"Schiehallion is a famous Scottish mountain soft shrouded in cool, refreshing, misty swirls of early morning air. It is the inspiration for this magnificent award winning beer.
"Delivately crafted using Hersbrücker Lager hops Schiehallion is crisp, dry and airy with a beautifully fresh, grapefruity taste.
"For more information visit our website.
"Schiehallion is perfect served straight from the fridge."
It has, indeed, a fruity aroma but it is quite bitter. Not bad but not great.
4.8% ABV. Read more on Harviestoun Brewery website.
vendredi 30 octobre 2009
lundi 12 octobre 2009
Cork Crimson Gin
"Where it all it started
"There is a long and distinguished history of gin distilling in Cork city dating back to the 1700s. Here the distillers had access to the finest ingredients; plump grain from the fields of East Cork and exotic botanicals arriving at Cork's busting international port. It was at the Watercourse Distillery that the recipe to Cork Crimson Gin was first documented in 1798 by apprentice distiller, William Caldwell.
"Caldwell's leather bound note book contained many recipes, yet one stood out as the 'Best Gin'. This recipe used only the rarest and most expensive ingredients.
"A recipe like none other
"Staying faithful to Caldwell's original recipe, we have recreated this distinctly aromatic and elegant gin. Ten different botanicals from around the world are used, including Juniper berries from Tuscany, Sweet Orangle peel from Morocco, Cassia from Indonesia along with locally harvested ingredients such as Garden Mint and Bay Leaf. Cork Crimson Gin is then hand-crafted by the Master Distiller in small batches.
"Juniper Berry - genievre [sic] in French,
ginevra in Italian,
jenever in Dutch -
the fruit from which Gin takes its name.
"Inspired by History
"Taking inspiration from the crimson coloured wax seal of the Watercourse Distillery, we have named this gin Cork Crimson Gin - a gin of unique heritage and refinement.
"The Classic Crimson Martini
"Cork Crimson Gin's elegant, crisp flavour makes it the ideal gin for the classic dry Martini.
"Take nine parts Cork Crimson Gin and one part Dry Vermouth. Chill your Martini glass with ice and discard the contents.Fill a talle glass with ice, add the Vermouth and swirl to season. Then add the Cork Crimson Gin and stir well to chil. Strain into the Martini glass; garnish with a twisted Lemon zest or decorate with an Olive for a slightly oilier finish."
This is a very fine gin indeed. Here is a recipe I made with it:
This drink is both spicy and refreshing. It is a perfect accompaniment for Mexican or Asian food.
41.2% ABV.
"There is a long and distinguished history of gin distilling in Cork city dating back to the 1700s. Here the distillers had access to the finest ingredients; plump grain from the fields of East Cork and exotic botanicals arriving at Cork's busting international port. It was at the Watercourse Distillery that the recipe to Cork Crimson Gin was first documented in 1798 by apprentice distiller, William Caldwell.
"Caldwell's leather bound note book contained many recipes, yet one stood out as the 'Best Gin'. This recipe used only the rarest and most expensive ingredients.
"A recipe like none other
"Staying faithful to Caldwell's original recipe, we have recreated this distinctly aromatic and elegant gin. Ten different botanicals from around the world are used, including Juniper berries from Tuscany, Sweet Orangle peel from Morocco, Cassia from Indonesia along with locally harvested ingredients such as Garden Mint and Bay Leaf. Cork Crimson Gin is then hand-crafted by the Master Distiller in small batches.
"Juniper Berry - genievre [sic] in French,
ginevra in Italian,
jenever in Dutch -
the fruit from which Gin takes its name.
"Inspired by History
"Taking inspiration from the crimson coloured wax seal of the Watercourse Distillery, we have named this gin Cork Crimson Gin - a gin of unique heritage and refinement.
"The Classic Crimson Martini
"Cork Crimson Gin's elegant, crisp flavour makes it the ideal gin for the classic dry Martini.
"Take nine parts Cork Crimson Gin and one part Dry Vermouth. Chill your Martini glass with ice and discard the contents.Fill a talle glass with ice, add the Vermouth and swirl to season. Then add the Cork Crimson Gin and stir well to chil. Strain into the Martini glass; garnish with a twisted Lemon zest or decorate with an Olive for a slightly oilier finish."
This is a very fine gin indeed. Here is a recipe I made with it:
- a handfull of fresh coriander leafs
- a healthy piece of fresh ginger
- a small slice of jalapeño chili
- 2 cL lime juice
- 3 cL orange juice
- 4 cL Cork Crimson Gin (any gin would fit)
This drink is both spicy and refreshing. It is a perfect accompaniment for Mexican or Asian food.
