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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Il Conte D'Alba Stella Rosa Rosso

20111224:
My sister got a bottle of this and my family and I drank it on Christmas Eve at dinner. I recall it being quite carbonated like a champagne.


[20120120]

20111231:
Soon after Christmas Eve, my dad bought some bottles at Costco and either my mom or dad insisted my friends and I open a bottle on New Years Eve. We drank it while playing Power Grid, several hours before midnight. I was under the impression that everybody who had the wine enjoyed it to some extent. In the end, I suppose it's a wine best enjoyed by those newer to wine, because it's sweet and sparkling.

[20120120][20180619 Edit]

Il Conte D'Alba Stella Rosa Rosso


Relevant Links:
Stella Rosa Website
Il Conte D'Alba Stella Rosa, Italy, Piedmont (CellarTracker.com)

Website Information:
STELLA ROSA ROSSO
Appellation: Piedmont, Italy

Vintage: Nonvintage

Description: From the beautiful village of Santo Stefano Belbo in Piedmont comes our delicious Stella Rosa Rossa. A refreshing semi sweet red wine to be served chilled and accompanied by fresh fruit and cheese.



CellarTracker.com Information:
Vintage N.V.
Type Red - Sparkling
Producer Il Conte D'Alba
Variety Red Blend
Designation Stella Rosa
Vineyard n/a
Country Italy
Region Piedmont
SubRegion n/a
Appellation n/a
UPC Code 087872630139

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hinano Tahiti

20111223:
I wrote: "Hinano Tahiti. Premium lager beer. Hmm, I'd take this over a Bud I guess. I suppose it has a decent smell." 1:01 AM PST


[20120116]

Hinano Tahiti


Relevant Links:
Hinano (BeerAdvocate.com)
Hinano (Wikipedia.org)
Hinano Website YYYY

Website Information:
The Hinano beer is a deluxe lager, low fermentation, golden colour, draught to 5% alchohol with pronounced bitterness.

It's made in Tahiti in the Punaruu valley, on the most advanced production site in the South Pacific Islands, using the most advanced technology.
This allows to guarantee an exemplary quality, rewarded by International awards (Gold medal in Luxembourg, Brussels).

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter

20111221:
Shorty @ Yard House.

The Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter is on the left.

I wrote: "Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter on the left and Deschutes Black Butte Porter on right. Ballast Point: Chocolate is good. Deschutes is more carbonated and has less of a chocolate flavor. I'm liking the Ballast Point more." 12:37 AM PST

There might be an unfair advantage as I don't recall cleansing my palate and thus the chocolate flavor of the Deschutes might have been diminished by that of the Ballast Point.

At the moment, reviewers, overall, like the Deschutes Black Butte Porter just a bit more than the Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter.
BA Score: 93 (1050 Reviews); The Bros: 100; RateBeer 97 Overall; RateBeer 98 Style [DESCHUTES]
BA Score: 89 (0256 Reviews); The Bros: 096; RateBeer 96 Overall; RateBeer 97 Style [BALLAST]

Yard House:
5.3% Drink Alaskan Amber (SIP)
5.2% Drink Deschutes Black Butte Porter (SHORTY)
6.0% Drink Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter (SHORTY)
5.2% Drink Young's Double Chocolate Stout (SIP)
5.4% Drink Red Nectar (SIP)
4.9% Drink Blue Hawaiian Hefeweizen (SHORTY)

[20120115]

Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter

Relevant Links:
Black Marlin Porter (BeerAdvocate.com)
Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter (RateBeer.com)
Black Marlin Porter (Ballast Point Website)

Website Information:
Black Marlin Porter

Like dessert? You’ll love this: Black Marlin Porter with apple pie a la mode—try it! Black Marlin is a rich, dark and chocolaty Porter with a distinctive American hop character.

It is a great beer to go with hearty foods and is surprisingly one of the few beers that goes well with dessert. We also invite you to blend Black Marlin with Big Eye IPA for a treat we like to call the Black Eye.

Availability: Year-round in 22 oz & draft
Bitterness: 45 IBUs
Alc. by Vol.: 6%
Serving Temperature: 40-50 defrees F

Red Nectar

20111221:
I wrote: "Nectar Red has a good taste. More interesting than mine." 12:04 AM PST*

Yard House:
5.3% Drink Alaskan Amber (SIP)
5.2% Drink Deschutes Black Butte Porter (SHORTY)
6.0% Drink Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter (SHORTY)
5.2% Drink Young's Double Chocolate Stout (SIP)
5.4% Drink Red Nectar (SIP)
4.9% Drink Blue Hawaiian Hefeweizen (SHORTY)

*I ordered this beer at Yard House and it's listed on the menu as "Nectar Red." At first, several searches on Google led me to conclude that it should be Red Nectar. Later in the evening, I stumbled upon Yard House's Beer Checklist that cleared my doubts and I concluded that "Nectar Red" is actually called "Red Nectar."

