Bowmore 25 year old scotch whisky (Scotland) – “Acclaimed and copiously awarded worldwide, this whisky has matured for 25 years in a marriage of American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks.  Writing in his spirits journal, Paul Pacult dubbed it “doubtless one of the finest single malts to be found in the marketplace.”  Deep mahogany in appearance, expect intense sherry and stewed fruits on the nose, plus just a hint of Bowmore smokiness, with a touch of hazelnut and toffee.  A whisky to be savoured – slowly.  Awards:  International Wine & Spirit Competition – trophy winner.  International Spirits Challenge – Gold Medal.  San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Gold Medal.”  (website – tasting notes)

Balvenie Single Barrel 15 yo scotch
Lemoncello
Blasted Church Cabernet/ Merlot (BC)
Lindemans Reserve Shiraz (Australia)
Wishing Tree Shiraz (Australia)
Sottano Reserva Malbec (Argentina)
Trio –  Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/ Cabernet Franc (Chile)

With the weather getting colder I thought a hot drink recipe might be in order.  This is from the Wine Access Magazine (Dec11/Jan12).  The recipe is courtesy of Brad Hendrickson, chef-de-cuisine at ensemble restaurant in Vancouver.

BRAD’S IRISH FOG

3 cups boiling water
3 Earl Grey tea bags
6 oz Bailey’s
2 oz Irish whisky (such as Jameson)
4 tsp honey (to taste)

Add tea bags to boiling water in a heatproof pitcher or teapot and let steep 2 to 4 minutes.  Add Bailey’s and Irish whisky to tea; add honey, if desired.  Serves 4.

The Ex Nihilo Night 2008 (BC) is “A rich, full bodied Bordeaux-style blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc. Intense and rich in colour, this elegant blend displays notes of black currant, plum, and ripe Okanagan cherries. A smooth and lingering finish reveals complex hints of tobacco, leather, cloves and dark chocolate. Aged 22 months in French oak, this well-balanced structured wine will cellar beautifully now through 2017. Pairs well with roasted or grilled meats…and friends!”  winemaker – Jim Faulkner

Layer Cake Malbec (Argentina) - “Pure, rich and very elegant; a powerhouse of lush black fruit, silky cocoa, black spice and cream, wrapped around blackberry, cherry and ripe plum.  Layered and complex with a nose to linger over, a finish that never ends.  Sweet anise, hints of tobacco, black chocolate, more cherries and exotic spices, layers of jam.  This wine will stand and perform anytime you think of a Cabernet and want something just a little more exotic.  Born at the base of the Andes and fed by the purest spring waters…” (website)

Blasted Church Hatfield’s Fuse (Canada) - “Palate: Medium bodied with fresh citrus notes accompanied by lychee and peach.  Food Pairings: Veggie samosas, chicken with piri piri sauce, halibut with mango mustard, ham and pineapple pizza, blue cheese and aged gouda.”  (tasting notes)

Nonino Il Moscato Grappa (Italy) – “Grappa is the most ancient and traditional distillate of Northern Italy, obtained by distilling the solid parts of grape pomace. Monovitigno means one varietal. This grappa is therefore obtained from 100% Moscato grapes, carefully selected, harvested, fermented and distilled.   Appearance: Crystal clear.  Aroma: Elegant and aromatic with the perfume of roses , thyme and vanilla.  Taste: Elegant and soft.  Serving Suggestions: Cream cakes , ice-cream and Sachertorte.”  (tasting notes)

360 Double Chocolate Vodka - “Think of everything you love about chocolate. Then double it. Rich. Smooth. Silky. The flavor of temptation from 360 – the world’s first eco-friendly vodka. Made from quadruple-distilled, five-times filtered vodka for the freshest flavor. This is chocolate to the intense degree. Think a vodka can be too chocolatey? You’re kidding, right?”  (website tasting notes)

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yr blended scotch whisky
Dos Lunas Reposado tequila
Flor de Cana Black Label 5 yo rum
TGIFriday’s frozen orange dream
Wyndham Estate Bin 555 sparkling shiraz (Australia)
Martini & Rossi Rose sparkling wine
Little Black Dress Chardonnay (USA)
Moselland Art Vitis Riesling (Germany)
Fat Bastard Chardonnay (France)
Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec (Argentina)

The Cedar Creek Proprietor’s White 2010 (BC – VQA) is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Ehrenfelser and Gewurztraminer.  Although this wine is listed as a 1 on the sweetness scale I would say it is a sweet 1, more on the cusp of a 2.  This wines sells for a very reasonable $12.95. 

Notes from the website:

A NOT-SO-LITTLE, LITTLE THING

Canada’s Conundrum at one third of the price.

WHAT WE SMELL

Peach and pineapple.

WHAT WE TASTE

Tropical fruit. Crisp finish.

WE’D EAT IT WITH

Roast chicken. The rotisserie-kind from the supermarket if you’re short for time.

WE’D ALSO PAIR IT WITH

Board games. 

Kettle Valley Amber Ale (The Tin Whistle Brewing Company)

Highland Park 18 yo single malt whisky
Forty Creek John’s Private cask rye
Voga Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Romitorio Morellino (Italy)
Marchesi di Barolo Moscato D’Asti (Italy)
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity (Australia)
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cab (Australia)
Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir (Canada)