Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 7
its actually called fever tree
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear and bubbly
Scent: 1-10 Points
Score: 9
Excellent Quinine and Botanical Citrus
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
This doesn’t seem like ordinary tonic water
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 10
bubbly, coating and crafted
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 40
this is the best tonic water I have ever tasted. Botanical citrus, fresh quinine without chemical aftertaste
Raw total score: 84 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10
Score: 8
About $5.00 4pk 8oz bottles, but its worth every penny.
Total Score: 92 points
It’s summer and I loves me some Gin and Tonic. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Not too sweet and not too dry, perfect! Generally, that means your favorite gin with the usual mixer and the flavor you’re expecting. This year, is going to be different, we’re going to have some craft mixers. Finally, someone thought there was a market for them. My beer drinking friends get to drink all manner of weird and delicious local and regional brews, hand crafted and built with love. Stuff that I can’t always try without paying for my curiousity dearly in a few hours. I like beer, but beer doesn’t like me, no, what I get to do is I get to match my awesome booze with either scratch made mixers of my own concoction or mass produced things of which I have no idea what they’re supposed to taste like. Not any more. While fighting off hipsters and granola munchin, tree hugger types at the new local organic food store, I spied on the shelf an unassuming 4 pack of Fever Tree tonic. Holy Shit that stuff is expensive! I decide to treat myself, so I dodged a smug, but cute face and a tattoo sleeve and grabbed a 4 pack. I’ve heard there’s a new crop of craft made mixers floating around. An extension of the craft soda and beer market. I had been looking to try some, and now I have my chance. I think I’ll even pick up some organic limes to go with it. I made my first G&T today as we went right into summer, temps in the high 90’s and I need something to cool off. I pop the bottle and immediately it smells different, there’s botanical citrus and something that smells like the quinine I’m used to, but better. It’s very fizzy, and I can’t get over the smell, it’s different. I try it straight. WOW! It’s perfectly balanced with a flavor profile I have honestly never tasted before. It tastes familiar, but totally different than the tonic I’m used to. It has a wallop of flavor. Citrus, quinine, and some other root I cant put my finger on. I’m in uncharted territory. This flavor is totally new to me. Just thinking about saying that is making me wonder how many other things I eat and drink that taste similar, but are not really what their supposed to be. What have they done. This stuff mixes so perfectly with gin I think I’m ruined forever. Just to make sure, I make another one when I’m finished with my old stand by, Seagram's tonic. Yea, Its totally different. There’s an aftertaste, not a clean finish. There’s a chemical taste. This is not the same at all. It’s just not as good. It’s not as clean and refreshing. Go buy some Fever Tree. Just try it. I guarantee it will be like nothing you’ve had. If you like gin and tonics as much as I do, you merely have to ask yourself if the price is worth it. Is it worth mating to my expensive gin. I think it is, and I fear I’m ruined or enlightened forever.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Excels at Nothing: A drink in need of a name
Excels at Nothing: A drink in need of a name
A new cocktail from Excells At Nothing. It sounds quite interesting and refreshing. Can you help name it?
Update! I tried it when I got home from work. She did an excellent job. It's not too sweet and quite refreshing. I had to use angostura bitters in place of the fresh herbs but it worked great. I'll try with some other bitters in my collection. I even made a variant with cointreau/curacao which made it very smooth.
2 shots black rum
1 shot Cointreau/Curacao
4 dashes Angustura bitters
4 dashes lime juice
1 sugar cube
splash of water
top with tonic
Mix in a shaker and top with tonic. Stir. An excellent summer drink.
A new cocktail from Excells At Nothing. It sounds quite interesting and refreshing. Can you help name it?
Update! I tried it when I got home from work. She did an excellent job. It's not too sweet and quite refreshing. I had to use angostura bitters in place of the fresh herbs but it worked great. I'll try with some other bitters in my collection. I even made a variant with cointreau/curacao which made it very smooth.
