Woutipoutitoune

Rince Cochon

2011-07-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

This beer with a funny name is not too bad.

8.5% ABV.

Pelforth 3 Malts

2011-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Not bad, tasty.

6.9% ABV. Read more on Pelforth website.

Gordon's Platinum

2011-07-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

EXTRA STRONG ale. Tastes strong, feels strong.

12% ABV. Read more on John Martin website.

Abbaye Mont St. Jean

2011-07-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Awful shit.

6.2 ABV.

Absolut Vanilia

2011-06-19T04:17:00.001-07:00

"Experience this rich and indulging flavor blended with vodka distilled frolm grain grown in the rich fields of southern Sweden. The distilling and flavoring of vodka is an age-old Swedish tradition dating back more than 400 years. Vodka has been sold under the name Absolut since 1879."

I find the vanilia flavour rather artificial.

40% ABV. Read more on Absolut website.

Absolut Citron

2011-06-19T04:01:00.000-07:00

"Absolut Citron is made from natural citrus flavors and vodka distilled from grain grown in the rich fields of souther Sweden. The distilling and flavoring of vodka is an age-old Swedish tradition dating back more than 400 years. Vodka has been sold under the name Absolut since 1879."

40% ABV. Read more on Absolut website.

Hedges & Butler Blended Scotch Whisky

2011-06-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

Cheap and standard blended scotch, but not terrible at all.

40% ABV. Read more on Hedges & Butler website.

Kronenbourg's sélection des brasseurs Ambrée

2011-06-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

Tastes like a Kro (i.e., bad) with a subtle difference.

5.5% ABV. Read more on Kronenbourg website.

Douglas Celtic Brown

2011-06-19T03:25:00.000-07:00

"Strong brown beer with a warm ruby glitter."

Nothing quite remarkable about this beer.

73.9% ABV. Read more on Anthony Martin website.

Tovaritvh! Premium Russian Vodka

2011-04-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

"From traditional organic Grain
"Five Times Distilled
"produced and bottled
"In the Saint Petersburg region
"Russia"

Although I usually find most vodka to taste the same, I found this one to be pretty good.

Read more on ...

Suze

2011-04-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

"Pendant plus d'un siècle, l'élaboration de SUZE a préservé le savoir-faire hérité de ses fondateurs. La distillation traditionnelle de ses extraits aromatiques de plantes lui confère sa personnalité unique."

Read more on ...

Iki Beer

2011-03-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

"Iki is Japanese for life. Iki refreshes. Green tea not only gives Iki its body, it also enriches Iki with high levels of natural antioxydants. Yuzu fruit gives Iki its citrus fragrance."

A pretty good and tasty beer flavoured with green tea and yuzu.

4.5% ABV. Read more on Iki website.

Almaza Pilsner Beer

2011-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Basic Lebanese beer.

4.3% ABV. Read more on Almaza website.

Sobieski Vodka Herbe de Pologne

2011-03-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

A substitute for Zubrowska. Not quite as good as Zub but alright in a fruity cocktail.

37.5% ABV. Read more on Sobieski website.

Château Avernus Rivesaltes Ambré

2011-03-05T01:50:00.001-08:00

"Le Rivesaltes est reconnu pour la finesse et la générosité de ses arômes caractéristiques de son terroir catalan, sec et ensoleillé. D'une belle couleur ambrée, il offre de savoureuses notes d'agrumes confits subtilement miellées.
"Servir à 12°C à l'apéritif, sur du foie gras, des desserts glacés ou une tarte tatin."

15% ABV. Read more on Vignerons Tautavel website.

Castarède's Bas Armagnac

2011-03-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

My first armagnac. Not bad.

40% ABV. Read more at Castarède website.

Fighting Cock

2011-03-04T23:50:00.000-08:00

Aged 6 years. A descent, strong bourbon.

51.5% ABV. Read more on Fighting Cock website.

