“Sloe gin is a red liqueur flavoured with sloe (blackthorn) berries, which are a small fruit relative of the plum. Sloe gin has an alcohol content between 15 and 30 percent by volume. The traditional way of making sloe gin is to infuse gin with the berries. Sugar is required to ensure the sloe juices are extracted from the fruit. Almond flavouring may also be added.”   (Wikipedia)

ALABAMA SLAMMER
1 oz Amaretto
1 oz Southern Comfort
1/2 oz Sloe Gin
Stir in a highball glass over ice and add a splash of lemon juice.

BKACKTHORN
1 1/2 oz Sloe Gin
1 oz sweet Vermouth
Stir with ice and strain into cocktail glass.  Add a twist of lemon peel.

SLOE GIN FIZZ
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 oz Sloe Gin
Shake with ice and strain into highball glass with two ice cubes.  Fill with carbonated water and stir.  Decorate with a slice of lemon.

Leffe Blond beer - “…elegant, smooth and fruity, and it has a spicy aftertaste with a hint of bitter orange.  Food Pairing:  Red meat, smoked ham or sweet & sour dishes.”  (website)

Bacardi Oakheart Spiced rum - Nose:  Rich and oaky with hints of smoke and background notes of dried fruit often associated with whisky.  Palate:  A robust flavour that stands up to any challenge with a one-two punch of maple and honey followed by vanilla and caramel.  Finish:  Slightly sweet and peppery with a noticeable rum kick.  (tasting notes)

Patron Anejo tequila

Adami Bosca di Gica Prosecco DOCG (Italy) – “Pleasantly acid and possessing a complex fragrance, it is an excellent aperitif, but also a versatile spumante complementing fish, shellfish and crustaceans. It should be served at 7° – 8°C. Long periods of refrigeration must be avoided, at this alters its qualities.”  (website)

Sol Fa Sol Malbec 2009 (Argentina) – “The color is deep red, intense and bright with splashes of magenta.  Aromas of dark plum, with hints of raspberry and cherry are evident.  The palate is powerful and intense.  The wine has good acidity, accompanied by a long fruity finish.  This is an easy drinking wine, an ideal accompaniment with all types of foods, to be enjoyed on all occasions.”  (tasting notes)

Hardegg Veltlinsky Gruner Veltliner 2009 (Austria) – “A soft creamy wine, lightly textured with pear and apple juice flavors.  Its immediately attractive, a delicious wine for apertifs.” (tasting notes)  86 points – Wine Enthusiast

Flor de Crasto Douro red 2007 (Portugal)

Juan Gil Silver Label 2009 (Spain)

Apothic Red 2010 (USA) – “Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.” (website)

Castle Rock Sonoma Pinot Noir 2009 (USA) – “This elegant well-balanced wine offers aromas of red fruit and spice. On the palate, there are flavors of plum and cherry with oak nuances, and the finish is long and harmonious.” (website) 

Bud Light Lime (in the bottles)
Coopers Sparkling Ale
Red Rooster Cabernet Merlot (Canada)
Sandhill Cabernet Merlot (Canada)
Marchesi di Barolo Moscato d’Asti (Italy)
Engelbrecht Els Big Easy (South Africa)
Diplomatico Exclusive Reserve rum

Cream – Alcohol Infused Whipped Cream (need I say more?) – 6 flavours:  Caramel, Chocolate, Vanilla, Cherry, Orange & Raspberry

Damilano Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2006 (Italy) – “The wine has a striking garnet, ruby red color with subtle orange reflections. It has an ample nose with evident notes of cherry and plum that evolve into hints of tobacco, liquorice and cocoa.  On the palate, it has a harmonic flavor that is pleasantly dry, with soft tannins and full body.” (website)

Trefethen HaLo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (USA) – “This particular vintage is exceptionally balanced and complex with additional flavors of cloves, chocolate, cherry, juicy plum, and raspberry that all ride on a bright peppery, gamey base. Decant to enjoy HāLo to its fullest. Salud!   Food Pairings:  HāLo should be reserved for the finest cuts of full-flavored beef, lamb, and game.”  (website)
Forty Creek John’s Private Cask rye - “This is an extremely complex whisky with a multi-dimensional taste experience. First come notes of malted cereal accented with vanilla and cocoa. Next come hints of almond and coconut. This whisky is luxuriously creamy, yet balanced with spicy flares of pepper, cinnamon and ginger. Soft oak tannins and espresso notes come out on the finish.” (whisky maker John Hall)

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey - “Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey has a rich, full flavor with a hint of fruits and spices.  Since the whiskey has been twice mellowed, the finish is particularly smooth, warm and pleasant.” (website)

