Looking back, last week was a pretty interesting week. My time at Beaker and Flask seemed to just rush by, and the more time that I spend there the more I realize just how lucky I am to be working with such great people. If you haven't stopped in yet, I'm there Mondays and Tuesdays at 727 SE Washington (the corner of 7th and Sandy).
In other news, I'm no longer with 50 Plates. I truly enjoyed my time there and I'm really going to miss that barstaff, but when Andrew Finkelman moved on, I think it signaled a different direction in the bar program. It was actually rather nice to have a rare weekend off to myself, and now I'm well rested and ready for a busy night at Beaker. I wish the whole team at 50 Plates continued success and I'll probably still be in that bar quite a bit, but as a patron rather than a bartender.
Finally, I'm rather excited to announce that I'm actually going to have the opportunity to work with my good friend Andrew Finkelman again, at his new venture, Branch. Branch is going in where the Alberta Street Oyster Bar used to be and is going to be a "whiskey tavern" for lack of a better description. Given Andrew's knowledge and love for whiskey, this is going to be a fun adventure for me and I'm really looking forward to being an all-East side bartender. I'm not sure about what nights I'll be there, and to be honest, I'm only going to be playing a minor supporting role to Andrew behind the bar, but its an exciting opportunity nonetheless. Look for it to open in the very near future.
Today, I was walking my dog Huck, and I wandered past the old Bodega space at 1325 NE Fremont. There is an OLCC posting in the window for "Free House Bar Llc". My curiosity is piqued, and I could really use a decent bar within walking distance of my house. As it is, all of my current options are either sans hard liquor (County Cork) or really bad. I always liked the Bodega space and hope that this new place does well.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Quick Update
Sorry for the delay in posting. Beaker and Flask is now up and running, and thats definitely impacted my writing schedule somewhat. I do have to say that I am incredibly lucky to be working with Kevin Ludwig, Tim Davey, Elizabeth Markham and Doug Paquin behind the bar and Ben Bettinger in the kitchen. Its humbling to work with so much talent, and not only are they all great restaurant people, they are great people as well. If you haven't been in yet stop in soon and say hi.
In other news;
I'm working on some beer based cocktails for Beaker. One thought is to cocktailize (is that a word?) one of my favorite drinks in Mexico, the Michelada. Right now, I'm infusing some chipotle peppers into 1800 Silver Select Tequila to use as a base. It should be ready in a day or two.
I'm falling madly in love with Laphroaig. Now that I've tasted my way through the 10 year, 15 year, Quarter Cask and 25 year offerings, I think top to bottom that this might be the strongest offering of single malts by any one distillery. All are delicious, but what is really interesting to me is that each offering is definitely Laphroaig but has a unique character all its own. I hate to pick my favorite, but the Quarter Cask is the one I'm really into for the moment. I'll be putting up the results of the side by side tasting that my research assistant (and favorite father in law) Wayne and I did soon. Oh, and the 25 year Laphroaig is simply amazing. If you get a chance to taste the 25, don't pass it up.
In the past, if you'd asked me my favorite Highland malt, I might have told you Highland Park. Its always a tough decision, and there are so many great Highland malts that choosing one might be a bit ridiculous anyway, but now I've sampled Ardmore and its a big, smoky, well balanced single malt that will always have a spot in my liquor cabinet. Speaking of my liquor cabinet, things are running almost exclusively to brown liquors these days. I still have a bit of gin, but I'm acquiring bourbons, scotch, rye, rums and tequilas at a much faster pace.
I also have recently acquired some Balblair. I'm quite excited about trying this single malt, but probably won't get the opportunity until Sunday. As it is, I'm a big fan of everything that I've had from Gordon and Macphail so I'm looking forward to this offering.
I've got quite a bit on rum coming soon too. I recently tasted the Tommy Bahama lineup. I liked the White Sun as a mixed drink (I was fond of it and ginger ale) and the Golden Sun is also on the market.
I recently received two minis of Mt. Gay Extra Old rum. To be honest, when I review a product, I find it a bit hard to review a small sample as I like to drink a product neat, on the rocks, mix it in cocktails, etc. That said, I really got into the Mt. Gay Extra Old rum, to the point where I went out and purchased a full bottle the same day. I really enjoy it neat, but it mixes well and its a great value for the quality of the rum you get. This is clearly one of the best rums on the market and the entire Mount Gay lineup is an excellent choice for your summertime rum drinks.
