Booze Alert: Daneson’s Single Malt Nº16 Toothpicks

By Ann Binlot August 30, 2013

Daneson’s Single Malt Nº16 Toothpicks — Image used with permission by copyright holder

We like to drink Scotch. A lot. Especially after a hard week at work. We like it neat. We like it on the rocks. Sometimes, we like it with a splash of soda. It depends on our mood. So when we discovered Daneson’s Single Malt Nº16 toothpicks, you have no idea how incredibly excited we got.

The folks at Daneson use the best Scotch — we’re talking stuff that’s made in a distillery that’s 200 years old, so they know what they’re doing — barrel-aged Islay single malt Scotch. Then they soak the toothpicks in this very special scotch until its rich peaty flavor is completely absorbed by the wood. After, they dry the premium single malt Scotch soaked toothpicks in a kiln, so that it is really baked in there.

These toothpicks are really good when you’re in AA and you need a quick fix — err, maybe that’s not such a good idea. They definitely hit the spot after you’ve had something salty like bacon. Or if you want to get super fancy when you need to make hors d’oeuvres for your next dinner party.

You can carry them in your pocket so that you always have them handy. Or in your glove compartment. Or in your man bag. You wouldn’t want to be caught dead with a piece of spinach between your teeth, would you? We sure wouldn’t.

Now if you’re wondering why on earth it costs $35.99 for a small pack of toothpicks, here’s what the folks at Daneson say: “This is because they are made with very old, very good, very expensive single malt scotch and are a pain in the arse to make. This time consuming process is unique to Daneson, and the resulting toothpicks are for those who enjoy finer things in life.”

So yeah, if you enjoy the finer things in life, go ahead, pick up a pack.

Daneson’s Single Malt Nº16 Toothpicks, $35.99 at danseon.com.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…

Food & Drink

How to make the Aviation cocktail, a drink almost lost to history

The cocktail renaissance brought this classic drink back to the forefront

Aviation

The cocktail renaissance of the last two decades has brought many classic cocktails seemingly lost to time back to the forefront. While the Old Fashioned is the most notable (and never really went away completely), the list also includes drinks like the Sazerac, Americano, Martinez, Boulevardier, and many more. But there's one drink in particular that disappeared for decades and almost didn't come back at all. We're talking about the Aviation.
What is the Aviation?

The last cocktail mentioned might not get the press of the Old Fashioned or even the Manhattan, Negroni, or classic no-frills Daiquiri, but it’s no less memorable. This elegant, flavorful, complex cocktail is historically made with only four ingredients. They are gin, maraschino, liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette. Some contemporary recipes opt not to use the latter ingredient.
When was the Aviation cocktail created?

Food & Drink

How to tenderize steak: The pros of every method

If you aren't velveting your beef, you're doing stir-fry wrong.

Different raw steak cuts

Often, when people are describing a particularly delicious meal they're eating, they'll say something along the lines of, "It just melts in your mouth." While this line can, admittedly, be a little bit cringy for those of us who are tired of hearing it, it does describe a certain success within a dish - tenderness. As human beings, we've evolved past knawing on raw muscle and bone and crave a succulent meal that does, in fact, taste as though it's melting away in our mouths. Unless it's beef jerky at a ball game, we want our meat to be tender. The problem, though, is that some of the most delicious cuts of beef are also the toughest. That's why it's important to tenderize steak and other cuts of beef before cooking.

Tenderizing beef is the process of breaking down its connective muscle fibers and tissues, giving that piece of meat a more delicate consistency and delicious flavor. So, how do we accomplish this at home?
How to tenderize steak

Health & Fitness

The best snacks for the Mediterranean diet: 9 heathy, tasty ideas

9 Mediterranean diet snack ideas — sweet and savory options included

greek yogurt with berries and granola

"Diet" has traditionally translated into "eat less." Snacking? Off the table, right? That's not how the Mediterranean diet rolls — and dietitians are here for the change.

"So many people believe they shouldn't be eating them when, in fact, eating nutritious snacks can be a great way to keep blood sugar balanced, fuel exercise, and prevent eating past fullness at dinner," said Emily Van Eck, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor.