Original Recipe: The Dow Jones Industrial Average Cocktail
Coming to my holiday party tonight? Here’s the original cocktail crafted just for the event that you’ll be drinking tonight. Give your liver a pep talk. The inspiration is obvious: Economic collapse. The DJIA Cocktail (or the Dow Cocktail, if you prefer) is meant to be bittersweet to remind us of the hard times we’ve…
Review: Michael Collins Blended Irish Whiskey (2008)
Michael Collins, epic hero of modern Ireland, naturally deserves a whiskey bottled in his honor. Here’s a look at Michael Collins “A Blend” (there’s also a Single Malt version available). To consider the rich amber color of the whiskey you’d think you’re in for something hefty (check the photo below — the bottle itself is…
Review: NV Cattier Champagne Brut Antique
While there is certainly a shortage of things to celebrate these days, should you encounter one — a wedding or a baby, perhaps — consider grabbing a bottle of Cattier for the event. Cattier is a new label for the U.S. A big brand overseas (it’s sold in 65 countries), it is only just now…
Tasting Report: Wines of New Zealand and Australia, 2008
It’s cold outside but it’s hot down south — the southern hemisphere, that is — and in that honor the folks at Uncorked Events through a wine party for Australian and New Zealand wine producers. Some 100 wines were available for sampling from about 20 different producers/importers/consortia. Since we’re dealing with a mixed bag of…
Review: Organic Nation O-N Vodka and Gin
Organic spirits are a category that you just can’t stop. Organic Nation hails from Oregon’s Cascade Peak Spirits Inc., and Organic Nation Vodka and Gin are the company’s first two offerings. A ginger-flavored vodka and at least one whiskey (organic whiskey is decidedly rare) are coming in 2009. While we wait for those, we occupied…
Review: Vinturi Wine Aerator
Every wine enthusiast ends up with drawers full of gadgets designed to enhance the flavor of wine, but a good old decanter is perhaps the best way to take both a tannic young wine or a musty old one and bring out the most pleasant characters of each without a lot of sitting around and…
Review: Karafe Wine Enthusiast Board Game
I love the concept of the board game Karafe: It’s a lot like the game of Life, where you try to accumulate wealth as you get from start to finish on a long, twisting road, only it’s got a big twist: Rather than go from cradle to grave with a real job, you go from…
Review: Tequila Herradura, Complete Lineup (2008)
Finally got my mitts on the full line of standard Herradura tequilas (all except the Seleccion Suprema). Here are some thoughts on all three expressions. All are 80 proof. Tequila Herradura Silver (2008) – (original report here) – This blanco has grown on me since I originally reviewed it in April. My overall tasting notes are…
