Wine and Beer Enthusiasts

[Scepticalscribe]

I had recently found a few bottles of Buxton, but they were fairly basic ales—nothing like you’ve talked about. Given the price I felt I’d hold off until I saw something particularly interesting, such as what you’ve written about here.

Much of their stuff is experimental - which means it may not make a further appearance once it has been sampled and tasted (and sold).

However, a constant in their repertoire - at least, I have seen it over the past two years - is their gooseberry sour ale - the wonderful Trolltunga. Now, I did see that today, but know it, and love it and know that I love it, and didn't buy it, as I wished to try something else as the fridge was full of enticing experiments from Buxton.

However, as you like sours, as as they do appear to produce the Trolltunga regularly, I'd recommend that you keep an eye open for that; it is excellent, and I don't doubt that you would really like it.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Much of their stuff is experimental - which means it may not make a further appearance once it has been sampled and tasted (and sold).

However, a constant in their repertoire - at least, I have seen it over the past two years - is their gooseberry sour else - the wonderful Trolltunga. Now, I did see that today, but know it, and love it and know that I love it, and didn't buy it, as I wished to try something else as the fridge was full of enticing experiments from Buxton.

However, as you like sours, as as they do appear to produce the Trolltunga regularly, I'd recommend that you keep an eye open for that; it is excellent, and I don't doubt that you would really like it.

I daresay that I’d snap up several Trolltungas should I ever see them. Gooseberry sour? Hell yes. The two I found on offer nearby were a saison and an English mild ale. Two styles (especially the former) that I enjoy, but not enough for how much they were being sold.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A splendid beer from Ballast Point Brewing Company, the wonderful "Victory At Sea", a porter with coffee and vanilla.

 

[mobilehaathi]

A splendid beer from Ballast Point Brewing Company, the wonderful "Victory At Sea", a porter with coffee and vanilla.

Oh I know this one, it tends to be quite nice! They make one brewed with coconut too, which I enjoy.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Oh I know this one, it tends to be quite nice! They make one brewed with coconut too, which I enjoy.

After the debacle with the (missing, purchased, vanished) KBS beers, this one was enthusiastically suggested as one worth trying.

I bought two, on the grounds that if I really liked one I might wish to sample a second.

Well, two sours and one seriously lovely porter/stout (the coconut version sounds gorgeous) is a good way to merrily wind into the night, perhaps clutching a book.

My nightcap is a whisky - or, rather, a whiskey. A Redbreast Lustau Edition, served in a cut lead glass tumbler.

 

[mobilehaathi]

After the debacle with the (missing, purchased, vanished) KBS beers, this one was enthusiastically suggested as one worth trying.

I bought two, on the grounds that if I really liked one I might wish to sample a second.

Well, two sours and one seriously lovely porter/stout (the coconut version sounds gorgeous) is a good way to merrily wind into the night, perhaps clutching a book.

My nightcap is a whisky - or, rather, a whiskey. A Redbreast Lustau Edition, served in a cut lead glass tumbler.

I’m still pondering what to open this evening—probably a bottle of wine.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I’m still pondering what to open this evening—probably a bottle of wine.

Red or white? New World or Old? Any preference as to the actual Grape that might meet your needs this evening?

Earlier, when dropping in several packets of loose tea (from Kenya) to my wine merchant, I purchased a bottle of Lindul (a stunning dessert wine) from Antonutti.

But - other beverages interposed themselves and I realised that I desired beer tonight.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Red or white? New World or Old? Any preference as to the actual Grape that might meet your needs this evening?

Earlier, when dropping in several packets of loose tea (from Kenya) to my wine merchant, I purchased a bottle of Lindul (a stunning dessert wine) from Antonutti.

But - other beverages interposed themselves and I realised that I desired beer tonight.

Well there’s definitely an ‘05 Spanish Gran Reserva that’s been eyeing me lately, but my ultimate choice will likely hinge on whatever I choose to make for dinner this evening. And I haven’t given that too much consideration yet...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well there’s definitely an ‘05 Spanish Gran Reserva that’s been eyeing me lately, but my ultimate choice will likely hinge on whatever I choose to make for dinner this evening. And I haven’t given that too much consideration yet...

An 04 Spanish Gran Reserva - wow, that sounds wonderful. But, it is the sort of wine that will require a bit of breathing in advance (even on the west coast) and something appropriate to accompany it.

 

[mobilehaathi]

An 04 Spanish Gran Reserva - wow, that sounds wonderful. But, it is the sort of wine that will require a bit of breathing in advance (even on the west coast) and something appropriate to accompany it.

Quite right, well, I may have to actually plan for that one. There’s a white Italian wine, a Lugana, which may pop instead this evening.

