Maine Root Ginger Brew

20150430:
This Maine Root Ginger Brew had less of a ginger smell to it compared to the Bruce Cost Ginger Ale. With that being said, there was still a copious amount of ginger and it had other smells going on as well.

The taste, as indicated on the bottle, was spicy. 6:08PM PT More explicitly, the spiciness tasted most like a mild chili pepper.

Overall, I like the Bruce Cost Ginger Ale much more, because it is more well-rounded. If, however, you enjoy a spicy kick or looking to try new unfamiliar things, then consider the Maine Root Ginger Brew. 6:35PM PT

[20150525 Edit]

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Maine Root Ginger Brew

Relevant Links:
Maine Root Ginger Brew

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Website Information:

Handcrafted soda made with Fair Trade Certified organic evaporated cane juice. Our recipe lets the WICKED spicy flavor of the Ginger Root loose to mingle with pure organic evaporated cane juice, purified water and HAPPY BUBBLES! Wicked good. CAFFEINE FREE

Bruce Cost Ginger Ale Original

20150430:
Wow, this Bruce Cost Ginger Ale has a lovely spice to it. It's sweet, but not overly sweet. It reminds me of Vietnamese ginger candy. 3:01PM PT

Bottle of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale (20150430)

[20150523 Edit]

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20180717:
This Bruce Cost Ginger Ale was sweet. There's some stickiness despite the use of cane sugar.

There was a light spice which I would expect from the ginger.

As a matter of fact, it was left outside from yesterday and so it was warm (room temperature), but it was still absolutely delicious.

Can of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale  - Front (20180717)

I drank about 9 ounces. 11:24 AM PT

[20181223 Edit]

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Bruce Cost Ginger Ale Original

Relevant Links:
Bruce Cost Ginger Ale Webite

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Bottle of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale - Sediments Settled (20150430)

Website Information:

Original
Made with only fresh ginger (no extracts or oils) and pure cane sugar, this is a fundamentally simple, delicious and spicy beverage. Unfiltered and rich with ginger particles, it provides iron and a little vitamin C as well as refreshment.

Can of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale - Nutrition Facts (20180717)

Lagunitas Waldos' Special Ale

Lagunitas Waldos' Special Ale

Relevant Links:
Waldos' Special Ale (Lagunitas Website)
2015 OneHitter Series The Waldos' Special Ale (Lagunitas Website)
Waldo's Special Ale | Lagunitas Brewing Company (BeerAdvocate.com)
Lagunitas Waldo's Special Ale (RateBeer.com)

20150422:
I came to Eureka! today for the Steal the Glass special (today featured the Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Saison). Unfortunately, I wasn't very impressed. Fortunately, they still had some Waldos' Special Ale on tap.

The Lagunitas Waldos' 4/20 DIPA came out with some head. While my intention was to smell it first, I immediately tasted it instead. It tasted very hoppy and grassy, but did not taste bitter until the end of the sip and into the aftertaste.

I tried to smell it after the sip, but I didn't detect anything.

Drinking some more, I noted and re-emphasized that the beer was so hoppy. I guess that's what it means to be a double IPA (my friend Josh would probably hate it). I also noted that there was a nice amount of lacing on the glass.

Overall, I liked the 4/20 DIPA more than the Ovila Abbey Saison.

After finishing two-thirds of the beer, I gave it another whiff and could smell the hops. Furthermore, no more lacing had formed after the head had dissipated.

While both the taste and alcohol content (11% ABV) was strong, the beer smelled nice. Cheers. 7:24PM PT

Website Information:
LAGUNITAS WALDOS' SPECIAL ALE

The dankest and hoppiest beer ever brewed at Lagunitas is made with help of The Waldos for all treasure hunters... See, in 1971, The Waldos met one afteroon at 4:20 in the front courtyard of their school near the statue of Louis Pasteur. They set out in a ’66 Impala armed with a "treasure map" on a journey to find a secret garden near Point Reyes. They met there at the same time every day and continued their quest. They never found the secret garden.... But they keep lookin'.

UNLIMITED RELEASE
ABV: 11.1%
Sold as: Kegs
Net contents: Ounces and ounces of Malt, Hops, Yeast and water.

Website Information:
4:20: WALDOS’ SPECIAL ALE
April 11, 2015 | It's that time of year again!

