View Full Version : The Wine & Whisky Thread
walpurgis
08-01-2019, 19:26
Happy Birthday Tony. Was it today?
Yup happy birthday. Nice glasses to get pissed with after building the 3d jigsaw
mightymonoped
08-01-2019, 20:00
Happy Birthday Tony. Was it today?
Yup, 57 today! Sharing it with Bowie & Elvis. [emoji23]
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mightymonoped
08-01-2019, 20:01
Yup happy birthday. Nice glasses to get pissed with after building the 3d jigsaw
Latest addition to the music room! [emoji4]
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mightymonoped
08-01-2019, 20:01
Thanks guys! [emoji4]
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Just enjoying some of this stuff, which is rather good:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/2VjXdy.png
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/CMqHqP.jpg
:cool:
Marco.
Great stuff, Marco! That's a classic style west coast American pale ale. Delicious! We drink it often...Sierra Nevada and others. Love that style of brew...one of our favourites.
BTW, check the coffee thread - we finally tried that milk you've been on about :)
Cheers,
Svend
Cheers, Svend. It's bloody lovely, so smooth and creamy, but with bags of hoppy flavours! I get it from here: https://www.beersofeurope.co.uk/beer/country/usa/sierra-nevada-pale-ale
Would love to try it on draught, in the area of production!:barrel:
Marco.
Yeah, those west coast pale ales are wonderful. Citrusy hop flavours...Yum! They are often dry hopped which is why the hop flavour and aroma are so forward. Every craft brewery here in North America tries to nail this style, as it the sign of a good brewery and brewmaster if they get it right. I think Sierra Nevada were the ones to really put this style on the map. If you can find others in this style, do try some more.
Enjoy!
Edit: try this one too https://www.beersofeurope.co.uk/beer/country/usa/anchor-liberty-ale
Also very good.
You will also like Goose IPA Marco, or Kona Big Wave. These are both reasonably accessible in the UK.
Am a fan of Anchor Steam Beer too. The Liberty Ale is also a nice one. :)
Yeah, those west coast pale ales are wonderful. Citrusy hop flavours...Yum! They are often dry hopped which is why the hop flavour and aroma are so forward. Every craft brewery here in North America tries to nail this style, as it the sign of a good brewery and brewmaster if they get it right. I think Sierra Nevada were the ones to really put this style on the map. If you can find others in this style, do try some more.
Enjoy!
Edit: try this one too https://www.beersofeurope.co.uk/beer/country/usa/anchor-liberty-ale
Also very good.
Lol - that's so funny, as it's one of the ones I'd ordered (in a large mixed case), and have just opened a bottle now!:D
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/azWLAx.png
Fantastic stuff! Hard to separate them, in terms of preference... The Liberty Ale might be slightly creamier, although a touch more bitter - BUT one thing's for sure, I'm going to keep a regular stock of these classic American ales in, as they're right up my street!:cool:
Marco.
You will also like Goose IPA Marco, or Kona Big Wave. These are both reasonably accessible in the UK.
Am a fan of Anchor Steam Beer too. The Liberty Ale is also a nice one. :)
Noted on all those, Neil - cheers!:thumbsup:
Marco.
There's an Oz one I like too (and had before), called Coopers: https://www.beersofeurope.co.uk/beer/country/australia/coopers-pale-ale
Have any of you guys tried that?:)
Marco.
Noted on all those, Neil - cheers!:thumbsup:
Marco.
Yep, Coopers Pale Ale was my introduction to IPAs. The bartenders used to gently roll the bottles across the bar before opening them. They also had Little Creatures Pale Ale, another nice Aussie one. These are
much more easy going pale ales than the bigger-hitting American ones.
Yep, Coopers Pale Ale was my introduction to IPAs. The bartenders used to gently roll the bottles across the bar before opening them. They also had Little Creatures Pale Ale, another nice Aussie one. These are
much more easy going pale ales than the bigger-hitting American ones.
That sounds well cool, was that over in Oz, then?:)
Marco.
You will also like Goose IPA Marco, or Kona Big Wave. These are both reasonably accessible in the UK.
Am a fan of Anchor Steam Beer too. The Liberty Ale is also a nice one. :)
+1. Good recommendations. I think Anchor Steam is a style all of it's own. Hard to classify...delicious though.
Goose Island is from Chicago -- all good beers from those guys. We used to drink a lot of that when my in-laws lived there. The IPA is very clean, bright tasting - a winner. Honkers Ale is their classic American Pale Ale style; less bitter, more fruity and balanced than their IPA. It's my favourite of theirs. If you can find it in the UK, then do try it. We are lucky here in Toronto - Goose Island just opened up their own pub downtown. Can't wait to pop in for a cold one :cool:
We used to be able to get Coopers here, but not for decades, sadly. Yes, the bottles did have sediment in it, if I recall. Great stuff! I think the only Aussie beer we get here now is Fosters....boring....
That sounds well cool, was that over in Oz, then?:)
Marco.
He he no, in a long-closed Aussie bar in Chorlton, Manchester, called Uluru.
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Goose Island Midway Session IPA is another nice one, being a session ale, it is a relatively low (for an IPA) 4.1% ABV.
He he no, in a long-closed Aussie bar in Chorlton, Manchester, called Uluru.
Ah, no worries... Sounds like it was a cool place:)
Just a had a bottle of this Oz lager, with some pasta:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/e4k0JT.jpg
Apparently, it's from the same group as Fosters, but tastes *nothing" like Fosters!! It's arguably one of the best lagers I've had: creamy tasting, super-crisp, fresh and zesty... One to have ice-cold on hot summer days, which certainly isn't now!:barrel:
Marco.
Yeah, there was a cloudy scum floating on top of the glass, must've been the dregs of its last 'number 1':D
Marco.
Just poured myself one of these babies, served ice-cold:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/Mf6H7Y.jpg
Must say, I'm lovin' these classic Yank/Oz Pale Ales!:barrel:
Marco.
Thumbs up to that! My favourite style too :)
mightymonoped
31-01-2019, 19:01
On offer in Tesco’s at the moment - £26
That’s the weekend sorted! [emoji4]
Cardhu Gold Reserve
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190131/2edbe5e6460d03fd3f4d5bc39ef4b44b.jpg
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Just poured myself one of these babies, served ice-cold:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/Mf6H7Y.jpg
Must say, I'm lovin' these classic Yank/Oz Pale Ales!:barrel:
Marco.
Ice cold? Surely it loses some taste like that?
Just poured myself one of these babies, served ice-cold:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/Mf6H7Y.jpg
Must say, I'm lovin' these classic Yank/Oz Pale Ales!:barrel:
Marco.
Did you gently roll the bottle first? :)
Ice cold? Surely it loses some taste like that?
Pale ales tend to be strong tasting / are always well-hopped anyway, and aren’t the same served at cellar temps, unlike a best bitter.
Yeah, ideally it would be more cool, than ice cold, but I like my beers that way:D
Marco.
Did you gently roll the bottle first? :)
No, I forgot to do that! So I noticed a little 'sediment' at the bottom. Does rolling it prevent that?
Marco.
Pale ales tend to be strong tasting / are always well-hopped anyway, and aren’t the same served at cellar temps, unlike a best bitter.
So are you saying that they best served ice cold, then? I'm not an expert here, so always learning:)
Marco.
So are you saying that they best served ice cold, then? I'm not an expert here, so always learning:)
Marco.
‘American’ Pale ales, absolutely they should be ice cold. An old school East India Pale Ale, much darker In colour, would be served cool, or even room temperature.
If it has a straw or golden colour, then ice cold. Darker ales can be pushed warmer.
As for rolling the bottle, yes it distributes the sediment and adds more flavour. However, don’t try this with a more carbonated ale! Coopers is not that fizzy.
willbewill
31-01-2019, 20:08
On offer in Tesco’s at the moment - £26
That’s the weekend sorted! [emoji4]
Cardhu Gold Reserve
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190131/2edbe5e6460d03fd3f4d5bc39ef4b44b.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThat's a good buy, one of my favourites
‘American’ Pale ales, absolutely they should be ice cold. An old school East India Pale Ale, much darker In colour, would be served cool, or even room temperature.
If it has a straw or golden colour, then ice cold. Darker ales can be pushed warmer.
As for rolling the bottle, yes it distributes the sediment and adds more flavour. However, don’t try this with a more carbonated ale! Coopers is not that fizzy.
All noted - cheers, Neil :thumbsup:
Marco.
ianlenco
31-01-2019, 20:44
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/2031/9074/products/2018-08-17_grande.jpg?v=1534839280
I bought this for my daughter's boyfriend at Christmas and I just tried it. With apologies to Scottish members it is rather good!
‘American’ Pale ales, absolutely they should be ice cold. An old school East India Pale Ale, much darker In colour, would be served cool, or even room temperature.
If it has a straw or golden colour, then ice cold. Darker ales can be pushed warmer.
As for rolling the bottle, yes it distributes the sediment and adds more flavour. However, don’t try this with a more carbonated ale! Coopers is not that fizzy.
+1. We put our beer glasses in the freezer, and use these for pilseners, wheats and pale ales. Nothing better on a hot summer day than to pour a cold one into a frozen glass :cool:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/2031/9074/products/2018-08-17_grande.jpg?v=1534839280
I bought this for my daughter's boyfriend at Christmas and I just tried it. With apologies to Scottish members it is rather good!
That looks interesting to a Southern Cotswolds "lad" like myself.
mightymonoped
01-05-2019, 19:55
Can’t beat a mid-week Espresso Martini! [emoji23]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190501/7e7365998d205d4e8bdd8607564bf959.jpg
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Not tried that, Tony. It's an unusual combination of flavours, though. So what's in it exactly?:)
Marco.
