Hoegaarden Speciale

"Dit verfijnde bier wordt enkel gebrouwen tijdens de kille maanden, van oktober tot februari. Edele, licht-gebrande mouten geven de Hoegaarden Speciale een gouden gloed en een zachte, verfrissende smaak. Opdienen bij 2 à 3°C en in twee tijden; maak halverwege het schenken de gist kis let een draaiende van het flesje."

"Cette bière raffinée est brassée exclusivement durant les mois froids, d'octobre à février. Des malts nobles, légèrement torréfiés, donnent à la Hoegaarden Spéciale ses reflets blond doré et sa douceur desaltérante. Servir à 2-3°C en deux temps: à mi-chemin, détacher la levure d'un mouvement circulaire de la bouteille."

5.7% ABV. Read more on Hoegaarden website.

Bush de Noël

"Brassée exceptionnellement pour les fêtes de fin d'année, la Bush de Noël, d'une couleur rouge ambrée chaleureuse ravira les connaisseurs les plus exigeants."

With a generous 12% alcohol, this Christmas beer is an intense, almost thick, dark ale with lots of flavour.

12% ABV. Read more on Dubuisson Frères website.

Enghien Noël

"Brassée spécialement pour Noël"

A very nice, slightly bitter taste. Unlike many Christmas beer, this one is not sweet and resembles a regular belgium ale with character.

9% ABV. Read more on Brasserie de Silly SA website.

Bon Secours Blonde de Noël

Good Christmas beer but not exceptional. Can't say much since I was already drunk when I had it.

Huyghe's Delirium Christmas

An interested, full-flavoured, dried fruity Christmas ale. Very good.

10% ABV. Read more on Huyghe website.

N'Ice Chouffe

Strong christmas ale, very dark and tasty. I don't remember very much the details of it since I drank it after 5 other christmas beers of similar ABV.

10% ABV. Read more on Brasserie d'Achouffe website.

Pietra's Colomba

"La Colomba est une bière blanche. Non filtrée, elle présente un trouble naturel dû à la présence des levures. C'est au coeur du maquis qu'elle puise son parfum unique par l'infusion dans la cuve à houblonner d'un mélange d'herbes du maquis."

I prefer traditional white beers. The herbal taste is subtle but does not add much interest.

5% ABV. Read more on Brasserie Pietra website.

Grimbergen La Réserve

I was expecting something good since I like the standard Grimbergen in general but this one is just stronger and not better.

8.5% ABV. Read more on Grimbergen website.

Gabriel Boudier's Saffron Gin

"Gabriel Boudier is a leading micro distiller in Dijon France with a reputation for fine spirits since 1874. Saffron Gin is a unique recipediscovered in the annals of France's colonial past when England and France both claimed India as their jewel and gin rich in exotic botanicals was the fashion. This handcrafted, small batch distilled gin is made from the finest natural botanicals, in addition to the Saffron which gives a delicately spicy character, the recipe has Juniper, Coriander, Lemon, Orange Peel, Angelica Seeds, Iris and Fennel, creating one of the most complex and memorable gins distilled today. Enjoy Saffron Gin on the rocks or with Tonic."

With this gin, I made one of the most unexpected delight one can imagine. I basically took all the most peculiar spirits I had to make a very ori-gin-al, yet delicious concoction:

• 4cL Saffron Gin
• 1cL Fernet Branca
• 1cL Bénédictine
• 3 dashes Dr. Almedgirab's Christmas Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice all strain in a chilled cocktail glass.

I was prepared to drink an atrocious medicine and it ended up being a very good revelation. And I'm not a fan at all of Fernet Branca.

40% ABV. Read more on Gabriel Boudier website.

The Macallan's Fine Oak 18 years old

"Distiled at The Macallan distillery, in Speyside, Scotland, this legendary Single Malt is Triple Cask Matured in a unique, complex combination of exceptional oak casks; European oak casks seasoned with sherry, American oak casks seasoned with sherry and American oak casks seasoned with bourbon. This Triple Cask combination delivers and extraordinarily smooth, delicate yet complex Single Malt, matured at The Macallan distillery for a minimum of Eighteen years."

