |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bols, Hiram Walker, Tempus Fugit, Company Vedrenne. |
| Alcohol by volume | 20% U.S, 40% original and French |
| Proof (US) | 40 U.S., 80 original and French |
| Color | Pink or clear |
| Flavour | almond |
Crème de Noyaux (pronounced "krem duh nwah-YOH") is a sweet, almond-flavored liqueur. Even though it tastes like almonds, it's actually made from the kernels found inside the pits of fruits like apricots, peaches, or cherries. These kernels naturally have an almond-like flavor.
Some companies, like Bols and Hiram Walker, make pink or red versions of this liqueur. This pink color is what gives a special drink called the Pink Squirrel its unique hue. In France, a type called Noyau de Poissy can be clear (called blanc) or a golden-brown color (called ambre) from aging in barrels.
The name "Crème de Noyaux" comes from the French word noyau, which means "kernel," "pit," or "core." This drink is used as an ingredient in various mixed drinks, including the famous Pink Squirrel and a drink called Old Etonian.
Historically, the way Crème de Noyaux was made could sometimes leave tiny amounts of a substance called hydrogen cyanide in the drink. While this wasn't usually a problem, old bottles left for many years could sometimes have this substance gather at the top. Today, modern production methods are very careful to remove these trace elements, making the drink safe. For example, in 2013, a company called Tempus Fugit Spirits recreated an old-style Crème de Noyaux. They used apricot and cherry pits, along with other plant ingredients, and colored it with natural red cochineal, just like in the past. But they made sure to remove any hydrogen cyanide produced during the process.
Crème de Noyaux is a key ingredient in the Pink Squirrel drink. This creamy drink also includes Crème de Cacao (a chocolate-flavored liqueur) and either heavy cream or vanilla ice cream.
What is Noyau de Poissy?
Noyau de Poissy is a special type of liqueur made in France. It's created from apricot kernel almonds. These kernels are either soaked (macerated) or distilled in a very fine alcohol. Sometimes, fine wine brandy is added, along with different plants, to give it a unique flavor.
There are two main kinds of Noyau de Poissy:
- The Silver Goblet: This version has about 25% alcohol. It has an amber (golden-brown) color and smells like sweet almonds, with a hint of Armagnac (a type of French brandy).
- The Seal of Saint Louis: This is a stronger spirit with about 40% alcohol. It is clear and has a powerful, elegant smell of sweet almond. You might also notice scents of frangipane (a sweet almond pastry cream) and orange blossom.
Another similar drink is Le Noyau de Vernon. This one is made by soaking cherry pits and almonds, then mixing them with kirsch brandy (a cherry brandy). A distillery that made this spirit existed in Vernon in the 1800s. Even though that distillery closed in the 1980s, another company, Vedrenne, continues to make it today.