Beobloke
02-05-2019, 07:54
Can’t beat a mid-week Espresso Martini! [emoji23]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190501/7e7365998d205d4e8bdd8607564bf959.jpg
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Excellent - one approves!
Be interested to know your recipe as mine looks completely different to that.
mightymonoped
02-05-2019, 08:35
Not tried that, Tony. It's an unusual combination of flavours, though. So what's in it exactly?:)
Marco.
Using Difford's Guide recipe:-
1 ½ shot Vodka, 1 1/12 shot Espresso, ½ shot Kahlua, ¼ shot Sugar syrup - shaken with ice then strained.
*PS - second ones were better as I never shook the first ones up enough.
Ah ok, nice one. Might give it a go, although coffee liqueurs and cocktails aren't normally my bag. I also have a thing about cocktails being labelled as 'Martini', when there's no Martini (or vermouth) in it!:rolleyes:
Anyway, yours looked good:cool:
Marco.
mightymonoped
02-05-2019, 08:53
Ah ok, nice one. Might give it a go, although coffee liqueurs and cocktails aren't normally my bag. I also have a thing about cocktails being labelled as 'Martini', when there's no Martini (or vermouth) in it!:rolleyes:
Anyway, yours looked good:cool:
Marco.
I know what you mean but apparently it's just an accepted thing in this case. :-)
..and it's a bit classier than a Vodka and Redbull :lol:
Beobloke
02-05-2019, 09:32
Using Difford's Guide recipe:-
1 ½ shot Vodka, 1 1/12 shot Espresso, ½ shot Kahlua, ¼ shot Sugar syrup - shaken with ice then strained.
*PS - second ones were better as I never shook the first ones up enough.
Interesting and sounds good! I might give that a go at the weekend as I have all the ingredients.
For comparison, mine is 2 measures of Baileys, one measure of vodka and 2 measures of Espresso - again shaken over ice.
It seems there are many different ways of skinning this particular cat...
Interesting and sounds good! I might give that a go at the weekend as I have all the ingredients.
For comparison, mine is 2 measures of Baileys, one measure of vodka and 2 measures of Espresso - again shaken over ice.
It seems there are many different ways of skinning this particular cat...
only thing i like the taste of coffee in is coffee.. anything else is a no for me. look nice tho....mini guiness
mightymonoped
02-05-2019, 09:44
Interesting and sounds good! I might give that a go at the weekend as I have all the ingredients.
For comparison, mine is 2 measures of Baileys, one measure of vodka and 2 measures of Espresso - again shaken over ice.
It seems there are many different ways of skinning this particular cat...
As always! :-)
Apparently you need to use a proper Espresso (hot) with crema (which is why mine fails, being from a Mokka pot).
Here's the link with the origins of the cocktail, it's actually quite interesting https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/615/cocktails/vodka-espresso-espresso-martini
mightymonoped
02-05-2019, 09:45
only thing i like the taste of coffee in is coffee.. anything else is a no for me. look nice tho....mini guiness
Apparently the supermodel who requested the original wanted a drink that would "Wake me up and f**k me up!" :lol:
Can’t beat a mid-week Espresso Martini! [emoji23]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190501/7e7365998d205d4e8bdd8607564bf959.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkNah that's no good.
Should have a thicker head.
And most importantly three very high grade coffee beans floating in the head. Which you should eat with the drink.
Amateur! Pah!!!!
Also slow. I covered this ages ago.
Up your game mono!!!!:);)
mightymonoped
03-05-2019, 11:13
Nah that's no good.
Should have a thicker head.
And most importantly three very high grade coffee beans floating in the head. Which you should eat with the drink.
Amateur! Pah!!!!
Also slow. I covered this ages ago.
Up your game mono!!!!:);)
:ner:
:ner:More seriously it is a great drink.
Not made some for a while but I found the best results came from putting the ingredients in a Pyrex measuring jug and blitzing it with a hand blender. That'll give you a great head.
But the beans floating in it are a must. Eating raw beans is a good way to access coffee beans. If they taste crap raw they never make good coffee.
mightymonoped
03-05-2019, 16:10
More seriously it is a great drink.
Not made some for a while but I found the best results came from putting the ingredients in a Pyrex measuring jug and blitzing it with a hand blender. That'll give you a great head.
But the beans floating in it are a must. Eating raw beans is a good way to access coffee beans. If they taste crap raw they never make good coffee.
Absolutely!
I didn't get the hang of it until the second round :-)
Also, didn't have any coffee beans available as it was all done ad hoc really.
I think the general mix was good though (certainly as good as the ones we tried in a cocktail bar in London fairly recently.
If there are any wine aficionados here, instead of just poncy cocktail drinkers:D then here's a mixed case I've just ordered direct from Virgin Wines [whom I'd recommend highly]:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/o8VBHr.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37330102449/Ca-Vegar-Bardolino-DOC-Chiaretto-Classico
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/hkQhXm.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z34683100783/Chateau-du-Seuil-Bordeaux-Rose
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/31qPW2.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z36775102291/16-Little-Black-Pigs-Rose
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/G7CWAo.png
Details here:https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z36875101434/Escura-Des-Pins-Alicante-Bouschet
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/z9dfRK.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z38739101434/Domaine-de-la-Berthete-Clement-V-Cotes-du-Rhone
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/mV3MWh.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37065102419/La-Paulee-Bourgogne-Rouge
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/dfte2M.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37299101935/Clos-des-Cordelieres-Saumur-Champigny-Cuvee-Tradition
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/ORpBIG.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37632101434/Beppe-Morchetta-Rosso
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/qjFe7b.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z38767101434/Domaine-de-LErmitage-Menetou-Salon-Rouge
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/pGH7rr.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z36023100783/Chateau-Belair-St-Georges-St-Emilion
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/pMl35U.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z34851100029/Vina-Ecoyen-Reserva
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/VeHqFO.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z38572102951/Trimbach-Pinot-Noir-Reserve
Should be good!:)
Marco.
mightymonoped
07-05-2019, 20:54
But wine is just soooo last week! [emoji23]
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Ha - not if you're Italian!:eyebrows:
Besides, I drink cocktails, too - *real* ones, such as Negroni or Whisky Sour... None of that girly, coffee-based pish!:ner:
:D
Marco.
Beer and whisky.. Occasional wine. All the rest is for weirdos lol
mightymonoped
07-05-2019, 21:16
Lightweights! [emoji13]
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Lol.... Next time, make something with vermouth, gin, rum, vodka, whisky, brandy and/or tequila in it - and I'll be in there!;)
Marco [likes nothing else in his coffee, but coffee].
rmcin626
07-05-2019, 21:32
Lol.... Next time, make something with vermouth, gin, vodka, whisky or tequila in it - and I'll be in there!;)
Marco [likes nothing else in his coffee, but coffee].
Me too
Brandy and coffee is great on the ski slopes.
Then you make it at home and it just isn't the same.
Whatever. High potency, low toxicity hallucinogens are really where it is at. The government doesn't like that, though. They had too much trouble controlling an enlightened population (or a spaced out bunch of zombies, whichever way you look at it) in the 60s for comfort.
Therefore, banned.
Some beers I've enjoyed recently......
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/C074qi.jpg
Marco.
Some interesting pale ales there, Marco. :glug:
Just had a cheeky one of these - Adnams Ghost Ship - chatting to the other half in the sun in the garden listening to the summer house system - fabulous!
https://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/435/5016878010435/IDShot_540x540.jpg
Adnams is a local Suffolk brewery - you can get their beers in the major supermarkets locally, not sure how far they stock them, though? Been my favourite beer for about a year now. :cool:
twickers
14-05-2019, 18:15
Some interesting pale ales there, Marco. :glug:
Just had a cheeky one of these - Adnams Ghost Ship - chatting to the other half in the sun in the garden listening to the summer house system - fabulous!
https://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/435/5016878010435/IDShot_540x540.jpg
Adnams is a local Suffolk brewery - you can get their beers in the major supermarkets locally, not sure how far they stock them, though? Been my favourite beer for about a year now. :cool:
I think I've seen Ghost Ship in the local Majestic Wines. Never tried it though..
Some interesting pale ales there, Marco. :glug:
Just had a cheeky one of these - Adnams Ghost Ship - chatting to the other half in the sun in the garden listening to the summer house system - fabulous!
https://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/435/5016878010435/IDShot_540x540.jpg
Adnams is a local Suffolk brewery - you can get their beers in the major supermarkets locally, not sure how far they stock them, though? Been my favourite beer for about a year now. :cool:
Sounds good, mate. The beer, and the above. Like the idea of a summer house system... Is it listed somewhere on the forum? I think we're in the minority these days, who actually get on with our wives, enjoy their company and have a meaningful relationship;)
Yeah, the American and Oz Pale Ales were fab - will be ordering more!:cool:
Marco.
Like the idea of a summer house system... Is it listed somewhere on the forum?
It hasn't changed much since here -
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?3638-My-very-modest-system&p=442420#post442420
Not using the same laptop, but still the same kit. The Aura and Kef's still gel together fantastically. :)
I think we're in the minority these days, who actually get on with our wives, enjoy their company and have a meaningful relationship;)
To be fair, it was probably only because I was on the Ghost Ship and she was on the Rose! :lol: Joking aside, it was lovely - kids were at Mother In Laws, we both finished work on time so had a lovely couple of hours in the sun chilling, listening to some summer tunes and chatting. What life's all about.
Then the kids came home, created merry hell, I had to take daughter to her piano lesson and now doing the BBQ in the twilight! Still living the dream, though! :D
It hasn't changed much since here -
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?3638-My-very-modest-system&p=442420#post442420
Not using the same laptop, but still the same kit. The Aura and Kef's still gel together fantastically. :)
Good stuff, mate. I'm sure it hits the spot:)
To be fair, it was probably only because I was on the Ghost Ship and she was on the Rose! :lol: Joking aside, it was lovely - kids were at Mother In Laws, we both finished work on time so had a lovely couple of hours in the sun chilling, listening to some summer tunes and chatting. What life's all about.