41.2% ABV.
dimanche 11 octobre 2009
Ola Dubh Special Reserve 16
"Ola Dubh (or 'Black Oil') is so named because it is gloopy and viscous. This limited release has been matured in casks from Orkney's award-winning Highland Park distillery to add complementary whisky notes to what is already an amazing brew. It it chocolatey with a roasty bittersweet aftertaste."
This is the sister beer of the Ola Dubh Special Reserve 12. It is smoother than the 12 version, better, with tastes of coffee and bitter caramel. Excellent.
8.0% ABV. Read more on Harviestoun Brewery webiste.
This is the sister beer of the Ola Dubh Special Reserve 12. It is smoother than the 12 version, better, with tastes of coffee and bitter caramel. Excellent.
8.0% ABV. Read more on Harviestoun Brewery webiste.
Zipfer Lemon
A lemon flavoured beer that is very easy to drink and refreshing.
4.9% ABV. Read more on Brauerei Zipf website.
4.9% ABV. Read more on Brauerei Zipf website.
Gordon Biersch Pilsner
"Pilsner is a crisp, golden, moderately hopped lager. This beer was first brewed in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia in 1842 using a sample of special yeast smuggled from Germany by a Czech monk. Before this time, all beers were dark and cloudy. Pilsner was the first beer to be brewed clear and golden. Prost!"
5.3% ABV. Read more on John Martin website.
5.3% ABV. Read more on John Martin website.
L'Enjôleuse Première éditions
"Histoire. L'Enjôleuse est élaborée avec une recette d'absinthe historique française datant de 1900. La production consistant à faire macérer les plantes dans l'alcool de vin avant leur distillation, puis à colorer le distillat de manière exclusivement végétale, est fidèle à celle d'antan. L'Enjôleuse a bénéficié d'un an d'affinage afin d'acquérir moëlleux et maturation.
"Préparation. Versez trois centilitres de votre Enjôleuse dans un grand verre à absinthe. Posez une cuillère percée en travers puis déposez dessus un demi-sucre, ou davantage selon votre goût. Versez trois à cinq volumes d'eau glacée au goutte à goutte sur le sucre pour permettre à tous les arômes de s'épanouir. Votre Enjôleuse peut également être dégustée sans sucre."
This is a good, floral absinthe, similar to La Coquette (from the same distillery).
72% ABV.
"Préparation. Versez trois centilitres de votre Enjôleuse dans un grand verre à absinthe. Posez une cuillère percée en travers puis déposez dessus un demi-sucre, ou davantage selon votre goût. Versez trois à cinq volumes d'eau glacée au goutte à goutte sur le sucre pour permettre à tous les arômes de s'épanouir. Votre Enjôleuse peut également être dégustée sans sucre."
This is a good, floral absinthe, similar to La Coquette (from the same distillery).
72% ABV.
Ron Zacapa Centenario 23
"A MASTERPIECE
"Guatemala is a land bathed by the fire of volcanoes and the water from two oceans: it is a land where spring reigns eternally. From this unique landscape a masterpiece is crafted: Zacapa Centenario.
"Zacapa Centenario is specially created to commemorate the centennial foundation of the city of Zacapa, located in the eastern part of the country.
"THE SWEET ESSENCE
"No other place is as suitable as the south coast of Guatemala for the cultivation of sugar cane. The tropical sun shines all year round. NUmerous rivers refresh and nourish the soil, depositing rich minerals formed by the intense volcanic activity that has taken place here for millions of year.
"From the first pressing of sugar cane comes virgin honey. This marks the beginning of a unique journey at the hands of a Master Blender, taking the virgin honey through the process of fermentation, distillation, and aging that culminates in the sublime flavor of Zacapa Centenario.
"SOLERA GRAN RESERVA
"The epitome of our Master Blender is Zacapa Centenario 23. The unique complexity of aromas and flavors results from the special blend of reserve rums made from virgin sugar cane honey. We select them from a 'Sistema Solera' that consists of rums that are aged between 6 and 23 years. The process takes place in barrels that previously stored robust Bourbons, delicate Sherries and fine Pedro Ximenez wines.
"In the 'Sistema Solera' art and tradition encourage the blending of rums of different ages and personalities so that they may continue to mature in select barrels. This is a dynamic and artisanal process that culminates only after maturity is reached, when the complexity of aromas and flavors confirm that a unique rum has been developed.
"HOUSE IN THE CLOUDS
"All this takes place in out aging house in the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level and above the clouds. We know it is this special microclimate that helps shape the complex and delicate flavors of Zacapa Centenario 23.
"A TRAJECTORY OF AWARDS
"Zacapa Centanario was entered in its first rum tasting contest on the initiative of an adorer of our rum, who had come upon it on his own. He was right... the aged rum that he had encountered by chance obtained the overall first place in the premium category. Since then, Zacapa Centenario has received numerous accolades from experts from around the world in each competition where it has participated.