Also quite enjoyable is Cruzan Rum. From St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cruzan range offers up everything from an aged white rum to single barrel offerings to their unique Blackstrap rum which we feature in one of Beaker's current cocktails, the Boston Massacre. I think its the 5 column distillation that makes these rums so unique and flavorful. The Cruzan range of rums may be the best value on the market for in terms of cost to quality and the entire range of Cruzan rums are excellent.
Most recently, I've discovered Ron Abuelo Anejo rum. While Mount Gay is a Barbados rum, Ron Abuelo is made in Panama and its a mellow, smooth rum that both mixes well and works quite well sipped on its own. I'm quite eager to try some of the other offerings from Ron Abuelo including their 7 Anos, Seco Herranao and Rum Jumbie.
Lastly, Tim Davey at Beaker has turned me on to Flor De Cana's 4 year Extra Dry rum, an amazing Nicaraguan product that has a very pronounced vanilla and caramel profile. We feature it in some of our signature rum drinks at Beaker and I'm consistently amazed at how well it mixes.
Well, I've written a bit more than I intended but I guess that's better than nothing. Hang in there with me because I have a lot coming over the next few weeks.
In other news;
I'm working on some beer based cocktails for Beaker. One thought is to cocktailize (is that a word?) one of my favorite drinks in Mexico, the Michelada. Right now, I'm infusing some chipotle peppers into 1800 Silver Select Tequila to use as a base. It should be ready in a day or two.
I'm falling madly in love with Laphroaig. Now that I've tasted my way through the 10 year, 15 year, Quarter Cask and 25 year offerings, I think top to bottom that this might be the strongest offering of single malts by any one distillery. All are delicious, but what is really interesting to me is that each offering is definitely Laphroaig but has a unique character all its own. I hate to pick my favorite, but the Quarter Cask is the one I'm really into for the moment. I'll be putting up the results of the side by side tasting that my research assistant (and favorite father in law) Wayne and I did soon. Oh, and the 25 year Laphroaig is simply amazing. If you get a chance to taste the 25, don't pass it up.
In the past, if you'd asked me my favorite Highland malt, I might have told you Highland Park. Its always a tough decision, and there are so many great Highland malts that choosing one might be a bit ridiculous anyway, but now I've sampled Ardmore and its a big, smoky, well balanced single malt that will always have a spot in my liquor cabinet. Speaking of my liquor cabinet, things are running almost exclusively to brown liquors these days. I still have a bit of gin, but I'm acquiring bourbons, scotch, rye, rums and tequilas at a much faster pace.
I also have recently acquired some Balblair. I'm quite excited about trying this single malt, but probably won't get the opportunity until Sunday. As it is, I'm a big fan of everything that I've had from Gordon and Macphail so I'm looking forward to this offering.
I've got quite a bit on rum coming soon too. I recently tasted the Tommy Bahama lineup. I liked the White Sun as a mixed drink (I was fond of it and ginger ale) and the Golden Sun is also on the market.
I recently received two minis of Mt. Gay Extra Old rum. To be honest, when I review a product, I find it a bit hard to review a small sample as I like to drink a product neat, on the rocks, mix it in cocktails, etc. That said, I really got into the Mt. Gay Extra Old rum, to the point where I went out and purchased a full bottle the same day. I really enjoy it neat, but it mixes well and its a great value for the quality of the rum you get. This is clearly one of the best rums on the market and the entire Mount Gay lineup is an excellent choice for your summertime rum drinks.
Also quite enjoyable is Cruzan Rum. From St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cruzan range offers up everything from an aged white rum to single barrel offerings to their unique Blackstrap rum which we feature in one of Beaker's current cocktails, the Boston Massacre. I think its the 5 column distillation that makes these rums so unique and flavorful. The Cruzan range of rums may be the best value on the market for in terms of cost to quality and the entire range of Cruzan rums are excellent.
Most recently, I've discovered Ron Abuelo Anejo rum. While Mount Gay is a Barbados rum, Ron Abuelo is made in Panama and its a mellow, smooth rum that both mixes well and works quite well sipped on its own. I'm quite eager to try some of the other offerings from Ron Abuelo including their 7 Anos, Seco Herranao and Rum Jumbie.
Lastly, Tim Davey at Beaker has turned me on to Flor De Cana's 4 year Extra Dry rum, an amazing Nicaraguan product that has a very pronounced vanilla and caramel profile. We feature it in some of our signature rum drinks at Beaker and I'm consistently amazed at how well it mixes.
Well, I've written a bit more than I intended but I guess that's better than nothing. Hang in there with me because I have a lot coming over the next few weeks.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Crispin Cider Cocktail Contest
This one ends at midnight on Fathers Day so be quick about it!