Ain't that the truth! Those are the memories you look back on with fondness in later years... So make plenty of them, and don't lose focus on what *really* matters... Gettin' all deep now;)
Then the kids came home, created merry hell, I had to take daughter to her piano lesson and now doing the BBQ in the twilight! Still living the dream, though! :D
Ha - back to reality!!
Marco.
Beobloke
14-05-2019, 21:41
If there are any wine aficionados here, instead of just poncy cocktail drinkers:D then here's a mixed case I've just ordered direct from Virgin Wines [whom I'd recommend highly]:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/o8VBHr.png
.
So, let me get this straight. You’ve accused us cocktail aficionados of being ‘poncy’, and then posted a picture of a bottle of rose?!!
;)
Get on the wagon lads. Lol
So, let me get this straight. You’ve accused us cocktail aficionados of being ‘poncy’, and then posted a picture of a bottle of rose?!!
;)
Ha - remember I drink cocktails too, just not coffee-based ones! And rosé is perfect for drinking just now in this warm weather, especially with BBQs and salads, so na-na, na-na-na:ner::ner:
:D
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
18-05-2019, 17:11
Going round visiting a friends shortly, and I have a feeling that his wife, who would happily watch back to back episodes of 'Curse of Oak Island', will want to watch the Eurovision Thong Contest. Can you aficionados recommend a nice beer that is strong enough to make this tolerable?
Haven't posted here for a while, but here are some slurps that we have enjoyed recently:
2007 Château des Graves – Graves
https://media-verticommnetwork1.netdna-ssl.com/wines/chateau-des-graves-1349625-s318.png
Merlot and Merlot Blanc 12.5% ABV, c. £16 a bottle
2002 Château Malescasse – Haut Médoc
https://cdn1.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/56/77/10595677.jpg
Merlot, Petit verdot, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc
13% ABV, c. £19 a bottle
2010 Château Péricou – Bordeaux
https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/1545091.jpg
Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot
14.5% ABV
Very much enjoyed this. Good job I have a second bottle – in fact I’m tempted to buy a case. c. £14 a bottle
2010 Château Bonneau – Haut Médoc
https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/872544.jpg
30% Cabernet sauvignon, 65% Merlot, 5% Petit verdot
13.5% ABV c. £14 a bottle
So not quite the Bordeaux ‘tart’ you would think me Marco. ;)
Yeah, but it's all French!:ner:
Anyway, I've just acquired a bottle of this. Wondering if it'll have a somewhat 'cheesy' finish....
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/JsN4K9.jpg
Marco.
Now to find a bottle of 'Chateau Smegma'...:eyebrows:
Marco.
Now to find a bottle of 'Chateau Smegma'...:eyebrows:
Marco.
Probably chilling nicely in a SMEG refrigerator. :D
Well, it's not a real ale, but this is a very nice IPA. The kids bought me a handful of beers for Fathers Day, and this was one of them:
Wychwood Hobgoblin IPA
https://digitalcontent.api.tesco.com/v1/media/ghs/snapshotimagehandler_1666830930.jpeg?h=540&w=540
It looks like this is a new beer from Wychwood, the Oxfordshire brewery based in Witney, no doubt off the back of the incredible resurgence in IPA recently. Under the "New Try Me" cardboard neck thingy (TM) is a little label that states "World Beer Awards - World's Best IPA" - and indeed, according to their website (http://www.worldbeerawards.com/winner/beer/2018/worlds-best-ipa-world-beer-awards-2018), it is the reigning champion English style IPA. "Melon and vine notes on the nose with some nice hops. Light herbs, citrus and malt coming through in the body with a hint of sour. Great example of the style."
Yes, really really nice, and looks like the major supermarkets stock it, so shouldn't be too hard for you to search out. Is it better than my current favourite, the local Adnams Ghost Ship? Too early to tell on one bottle, I'll have to buy some more! :cool:
This is really nice for supermarket plonk - and just to prove I don’t only drink Spanish wine! (£9 from Sainsbury’s)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190621/fc124b8b4cd6f0fd8c1e5c50ae4b5fe3.jpg
Good choice, mate. The Ripasso is a classic! Should be velvety smooth and really fruity, with bags of body:cheers:
Marco.
Good choice, mate. The Ripasso is a classic! Should be velvety smooth and really fruity, with bags of body:cheers:
Marco.
Yep, sure is, we had a lot of good Italian wines on holiday last year and expanded our horizons a bit - a Ripasso being one of our favourites for good value. :thumbsup:
Enjoying a rather nice Minervois (sourced directly from vineyards in France) on a lazy Sunday afternoon:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/cCEkPz.jpg
Marco.
Pepperamip
01-07-2019, 13:25
Well, it's not a real ale, but this is a very nice IPA. The kids bought me a handful of beers for Fathers Day, and this was one of them:
Wychwood Hobgoblin IPA
https://digitalcontent.api.tesco.com/v1/media/ghs/snapshotimagehandler_1666830930.jpeg?h=540&w=540
It looks like this is a new beer from Wychwood, the Oxfordshire brewery based in Witney, no doubt off the back of the incredible resurgence in IPA recently. Under the "New Try Me" cardboard neck thingy (TM) is a little label that states "World Beer Awards - World's Best IPA" - and indeed, according to their website (http://www.worldbeerawards.com/winner/beer/2018/worlds-best-ipa-world-beer-awards-2018), it is the reigning champion English style IPA. "Melon and vine notes on the nose with some nice hops. Light herbs, citrus and malt coming through in the body with a hint of sour. Great example of the style."
Yes, really really nice, and looks like the major supermarkets stock it, so shouldn't be too hard for you to search out. Is it better than my current favourite, the local Adnams Ghost Ship? Too early to tell on one bottle, I'll have to buy some more! :cool:
I drink standard hobgoblin and the stronger Kinggoblin regular so I may give this ipa a go Alex..
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I drink standard hobgoblin and the stronger Kinggoblin regular so I may give this ipa a go Alex..
Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk
:thumbsup:
I think you are supposed to drink IPA at room temperature, but I actually prefer it chilled - also makes it good for a summer tipple instead of lager (which generally I find too gassy) so although it may be a heinous crime, try one in the fridge as well... :cool:
Pepperamip
02-07-2019, 07:06
[emoji106]
I think you are supposed to drink IPA at room temperature, but I actually prefer it chilled - also makes it good for a summer tipple instead of lager (which generally I find too gassy) so although it may be a heinous crime, try one in the fridge as well... :cool:I drink the other 2 at room temp but I don't see why you can't have an ipa chilled. I'll pick a couple of these up at some point.
A brewdog bar has not long opened directly opposite my building in canary wharf. You want to see some of the prices in there for not even a pint (they do half and a third pint prices for the stronger stuff)
I will take a pic one day and post it in this thread I reckon it will shock some of you.
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:thumbsup:
I think you are supposed to drink IPA at room temperature, but I actually prefer it chilled - also makes it good for a summer tipple instead of lager (which generally I find too gassy) so although it may be a heinous crime, try one in the fridge as well... :cool:
As with anything, it's down to your own individual preference, so if you enjoy/prefer your ales chilled, then go ahead.
However, the 'official/correct' way to serve any real ale is cold, but not chilled. Temp range is between 10-14°C, with IPAs and other 'blonde' styles served at the lower end of that scale, particularly during summer months. Richer, dark ales, should be drunk at the higher end of that scale.
That's how I enjoy them, as the flavour is much better that way. But if you do chill ales, then don't do it to the same extent as you would lagers (ice-cold, with condensation showing on the glass or can), as you'll ruin the flavour that way!:nono:
Marco.
Indeed - darker ales I wouldn't, but I do like a cold IPA. :cool:
Indeed, but what do you term as "cold" - as cold as a lager?
For me no, unless you don't drink your lager ice-cold, like I do... Something such as Bud, or Sol (with a slice of lime inside the neck of the bottle, oh yes very 80s:eyebrows:) only tastes 'right' if it almost freezes your hand off when you grab hold of the bottle!:D:exactly:
Now, I wouldn't want to be doing that with an IPA.... Cold yes, ice-cold, no.
Marco.
No, not ice cold - I generally put them in the top front of the fridge - and usually take it out for half an hour before drinking (if I remember) so more chilled than ice cold. I might try just putting some in cold water and see how the flavour changes. I definitely don't like warm beer of any kind - would rather it to cold than too warm!
Same here, although I thought warm (flat) beer was traditional in England?:D;)
Seriously though, that's why when you go abroad in Europe (and drink in places not largely populated by British tourists), you almost never see pint glasses used for serving beer/lager, simply because unless you're a *very* fast drinker, your last sips, leading up to and including the last one, will be considerably warmer than the first!
However, if you serve beer (lager) in smaller glasses, you drink it quicker, so it stays cooler...:) In Germany, it's therefore not uncommon (especially in traditional Brauhaus') for Pils beer to be served in tall, but very small, thin 0.2L glasses, ice-cold, with waiters/waitresses on hand to offer immediate ice-cold refills!:barrel:
Like these (and almost a third of the content is taken up by a lovely frothy head):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/y9s0F9.jpg
Germans HATE warm and/or flat beer... I've got a waiter's 'serving 'tray' with a handle, which holds 8 of those glasses, that I use for parties, and which one of Del's German relatives bought for me from a traditional Cologne Brauhaus.
