Olivia一首輕快的小品，"I'll get back to you"，敲響了今晚輕鬆愉悅的氣氛。
雖然沒有閃耀的杯光倩影，心情卻注了滿滿的酒意；昨天晚上那場WSD盲飲的餘韻至今還迴盪在我的唇齒之間。五位紳士個個具備了自己的特色；雪莉與波本共存的雙面007，歷經海洋試煉的粗曠水手，典型斯貝賽雪莉的傳統老先生以及奶油圓滑的波本小生，味蕾的悸動絕非區區＂快樂＂可以形容。那已經昇華成了一場饗宴，就像是味蕾在聽一場交響樂，複雜的樂器與樂者在指揮與音符的編織下呈現的卻是那麼的和諧。
當酒精不再只是催化飲料的時候，我相信我已經超脫了世俗。
2011年2月12日 星期六
15 years of waiting, Lady Loch Lomond
2011, the winter is chilling and the nights are long. The basement of the dungeon locks away my beauties, my salves and my loves. Lady Loch Lomond, curling her body into the most unseen corner of the cell. It has been… 15 years? That old seared mark on her waist is the prove of imprisonment. Clothes were rusty, hairs were dry as straws and skin covered with mud and dirt, but none of these can concealed her royal temperaments.
Dragging her way from the dungeon I have tonight; like a sacrificing lamb to God, she wasn’t resisting. Amber-gold coloured, her hair is almost indistinctive to a premium quality Manuka honey, sweet and attractive. The old English royal toffee aromas once again concurs her noble descendancy. Maybe her veins run with the pride of French Louis the king? My Baron’s mouth of devil has sensed a trace of French cognac somewhere hidden in this liquid of gold.
She came in without an age statement, is it worth 15 years of waiting? Perfected by time, the unison of two’s flesh and spirit was amazing; I believe I have found my answer. However, this royal duchess doesn’t have the sluttish character in her bones that lingers a man’s soul with the feminine charm.2011年2月11日 星期五
K Vintners Roma 62% Cabernet Sauvignon & 38% Syrah 2008
深沉的紅寶石中，透著一種強烈的感覺。聚合果為主的果香中透著微微的熱帶水果香甜的氣息；一個時辰後，香草、草莓牛奶、西洋杉木，穿插出了如同女性般輕柔的香氣。酒韻細緻且集中，藍莓的甜味舒服的包裹著整個舌床。..
飲食男女
如果使用太過強烈的食物做搭配，會糟蹋了細緻如女人般的Roma。一層層疊出的馬自瑞拉起司夾著切成片的番茄，新鮮而不搶味..
K Vintners Roma基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (En Chamberlain, Walla Walla, Washington, USA) 
葡萄品種：62% Cabernet Sauvignon; 38% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄1.8公噸
風土：卵石狀壤土，砂礫石
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：191箱
葡萄品種：62% Cabernet Sauvignon; 38% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄1.8公噸
風土：卵石狀壤土，砂礫石
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：191箱
Tasting Date:（31/Jan/2011）
2011年2月4日 星期五
K Vintners Ovide 67% Cabernet Sauvignon & 33% Syrah 2008
稍顯沉重的紅寶石色帶著一絲絲的磚紅色。開瓶後約15至30分鐘後慢慢甦醒。香味由淡淡的紫羅蘭花，轉變成乾菸草、橡木桶，直至最後的薰衣草花香。單寧細緻，酒體集中且稍顯濃郁。酒醒兩個半小時後出現類似蜂蜜燕麥牛奶的風味。
飲食男女
薰衣草蜜汁無骨雞腿排佐番紅花奶油飯。雖然白肉不常用於搭配紅葡萄酒，但是油脂充足的雞腿排加上奶油飯足以匹配Ovide的微厚酒體。當薰衣草（餐）遇上紫羅蘭花（酒），一部南法普羅旺斯花香的交響宴就在你我的味蕾上演奏。..
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K Vintners Ovide基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (En Cerise, Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
葡萄品種：67% Cabernet Sauvignon; 33% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄1.9公噸
風土：卵石狀壤土，砂礫石
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：217箱
Tasting Date:（28/Jan/2011）
K Vintners The Deal Syrah 2008
色深如黑梅，自然且透亮。酒液與酒杯觸碰的邊上，彷彿靜置著一朵深紫色的劍蘭花。濃郁甜蜜的焦糖與綜合複雜的聚合果＊果香舒服的充斥著鼻腔；開瓶三個半小時之後，台灣大湖草莓迷人的香味漸漸的、隱約的浮現。覆盆子、草莓、利口酒般的甜，交織出了The Deal所帶來的味覺享受。酸度在開瓶後半小時顯現，並在四個小時後逐漸提升。口感尾韻頗為悠長。
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飲食男女
佐配紅酒醬汁菲力牛排（Beef Medallion）。細緻無筋的肉質與稍微厚重的酒體組合出了口味上對等的比例，紅酒醬汁的點綴搭起了一道味覺橋樑。
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K Vintners The Deal Syrah基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (Sundance, Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
葡萄品種：100% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄1.9公噸
風土： 18英吋沙質嚷土，深灰粗砂
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：236箱
Tasting Date:（27/Jan/2011）
2011年2月1日 星期二
K Vintners Northridge Syrah 2008
透亮的深紅寶石色，液面的圓周勾著一圈深紫水晶色。酒香約在簡短的十分鐘後開始潺潺流露，櫻桃口味的菸草、紅醋栗、乃至熟透的莓果。一股獨特的＂濕土壤＂感受，讓人彷彿置身在剛剛下完一場大雨的森林步道中，深呼吸著那參雜著土壤及剛被雨水打落的樹葉的味道。微微的甜味作為開場，黑醋栗般的酸味和隱約的單寧在一個半小時後被釋出；最後有著如同森永牛奶糖般，膠著在口腔的微妙滋味。酒香從剛開瓶時的活蹦亂跳，隨著時間的揉練後漸漸沉穩（約三小時）。
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飲食男女
可佐嫩煎豬小里肌，肉質柔軟少油脂。Northridge Syrah單寧稍弱近乎缺乏，先煎後烤的小里肌不失肉質鮮嫩，卻也不會因為過度焦熟的外皮搶走葡萄酒的風味。稍用濃稠的肉醬汁沾淋會有畫龍點睛的效果。
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K Vintners Northridge Syrah基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (Northridge,
Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
葡萄品種：100% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄1.9公噸
風土：壤質細砂土，膠結矽沙
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：283箱
產區：美國華盛頓州 (Northridge,
Walla Walla, Washington, USA)葡萄品種：100% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄1.9公噸
風土：壤質細砂土，膠結矽沙
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：283箱
Tasting Date:（26/Jan/2011）
K Vintners Milbrandt Syrah 2008
酒色呈現深沉的暗紫紅。開瓶三十分鐘內尚缺乏香味；甦醒後散發出研磨胡椒粒、李子與菸草的氣息。Milbrandt口感輕柔如涓絲且酸度適中。如奶油般的紮實酒體，讓葡萄酒在口腔時那近需被＂咀嚼＂般的感受殊為特別。
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飲食男女
帶皮油封鴨胸佐核桃奶油醬會是個不錯的搭配。Milbrandt細緻的酒質與肉類中口感較輕的家禽類吻合度頗高。些許的核果類醬料可以提升餐與酒整體的厚實感，並讓尾韻（餐與酒）更加和諧幽長。
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K Vintners Milbrandt Syrah基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (90% Sundance/10% Pheasant, Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
產區：美國華盛頓州 (90% Sundance/10% Pheasant, Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
葡萄品種：100% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄2.2公噸
風土：Sundance - 18英吋砂質壤土，深灰粗沙
Pheasant - 沙壤土，沙，粗沙
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：800箱
Tasting Date:（24/Jan/2011）
2011年1月26日 星期三
K Vintners Morrison Lane Syrah 2008