"Five years after winning the prize, Zacapa Centenario was inducted into the Rum International Hall of Fame at the International Rum Festival 2003.
"A unique combination of nature, tradition and the art of our Master Blender, Zacapa Centenario represents the foremost achievement of Rones de Guatemala. Enjoy it in the company of good friends."
This is the best rum I tasted so far, period.
40% ABV. Read more on Rones de Guatemala website.
"Guatemala is a land bathed by the fire of volcanoes and the water from two oceans: it is a land where spring reigns eternally. From this unique landscape a masterpiece is crafted: Zacapa Centenario.
"Zacapa Centenario is specially created to commemorate the centennial foundation of the city of Zacapa, located in the eastern part of the country.
"THE SWEET ESSENCE
"No other place is as suitable as the south coast of Guatemala for the cultivation of sugar cane. The tropical sun shines all year round. NUmerous rivers refresh and nourish the soil, depositing rich minerals formed by the intense volcanic activity that has taken place here for millions of year.
"From the first pressing of sugar cane comes virgin honey. This marks the beginning of a unique journey at the hands of a Master Blender, taking the virgin honey through the process of fermentation, distillation, and aging that culminates in the sublime flavor of Zacapa Centenario.
"SOLERA GRAN RESERVA
"The epitome of our Master Blender is Zacapa Centenario 23. The unique complexity of aromas and flavors results from the special blend of reserve rums made from virgin sugar cane honey. We select them from a 'Sistema Solera' that consists of rums that are aged between 6 and 23 years. The process takes place in barrels that previously stored robust Bourbons, delicate Sherries and fine Pedro Ximenez wines.
"In the 'Sistema Solera' art and tradition encourage the blending of rums of different ages and personalities so that they may continue to mature in select barrels. This is a dynamic and artisanal process that culminates only after maturity is reached, when the complexity of aromas and flavors confirm that a unique rum has been developed.
"HOUSE IN THE CLOUDS
"All this takes place in out aging house in the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level and above the clouds. We know it is this special microclimate that helps shape the complex and delicate flavors of Zacapa Centenario 23.
"A TRAJECTORY OF AWARDS
"Zacapa Centanario was entered in its first rum tasting contest on the initiative of an adorer of our rum, who had come upon it on his own. He was right... the aged rum that he had encountered by chance obtained the overall first place in the premium category. Since then, Zacapa Centenario has received numerous accolades from experts from around the world in each competition where it has participated.
"Five years after winning the prize, Zacapa Centenario was inducted into the Rum International Hall of Fame at the International Rum Festival 2003.
"A unique combination of nature, tradition and the art of our Master Blender, Zacapa Centenario represents the foremost achievement of Rones de Guatemala. Enjoy it in the company of good friends."
This is the best rum I tasted so far, period.
40% ABV. Read more on Rones de Guatemala website.
mercredi 7 octobre 2009
Tanqueray N° Ten
"Fresh botanicals and hints of citrus give Tanquery N° Ten its exquisite flavour and smooth finish. Tanqueray N° Ten is a refreshingly unique spirit, which makes a truly fresh tasting martini."
Best gin I tasted so far. I tested it in a Gin Basil Smash: splendid!
47.3% ABV. Read more on Tanqueray website.
Best gin I tasted so far. I tested it in a Gin Basil Smash: splendid!
47.3% ABV. Read more on Tanqueray website.
Gulpener Korenwolf
"Korenwolf est une bière blanche de luxe de haute fermentation. La brasserie Gulpener est une entreprise familiale, créée en 1825 et établie dans le sud du Limbourg, à Gulpen, à proximité de Maastricht."
Good refreshing typical white beer à la Belgium (Hoegaarden, Brugs, etc).
5% ABV. Read more on Gulpener Bierbrouwerij website.
Good refreshing typical white beer à la Belgium (Hoegaarden, Brugs, etc).
5% ABV. Read more on Gulpener Bierbrouwerij website.
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel
Good weissbier dunkel by the oldest bewery in the world.
5.3% ABV. Read more on Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan website.
5.3% ABV. Read more on Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan website.
Flensburger Pilsener
Nothing special about it. Classic German pilsener.
4.8% ABV. Read more on Flensburger Brauerei Emil Peterson GmbH website.
4.8% ABV. Read more on Flensburger Brauerei Emil Peterson GmbH website.
dimanche 4 octobre 2009
Cachaça Sagatiba
"What is Sagatiba?
"An endless Saga? Many Sagas? A potion of infinite transformations?