2 shots black rum
1 shot Cointreau/Curacao
4 dashes Angustura bitters
4 dashes lime juice
1 sugar cube
splash of water
top with tonic
Mix in a shaker and top with tonic. Stir. An excellent summer drink.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
(Review) Georges DuBoeuf 2008 Beaujolais Special Selection
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 8
always heard it was good
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice red maroon
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 7
grapes, wine, flowers
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice and light no coating
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36
fruity/grape light tannin, pleasant
Raw Score Total: 78
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9
9.99 a bottle
TOTAL SCORE: 87 points
I certainly am not pretending to be a wine connoisseur, but I drink wine fairly often, usually with meals and I do know what I like. I liked this wine. I purchased it to have with dinner and guests that didn't really like red wine. I don't often subscribe to the this goes with red, that goes with white as I feel you should really drink what you like, but I was trying to give them a choice. I was in search of a lighter red that they might actually drink. After a bit of searching on "the google" I found that Beaujolais is usually called into service for just this function. It has a nice history about being the first wine of the year and being raced to market every November from France to points all over the world. A tradition, that was made more public by the Georges DuBoeuf winery and their reputation. Hence my choice. The wine is a nice maroon color and looks like a real red wine not like one of those rose colored things they try to pass off to non red drinkers. It nose is very floral and grapes. So far so good. It felt light on the tongue like a white and was very fruity and just pleasant in general with just a hint of tanin. It has a clean finish and dosen't stick with you very long. It's a very nice light red. I was surprised as were my guests that they were even considering and enjoying a red wine. It went with the beautifully cooked steaks I prepared and accented the pasta. A great choice for dinner and at 10 bucks what's not to like. Keep it in mind if you don't like red wine or you are looking for an alternative to offer guests.
Score: 8
always heard it was good
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice red maroon
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 7
grapes, wine, flowers
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice and light no coating
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36
fruity/grape light tannin, pleasant
Raw Score Total: 78
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9
9.99 a bottle
TOTAL SCORE: 87 points
I certainly am not pretending to be a wine connoisseur, but I drink wine fairly often, usually with meals and I do know what I like. I liked this wine. I purchased it to have with dinner and guests that didn't really like red wine. I don't often subscribe to the this goes with red, that goes with white as I feel you should really drink what you like, but I was trying to give them a choice. I was in search of a lighter red that they might actually drink. After a bit of searching on "the google" I found that Beaujolais is usually called into service for just this function. It has a nice history about being the first wine of the year and being raced to market every November from France to points all over the world. A tradition, that was made more public by the Georges DuBoeuf winery and their reputation. Hence my choice. The wine is a nice maroon color and looks like a real red wine not like one of those rose colored things they try to pass off to non red drinkers. It nose is very floral and grapes. So far so good. It felt light on the tongue like a white and was very fruity and just pleasant in general with just a hint of tanin. It has a clean finish and dosen't stick with you very long. It's a very nice light red. I was surprised as were my guests that they were even considering and enjoying a red wine. It went with the beautifully cooked steaks I prepared and accented the pasta. A great choice for dinner and at 10 bucks what's not to like. Keep it in mind if you don't like red wine or you are looking for an alternative to offer guests.
Friday, May 20, 2011
(Cocktail recipe) The Chinese
1 1/2 oz Jamaica rum
1 tsp triple sec
1 tsp maraschino liqueur
1 tbsp grenadine syrup
1 dash bitters
1 tsp triple sec
1 tsp maraschino liqueur
1 tbsp grenadine syrup
1 dash bitters
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
Lately I've been giving Chris various reprints of old bar books (and by reprints, I mean someone dismantled the old books and scanned, then printed them) for birthdays and Christmas. Occasionally I'll dig through them to find something interesting. My most recent discovery was the Chinese, so named for its color - it looks like traditional red Chinese lacquer. It's not overly sweet, but is very balanced, and it's all booze...so drink carefully!(Chris's Note) The Jamaica Rum that this recipe calls for is a style of rum, not necessarily rum from Jamaica. Unfortunately, like many old liquors and liqueurs that are no longer produced we're not really sure what it tasted like. The best approximation we can deduce is a dark Navy rum (Cruzan Black Strap, Goslings Black Seal, Kracken) mixed with a gold rum. In order to achieve this easily I would increase the Rum to 1/1 oz pour. You may need to adjust the triple sec, bitters, and Maraschino accordingly by teaspoon to balance the rum you chose to use. The finished product should taste completely smooth and balanced when it hits the tongue like a fine Chinese Lacquer finish.
(Cocktail Recipe) The Pirate!
2 oz of Gold Tequila
4 oz of Ginger ale
Twist of lime
In a highball glass pour 2oz tequila then top with ginger ale and stir. Add your twist. Yea I know not the most elaborate, but if you order it, a bartender will look at you funny, because not too many people drink tequila this way. Just tilt your head and give 'em and Aye Matey! Picked it up in the West Indies. As usual the higher quality tequila you use the better it will taste.
4 oz of Ginger ale
Twist of lime
In a highball glass pour 2oz tequila then top with ginger ale and stir. Add your twist. Yea I know not the most elaborate, but if you order it, a bartender will look at you funny, because not too many people drink tequila this way. Just tilt your head and give 'em and Aye Matey! Picked it up in the West Indies. As usual the higher quality tequila you use the better it will taste.