在日光燈的折射下，Morrison Lane Syrah透出參雜著暗血紅的深沉紫羅蘭色。甦醒時間約在開瓶後十五分鐘。起初，香氣溢出濃郁的藍莓與黑木莓，一至兩小時候轉變成橡木桶與太妃糖，酒杯最後殘留著香柏木、煙燻與黑莓的香氣。08 Morrison Lane Syrah的酒體集中，單寧頗甜且細緻。稍具酸度，其變化過程彷彿產品生命週期曲線圖。
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以牛肉的前腰脊肉(俗稱紐約客牛排)做搭配。這個部位的油花相對較少，且如大理石般均勻的分布。太過油膩厚重的紅肉或野味可能比較沒辦法襯托出Morrison Lane Syrah較為細緻的單寧。
K Vintners Morrison Lane Syrah基本資料
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飲食男女
以牛肉的前腰脊肉(俗稱紐約客牛排)做搭配。這個部位的油花相對較少，且如大理石般均勻的分布。太過油膩厚重的紅肉或野味可能比較沒辦法襯托出Morrison Lane Syrah較為細緻的單寧。
K Vintners Morrison Lane Syrah基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (Morrison Lane, Walla Walla, Washington, USA) 
葡萄品種：100% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄2.3公噸
風土：粉土質壤土，河床沖積土，砂質壤土
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
葡萄品種：100% Syrah
採收量：一公畝葡萄2.3公噸
風土：粉土質壤土，河床沖積土，砂質壤土
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
年產量：268箱
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲室溫：18℃
品飲時間長度：3.5小時
年產量：268箱
其他：Morrison Lane座落在Walla Walla Valley較為陰涼的南向藍山山坡上；擁有1994年栽種，如今Walla Walla Valley最老的Syrah葡萄藤。
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Tasting Date:（25/Jan/2011）
2011年1月25日 星期二
K Vintners Viognier 2008 & 2009 （小垂直）
Vintage 2009
09 Viognier的酒色就好像是剛被削皮的青蘋果果肉，微弱的淡金色夾雜清脆的綠色。白櫻桃、含苞待放的花苞，香甜青澀的氣味是它的特色。酒體適中，味覺可體會到果核、礦物質與些許奶油的綿密感。必須冰過後飲用，常溫下酒體太重。
Vintage 2008
酒色如秋天的麥稈。香氣剛開瓶時不明顯，需要約15 - 30分鐘讓她醒來。附有西洋梨的甜香，些許的橡木桶桶味與近乎香水般的花香。味蕾可以感受到礦物質風味，與少許的辛口感。一小時後會有花蜜香味的呈現。
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08與09
酒色上，08少了些青澀卻多了些穩重。09的香氣在前一個小時比較討喜，明顯的差距需等到隔天才出現。08濃郁的果香和帶蜜般的甜味需至隔夜方能釋放出來。09應可存放2至3年。
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飲食男女
推薦搭配生鮭魚片或煙燻鮭魚食用；還有，下次當你正在尋找Chablis配生蠔的時候，可以考慮換換風味搭個K Vintners Viognier試試。
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Vintners Viognier基本資料
產區：美國華盛頓州 (Columbia Valley,
Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
Walla Walla, Washington, USA)
葡萄品種：100% Viognier
採收量：一公畝葡萄3.5公噸
風土：火山灰風化的膠狀黏土
橡木桶：熟成於法國勃根地橡木桶
發酵方式：蘋果乳酸發酵
品飲室溫：16℃
品飲時間長度：3小時
年產量：N/A
Tasting Date:（22/Jan/2011）
2011年1月23日 星期日
一騎紅塵妃子笑
那是一個再平常不過的星期二夜晚，熟悉的腳步又把我帶進了那間私房小酒館。微微昏暗的燈光，原木勾寒鐵邊框的桌子，吧檯角落的那個位子，酒窖裡一瓶鑲著古羅馬帝國銀紅色盾牌的葡萄酒，今天會是個微醺的夜晚？
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Lucchetti Lacrima Di Morro D'Alba Mariasole 2007 (D.O.C)，一個不熟悉的名子。開瓶的霎那，焦慮和不安瞬間消失殆盡。濃縮般的荔枝香挑逗著鼻腔的嗅覺細胞，深深的紅寶石色澤在聚光燈下跳動著，標準型波爾多水晶杯使葡萄酒添抹了些許的貴氣色彩。不同於典型義大利紅葡萄酒哆哆逼人的酸味，Lucchetti 的酒體較重且單寧濃郁。甦醒兩小時之後紅酒單寧漸漸飽和柔順，口腔味蕾被荔枝以及玫瑰花的味道充斥著，久久不能散去。
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Lucchetti採用一種極為罕見的義大利古原生葡萄品種"Lacrima"釀製而成，其果實顏色濃郁深沉。據說 Lacrima 的栽種紀錄可以追朔至中古世紀，產區位於今義大利中部東岸亞德里海岸的一個小村莊，產量及其稀少。想當年羅馬帝國的首都與Lucchetti所在的Le Marche產區近在咫尺，不難想像兩千多年前的Lacrima佳釀必定擄獲了不少帝王貴冑的心；也許是歷史在作祟吧，相隔六七百年後風靡一時的唐玄宗，為了想駕馭楊玉環的芳心，那株嶺南的離枝不曉得僵死了多少批千里馬。也難怪小李杜中的杜牧會語帶無奈和譏諷的吟出＂一騎紅塵妃子笑，無人知是荔枝來＂。
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悠長的尾韻，我已經分不出她是清新的荔枝還是高雅的玫瑰花。微醺的酒氣，酒標上的鮮紅色酒痕，或許我已經沉醉在 Lacrima 葡萄酒的石柳裙下。
2010年4月2日 星期五
What have you got left when it all ends?