Marco.
pale ale should be served at around same temp as beer, ie, 7-11c... lager colder still usually around 5c. stouts etc ar cellar temp, which should be 13c
rmcin626
02-07-2019, 09:14
Same here, although I thought warm (flat) beer was traditional in England?:D;)
Seriously though, that's why when you go abroad in Europe (and drink in places not largely populated by British tourists), you almost never see pint glasses used for serving beer/lager, simply because unless you're a *very* fast drinker, your last sips, leading up to and including the last one, will be considerably warmer than the first!
However, if you serve beer (lager) in smaller glasses, you drink it quicker, so it stays cooler...:) In Germany, it's therefore not uncommon (especially in traditional Brauhaus') for Pils beer to be served in tall, but very small, thin 0.2L glasses, ice-cold, with waiters/waitresses on hand to offer immediate ice-cold refills!:barrel:
Like these (and almost a third of the content is taken up by a lovely frothy head):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/y9s0F9.jpg
Germans HATE warm and/or flat beer... I've got a waiter's 'serving 'tray' with a handle, which holds 8 of those glasses, that I use for parties, and which one of Del's German relatives bought for me from a traditional Cologne Brauhaus.
Marco.
Totally agree after spending time in Germany, really struggled with pints when returned to Scotland . Just remembered there used to be a local measure of beer here called a “pony” which was about a 1/4 of a pint maybe less, my dad used to drink that sometimes with his whisky as he was never really a beer man, more of a half and a half man as they were known.
Totally agree after spending time in Germany, really struggled with pints when returned to Scotland . Just remembered there used to be a local measure of beer here called a “pony” which was about a 1/4 of a pint maybe less, my dad used to drink that sometimes with his whisky as he was never really a beer man, more of a half and a half man as they were known.
yup, an unofficial size but very common, especially in the west of scotland. 5oz glass
Absolutely, Robin! In general, Brits need to start *savouring* and appreciating what they drink (and eat) more, and prioritise QUALITY more than quantity!:eyebrows:;) Or focussing so much on price.
It shouldn't be about shoving any old shit down your gullet, posing as 'food', as long as it acts as 'sustenance', or pouring gallons of (not very cold, often flat) 'so-so' beer down your throat, just to get pissed.... Be more discerning, and savour/appreciate the quality and flavour of the food and drink you consume - that's the continental way:)
Marco.
rmcin626
02-07-2019, 09:51
yup, an unofficial size but very common, especially in the west of scotland. 5oz glass
5 oz glass good to know, not sure if they would still pour one these in the locals pubs.
5 oz glass good to know, not sure if they would still pour one these in the locals pubs.
My pal's dad drank a whisky and chaser, which was a pony glass. it lasted near the whole session, and he would have a few whiskies. (an old Glaswegian who drank Bells)
rmcin626
02-07-2019, 10:18
My pal's dad drank a whisky and chaser, which was a pony glass. it lasted near the whole session, and he would have a few whiskies. (an old Glaswegian who drank Bells)
Yeah my dad could make a pony last several hours and several whiskies
I always liked the old boys (regulars) who had their own tankard for their beer - that was cool:)
And when it comes to real ales. I always insist on it being served in a glass (pot) with a handle:cool:
Like this, but not filled with lager:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/IQ32GK.jpg
I like having something to grab onto...:eyebrows:
Marco.
I always liked the old boys (regulars) who had their own tankard for their beer - that was cool:)
And when it comes to real ales. I always insist on it being served in a glass (pot) with a handle:cool:
Like this, but not filled with lager:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/IQ32GK.jpg
I like having something to grab onto...:eyebrows:
Marco.
'Love handles'? :D
Lol... Fortunately Del doesn't have any of those! I was thinking of something else:eyebrows:
Btw, did you call me last night? I noticed your number on the phone, so must've missed you.
Marco.
Beobloke
02-07-2019, 12:20
(and almost a third of the content is taken up by a lovely frothy head):
.
What? No - disgraceful! That’s space that could be taken up by more beer!
:D:eyebrows:
Only if you're an uncouth southerner!:ner:
Marco.
Beobloke
02-07-2019, 13:02
Damn right! Next you’ll be telling me you always use a narrow glass so your cocktail umbrella doesn’t fall in... :) :)
Lol... Fortunately Del doesn't have any of those! I was thinking of something else:eyebrows:
Btw, did you call me last night? I noticed your number on the phone, so must've missed you.
Marco.
Yes I did, but I didn't let the phone ring for long. Will try again around 7:30 tonight. It's nothing urgent.
Cool. I'll be in:)
Marco.
Damn right! Next you’ll be telling me you always use a narrow glass so your cocktail umbrella doesn’t fall in... :) :)
How would I know? You'd need to ask the butler!
;)
Marco.
I've got a waiter's 'serving 'tray' with a handle, which holds 8 of those glasses, that I use for parties, and which one of Del's German relatives bought for me from a traditional Cologne Brauhaus.
And here it is:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/lupxEO.jpg
Handy for bringing beers in for the lads when the footy's on!:cool:
Marco.
mightymonoped
04-07-2019, 17:05
This is a good thing! [emoji4]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190704/a7f2c6ee73c0d9c484324befba14a8ce.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Looks nice, Tony! How does it compare with Hoegaarden?:)
Marco.
mightymonoped
04-07-2019, 17:20
Looks nice, Tony! How does it compare with Hoegaarden?:)
Marco.
Much of a muchness to a Philistine like me to be honest but the Orange really brings out the fruity undertones and is perfect on a hot one like today. [emoji4]
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mightymonoped
04-07-2019, 17:25
It’s actually owned by Molson Coors. Brewed with orange peel, hence the addition.
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Much of a muchness to a Philistine like me to be honest but the Orange really brings out the fruity undertones and is perfect on a hot one like today. [emoji4]
Lol - I'm no beer expert either, but like you, I know what I like! Anyway mate, sounds good. Where did you get it from? I'll defo give it a go:)
Marco.
mightymonoped
04-07-2019, 17:45
Lol - I'm no beer expert either, but like you, I know what I like! Anyway mate, sounds good. Where did you get it from? I'll defo give it a go:)
Marco.
Available in all good supermarkets! [emoji23]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ok, noted:thumbsup:
Marco.
Now I want a Hoegaarden... another of my favourites. But enjoying a cheeky Thursday “so close to the weekend I can smell it” Aperol Spritz. :)
PS Marco - Aldi didn’t have any Aperol alternative but Lidl had Bitterol so one of those in the cupboard to try next time with their Prosecco - worked out at about £13 which is compared to about £22 in Tesco so we shall see if it’s £9 worse!
Nice one, mate. In my opinion, the Bitterol is about 85-90% as good as proper Aperol, but almost any Prosecco you can buy in Lidl or Aldi is as good as that sold in the main supermarkets., and often cheaper. Anyway I hope you enjoy it and it'll be interesting to know what you think:)
Marco.
Btw, if you enjoy a good wheat beer, then Paulaner takes some beating... This stuff is fantastic: https://www.majestic.co.uk/cases/paulaner-wheat-12-pack
Right now, as it's so warm, I'm enjoying an ice-cool Modelo, with lime and a touch of salt:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/eMBBFG.jpg
Try a refreshing Chelada, on a hot summer's day or evening: https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-chelada-beer-recipe-353185
Modelo, Sol or Corona make the ideal base:)
Marco.
Good choice, mate. The Ripasso is a classic! Should be velvety smooth and really fruity, with bags of body:cheers:
Marco.
One of my favourite wines to be accompanied by a cheese board. :)
Never had this before. King's Ginger.
This is a King's and Tonic using the ingredients shown.
Not formed an opinion yet. A few more before that happens;)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190712/b48b04601db458d866b8d33d99a486fb.jpg
A couple of nice Aberlour whiskies on offer at Amazon, £40 for the 16 year old and £39.90 for Casgannamh.
mightymonoped
21-07-2019, 10:59
Thought I’d give this a go, as it has a bit of a VFM reputation. Lidl’s own award-winning Speyside Single Malt for approx £17 [emoji43][emoji1696]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/604fd6d592a11cf81f61f0ea95f2363f.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
mightymonoped
01-08-2019, 08:43
Verdict is.. not bad at a push and certainly good value. Will not be replacing Old Pulteney 12 year old as my tipple of choice though. Would rather spend the extra few quid for the joy.
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Best wheat beer I have had in uk comes from lidl! Moving on I have another suggestion. Woods old navy rum 57%. I was looking for something strong to take to China and as it was served on navy ships till 1970 had a story to go with it too. Some of my Chinese friends like premium spirits. Last time I was here we were drinking special not commercially available biyou. Very smooth very good even for a non spirit drinking person like me. This time we compared what I was told was the best commercially available biyou to the woods old navy rum. To me not a lot in it but 750ml of 57%,rum costs £23. 500ml of 53%,biyou £240., the cheap biyou is rough very rough be
warned
Never had this before. King's Ginger.
This is a King's and Tonic using the ingredients shown.
Not formed an opinion yet. A few more before that happens;)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190712/b48b04601db458d866b8d33d99a486fb.jpgIf you like ginger I thought this was a pretty decent drink.
Ninanina
09-08-2019, 18:47
This one is very sweet but I love it... it's like drinking fresh sweet fruits.....Gallo - Summer Red
http://i.imgur.com/duDBuGV.png (https://imgur.com/duDBuGV)
My second bottle from Asda..
2014 Château Brown, Graves Pessac-Leognan
Intrigued by the name of the château, I recently picked up a bottle in Paris:
https://cdn1.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/82/67/10558267.jpg
http://www.chateau-brown.com/en/chateau-brown-rouge/
Not a château recently bought by some jumped-up plutocrat, who fancies trying his hand at wine making, the estate was bought by a Scottish wine merchant, John Lewis Brown back in 1795. Today it is managed by Jean-Christoph Mau, who bought the estate in 2004.
