As fall is turning to winter, and the holiday season is in full force, I thought it time to discuss the types of booze that one should, in my humble opinion, be enjoying this time of year.
Beer
Bell's Brown Ale-This beer is one of my all time favorites. Rich, dark, and malty, but with plenty of crispness and a nice hop profile. A lot of beers call themselves "fireside" "autumn" this or that, but if I had a fire, this simply named brew would be perfect with it. In fact, at a friend's harvest party we did have some by the firepit.
Mad Elf-I reviewed this beer on Urban Grain last winter. It's the perfect Xmas beer. Sweet and boozy, warming, red in color. Best drunk by the lights of your Christmas tree.
Assorted Belgian Christmas Beer-The cool thing about the Belgian Christmas beers is that they are not in any format, just special beers brewed for the season with random spices and high ABV. Last year I had St. Bernardus it was very good. Delerium Noel, N'ice Chouffe...many are available this time of year.
Whisky
I drink brown liquor all year long, but in the summer you may find me with a Caipirinha or a G & T. In the winter, it's whisky and whisky cocktails.
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit-This is the high end of the Wild Turkey regular lineup. It's single barrel. Very spicy, rye forward, and very very dry. I generally prefer my bourbon a bit juicier, but this one would be very nice on a rainy night. At their traditional 101 proof, you can take it straight, but it has just enough fire that you may want a few drops of water or single ice cube.
High West Campfire-A blend of bourbon and scotch. Sounds strange, but tastes great. I had a shot of this at a new BBQ place in Fishtown. Somehow, inexplicably, the sweet vanilla from the bourbon chimes with the smoke from the peated malt. If I could find a bottle I'd snatch it up for winter.
Lagavulin, Laphroaig, other assorted Islay scotch-Islay scotches are the smokiest, and the type of scotch I'd most want on a frigid night. Rich, peaty, medicinal.
Cocktails
Penicillin-Famous Grouse blended scotch, ginger juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a float of Laphroaig, with some candied ginger for garnish. This is my favorite cocktail of all time. I am making it for my sister in law's wedding reception. Spicy, just a hint of smoke, rich in flavor yet refreshing.
Manhattan and Old Fashioned-Some nights you want something a little more than a straight pour, but nothing too involved. If I have oranges in the house, it's old fashioned night. If not, manhattans it is (I always have decent vermouth, bitters, and some Rittenhouse Rye on hand). What I like about old fashioneds is you can use pretty cheap booze, as the orange, cherry, bitters, and a splash of soda water mask a lot of imperfections. For example 2 weeks ago I made them with Heaven Hill--bottom bottom shelf--and they weren't bad at all.
Upcoming Posts
I have a bottle of Compass Box Oak Cross waiting to open. Compass Box is sort of the High West of Scotland, they source whisky and then blend it masterfully. Also look for a review of Col. E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado surviving bourbon. I will try to get another post in before the New Year, but if not, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, etc. And whatever is in your glass, Cheers!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
The Best Food Ever
I was asked several years ago what my favorite food was. I love food, and have tons of favorites, but it occured to me that my favorite food is "sandwich." You can call me a cheat if you want. But the sandwich is a great invention. There are limitless combinations of flavors and textures. They can be very lowbrow and easy to come by, like pb and j or grilled cheese, or can be culinary masterpieces (even a grilled cheese can be elevated). They can adapt for any meal, as in a biscuit with eggs and bacon or fried chicken. Mostly they are good. Here's a rundown of some of my favorite sandwiches.
Roast Pork
While I enjoy a cheesesteak from time to time, the roast pork with sharp provolone and greens (spinach or broccoli rabe) is the quintessential Philadelphia sandwich. Between a Sarcone's bakery roll, the juicy and flavorful pork and tangy cheese makes for a working man's dinner.
Pulled Pork
North Carolina vinegar style, smoked for hours until it pulls apart. A little slaw for crunch, a cheap burger bun and you're good to go.
Wawa Tuna Hoagie
I get it with oil, provolone, tomatoes, salt pepper oregano, and bacon. I know Wawa's sandwich's have gone down a bit, and the rolls suck, but I still love this shorti.
Meatball
My mother's family serves meatball sandwiches at almost every family gathering. I like to make my own meatballs for pasta, but love a good store bought meatball parm.
