Sweet Bailey Jesus

Posted on April 15, 2020 by melsmosaic

I have lactose intolerance, I’m a lactard. It has cut many things out of my life. I read labels quite precisely because there can be dairy in something that shouldn’t even have it. So, one thing I don’t even waste time thinking about is Baileys (Irish Cream).

Well, a friend informed me that Baileys makes a lactose-free version of this heavenly drink now. WHAT?!? It’s their Baileys Almande, made with almond milk. Ok, now we have a problem.

Picked a bottle of this stuff up at the store. It had been probably 15 years since I’d had some of this incredible liquid. Got home and opened it up for a sip. Sweet Bailey Jesus. This stuff was incredible! And the almond milk isn’t super heavy, so it also becomes a little…dangerous. It’s also only 13% ABV, that’s the same as most wines.

This is great stuff to sip on, throw in the coffee when needed and to have…just have. I highly recommend picking up a bottle to sample. Thank you non-dairy gods.

Thomas Read, Dublin

Posted on June 4, 2015 by melsmosaic

While enjoying many local brews in Ireland I wanted to give something else a try. Stopped by a nice bar, Thomas Read, in Dublin one day and asked the bartender if he had any suggestions.

He asked he could whip up a concoction of his own. How could I turn that down?

It all started with some Jameson, some Ginger Syrup (similar to simple syrup but he doesn’t use heat to make it) and bitters.

Of course some rocks were added.

Stirred carefully.

And then he took so much time and care with the lemon rind I can not even begin to explain it! This drink was good.

Mead

Posted on January 6, 2015 by melsmosaic

I keep trying new things…that’s what the new year is about, right? So, I when I was at a new bar, there was the choice of Mead on the menu. Not something you see often, so I asked the bartender about it. He gave me a quick description. I wasn’t overly sold. Then, he said ‘oh, you have to try it, mostly because I am so trying to get rid of this bottle.’ Should that have been my first clue that I was not going to like this stuff? (yes, could be personal). So, he gave me a decent pour of Sap House Meadery’s Sugar Maple. I had the initial sip, then a couple more. An ice wine is what I could most closely compare it to. But I could not put a finger on the taste. After beyond, beyond deep thought (trust me), the only thing I could think of on this is that it tasted like the super dried seal of an envelope (don’t we eat/taste these everyday?). So, I was glad I got to sample this and check it off my list. I moved onto to something else.

If you have thoughts on Mead, please let me know. Would love to hear them.

Pour me, pour me, pour me…another G&T

Posted on December 22, 2014 by melsmosaic

The name of the blog makes me thing of two songs:

“Pour me, pour me, pour me, another shot of whiskey.” –Trick Pony (yes, I’m a country fan)

or much more appropriately

“A Malibu & Coke for you, a G&T for me.” — Barenaked Ladies

So, get to where I’m staying in Ft. Collins and that evening it’s happy hour! Of course the family’s liquor cabinet is never under par (where do you think I learned to provide info about food & alcohol)?

Several members of my family love martinis, super dry. I can’t stomach them. But, I love a Gin & Tonic. Well, apparently a new gin was recently purchased that was definitely not martini material but perfect for a G&T! My new taste test — Few Standard Issue Gin.

Found out it’s a special release spirit. Ok, 114 proof (57% alcohol by volume), wow. Very unique — it’s thick/syrupy (more so than a ‘regular’ gin). Great flavor, definitely the nice juniper and some fennel notes. Perfect way to start the evening. More cheers and happy holidays.