Set on the oldest terroir in the Bordeaux wine region, Graves, the château is at the heart of the Pessac-Leognan appellation.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV, €45 a bottle.
I'll be laying this one down for a few years to achieve its best. :)
Pacé Marco - another Bordeaux! ;)
Ninanina
21-08-2019, 20:33
Anyone tried Absinthe?
I love it.... just sipping some Trenet Absinthe with ice cold water over a sugar cube...
http://i.imgur.com/Uf4jALQ.jpg (https://imgur.com/Uf4jALQ)
Pigmy Pony
23-08-2019, 19:39
Anyone tried Absinthe?
I love it.... just sipping some Trenet Absinthe with ice cold water over a sugar cube...
http://i.imgur.com/Uf4jALQ.jpg (https://imgur.com/Uf4jALQ)
Gotta be careful with that stuff - next news you'll be returning to the offy for a second bottle, and the bloke behind the counter will comment on your lack of a skirt, and your wearing your knickers as a hat. No problem though, you won't remember any of it :)
For fans of quality wheat beer, Lidl are selling this stuff, as part of their Alpenfest promotion, for 99p a can, and which is just gorgeous:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/FF3NrO.png
Creamy, zesty, hoppy and smooth - as good as the likes of Hoegaarden, IMO, for a fraction of the price! :barrel:
You'll find it near their 'middle isle' in a separate section, along with some other Alpenfest stuff, not where the rest of the beers are. I'm going tomorrow to get a load more!
Marco.
I like wheat beer, but many are put off by the cloudy appearance. Their loss!
Indeed, Barry. Trust me, this stuff is top notch: proper German wheat beer, which you'd pay a LOT more for if it had a 'fancy label'... For lover's of wheat beer [Alex, where are you?] this one from Lidl is a major bargain!!:cool:
Marco.
Indeed, Barry. Trust me, this stuff is top notch: proper German wheat beer, which you'd pay a LOT more for if it had a 'fancy label'... For lover's of wheat beer [Alex, where are you?] this one from Lidl is a major bargain!!:cool:
Marco.
Quite liked Wheat beer, but not as a daily "get pissed" drink lol.. Wheated bourbon done well is stunning too. Weller special reserve is one of the daddys imo
Lol - never had a "daily get pissed drink". That's more of a Scottish, than Italian phenomenon!;)
Alcohol - any alcohol - should always be enjoyed in moderation.
Marco [leader of the daftee society's 'drink responsibly' campaign].
Indeed, Barry. Trust me, this stuff is top notch: proper German wheat beer, which you'd pay a LOT more for if it had a 'fancy label'... For lover's of wheat beer [Alex, where are you?] this one from Lidl is a major bargain!!:cool:
Marco.
Where am I? In a packing box! Will defo check this out! :thumbsup:
Lol - hiding from it all? Understandable!:D
Hope it's all going well, mate. Moving house is always a nightmare, especially when you're older and have accumulated so much stuff!
As an aside, how did you find the Bitterol I mentioned, compared with Aperol?:)
Marco.
For fans of quality wheat beer, Lidl are selling this stuff, as part of their Alpenfest promotion, for 99p a can, and which is just gorgeous:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/FF3NrO.png
Creamy, zesty, hoppy and smooth - as good as the likes of Hoegaarden, IMO, for a fraction of the price! :barrel:
You'll find it near their 'middle isle' in a separate section, along with some other Alpenfest stuff, not where the rest of the beers are. I'm going tomorrow to get a load more!
Marco.
Top beer as is their standard (Patronus?) wheat beer at £1.25 for 500ml. Find it in the fancy beers sections
Yup, anything genuinely German, sold either by Lidl or Aldi, is always top-notch and great value!:)
Decided to top up the whisky cabinet, so took a punt on a bottle of this: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/18445/whistlepig-10-year-old-rye-whiskey#productReviews
Should be a bit different from the norm!
Marco.
Just enjoying a bottle of this now, from Aldi:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/mQlm97.png
Very nice lager indeed!:thumbsup:
Marco.
Bad photos but astonishing stuff.
Majestic. £16 a bottle but £10 pick and mix for 6.
Worth every penny of £10. Independent of price, this is the best white wine I have ever drunk in my entire life.
Seriously fucking good. No other way of putting it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/cb6b5b7c52909a5e0e7dac44557faf45.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/140a0a9474e319c3fd386837d89631f9.jpg
Don't drink now but I did like californian wine
Interesting wine (and label), Justers... If you're into that style of wine [heavily-oaked Chardonnay with a big vanilla hit], then California or Australia do it very well, as do Chile. I prefer subtler, less oaky but equally flavourful whites, such as Viognier, or the Chardonnay grape how the French treat it, commonly known as Chablis;)
Marco.
Do me a favour, and as a comparison, next time you're in Majestic, give this a go and let me know what you think: https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/nettie-viognier-18058
It won't be quite as 'big' a mouthful, or as heavily oaked, as the Chardonnay, but it'll have a beautifully aromatic bouquet and rich fruity flavour all of its own:)
Marco.
If I remember but Viognier has never struck me in the past.
The Bread & Butter does NOT taste like wine initially. After the first few sips, though, you realise it is indeed wine.
For me, it is incredible. And I recommend it to anyone as a MUST try. Including you, dude.;)
Give it a go, Justers, and see what you think. Trust me, it'll be good:)
I'd defo enjoy the B&B, and can well appreciate its quality, as I've had similar in the past.
Marco.
Unbeknown to you I have already tried some of your LIDL wine recos but it was a long time ago.
One of them was OK;):)
Ha... Well, you'll remember I said that Lidi or Aldi weren't the best place to buy New World wines;)
Marco.
Nope can't say I do and I can't even remember which wine was quite nice.
Oh well...:D
Ah... Amarone I believe;)
Nope can't say I do and I can't even remember which wine was quite nice.
Oh well...:D
Lol - on the food thread when you were doing your Waitrose fanboy act, and I was championing the cheap seats!:bum:
Marco.
Ah... Amarone I believe;)
An Amarone in Lidl? How much did it cost?
Yeah they sell it now and then, Barry. I think it was Aldi, though - this one: https://www.aldi.co.uk/amarone-della-valpolicella-docg/p/052567246580600
Stonkingly good- at least £20-worth anywhere else!
Marco.
Aldi will be opening up a much larger store in Chelmsford on the 16th October. Will toddle along and see what they have. :)
got a new lidl being built down rd from me. should open tail end of year i think. its a big one too... current local one is small and crappy. Aldi just refurbed our local one too and is much nicer inside
Yeah they sell it now and then, Barry. I think it was Aldi, though - this one: https://www.aldi.co.uk/amarone-della-valpolicella-docg/p/052567246580600
Stonkingly good- at least £20-worth anywhere else!
Marco.No it was definitely LIDL. Google will show you they have had it, at least in the past.
No worries, they've both had Amarone in from time to time. The Aldi one was particularly good, though:)
As I said, forget Aldi or Lidli if you prefer New World wines, especially 'big-boned' Chardonnays. They have a few wines along those lines that are ok, but it's really more a place for Italian, French and German wines, sometimes also Portuguese. Plus, the Prosecco they sell is some of the best (and cheapest around), ditto the likes of Pinot Grigio. Barry, take note!;)
In terms of Portuguese wine, I bought a bottle of DAO Riserva last week from Aldi, and it looks like a stonker - this one for a mere £6.99: https://www.aldi.co.uk/d%C3%A3o-reserva/p/084233246523000
Interesting comments here in this customer's review (the other reviews of this wine are equally praiseworthy):
A quality wine at an excellent price! Forget New World wines - concentrate on lesser known & often overlooked Old World areas that flavour & value! I have already bought more!
My sentiments precisely!:exactly:
Now if it's as good (rich and full-bodied), as I suspect it will be, and comparable with DAO wines of this quality sold elsewhere, then it'll be another Billy Bargain!
The place to look for wine in Lidl, which I'd say was generally the better of the two for wine, is in the 'wooden crate' areas, nearest the tills, not further back in the main wine section, which is mostly full of stuff that's fairly ordinary.
Also, they frequently have 'bin ends', which can be interesting, leftover from their various themed promotions (Italian or French Week, and so forth), and which are located in the middle isles, next to some of their 'world foods' and fancier food items.
Bargains, such as that DAO, are the sorts of wine finds that intrigue me, as anyone can go into a 'fancy' independent wine shop or supermarket and drop a wad of cash on something 'expensive'. However, that doesn't guarantee it'll be good, or most importantly test your knowledge or ability to find a bargain!;)
Marco.
julesd68
10-10-2019, 18:21
Gents, am going to try a mixed six case from Majestic.
Any tried and tested suggestions apart from the Chardonnay and Viognier? Would like to get four nice reds I think, under a tenner each ... :)
Hi Julian,
Justers would be the one for 'tried and tested', as I rarely use Majestic, but failing that if you tell me your style/taste preferences, and which countries you prefer, I'd be happy to look through their list online and offer you some reccos, based on your budget.
I'm reasonably good at marrying folk's tastes to website descriptions, using my wine experience, as I'm familiar with most grapes:)
Marco.
I'm not really a Majestic regular. I only knew about the Bread & Butter because of a neighbour asking me what I thought of it.
The next time (tomorrow) I go I am not going to mess around. 6 bottles of B&B! I got three decent reds that last time I went and 3 B&B. I am not a white wine fan when it boils down to it. Which is interesting considering the action I am about to take.
Don't reject the Viognier... Honestly!!;)
Marco.
julesd68
10-10-2019, 18:51
Hi chaps - I’ve not used Majestic for a long time … Tried them years ago and got too many poorly stored bottles from them to bother again, but I thought I’d try Justin’s B+B and a few others to see if they’ve improved.
I’ve had a sniff round online and found a few things that look interesting but I’d certainly appreciate it Marco if you could take look at their Italian reds for me - much as I enjoy a really good Chianti they are extremely variable in quality so something else perhaps. I'm quite partial to a decent drop of Primitivo too ... :)
Cheers.
Don't reject the Viognier... Honestly!!;)
Marco.5 bottles of B&B.
And a spankie botty for Marco if he is wrong about the Viognier.:D
I’ve had a sniff round online and found a few things that look interesting but I’d certainly appreciate it Marco if you could take look at their Italian reds for me - much as I enjoy a really good Chianti they are extremely variable in quality so something else perhaps. I'm quite partial to a decent drop of Primitivo too ... :)
Ok, leave it with me. I'll have a shuftie later. The secret with Chianti is always to go for a Riserva DOCG (one with a picture of a black cockerel on the neck of the bottle). That being the case, you shouldn't go wrong:)
Marco.
5 bottles of B&B.
And a spankie botty for Marco if he is wrong about the Viognier.:D
Lol - I guarantee you won't enjoy it as much as the B&B, but I think you'll like it, and if so it'll give you another option to consider in future.
Marco.
Hi chaps - I’ve not used Majestic for a long time … Tried them years ago and got too many poorly stored bottles from them to bother again, but I thought I’d try Justin’s B+B and a few others to see if they’ve improved.
I’ve had a sniff round online and found a few things that look interesting but I’d certainly appreciate it Marco if you could take look at their Italian reds for me - much as I enjoy a really good Chianti they are extremely variable in quality so something else perhaps. I'm quite partial to a decent drop of Primitivo too ... :)
Cheers.I have been to Majestic a few times. It's no guarantee of greatness by any means.
What I do like is the ability to just walk in and try a few, though. You can easily have a good sized glass of wine+ for free doing that.
Jules, could you confirm if it's the 'Mix Six' or per bottle price I should be looking at, in order to keep it at less than a tenner?:)
Marco.
julesd68
10-10-2019, 22:41
Yes I'll do a 'mix six' - thanks!
Ok, cool! In that case, here goes.....
This is a *simply stunning* wine, and comes under the category of 'Super Tuscans'. It's like top-notch Chianti, heading towards Barolo territory, in terms of being very earthy and full-bodied:
1) https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/morellino-di-scansano-13849
And for me, this has got to be good, and ticks all the right boxes for potentially being a stunning Primitivo:
2) https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/surani-costarossa-13073
And there's £4 off this Montepulciano just now, which also ticks all the right boxes:
3) https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/montepulciano-dabruzzo-13850
I've actually had this wine before. It's very 'soft', extremely fruity, with low acidity, and yes as it says, it's a bit like a "poor man's" Amarone(!):
4) https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/passimento-13178
If you've not had Barbera D'Asti before, this is like a Chianti Riserva, but a little more full-bodied and less acidic:
5) https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/barbera-dasti-araldica-13552
If you've not drank good Valpolicella, I think that this is likely to be an excellent example. Much lighter in style than the wines above, but gorgeously soft and fruity. This would be ideal to enjoy with all meat pasta dishes:
6) https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/valpolicella-classico-13627
There you go! Hope you enjoy them, and please report back on your findings:cheers:
Marco.
julesd68
11-10-2019, 09:44
That’s brilliant Marco - will add these to my list and see what’s available at my local Majestic.
Will of course report back on my findings! :glug:
Nice one, mate. I'm tempted to try some myself!:eyebrows:
Marco.
For any Rioja fans, Faustino V Reserva 2013 is currently down to £8 from £11 in Asda. Not the best vintage for the region but this is still one of my favourite mid-priced Riojas.
https://d1osgs5rdqb11o.cloudfront.net/products/main/14369/14369.thm350.jpg
Welcome back! Where've you been, bro?:)
Marco.
Nice one, mate. I'm tempted to try some myself!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Hmmm... me too! I struggle to find good Italian wines at reasonable prices in the UK and was spoilt when we were over there last summer with the value buying locally, but might have to pop to Majestic myself!
:cheers:
Hmmm... me too! I struggle to find good Italian wines at reasonable prices in the UK and was spoilt when we were over there last summer with the value buying locally...
Indeed... Why do you think we fill the car up every time we go over there?:eyebrows:
You're right though, the paucity of good quality, decent value Italian wine available in the UK is a major bugbear of mine, mainly because supermarkets (quite rightly) cater for demand, and every bugger these days buys New World wines! And if it's not that, then French... And specialist wine shops, where you may find some good Italian wine, often take the piss when it comes to price!
Therefore, trying to find a decent selection of Old World wines, out with of just French, from Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and even Spain (although that's a bit easier, due to the popularity of Rioja) is quite difficult. And I can tell you that Greece and Portugal, and also Germany/Austria [even Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary], produce some superb wines; it's just that sadly not much of it is exported to the UK.
That's why popping into Aldi or Lidl occasionally can be fruitful, as they don't pander to the fads of New World wine drinkers, who's choices are often rather safe and unadventurous, and who can be stuck in somewhat of a rut [although the same could also be said of some claret drinkers - hello Barry!:wave::D;)], and it's where you'll find some true gems from the Old World countries I've mentioned - often at bargain prices!
However, in terms of Italian wines, Majestic appear to be somewhat bucking the trend.
Marco.
Unfortunately the B&B is now £12.99 in Majestic. I am not surprised. Apparently it is only rarely available at £9.99 and I am surprised it ever was TBH.
Assessing the Viognier now.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191011/c3fc0f4be6f1ab444e47758a2781e8f7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191011/ee87fc86553dc1ef0cfa0d74fe65ca0b.jpg
Nice one. Make sure it's well chilled, but not too much!:)
I'll be interested in what you think of it, but don't for moment think that you'll like it as much as the B&B. It's a different type of wine.
Marco.
julesd68
11-10-2019, 16:37
I'm hoping to go shopping tomorrow ... :)
My god what a contrast. The Viognier is almost water like. Clean and refreshing but devoid of character compared to the B&B. It isn't going to offend anyone.
This bottle of B&B is not the same as the last batch. The intense oak flavour is far more obvious than the previous lot.
But hold on. I think it's simply the contrast between the two. After a couple of sips the B&B is tasting more normal again. For B&B.
Nope. It IS different from the last batch.
And like smaller coffee roasters and producers, consistency varies. It's just a fact of life that they don't have labs that concentrate on such things.
Not such a bad thing IMHO. Being the same all the time is in some ways what makes mainstream products bland. Variety is the spice of life as they say.
However, you know when you have a good batch and I don't think this B&B is as good as the last I had. Same year, though. And a nice 13.5% which for a white isn't joking.
I tastes like they got some fresh oak in for this batch of B&B. You can literally taste the sawdust. Not anywhere near as prevalent in the other bottles I have had at various times.
Two very different Californian wines, then. There's no way these two can be stereotyped.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191011/6bd465ec28a9639c978debbac9e296eb.jpg
I'll comment more later, Justers, but are you *enjoying* the Viognier (simply for what it is), or to your palate is it simply very much the poor relation in comparison with the B&B?
Marco.
The B&B has to be loved for its complexity. The heavy oaking is now disappearing in favour of other subtle undertones. The thing about B&B is your attitude towards it changes as you work your way through the glass. This batch, though the same vintage but oddly different, still has that aspect.
The Viognier reminds me far more of Austrian white. Crisp, clean, fresh and it tastes like it was made using great quality water. Recommended for sure.
OK the B&B now tastes of vanilla. It's crazy.
But for a direct answer to your question, Marco, I would say the reason it costs more is because of the complexity. It is better for that reason if that is what you are in the mood for. It's far more of a thinking man's white.
I have always thought wine tasters talk bullshit and I am probably guilty of sounding the same.:)
Aldi are now targeting "middle-class shoppers" with their Classic Icon premium range including high-end wines from around the world, including Poilly-Fumé and Poilly-Fuissé.
The 2016 La Sogara Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG will cost £17.99 and a 2015 Chateau du Cartillon Haut Médoc will be £11.90.
https://cdn.aldi-digital.co.uk//La-Sogara-Amarone-DOCG-B.jpg?o=6hrxvp5ibjGYwltbP4aiYShWWtMj&V=z7Ts&w=480&h=600&p=2&q=77https://cdn.aldi-digital.co.uk//Chateau-Cartillon-Haut-M%C3%A9doc-C.jpg?o=4%249BUMGxxyveTTkePtoEa8%40QMiQj&V=bgAu&w=480&h=600&p=2&q=77
For those champagne drinkers there will be the Verve Monsigny for £22.99.
Methinks I'll be looking into my new improved Aldi when it opens soon. :)
OK the B&B now tastes of vanilla. It's crazy.
But for a direct answer to your question, Marco, I would say the reason it costs more is because of the complexity. It is better for that reason if that is what you are in the mood for. It's far more of a thinking man's white.
I have always thought wine tasters talk bullshit and I am probably guilty of sounding the same.:)
It's not just oenophiles who can talk bullshit about their interest, audiophiles can talk it too. ;)
julesd68
11-10-2019, 19:29
I actually made it to Majestic this evening and was in and out in about 5 minutes!
I was immediately approached by a friendly assistant who I asked to find the bottles for me, since I came armed with a list. Excellent service. :)
The first of my 'mix 6', this Chilean Merlot is boldly labelled as a Gran Reserva but don't make the mistake I did and assume it will have some bottle age like those from Spain. A most cunning piece of marketing because you have to look very, very carefully for the tiny writing that tells you it's only 2018!