(Review) Gordons Vodka 80 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 5
none really
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 Points
Score: 8
very little slight alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 8
decent not really sure
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 5
really none not good or bad
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
no real taste clean smooth
Raw total score: 67 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10
Score: 8
$12.99 a 1.75 in my area
Total Score: 75 points
There's not much to say about this. Gordon's web page is all about their gin and no mention of the vodka. No one else seems to have much to say about it either. A few mentions here and there about it's low price and that's about it. I'm not a heavy vodka drinker. Vodka is the one liquor that is judged by it's lack of flavor and smell. This neutral-ness indicates higher quality. In order to market that nothingness they've come up with fancy bottles and names. Making a swing through the vodka section is a treat for me to look at all the pretty glass. Gordon's gives up the pretty to give you a good value. A plain bottle almost exactly the same as the gin with different colors on the label. The smell is OK, and not overpowering, the taste is almost non existent there's no oily aftertaste either. there's something there, but it's definitely not like some of the even cheaper vodka's that make you think of rubbing alcohol or brake fluid. Now I wouldn't want to drink it straight or on the rocks, but it makes a fine mixer and is a perfect candidate for making your own infusions. Gordon did a good job at making a inexpensive neutral spirit, perfect for a rail standard issue. Good job Mr. Gordon.
Score: 5
none really
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 Points
Score: 8
very little slight alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 8
decent not really sure
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 5
really none not good or bad
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
no real taste clean smooth
Raw total score: 67 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10
Score: 8
$12.99 a 1.75 in my area
Total Score: 75 points
There's not much to say about this. Gordon's web page is all about their gin and no mention of the vodka. No one else seems to have much to say about it either. A few mentions here and there about it's low price and that's about it. I'm not a heavy vodka drinker. Vodka is the one liquor that is judged by it's lack of flavor and smell. This neutral-ness indicates higher quality. In order to market that nothingness they've come up with fancy bottles and names. Making a swing through the vodka section is a treat for me to look at all the pretty glass. Gordon's gives up the pretty to give you a good value. A plain bottle almost exactly the same as the gin with different colors on the label. The smell is OK, and not overpowering, the taste is almost non existent there's no oily aftertaste either. there's something there, but it's definitely not like some of the even cheaper vodka's that make you think of rubbing alcohol or brake fluid. Now I wouldn't want to drink it straight or on the rocks, but it makes a fine mixer and is a perfect candidate for making your own infusions. Gordon did a good job at making a inexpensive neutral spirit, perfect for a rail standard issue. Good job Mr. Gordon.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
(Review) Patron Silver 100% Agave Tequila 80 Proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Currently the douchebag drink of choice
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Barely agave / No smell
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
Nice Bottle / douchey reputation
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
No oil /disappears quickly
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 20
Woody Cedar? / No Burn / bad aftertaste
Raw score total: 54
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 3
$40 for a 750ml overpriced for lack of flavor there are much better premium tequilas
Total Score: 57 points
It appears this Tequila is very popular with the Jersey Shore crowd and while I like that tequila is gaining a little popularity I can't say I like the Douche-bag Patrol being associated with it. I do understand why they like it though as it has almost no flavor and smell. I expect as much from the crowd that drinks premium vodka as a mixer. In short, this is Tequila for Sissies, over-refined and laking flavor. To be less harsh I could say that if you don't like tequila or you don't like to taste your alcohol in your drink then this tequila might be for you. To me it’s only flavor is like the cedar chips you put in a hamster cage. After checking their website (which is very nice and full of pictures) I see they ferment the Agave in wooden barrels which is probably where it picks up that taste. I hope their anejo is tastier and ill have to try that at a later date. If you're looking for a premium tequila look elsewhere as this is one I don't think can stand on it's own on the rocks. As a shooter with lime and salt it loses all flavor completely. Maybe it's the lack of flavor making it popular, or maybe its just that name is a bit easier to pronounce.
Score: 6
Currently the douchebag drink of choice
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Barely agave / No smell
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
Nice Bottle / douchey reputation
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
No oil /disappears quickly
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 20
Woody Cedar? / No Burn / bad aftertaste
Raw score total: 54
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 3
$40 for a 750ml overpriced for lack of flavor there are much better premium tequilas
Total Score: 57 points
It appears this Tequila is very popular with the Jersey Shore crowd and while I like that tequila is gaining a little popularity I can't say I like the Douche-bag Patrol being associated with it. I do understand why they like it though as it has almost no flavor and smell. I expect as much from the crowd that drinks premium vodka as a mixer. In short, this is Tequila for Sissies, over-refined and laking flavor. To be less harsh I could say that if you don't like tequila or you don't like to taste your alcohol in your drink then this tequila might be for you. To me it’s only flavor is like the cedar chips you put in a hamster cage. After checking their website (which is very nice and full of pictures) I see they ferment the Agave in wooden barrels which is probably where it picks up that taste. I hope their anejo is tastier and ill have to try that at a later date. If you're looking for a premium tequila look elsewhere as this is one I don't think can stand on it's own on the rocks. As a shooter with lime and salt it loses all flavor completely. Maybe it's the lack of flavor making it popular, or maybe its just that name is a bit easier to pronounce.