"Fair Lady, throw those costly robes aside,No longer may you glory in your pride;
Take leave of all your carnal vain delight,
I'm come to summon you away this night."
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A little part of the ballad I have read recently and was recorded at around late 1600's to early 1700's, written by J. Deacon. The theme was to describe a woman, begging the Death to redeem her soul.
I guess it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor when it comes to the end; gold, power, pride, love ... what can be taken when we are being burned by the fire of Death? Many Emperors and Kings in the past 5000 years of human civilization buried themselves with gold, dimonds and the livings; all I know is that the precious stones were thieved by the tomb raiders and only bones were left over to rot.
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As the night approaches its darkness, once again I feel the evil awakening and running in my veins. I have blended myself with the ballad, placing my soal along with the Death for my beloved lady, "Aberlour A'Bunadh cask strength single malt whisky".
I guess it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor when it comes to the end; gold, power, pride, love ... what can be taken when we are being burned by the fire of Death? Many Emperors and Kings in the past 5000 years of human civilization buried themselves with gold, dimonds and the livings; all I know is that the precious stones were thieved by the tomb raiders and only bones were left over to rot..
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As the night approaches its darkness, once again I feel the evil awakening and running in my veins. I have blended myself with the ballad, placing my soal along with the Death for my beloved lady, "Aberlour A'Bunadh cask strength single malt whisky".
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Stripping her waxy garment by tearing the strips around her waist, her naked body soon revealed in front of my eyes. The sherry and fruity aromas from her body was seductively charming. Creamy, that full bodied of her flesh was just irresistibly delicious. Biting like a vampire, I have withdrawn every pinch of her spirit from her soul. Dryness from sherry, hint of citrus fruit flashes in my mouth and mind where a trace of her innocent soul drips slowly from the tip of my canine; lingers and unforgettable. Oh my oh my, what have I done?2009年12月4日 星期五
Just what is a single malt?
We have all heard about this term and it is getting more popular these days. Single malt has become a trend as well as a fashion to all whisky and non whisky drinkers. But what exactly is "Single Malt" whisky? And what is the difference to a "blend" or a "grain" whisky? Let the simple facts be revealed!!
Put it in the simplest explanation, "Single malt" whisky is the product of just one distillery and it needs to be distilled using 100% malted barley. For an example, every single drop of whisky in a bottle of The Glenlivet 12 year old can only be made from The Glenlivet distillery.
Then I guess it is not hard to imagine what a "Blended" whisky is. A blended whisky is a mixture of single malt and grain whisky. Usually, whiskies from a range of distilleries might be used. Some well known example of a blended whisky are Johnnie walker Blue label, Chivas 18 year old and Dewars 12 year old.
There is another type of whisky that can be easily and ususlly has been confused with the blended whisky - the name, "Blended malt". The "Blended malt" was previously known as "vatted malts", which means that the product consist the mixture of two or more single malt whiskies. The only difference to a "Blended whisky" that a "Blended malt" can not have a drop of grain whisky, in another word, "Blended malt" would be made from 100% malted barely whiskies. A good example is Johnnie walker Green label.