That annoyance aside, after half an hour or so it loses its slightly tart and youthful edge and you get some bright, ripe strawberry and plum flavours. Perfectly acceptable at 7.99 (mix 6 price) to glug with some pasta as I am doing, it's a pleasing mouthful as the actress said to the bishop! :eyebrows:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48881164088_5d8919921f_z.jpg
I thought you were getting the six Italian wines I recommended earlier, Jules?:scratch:
Marco.
julesd68
12-10-2019, 07:48
I wanted to get a mix of your suggestions and other countries - it's just to start off so will be back for more! :)
Lol, no worries. I was just a little confused, that's all! So while you were there, which Italians did you pick up (so to speak)?:D
Marco.
No comment on my post #1927? I think being able to buy an Amarone DOCG for £18 is good news. :)
I noticed it, mate, but haven't had time to reply properly yet. Also need to reply to Justers on his comments about the Viognier and B&B:)
Save to say, for now, that the two Lidls near us have always sold the types of wines you're referring to, as I've frequently bought them!;)
Marco.
julesd68
18-10-2019, 17:23
https://d1rknyb5tfws60.cloudfront.net/images/merchandising/content/wines/araldica-barbera-13552/mediumCutout.png
2nd bottle from Majestic - I'm impressed by the depth and concentration of the dark cherry flavours in this DOCG Barbera D'Asti, with some drying spicy oak and leather on the finish.
Just 6.99
If you didn't go back and get some of the Bread & Butter. It will do your head in. Make sure it has been chilled for a long time before out drink it. At least half a day.
I know I am being insistent and I know it is expensive. But it is worth it.
Glad to see your liking what you have so far.
I am doing £12.99 below. B&B standard it is not but it is 2016 and it is good.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191018/7a2fcb66efdbadfac237c3ae9eec0a5c.jpg
julesd68
19-10-2019, 12:30
Pretty sure I've had that bottle from Waitrose ...
Don't worry, I have a B+B in my 'cellar' ... :D
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/SUjq9B.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z39078101434/Altolandon-Mil-Historias-Organic-Syrah
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/BvKx12.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z38636101434/Reino-de-Altuzarra-Navarra-Crianza
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/x3EWRa.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z39073101414/Les-Trois-Calices-Syrah-Grenache
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/ULLtwQ.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z31835100308/Chateau-Mont-Redon-Lirac
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/HJi6R6.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z38149102131/Far-del-Sud-Terra-Alta-Garnatxa-Negra
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/r2jkc6.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37220100741/De-Martino-Tinto-Chileno-Cinsault-Pais
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/IlzoeR.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z36803101434/La-Mechita-Familia-Zuccardi-Malbec
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/JRmZ9b.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z34559100783/Chateau-du-Seuil-Graves-Blanc
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/v0ZYk4.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z38043101434/Sylvaner-Collection-Cave-de-Ribeauville
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/uLdO4b.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37626102128/Chateau-Dereszla-Tokaji-Dry
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/7bwZL9.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z37513102711/Chateau-le-Devoy-Martine-Lirac-Blanc
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/pQX09P.png
Details here: https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine/Z33818100780/Reserve-de-Millenaire-Tete-de-Cuvee-Bourgogne-Blanc
Quite a varied selection, with some notable price reductions, so looking forward to some quality slurps! :cheers:
Marco.
Lol - you must be joking:D
Just a small top up before Xmas! Btw, we had that port you gave me for Christmas last year, and it was fab:)
Need to get another nice bottle of vintage port for this year, as it goes great with Del's homemade mince pies!
Marco,
https://d1rknyb5tfws60.cloudfront.net/images/merchandising/content/wines/araldica-barbera-13552/mediumCutout.png
2nd bottle from Majestic - I'm impressed by the depth and concentration of the dark cherry flavours in this DOCG Barbera D'Asti, with some drying spicy oak and leather on the finish.
Just 6.99
Glad it worked out well, Jules. Hope my other reccos turn out to be as successful!:)
Marco.
Lol - you must be joking:D
Just a small top up before Xmas! Btw, we had that port you gave me for Christmas last year, and it was fab:)
Need to get another nice bottle of vintage port for this year, as it goes great with Del's homemade mince pies!
Marco,Think I've got some
Justers,
My god what a contrast. The Viognier is almost water like. Clean and refreshing but devoid of character compared to the B&B. It isn't going to offend anyone.
This bottle of B&B is not the same as the last batch. The intense oak flavour is far more obvious than the previous lot. The B&B has to be loved for its complexity. The heavy oaking is now disappearing in favour of other subtle undertones. The thing about B&B is your attitude towards it changes as you work your way through the glass. This batch, though the same vintage but oddly different, still has that aspect.
The Viognier reminds me far more of Austrian white. Crisp, clean, fresh and it tastes like it was made using great quality water. Recommended for sure.
The emboldened bits, for me, are key... I wanted you to try the Viognier, as I knew it'd be the polar opposite of the B&B!:eyebrows: Now you know the type of white wines I generally prefer and mostly drink [crisp, clean and fresh, as you've described], but fundamentally NOT devoid of character. The character is simply less 'obvious' or overblown.
That's not to say that I don't occasionally enjoy a 'hefty', heavily-oaked Oz, or other New World-derived white wines, which are great on their own without food, but in general I prefer subtler, more sophisticated, less 'full on' whites, and which have more acidity to compliment the appropriate food:)
Marco.
Think I've got some
Good stuff. Have a squint at what it is and let me know. We normally buy our port from Tanners in Shrewsbury: https://www.tanners-wines.co.uk/
Not just port, but good Burgundy and Claret. They have a superb selection. It's only 40 mins drive, and makes a nice day out with lunch, after doing some Xmas shopping!:)
Marco.
Think it was a fancy aldi bottle in a tin. Had it a few years.
Interesting. They often introduce special lines for Xmas. We've had some excellent pudding wines from them before, and also Lidl:)
Will probably give this one a go this year: https://www.tanners-wines.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/10792/
Should be great with some stilton, too!
Marco.
Think it was a Xmas one. Might need decanting lol.
Oh it almost certainly will. especially vintage varieties, as there's invariably some sediment.
Marco.
Justers,
The emboldened bits, for me, are key... I wanted you to try the Viognier, as I knew it'd be the polar opposite of the B&B!:eyebrows: Now you know the type of white wines I generally prefer and mostly drink [crisp, clean and fresh, as you've described], but fundamentally NOT devoid of character. The character is simply less 'obvious' or overblown.
That's not to say that I don't occasionally enjoy a 'hefty', heavily-oaked Oz, or other New World-derived white wines, which are great on their own without food, but in general I prefer subtler, more sophisticated, less 'full on' whites, and which have more acidity to compliment the appropriate food:)
Marco.By the same reasoning try the B&B. It's splendid.
Really annoying it's not still a tenner and you have to buy 6 bottles in all to get it £12.99 but hey.
You'd love Austrian white wine. They export very little of it or did years ago. Maybe that's changed.
Sure, if I'm in Majestic (which admittedly is rare) I'll defo drop a bottle of B&B into the trolley:)
Marco.
A wee head's up, chaps... Just back from Morrisons, where I wanted to get a bottle of the Rioja recommended by Olly Smith last week on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen: Marques De Los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva 2012, for £12 [great value for an award-winning Gran Reserva]
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/Va5DdZ.jpg
I'll report on that one in due course, which should be a stonker [I'm sure Alex might be tempted to bag a bottle:eyebrows:], but while I was in there I noticed a superb selection of wines being offered in a 'two for £10' deal - quality wines that would ordinarily sell for around £2-3 more a bottle, such as cru Beaujolais, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Oz Shiraz, etc.
I nabbed these for a fiver each, and which I *know* would normally cost significantly more:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/sr0Hjh.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/eQiQJ3.jpg
And no bloody screw tops in sight!;)
If you've got a Morrisons near you, check out these Billy Bargain slurps!:cheers:
Marco.
rmcin626
25-10-2019, 18:22
2 for a tenner that would be nice, but doesn’t happen up here any more.
Yeah not allowed to do deals like that. Silly really.
Eh? Why's that...?? :scratch:
Marco.
Wee Sturgeon and her anti drinking crusade
Ah, so unfortunately she has some downsides... I'm a fan of hers normally, but laws like that are just bollox.
Marco.
She put up prices of normal booze but left buckie the same. Hasn't a bloody clue.
She has good bits too but politic ians shouldn't get all preachy about things they don't understand
rmcin626
25-10-2019, 18:50
Eh? Why's that...?? :scratch:
Marco.
We have minimum alcohol pricing and no multi deals.
Too many alchies up there, lol!:D
Anyway, for users of Majestic who don't mind spending a few quid on a truly top-notch red for a special meal or occasion, I'd thoroughly recommend Chateau Musar, and this 2003 vintage (which I currently have a bottle of in my 'cellar') is particularly good:
https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/chateau-musar-38013
Not cheap, but blows away many a 'fancy named' claret, for around half the price! A very earthy, robust and weighty red wine, with a 'uniquely grapey' flavour all of its own. This is one wine, however, that simply MUST be decanted, as there's always a considerable amount of sediment left at the bottom of the bottle.
Tip: before decanting, sit the bottle upright overnight, to allow the sediment to settle at the bottom, and which will then make it easier to separate.
Marco.
I could well have drunk that when I visited Syria. Every hotel I stayed in had a selection of local wines as well as some imported from Lebanon. The Lebanese wine was regarded as being much superior to the local stuff, not only by me but by the wine waiters there. And it wasn't that expensive either. :)
Ah, so unfortunately she has some downsides... I'm a fan of hers normally, but laws like that are just bollox.
Marco.. Kranke let yer down at last Marco :lol:. Yup Morrisons very near, might put a bottle of the Rioja away for Christmas.
Heh-heh, aye no-one's perfect... She has a funny wee walk, too!:D
Marco.