43% ABV. Read more on The Macallan distillery website.

Etter's Vieille Poire Williams

"Aus feinstem Schweizer Williams-Birnenbrand, in Eichenfass und Korbflasche gelagert und veredelt.
"From the finest Swiss Pear Williams, stored and refined in oak barrel and demijohn.
"Der edle Williams altert wärhrend 3 - 5 Jahren in 225-Liter Eichenfüssern und 50-Liter Korbflaschen. Dadurch entsteht der feine unf fruchtige Geschmack. Seit 1870 bürgt die Familie Etter für die Qualität ihrer Produkte.
"The exquisite Eau-de-vie ages for 3 - 5 years in 225-litre oak barrels and 50-litre demijohns. This is what gives it its refined and fruity taste. The Etter family has vouched for the quality of its products since 1870."

40% ABV. Read more on Etter Distillerie website.

Dolin vermouth rouge de Chambéry

"Héritier de la maison Dolin en 1821 à Chambéry (Alpes françaises), Louis Ferdinand Dolin a su garder ses racines régionales d'origine.
"Subtil mariage de vins sélectionnés et d'extraits de plantes aromatiques, le vermouth rouge Dolin est élaboré dans le respect des traditions.
"Servi nature, sur glace, avec une rondelle de citron allongé de tonic, le vermouth Dolin rouge révèle alors son goût particulièrement fni et corsé."

"Heir of the Dolin house founded in 1821 in Chambéry (French Alps), Louis Ferdinand Dolin conserved his genuine regional roots.
"Subtle marriage of selected wines and aromatic plant extracts, the Dolin vermouth rouge is distilled in the truest respect of tradition.
"Served chilled (straight), on the rocks, with a lemon twist or mixed with tonic, the vermouth Dolin rouge reveals its fine and full bodied taste."

16% ABV. Read more on Dolin website.

Dolin vermouth blanc de Chambéry

"Héritier de la maison Dolin en 1821 à Chambéry (Alpes françaises), Louis Ferdinand Dolin a su garder ses racines régionales d'origine.
"Subtil mariage de vins séléctionnés et d'extraits de plantes aromatiques, le vermouth blanc Dolin est élaboré dans le respect des traditions.
"Servi nature, sur glace, avec une rondelle de citron allongé de tonic, le vermouth Dolin blanc révèle alors son goût particulièrement agréable et rafraichissant."

"Heir of the Dolin house founded in 1821 in Chambéry (French Alps), Louis Ferdinand Dolin conserved his genuine regional roots.
"Subtle marriage of selected wines and aromatic plant extracts, the Dolin vermouth blanc is distilled in the truest respect of tradition.
"Served chilled (straight), on the rocks, with a lemon twist or mixed with tonic, the vermouth Dolin blanc reveals its particularly enjoyable end refreshing taste."

16% ABV. Read more on Dolin website.

Matusalem Rum Gran Reserva Solera 15

"Durant l'ère prospère de Cuba, le plus recherché des rhums était le Matusalem, créé à Santiago de Cuba en 1872 par une société familiale dont les fondateurs avaient conçu une formule secrète de distillation et d'assemblage. Matusalem Gran Reserva est produit à partir de rhums présélectionnés vieillis en fûts de chêne et assemblés selon la méthode de la Solera avec une cœur d'assemblage de 15 ans d'âge. Le rhum ainsi créé offre une saveur et une douceur exceptionnelles qui en font un produit sans équivalent. Aujourd'hui Matusalem, un des plus fins rhums du monde, est fabriqué dans la République Dominicaine selon la formule secrète crée par une famille en 1872."

40% ABV. Read more on Matusalem website.

Ragnaud-Sabourn's Alliance n°10 V.S.O.P. Cognac

"Ce magnifique Cognac est aussi remarquable par son histoire que par sa qualité. Il provient exclusivement de notre vignoble situé au cœur de la Grande Champagne, premier cru du COGNAC.
"Son bouquet et sa finesse incomparable sont le fruit de l'alliance de la tradition, du terroir et de notre savoir-faire familial qui se perpétue depuis 1850."

A nice gentle and smooth Cognac.

41% ABV. Read more on Ragnaud-Sabourin website.

