Domaine de Canton

Domaine de Canton is a deliciously aromatic elixir, a hand-crafted infusion of superior eau de vie ( VSOP Cognac), baby Vietnamese ginger, Provençal honey, Tunisian Ginseng and Tahitian vanilla . . . really good stuff. The care in preparation and the quality of ingredients all show through in Domaine de Canton, this is clearly displayed in the wonderfully inviting aromas which culminate on the palate. The flavors are bracing, vivid and recherché with an invigorating mouth-feel, sapid texture, and taste. Domaine de Canton is a joy to sip, have straight on ice or mix into a glorious cocktail . . .

The Ginger Politic
1.5oz Sazerac Rye
1 oz Domaine de Canton
½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 dashes Angostura's Bitters
Shake all of the ingredients with ice vigorously, strain into a chilled Cocktail Glass. Cherry for garnish (include a bit of the juice for color and sweetness!)

Seriously i had the picture edited on my desktop for days... i was just about to throw it into the recycling when i decided to check if i had posted it...lame.

Sergeant Classick Gold Rum

Sergeant Classick Gold Rum is a fine rum also produced by Essential Spirits in Northern California and, again, procured for me by "the smuggler". The aromas carry some of the same complicated and inviting floral tones/ tropical fruit melange and strong citrus/ pith scents as the silver but are further articulated to include soft oak tones, canned peaches stewed with honey and fresh baking spice. . . very friendly. The palate is more vibrant showing soused citrus zest, over-ripe stone fruits, more baking spice, clean wood and fresh honey wheat bread. The full and clean flavors move briskly while being completely enjoyable to linger forging and developing into delicate, recherché finish that leaves some residual spice as a 'lip-smacking' invitation to have another. An amazingly good gold rum with fair fresh and clean flavors that are wonderful to sip and sturdy enough for a rum focused cocktail; such as . . .
a ruby set in gold

5 Parts (2.5 Oz) Sgt Classick Gold
2 Parts (1 Oz) Domaine du Canton
1 Part Tuaca
1 Part Fresh Lemon Juice

Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnich with a brandied cherry..

The 1st picture doesn't show the 'ruby' set in gold that well here is one that does!

Sergeant Classick Silver Rum

This is a wonderful, artisan, hand-crafted rum from Essential Spirits in Northern California. The sample i am enjoying was procured, in sample form, from my friend "the smuggler". The aromas present complicated- yet inviting floral tones, with a tropical fruit melange as a backdrop and strong citrus/ pith scents. . . Not at all unpleasant, and to me quite promising. The flavors lead with zest heavy lemon curd evolving to include some dense shortbread with a touch of vanilla (let's dip the shortbread into the vanilla!!) with an active mouth-feel that resolves into a saporous finish revealing clean-crisp-citrus and delicate zesty spice. . . A very lovely silver rum that i enjoyed sipping, but will really shine in a cocktail! So i made a cocktail. . .

Classick Rosy

2 Oz Sergeant Classick Silver
1 Oz Pama
3/4 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 Oz Honey Syrup (Honey 2/ Water 1)

Stir up real good before you add ice; add ice,
shake and strain into Chilled Cocktail Glass.
Garnish with large lemon zest.

i think i better go make another one of these. . .yum!!

EL Dorado 3 Year Cask Aged White Rum

Wow. Another spectacular sample from my friend, Codename: Smuggler...This looks like plain old ordinary rum-- proof, that you can not judge on appearances!! This is no average white rum, the aromatics and flavors are unbelievable. . .Smells of milk chocolate, fresh grated coconut, vanilla almond milk, and meringue with delicate citrus zest. The flavor reveal these nuances and more of the citrus with oily peanuts, honey, baked custard and lovely cane sugar. The finish is excellent-- recapitulating so much goodness while adding some minerals, fresh grass and sweet-soft-water. Amazing depth, and a lingering finish.
As completely wonderful as this magnificent rum is... i can't wait to make a cocktail with it!

Another twist on a Daiquiri...

2.5 Oz EL Dorado 3 Year Cask Aged Demerara White Rum
1.5 Lemon Juice]
.25 Oz Maraschino Liqueur
.25 Clement Sirop de Canne

Garnish w/ a brandied cherry

Tullamore Dew 10 Year Irish Whiskey

I don't know about the pricing of this... Where i found it, it was more expensive than the 12 year old??? But, that doesn't have anything to do with the whiskey so..: This is an easy drinker...triple distilled then aged in Spanish and American Oak. It is also a great chance to add a limited offering (only 900 cases!) to your collection. The nose leads with stewed citrus (whole lemon and orange zest) with a definite malty undertone and hints of spice. The palate reveals vibrant baking spices with minor sweetness holding malted grains in a dry mouth feel displaying clean toasty wood and roasted almonds. The medium body carries over some of the spice into the finish-gently restating the malt and the wood tones in a smooth, incremental fade. Saporous neat, gracious with ice and wonderful in an Irish themed cocktail.