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey - “Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey is one of the most drinkable whiskey-based liqueurs we’ve ever had. It manages to be sweet without stickiness, and it balances that sweetness with a lovely amount of cinnamon and spice.  We were very surprised when we find out that this liqueur is 70 proof, as there is almost no alcohol burn whatsoever in the spirit.   The Jack Daniel’s folks recommend drinking Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey chilled, which only serves to make it even easier to drink – it’s the kind of thing that leads to drinking half a bottle in a sitting.  Jack Daniel’s has simply hit a home run with this liqueur and we’re sure it will win a lot of people who are drinking or shooting other liqueurs. We also anticipate it being a bridge to whiskey for those who’ve never explored the category.   Highest Recommendation”  (review from drinkspirits.com)

This week instead of writing about a new wine to try, I thought I would list all of the wines that you could sample at the ‘Festival of Wine’ Thursday 22 Sept from 4pm-8pm ($10 at the door).

Canada
Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry RedVQA 2009
Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry White VQA 2009
Quail’s Gate Gewurztraminer 2009
Quail’s Gate Fortified Vintage Foch 2008 (port style wine)
Road 13 Jackpot Chardonnay 2008
Road 13 Jackpot Pinot Noir 2007
Road 13 Jackpot Syrah 2007

Argentina
CarinaE Torrontes 2009
CarinaE Cuvee Brigitte 2009
Luigi Bosca Malbec DOC 2007
Sottano Reserva Malbec 2008

Australia
Tahbilk Marsanne 2009
Tahbilk Shiraz 2007
Timbuktu Shiraz Grenache 2008

Germany
Nollen Notorious Rooster Riesling 2010

Italy
Tenuta Argentiera Poggio ai Ginepri 2008
Tenuta Argentiera Villa Donoratico 2006

New Zealand
Greywackwe Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Jackson Estate Vintage Widow Pinot Noir 2008

Spain
Hecula Monastrell 2008

U.S.A.
Amador Foothill Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Amador Foothill Sangiovese 2006
Cirque du Vin 2007
Fess Parker Viognier 2009
First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Michael David Petite Petit 2009
Peachy Canyon Incredible Red Zinfandel 2007

Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic) – “Slightly sweet, somewhat malty, the honey nut flavour sparkles on the tip of your tongue, and slides into your mouth where tart citrus flavours and warm caramel bitterness builds quickly before slipping down your throat full of rich body, thoroughly refreshing…And … the aftertaste… the sharp, distinct bitterness overlapping with caramelised sweetness lingers and develops on your palate”  (website)

The Lash spiced rum

Matusalem Clasico 10 yr old rum (Dominican Republic)

Absolut Mango vodka

Courvoisier 12 yr old cognac - “On the palate, a luxury of almonds, raisins and orange marmalade are nurtured from the Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, leading to a long and harmonious depth that go perfectly when savoured with luscious sweets, desserts and chocolates”  (website)

Michael David Winery – Petite Petit 2009 (USA) - “Like elephants whose size is imposing, Petite Petit is large!  A  blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot.  Offering a joyous explosion of color and fun, it is a substantial, dense, full-bodied, whopper style of wine loaded with pure black fruit and vanilla flavors that coat the palate. It reveals remarkable richness with a finish that is slightly dry and seems to linger” (website)

First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (USA) – “Firm structure and rich layers in perfect balance, this wine offers aromas of blackberries, cassis and mocha with the distinctive flavors of black cherries, fig and dark chocolate. Pair it with grilled and roasted meats, rich pasta dishes and your favorite cheese varieties” (website)

Argentiera Villa Donoratico 2006 (Italy) – “Intense and deep ruby red colour.  On the nose fresh with flavours of red fruit, liquorice and cocoa beside of toasted aromas, which exalt the nobility of the Barrique aging.
On the palate generous with sweet and creamy tannins. A clear lingering finish with hints of spices and herbal aromas.” (website)

Argentiera Poggio ai Ginepri 2008 (Italy) – “Intense and deep red colour with purple hues. On the nose intense and fresh with aromas of mature red fruit, citrus fruits and hints of spices. The palate is round, complex with ripe tannins and a herbal and mineral finish with hints of liquorice and a pleasant fruity aftertaste.” (website)

Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris (Canada)
Bollini Pinot Grigio Trentino DOC (Italy)

“This wine…has the complexity of different regions of oak, old and new.  This has created a wonderful long palate and the integrity of the vineyards has created fantastic acid balance, which not only feels good in the mouth but ensures the wine will age well.  Immediately, this wine smells rich, sweet and complex with a hint of vanilla (from the French Oak).  It follows with a palate that does not disappoint the early promise.  Smooth, soft tannins that seem to go forever.”  (winemaker)  90 points – James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion