The Kraken Rum Review

The Kraken Spiced Rum

Home Office
Sat. March 27th 2010

If you're a fan of Sailor Jerry, Private Stock, and Appleton Rums: then Kraken is your kind of Rum. The pour is opaque with light brown lacing on the rim. Dark caramel/cherry tones on the nose, as well as subtle chocolate and fig. The drink is full with bright cherry fruits and cakespice on the back while warm vanilla lingers on the palate. A great tasting, great priced, 94-proof Rum all encompassed in a bottle and label unlike anyother you've ever seen: The Kraken Rum is a must for your next cocktail party, Rum and coke, or Pirate gathering.

Arghh Mateys,
Casey Capper

Posted by Mark Fetter on March 27th, 2010 | Permalink

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Home Office
Monday March 15th


What is it about cold weather days that make you crave a bold, warm whiskey? Is it the warm earthy tones, or the smoke and spice that seem to cut through the winter chill like a warm knife through butter? Whichever reason you choose, it is said that whiskeys on a cold day are pretty tough to beat.

It can be overwhelming when choosing a whiskey with having to consider origin, grain, distillation, maturation, conditioning, the list goes on and on as far as what producers are doing to ensure their end spirit is unique and the quality is sound. As far as I am concerned, Auchentoshan has done a pretty good job. One of the remaining Lowland Distilleries, Auchentoshan produces an award winning line of Whiskys but today the focus is the glass of Three Wood staring back at me. At first glance, the color is very intriguing: deep mahogany and ruby tones that pull you in as you begin nosing the drink. Heavy butterscotch and rich wood tones, followed by dark cherry and fig fruits ignite your senses while fresh malts and fortified fruits empty into the room. The drink is gorgeous: Triple Distillation (unique for Scotch Whiskys) breaks way for an exceptionally clean drink as well as more focused fruits and more defined tones that linger well onto the next sip. Dark, complex cherry fruit on the front with crushed-hazelnut and cake-spice rounding out the drink. Aside from the Triple Distillation, this particular Whisky is matured in traditional Bourbon casks, then spends time in both Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks. This "Three Wood" maturation is key for marrying the spices from the Bourbon and malt with the complexity and powerful notes of the Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks. Balanced and full, unique and very approachable: the Three Wood is truly a treat, and a bottle I will be looking forward to again and again.

Click Here to get a $10 off coupon for the Auchentoshan Three Wood and enjoy!
Cheers,
Casey Capper

Posted by Mark Fetter on March 19th, 2010 | Permalink

Banfi Berlnero

Banfi Belnero Review

Kitchen

Tues March 9^th 2010

For years, Castello Banfi has been a staple and “go-to” name when concerning Italian wines whether you’re looking for a $10 bottle of Chianti, or a $75 bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. If you are looking for more depth than a Chianti Classico but do not want the power or pricetag of the Brunello, Banfi has something amazing to offer.

2005 Belnero, comprised almost exclusively of Sangiovese grown in the southern hills of Montalcino in Tuscany is Chianti’s big brother and Brunello’s little brother. Similar notes from both Chianti and Brunello can be found in this wine due to similar grape varitetals and growing regions, yet the Berlnero provides a perfect middle ground with it being easily enjoyed on its own or paired with aged cheeses, soups, and grilled meats. Brighter, expressive fruits on the nose aren’t masked by oak, which is interesting as this wine sits on French Oak for 2years also giving the wine soft, approachable tannins. Nitrogen bottling makes for fewer sulfites and earthy tones are crisp and focused while prominent vanilla, tobacco, and coffee tones finish out the drink. This wine is drinking exceptional now but will develop more up over the years, this is a wine I will be getting a few bottles to lay down but for now, I’ll just settle for having a 2^nd bottle tonight with dinner.

Cheers,

Casey Capper

Posted by Mark Fetter on March 9th, 2010 | Permalink

Rogue John John Dead Guy Ale Review

Rogue John John Dead Guy Ale
Denver
Tues March 2nd 2010
Since 1988, Rogue Brewing Co hailing from Newport, Oregon has delighted the beer community for years by providing solid drinking 6-packs and obnoxiously good bombers. The newest release to hit our shelves is the “John John Dead Guy Ale,” is the first in a wonderful craft collaboration between Rogue Brewmaster John Maier and Rogue Spirits Master Distiller John Couchot. Available in 22oz bottles, John John is Rogue’s award winning Dead Guy Ale matured in Rogue’s award winning Dead Guy Whiskey barrels. Once poured from the bottle, this beast unleashes bright vanilla and cake-spice notes that make you feel warm and comfortable almost as if you’re living in a barrel room drinking Maibock with a bunch of singing hobbits. The drink is full and flavorful with notes ranging from butterscotch candies and gram cracker, to cherries and brown sugar. The oak presence was well-balanced with the lively citrus/acidity you’d expect from the Dead Guy Maibock, but with new caramel and oak-spiced flavors imparted from the barrel aging.

Cheers,
Casey Capper

Posted by Mark Fetter on March 2nd, 2010 | Permalink