2015 WALDOS' SPECIAL ALE
Though we change this slightly every year it always ends up bein’ the dankest, hoppiest brew we make... Herbacious. Botanical. Resinous. Available in Hiiiighly limited areas on April 20th. Cheers to all you treasure hunters!

Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Saison with Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns

Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Saison with Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns*
*Not to be confused with the Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Saison which was released in 2011 (and no longer available). With that being said, many reviews on RateBeer.com meant for the Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns version are misplaced under the 2011 version.

Relevant Links:
Ovila Abbey Saison with Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns (Sierra Nevada Website)
Ovila Abbey Saison - Mandarin Oranges & Peppercorns | Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (BeerAdvocate.com)
Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison - Mandarin Oranges & Peppercorns

20150422:
Once again it was "Steal the Glass" Wednesday at Eureka! and the featured beer was Ovila Abbey Saison (with Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns).

At first, I found the beer smelled like a gum I've had. Eventually I supposed it just smells like typical (flavorless) bubblegum. After smelling the beer, I noted that it had an orange color and that it actually had a bubblegum taste to it.

While I'm not sure how mandarin oranges and peppercorn results in a bubblegum taste, I do know it tasted strange. I definitely like the (Sierra Nevada) Ovila Quad better, mainly because I couldn't shake off the weird bubblegum taste.

About halfway through, the manager came by and asked what I thought about the beer. After telling him my thoughts, he talked a little about it; in particular, he mentioned that its brewed with mandarin oranges and peppercorn and that it was actually just released yesterday. 6:43PM PT

The beer showed no signs of lacing except for a thin line at the very top.

Afterwards I tried the Lagunitas Waldos' Special Ale.

Website Information:
Collaboration with Monk's Abbey
OVILA® ABBEY SAISON WITH MANDARIN ORANGES AND PEPPERCORNS

Complex yet rustic farmhouse ale.

An homage to the monks’ noble work, this unique farmhouse ale is incredibly complex with notes of lemon, pepper, straw and herbs balanced by the tang of Mandarin oranges and a spicy kick of pepper. The Mandarin oranges used to make this beer were locally grown, including a portion grown on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux and picked by hand by the community of monks living there. We hope you enjoy this collaboration ale.

OVERVIEW
ALCOHOL CONTENT 7.5% by volume
BEGINNING GRAVITY 16⁰ plato
ENDING GRAVITY 1.7⁰ plato
BITTERNESS UNITS 24

INGREDIENTS
YEAST Belgian yeast
BITTERING HOPS Summit
FINISHING HOPS Styrian Golding, El Dorado, Mandarina Bavaria
MALTS Estate grown two-row Pale, Wheat, Caramel
OTHER Mandarin Orange and Peppercorn

FOOD PAIRING
CUISINE Curried dishes, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish
CHEESE Camembert, Parmesan, Gorgonzola
DESSERT Orange sorbet, Crèpes

Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA

20150421:
I came to Eureka! on 20151205 and tried to order a Grapefruit Sculpin IPA, but unfortunately they ran out. But if that wasn't bad enough, the bartender came back with a glass of Sculpin IPA as if we already agreed it was an acceptable substitute. While I was shocked, I hadn't had it in a while and accepted the change.

Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA - full pour and no head (20150421)

In any case, encountering the Grapefruit Sculpin IPA today, I jumped on the chance to try it. The beer had an IPA-like floral smell. Its taste dominantly reminded me of the bitter taste of grapefruit; the aftertaste was similar in flavor. 4:55PM PT

I never wrote final notes on the Grapefruit Sculpin IPA, but overall it was a decent IPA. In particular, the grapefruit/citrus notes, if any, were subtle. 11:25PM PT

[20150506]

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20171008:
I was at the airport today and I decided to order this beer. It was expensive, but good. I've had it before, but I couldn't remember how it tasted. Today it tasted bitter, but the flavor of pale ale and citrus took precedence. The next sip I took was tastier with no bitterness. Furthermore, the draft pour had a light carbonation which enhanced the overall experience. 11:22PM PT

Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA - at the airport in a plastic cup (20171008)

Overall, I didn't like the taste. While it was lighter than a grassy IPA, I would have preferred it to be less bitter. 20171009 12:01AM PT

In the end, it might be because I'm not a fan of grapefruit, and fans of grapefruit would greatly enjoy this beer.