Put it in the simplest explanation, "Single malt" whisky is the product of just one distillery and it needs to be distilled using 100% malted barley. For an example, every single drop of whisky in a bottle of The Glenlivet 12 year old can only be made from The Glenlivet distillery.Then I guess it is not hard to imagine what a "Blended" whisky is. A blended whisky is a mixture of single malt and grain whisky. Usually, whiskies from a range of distilleries might be used. Some well known example of a blended whisky are Johnnie walker Blue label, Chivas 18 year old and Dewars 12 year old.
There is another type of whisky that can be easily and ususlly has been confused with the blended whisky - the name, "Blended malt". The "Blended malt" was previously known as "vatted malts", which means that the product consist the mixture of two or more single malt whiskies. The only difference to a "Blended whisky" that a "Blended malt" can not have a drop of grain whisky, in another word, "Blended malt" would be made from 100% malted barely whiskies. A good example is Johnnie walker Green label.
Summary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
............................No. of Distillery ... Original Ingredient
...Single Malt ................. 1 .................malted barely
...Single Malt ................. 1 .................malted barely
...Blended ..................multiple ............malted barely, un-
......................................................malted barley, Grain
..................................................... (wheat, rye, corn)
..................................................... (wheat, rye, corn)
...Blended Malt............ multiple ........... malted barely~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2009年12月1日 星期二
Monteith's Pilsner/Golden lager
Monteith's Pilsner beer (5.0%, 330 mL)
An eastern European style lager, claimed to be crisp but that's not how my tongue tells me, it was clean but not crisp. The most malty out of the four in the collection, bold and strong. The bitterness from the hob was clean and comfortable.
Monteith's Golden lager (5.0%, 330 mL)
A golen malty lager with mellow hop characters, fairly light in taste and maltiness. Claim to have cashew nut smoothness but I haven't detected. However, a slight hint of honey was preceived. Crisp, clean and refreshing.
An eastern European style lager, claimed to be crisp but that's not how my tongue tells me, it was clean but not crisp. The most malty out of the four in the collection, bold and strong. The bitterness from the hob was clean and comfortable.
Monteith's Golden lager (5.0%, 330 mL)
A golen malty lager with mellow hop characters, fairly light in taste and maltiness. Claim to have cashew nut smoothness but I haven't detected. However, a slight hint of honey was preceived. Crisp, clean and refreshing.
2009年11月30日 星期一
Monteith's Radler/Crushed Apple Cider
It is another one of those bloody hot Sydney afternoons where you’ll simply be toasted if you live at the top floor without an air-con. I would challenge those stubborn heads (especially the politicians) who just don’t want to admit that global warming actually exists and is happening right now. Oh well, I can go on all day with global warming but it isn’t my game right now.
One of the nicest things to do in the summer is to grab a chilling beer from the fridge and listen to that “zeep” when you open the bottle. Of course, the most important part is when the ice freezing beer is being swallowed from your mouth, through the oesophagus and into your guts. “Arrrrrr… that’s nice”!!!
I bought this “Monteith’s Festive 8 pack” from Dan Murphy’s couple days ago along with the “Coopers family collection”. What I like about the assorted pack is that I can spend the same amount of money and taste 4~8 different types of beers. What i have discovered it that the assorted pack is like a summer thing here.
One of the nicest things to do in the summer is to grab a chilling beer from the fridge and listen to that “zeep” when you open the bottle. Of course, the most important part is when the ice freezing beer is being swallowed from your mouth, through the oesophagus and into your guts. “Arrrrrr… that’s nice”!!!
I bought this “Monteith’s Festive 8 pack” from Dan Murphy’s couple days ago along with the “Coopers family collection”. What I like about the assorted pack is that I can spend the same amount of money and taste 4~8 different types of beers. What i have discovered it that the assorted pack is like a summer thing here. 
Monteith’s is a New Zealand brand, brewed in Greymouth located at the west coast of the South Island. Founded in 1868, Monteith’s is still a family own brewery who maintained their brewing traditions for almost 150 years.
