Whisk(ed)y Away…

Posted on January 4, 2015 by melsmosaic

I’m not a huge straight, hard liquor drinker. But am usually up for trying something new. The latest inquiry/offer was if I drink scotch/whiskey. My answer was not really; I have a bottle of Jack if I want a Bourbon & Ginger.

But now I have been introduced to the true (aka good) scotch (whisky) and was blown away.

The first one I sampled was Laphroaig Single Malt Quarter Cask. Ok, I love Pinotage because of the smoke. That varietal has nothing compared to this. I know I’m comparing apples to oranges here but wow, wow, wow. I was taking beyond baby sips of this stuff because I have never really been a hard liquor drinker but from what I had, it was unbelievable. I know I’m being repetitive but SMOKE with a bit of sweet.

The second one I tasted was Lagavulin. It was smoother than the first but not as smoky — initially. After it had ‘breathed’ for a bit, wow, the notes definitely came out. It also had a longer finish. Very different but still on the same stream of overall taste. So unique.

I will say, you definitely learn something new everyday. This was quite different from my normal tastings and I will see how much I continue to explore this beverage. Cheers!

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.

Bootlegging

Posted on October 28, 2014 by melsmosaic

Was at the Navy Football game the other day, with of course some great tailgating, and was introduced to a distillery put together by some former Midshipmen. Go Navy! It’s Prohibition Distillery, based out of New York. We had the chance to enjoy some of their Vodka and Gin (not mixed together), both named Bootlegger 21. The vodka was used to make some amazing Bloody Marys, which were strategically blended and poured back into a Vodka bottle.

For the Gin, I heard that it makes a very nice G&T but I enjoyed a sample of a lime, lemon, mint and some other (non-alcoholic) stuff. Unique and quite good. I would not want more than one of them, though.

I would recommend giving this stuff a try. Hopefully you can find it in your area if you’re so inclined to do so.