Molasses
Saccharum officinarum · Sweetener
Top 10 pairings
Thick, near-black syrup spun off when sugar is crystallised from boiled cane or beet juice. Deeply sweet but bitter, smoky and mineral, it defines gingerbread, baked beans, dark rum and barbecue glazes.
Picking a good onedrag
Sealed, glossy, sharp and cleanFizzing, fuzzy, off
Open and in useEveryday bestWipe the thread and cap it tight after each pour. This is the jar for gingerbread, baked beans and glazes.
Read the labelCane, unsulphured, grade unstated
Tip the jarCold-stiff, holds its shape
Smell it off a clean spoonFlatter caramel, smoke faded
The lid and the first turnIn use, thread wiped but tacky