Monteith’s Radler Bier (5.0%, 330 mL)
A very easy to drink, zesty and lemon flavoured larger beer. There was almost zero bitterness coming from the hob even after it has been exposed to the air. The key to the lemony twist was from the small amount of natural lemon juice added when the beer was brewed. The fruity sweetness at the end was actually sensed by the olfactory instead of taste. A very interesting drink, absolutely love it.
A very easy to drink, zesty and lemon flavoured larger beer. There was almost zero bitterness coming from the hob even after it has been exposed to the air. The key to the lemony twist was from the small amount of natural lemon juice added when the beer was brewed. The fruity sweetness at the end was actually sensed by the olfactory instead of taste. A very interesting drink, absolutely love it. .
Monteith’s Crushed Apple Cider (4.5%, 330 mL)
I can almost taste the green apple as it was grabbed from the tree. The flavour of ripened apple dominates the drink as well as the fruity sourness. I can understand where the market segment fits in, but it certainly is not mine. I’ll have it to accompany with food when it’s a perfect match, otherwise I would use a Radler to serve the purpose of “summer drinking”.
I can almost taste the green apple as it was grabbed from the tree. The flavour of ripened apple dominates the drink as well as the fruity sourness. I can understand where the market segment fits in, but it certainly is not mine. I’ll have it to accompany with food when it’s a perfect match, otherwise I would use a Radler to serve the purpose of “summer drinking”. The bobbles from the Radler were so fine that it was almost like a cappucino foam. It was simply delightful.
"All Beer is Good. Some Beer is Better" totally agree!!
2009年11月29日 星期日
Summer Limited Edition
The chilling breeze has left Sydney. In return, boiling water temperature! An average of 35C that prolongs to twelve o'clock in the midnight is really a killer for whisky drinking. No wonder why the Scottish can drink all day everyday, 24-7. As part of their culture, they even add whisky to their breakfast porridge. Nice, what a good way to start of the day, they most important meal ya?!
.
I have to admit that the current Sydney temperature simply wears off all my incentives and temptation to whisky. On the other hand, I have started to explore the world of beer. I guess beer doesn't really contradicts the purpose of the blog. The whisky master Michael Jackson (I know, but this Michael Jackson isn't that Michael Jackson) actually started his beverage life with beer and then move onto whisky. And, technically (in simple terms), beer and whisky only differ by the process of distillation. Well, I guess I'll make this a seasonal thing. I'll make this series "Summer limited edition" (LOL).
2009年10月6日 星期二
A Promise
Most of the people come and goes in my life, some stayed longer and some passed quickly. Merely a few of them settled and became friends of the lifetime. Tony oh Tony, since when was our last drink together... let me dig it from my memory... hmmmm~ April 2006? That was a great chat with you last night, you have moved on and gained maturity from age, I am happy for you. I was so happy last night that I finished almost half a bottle of whisky, which I have only realised after I poured the last drop of it. Man that feels good!!!
Some whiskies came and stayed in my portfolio and some goes to seek for their lovers. As I have promised to you my friend, here is the top 10 I have drawn from my list and tailored made for you. I have included whiskies from the five main regions of Scotland, Japan, USA and Blended; so when you finished the list you will have an over view of "the world of whisky". It's finely selected for you, I hope you would love it.
Some whiskies came and stayed in my portfolio and some goes to seek for their lovers. As I have promised to you my friend, here is the top 10 I have drawn from my list and tailored made for you. I have included whiskies from the five main regions of Scotland, Japan, USA and Blended; so when you finished the list you will have an over view of "the world of whisky". It's finely selected for you, I hope you would love it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Blended Whisky -
1. Dewars 18 year old Founder's Reserve
- Scotish Whisky -
Region 1 - Speyside
2. Glenlivet 18 year old
3. Macallan 18 year old
Region 2 - Highland
4. Clynelish 14 year
Region 3 - Lowland
5. Glenkinchie 10 year
Region 4 - Islands
6. Highland Park 18 year old
Region 5 - Islay
7. Ardbeg Uigeadail
8. Lagavulin 16 year old
- Japanese Whisky -
9. Suntory Hibiki 21 year old
- American Whisky -
10. Brooker's
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Dewars 18 year old Founder's Reserve
- Scotish Whisky -
Region 1 - Speyside
2. Glenlivet 18 year old
3. Macallan 18 year old
Region 2 - Highland
4. Clynelish 14 year
Region 3 - Lowland
5. Glenkinchie 10 year
Region 4 - Islands
6. Highland Park 18 year old
Region 5 - Islay
7. Ardbeg Uigeadail
8. Lagavulin 16 year old
- Japanese Whisky -
9. Suntory Hibiki 21 year old
- American Whisky -
10. Brooker's
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2009年10月4日 星期日
Rest is for a longer journey?