"Cachaça Sagatiba Pura is the result of an evolution of over four hundred years of tradition in the prodution of sugar-cane distilled beverages.
"It complies with rigorous multi-distillation quality standards while maintaining its smooth taste and a fresh, stimulating bouquet.
"So pure that it is perfect for cocktails like the famous Caipirinha.
"So pure, it is also perfect to savor straight, pure."
Good cachaça. Don't bother of what is said, though. It is nothing special. Just good, nothing more. Good in Caipirinha indeed. I used it in a cocktail by Jeffrey Morgenthaler called The Black Dog.
38% ABV. Read more on Sagatiba website.
"An endless Saga? Many Sagas? A potion of infinite transformations?
"Cachaça Sagatiba Pura is the result of an evolution of over four hundred years of tradition in the prodution of sugar-cane distilled beverages.
"It complies with rigorous multi-distillation quality standards while maintaining its smooth taste and a fresh, stimulating bouquet.
"So pure that it is perfect for cocktails like the famous Caipirinha.
"So pure, it is also perfect to savor straight, pure."
Good cachaça. Don't bother of what is said, though. It is nothing special. Just good, nothing more. Good in Caipirinha indeed. I used it in a cocktail by Jeffrey Morgenthaler called The Black Dog.
38% ABV. Read more on Sagatiba website.
Fuller's ESB Champion Ale
"Twice voted world champion bitter, three times voted champion beer of Britain, and the winner of many awards around the globe, ESB is acknowledged as one of the world's greatest beer.
"Smooth, full bodied and bursting with flavour, with marmalade fruitiness throughout, ESB's rich malty notes are balanced by a unique blend of Northdown, Target, Challenger and Goldins hops, to give a long, satisfying finish.
"We recommend that ESB is best enjoyed served cool.It can be savoured on its own, or as an acoompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, including beef, lamb, game and mature cheeses."
This ale is not bad, though I'm not a big fan of ales in general.
5.9% ABV. Read more on Fuller Smith & Turner P.L.C. website.
"Smooth, full bodied and bursting with flavour, with marmalade fruitiness throughout, ESB's rich malty notes are balanced by a unique blend of Northdown, Target, Challenger and Goldins hops, to give a long, satisfying finish.
"We recommend that ESB is best enjoyed served cool.It can be savoured on its own, or as an acoompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, including beef, lamb, game and mature cheeses."
This ale is not bad, though I'm not a big fan of ales in general.
5.9% ABV. Read more on Fuller Smith & Turner P.L.C. website.
Fuller's Vintage Ale 2008
"I have crafted this very special ale from the finest Challenger and Northdown hops, Maris Otter malted barley, and of course, our unique yeast, to create a truly extraordinary limited edition brew.
"Individually packed and numbered, this bottle is one of only one hundred and forty-five thousand produced.
"Although we are obliged to state a best before date of 2011, like a fine wine or whisky, this mellow golden ale will improve with age for many more years. For best results keep upright in a cool, dark room or cellar.
"This 2008 edition marks 11 year of brewing this magnificent ale. Further information or previous Vintage Ales can be found inside.
"Being bottle conditioned, the beer will form a natural sediment; so pour carefully, sit back, and enjoy this, the very finest of Fuller's ales."
It is, indeed, a very good beer.
8.5% ABV. Read more on Fuller Smith & Turner P.L.C. website.
"Individually packed and numbered, this bottle is one of only one hundred and forty-five thousand produced.
"Although we are obliged to state a best before date of 2011, like a fine wine or whisky, this mellow golden ale will improve with age for many more years. For best results keep upright in a cool, dark room or cellar.
"This 2008 edition marks 11 year of brewing this magnificent ale. Further information or previous Vintage Ales can be found inside.
"Being bottle conditioned, the beer will form a natural sediment; so pour carefully, sit back, and enjoy this, the very finest of Fuller's ales."
It is, indeed, a very good beer.
8.5% ABV. Read more on Fuller Smith & Turner P.L.C. website.
samedi 3 octobre 2009
Yebisu All Malt Beer
"YEBISU BEER is a rich and mellow premium beer brewed from 100% fine malt and select hops with Sapporo's traditional art."
5.0% ABV. Read more on Sapporo Breweries Ltd. website.
5.0% ABV. Read more on Sapporo Breweries Ltd. website.
Peroni Nastro Azzuro
"PERONI NASTRO AZZURO è la birra premium italiana numero uno. Ha un gusto intenso e rinfrescante con un inconfondibile stile italiano."
Basic lager beer. Not much to say about it.
5.1% ABV. Read more on Birra Peroni website.
Basic lager beer. Not much to say about it.
5.1% ABV. Read more on Birra Peroni website.
Inscription à :
Articles (Atom)