The Crispin Cider Company of Minneapolis is inviting aspirant and expert mixologists and hard cider fans to create the next great Crispin cocktail. The clean-finishing, natural apple flavor of Crispin plays well with almost anything — the possibilities are both numerous and refreshingly delicious.
Summer’s around the corner, so we’re particularly looking for refreshing cocktails that complement either a backyard BBQ or a sophisticated restaurant meal.
Enter in one or both of the following categories:
Lazy Bartender — The most creative two-pour cocktail. That means Crispin + one other beverage + serving suggestion + an optional garnish.
Creative Mixology — Anything goes.
The winner of each category receives a $75 gift certificate to MGM Liquor stores. Two runners up will receive Crispin Gift Bags.
Submit up to two recipes for the next great Crispin cocktail by midnight Sunday, June 21 to: contest@heavytable.com.
Rules And Other Details:
Heavy Table will publish the two winning entries and the two runners-up.
Cocktails should have a name, a list of ingredients and garnishes, instructions for how to prepare the drink, and clearly defined measurements — either a ratio, or shots / teaspoons / tablespoons / jiggers / etc.
Attach a photo of your cocktail if you wish; it’s not a requirement. Photos may be published if the submitted cocktail wins a prize.
Specify whether you’re using Crispin Original, Brut, Light, or some kind of mixture.
The contest runs from today (May 26) until midnight Sunday, June 21.
A winner will be announced in early July.
Crispin Cider Company & Heavy Table staffers are not eligible
The Crispin Cider Company of Minneapolis is inviting aspirant and expert mixologists and hard cider fans to create the next great Crispin cocktail. The clean-finishing, natural apple flavor of Crispin plays well with almost anything — the possibilities are both numerous and refreshingly delicious.
Summer’s around the corner, so we’re particularly looking for refreshing cocktails that complement either a backyard BBQ or a sophisticated restaurant meal.
Enter in one or both of the following categories:
Lazy Bartender — The most creative two-pour cocktail. That means Crispin + one other beverage + serving suggestion + an optional garnish.
Creative Mixology — Anything goes.
The winner of each category receives a $75 gift certificate to MGM Liquor stores. Two runners up will receive Crispin Gift Bags.
Submit up to two recipes for the next great Crispin cocktail by midnight Sunday, June 21 to: contest@heavytable.com.
Rules And Other Details:
Heavy Table will publish the two winning entries and the two runners-up.
Cocktails should have a name, a list of ingredients and garnishes, instructions for how to prepare the drink, and clearly defined measurements — either a ratio, or shots / teaspoons / tablespoons / jiggers / etc.
Attach a photo of your cocktail if you wish; it’s not a requirement. Photos may be published if the submitted cocktail wins a prize.
Specify whether you’re using Crispin Original, Brut, Light, or some kind of mixture.
The contest runs from today (May 26) until midnight Sunday, June 21.
A winner will be announced in early July.
Crispin Cider Company & Heavy Table staffers are not eligible
Naked Grouse Blended Scotch Debuts
In Minneapolis of all places. Has anyone tasted Naked Grouse? I'm dying to, as I like the Famous Grouse quite a bit. And to be honest, with a name like Naked Grouse, I think you are in the same territory as Sheep Dip, Pig's Nose and Monkey Shoulder (another one I'd love to try someday) with a distinctive name thats rather unusual. I understand that Naked Grouse is aimed at the Johnnie Walker Black segment of the market, the upscale blended scotch drinkers. I'm intrigued if nothing else... Best of luck to them.
Win the Ultimate ManCave with 1800 Tequila
Ok, I don't usually shill for contests, but two have come to my attention that are pretty cool. First off, 1800 Silver Select Tequila has a very easy and cool contest to win $10,000 to outfit your ultimate ManCave. Imagine, 10k to buy a great stereo system, big screen tv, game system, big couches and a nice supply of 1800 Tequila. I already entered, it just takes a minute and you can find the entry screen here.
Dear Dalmore
To my friends at the Dalmore,
Please forgive me for listing the price of the Dalmore 1263 King Alexander III (not the easiest name btw) as $250 rather than the correct price of $200. The fact that I did this twice leads me to believe that perhaps the fault is not my own and in fact that you are selling a great whisky too cheaply. Perhaps I am wrong. Feel free to send some more and I will very happily go about retasting this beautiful dram in an attempt to make a final determination as to what I think the proper price point should be. As it is, I will be tearing the house apart, rooting for spare change in between the seats of the couch, raiding my rainy day fund, and offering to mow the neighbors yards in an attempt to acquire enough funds to buy as much of this fine spirit as I can before you come to your senses and raise the price point of your whisky.