Rhum HSE blanc agricole

"'Un siècle de belles paroles flotte autour de la distillerie Saint-Etienne. Autant que des touffes de bambous dans une ravine sans fond. Des secrets flottent aussi. Une boule de secrets qui raccordent 1883 au jour d'aujourd'hui. Les anciens travailleurs vont sembler les connaître, mais je suis le seul en vérité à les compter dans me mémoire. Car j'ai connu la coupe, le palan, le broyage. J'ai brassé le ferment dans les cuves. J'ai manié les colonnes à distiller. J'ai vu goûter le cœur de chauffe, mis le rhum en tonneau... J'ai tout vu. Tout manié. Tout entendu... Beaucoup ont mendié devant ma case le secret de ce rhum du Gros-Morne que le monde nous envie. Ils ont perdu leur temps. Je ne leur ai fout' rien dit.'

--Patrick Chamoiseau. Extrait de la nouvelle : 'Elmire des sept bonheurs, Confidences d'un vieux travailleur de la distillerie Saint-Etienne' 1995."

55% ABV.

Crown Royal Special Reserve

"The jewel in the crown, Crown Royal Special Reserve is a whisky of such exceptional quality that its rich smooth taste brings special moments to life.
" Le joyau de la couronne, Crown Royal Special Reserve est un zhisky de qualité exceptionnelle dont le goût riche et moelleux rehausse toute occasion spéciale."

A very fine Canadian whisky.

40% ABV. Read more on Crown Royal website.

Tequila Casco Viejo Joven

Casco Viejo is a descent gold Tequila.

38% ABV.

Cognac Florignac

"Un long vieillissement en fûts de chêne, le savoir faire du maître de chai, la sélection rigoureuse des eaux-de-vie, sont le garant de la qualité des Cognacs J. de FLORIGNAC."

40% ABV.

Charles Meunier et Successeurs' Crème de violette

This is a light flavoured, low proof violet liqueur. Alright, but not great.

17% ABV. Read more on Distillerie Meunier website.

Aberfeldy 12 years old

"The Aberfeldy Distillery was established over 100 years ago in 1898, on the south bank of the river Tay. Aberfeldy combines the fresh Sring water of the Pitilie burn with the skill of generations of craftmen to produce an outstanding single malt zhisky renowned for its heather honey softness and full body."

40% ABV. Read more on Dewars distillery website.

Vlahov Maraschino

Not to be compared with the excellent Luxardo Maraschino but much better than Bols' Maraschino.

25% ABV.

The Macallan Fine Oak 12 years old

"Distiled at The Macallan distillery, in Speyside, Scotland, this legendary Single Malt is Triple Cask Matured in a unique, complex combination of exceptional oak casks; European oak casks seasoned with sherry, American oak casks seasoned with sherry and American oak casks seasoned with bourbon. This Triple Cask combination delivers and extraordinarily smooth, delicate yet complex Single Malt, matured at The Macallan distillery for a minimum of Twelve years."

40% ABV. Read more on The Macallan distillery website.

Hudson Manhattan Rye

"Tuthilltown distillers are bringing back the historic Manhattan Rye for which New York was well known till Prohibition put an end to small-batch distilling in the State. This bottle contains some of the first legal pot-distilled Rye to be produced in New York's Hudson Valley in over 70 years. It was double-distilled and aged in American Oak. Our Rye owes it rich color and complex character to both the grain and the small barrel ageing process employed by the distiller. Hudson Manhattan Rye is produced at the Tuthiltown Gristmill, a National Historic Site. We are happy to share it with you."

This rye whisky as a remarkable rye flavour which makes it very different from other American whiskys.

46% ABV. Read more on Tuthilltown distillery website.

Hardy VS Fine Cognac "Red Corner"

40% ABV. Read more on Hardy Cognac website.

Thwaites' Wainwright

"Brewed to celebrate the Lake District's most beloved author, Alfred Wainwright. A fresh and golden coloured ale with delicate fruit flavours and subtle sweetness. We present Wainwright by Daniel Thwaites, a beer Worth Walking For."

4.1% ABV. Read more on Daniel Thwaites website.