Herradura Tequila Reposado

2011-03-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

"On the high plains of Jalisco, at the foothills of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, you will find the Herradura estate. It is here that Herradura has been produced and bottled since 1870.
"Herradura is made naturally from 100% blue agave, with no additives. Only the finest blue agave, harvested at their prime after years of careful cultivation are used to make Herradura.
"Herradura Reposado. Savor the smooth taste of this natural Reposado tequila. Enjoy it straight or make a real margarita. Taste the legend... Tequiila Herradura(R)."

Aged 11 month. A very fine and smooth reposado which I used to make a Chiapas Old Fashioned, as described on my bottle of Elmegirab's Dandelion & Burdock Bitters:

50 mL tequila reposado (Herradura)
12.5 mL green tea infused sugar syrup (rich unrefined sugar syrup)
2 dashes Dandelion & Burdock Bitters
Strip white grapefruit zest

Stir liquid ingredients until ice cold and strain over ice in a chilled rocks glass. Rub the rim and garnish with the grapefruit zest.

40% ABV. Read more on Herradura website.

Radicati Bianco

2011-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

"Radicati se déguste nature, très frais ou sur glaçons.
"Vous l'apprécierez également avec du Bitter lemon tonic ou selon votre recette personnelle."

Over sweet, but cheap, vermouth. Somewhat similar to Martini & Rosso Bianco.

14.4% ABV.

Edmond Briottet's Curaçao Triple Sec

2011-02-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

A descent triple sec, but I definitely prefer Cointreau.

40% ABV. Read more on distillerie Briottet website.

Havana Club Añejo Especial

2011-02-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

"Issue du plus généreux des terroirs, notre canne à sucre donne naissance au rhum le plus raffiné qui soit : Havana Club Vieilli en fûts de chêne, cet 'Añejo Especial' se distingue par ses chaleureux tons ambr&s et ses arômes exceptionnels. Il se déguste sur glace ou se marie délicieusement avec un cola.
"Un cocktail national de Cuba : le Cuba Libre. Il doit son nom au cri de ralliement des indépendantistes cubains.
"Dans un verre haut, verser 5 cL de 'Añejo Especial' , quelques gouttes de jus de citron vert et 2 ou 3 glaçons. Allonger de cola et décorer d'une rondelle de citron."

A good value for the price.

40% ABV. Read more on Havana Club website.

Etter Zuger Kirsch

2011-02-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

This was actually the first kirsch that I tasted, so I cannot compare but this one is supposed to be a very good one, at least if I can juge by the price.

41% ABV. Read more on Etter website.

Mandarine Napoléon

2011-02-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is a nice tangerine liqueur. With it, I prepare a fruity punch called Marquisette which is a speciality of the Ardèche region in France.

1 L sparkling wine
1 L lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7up, etc.)
1.5 L dry white wine
10 cL simple syrup
15 cL Mandarine Napoléon
25 cL white agricole rhum
30 cL orange syrup
4 oranges
4 lemons

Chop the fruits into pieces and let them macerate in the liquid ingredients for at least a day in a bowl. Refrigerate long before you serve and when serving, add a big block of ice to the bowl.

This is really delicious. It can be compared to a white wine sangria.

38% ABV. Read more on Mandarine Napoléon website.

Pisang Ambon

2011-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

"Verfrissend em fruitig, Pisang Ambon The Original is de avontuurlijke mixer om je party dat ietsje extra te geven."
"Rafraîchissant et fruité, Psang Ambon The Original est le mix original et surprenant pour animer vos fêtes !"

I never knew what to do with this sweet, bubble-gum tasting liqueur. I always used it in poor, vomit-inducing cocktails.

20% ABV. Read more on Pisang Ambon website.

Hollandia Premium Lager Beer

2011-02-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

Cheap and basic lager.

5% ABV.