[20120115]

Red Nectar

The Red Nectar is on the left.

Relevant Links:
Nectar Ales Red Nectar (RateBeer.com)
Red Nectar (BeerAdvocate.com)
Red Nectar (Nectar Ales Website)

Website Information:
red nectar

Boasting a ruby hue and an exquisite floral aroma, Red Nectar is a robust yet elegant brew with distinctive accents of toasted malt, caramel, spice and residual sweetness.

The beer that started it all... Red Nectar was considered a strange bird when it was first released in 1987. After all, where did a robust, handcrafted all-natural amber ale fit into the massive flock of American industrial lagers? Answer: it didn’t. So it blazed its own trail, helping set the pace for the craft brew revolution.

Enjoy Red Nectar for its dazzling reddish copper hue, original flavors and caramel spice accents.

ACCOLADES:
2010 Great American Beer Festival® - Gold Medal: American-Style Amber Ale
2009 California State Fair - Gold Medal
2009 LA County Fair - Silver Medal
2006 California State Fair - Gold Medal
2005 LA County Fair - Bronze Medal
2004 Great American Beer Festiva®l - Silver Medal: American Style Amber Ale

STYLE:
American Amber Ale
Alcohol By Volume - 5.4%
Color - 22.0L (Red)
IBU - 35.0 (Medium)

FERMENTATION:
Fermented in 100% stainless steel with Humboldt Brewing’s original house yeast strain.

MALTS:
Premium Two Row
Wheat Malt
Crystal 75

HOPS:
Bittering - Chinook
Late Kettle - Mt. Hood, Cascade

AVAILABILITY:
California and Select Markets Nationwide
6 pack, 22 oz. bottle and draft (15.5g)

Yard House Information:
Nectar Red Ale
Brewery: Firestone Walker
Origin: Humboldt, CA
Style: Amber and Red Ales
ABV: 5.1%

Description: Nectar Red is an amber ale with hints of toasted caramel flavor and a residual sweetness which melds with the strawberry esters of Humboldt Brewery’s own strain of ale yeast. Smooth and a balanced with a clean finish.

Bayhawk Hefe Weizen

20111220:
I wrote: "Blue Hawaiian Hefeweizen. Shorty. Orange smell. Easy very drinkable. Simple." 11:53 PM PST
I also wrote: "Nectar Red has a good taste. More interesting than mine. I couldn't pass on a sip of MT's Young's Double Chocolate. I squeezed the lemon into mine. It brings about a nice saltiness sensation." 20111221 12:04 AM PST

The Bayhawk Hefe Weizen is on the right.

Yard House:
5.3% Drink Alaskan Amber (SIP)
5.2% Drink Deschutes Black Butte Porter (SHORTY)
6.0% Drink Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter (SHORTY)
5.2% Drink Young's Double Chocolate Stout (SIP)
5.4% Drink Red Nectar (SIP)
4.9% Drink Blue Hawaiian Hefeweizen (SHORTY)

[20120115]

Blue Hawaiian Hefeweizen
now known as Bayhawk Hefe Weizen*

*The above claim might be incorrect. However, after making several searches on Google, it seemed reasonable to conclude. I have the option of calling Yard House, but I will not take it.

Relevant Links:
Blue Hawaiian Primo Hefeweizen (RateBeer.com)
Bayhawk Hefe Weizen (RateBeer.com)
Hefeweizen (BeerAdvocate.com)
Bayhawk Ales Website

Website Information:
Hefe Weizen
Color: Golden Orange &Cloudy
Body: Thick with a rich mouth feel
Aroma: Sweet & Malty
Flavor: Creamy with a distinct Citrus flavor
Technical Data:
Original Gravity: 1049
Est. Alcohol Content: 4.9% abv
Grist: Malted Barley & Wheat
Hops: Northern Brewer
Type of Beer: Unfiltered American Wheat
IBU's: 8
Calories: 164 per 12oz Serving

Yard House Information:
Blue Hawaiian Hefeweizen
Brewery: Blue Hawaiian Brewing Company
Origin: Irvine, CA
Style: American Wheat
ABV: 4.2%
Description: This beer is refreshing, light bodied, and has distinct lemon and citrus notes. Hints of banana and and herbal spiciness round the flavor out and give it some complexity.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Black and Tan (Guinness and Firestone Walker DBA)

20111215:
I wrote the following: "Firestone Walker DBA and Guinness. This mix is alright. At times it tastes watery. Maybe because it was the bottom of the current Firestone keg. Anyways." 9:20 PM PST


In any case, both beers were on draft and I was sure I've tried all the beers I've wanted to try that were available on draft - though I haven't had the Firestone Walker DBA by itself yet.

[20120114]

Black and Tan (Guinness and Firestone Walker DBA)

Relevant Links:
Black and Tan (Wikipedia.org)
My stub for Firestone Walker DBA.


Firestone Walker DBA

20111215:
Today I had this beer together with Guinness, i.e., a type of Black and Tan combination.

Relevant Links:
Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale (DBA) (RateBeer.com)
DBA (Double Barrel Ale) | Firestone Walker Brewing Co. (BeerAdvocate.com)
DBA (Firestone Walker Website)

Website Information: (on 20120114)
dba (double barrel ale)

2011 great american beer festival gold medal (english/special bitter)

A British Pale Ale never tasted so fresh. We challenge our good friends across the pond to match this one. Can’t be done. We’ve honored the traditions of the great British Pale brewers of Burton-on-Trent using our patented Firestone Union oak barrels. You’re left with a mild blend of vanilla and toasted oak flavor touched with an elegant hint of English noble hops. DBA is the flagship of our company and wildly popular.

REMEMBER: Watch for bottled on dates located on the necks of our beers. Our beer is not pasteurized, so it is best when stored at 44F or below, out of light and within 110 days of the bottled on date...this ensures freshness and ultimately a great Firestone Walker beer!

brew notes
style: English Style Bitter / Amber Ale
abv: 5.0%
fermentation: Selectively fermented in the Firestone Union oak barrel brewing system.
malts: Premium Two-Row, Maris Otter Pale, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate
hops: Bittering—Magnum; Late Kettle—Styrian Golding, East Kent Golding; Dry Hops—East Kent Golding
availability: California / Nevada / Arizona / Washington / Oregon / Colorado ; 6 pack, 12 pack, 22 oz bottle & draft (13.3g/5.2g)

Website Information: (on 20180620)
DBA
British Pale Ale

DBA—a.k.a. Double Barrel Ale—is the trailblazing flagship beer that started it all for us back in 1996. Partially fermented in our patented Firestone Union oak-­‐barrel brewing system, DBA quickly took the Central Coast by storm and set the pace for future beers to come. Today, DBA is regarded as a California classic, and stands as an iconic tribute to traditional cask-­‐fermented English ales. Pale malts create a smooth middle with ribbons of caramel, English toffee and toasted oak.

Beer Information
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 30
COLOR: 13.5 SRM
FERMENTATION: Selectively fermented in the Firestone Union oak barrel brewing system.
MALTS: Premium Two-Row, Maris Otter Pale, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate
HOPS: Bittering—Magnum; Late Kettle—Styrian Golding, East Kent Golding; Dry Hops—East Kent Golding
Availability: 6 pack bottle | 12 pack bottle | cans (in mixed pack) | Draft (13.3g/5.2g)

Awards
2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016 Gold Medal, Great American Beer Festival®
2010 Silver Medal, Great American Beer Festival®

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale

20111214:
I wrote: "I tried JK's Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale. $6. Has that pale ale smell and taste. I like the creamy head. Yeah, like JK said, it has a pretty good balance. I like the Allagash Curieux more." 6:22 PM PST

[20120114]

Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale


Relevant Links:
Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale (RateBeer.com)
Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale (Ballast Point Website) Yes/No

Website Information:
Calico Amber Ale

Inspired by traditional English ESBs, our Calico Amber Ale is as American as it could be. A rich complexity comes from four types of malt—but it’s those distinct American hops that offer a crisp bitterness and unique floral aroma.

To round out our traditional-English-yet-very-American Amber Ale, we use a proprietary yeast to develop a fruity, Madeira-like richness. Try one today, and find out what a gold medal beer tastes like!

Availability Year-round in 12oz, 22oz, & draft
Bitterness 45 IBUs
Alc. by Vol. 5.5 %
Serving Temperature 38-45 degrees F

Allagash Curieux

20111214:
I wrote: "Nice floral smell. I can smell the orange. The taste is good. There's a good hint of alcohol and there's also the Belgium taste. Allagash Curieux." 6:14 PM PST
I also wrote: "Yeah... the powerful alcohol. Delicious. Definitely had expectations when I was expecting a drink by the Allagash Brewing Company." 6:58 PM PST

[20120112]

Allagash Curieux


Relevant Links:
Allagash Cureiux (Allagash Website)
Allagash Curieux (RateBeer.com)
Allagash Curieux (BeerAdvocate.com)
My Drink Allagash Tripel Ale post.