Remark: The grapefruit flavor was subtle. 20171009 12:02AM PT

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Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA

Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA - full pour and head (20150421)

Relevant Links:
Grapefruit Sculpin (Ballast Point Website)
Grapefruit Sculpin IPA | Ballast Point Brewing Company (BeerAdvocate.com)
Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

GRAPEFRUIT SCULPIN
INDIA PALE ALE WITH GRAPEFRUIT

Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA - almost done and lacing (20150421)

Our award-winning IPA, with a citrus twist.
Our Grapefruit Sculpin is the latest take on our signature IPA. Some may say there are few ways to improve Sculpin’s unique flavor, but the tart freshness of grapefruit perfectly complements our IPA’s citrusy hop character. Grapefruit’s a winter fruit, but this easy-drinking ale tastes like summer.

AVAILABILITY: Limited, 12oz. Bottles & Draft
ALC. BY VOL.: 7%
BITTERNESS: 70 IBUs
FOOD PAIRINGS: Coconut Basmati Rice, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Tropical Bread Pudding

2010 Terlato Cardinals' Peak

20150410:
After having a cup of this wine, I got it again.

7:51 PM PT

And then I tried to get another cup of it, but there was no more. 8:07 PM PT

[20180704][Part of Wine at Rutherford Hill Winery]

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2010 Terlato Cardinals' Peak

Relevant Links:
2010 Terlato Cardinals' Peak (Rutherford Hill Website)
2010 Terlato Cardinals' Peak (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (on 20180704)

Cardinals' Peak is the third blend in the Terlato Family Vineyards Peak series, following the traditions and methods of the Margaux region, focusing the blend principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot supporting. This wine is full-bodied, rich, has intense and delicious flavors, and has the most structure and deepest color of all the Peak wines.

Color: Intense, concentrated ruby
Aroma: Black currant, black cherry, and cedar, with jammy hints.
Taste: Complex, with a mix of spice, loamy earth, dried herb and berry accompanied by a touch of sage and chicory, and ending with a drying aftertaste.

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Pamphlet Description:

TERLATO CARDINALS' PEAK 2010
NAPA VALLEY
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot
Aroma: Black fruit, figs, aniseed
Flavor: Blackberry, dark chocolate

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2010
TypeRed
ProducerTerlato Vineyards
VarietyRed Bordeaux Blend
DesignationCardinals' Peak
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNapa Valley
AppellationNapa Valley
UPC/EAN Code086891077277

2011 Rutherford Hill Winemakers Blend

20150410:
This wine was tastier than the merlot. However, the server mentioned that the merlot is Rutherford Hill's flagship wine.

My sister and I. 7:37 PM PT

Regardless, I find this wine to be enjoyable. 7:36 PM PT

[20180704][Part of Wine at Rutherford Hill Winery]

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2011 Rutherford Hill Winemakers Blend

Relevant Links:
2011 Rutherford Hill Winemakers Blend (Rutherford Hill Website)
2011 Rutherford Hill Winemakers Blend (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (on 20180704)

Wine blending is at the heart of our winemaking programs. Wine blending is the critical process of deftly combining different wines, from multiple vineyards locations and appellations with one goal: creating a complete wine that is superior to the individual components. We honor this step with the Winemaker's Blend, a unique wine that celebrates the artistic, strategic and challenging task of wineblending.

Tasting Notes:

Complex aromas of dark cherry and plum, with a hint of caramel bringing forth concentrated, full bodied flavors of red currant and cherry with a hint of floral notes.

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Pamphlet Description:

RUTHERFORD HILL WINEMAKERS BLEND 2011*
NAPA VALLEY
45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
Aroma: Blueberry, dry cherry plum, caramel
Flavor: Dry cherry, red currant, mocha

*Winery Exclusive Wines

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2011
TypeRed
ProducerRutherford Hill
VarietyRed Bordeaux Blend
DesignationWinemakers Blend
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNapa Valley
AppellationNapa Valley

2011 Rutherford Hill Merlot Napa Valley

20150410:
This wine tasted more or less standard. 7:15 PM PT

6:33 PM PT

Later in the evening, I wanted to drink another cup of Cardinals' Peak but there was only the merlot left. As such, I got the merlot. It tasted okay. 8:07 PM PT