Courage's Best

"Pale in colour, fully balanced with a malty flavour and distinctive hop character, makes Courage Best a great tasting quality beer."

3.8% ABV. Read more on Wells & Young's Brewing Cie Ltd. website.

Courage's Directors

"Originally brewed exclusively for the directors of the brewery, this amber ale is full of character, with a distinctive spicy hop aroma, the prefect balance of crystal malt with crisp, fruity, nutty hops and a lasting finish."

4.8% ABV. Read more on Wells & Young's Brewing Cie Ltd. website.

Thwaites' Double Century

"This refreshing amber coloured premium ale is well balanced with a malty character. Double hopped using English golding and fuggles with the late addition of Bramling Cross to give a bitter orange finish.
"A truly commemorative ale specially created to celebrate 200 years of brewing at Daniel Thwaites.
"Why not try Lancaster Bomber or Flying Shuttle from Daniel Thwaites?"

Not very bitter for a British ale. Not exceptional.

5.2% ABV. Read more on Daniel Thwaites website.

Blue Moon

"Blue Moon Brewing Company was born in 1995 in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., when we added unique and subtle twists to old-world, handcrafted brewing traditions. Since then, mot much has changed. Still just a bunch of friends having fun making great beer. What's not to love about that?
"Blue Moon is brewed with oats for creaminess and spiced with the perfect combination of orange peel and coriander. Bring out the subtle flavours by serving it with an orange-slice garnish."

Good, easy to drink wheat beer.

5.4% ABV. Read more on Blue Moon website.

Mendocino's Red Tail

Nothing particularly remarkable for this ale.

6.1% ABV. Read more on Mendocino's website.

Mendocino's White Hawk

Pretty good IPA.

7.0% ABV. Read more on Mendocino's website.

Black Diamond's Jagged Edge IPA

"Ascend to the Jagged Edge, audaciously hopped and framed with a big malt backbone. Not for the faint of heart."

7.3% ABV. Learn more on Black Diamond's website.

Van Purs's Karpackie

Just a standard Polish lager. Nothing amazing.

5.0% ABV. Read more on Van Pur website.

Shepherd Neame's Goldings

"Shepherd Neame uses the finest aromatic hops blended with pure well-drawn water to produce this soft and golden seasonal ale. Enjoy on a long Summer evening.
"Dscribed as 'light malty flavours and smoothness provide a refreshing Summer ale with notes of new-mown grass. The resinous aroma of the hops and fruitness from the yeast complete the country character.2"

4.5% ABV. Read more on Shepherd Neame website.

Canadian Club

I made a berry cocktail with Canadian Club for which I can't find a name:

• 4cL Canadian Club
• 2cL Brown Sugar syrup
• 5 blackberries
• 8 raspberries
• Half a lime
• 12 mint leaves

Muddle the berries and lime in a mixing glass. Add sugar syrup, whisky and mint leaves. Shake hard with ice cubes. Double strain in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

This is a delicious fruity and minty cocktail.

40% ABV. Read more on Candian Club website.

Sharp's Atlantic IPA

"India Pale Ale (IPA) was first brewed in the 19th Century. Naturally preserved by high alcohol and strong hops the beer was well set to survive the long and hot journey under sail to India.
"With Atlantic IPA Sharp's Brewery has taken the essence of the original IPA and modernised it to create a crisp beer with a superb dry finish and a light golden colour.
As a brewery sitting on Corwall's Atlantic coast the naming of this beer came naturally. The RNLI's commitment to saving lives at sea is legendary and to support this cause, a proportion of all sales of Atlantic IPA will be donated to the RNLI."

This IPA does not taste as an IPA. It is refreshing like a blond beer and not bad but not at all similar to the usual IPAs.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Sharp's Brewery website.

Cadenhead's Old Raj Dry Gin

The Old Raj Dry Gin is one of the strongest comercial gin. At 55% it is very powerful, yet tasty and drinkable. I made the following cocktail:

• 5cL Old Raj 55%
• 1cL Bénédictine
• 1cL simple syrup
• 2cL lemon juice
• sprig of thyme

In a heat-resistant recipient, put the thyme sprig with Bénédictine and 1 cL Old Raj gin and set it to fire to cook the thyme (don't let the thyme burn). Put this in a cocktail shaker adding the other ingredients and shake. Double strain into an old-fashioned glass over a big ice cube. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

55% ABV.