I could well have drunk that when I visited Syria. Every hotel I stayed in had a selection of local wines as well as some imported from Lebanon. The Lebanese wine was regarded as being much superior to the local stuff, not only by me but by the wine waiters there. And it wasn't that expensive either. :)
You probably did, Barry. It's excellent, and has very distinctive flavour all of its own (due mainly to the unique grape variety used). Indeed, so much so that I instantly identified it in a blind tasting that I took part in a few years ago:)
Sort of a cross between a good Médoc and a really earthy, robust Barolo.
Marco.
Heh-heh, aye no-one's perfect... She has a funny wee walk, too!:D
Marco.
that was my fault :eyebrows:
Ah, has she been in for a 'service' again?:D
Marco.
Ah, has she been in for a 'service' again?:D
Marco.
a good oiling
Lol.... I'll be enjoying a bottle this rather nice Rioja later with Sunday lunch:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/sa1jIU.jpg
Plucked from my 'cellar specials', and should be ready for drinking now :cheers:
Available from Waitrose: https://www.waitrosecellar.com/wine-and-lamb/la-rioja-alta-vina-arana-reserva
Marco.
Sitting in a beer garden high up in Prague overlooking the city. Drinking draft pilsner urquel. The sun's shining too. It doesn't get better than this
:respect:
Sounds great, Ian! Got any pics?:cool:
Marco.
Lol.... I'll be enjoying a bottle this rather nice Rioja later with Sunday lunch:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/sa1jIU.jpg
Plucked from my 'cellar specials', and should be ready for drinking now :cheers:
Available from Waitrose: https://www.waitrosecellar.com/wine-and-lamb/la-rioja-alta-vina-arana-reserva
Marco.
Just enjoying this now.... WOW, it's absolutely stunning!!!
Probably one of the nicest Riojas I've had:)
Marco.
Just enjoying this now.... WOW, it's absolutely stunning!!!
Probably one of the nicest Riojas I've had:)
Marco.I'll get some.
You'll love it, dude. It's just a hefty mouth full of rich, fruity, vanilla lurveliness!:)
Marco.
Moved to the dark side, Porter tmavy, it's pretty good, I was expecting a Guinness type drink but it's not as heavy and quite sweet, 8%, so don't think I will survive more than a couple though. My first ever Porter :cool:
:worthless:
Pics or you're just making it up!:ner:
Marco.
Will post some pics when I get near a computer
julesd68
29-10-2019, 19:42
Just enjoying this now.... WOW, it's absolutely stunning!!!
Probably one of the nicest Riojas I've had:)
Marco.
Not surprised in the least!
La Rioja Alta make killer wines ... a class above the vast majority of mediocre modern Rioja.
julesd68
29-10-2019, 19:44
Another Majestic hit.
This time it’s a deliciously ripe and brambly 2017 Zinfandel for the princely sum of 8.99.
https://d1rknyb5tfws60.cloudfront.net/images/merchandising/content/wines/definition-zinfandel-18125/mediumCutout.png
Not surprised in the least!
La Rioja Alta make killer wines ... a class above the vast majority of mediocre modern Rioja.
Yup, it was truly top-notch... Did you get any more of those Italian reds I recommended? The one you simply *must* try is the Morellino di Scansano. It's a real corker!:trust:
Marco.
Popped into Waitrose today and just popped the cork on this . . . . oh my, oh my, gonna have to be careful with this one! Simply outstanding.
https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/540/lrgob.non16.jpg
Also bought a Lagavulin 16 and Laphroaig Triple Wood, had some vouchers to use
Used to enjoy Laphroaig. Just the right smoke level for a good whisky.
A quality classic, but unfortunately way too peaty for me. I tend to prefer Speyside malts, matured in sherry casks.
Marco.
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 20:18
A really nice peaty whisky, if that’s a taste you enjoy.
Another Majestic hit.
This time it’s a deliciously ripe and brambly 2017 Zinfandel for the princely sum of 8.99.
https://d1rknyb5tfws60.cloudfront.net/images/merchandising/content/wines/definition-zinfandel-18125/mediumCutout.pngYeah I tasted that last Friday. They had two Definitions for tasting.
But the B&B was down to £10.99 so got some more. Addict;)
julesd68
29-10-2019, 20:20
Yup, it was truly top-notch... Did you get any more of those Italian reds I recommended? The one you simply *must* try is the Morellino di Scansano. It's a real corker!:trust:
Marco.
I'll pick that up on next visit for sure - think I have a Primitivo still to come ...
julesd68
29-10-2019, 20:28
Anyway, for users of Majestic who don't mind spending a few quid on a truly top-notch red for a special meal or occasion, I'd thoroughly recommend Chateau Musar, and this 2003 vintage (which I currently have a bottle of in my 'cellar') is particularly good: Many years ago I used to go to a fabulous Lebanese restaurant in Bayswater and always went for Chateau Kefraya which wasn't as eye-wateringly expensive as Musar at restaurant mark-ups. Always a pleasure to drink, it's totally different to the bruising Musar, being more elegant and subtle ...
http://www.chateaukefraya.com//corporate3/images/539/PACKSHOTS126x440PIXCHATEAUKEFRAYAROUGE.png
julesd68
29-10-2019, 20:29
A quality classic, but unfortunately way too peaty for me. I tend to prefer Speyside malts, matured in sherry casks.
Marco.
Yep me too - I need to find a good 'sherry bomb' for Xmas ...
A really nice peaty whisky, if that’s a taste you enjoy.
I do now, used to be pretty much a Speyside boy and didn't enjoy anything from Islay, not for many, many years of enjoying whisky. But I kept going back as I'm stubborn like that. Anyhoots, was in Ronnie Scott's recently for the late show and thought 'what the heck' and ordered an Ardbeg Ten - bam, it was a light-bulb moment for me. Quite literally had a mouth and brain taste orgasm, now I can't get enough of Islay whiskies. Not sure what happened really, guess my palate just changed/developed?
Funny thing, when I bought the dram the barman said to me "I can pour straight from the bottle or measure it, up to you?" I said just pour it . . . I got at least a triple, which at 10 quid a shot in there was a deal and a half. He got a tip ;)
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 20:39
I do now, used to be pretty much a Speyside boy and didn't enjoy anything from Islay, not for many, many years of enjoying whisky. But I kept going back as I'm stubborn like that. Anyhoots, was in Ronnie Scott's recently for the late show and thought 'what the heck' and ordered an Ardbeg Ten - bam, it was a light-bulb moment for me. Quite literally had a mouth and brain taste orgasm, now I can't get enough of Islay whiskies. Not sure what happened really, guess my palate just changed/developed?
Funny thing, when I bought the dram the barman said to me "I can pour straight from the bottle or measure it, up to you?" I said just pour it . . . I got at least a triple, which at 10 quid a shot in there was a deal and a half. He got a tip ;)
There are several great Malts from Islay, although Ardbeg is probably my least favourite but we all have different tastes.
Yep me too - I need to find a good 'sherry bomb' for Xmas ...
Maybe this one Jules - pretty faultless and under a ton, which for an 18 year old ;)
https://cdn4.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glendronach/the-glendronach-18-year-old-allardice-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice (https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glendronach/the-glendronach-18-year-old-allardice-whisky/)
There are several great Malts from Islay, although Ardbeg is probably my least favourite but we all have different tastes.
Hmmm, I wish I was that lucky, unfortunately I seem to like them all, which is killing my wallet! The only distillery missing from my cabinet at the moment is Kilchoman.
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 20:50
Maybe this one Jules - pretty faultless and under a ton, which for an 18 year old ;)
https://cdn4.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glendronach/the-glendronach-18-year-old-allardice-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice (https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glendronach/the-glendronach-18-year-old-allardice-whisky/)
Hmmm, I wish I was that lucky, unfortunately I seem to like them all, which is killing my wallet! The only distillery missing from my cabinet at the moment is Kilchoman.
You must have a big cabinet.
Yep me too - I need to find a good 'sherry bomb' for Xmas ...
This is great for Xmas, trust me... It does the 'sherry' thing with aplomb, but with added 'Christmas cake' spices, to create a heady and memorable cocktail of lusciousness! Probably *the* most stunning malt whisky I've ever had: https://www.glengoyne.com/our-whisky/our-collection/21-year-old
Not cheap, though!
Marco.
Best whisky out. Glengoyne
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 21:05
This is great for Xmas, trust me... It does the 'sherry' thing with aplomb, but with added 'Christmas cake' spices, to create a heady and memorable cocktail of lusciousness! Probably *the* most stunning malt whisky I've ever had: https://www.glengoyne.com/our-whisky/our-collection/21-year-old
Not cheap, though!
Marco.
Will need to have a taste of that one sometime soon.
Don't miss it, Robin, as it's a BELTER... Once tasted, never forgotten - just stunning!:eek:
Marco.
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 21:21
Don't miss it, Robin, as it's a BELTER... Once tasted, never forgotten - just stunning!:eek:
Marco.
Will look out for it Marco, but it’s a little pricey.
Yeah, there's always a downside... How friendly are you with Santa?:D
Marco.
The standard 10and 12yr okds are pretty good for money too.
Worth doing the tasting your there as its not far from Glasgow
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 21:27
Yeah, there's always a downside... How friendly are you with Santa?:D
Marco.
Not sure I’m that friendly with Santa.
Oooo, now we're talking, Glengoyne 21. I was trying to keep it under 100 for Jules, but what the heck, Christmas an' all eh? That is a sherry bomb - even our Ralfy gives it 91/100, that's a high mark for him.
I actually think it's not priced too badly for a 21 YO,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni3rtjEu-G8
rmcin626
29-10-2019, 21:43
The standard 10and 12yr okds are pretty good for money too.
Worth doing the tasting your there as its not far from Glasgow
Yeah not too far Grant
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