It's undeniable that the curiosity to seek for the true of myth dwells in our human nature. That's why the legendary stories from the Middle Ages or even the Antiquity period are so obsessive. That is also why the StarWars trilogy one to three and Batman Begins were such a big hit, because we want to know what "had" happened. ~Sigh~ I would also like to know why have I lost my whisky passion and am now still trying to pick it up again.
I guess it's hard to be continuously self-motivated even with things you love. Sometime, sparks of passion can only be splashed from the collision between people. Or maybe I am in the process of "rest is for a longer journey"? Should I slow myself down a little, take a deep breath and then keep walking? (you know what, "keep walking" is actually the slogan of Johnnie Walker)
Though my incentive is to share my whisky life regardless of feedbacks; still, when I heard a few friends and family members of mine telling me that they actually enjoy what I put up there, it's a great pleasure (you know who you are~ salute! Highland Park 16 yo to you all)
I guess it's hard to be continuously self-motivated even with things you love. Sometime, sparks of passion can only be splashed from the collision between people. Or maybe I am in the process of "rest is for a longer journey"? Should I slow myself down a little, take a deep breath and then keep walking? (you know what, "keep walking" is actually the slogan of Johnnie Walker)
Though my incentive is to share my whisky life regardless of feedbacks; still, when I heard a few friends and family members of mine telling me that they actually enjoy what I put up there, it's a great pleasure (you know who you are~ salute! Highland Park 16 yo to you all)
2009年10月3日 星期六
Highland Park - Legacy of the Orcadian
Lifting the cork of Highland Park 16 year old, I have again, watch the water of life streaming out of the bottle. As I was taking the first sip, the golden liquid embraced my two sensations in a glimpse. I closed my eyes and the mind was already on its way to this northernmost distillery of Scotland. Established in 1798, Highland Park is located at the Orkney Island and is also one of the oldest distilleries today. With the pride of their Orcadian ancestry, the Orcadian legacy and traditions have rooted deeply into their drams. It's a pity that I don't have the 12 yo with me at the moment, well, but I have the big brother of the 12 yo - the 16 yo and 18 yo. 
Let's make it even more interesting tonight; I'll have the two tasted side by side. Though I believe that each dram should be appreciated as it is, but every so often it's more interesting to have a little competition.
The 16 yo was first released in 2005 and is exclusive for travel retail and duty free shops. The overall sensation to me is, sweet and easy to drink, with a lot of island characteristics such as saltiness. The 18 yo made its debut in 1997 and have been crowned the best whisky in the world. I respect all the whisky masters and their proficiency, however, I believe that the best whisky in the world is the best whisky to you!Highland Park 16 year old (40%, 1L)
Colour: light golden
Aromas: malty, biscuit, salty, peat?
Palate: Smoky, bitter (trace)- sweet, dry on tongue, salty at end
Finish: the dryness on tongue remains (driness from tannin?), smoky
Highland Park 18 year old (43%, 70cl)
Colour: golden
Aromas: heavy honey heather, smoky, salty
Palate: honey sweet, trace of saltiness, very nicely balanced and firm in structure
Finish: dry, salty, a little spicy, warm
I can only fly my mind to the Orkney Island but not my flesh. To appreciate the distillery in a greater extend I firmly believe that it is necessary to have the mind, body and soul in one, on the island. The Ring of Brodgar have been standing there since the Neolithic age, more than four thousand years ago; imagine yourself touching the henge and feel that four hundred decades of human history right in the centre of your hand, the impact from such sensation is probably that path I have been seeking, to the deeper understanding of the Orcadian whisky.
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