Sierra Nevada's Kellerweis

"Kellerweis is deeply complex, with flavors reminiscent of ripe banana and spicy clove. This hazy-golden beer glows with suspended yeast creating a velvety texture. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest."

The description is pretty accurate, except the complexity. The taste of banana and spice is present but very subtle.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. website.

Dos Equis Lager Especial

Not better than the Ambar version, which is not great.

4.5% ABV. Read more on Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma website.

Little Valley's Withens IPA

"Withens India Pale Ale (IPA) is a light version of the traditional IPA. Withens is steeped with Cascade hops, which gives the beer a refreshing floral aroma with hints of spice, citrus and orange.
"Withens IPA is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Withens IPA at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Withens IPA is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

3.9% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Žatecký pivovar's Žatec

"Since 1004, the town of Žatec (pronounced jhatets) has been at the centre of cultivation of quality hops – the vital ingredient for beer.
"Žatec hops continue to be used today by many of the world's most popular beers.
"In 2002, the small Žatec brewery in the old castle was regenerated in a quest to produce the best quality beer in the world.
"To this end, Žatec beer is traditionally brewed, using only pure water, Moravian malt and the finest Žatec hops, with no additive or artificial carbonation."

4.6% ABV. Read more on Žatecký pivovar website.

Little Valley's Ginger Pale Ale

"Little Valley's Ginger Pale Ale has exceptional drinkability. Light and fresh with a hint of ginger and citrus, it makes a delicious aperitif or perfectly accompanies any spicy Indian or Chinese meal.
"Ginger Pale Ale is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Ginger Pale Ale at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve, carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Ginger Pale Ale is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

This is not a ginger beer or ginger ale, but a real beer flavoured with ginger. The ginger and citrus taste is very noticeable and it is surprisingly crisp and sour (as opposed to ginger beer/ale).

4.0% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Little Valley's Stoodley Stout

"Stoodley Stout is a Traditional British Stout. The beer is rich and pitch black and contains chocolate malt mixed with oats and wheat. Stoodley Stout has a rich and creamy roasted flavour with aromas of orange, citrus and berry.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

"Stoodley Stout is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Stoodley Stout at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

More typical that the others from the same brand.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Little Valley's Cragg Vale Bitter

"Cragg Vale Bitter is a classic Yorkshire Bitter. The beer is rich and red brown in colour with a full and rounded body. Using Challenger and Goldings hops, Cragg Vale Bitter is crisp and fruity with a spice and grapefruit aroma.
"Cragg Vale Bitter is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Cragg Vale Bitter at its best, store the bottle upright in a cool environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Cragg Vale Bitter is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

Not as enjoyable as the others from the same brand.

4.2% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Little Valley's Hebden's Wheat

"Hebden's Wheat Beer is a Belgian style Wheat Beer. The beer is light in colour with aromas of coriander and lemon. Hebden's Wheat is a natural cloudy beer with a refreshing, classic finish. The draft beer won the coverted CAMRA Silver Specialty Beer award in 2007.
"Hebden's Wheat Beer is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. Hebden's Wheat is best enjoyed with its yeast sediment as part of the body and flavour. To serve: pour 90% of the cold beer carefully into the glass. Swirl the bottle to release the remaining yeast and pour into the glass. What a nice way to enjoy the benefits of vitamin B!"

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Hebden's Wheat Beer is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

This is an interesting wheat beer, slightly bitter with floral aromas. I generally prefer the German weissbier, though.

4.5% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

Little Valley's Tod's Blonde

"Tod's Blonde is a Belgian style Blonde Beer. The beer is bright yellow in colour with a pleasant malty taste and a smooth finish. Tod's Blonde is a surprisingly mellow beer with a light fruity and spicy aroma. It makes an ideal change to a continental lager.
"Tod's Blonde is bottle conditioned beer. Connoisseurs prize such beer as it continues to mature in the bottle and carbonates naturally. To enjoy Tod's Blonde at its best, store the bottle upright in a cold environment for at least 24 hours. To serve: carefully decant the clear beer into a glass and stop pouring when the yeast sediment reaches the neck of the bottle."