Website Information:
Beer » Year Round »
Allagash Curieux

Allagash Curieux was the first foray into barrel aging. Curieux is made by aging our Tripel Ale in Jim Beam bourbon barrels for eight weeks in our cold cellars. The aged beer is then blended back with a portion of fresh Tripel. The resulting beer is soft with coconut and vanilla notes, with hints of bourbon.

Description: Bourbon Barrel Aged Strong Ale
ABV: 11%
Profile: Dark Golden, Smooth, Bourbon, Vanilla
Serving Temperature: 40°-50°F
Availability: Year Round
Package: 750ml bottle, 5.17 gallon keg
Ideal Within: One Year
Recipes: 2009 ICE Cooking Contest | 2004 ICE Cooking Contest
Food Pairings: Roquefort, Crème Brulée | Beer BBQ Sauce | Cheesecake
Awards: Bronze, World Beer Cup 2007

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Jason Fields & Kevin Sheppard / Tröegs / Stone Cherry Chocolate Stout

20111211:
I wrote: "Jason Fields & Kevin Sheppard / Troegs / Stone. Cherry Chocolate Stout. 7.3% ABV. Pours thick. Definite chocolate smell. Great cherry chocolate fizz. Sweet." 7:33 PM PST


Thanks TKG for sharing this wonderful beer. I hope I can find a bottle of it here in MD.

[20120112]

Jason Fields & Kevin Sheppard / Tröegs / Stone Cherry Chocolate Stout

Relevant Links:
Jason Fields & Kevin Sheppard / Tröegs / Stone Cherry Chocolate Stout (BeerAdvocate.com)
Jason Fields & Kevin Sheppard / Tröegs / Stone Cherry Chocolate Stout (RateBeer.com)



Website Information:
Brewers:
Jason Fields & Kevin Sheppard
Jon Trogner of Tröegs Brewing Company Harrisburg, PA
Mitch Steele of Stone Brewing Co., San Diego

Alc/Vol: 7.3%
Bottle Size: 12oz
Brew Date: April 26th, 2011
Release Date: July 25th, 2011
Distribution: AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, IL, KY, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, VT, WA

Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb

~I'm not a beer. I'm a cider.~

20111211:
I wrote: "Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb. 6.99% ABV. Enjoyable cider." 10:06 PM PST.


[20120112]

20120527:
I wrote: "Stone Brewery. Cherry Bomb. I like it better. Though it being cold gives it an advantage." 4:32 PM PDT
I wrote: "Perfect amount of carbonation in addition to the cherry cider flavor. [ping-pong]." 5:56 PM PDT

[20120624]



20150905:
Earlier tonight my friends and I each had a glass of equals parts Old Rasputin and Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb (Snakebite). With some liquid left in the bottle, I poured the remaining cider into a glass and gave it a sip. Then I poured some Julian Hard Cider Harvest Apple into the glass and thought about how they compared.

Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb


Relevant Links:
Julian Hard Cider Website
Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb
My Drink Julian Hard Cider post

Website Information:
Cherry Bomb: Explosive

The perfect balance of tart & sweet.

100% fresh-pressed hard apple cider blended with Montmorency Cherry juice. No added sugar. 6.99% ABV.

Always a favorite with pie makers, the Montmorency Cherry is an intensely flavored powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants and is celebrated for its health benefits and anti-aging properties.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

2011 Anchor Christmas Ale

20111210:
I wrote: "A delicious coffee or chocolate taste. Anchor Brewing Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2011. Love it." 12:02 PM
Given its limited release, I might decide to drink two or three bottles from the six-pack.

[20120111]

20120114:
I wrote: "A lovely roasted smell. Maybe chocolate. Great taste. Some creamy texture. Yeah wonderful mouthfeel." 7:21 PM

[20120120]

20120507:
Why is this beer so good? There's certainly a rich dark taste. Is there caramel? Roasted goodness? Overall, it's just amazing. This is the third bottle out of six, and while summer approaches, the weather right now is a bit cold, cloudy, and windy.

2011 Anchor Christmas Ale


Relevant Links:
Christmas Ale (Anchor Brewing Website)
Our Special Ale 2011 (Anchor Christmas Ale) (BeerAdvocate.com)

Website Information:
CHRISTMAS ALE

2011 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions.

Each year since 1975, Anchor Brewing creates a distinctive Christmas Ale, available from early November to mid-January. A rich, dark spiced ale, our secret recipe is different every year—as is the tree on the label—but the intent remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life.

Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew. Our tree for 2011 is the bristlecone pine. Found high atop California's White Mountains, bristlecones are among the oldest living things on the planet. Some date back nearly 5,000 years, to the dawn of the ancient art of brewing.