[20180704][Part of Wine at Rutherford Hill Winery]

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2011 Rutherford Hill Merlot

8:07 PM PT

Relevant Links:
2011 Rutherford Hill Merlot (Rutherford Hill Website)
2011 Rutherford Hill Merlot (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (on 20180704)

Tasting Notes: This 2011 vintage of merlot has a great garnet color with intense aromas of raspberry and plum, including a hint of dried cherries. This wine concentrates on flavors of red fruit and plush tannins, giving the wine a rich finish with a hint of cocoa, caramel and dry currants.

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Pamphlet Description:

RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT 2011
NAPA VALLEY
85% Merlot, 6^ Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc
Aroma: Dark cherry, cinnamon, dark chocolate
Flavor: Cherry, mocha

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2011
TypeRed
ProducerRutherford Hill
VarietyMerlot
Designationn/a
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNapa Valley
AppellationNapa Valley
UPC/EAN Code086891029030, 086891083315

2013 Rutherford Hill Chardonnay

20150410:
This wine tasted standard. 6:08 PM PT

6:08 PM PT

[20180704][Part of Wine at Rutherford Hill Winery]

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2013 Rutherford Hill Chardonnay

Relevant Links:
2013 Rutherford Hill Chardonnay (CellarTracker.com)

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Pamphlet Description:

RUTHERFORD HILL CHARDONNAY 2013*
CARNEROS
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Aroma: Pears, apricot blossom, toasted almond
Flavor: Pears and lemon zest

*Winery Exclusive Wines

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2013
TypeWhite
ProducerRutherford Hill
VarietyChardonnay
Designationn/a
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNapa Valley
AppellationNapa Valley

2012 Terlato Pinot Grigio

20150410:
This wine was not bad. 6:08 PM PT

5:33 PM PT

[20180704][Part of Wine at Rutherford Hill Winery]

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Pamphlet Description:

TERLATO PINOT GRIGIO 2012
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
100% Pinot Grigio
Aroma: Peach, apricot, honeysuckle
Flavor: Apple, stone fruit

2013 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer Late Harvest

20150410:
This wine was my fifth and last choice. Upon reading the description, I could smell the honey and apricot. However, it mainly tasted like honey. 3:20 PM PT

Menu Description:
2013 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley Very complex and intriguing aromas of honey and apricot from the noble rot 'botrytis cinera' show on the r(?) | with honeysuckle and a flora note of rose petals. It is very succulent and rich on the palate, and balanced (?) | crisp acidity. Ideal with after dinner desserts of chocolate torte, creme brulee or baked fruit with | an artisanal cheese selection. $39 per bottle, $421.20 per case

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2013 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer Late Harvest

Relevant Links:
2013 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer Late Harvest (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2013
TypeWhite - Sweet/Dessert
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietyGewürztraminer
DesignationLate Harvest
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNorth Coast
AppellationAnderson Valley

2014 Castello di Amorosa Muscat Canelli Il Raggio Del Sole

20150410:
Having finished the reds, our server brought out new glasses. The wine smelled like a white wine, but a little sweeter. It tasted sweet.

After reading the description, I could taste the peach flavor.

Menu Description:
2014 Muscat Canelli "Il Raggio del Sole" (Sunshine) | Santa Barbara Enchanting, floral nuances of honeysuckle and hybiscus with intense, fruity aromas of ripe peach an | orange-peel in the nose. The wines sweetness and massive flavors are beautifully balanced with crisp acidity, | low alcohol, and a lively "spritzy" aftertaste. This dessert wine is an extremely luscious, irrestibly engaging and fun wine. Try paired with spicy foods, biscotti, a cheese platter or poured over fresh fruit! $29 per bottle-Sale 3 bottles 10%-$26.10/bottle, 6+ bottles 20%=$23.20/bottle and $278.40 per case

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2014 Castello di Amorosa Muscat Canelli Il Raggio Del Sole

Relevant Links:
2014 Castello di Amorosa Muscat Canelli Il Raggio Del Sole (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2014
TypeWhite - Sweet/Dessert
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietyMuscat Canelli
DesignationIl Raggio Del Sole
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionCentral Coast
AppellationSanta Barbara County

2012 Castello di Amorosa Zingaro

20150410:
This wine has a nice smell and a light, sweet taste. It tastes like cherries.

