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Wine and Beer Enthusiasts
- Thread starter albertfallickwa
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Picked up the new version of Anchor Christmas Ale (it's a different recipe for 2015), very good. Toffee, vanilla, a very mild hops, nice carbonation, and it's easily sourced and pretty inexpensive (as micros go).
Sounds lovely.
I am sipping a glass of Chouffe N'Ice this evening - a lovely winter warming drink.
I am hoping my local beverage store gets this in. I really like their regular brews and I am hoping we get this in this year. I have been wanting to try this now for some time.
Yes, it was highly recommended by a couple of "beer friends"
My beer source is really expanding, so I'm hopeful they get some.
Yes, it was highly recommended by a couple of "beer friends"
Since a total wine opened up near me, they have pretty much been my go-to-spot. Fingers crossed they get some in.
By the way, like your avatar. Just picked up the first issue. Can't wait to read it!
Yes, it was highly recommended by a couple of "beer friends"
It is rich, luscious, sweet, balanced, delicious and full bodied; in other words, a perfect winter beverage.
Actually, in texture and taste (and strength) - and colour - it is not unlike the Trappist ales such as St Bernardus Abt 12.
A lovely bottle of a classic Spanish red, one made from very aged vines, rich, and full, and smooth, called "Los Comillos".
Yesterday, I was informed that some strange beers that I had been seeking for quite a while had materialised. Along with a few unexpected Yuletide surprises.
As I had a day of meetings and travelling today, (and family stuff yesterday) I held off the greeting ritual until tonight when I returned.
Anyway, I am sipping a glass of the glorious and quite lovely St Bernardus Christmas Abbey Ale. This is a seasonal speciality, and in taste and texture, is no so far removed from their wonderful St Bernardus Abt 12.
As I had a day of meetings and travelling today, (and family stuff yesterday) I held off the greeting ritual until tonight when I returned.
Anyway, I am sipping a glass of the glorious and quite lovely St Bernardus Christmas Abbey Ale. This is a seasonal speciality, and in taste and texture, is no so far removed from their wonderful St Bernardus Abt 12.
This evening I opened a nice bottle of Georgian wine - a Saperavi from the Kacheti region. Reminds me a bit of Chiantis or Riojas, but not so sweet. Brings back good memories...
I spent the best part of two and a half years in Georgia over two periods and got to know Georgian wines rather well.
The Saperavi grape is sharper and more tannic than some of varieties that we might be kore familiar with. To be honest, I preferred it when blended by a winemaker who knew their business - say, Saperavi and Cabernet Savignon, or Saperavi and Merlot.
To my mind, the Satrapezo vineyard produced some superb stuff, - including a few outstanding reds, as did the Vino Terra vineyard.
I hadn't had this in a few years after drinking a really awful one, but I took a chance this year. I'm very happy with it...
I had this a few times at our local Mellow Mushroom, when they had their seasonals/pumpkins for October. There's a different Southern Tier pumpkin, it's an ale, very solid, but _this_ has probably taken over as my favorite pumpkin beer. It's so malty and rich, with vanilla, a little hint of coffee, pumpkin pie spices, and even pretty perky with a 10% ABV (that's a 22oz bottle ...).
I'm taking a liking to scotch. And with the cold weather here I've found an excellent hot buttered rum recipe.
An excellent "Hot buttered rum" recipe? Would you care to share it, as it sounds like just the thing to chase away the cold for the Yuletide season?
I found this on the internet and tweaked it just a bit.
Syrup Mix
1 c unsalted butter
1 c brown sugar
1c sugar
2 c vanilla ice cream
Combine the butter and sugars in a pan and stir over low-medium heat until a nicely melted syrup (4-5 minutes).
Pour into a mixing bowl with ice cream and mix until very smooth.
Pour mix into a container and keep refrigerated until gone. I don't think past a week though.
Hot Buttered Rum
Fill 1/4 of a small cup with the syrup mixture.
1-1.5 ounce rum (spiced or not)
Fill the remainder of the cup with boiling water and stir. (Optional spices: cinnamon and/or nutmeg.)
This is a very sweet/rich toddy so I use a small toddy glass cup.
Variation: half the butter and sugar.
Yesterday, after a Procol Harum concert, I stumbled upon an exquisite restaurant with a list of over 200 beers all over the world. Here's a quite minimalistic collection of beers I managed to scrape off my bucket list:
- Rochefort 6: This has been in my bucket list for quite a while. A dumbed down quad, which is not a bad thing at all. Fresh, light and easy to drink. 4/5
- Zundert: A very robust and yeasty Trappist. Caramel, lime & citrus hints unite to form an excellent and elegant beer. 4/5
- St. Bernardus Abt 12: Best Dutch I've tasted. Best for occasions when you "just want a beer". Complex, yet very balanced, fruity beer. Surprisingly enjoyable even at lower temperatures, with notes ranging from liquorice to sweet plums. 5/5
- Ballast Point Victory At Sea: The ultimate porter. Coffee and vanilla in perfect harmony. Just taste it, you'll be blown away. 5/5
- Rochefort 6: This has been in my bucket list for quite a while. A dumbed down quad, which is not a bad thing at all. Fresh, light and easy to drink. 4/5
- Zundert: A very robust and yeasty Trappist. Caramel, lime & citrus hints unite to form an excellent and elegant beer. 4/5
- St. Bernardus Abt 12: Best Dutch I've tasted. Best for occasions when you "just want a beer". Complex, yet very balanced, fruity beer. Surprisingly enjoyable even at lower temperatures, with notes ranging from liquorice to sweet plums. 5/5
- Ballast Point Victory At Sea: The ultimate porter. Coffee and vanilla in perfect harmony. Just taste it, you'll be blown away. 5/5
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As it happens, I am familiar with the entire St Bernardus range.
They are all very good, and I love the St Bernardus Abt 12.
Likewise, the Trappist Rochefort range; again, they are all excellent. For winter, my personal favourite is the Rochefort Trappist 10, but the 6 is a lovely beer, one which goes well with food.
Unfortunately, I haven't come across the other two beers that you mentioned, but will happily take your word on them.
Oh, thanks a lot for that, and for taking the time and trouble to transcribe it. For that matter, it sounds very apt for the Yuletide season.
Familiar with St Bernadrus Abt 12? Familiar, eh?
Heh.
Quite familiar, if truth be told. The Abbot and I greet one another - on average - around once or twice a week. However, it must be conceded that he has a few competitors for my affections…..
Helped out a coworker from Canada with a Christmas present for her fiancé. As a thank you she brought some beers for me. The three on the right are from muskoka brewery in Canada. The other on the far left is something many of you may be familiar with. The aventinus is from 2011. The one with a tag is a barrel aged double chocolate cranberry stout. Sounds interesting. These are all new to me, so I am looking forward to trying. Anybody ever try any Of them?
Sipping a glass of the invariably excellent Trappist Rochefort 10 - perfect December drinking. (Actually, also pretty good at other times of the year as well).
Had two classics last night. A Rochefort 10 and Velvet Merkin 2015 Barrel-Aged Oatmeal stout.... outstanding night to say the least. Oh and we decorated our Christmas tree with the family!