Your friend,
Lance
Please forgive me for listing the price of the Dalmore 1263 King Alexander III (not the easiest name btw) as $250 rather than the correct price of $200. The fact that I did this twice leads me to believe that perhaps the fault is not my own and in fact that you are selling a great whisky too cheaply. Perhaps I am wrong. Feel free to send some more and I will very happily go about retasting this beautiful dram in an attempt to make a final determination as to what I think the proper price point should be. As it is, I will be tearing the house apart, rooting for spare change in between the seats of the couch, raiding my rainy day fund, and offering to mow the neighbors yards in an attempt to acquire enough funds to buy as much of this fine spirit as I can before you come to your senses and raise the price point of your whisky.
Your friend,
Lance
Monday, June 15, 2009
Fathers Day Gift Guide- Luxury Spirits
Its been a tough year for most people. Your fathers 401k probably tanked like everyone elses, but he has less time to make it up before retirement. Or maybe he is upside down in his mortgage because of the mess that it. Whatever it is, there are times in life when a truly great spirit or wine will let him know just how much you care about him. After all, he probably coached your little league team, taught you how to drive a car and might have just put you through college as well. Isn't he worth it? With this Fathers Day approaching quickly, here are my favorite luxury spirits and wines. I've personally tasted each of these, and any of these would make a wonderful gift. As I'm focusing on luxury spirits and wines right now, I'm only looking at products that have a retail cost of $100 or more. I'll be covering more affordable options later this week.
Cognac & Cognac Based Spirits
Hennessy Richard Hennessy (approximately $2000) is perhaps the finest cognac made. A blend of over 100 eaux de vie, Richard Hennessy shows the complexity, rancio and staggeringly long finish to be expected from a cognac of this provenance. Can't afford $2000 for Dad? Try the Hennessy Paradis (around $500) or XO (around $125) for excellent luxury cognacs at a more affordable price point. Both are excellent cognacs, the Paradis in particular is one of my favorites.
Remy Martin Louis XIII (about $1700) is another top tier cognac. I get a lot of leather and tobacco notes with this spirit, and, perhaps a shade more spice than the offerings from Hennessy. Remy XO also offers bang for the buck with a $150 price tag for one of the finest XO cognacs in existence.
Martell L'Or (approximately $1200) may be the best value among top tier cognacs, offering a wonderfully intense and long finishing spirit for the price. Martell XO (approx $140) also makes a wonderful gift for the Father who enjoys good cognac.
Grand Marnier Cuvee Du Centenaire (approx $135) is a wonderful after dinner accompaniment with candied orange and tea spices on the finish, but even more impressive is the Cuvee Du Cent Cinquantenaire (approx $225). The Cuvee Du Cent Cinquantenaire is one of my favorite spirits of any sort. Outstanding cognac mixed with the finest oranges from Haiti, the finish on this lasts 15 minutes plus. Perhaps the best value in the spirits world today.
Tequila
Partida Elegante (approx $340) is an outstanding extra anejo tequila. This is perfect just being sipped neat and one of the greatest tequilas ever produced.
Don Julio Tequila Real (approx $320) is another outstanding extra anejo tequila. This spirit comes in a beautiful bottle that is a work of art both inside and out. Father who enjoy good tequila shouldn't be denied the opportunity to try this one.
North American Whiskies
Hirsch 22 yo Rye Whiskey- (approx $120) My second favorite rye whiskey, this is a memorable and delicious rye whiskey. Hard to find, but worth the effort.
Pappy Van Winkle 's Family Reserve 20 and 23 year ($200+ if you can find them)- All I can say is that if your Father likes American whiskeys and you come across a bottle of this, jump on it. Extremely rare but I've tasted both offerings and they are simply incredible.
Canadian Club 30 year (approx $250) is simply one of the best spirits I've ever tasted. The finest example of Canadian whisky in existence.
Single Malt Whiskies
Suntory Yamazaki 18 year old (approx $120) is an oustanding introduction to the world of Japanese single malts and a delicious dram that will be appreciated this Fathers Day.
The Dalmore King Alexander III (approx $200)- Master Distiller Richard Paterson's masterpiece, finished in a variety of woods, this is a heady and rich single malt.
Ardmore 30 year ($450)- This and the CC 30 rank as the two finest whiskies I've ever tasted. Brilliant.
Macallan 1841 (approx $200) is an excellent dram and an interesting piece of history. Light and silky, with orange and pear notes, this might be the perfect gift for Fathers interested in the evolution of single malts.