Menu Description:
2012 Zingaro-Russian River Valley - Old Vine Zinfandel/Primitivo The relatively cool climate of the Russian River Valley allowed for slow ripening of the fruit, resulting in full flavor development and increased complexity. The balanced acidity makes this a great food wine. This wine is peppery, with flavors of red and black berries. $35 per bottle, $378.00 per case

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2012 Castello di Amorosa Zingaro

Relevant Links:
2012 Castello di Amorosa Zingaro (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2012
TypeRed
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietyZinfandel Blend
DesignationZingaro
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionSonoma County
AppellationRussian River Valley

2014 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer "Dolcino"

20150410:
I really like the smell of this wine. It smells like a nut. My sister thinks it smells like a rose. I think it smells like perfume. It's very sweet. I like it.

Menu Description:
2014 "Dolcino" A Little Sweet) Gewürztraminer Sweet and spicy aromas of hazelnut, honeyed fruit, cinnamon and honeysuckle, and a floral note of dried rose | petal. Round, and lush, just slightly sweet with an oily rich (?) a great mouth-feel and impecca- | bly balanced. Delicious with curried Thai cuisine, chicken sa(?) or simply a stand-alone sipper. $25 per bottle, $270.00 per case

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2014 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer "Dolcino"

Relevant Links:
2014 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer "Dolcino" (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2014
TypeWhite
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietyGewürztraminer
Designation"Dolcino"
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNorth Coast
AppellationAnderson Valley

2013 Castello di Amorosa Sangiovese Gioia

20150410:
The wine my sister picked next, the rosata, was lighter but tastier (than the Pinot Grigio).

Menu Description:
2013 "Gioia" (Joy) - Rosato di Sangiovese An Italian style rose bursting with framboise, soft plum and sweet red apple. B(?) strawberry and | cranberry on the palate combine with bright acidity. Giola makes a perfect (?) wine (?) win(?) or | with a Caprese salad topped with fresh mozzarella. $24 per bottle - Sale 3 bottles 10%=$21.60/bottle, 6+ bottles 20%=$19.20/bottle

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2013 Castello di Amorosa Sangiovese Gioia

Relevant Links:
2013 Castello di Amorosa Sangiovese Gioia (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2013
TypeRosé
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietySangiovese
DesignationGioia
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionSonoma County
AppellationRussian River Valley

2013 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Grigio

20150410:
My sister chose this wine to sample first. This wine, compared to the chardonnay, was lighter.

Menu Description:
2013 Pinot Grigio Fruity, bright orange-citrus with aromas of green apple with rich honeydew melon and tangy, lemony overtones. | Balanced acidity gives it a crisp refreshing qualit, bursting with bright, juicy fruit flavors. It is perfect as a pre- | dinner sipper or with salads, ripe cantaloupe with prosciutto and soft cheeses seasoned with fresh herbs. $21 per bottle, $226.80 per case

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2013 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Grigio

Relevant Links:
2013 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Grigio (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2013
TypeWhite
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietyPinot Grigio
Designationn/a
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNapa Valley
AppellationNapa Valley

2013 Castello di Amorosa Chardonnay

20150410:
This wine had a strong smell and taste.

Menu Description:
2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay Rich and seductive wine with toasting oak and light buttered layers of stone fruit and fire roasted chestnuts. The lingering aftertaste has citrus and mineral overtones and a sweet, woody finish of vanilla and hints of toasted nuts. This full-bodied chardonnay pairs perfectly with roasted chicken and mushroom risotto or baked lasagna with a creamy bechamel. *2015 SF Chronical Competition - Gold Medal $29 per bottle, $313.20 per case

[20180630 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa]

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2013 Castello di Amorosa Chardonnay

Relevant Links:
2013 Castello di Amorosa Chardonnay (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Description: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2013
TypeWhite
ProducerCastello di Amorosa
VarietyChardonnay
Designationn/a
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNapa Valley
AppellationNapa Valley

Vodka and Ginger Ale

20150406:
Today, on my flight from SoCal to NorCal, I ordered a vodka* and ginger ale. While I recall an airline experience where ordering hard liquor results in the sale of a mini bottle (~50mL) of liquor, the drink just came out in a cup. This would be analogous to some airlines serving a cup of ice with the entire can of soda, while others just pour some of the soda into a cup.