 

[rhett7660]

Had a rather chocolate tasting Porter last night from Three Creek brewery last night. It was actually really good and like most porters that I have tried, as this one warmed up a little the full flavoring showed itself and boy was it good.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Had a very enjoyable glass of white wine - a white Chardonnay from Rully in Burgundy, a Grand Vin de Bourgogne in my cheesemonger's wine bar.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A white Burgundy for this evening: Perhaps a Meursault.

The French "get" Chardonnay in a way that some of the New World producers don't; white wines from Burgundy (which are made from Chardonnay) tend to be exquisitely buttery and creamy and beautifully balanced.

 

[Gutwrench]

The French "get" Chardonnay in a way that some of the New World producers don't...

California (Sonoma and the Russian River coasts) makes some of the best oaked and unoaked Chardonnay.

La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014

 

[Scepticalscribe]

California (Sonoma and the Russian River coasts) makes some of the best oaked and unoaked Chardonnay.

La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014

View attachment 755513

Fascinating and thanks for sharing.

While we do see Chilean, Australian, NZ and South African wines from the New World in some considerable quantity, very few wine merchants stock anything from the US; mind you, I hadn't known that Californian Chardonnay was so highly rated - I'll file that away and try to sample some if I manage to lay hands on a bottle.

Some of the Chilean wines I have tried were wonderful, but I am less enthusiastic about a number of the wines from South Africa - or Chardonnays from Australia - that I have had occasion to sample.

Anyway, I have opened a bottle of Meursault (white Burgundy) from 2011 - superb.

 

[0388631]

California (Sonoma and the Russian River coasts) makes some of the best oaked and unoaked Chardonnay.

La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014

View attachment 755513

One of the better "budget" chardonnays. Though they have another chardonnay that's brighter. Definitely a decent everyday drinker. It's not a good buy at some places because it's above MSRP, and some wine places or stores in general will let you buy a crate/box at a reduced unit price. Speaking from experience.

Fascinating and thanks for sharing.

While we do see Chilean, Australian, NZ and South African wines from the New World in some considerable quantity, very few wine merchants stock anything from the US; mind you, I hadn't known that Californian Chardonnay was so highly rated - I'll file that away and try to sample some if I manage to lay hands on a bottle.

Some of the Chilean wines I have tried were wonderful, but I am less enthusiastic about a number of the wines from South Africa - or Chardonnays from Australia - that I have had occasion to sample.

Anyway, I have opened a bottle of Meursault (white Burgundy) from 2011 - superb.

Having samples South African wines before... I will agree with you. Australian whites are hit or miss, usually miss, but I've found New Zealand whites to be else.

 

[Gutwrench]

Fascinating and thanks for sharing.

While we do see Chilean, Australian, NZ and South African wines from the New World in some considerable quantity, very few wine merchants stock anything from the US; mind you, I hadn't known that Californian Chardonnay was so highly rated - I'll file that away and try to sample some if I manage to lay hands on a bottle.

Some of the Chilean wines I have tried were wonderful, but I am less enthusiastic about a number of the wines from South Africa - or Chardonnays from Australia - that I have had occasion to sample.

Anyway, I have opened a bottle of Meursault (white Burgundy) from 2011 - superb.

I’ve read good things about South African but never tried them. Enjoy!

One of the better "budget" chardonnays. Though they have another chardonnay that's brighter. Definitely a decent everyday drinker. It's not a good buy at some places because it's above MSRP, and some wine places or stores in general will let you buy a crate/box at a reduced unit price. Speaking from experience.

The Sonoma and Russian area is excellent for the < $50 Chardonnais, I probably should have said. I like the NZ whites very much. Friends lived in Christchurch for years and recently pulled up stakes and moved to Gold Coast. It caught me off guard. Both are beautiful places.

 

[0388631]

The Sonoma and Russian area is excellent for the < $50 Chardonnais, I probably should have said. I like the NZ whites very much. Friends lived in Christchurch for years and recently pulled up stakes and moved to Gold Coast. It caught me off guard. Both are beautiful places.

Honestly, for $15~ it's rather good for a California chardonnay. What makes La Crema surprisingly good for its price point is they employ a special fermentation method not present in other California chardonnays. I can't remember the term, but it's what makes the wine creamy rather than dry or biting. California chards are so varied that you have a lot of choice as a consumer. Much like cabs, you have a variety going from fruity and delicious and light to what could only be described as sucking on oak chips. Washington, Oregon and California manage to brew some of the best crafts beers and produce some of the best wines in the new world.