Each year our Christmas Ale gets a unique label and a unique recipe. Although our recipes must remain a secret, many save a few bottles from year to year. Properly refrigerated, the beer remains intriguing and drinkable for years. Different nuances emerge as the flavor mellows slightly, much like the memories of great holiday seasons past. Celebrate the holidays with Anchor Christmas Ale, an Anchor tradition since 1975.

FIRST BREW: 1975
FIRST BOTTLING: 1975
ALC. BY VOLUME: VARIES
AVAILABILITY: NOV.-FEB.
MALT: TOP SECRET
HOPS: TOP SECRET

Friday, December 9, 2011

2009 Laurent Miquel Viognier Nord Sud

20111209:
This wine leaned towards being too spicy. 7:58 PM ET

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

2009 Laurent Miquel Viognier Nord Sud

Relevant Links:
http://www.laurent-miquel.com/us/ns-viognier.html
2009 Laurent Miquel Viognier Nord Sud (CellarTracker.com)

Website Information:
Nord Sud
Viognier
Viognier Nord Sud

Laurent produces his signature aromatic Viognier from selected blocks of mature, naturally low yielding vines at his family estate. Vines are planted in the optimum North-South orientation meaning that the grapes are exposed the gentle warmth of the morning and evening rays but protected from the burning effects of the midday sun. This ensures the conservation of a good acidity levels while the grapes mature gently and evenly. Viognier is still quite rare despite is recent resurge in popularity. It is a difficult grape to grow and gives very small yield of berries with highly concentrated aromas and flavours.

Tasting notes:
This is a deliciously perfumed opulent wine with characteristic aromas of white flowers and 'peche de vigne'. On the palate it is surprisingly elegant for a Viognier with delicate apricot and orange blossom but also some citrus character. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with lobster or crayfish salads or spicy oriental cuisine.

Press extracts
"I am particularly taken by this, their superior Viognier bottling.... Drink it over the next few months to benefit from its entirely authentic honeysuckle and mayblossom flavours while there is also good freshness and attack there too.... To me, this does taste like baby Condrieu, unlike so many Languedoc Viogniers with their suspiciously ersatz aromas.
The Miquels have 26 ha of Viognier now, all planted within three kilometres of Cazal-Viel, and between five and 14 years old. The name of this bottling comes from the north-south orientation of the vine rows which is designed to protect the grapes from the burning effects of the midday sun. Almost a third of the juice, all free run, is barrel fermented but this is not an obviously oaked wine.
I’d serve this wine either as an exotic aperitif or with the sort of zesty salad that does duty as either a first course or a summer lunch. I could imagine it pairing a combination of pear, walnuts and blue cheese rather well."
Jancis Robinson
"Made by one of the Languedoc's star winemakers, this subtle spicy lightly oaked Viognier is an outstanding wine."
Tim Atkin, The Observer

Website Information: (CellarTracker.com)
Vintage2009
TypeWhite
ProducerLaurent Miquel
VarietyViognier
DesignationNord Sud
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionLanguedoc Roussillon
SubRegionn/a
AppellationVin de Pays d'Oc

2009 Laurent Miquel Cabernet Syrah Pere et Fils

20111209:
This wine tasted sour. I liked the syrah grenache better. 7:53 PM ET

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

2009 Laurent Miquel Cabernet Syrah Pere et Fils

Relevant Links:
http://www.laurent-miquel.com/us/cabernet-syrah.html
2013 Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Cabernet Syrah (CellarTracker.com)

Website Information:
Pere et Fils
Cabernet Syrah
Cabernet 60% Syrah 40%

The uniquely French concept of 'terroirs' or classifieds oils ensures low yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

Laurent Miquel, a talented young winemaker, hand selects the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (Shiraz) grapes from his family estate near Beziers in the South of France.
He crafts this premium blend as a testament to the unique 'terroir' to reveal ripe berry flavours and elegant tannins. Enjoy with dishes such as roast lamb, duck and vegetable ragout.

Cabernet 60% Syrah 40%

The uniquely French concept of 'terroirs' or classifieds oils ensures low yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

Laurent Miquel, a talented young winemaker, hand selects the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (Shiraz) grapes from his family estate near Beziers in the South of France.

He crafts this premium blend as a testament to the unique 'terroir' to reveal ripe berry flavours and elegant tannins. Enjoy with dishes such as roast lamb, duck and vegetable ragout.

Tasting notes :
A very complementary blend of well structured Cabernet and elegant Syrah this wine offers a vibrant berry nose, with hints of licorice and spices. The palate is rich with several layers of flavour with ripe plum and red berry and soft rounded tannins.