Tyrconnell 10 Year Madeira Finish

This Tyrconnell is a limited release, Irish Single Malt finished in Madeira . . . This wonderful whiskey emits fascinating aromas of gala Apple and halva with ginger. The full and immediate flavors are rich, vigorous and dry, ranging from stewed dried apricot, papaya, date, apple, berry and blood orange to candied ginger, dark chocolate, treacle, roasted almonds and hints of leather and flowers. The finish softly transitions from fruit to spice while showing a dark wood richness. This is exquisite whiskey- a treasure to be savored neat or with a drop of water and the time to enjoy it thoroughly. Tyrconnell has just released a total of three 'limited edition' wood finishes, and they are each completely fantastic-- do try them all.

Knappogue Castle 1995 Irish Whiskey

The Knappogue Castle is always a wonderful Single Malt, and the 1995 vintage does not disappoint. Aromas of straw, persimmon and loquat with a fresh field floral backdrop achieve a lovely balance also showing honey, vanilla and toasted wood-- all in all very inviting. The palate is very active-with vivacious spice and floral tones briskly bouncing around to resolve at oily nuts, malt, chamomile and soft herbs. The finish is invigorating-- flowers and spice in caramelized honey against dry grains and cut wood with aromatic oiliness lingering. This whiskey is elegant, complex and graceful in a glass. There is no need for anything else.

Greenore 15 Year irish Single Grain Whiskey

A new limited edition (just 5000 bottles worldwide) 15 year old single grain whiskey from Cooley distillery. Greenore has an unparalleled elegance and a crisp clarity from the focus on one grain. The aromas lead gently with quince and lemon zest, caramel corn alongside of toffee, vanilla, honey and oak. To taste, the smooth honey flavor starts with almonds and juicy grain that evolve to include soft spice, vanilla and clean caramel. As the finish approaches, the honey flavor dawdles and warms to show some delicate spices that- in turn- lead to a delectable dry evanescence. Enjoy this lovely whiskey neat or with a touch of ice-- the less you add to it, the more you get from it.

Clontarf Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Clontarf is a Single Malt, distilled three times at the Cooley distillery, to become a crisp and clean whiskey that intrigues as well as pleases. The nose is filled with scents of vanilla, caramel, cut wood and tall grass- awash in malt- stewed crab apples with a touch of sea air. . . very intricate. The medium body abounds with flavor from the start. Toffee, pancake grains, clean caramel, oily nut, and stewed rich fruits (persimmons, dried plum, raisin) merge, harmonize and display distinguished complexity that gives way to easy oak tones. The finish is light and fruity with malt tones, fresh cut hay, caramel and oak seasoning, lingering in a fade of toffee and spice. Excellent neat, or with ice.

Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

Bushmills Black Bush is predominately single malt whiskey matured in Oloroso sherry casks and blended to perfection with just enough single grain whiskey to lighten and sweeten it. The aromas are soft sweet bread with nuts and a tart made with raisins, apples, honey with delicate spices and hints of vanilla. The light delicate palate is full with almond oil, apple, pear, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg, providing a warmth that is vibrant and freshening while also revealing minerals. These flavors linger, showing each sweet component against an herbaceous back note that resolves into a full, harmonious sapidity that is a pleasure to sip neat, or with a touch of water or an ice cube.

Powers Irish Whiskey

Powers Gold Label is made with a high percentage of Irish pure pot still whiskey from the Midleton distillery (about 80%); Plentiful, multifaceted and full of flavor, it is also considered to be Ireland's favorite whiskey-- which is saying something! To smell Powers you find a few canned apricots or peaches in the back buried under large malty barley with lite caramel, followed by soft spices and a hint of dry pepper. Sharp flavors lead, fully seasoned with pure pot still spices, with some damp wood, and more black pepper. It seems light on the malted grains (from the nosing), and shows more of the un-malted grains. The finish is long, round, and sour with lingering warmth. Perfect on ice or a Cocktail:
This is a lovely drink, do try it.

mil maolaigh

Build in Old Fashion Glass:
3, or 4 tart berries muddled until crushed, add
2 Oz Powers Irish Whiskey
1/2 Oz Celtic Crossing
1/2 Oz Irish Mist
Splash of Soda
Ice to the top.