Balvenie 25 year old (approx $400) is a wonderfully honeyed dram and a fine example of one of the better Highlands malts.
Highland Park 25 (approx $250) is another Highland malt that I just adore. Complex, with apricot, currants and some smoke to it, this has a wonderfully long finish and is a great nightcap.
While I am sure there are many other luxury brands out there that deserve consideration, this represents a few of the better brands that I've tasted and enjoy. I should perhaps add Ardbeg Airh Nam Beist,Glenmorangie Signet, Johnnie Walker Blue and Dewars Signature as well, but time and space constraints are preventing me (lets just note that I enjoy all four). Any of these brands would make a very special gift this Fathers Day, and I hope that this luxury guide makes some of your purchasing decisions easier.
Cognac & Cognac Based Spirits
Hennessy Richard Hennessy (approximately $2000) is perhaps the finest cognac made. A blend of over 100 eaux de vie, Richard Hennessy shows the complexity, rancio and staggeringly long finish to be expected from a cognac of this provenance. Can't afford $2000 for Dad? Try the Hennessy Paradis (around $500) or XO (around $125) for excellent luxury cognacs at a more affordable price point. Both are excellent cognacs, the Paradis in particular is one of my favorites.
Remy Martin Louis XIII (about $1700) is another top tier cognac. I get a lot of leather and tobacco notes with this spirit, and, perhaps a shade more spice than the offerings from Hennessy. Remy XO also offers bang for the buck with a $150 price tag for one of the finest XO cognacs in existence.
Martell L'Or (approximately $1200) may be the best value among top tier cognacs, offering a wonderfully intense and long finishing spirit for the price. Martell XO (approx $140) also makes a wonderful gift for the Father who enjoys good cognac.
Grand Marnier Cuvee Du Centenaire (approx $135) is a wonderful after dinner accompaniment with candied orange and tea spices on the finish, but even more impressive is the Cuvee Du Cent Cinquantenaire (approx $225). The Cuvee Du Cent Cinquantenaire is one of my favorite spirits of any sort. Outstanding cognac mixed with the finest oranges from Haiti, the finish on this lasts 15 minutes plus. Perhaps the best value in the spirits world today.
Tequila
Partida Elegante (approx $340) is an outstanding extra anejo tequila. This is perfect just being sipped neat and one of the greatest tequilas ever produced.
Don Julio Tequila Real (approx $320) is another outstanding extra anejo tequila. This spirit comes in a beautiful bottle that is a work of art both inside and out. Father who enjoy good tequila shouldn't be denied the opportunity to try this one.
North American Whiskies
Hirsch 22 yo Rye Whiskey- (approx $120) My second favorite rye whiskey, this is a memorable and delicious rye whiskey. Hard to find, but worth the effort.
Pappy Van Winkle 's Family Reserve 20 and 23 year ($200+ if you can find them)- All I can say is that if your Father likes American whiskeys and you come across a bottle of this, jump on it. Extremely rare but I've tasted both offerings and they are simply incredible.
Canadian Club 30 year (approx $250) is simply one of the best spirits I've ever tasted. The finest example of Canadian whisky in existence.
Single Malt Whiskies
Suntory Yamazaki 18 year old (approx $120) is an oustanding introduction to the world of Japanese single malts and a delicious dram that will be appreciated this Fathers Day.
The Dalmore King Alexander III (approx $200)- Master Distiller Richard Paterson's masterpiece, finished in a variety of woods, this is a heady and rich single malt.
Ardmore 30 year ($450)- This and the CC 30 rank as the two finest whiskies I've ever tasted. Brilliant.
Macallan 1841 (approx $200) is an excellent dram and an interesting piece of history. Light and silky, with orange and pear notes, this might be the perfect gift for Fathers interested in the evolution of single malts.
Balvenie 25 year old (approx $400) is a wonderfully honeyed dram and a fine example of one of the better Highlands malts.
Highland Park 25 (approx $250) is another Highland malt that I just adore. Complex, with apricot, currants and some smoke to it, this has a wonderfully long finish and is a great nightcap.
While I am sure there are many other luxury brands out there that deserve consideration, this represents a few of the better brands that I've tasted and enjoy. I should perhaps add Ardbeg Airh Nam Beist,Glenmorangie Signet, Johnnie Walker Blue and Dewars Signature as well, but time and space constraints are preventing me (lets just note that I enjoy all four). Any of these brands would make a very special gift this Fathers Day, and I hope that this luxury guide makes some of your purchasing decisions easier.
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