Press excerpts:
Ripe fruity red, its got plenty of concentration and the pure fruit is enlivened by some savoury and spicy notes. This is thoroughly drinkable, at a great price.
Jamie Goode, The Express
Monsieur Miquel prizes not just the Languedoc’s Viognier grapes, but its Syrah too, which explains why this delicious, dual-varietal, dusky, scented, soft red fruit-packed red is so good.
Jane McQuitty, The Times

Website Information: (CellarTracker.com) (2013)
Vintage2013
TypeRed
ProducerLaurent Miquel
VarietyRed Blend
DesignationPère et Fils Cabernet Syrah
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionLanguedoc Roussillon
SubRegionn/a
AppellationVin de Pays d'Oc

2009 Laurent Miquel Syrah Grenache Pere et Fils

20111209:
This wine is good. There was no bitterness. 7:50 PM ET

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

2009 Laurent Miquel Syrah Grenache Pere et Fils

Relevant Links:
http://www.laurent-miquel.com/us/syrah-grenache.html
2007 Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Syrah Grenache (CellarTracker.com)

Website Information:
Pere et Fils
Syrah Grenache
Syrah 70% Grenache 30%

The uniquely French concept of 'terroirs' or classifieds oils ensures low yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

Laurent Miquel, a talented young winemaker, hand selects the best Syrah (Shiraz) and Grenache grapes from his family estate near Beziers in the South of France.
He crafts this premium blend as a testament to the unique 'terroir' to reveal ripe berry flavours and elegant tannins. Enjoy with dishes such as peking duck,warm goats cheese salad or vegetable lasagne.

Tasting notes :
Typical Southern French blend with dominant spicy Syrah and juicy full grenache. This wine offers a ripe nose of red fruits, with delicious mocha herbs and spices. The palate is mellow with intense berry flavourw and characteristic rosemary, thyme and floral notes. A real taste of the garrigue.

Press excerpts:
Syrah/Grenache bottle
'Dagens Nyheter' Sweden, Bengt-Göran Kronstam.
Laurent Miquel Syrah-Grenache is more elegant and nuanced with a warm and tempting nose. The taste is equally rich and at the the same time spicy in a long style typical for southern France.

Website Information: (CellarTracker.com) (2007)
Vintage2007
TypeRed
ProducerLaurent Miquel
VarietySyrah Blend
DesignationPère et Fils Syrah Grenache
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionLanguedoc Roussillon
SubRegionn/a
AppellationVin de Pays d'Oc

2010 Laurent Miquel Cinsault Syrah Pere et Fils

20111209:
This wine was sweeter and possibly more dry than both the chardonnay and chardonnay viognier.

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

2010 Laurent Miquel Cinsault Syrah Pere et Fils

Relevant Links:
http://www.laurent-miquel.com/us/cinsault-syrah.html
2013 Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Cinsault Syrah (CellarTracker.com)


Website Information:
Pere et Fils
Cinsault Syrah
Cinsault 70% - Syrah 30%

The uniquely French concept of 'terroirs' or classified soils ensures low yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

Laurent Miquel, a talented young winemaker, hand selects the best of his Cinsault and Syrah grapes from his family estates near Beziers in the South of France. He crafts this premium blend as a testament to the 'terroir' to reveal a rosé wine with unusual personality and character.
Enjoy its freshness and light elegant fruit as an aperitif or with simple dishes such as roast chicken, salads or grilled cajun shrimp.

Tasting Notes :
Characterised by a beautiful pale pink robe this Cinsualt Syrah epitomises the best of southern French rosés with forward fruit flavours and perfect balance. Cinsault contributes freshness and soft texture to the blend and Syrah the dramatic colour and delicious red fruit. Serve chilled 12-14°C and drink ideally within 12 months of purchase.

Website Information: (CellarTracker.com) (2013)
Vintage: 2013
Type: Rosé
Producer: Laurent Miquel
Variety: Rosé Blend
Designation: Père et Fils Cinsault Syrah
Vineyard: n/a
Country: France
Region: Languedoc Roussillon
SubRegion: n/a
Appellation: Vin de Pays d'Oc

2010 Laurent Miquel Chardonnay Viognier Pere et Fils

20111209:
This beer is more interesting than the chardonnay. 7:50 PM ET

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

2010 Laurent Miquel Chardonnay Viognier Pere et Fils

Relevant Links:
http://www.laurent-miquel.com/us/chardonnay-viognier.html
2013 Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Chardonnay Viognier (CellarTracker.com)

Website Information:
Pere et Fils
Chardonnay Viognier
Chardonnay 65% Viognier 35%

The uniquely French concept of 'terroirs' or classified soils ensures low yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

Laurent Miquel, a talented young winemaker, hand selects the best of his Chardonnay and Viognier grapes from his family estate near Beziers in the South of France. He crafts this premium blend as a testament to the 'terroir' to reveal a wine with real personality and character.

Enjoy the subtle apricot and lemon flavours and a hint of almond as an aperitif or with seafood or chicken dishes.

Tasting Notes :
Characterised by combined aromas of citrus and white peaches, this Chardonnay Viognier is a delicious introduction to the unique flavours of the Viognier . The influence of the early-picked unoaked Chardonnay element is evident on the palate - lemons and clean white fruit flavours.
It finishes with rich apricot fruit

Press extracts :
Lively, floral spiced-peach blend delivering terrific value for money
Jane McQuitty, The Times UK
‘Drink as a substitute for the summer we never had’
Raymond Blake, Food and Wine magazine

Website Information: (CellarTracker.com) (2013)
Vintage2013
TypeWhite
ProducerLaurent Miquel
VarietyChardonnay Blend
DesignationPère et Fils Chardonnay Viognier
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionLanguedoc Roussillon
SubRegionn/a
AppellationVin de Pays d'Oc
Display optionsHide variety and appellation

2010 Laurent Miquel Chardonnay Pere et Fils

20111209:
This wine was light and very easy. 7:50 PM ET

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

2010 Laurent Miquel Chardonnay Pere et Fils

Relevant Links:
2010 Laurent Miquel Chardonnay Vin de Pays d'Oc Pere et Fils (CellarTracker.com)

Website Information: (CellarTracker.com)
Vintage2010
TypeWhite
ProducerLaurent Miquel
VarietyChardonnay
DesignationPere et Fils
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionLanguedoc Roussillon
SubRegionn/a
AppellationVin de Pays d'Oc
Display optionsVariety and Appellation
UPC/EAN Code784585009220

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

20100826:
I went to a beer tasting today and this was the third beer and drink I tasted. I only wrote the following: "Good beer."

(20130813)

[20180221 Edit]

So I recall having a conversation about Dogfish Head also having a 90 Minute IPA and 120 Minute IPA. Reading up on the 120 Minute IPA from the Dogfish Head website, I was definitely interested in getting my hands on some. Dogfish Head's Fish Finder function returned one location carrying the 120 Minute IPA 79 miles away from Baltimore, MD. The Dogfish Head 2011 Beer Releases shows that the next release for 120 Minute IPA is scheduled for April. Actually, there might be a chance a local store has some, but I doubt it.

One World Cafe (20111208)

[20110131]

20111208:
I wrote: "60 Minute IPA. Nice and standard. Very drinkable. Well, at least for someone that likes IPAs. Piney." 7:15PM

[20110110]

20121109:
Sitting here at Palmere's in Little Italy drinking a beer and eating some gravy fries before heading over to Havana for a night of salsa. After finishing the beer, I also had a rum and coke.

Palmere's (20121109)

I wrote: "Dogfish Head 60 Minute. Oh wow, the hops and grassy flavor is nice. Good stuff. Just right." 8:49PM ET

[20121118]

20130418:
Today I had a 60 Minute IPA from the bottle. While I didn't seem to have taken any notes, I most certainly put my new camera to use and snapped a picture of the bottle in front of a defocused background. The photo has been added below.

[20130523]

(20130418)


20130813:
I wrote: "This 60 Minute IPA has a standard taste. I think it's on the lighter spectrum of IPAs I've tried. Or perhaps in the middle. It has a pretty clean aftertaste. It's perfect." 6:42PM ET

[20131124]

20131029:
I wrote: "This 60 Minute IPA is, as usual, good. I feel, however, that it immediately affects my sinuses." 8:59PM ET

[20131124]

(20131029)


Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Relevant Links:
Dogfish Head Website
60 Minute IPA (Dogfish Head Website)
60 Minute IPA (BeerAdvocate.com)
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (RateBeer.com)


Lacing (20111208)

Website Information:
Our 60 Minute IPA is continuously hopped - more than 60 hop additions over a 60 minute boil (getting a vibe yet of where the name came from?). 60 Minute is a session India Pale Ale brewed with a slew of great NorthWest hops. A powerful, but balanced East Coast I.P.A. with a lot of citrusy hop character. The session beer for hardcore beer enthusiasts!

Availability: Year Round
ABV: 6.0
IBU: 60
Original Release Date: 02/2003

Food Pairing Recommendations: Spicy foods, pesto, grilled salmon, soy-based dishes, pizza, vintage cheddar
Glassware Recommendation: Pint
Tasting Notes: Really hoppy, citrusy, grassy
Wine Comparable: Busty Chardonnay

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

2006 Quinta de Cabriz Dão Reserva

20111206:
I wrote: "Cabriz Reserva Dao 2006. 13.5% ABV. Has that sour wine taste." 4:03 PM


[20120110]

2006 Quinta de Cabriz Dão Reserva

Relevant Links:
2006 Quinta de Cabriz Dão Reserva, Portugal, Beiras, Dão (CellarTracker.com)

CellarTracker.com Information:
Vintage 2006
Type Red
Producer Quinta de Cabriz (web)
Variety Red Blend
Designation Reserva
Vineyard n/a
Country Portugal
Region Beiras
SubRegion n/a
Appellation Dão

Monday, December 5, 2011

21st Amendment Fireside Chat

21st Amendment Fireside Chat - can (front with name)

20111205:
I wrote: "Fireside Chat. Winter Spiced Ale. 7.9% ABV. 45 IBUS. 12 FL OZ. Can. Seasonal Release. 21st Amendment Brewery. Initially tasted like a porter. Chocolate. Eventually had a nutty, roasted taste. Enjoyable. Slightly bitter aftertaste on the tongue. After trying so long to appreciate smells and tastes in beer, I still can't quite pick up any of the smells and tastes that other people writing beer reviews on BeerAdvocate.com. Being told that nutmeg is a primary scent in this beer, I suppose I can detect it. Then again, I'm not entirely sure I know what nutmeg tastes like! Perhaps I'll go buy some tomorrow." 10:16 PM

21st Amendment Fireside Chat - can (front with drawing of FDR)

[20120105]

21st Amendment Fireside Chat

Relevant Links:
Fireside Chat (21st Amendment Website)
Fireside Chat (BeerAdvocate.com)
21st Amendment Fireside Chat (RateBeer.com)

21st Amendment Fireside Chat - can (back)


Website Information:
Fireside Chat
Winter Spiced Ale

21st Amendment Fireside Chat - can (side)

Like FDR's Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.

Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December in six pack cans and on draft. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.

ALCOHOL CONTENT: 7.9% BY VOLUME
COLOR: DEEP RUBY BROWN
BITTERNESS UNITS (IBUS): 45
MALTS: PALE, MUNICH, WHEAT, CRYSTAL, AROMATIC, CHOCOLATE MALT AND DE-BITTERED BLACK
HOPS: MAGNUM, GOLDINGS
YEAST: TOP FERMENTING ALE YEAST
SPECIAL INGREDIENTS: SPICES, COCOA NIBS

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Rolling Rock Extra Pale

20111203:
I wrote: "Rolling Rock Extra Pale is plain, but not bad. I suppose then I like it more than a Bud Light." 8:01 PM

[20120105]

Rolling Rock Extra Pale


Relevant Links:
Rolling Rock Website Day Month Year
Rolling Rock Extra Pale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Rolling Rock Extra Pale (RateBeer.com)
Rolling Rock (Wikipedia.org)

Website Information:
Using a time-honored recipe, Rolling Rock is a classic American lager that is as well-known for its distinctive, full-bodied taste as it is for its craftsmanship, heritage and painted green bottle.

-Premium Extra Pale Lager
-Only the finest malted barley, a blend of hops and time-honored recipe
-Full-flavored, with a subtle bite
-Light-to-medium body and color
-4.5% ABV, 132 cal, 10g carbs per 12 fluid oz.
-Brewed with only the choicest ingredients, including a perfect blend of pale barley malt, rice and corn
-Rolling Rock (national version): 132 calories, 10g carbs, 1.3g protein, 0g fat per 12 fluid oz.
-Rolling Rock (4% version for certain states) 116 cals, 8.8g carbs, 1.1g protein, 0g fat per 12 fluid oz.

Friday, December 2, 2011

2010 Apothic Red

20111202:
I wrote: "2010 Apothic Red. Winemaker's Blend. 13%. California. Sweet dark smell. Tastes nice. Slight sour punch on swallow." 6:54 PM

[20120105]

2010 Apothic Red


Relevant Links:
Apothic Red Website
2010 Apothic Winemaker's Blend, USA, California (CellarTracker.com)

CellarTracker.com Information:
Vintage 2010
Type Red
Producer Apothic (web)
Variety Red Blend
Designation Winemaker's Blend
Vineyard n/a
Country USA
Region California
SubRegion n/a
Appellation California
UPC Code 085000017746

Website Information:
Apothic Red

Winemaker's Blend

A captivating blend of three distinct grapes, with the dark fruit flavors of Syrah, brambly spice of Zinfandel, and a smooth elegance of Merlot.

Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

13.1% Alcohol