In any case, the drink was a bit bitter tasting. It ended alright though. 6:27PM PT

*Their in-flight menu says its Finlandia vodka.

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Vodka and Ginger Ale*
*A Moscow mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Ginger beer and ginger ale are made differently and will taste different from each other. Apparently the main difference in making alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer is the amount of sugar added.

Relevant Links:
Moscow mule (Wikipedia.org)

Article: "Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer, and the History of the Moscow Mule"
Article: "Difference Between Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer"

Boulder Beer Shake Chocolate Porter

Boulder Beer Shake Chocolate Porter

Relevant Links:
Shake Chocolate Porter (Boulder Beer Website)
Shake Chocolate Porter | Boulder Beer / Wilderness Pub (BeerAdvocate.com)
Boulder Beer Shake Chocolate Porter (RateBeer.com)

20150405:
This beer smells like Nestle cocoa powder.

Josh finds its tastes more chocolaty than Young's Double Chocolate Stout.

While it's been a long time since I've had Young's Double Chocolate Stout, I'd be inclined to think he's right, because I definitely think this beer tastes just like Nestle hot chocolate.

Overall, I like it - though I would note that it's more malty than the average chocolate stout. 10:32PM PT

Beer has a deep cocoa smell. [Movie] The taste is a malty chocolate taste. But not bad like the Samuel Stout Organic Chocolate. [Movie] 20150406 12:06AM

Website Information:
Shake Chocolate Porter

Our twist on the traditional robust American Porter, Shake Chocolate Porter is dark black in color with rich, sweet aromatics and flavors of dark chocolate, coffee and caramel. This unique brew blends five different grains, including Chocolate Wheat, that along with cacao nibs create a devilishly delicious chocolate finish with a velvety mouthfeel.

5.9% ABV
39 IBU

Mississippi Mud Black & Tan

Mississippi Mud Black & Tan

Relevant Links:
Mississippi Mud Black & Tan | Mississippi Brewing Co. (BeerAdvocate.com)
Mississippi Mud Black & Tan (RateBeer.com)

20150405:
This Missippi Mud is pretty good. It has a creamy taste.

Of course, it lacks the visual appeal of a black and tan which is poured so that the porter and lager are separate layers (see either Guinness and Bass or Guinness and Firestone Walker DBA). 10:09PM PT

Label Information:
Dating back to 18th-century England, the custom of blending pale and dark beers has kept the "Black and Tan" a favorite of experienced beer drinkers for centuries.

Our famous recipe combines a robust English porter with a fine Continental Pilsner, preserving the character of each, while creating the classic taste of the legendary "Black and Tan". In true American style, we bring you the best of both beers as they meet in Missisippi Mud.

5% ABV

The Lost Abbey Agave Maria

The Lost Abbey Agave Maria

Relevant Links:
Agave Maria (The Lost Abbey Website)
Agave Maria | The Lost Abbey (BeerAdvocate.com)
Lost Abbey Agave Maria Ale (RateBeer.com)

20150405:
I purchased this bottle back in December at BevMo! for about 16 or 18 bucks. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try it before returning to NorCal. Having returned to SoCal a couple of days ago, I made sure to open the bottle and give it a drink.

This beer has a sugary smell. I can also smell a bit of the alcohol. Maybe it has a caramel smell. Maybe it has a honey smell. Giving it one last thought, I find it mostly smells like honey.

It has a dark red color and cloudy appearance.

My dad says its sour and not tasty.

Indeed, it's sour and has a honey taste, hovering on strong, but drinkable.

Josh describes it as tart. He senses the strength more and so only partially likes it. In particular, he mentions stouts and porters which are strong (in alcohol), but finds their strength masked by their flavor. 8:47PM PT

Finally, I thought I detected hints of chocolate, but doubted myself. However, the website description does in fact mention 'an earthy, bitter smoked chocolate on the finish.' 9:06PM PT

Website Information:
An Agave-based Strong Ale, Agave Maria is The Lost Abbey’s first venture into oak aging in Tequila barrels to hit distribution.