Lillet Blanc

2011-02-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

"LILLET(R): une histoire de connaisseurs
"En 1887, à Podensac, 30 km au Sud de Bordeaux, Paul et Raymond Lillet en œnologues avertis, imaginent cet apéritif aujourd'hui reconnu à travers le monde comme l'Aristocrate des apéritifs.
"LILLET(R), c'est tout simplement le compagnon idéal des apéritifs épicuriens. Le prélude indissociable de tous moments d'exceptions.
"Assemblage subtil de vins sélectionnés et de liqueurs de fruits, le LILLET(R)se déguste frappé, 6° à 8°.
"Vous pourrez l'apprécier nature mais aussi sur glace avec une tranche d'orange, une rondelle de citron ou de citron vert.
"Placez votre bouteille au réfrigérateur quelques heures avant le service et présentez-la en seau à glace afin d'éviter son réchauffement.
"LILLET(R) vous attend: bonne dégustation."

Considering the reputation of this apéritif, I was not so much impressed by it. It makes a nice alternative to vermouth in a Martini. I made a Corpse Reviver N°2 with it. I found this cocktail pretty crisp, but very interesting.

Corpse Reviver N°2:

1cL Gin (I used Beefeater)
1cL Lillet blanc
1cL Cointreau
1 cL lemon juice
a dash of absinthe (I don't remember which one)

Shake all ingredients with ice all strain in a chilled cocktail glass. I was thinking of adding Maraschino to this, I should try again some day.

17% ABV. Read more on Lillet website.

Fernet Branca

2011-02-20T05:13:00.000-08:00

"LE GRAND AMER (BITTER) ITALIEN
"Créé en 1845 à Milan, Fernet-Branca est un spirituex amer à base de plantes et herbes aromatiques issu d'une recette originale gardée secrète. On le déguste seul, avec du cola, ou dans de nombreux cocktails."

I find quite hard to find interesting cocktails with this spirit. I managed to build a pretty good one with an unexpected combination of ingredients. See the recipe in the post on Saffron Gin.

40% ABV. Read more on Fernet Branca website.

Knockeen Irish Poteen Triple-distilled Farmers' Strength

2011-02-19T03:20:00.001-08:00

"Poitin, or Poteen has been brewed as Irish strong moonshine for several centuries, being a potatoe or malt and grain based spirit. Knockeen Hills Poteen(R) is a triple distilled grain spirit with a strong, smooth, delicate flavour. Drunk neat, in moderation, or with mixers, the pleasant after taste lingers on.
"Butler's Irish book published in 1660 claimed that 'It enlighteneth ye heart, casts off melancholy, keeps back old age and breaketh ye wind'. Irish folklore maintains that those properties still exist today."

This is a very good spirit, in spite of the legend saying that real poitin is not commercialised. In fact, poitin used to be illegal in Ireland until 1997, when the opposition to sale was withdrawn. It's fuity and surprisingly smooth for such a strong spirit.

60% ABV. Read more on Knockeen Hills website.

Rhum du Père Labat

2011-02-19T03:14:00.000-08:00

"A la fin du XVIIème siècle, le révérend Père Labat perfectionna la distillation du jus de canne à sucre pour créer le Rhum.
"Aujourd'hui culture, coupe et ramassage de la canne, toujours entièrement manuels, sont respectueux du terroir particulier de Marie-Galante.
"Grâce à nos méthodes artisanales de distillation nous fabriquons, à partir du pur jus de canne à sucre, un Rhum à la richesse aromatique unique. Notre taille réduite et notre exigence permet de réaliser un nombre limité de bouteilles de Rhum, fin au nez, délicat en bouche et avec une longue persistance aromatique."

59% ABV.

Charles Meunier et Successeurs' Liqueur de Noix

2011-02-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

This is a walnut liqueur, which is typical from the region of Grenoble. Difficult to find recipes for it. With whisky, makes a descent Old Faschioned.

25% ABV. Read more on Distillerie Meunier website.

Hennessy Pure White

2011-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

"Hennessy PUREWHITE exprime les qualités du vin blanc dont il est la quintessence. Ces vins sont produits à partir de raisin blanc provenant exclusivement de la région de Cognac. La double distillation du cognac lui apporte ses arômes fleuris et son caractère puissant."
"Pour apprécier les arômes de Hennessy PUREWHITE, rafraîchissez légèrement la bouteille dans un seau à glace et dégustez le avec des glaçons dans un verre à long-drink. Son exceptionnel caractère révèlera ainsi ses arômes fleuris et son moëlleux."