(Review) Monte Alban 100% Agave Mezcal 80 Proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 10
It has mystery / The worm / why is it the only one on the shelf
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 7
pale clear yellow / nothing special
Scent: 1-10
Score: 8
Agave / Wood / Earth
Initial Impression: 1-10
Score: 8
Cool patterned bottle / THE WORM
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Thicker than water / Not Oily / pleasant
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score 36
Very Smooth / Slight Bitter / Very Small Burn
Raw score total: 77 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9
$25 for a 750ml its just below premium tequila and way above regular in taste and priced like regular tequila Score: 9
Total Score: 86 points
I could write forever about Mezcal, so I'll try to hit the basics. It's not tequila even though its made from the agave plant and it has a history dating back to the Central American Indians. The Spanish Conquistadors were thirsty after all that raping and pillaging and they wanted to get hammered and party. The local priest had conjured up a new batch of pulque and they gave it a shot. What they wanted was rum, and this stuff was too thick and pulpy but it had potential. So they stopped raping and pillaging for a while and got to work refining the stuff and using their superior knowledge of distillation to make something more potent and drinkable. After all, what fun is conquering an indigenous population sober, and rum was too expensive or unavailable so lets try some chemistry! All in the name of having a good time of course. The distillation technique for making Mezcal was primarily started in the Oaxaca region of Mexico and involves using hearts of the Agave plant and mashing them with a horse drawn stone wheel. Then straining and fermenting the liquid using a steam distillation method. This process is still used today and gives Mezcal its smooth and distinct flavor. Mezcal in keeping with the Conquistador tradition is usually taken as a shooter mostly with salt and a lime wedge for maximum effect. This one goes down smooth and flavorful. Its sometimes chased with sangarita (a shot of a citrus mixed tomato juice). The 2 go together very well and its a welcome addition. Lastly every bottle of Monte Alban Mezcal comes with an Agave worm. The website states that those that eat the worm gain power and strength. I also think it could be used as a drink holder, but as it's usually a shooter it doesn't sit around long. Mostly it winds up being a challenge to see who will get it and if they with eat it. It only adds more fun to a good time.
Score: 10
It has mystery / The worm / why is it the only one on the shelf
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 7
pale clear yellow / nothing special
Scent: 1-10
Score: 8
Agave / Wood / Earth
Initial Impression: 1-10
Score: 8
Cool patterned bottle / THE WORM
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Thicker than water / Not Oily / pleasant
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score 36
Very Smooth / Slight Bitter / Very Small Burn
Raw score total: 77 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9
$25 for a 750ml its just below premium tequila and way above regular in taste and priced like regular tequila Score: 9
Total Score: 86 points
I could write forever about Mezcal, so I'll try to hit the basics. It's not tequila even though its made from the agave plant and it has a history dating back to the Central American Indians. The Spanish Conquistadors were thirsty after all that raping and pillaging and they wanted to get hammered and party. The local priest had conjured up a new batch of pulque and they gave it a shot. What they wanted was rum, and this stuff was too thick and pulpy but it had potential. So they stopped raping and pillaging for a while and got to work refining the stuff and using their superior knowledge of distillation to make something more potent and drinkable. After all, what fun is conquering an indigenous population sober, and rum was too expensive or unavailable so lets try some chemistry! All in the name of having a good time of course. The distillation technique for making Mezcal was primarily started in the Oaxaca region of Mexico and involves using hearts of the Agave plant and mashing them with a horse drawn stone wheel. Then straining and fermenting the liquid using a steam distillation method. This process is still used today and gives Mezcal its smooth and distinct flavor. Mezcal in keeping with the Conquistador tradition is usually taken as a shooter mostly with salt and a lime wedge for maximum effect. This one goes down smooth and flavorful. Its sometimes chased with sangarita (a shot of a citrus mixed tomato juice). The 2 go together very well and its a welcome addition. Lastly every bottle of Monte Alban Mezcal comes with an Agave worm. The website states that those that eat the worm gain power and strength. I also think it could be used as a drink holder, but as it's usually a shooter it doesn't sit around long. Mostly it winds up being a challenge to see who will get it and if they with eat it. It only adds more fun to a good time.
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