Burger
Within the category "burger," you get another list of countless permutations. Grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor, cooked in a pan or griddle to keep in the fat, purchased at a fast food counter, or my favorite, a creative gastropub burger. Take Royal Tavern's. The meat is tasty and cooked to order, and topped with smoked gouda, bacon, and long hot peppers, with a special sauce and fries with aioli on the side, and you are in carnivore heaven. I've made my own burger's occasionally, and it's quite rewarding to chop and blend differnt cuts of meat in such a way that results in America's most famous sandwich. In and Out are the best of the fast food burgers.
Old Fashioned Italian Hoagie
Smoked cured meats like soppressatta and cappa. Sharp provolone, oil, onions, and a crusty roll. It's an old man's sandwich. And I'm a bit of an old man.
Chicken Italiano
A chicken cutlet, pounded and breaded, with roasted peppers, greens, sharp provolone, and again, a crusty seeded roll.
Jewish Deli
Corned Beef or Pastrami, mounded on rye. Enough said.
Gobbler
Leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry, etc.
Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich
Regular or spicy. I know the company's leadership is homophobic. But I can't let this one go. I have principles but I can be bought when it comes to flavor, quality, and value.
I could go on, but chime in with some of your own favorite sandwiches.
Roast Pork
While I enjoy a cheesesteak from time to time, the roast pork with sharp provolone and greens (spinach or broccoli rabe) is the quintessential Philadelphia sandwich. Between a Sarcone's bakery roll, the juicy and flavorful pork and tangy cheese makes for a working man's dinner.
Pulled Pork
North Carolina vinegar style, smoked for hours until it pulls apart. A little slaw for crunch, a cheap burger bun and you're good to go.
Wawa Tuna Hoagie
I get it with oil, provolone, tomatoes, salt pepper oregano, and bacon. I know Wawa's sandwich's have gone down a bit, and the rolls suck, but I still love this shorti.
Meatball
My mother's family serves meatball sandwiches at almost every family gathering. I like to make my own meatballs for pasta, but love a good store bought meatball parm.
Burger
Within the category "burger," you get another list of countless permutations. Grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor, cooked in a pan or griddle to keep in the fat, purchased at a fast food counter, or my favorite, a creative gastropub burger. Take Royal Tavern's. The meat is tasty and cooked to order, and topped with smoked gouda, bacon, and long hot peppers, with a special sauce and fries with aioli on the side, and you are in carnivore heaven. I've made my own burger's occasionally, and it's quite rewarding to chop and blend differnt cuts of meat in such a way that results in America's most famous sandwich. In and Out are the best of the fast food burgers.
Old Fashioned Italian Hoagie
Smoked cured meats like soppressatta and cappa. Sharp provolone, oil, onions, and a crusty roll. It's an old man's sandwich. And I'm a bit of an old man.
Chicken Italiano
A chicken cutlet, pounded and breaded, with roasted peppers, greens, sharp provolone, and again, a crusty seeded roll.
Jewish Deli
Corned Beef or Pastrami, mounded on rye. Enough said.
Gobbler
Leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry, etc.
Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich
Regular or spicy. I know the company's leadership is homophobic. But I can't let this one go. I have principles but I can be bought when it comes to flavor, quality, and value.
I could go on, but chime in with some of your own favorite sandwiches.
Friday, October 19, 2012
All Time Favorite Albums
Here's a break from my usual alcoholic ramblings. A list of my top ten favorite albums. As I am not a music snob or expert, I did not set out to make a "Best" list. These are simply my personal favorites. I applied a few simple principles. I didn't choose artists that I primarily know through Greatest Hits compilations (Guns and Roses, Sublime), and only chose albums that were solid from top to bottom, rather than vehicles for singles. For example, as much as I love Billy Joel (shut up all haters), he's a singles hitter. Also, I tried to have a diverse list that reflects my musical taste. Here they are from 10 to 1:
10. Talking Book, Stevie Wonder-This is regarded as Stevie's transition from Motown wunderkind to legit artist. The funk tracks are fun, "Superstition" is one of the greatest songs ever, and there are some strong social themes. The ballad "You and I" is a poweful love song of the type that you will rarely hear from modern artists.
9. Summertime Mixtatpe, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mick Boogie-I might put this higher on the list except I already feel like I am cheating bc/ it's not really an album, per say (it was a free download a couple of years back). But nothing captures the feeling of summer better than this mash up of hip hop and pop songs.
8. Kind of Blue, Miles Davis-Jazz afficionados would probably roll their eyes at my weak effort to get some jazz on this list, but cannot deny the lasting power of this record, the best selling jazz album ever.
7. Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid, Collective Soul-At at time when grunge bands were singing about--and committing--suicide, and "gangsta rap" was having a moment*, Collective Soul wrote catchy hooks and lyrics about peace, love, and the power of forgiveness. Their self titled follow up album got better reviews and had more hits, but I'll always have a soft spot for their debut. Their career hasn't lived up to the promise of their early albums, but I still loved seeing them live a few years back and consider myself a lifelong fan. (*Disclaimer-grunge, rage, and hardcore rap have their places and reason for being, too).
6. Abbey Road, The Beatles-Rubber Soul may have been their first artistic entry, and Revolver and Sgt. Pepper their masterpieces, but I'd rather walk down Abbey Road. I know it sounds disjointed, almost like two different albums, but in a way it encapsulates the Beatles whole career--a few great singles followed by a great concept album.
5. Parachutes, Coldplay-It's popular to make fun of Coldplay these days, but it doesn't diminish their greatness. Parachutes was mind blowing when I first heard it. My college roommate was studying minimalist piano at the time, and Parachutes' simple, repetitious melodies certainly fit that bill. The first song, "Don't Panic," is haunting and beautiful, and sets the stage for a fantastic album and legendary career.
4. Midnight Marauders, A Tribe Called Quest-Tribe is the greatest. Early conscious hip hop. Midnight Marauders is hip hop's answer to the concept album. Q-Tip, Phife, and Ali Shaheed Muhammed at their pinnacle, taking you on a lush journey through beats, rhymes, and life. Check out the documentary about the group for an education in true hip hop.
3. Graceland, Paul Simon-I am forever indebted to my wife for introducing me to this album. Prior to meeting her I only knew the song "You can call me Al" by way of the music video with Chevy Chase. There's a documentary that came out last spring about the controversy surrounding this recording, as Simon "appropriated" many of the sounds on a trip to South Africa at a time when the UN had imposed a cultural ban on the country during apartheid. The title track is one of my all time favorite songs, "Losing love is like a window in your heart, everybody sees you're blown apart, everybody feels the wind blow." I've seen Rhymin' Simon perform twice, and he's still got it.
2. Ok Computer, Radiohead-I enjoy a lot of Radiohead's envelop pushing stuff, but this record is the perfect storm of their progressive rock sensibility, technological prowess, and poetry. Beautiful melodies and challenging themes in a perfect lineup of songs.
1. What's Goin' On-Marvin Gaye-Motown wanted Marvin to crank out more hits a la "I Heard it through the Grapevine." But Marvin wanted to sing about drug addiction, racial injustice, and the Vietnam war. He also gave credit to the Motown studio band, the Funk Brothers for the first time (according to the Wikipedia page). The title track became known as the black national anthem, and Marvin's mold breaking album is now a consistent top 10 choice in almost any list of greatest albums out there (number 6 on Rolling Stone's top 500). "Mercy Mercy Me," his song about the Mother Earth, sounds as fresh and relevant today as the day it was penned. Marvin's vocal range is remarkable. His lush, soothing voice is in stark contrast with the sounds and subject manner. Yet it all comes together wonderfully. His songwriting and producing abilities were finally able to shine on this record. If you haven't listened to this album, you need to.
Honorable Mentions-Blueprint Vol. 3 (Jay Z), John Legend Live in Philadelphia, On in Five (One Nine Crew), The Score (The Fugees), Losing Streak (Less than Jake), Chicago III (Chicago), Thriller (Michael Jackson), Upbeats and Beatdowns (Five Iron Frenzy), Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Various Albums (U2), Homecoming (Craig's Brother), Skafunkrastapunk (Skankin Pickle), Diary of Alicia Keys (Alicia Keys)
I reserve the right to modify this list. I imagine I have made some oversights. Please feel free to chime in with some of your own favorites.
10. Talking Book, Stevie Wonder-This is regarded as Stevie's transition from Motown wunderkind to legit artist. The funk tracks are fun, "Superstition" is one of the greatest songs ever, and there are some strong social themes. The ballad "You and I" is a poweful love song of the type that you will rarely hear from modern artists.