Michael Collins Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Named after Michael John ("Mick") Collins, an Irish revolutionary leader [ among many other things including: Director of Intelligence for the IRA, he was Chairman of both the Provisional Government and Commander-in-chief of the National Army, while serving as President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.] Who was shot and killed during the Irish Civil War; Michael Collins was and is a hero on many levels to the people of Ireland. Michael Collins Single Malt Whiskey, like its namesake, is different compared to its peers: it is double distilled (most Irish is triple) in pot stills from 100% malted barley (most Irish Whiskeys are blends), some of which is dried over peat fires (MOST Irish Whiskeys are COMPLETELY Un-Peated). This is a very different Irish Whiskey. At first sniff you are greeted with aromas of dark chocolate, fresh cut lumber- sandalwood, and hibiscus. To taste, it is intricate in maltiness - light, even, and fresh- very friendly. The finish is where it shines: hints of chocolate re-emerge and a light smokiness with clean malt flavors that linger showing light spiciness and oak notes that gracefully fade.

Kilbeggan

Kilbeggan is a blended Irish Whiskey that is exceptionally tasty, and usually quite a bang for the buck (around $15!). It is delectably suave, and delightfully inviting whiskey. This is what most people think of when they think of Irish Whiskey: Light body, with some spiciness, some sweetness, and a clean finish. If we search a bit from the nose, we find traces of sweet malt, just hinting at sherry, covering fresh grains. Delving past the scents to taste, we find that the tempting aromas have evolved into teeming malt, flexing itself briskly (with glory) all over the palate, gaining in sweetness as it progresses. The finish drys up with lite oak vanilla creaminess, that
seems to invite us to have another. Quite nice.

Sombra Mezcal - Agave de Oaxaca

i have just tasted (for the second time) a new Mezcal called Sombra, and i thought i would give you guys the scoop!

Sourced by the Master-mind behind Del Maguey single village mezcals, Sombra Mezcal (Agave de Oaxaca!), is made from Espadin Agave, harvested from the Sierras of Oaxaca, the hearts are slow roasted in a rock pit over a mesquite fire and then ground, fermented, and distilled to perfection resulting in Sombra! The nose leads with clean, wonderful mesquite smoke, with very delicate fruitiness in the background-- like you are roasting sweet Bell Peppers, and Maui Onions on a Mesquite fire--yum. . .. The flavors follow suit with other lingering subtleties popping up: stewed smoky fruits, hints of richness, luxuriously abundant minerals and a finish that is a barbecued joy to imbibe. The funniest thing is the aftertaste, or exhale is where the saporous-full-well-baked flavor of agave is the most present-- so tasty!

i quoted Ron, in the last paragraph, and he added this to his facebook... it is awesome, watch it.

A note about--Dive Bars. . .

Really what can i say that hasn't been said...
Well-- if you (like me) love yourself some yummy, interesting, frilly, fancy cocktails-- don't go to a dive bar looking for these drinks-- that makes you an a-hole. Do that at a club where the bartenders dress in uniform and they enjoy flaming orange peels over hibiscus infused gin--preferably without a condescending sneer.
At a dive bar order a Greyhound, Cape Codder, screwdriver, a rum and coke, a gin and tonic, beer and a shot or whatever your "anyone can make this' go to drink. If your friendly neighborhood dive bar representative doesn't know a Greyhound is grapefruit juice and Gin or vodka inform them gently and tip them generously (hell you just got twice as much booze for half the cost of that fancy place... why not tip them?).

Bushmills 1608

Bushmills 1608, to lionize the 400th anniversary of being 'licensed to distill' by King James I, has released the fine, and eminently drinkable, 1608. This whiskey is a delight-- approachable, remarkably soft, yet still possessing depth and character. The ample nose is delicate, filled with sherry tones, crisped almond slivers drizzled with honey, fresh turned soil, sun dried raspberry, and currants with toasted grains in an old wood cookie jar. A luscious mouthful, starting soft, big, and juicy- toffee notes and neat grains with crisp fruit till the finish when it drys up to clean malted cereal.

Sauvion & Fils Vouvray

In case any of you wondered if i drink wine,, here is a review of Sauvion& Fils Vouvray-- a wonderful little Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.
This is a perfect opportunity to experience a Vouvray (Chenin Blanc) and help dispel some of the unwarranted prejudice against this noble varietal.
This wine is refreshing, delicately fruity, simple, off-dry, light, charming and firm while exhibiting a floral, honeyed character filled with rich flavors, poised by palpable acidity and bracing minerals. This is a seductive pleasure to relish, and then immediately repeat!
The aromas are light, showing soft floral nuance, quince and minor sweetness. The flavor begins with nectarine, quince again and young-Mirabelle plum, then evolves secondarily to include Meyer lemon, or Persian lime blossoms with subtle spice. The finish is vigorous, fruity and maintaining a lovely ripe balance with just enough acidity to keep it fresh, vibrant and pleasant from start to finish.


Wines like this are exceptionally versatile pairing with anything from Asian and Indian food to Roasted Lamb and almost anything in between; it would work as well at the table as it would on the patio. . .