Ginseng Bird's Nest Drink- Rabbit Brand

Made by: Yeow Seng (Shark's Fin) Pte Ltd

Origin: Singapore

Imported into the UK: tbc






Bird's nest is a Chinese delicacy and is harvested from swiftlet nesting sites in Borneo, Sumatra and other parts of Indonesia. Swiftlets traditionally make their nests on cave walls using strands of hardened saliva, which they weave into nests. The nests are graded according to colour and nutritional value and can fetch up to $10,000 per kilo.

Bird's nest drink is a pale yellow colour with a bright appearance. It is non-sparkling and contains small particles of bird's nest and ginseng in suspension.

The aroma is quite unique and manages to combine ripe banana and vanilla with wet bonfire ashes, rubber and charcoal.

As with the aroma, on the palate the flavour is unique and quite challenging. What starts as sweet banana and vanilla quickly turns burnt, ashy, rubbery and progressively more bitter. There is an earthy, potato note that points towards the ginseng, and a bittersweet sensation lingers in the aftertaste.

Packaging claims: Geniune bird's nest with ginseng, no colouring, serve hot or cold

Ingredients: Water, rock sugar, bird's nest, ginseng

Price: Should be about £1.00 for a 245ml can, from oriental food stores and other specialist retailers

Top Gin Korean Ginseng Drink

Made by: Da Jung Co Ltd

Origin: Korea

Imported into the UK: Korea Foods Co Ltd

This unusual drink contains a whole ginseng root. It is a bright yellow-gold colour, non-carbonated, with small flecks of the root in suspension. Nosing this, the aromas pass over an empty honey jar briefly to settle on freshly dug potatoes, covered in their soil, and geranium leaves (reminds me of a hot greenhouse).

The first sensation on the palate is initially sweet; honey and vanilla, followed by expansive flavours of oven roast vegetables (think of parsnips, potatoes and carrots). That earthy flavour returns, followed by a pleasant 'rooty' bitterness, and a very long, lingering mildly peppery, earthy finish.

A fascinating drink, complex and uniquely refreshing.

Packaging claims: Wheat free, Nut free, Dairy free; Korea 'INSAM' original name of best Ginseng, Ginseng-D; Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate

Ingredients: White Ginseng, honey, citric acid, Vitamin C, trisodium citrate, DL-malic acid, nicotinamide, fructose, purified water, sodium benzoate

Price: Should be about £3.00 for a 120ml glass bottle, from specialist retailers