Here's a thought. Red wine bread. Just use a decent blend wine. I've done it once so you'll have to do some research yourself. There's a blend called Diamond. Black bottle, monochrome label. They produce some very balanced wines that aren't blends. You can use those which is what I did. Leftover wine goes well with a spicy pizza.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Honestly, for $15~ it's rather good for a California chardonnay. What makes La Crema surprisingly good for its price point is they employ a special fermentation method not present in other California chardonnays. I can't remember the term, but it's what makes the wine creamy rather than dry or biting. California chards are so varied that you have a lot of choice as a consumer. Much like cabs, you have a variety going from fruity and delicious and light to what could only be described as sucking on oak chips. Washington, Oregon and California manage to brew some of the best crafts beers and produce some of the best wines in the new world.

Here's a thought. Red wine bread. Just use a decent blend wine. I've done it once so you'll have to do some research yourself. There's a blend called Diamond. Black bottle, monochrome label. They produce some very balanced wines that aren't blends. You can use those which is what I did. Leftover wine goes well with a spicy pizza.

I used not to care much for white wines (apart from Riesling or Gewürztraminer) until I was offered a Meursault around five years ago when I was home on leave. It was an epiphany, and, ever since then, I have been an ardent fan of the French white Burgundy style, (Chablis, Meursault, Pouilly-Fuisée etc) which is wonderfully buttery, creamy and smooth but beautifully balanced with a hint of mineral steeliness to give the wine a bit of spine. Gorgeous - and they will flatter almost any dish one cares to serve with them.

 

[0388631]

I used not to care much for white wines (apart from Riesling or Gewürztraminer) until I was offered a Meursault around five years ago when I was home on leave. It was an epiphany, and, ever since then, I have been an ardent fan of the French white Burgundy style, (Chablis, Meursault, Pouilly-Fuisée etc) which is wonderfully buttery, creamy and smooth but beautifully balanced with a hint of mineral steeliness to give the wine a bit of spine. Gorgeous - and they will flatter almost any dish one cares to serve with them.

Likewise. I'll refrain from airing my prior opinions I held a long time ago about drinking whites. Having drunk a wide variety of wines both in quality and price, I've found what I like and am able to pick up or connect the flavors the maker claims. Used to thing it was rubbish, but it turns out it's true. A good syrah gets my mood going. The deep bramble like taste is gorgeous and I say that because our brambles have yet to mature (hurry up you fruit!). Everyday red drinking? Malbec. Doesn't matter much. I've yet to have a bad Malbec. The way this particular variety reacts during the fermentation process lends to a vanilla-like profile, very soft mouthfeel and a glorious aroma. I'm not one to indulge in alcohol like I used to, when younger, but I can and have had 1-2 bottles in a day. 2 bottles when having company over. It's also a fairly safe wine to pick when you have non-wine drinkers over. Temperanillo is another safe bet.

I don't mind a very dry white or red wine, either. It's some of the wines that, as I said, taste as if you're chewing a piece of oak. I'm sure some appreciate it, I don't.

There's a story of wine tastings outside of Leon in Northern Spain and some questionable behavior on the winery flats many moons ago but I'll refrain from saying much... other than I hope if I ever do go back one day, they don't recognize me. Hard to forget taller than average people.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have long liked good Rieslings - preferably from Alsace rather than Germany - and am of the minority that also really likes a good Gewürztraminer (again, preferably from Alsace); for bacon or pork dishes, these wines are hard to beat. Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris will also work well in such circumstances.

However, for some fish dishes, I have recently become converted to the charms of Sauvignon Blanc; a good one - with that gooseberry tartness - can be extraordinarily refreshing.

Paired with salmon, a Grüner Veltliner - especially at reserve level - can be wonderful.

For reds, my preferences tend to be full bodied and smooth (meaning wines such as Ripasso, or Chateauneuf-du-Pape); in recent times, I have been able to lay hands on a few different vintages of St Emilion Grand Cru and thought it excellent.

Yesterday, I bought a bottle of Nuit St-Georges (a red Burgundy made from the high maintenance and temperamental grape Pinot Noir) and am looking froward to sampling it; I was advised that fillet steak - perhaps with a green salad and gratin dauphinoise potatoes would be an excellent accompaniment.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

However, - for now - my favourite white wines remain the classic French Burgundies.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A white Burgundy made from Chardonnay: Meursault.

 

[mobilehaathi]

A passion fruit sour ale and a barrel aged stout are rounding out the afternoon...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A passion fruit sour ale and a barrel aged stout are rounding out the afternoon...

Any further details? They sound wonderful.

My Meursault drained, I opened a bottle of Lindul from Antonutti - a deliciously tart dessert wine; for me, when I read the adjective (and indeed noun) 'apricot' as a tasting note in a dessert wine, I am immediately intrigued. And captivated. And extending a credit card....