"Organically Grown Ingredients
"Tod's Blonde is brewed with organically grown ingredients. This means it is more environmentally friendly, avoids pesticides and artificial fertiliser. All you get is natural and hand crafted beer that is brewed to the highest standards.
"Wim van der Spek - Master Brewer"

It starts almost tasteless, then reveals the very distinct fruity flavours and the bitterness lingers for a while after swallowing. Interesting.

5.0% ABV. Read more on Little Valley Brewery website.

G. Menabrea e Figli

"Birra del 150° Anniversario."

A good but not exceptional blond beer.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Birra Menabrea website.

Kasteel Cru Rosé

"Brewed with Champagne yeast in Alsace, with a hint of elderberry & elderflower, Kasteel Cru Rosé is a fine, crisp lager which delivers a sparkling taste sensation and a distinct rose like colour."

5.0% ABV. Read more on Kasteel Cru website.

Hambleton Ales' GFA

"Legend of the White Horse
"Galloping across the Hambleton Hills in the Vale of Yorkis a giant White Horse, visible 40 miles away. The mystery of where it came from, however, does not belong to ancient times.
"It was created in 1857 by a grocer, Thomas Taylor who, having made his fortune in London, wanted to leave his mark on his birthplace. So, with 30 local men and 6 tons of lime, the White Horse was scored by hand into this hard rock of the Hambleton hillside.
"At Hambleton Ales we raise a glass to the inspirational Mr Taylor whose vision has stood the test of time and whose extravagance enlivens the landscape of Yorkshire to this day. Just like Mr Taylor, Hambleton Ales leaves a lasting impression."

"A tawny ale with aromas of Cascade, Liberty and Challenger hops and speciallyprepared dark sugars providing full bodied initial sweetness giving way to pronounced fruit and hop character with a strong citrus finish. Hambleton Ales' GFA delivers the full flavour and satisfaction expected from a British ale in a gluten and wheat free formulation."

4.8% ABV. Read more on Hambleton Ales website.

River Horse's Hop-a-lot-amus

"The fable Hop-a-lot-amus is a mythical creature. The heavy hop character of this Double IPA is as subtle as a 'river horse' in your lap, but finishes as a hippo in a tutu. Enjoy!"

Good description of the beer. Hop is indeed very present. Interesting flavour, but as for the Hop Hazard, this one is too bitter.
To counterbalance bitterness, I made a cocktail with it:

• 4cL gin (I used Tanqueray)
• 2cL lemon juice
• 2cL simple syrup
• 12cL IPA (Hop-a-lot-amus)

Shake gin, lemon and sugar over ice. Strain into a tumbler glass over fresh ice. Complete with cold IPA. Garnish with a lemon slice.

I was inspired by a post by A Flowery Song who tried to substitue soda or fizzy ingredients with beer in a few classic cocktails. Mine is a variation of the Gin Fizz.

8.5% ABV. Read more on River Horse website.

River Horse's Hop Hazard

"Let's get it straight, Hop Hazard is an AMERICAN Pale Ale. That means it's balanced with hops, not buried in them. Here's to independence!"

"Balanced, not buried", my ass! This is full of hops, very bitter. The flavour is interesting but the bitterness is too strong for my taste.

6.5% ABV> Read more on River Horse website.

River Horse's Belgian Freeze

"As the days grow shorter and frost becomes snow, our Belgian Freeze Winter Ale will make a great liquid companion. This deep amber beer is brewed with lots of roasted caramel malt for body and warmth to bring in the holidays and see you through to spring."

Obviously, they meant "as the days grow longer". This beer is pretty good. Its name is well chosen: I had the feeling I was drinking a Belgian beer. The ABV is not mentioned on the bottle. I had to check it on their website.

8.0% ABV. Read more on River Horse website.

La Trappe Isid'or

"La Trappe Isid'or has been specially created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Brewery de Koningshoeven. This ceremonial beer was named after Brother Isidorus, the first brewer of La Trappe."