9. Summertime Mixtatpe, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mick Boogie-I might put this higher on the list except I already feel like I am cheating bc/ it's not really an album, per say (it was a free download a couple of years back). But nothing captures the feeling of summer better than this mash up of hip hop and pop songs.
8. Kind of Blue, Miles Davis-Jazz afficionados would probably roll their eyes at my weak effort to get some jazz on this list, but cannot deny the lasting power of this record, the best selling jazz album ever.
7. Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid, Collective Soul-At at time when grunge bands were singing about--and committing--suicide, and "gangsta rap" was having a moment*, Collective Soul wrote catchy hooks and lyrics about peace, love, and the power of forgiveness. Their self titled follow up album got better reviews and had more hits, but I'll always have a soft spot for their debut. Their career hasn't lived up to the promise of their early albums, but I still loved seeing them live a few years back and consider myself a lifelong fan. (*Disclaimer-grunge, rage, and hardcore rap have their places and reason for being, too).
6. Abbey Road, The Beatles-Rubber Soul may have been their first artistic entry, and Revolver and Sgt. Pepper their masterpieces, but I'd rather walk down Abbey Road. I know it sounds disjointed, almost like two different albums, but in a way it encapsulates the Beatles whole career--a few great singles followed by a great concept album.
5. Parachutes, Coldplay-It's popular to make fun of Coldplay these days, but it doesn't diminish their greatness. Parachutes was mind blowing when I first heard it. My college roommate was studying minimalist piano at the time, and Parachutes' simple, repetitious melodies certainly fit that bill. The first song, "Don't Panic," is haunting and beautiful, and sets the stage for a fantastic album and legendary career.
4. Midnight Marauders, A Tribe Called Quest-Tribe is the greatest. Early conscious hip hop. Midnight Marauders is hip hop's answer to the concept album. Q-Tip, Phife, and Ali Shaheed Muhammed at their pinnacle, taking you on a lush journey through beats, rhymes, and life. Check out the documentary about the group for an education in true hip hop.
3. Graceland, Paul Simon-I am forever indebted to my wife for introducing me to this album. Prior to meeting her I only knew the song "You can call me Al" by way of the music video with Chevy Chase. There's a documentary that came out last spring about the controversy surrounding this recording, as Simon "appropriated" many of the sounds on a trip to South Africa at a time when the UN had imposed a cultural ban on the country during apartheid. The title track is one of my all time favorite songs, "Losing love is like a window in your heart, everybody sees you're blown apart, everybody feels the wind blow." I've seen Rhymin' Simon perform twice, and he's still got it.
2. Ok Computer, Radiohead-I enjoy a lot of Radiohead's envelop pushing stuff, but this record is the perfect storm of their progressive rock sensibility, technological prowess, and poetry. Beautiful melodies and challenging themes in a perfect lineup of songs.
1. What's Goin' On-Marvin Gaye-Motown wanted Marvin to crank out more hits a la "I Heard it through the Grapevine." But Marvin wanted to sing about drug addiction, racial injustice, and the Vietnam war. He also gave credit to the Motown studio band, the Funk Brothers for the first time (according to the Wikipedia page). The title track became known as the black national anthem, and Marvin's mold breaking album is now a consistent top 10 choice in almost any list of greatest albums out there (number 6 on Rolling Stone's top 500). "Mercy Mercy Me," his song about the Mother Earth, sounds as fresh and relevant today as the day it was penned. Marvin's vocal range is remarkable. His lush, soothing voice is in stark contrast with the sounds and subject manner. Yet it all comes together wonderfully. His songwriting and producing abilities were finally able to shine on this record. If you haven't listened to this album, you need to.
Honorable Mentions-Blueprint Vol. 3 (Jay Z), John Legend Live in Philadelphia, On in Five (One Nine Crew), The Score (The Fugees), Losing Streak (Less than Jake), Chicago III (Chicago), Thriller (Michael Jackson), Upbeats and Beatdowns (Five Iron Frenzy), Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Various Albums (U2), Homecoming (Craig's Brother), Skafunkrastapunk (Skankin Pickle), Diary of Alicia Keys (Alicia Keys)
I reserve the right to modify this list. I imagine I have made some oversights. Please feel free to chime in with some of your own favorites.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is the best selling bourbon on the planet. I figure it's about time I addressed it on these pages. I've been watching the FX show Justified for the past month or so, and the main character, Raylan, drinks Jim Beam in almost every episode. It's funny, when he's drinking with his boss they go with Blanton's, but in his dive hotel room he sticks with good old Jim Beam. Or "Jim Bean," as he seems to pronounce it with his drawl. I had already been craving some cheap bourbon, so I picked up a handle of Jim Beam for 30 bucks to pair with an evening (hopefully several evenings) of Justified. The white label Jim Beam is their basic entry, 4 years old and 80 proof. Let's give it a go.
