Special) Concoctions Round 2 Checkpoint

We're only about two months into my concoctions resting process. After doing some research, I learned that I should probably be opening the softer fruit-based concoctions within three months instead of waiting my usual six-months. So, I went ahead and opened these two:

10) Cactus paddles and Suzume Shochu

As you can tell, the cactus paddle pieces changed in color. What was once green is now a very non-life-like beige. Upon opening the jar, the aroma assaulted me. My immediate reaction was that I either waited too long or this one was just not meant to be. Have you ever been in a forest in summer right after it rained for days? This smelled just like what I imagine that much decaying green matter would.

Faced with a liqueur that breathes out a plant graveyard, I'm the guy who will try it. That first sip was really hard to take. It continued to smell atrocious, and as I had predicted, the viscosity of the drink had been enhanced by the cactus ooze. I say "enhanced" to euphemize the reality. It had the consistency of spit. Flavor-wise the initial and middle carried touches of the fresh cactus paddles, but the linger tasted somewhat like the aroma.

After convincing a friend to try it, he proceeded to reach into his cabinet. After my not so rave-review, I will not tell you which liquor it is, but there is a liquor out there with the exact aroma as my cactus paddle concoction. The liquor tastes a lot better than it smells though. ☆☆

 

5) Longan berries and Cut Spike Vodka

After that terrible experience, I had to open one more. So, I chose the half batch of longan berries and Cut Spike Vodka. The longan fruits are pretty soft so age might not have treated them well either. That and I just needed to get the other taste out of my mouth.

The aroma was a bit like musty butterscotch. I know that is hard to imagine, but think of an evening on a humid summer day. The muggy heat off the asphalt oppresses you and you seek alleviation by sucking on a caramel candy. The smell was pretty close to that. Not exactly the most inviting aroma, but I kinda liked it.

The taste was unusual. A little of the mustiness remained on the finish, but the middle had a pleasant almost hazelnut nuttiness. I shouldn't have added sugar though, because the sweetness from the liqueur pretty much dominated the initial rendering it little more than sugary. ☆☆☆

In summary:
I am keeping around the cactus paddle one for pranks. I'm not sure how exactly I am going to be using it, but I will not be drinking it. Beware. The other I will experiment a little more with, but mostly it will be shelved for a long time as well. I would not consider these two a success but learning experiences.