40% ABV. Read more on Hennessy website.

Saint James Rhum Agricole Royal Ambré

2011-02-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

"Depuis 1765, Saint James porte fièrement la tradition du rhum agricole de la Martinique, directement distillé à partir du pur jus de la canne à sucre. Sur ses propres plantations situées à Sainte Marie, Saint James distille et élève ses rhums, veillant à en préserver la qualité exceptionnelle, qui a assuré sa réputation dans le monde."
"Saint James offre une grande variété de rhums blancs, frais et fruités, rhum ambré au bouquet original, rhums vieux et hors d'âge subtils, riches et harmonieux."
"Unique par son fruité arrondi par de longs mois d'élevage en foudres de bois, Saint James Royal Ambré(R) se déguste pur, mais est surtout le secret du véritable Planteur : 1/3 rhum Saint James Ambré(R), 1/3 jus d'orange, 1/3 jus de goyave, 1 trait de sirop de grenadine."

Remarkably cheap (in France) for a really tasty Martinique rhum.

45% ABV. Read more on Saint James website.

Giffard's Abricot du Roussillon

2011-02-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

"Les abricots 'rouge du Roussillon' bénéficient de la chaleur et du soleil du sud de la France.Cette liqueur premium est élaborée à partir de la lente macération d'abricots 'rouge du Roussillon' qui lui confère des notes chaudes, légèrement compotées."
"The 'rouge du Roussillon' apricots benefit from the heat and sun of the South of France. Slow maceration of 'rouge du Roussillon' apricots bring [sic] out the warm intensity of the fruit."

Delicious top quality apricot liqueur.

25% ABV. Read more on Giffard website.

Yamazaki Single Malt 18 years

2011-02-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

First Japanese whisky I tried. Peaty, tasty but I'm not a big fan.

43% ABV. Read more on Suntory Yamazaki website.

Hoegaarden Speciale

2010-12-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-12-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-12-04T08:17:00.001-08:00

"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

2010-12-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

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

Huyghe's Delirium Christmas

2010-12-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

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

10% ABV. Read more on Huyghe website.

N'Ice Chouffe

2010-11-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-10-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-17T02:08:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-17T01:57:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-09-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-09-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

"'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

2010-09-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-09-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Casco Viejo is a descent gold Tequila.

38% ABV.

Cognac Florignac

2010-09-21T03:45:00.001-07:00

"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

2010-09-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-19T03:53:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-09-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

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

25% ABV.

The Macallan Fine Oak 12 years old

2010-09-19T03:36:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-09-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

"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"

2010-09-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

40% ABV. Read more on Hardy Cognac website.

Thwaites' Wainwright

2010-09-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-08-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-08-26T13:04:00.001-07:00

"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

2010-08-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-07-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

Nothing particularly remarkable for this ale.

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

Mendocino's White Hawk

2010-07-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty good IPA.

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

Black Diamond's Jagged Edge IPA

2010-07-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-07-03T11:14:00.001-07:00

Just a standard Polish lager. Nothing amazing.

5.0% ABV. Read more on Van Pur website.

Shepherd Neame's Goldings

2010-06-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-06-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-05-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-21T00:37:00.001-07:00

"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

2010-05-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

"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

2010-05-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-05-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-05-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-05-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

"Birra del 150° Anniversario."

A good but not exceptional blond beer.

4.8% ABV. Read more on Birra Menabrea website.

Kasteel Cru Rosé

2010-04-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-04-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

Wheat beer from Holland.

5.3% ABV. Read more on Grolsch website.

Wild Turkey 8 yo 101 proof

2010-04-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-03-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

4.5% ABV. Read more on Bulmers website.

Cognac Martell V.S.

2010-02-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-02-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-02-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

A four percent version of the Beck's.

4% ABV. Read more on InBev UK website.

Tesco's Imported Lager

2010-02-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

"Clean crisp refreshing."

4% ABV. Brewed for Tesco in the Netherlands.