Color-hay
Nose-caramel corn
Taste-A lot of young corn. Very very smooth. The classic bourbon flavors (vanilla, wood spice, caramel, burn) are there but faintly. It makes you go for another sip to try to get some more flavor, which I guess is their whole strategy. It's like the Miller Lite of bourbon. Jason Pyle says the palate is "flat as a pancake." It's just a bit young for my liking.
Finish-I actually quite enjoyed the finish. It fills the mouth in a surprsingly pleasant way for such cheap stuff. I felt validated in my tasting abilities when I read Jim Murray's review after writing my own, and he said the finish is complex after a sluggish start, describing it as "playful brown sugar stirring things up."
Value-I'd say this is well priced for what it is. I'd rather save a few bucks and grab Evan Williams Black Label, though. I think that one tastes just a bit better, too. Or maybe spend 2-3 more bucks for Four Roses yellow label.
Intangible-For me, what's in the bottle is what counts, but I have to admit I would never want my favorite bourbon to be the best selling one. I feel like I need some individuality. Ditto with Jack Daniels and Tennessee whisky. The white label is just too boring for me, especially after tasting it.
Overall/Final Comments-The thing about Jim Beam is almost all their products are the same recipe. Jim Beam, Jim Beam Choice, Jim Beam 7 year, Black 8 year, Knob, Baker's, Booker's. There are pros and cons to this. The pro is that their flavor is so distinctive and provides a brand identitiy. The con is, well, it all tastes similar. That said, obviously the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 9 year will have a ton more interest in terms of flavor than white label. I think my favorite Beam product would be Old Grand Dad BIB. It's the Basil Hayden recipe. But I do enjoy Booker's, as well. But I digress. Jim Beam white is okay in a pinch, and at least you know every bar will have it. I'm not sure that's a compliment but it's not a criticism, either. As far as Raylan from the show, it suits him just fine. He is a simple kind of character who wants a simple kind of drink.
Color-hay
Nose-caramel corn
Taste-A lot of young corn. Very very smooth. The classic bourbon flavors (vanilla, wood spice, caramel, burn) are there but faintly. It makes you go for another sip to try to get some more flavor, which I guess is their whole strategy. It's like the Miller Lite of bourbon. Jason Pyle says the palate is "flat as a pancake." It's just a bit young for my liking.
Finish-I actually quite enjoyed the finish. It fills the mouth in a surprsingly pleasant way for such cheap stuff. I felt validated in my tasting abilities when I read Jim Murray's review after writing my own, and he said the finish is complex after a sluggish start, describing it as "playful brown sugar stirring things up."
Value-I'd say this is well priced for what it is. I'd rather save a few bucks and grab Evan Williams Black Label, though. I think that one tastes just a bit better, too. Or maybe spend 2-3 more bucks for Four Roses yellow label.
Intangible-For me, what's in the bottle is what counts, but I have to admit I would never want my favorite bourbon to be the best selling one. I feel like I need some individuality. Ditto with Jack Daniels and Tennessee whisky. The white label is just too boring for me, especially after tasting it.
Overall/Final Comments-The thing about Jim Beam is almost all their products are the same recipe. Jim Beam, Jim Beam Choice, Jim Beam 7 year, Black 8 year, Knob, Baker's, Booker's. There are pros and cons to this. The pro is that their flavor is so distinctive and provides a brand identitiy. The con is, well, it all tastes similar. That said, obviously the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 9 year will have a ton more interest in terms of flavor than white label. I think my favorite Beam product would be Old Grand Dad BIB. It's the Basil Hayden recipe. But I do enjoy Booker's, as well. But I digress. Jim Beam white is okay in a pinch, and at least you know every bar will have it. I'm not sure that's a compliment but it's not a criticism, either. As far as Raylan from the show, it suits him just fine. He is a simple kind of character who wants a simple kind of drink.
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