smoke – Mel's Mosaic

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!

Pinotage is one of my favorite wines with that smokey nose and taste. Then, the subtle leather notes, as well. And, whenever I can find it in the States, it is always a bonus. Sometimes it can be hard to get, or you always find the same ones. So, when in CO the past week or so, I got totally different distributors than what I am used to in DC, MD and VA. I came across a Pinotage I had never seen before — Barista (2012) Pinotage. The name itself does it justice — Barista — coffee. It also has the traditional notes of Pinotage with the smoke, subtle leather and some fruit. It was in the mid-teens, price-wise. If you’re looking for a looking for a new wine and/or are a fan of this varietal, totally try it (assuming you can easily find it).