>
> > I was always told that the three beans stood for Health, Wisdom and
> > Prosperity, which is why exactly three are always used.
>
> That's what I heard, too. I also heard Health, Love, and Prosperity. In
> either case, three sounds good, right?
>
> Here's really why I'm commenting: I have a couple friends who love Sambuca.
>
> Well, I hate licorice, so I'm a little bit hesitant to try it, but I was told
>
> that another "traditional" way to serve Sambuca is to pour it over the three
> coffee beans, place it in front of the drinker, and light it up.
>
> Apparently the flame action releases the coffee flavor of the beans. I'm not
>
> so sure that'd work...anyone know one way or the other?
>
> -Andy
Andy,
Yes, the coffee flavor releases of the beans when the Sambuca is lighted. I
was introduced to this by a customer of mine who demonstrated it to me. It
supposedly makes an astounding difference in the taste of the Sambuca.
According to him, it is best performed in a fluted glass. Otherwise, it is
difficult to keep the alcohol lit.
In my search for the Sambuca 3 coffee bean anecdote, I e-mailed the Molinari
ditillery in Italy. While they didn't have a true "story" they did mention
that some people actually chew on the coffee beans while drinking the sambuca.
Thank you for your follow up.
Erik