I figured I may as well go as far off topic from sports and whatnot as possible, and what better way than to talk about one of my favorite subjects – beer (and every now and again, wine)! I am going to start a semi-regular feature on what yummy adult beverage is being consumed by yours truly. Basically, whatever is in the fridge is going to be featured here. I would love to read your suggestions.
Newcastle – the brown ale. This one is a staple in the Calvert icebox. It goes down cold and easy, has a nice robust flavor, and tastes great with a variety of snack foods. Only problem is that it is really much more of a winter brew (i.e. a little heavy).
Mike’s Hard Lime (MHL) – this is a new one for me; the perfect summer brew. Kind of like drinking a margarita without the kick, and it provides a soft landing. MHL is perfect for cooling down, especially with some hot salsa. Problem is that you will throw down two or three before you realize it. In other words, MHL is very addicting; my wife loves it, which is certainly another reason to keep it on hand. Wife + MHL = fun for me. I am going to get my ass kicked if she reads this. Oh well, hope it works out well for you too!
Coors Light – I picked up a 12 pack today since it was only $8.49, and I wanted something watery for the long holiday weekend. It has been a while (say two or three years) since I picked up a Coors so I was not sure what to expect. Twins? Naw, too cheap, and not worth the beating I would take from the before mentioned wife. I managed to down a couple of silver bullets; they were certainly icy cold, and I guess had a decent flavor for a cheap, light beer. Worth the money, but nothing to write home about.
Blackstone Napa Valley Merlot (2002) – wow! What an exceptional wine. I am not a wine connoisseur so I really have no idea how to describe the quality of the wine. For me wine is either cheap and taste like crap (Fox Hound), pretty good day-to-day variety and not too hard on the wallet (i.e. Woodbridge or Beringer), or delicious and expensive (i.e. this Blackstone stuff). Since we landed a babysitter, I took my lady out for a nice meal tonight, and in the process we discovered this wonderful wine. My wife does not normally like Merlots, but she could not keep her hands off my glass. It was so good we picked up a bottle on the way home. Kind of pricey ($16.99 750ml) for my normal day-to-day tastes, but this one goes on the list of scrumptious favorites. Highly recommended.
Interesting off topic…
My favorite beer by far is Asahi. A distant 2nd is Sapporo, LaBatt’s Blue and Heineken. Can’t stand dark beer as it gives me a headache.
I’m not real fond of red wines as they tend to give me headaches as well. When I do drink a red I prefer any Chianti. For whites I enjoy Mondavi Coastal Chardonnay and can usually be found in the $9 to $12 range, but I haven’t had any for about 3 years now
Now, if I ever want to have some fine sippin whisky…..Makers Mark…or nothing at all.
Ted
Thanks for the suggestions Ted! I have never tried (or even heard of) Asahi, so I will write that one down and see if I can find it somewhere around town. Same goes for Sapporo – will have to try that one as well. I probably pick up LaBatt’s Blue and Heineken once or twice a year.
One of the nice things about traveling overseas is that I get to try a ton of different beers. Going to be back in the UK at the end of the months, so hopefully will find another favorite or two.
My wife and I are always looking for new (inexpensive) wines to try – I will tell her to look for your suggestions the next time she is picking up a bottle or two.
I am completely ignorant when it comes to whisky. I have no idea what the difference is between bourbon and whisky. I figured that Jack Dainel’s was about the best sippin whisky around, but what do I know.
I like Jack Daniels to mix, but for sippin I would prefer Gentlemen Jack. Asahi has a silver label. I’ve never seen any other form, but it says Asahi Super Dry. My runaway favorite by leaps and bounds.
Ted