ABV: 13.5%

TASTING NOTES:
Using a blend of Anejo and Reposado barrels and aged for a minimum of ten months, Agave Maria has hints of black pepper, sweet sugar, oatmeal, and oak with an earthy, bitter smoked chocolate on the finish. The base beer, a new Agave strong ale, was created specifically to pair with the spiciness of the Tequila, adding a sweet honey-like quality to the beer.

STYLE REFERENCE:
Barrel-Aged Strong Ale

Drake's Denogginizer

20150402:
I'm here at Ritter's Steam Kettle Cooking and I decide to get a Drake's Denogginizer. This beer has a fresh, hoppy, pale ale smell. As an odd note, I correlate this smell with a stuffy nose.

Drake's Denogginizer (20150402)

In any case, I find it has a similar to the Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. It has a balanced taste and little to no bitterness. 7:43PM PT

It has an orange color with a slightly red hue.

The final sip was nice, again with no bitterness. I would mention, however, that the spiciness of the food made the beer taste a little spicy. 9:14PM PT

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20150906:
The Denogginizer had a grassy bitter taste. 11:57PM PT

Drake's Denogginizer - Bottle (20150906)

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Drake's Denogginizer

Relevant Links:
Drake's Denogginizer - DIPA (Drake's Brewing Website)
Drake's Denogginizer | Drake's Brewing Co. (BeerAdvocate.com)
Drakes Denogginizer (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

DRAKE’S DENOGGINIZER – DIPA

Drake's Denogginizer (20150402)

An Imperial India Pale Ale. Denogginizer is a big, bold beer hopped with an abundant amount of dank, citrusy American hops. Crystal malts add color and a subtle caramel malt flavor that helps balance out the immense hop dosings in this monster Imperial IPA. Enjoy the boldness of the citrus and resinous hops, but please remember: Hold on to your head. Available Year Round.

THE DENOGGINIZER STORY:

In January of 2004, Drake’s brewers sought to create a beer to turn some heads. They crafted a massive Imperial IPA with a full body, smooth malt backbone, and an utterly irresponsible amount of pungent, dank, American hops. After three weeks in the tanks and one minor incident involving a pressure relief valve jettisoning across the cellar and nearly decapitating a brewer, a beer, and its name, were born. Citizens be warned, even without a tank valve careening at high speeds, Denogginizer has been know to blow a few minds.

FACTS
Malt: American 2-Row Barley, Patagonia Crystal 55
Hops: Bittering- Bravo; Whirlpool- Cascade & Chinook
Dry-hop: Cascade, Chinook, HBC 342
Yeast: White Labs 001
Original Gravity: 19.8 degrees Plato
Alc/Vol: 9.75%
IBUs: 90

AWARDS
Bronze- Imperial IPA, California State Fair 2013
Winner Good Food Awards 2011
Silver 2009 Great American Beer Festival

Great Divide Orabelle

Great Divide Orabelle

Relevant Links:
Orabelle (Great Divide Website)
Orabelle | Great Divide Brewing Company (BeerAdvocate.com)
Great Divide Orabelle (RateBeer.com)

20150401:
This beer has an orange smell and some other scent as well. I find the beer tastes exactly as it smells.

Trying to figure out what the other scent/flavor, I wonder if maybe the beer has notes of orange peel with coriander.*

Oh no, I know what it reminds me of, it's a wheat smell and taste, like a hefeweizen. In any case, I like how it tastes. 8:20PM

Yeah, this beer had a wheat and light bready taste. It was delightful. 9:01PM

*Apparently I was spot on, at least prior to doubting myself: the beer is in fact brewed with orange peel and coriander.

Website Information:
ORABELLE

ORABELLE is brewed with barley, wheat, oats, and rye. This Belgian-Style Tripel is a golden beauty. Its two yeast strains, orange peel and dash of coriander impart surprising complexity and richness to this delicate ale. Don’t let Orabelle’s demure nature fool you; this is one flavorful pour. Watch out, she’s a charmer – one sip and you’ll be in love.

ABV.: 8.3%
AVAILABLE: Seasonal
SIZES: 6 packs, 5 gal and 15.5 gal kegs

FOOD PAIRINGS
Flemish beef stew, cured prosciutto and artisan salami, roasted Brussels sprouts, Gorgonzola cheese, and pecan pie.