7.5% ABV. Read more on Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V. website.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo

"SIERRA NEVADE TORPEDO ALE is a big American IPA, perfectly balanced yet full of flavor and aromas highlighting the complex citrus, pine and herbal character of whole-cone American hops."

7.2% ABV. Read more on Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. website.

Sierra Nevada Porter

"SIERRA NEVADA CLASSIC PORTER is a completely natural beer, full of roasted malts which give it a rich, bittersweet and roasted tofee flavor. This medium-bodied ale is perfectly balanced, with a smooth malty flavor and crisp American hops."

5.6% ABV. Read more on Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. website.

College Green Brewery's Headless Dog

"College Green Brewery was established in Belfast by the younger generation of the Scullion Brewing family. We are determined to maintain an independent brewing tradition, producing fine individual beers full of character.
"Headless Dog – A pale hoppy ale produced with North American Cascade hops and Munich malt. Named after a mural of a headless labrador on the brewhouse wall, for details check out www.factotum.org.uk."

4.2% ABV. Not unforgetable.

Patrón Silver Tequila

"Patrón Tequila, like the great wines and cognacs of the world, is exceptional for a reason. It begins with the finest growing region in Mexico. High in the mountains of Jalisco exists a region with perfect soil and climate which allows the sugar and acid balances of the Weaber Tequilana Blue Agave to mature and produce an 'agave pineapple' unequalled elsewhere in the world. Like premium wine grapes the sugar acid balance must be perfect before harvest. Patrón tequilas are produced in the traditional handmade fashion.
"After harvest the 'pineapples' are carefully selected, trimmed, and then slowly steam baked. When cooked to perfection the 'pineapple' is macerated with large natural stone milling wheels. The fermentation is done with the fiber of the 'pineapple' which helps impart its unique flavor and smoothness. After a double distillation process the tequila is fine filtered in preparation for hand filling into artisan, hand made bottles. Every bottle of Patrón is truly one of a kind."

This is clearly the most outstanding tequila I ever tasted. I made the best margarita ever with it:

• 4 cL tequila (Patrón Silver)
• 2 cL freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 cL triple sec (Cointreau)

Rim a cocktail glass with Fleur de Sel and put it in the freezer. Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a long lime twist or thin strands of lime peel or grated lime peel.

Using Fleur de Sel instead of normal salt really makes a huge difference. I was not a big fan of salt rim before that, but Fleur de Sel is much more subtle and enjoyable. Its coarse grains slowly melt in the mouth while drinking and swallowing. The lime zest as a garnish is also fantastic.

40% ABV. Read more on The Patrón Spirit Company website.

College Green Brewery's Belfast Blonde

"College Green Brewery was established in Belfast by the younger generation of the Scullion Brewing family. We are determined to maintain an independent brewing tradition, producing fine individual beers full of character.
"Belfast Blonde – A clean tasting pale beer with a pleasant and distinct hop character lingering at the end."

4.3% ABV. Not unforgetable.

Grolsch Premium Weizen

Wheat beer from Holland.

5.3% ABV. Read more on Grolsch website.

Wild Turkey 8 yo 101 proof

"The famous name on this bottle comes from a group of wild turkey hunters, one of whom brought a special 101 proof barrel-aged bourbon on their annual hunting trip. In later years they always requested 'that Wild Turkey bourbon' and to this day it is still hand-crafted in the same slow traditional way."

This bourbon is very much enjoyable in an Old Fashioned cocktail:

• 4 cL whisky (Wild Turkey)
• 1/2 cL sugar syrup
• 2 healthy dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Pour the first three ingredients over fresh ice in an old fashioned glass. Stir a little to blend all ingredients together. Take a big fat orange peel and squeeze the oil out of it and throw it into the glass.

50.5% ABV. Read more on Wild Turkey website.

Bulmers Berry

Bulmers Berry (outside Ireland, Magners Berry) is a berry-flavoured cider.

4.5% ABV. Read more on Bulmers website.

Cognac Martell V.S.

"Since 1715, Jean MArtell and his successors have established an independent spirit, a creative flair and name. Martell VS, smooth and perfectly balanced, is enjoyed al over the world, either served straight, on ice or mixed."

