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You are currently viewing the Etc category or one of its subcategories. Etc is where we put things we don't know where else to put, or keep the types of drinkables which we do not review often enough or in sufficient quantity to grant them a main category of their own: for now, this includes Beers and Wines. Monday, August 13 2007
I am not and never have been a fan of Gin; as a rule, I find its taste reminiscent of lower range aftershave on a hot day. About once a year, however, driven, perhaps by a taste for novelty, perhaps by the call of London's East-end, I feel compelled to buy a half-bottle of the stuff to see if my tastes have changed, which they usually haven't. This time around, the recipient of my adventurousness was Iceberg Gin, new companion to Iceberg Vodka, a fine, if atypical, vodka, reviewed elsewhere in these pages. Such close companions are they, that they share the same bottle design, save for the labels and the different colours of the contents. At first sip, I was pleasantly surprised to find the taste of
This is a very interesting white wine with a heavy smell and fortunately lighter taste of fish, or sea, at the very least. However, it has much more to offer, beginning with a slight pineapple taste which blossoms into a rather stringent grapefruit taste before subsiding to a lightly honeyed aftertaste. The slight fizziness in the mouth makes this wine refreshing and extremely easy-drinking. Probably not ideal with heavy meats or spicy dishes, but I would definitely recommend it for lighter courses or even as an aperitif wine, as it's certainly light enough to justify that. [/Etc/Wine/Canada/NS] permanent link Monday, October 24 2005
Flying Dog Brewry's Old Scratch Amber Lager
This was going to be the first microbrewry American beer I was going to taste, and I was very excited by the prospect. I was not disappointed: the beer is light (but no, absolutely not watery), fragrant, and easy-drinking, with a malty taste ending with a slight spike of roasted barley, leaving one definitely refreshed and craving more. This beer reminds me much of some beers from Germany and Austria; in fact, a bit too much, and one finds oneself wishing it were a bit more individual. Over all, very good, if a little expensive: but then, it's imported microbrewry stuff… [/Etc/Beer/USA/CO] permanent link Sunday, October 23 2005
Wild Rose brewery has been an exciting find for us, bringing us top-notch experiences from Alberta. Last night's weekend special was their IPA, starting off with a lovely head of foam, followed by aromas ranging from spices to berries to a suspected fragrance of jasmine. The body was medium; enough to allow for easy drinking but with enough substance to leave one satisfied. It had flavors of berry juice and cider, which were balanced with hops making it a refreshing ale and a great compliment to our fragrant, heavily garliced and spiced indian meal. This was followed by a nose of more spices, such a cloves. After these experiences, I think perhaps heaven comes in only a few sizes, and the litre, shared with a close friend, is one of them. The ceramic stopper, which allows one to re-seal the bottle, if not sharing, also adds a distinctive touch to the bottle, as well as offering a great alternative to corks and metal caps (Makes it re-usable too!). [/Etc/Beer/Canada/AB] permanent link Friday, October 14 2005
One of my all-time favourite beers. The taste is a perfect blend of malt, hops, and smoke, each coming in seperately, but ultimately merging for a unique taste. First comes the bitterness, then one can taste the slight sweetness of the malt, and, finally, a hint of charcoal--- but nowhere near enough to be uncomfortable--- which, once one adds the taste of the alcohol (which you can taste), does for a wondrous experience. However, do not expect to be able to guzzle down galons of this beer: it is rich and heavy, and, though the taste is delicious, it would most likely overwhelm the drinker if consumed in excess. The perfect beer for a fall or winter evening. [/Etc/Beer/Scotland] permanent link Monday, October 10 2005
This affordable, yet tasty red wine has a faint buttery smell from a distance, which becomes sweet and fruity as one comes closer. However, there is little sweetness in the taste, counter-balanced, perhaps, by the relatively forward dryness and the tanins. It finishes nicely with a pepery nose, which is especially pleasant when accompanied with grilled meat. Excellent, especially for the price, but one should be careful not to match it with too delicate a meal, or the wine will drown it out. [/Etc/Wine/Chile] permanent link
Very nice consistency out of the can, though not the most foamy. Its taste was nice and fragrant, with typical IPA characteristics and a slight spiciness on the back of the tongue and in the aftertaste (mostly cinnamon to me). Very easily drunk, alone or with food, though one might want to tone down on the spices, as this ale could be easily overpowered. Overall, good, but not outstanding in relation to its price. However, I have a feeling that it might be much better draught. UPDATE: I tried it draught at a local pub and, although it was slightly better and smoother, it was not as radical a difference as I had hoped. Still a good thirst-quenching beer though. [/Etc/Beer/Scotland] permanent link Monday, October 03 2005
A nice stout with a nice texture and a lot of fizz to it. Fairly sweet, dark taste with floral hints in the mouth, almost reminiscent of molasses, which then explodes into a fairly smoky taste in the back of the mouth and in the aftertaste. The smokiness is nice, but can sometimes have a coal like edge which would make drinking a lot of this beer difficult. What with this characteristic and the heaviness, it tastes somewhat like a cross between a stout and a Scotch ale. Highly recommended with spicy food. And it comes in a cute four pack, rather than a more traditional sixer. [/Etc/Beer/Canada/NS] permanent link |
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