Among the reasonably priced Cognac, this one is one of the best.
I made a French 75 with it:

• 4 cL Cognac (Martell V.S.)
• 1 cL freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cL simple syrup
• about 4 to 8 cL dry sparkling wine (Prosecco La Tordera Valdobbiadene)

Shake the first 3 ingredients with ice. Double strain into a champagne flute. Top with dry sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

40% ABV. Read more on Martell website.

Blackthorne Cider

"A distinctive crisp, dry taste."

This cider is indeed very dry. Surprisingly, it contains sugar and sweetener, according to the label.

4.7% ABV. Read more on Blackthorn website.

Beck's Vier

A four percent version of the Beck's.

4% ABV. Read more on InBev UK website.

Tesco's Imported Lager

"Clean crisp refreshing."

4% ABV. Brewed for Tesco in the Netherlands.

Stella Artois 4%

I expected that this Stella with reduced alcohol content would be also with reduced taste. But actually, it is pretty much as good as the original one.

4% ABV. Read more on InBev website.

Dos Equis Ambar

"Dos Equis Ambar is a smooth full-bodied Vienna-style lager. Originally crafted by brewmaster, Willhelm Hasse, who was inspired by the beers of his native homeland and by Mexican cultue. The product of his inspiration was named 'Dos Equis' or 'XX', commemorating the dawn of the 20th century."

4.5% ABV. Read more on Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma website.

Aspall Suffolk Cyders

Crisp Draught Suffolk Cyder

"Clean and crisp with an incredible fresh apple aroma, ideally suited for accompanying meals or as a refreshing drink on its own.
"Created in 2003 to celebrate the Chevalier family's 275th year of cyder making in the parish of Aspall, Suffolk, England."

5.5% ABV.

Classic Organic Suffolk Cyder

"A Strong and robust cyder made from fresh pressed organically grown English cyder apples. With a full cyder flavour, Aspall Organic Cyder is the perfect accompaniment to food."

7% ABV.

Dry Premier Cru Suffolk Cyder

"A full apple flavour cyder that captures the essence of an orchard. Light on the tongue with a clean crisp refreshing apple taste that makes it the premier cru of cyders. Ideal with food or simply as a refreshing drink on its own.
"Since 1728 the Chevallier family has strived to produce the finest cyder possible. Using only the juice if whole fresh pressed English apples, eight generations of expertise is applied to the cyder making process to create a truly impressive cyder that has won numerous awards for quality."

7.% ABV.

I found that the Draught Cyder was the best. The organic one is too dry and slightly bitter, which is not what I expect from a cyder. The premier cru, though interesting, is a tad too dry too.

Read more on Aspall Cyder website.

Sauza Tequila Gold

"Double distilled for a smoother, more mellow character, Sauza Gold tequila is a taste of the unexpected. Its fresh agave flavor is clean and crisp with hints of sweet caramel and oaky softness; enjoy it straight as a cold shold, or discover how it lends its unique character to your favorite tequila cocktails."

This tequila works very well in Margaritas.

• 4 cL tequila (Sauza Gold)
• 2 cL freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 cL triple sec (Cointreau)

Shake hard the ingredients with ice. Strain into a half salt-rime cocktail glass.

I don't like when the glass is rimmed with a thick crust of salt. I prefer adding a thin layer of salt on just half of the rim so that I can alternate between a little bit of salt with a mouthfull of margarita and no salt at all.

40% ABV. Read more on Sauza website.

Flensburger Pilsener

Not bad. Nothing special to say about it.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Flensburger Brauerei Emil Peterson GmbH website.

Speakeasy's Double Daddy

"During prohibition, the masses were forced underground into the Speakeasy. Hidden into the streets of the city, friends gathered where music played and drinks were poured...
"Doubling Down On Malt & Hops, Double Daddy Raises The Stakes. With It's Good Looks & No-Limit Style, DD Takes The Pot Every Time."

An interesting, strong India Pale Ale.

9.5% ABV. Read more on Speakeasy Ales & Lagers website.

Maisel's Weisse Original

Typical Hefe Weissbier.

5.2% ABV. Read more on Maisel's website.