Archive for July, 2008

When you think of Australia you think of a fun-filled country full of spirit and jovial people. And the burgeoning wine business in Australia is very similar. Most of the reds are light and flavorful, but lack the depth of European or California reds. My wife and I are not big white wine drinkers, but on a recent celebratory trip to Emeril’s Restaurant in New Orleans, I decided on a bubbly white wine from Australia, a 2006 Wolf Blass Brut.

We were both pleasantly surprised and happy with the selection. The white was light and not too dry or sweet. The slightly fruity flavor and effervescent bubbles were a perfect accompaniment to our happy evening and wonderful meal.

The $36 restaurant bottle price was a good value.

Bottle/Tap – Bottle

Rule of Citrus – None

Here is a good dare: next time you’re at a bar and a friend has a few beverages, make them say Leinenkugel to the server or bartender until they can say it right. This is usually a good way to pass time. Another way to pass time is to try a Summer Shandy Ale. Brewed with natural lemon flavors, I had my hopes up for this one. The Sunset Wheat offering is a regular for me, considering it tastes like Fruit Loops, it is a refreshing beer.

The label on Summer Shandy says that it is a ‘Weiss beer with lemonade’, that made me a little skeptical. I like a glass of lemonade and I also enjoy a good Weiss beer, however I couldn’t really figure how they would both taste together. Let me be the first to tell you: it wasn’t good.

I popped the cap and the instant aroma of lemons attacked me. Pouring it into a pint glass I noticed the heavy carbonation and that lemon fresh scent. I went in for the kill and came back empty handed. This had very little lemon flavor and was way too carbonated for me. It was very watered down, and I didn’t enjoy it too much. I didn’t bother with any fruit slice, I was under the impression the brewers had taken care of applying fruit flavor for me.

I was disappointed that Summer Shandy tasted like a Bud Light with lemon extract; I had high hopes for the brewers that brought me Sunset Wheat. If you are in the mood for a bland, yet very rich smelling, summer ale then I would recommend the Summer Shandy. If you still want that lemon zing, grab a Mike’s Hard Lemonade. . .and what is a shandy anyway?

Every superhero has his or her one big secret, and I’m going to share mine with you: I don’t do all my beer tasting at Strangebrew. I know you’re shocked, but sometimes I have to bring my work home with me.

I’m going to share some of my favorite beer spots. I visit these places to purchase and discuss different beers. Say it with me now: road trip! Let’s start this week with Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

Wine Society, located at the Pond View Place Plaza, is just a little further south than the Pheasant Lane Mall. Wine Society does have a great selection of local, national and international wines. They also have a small beer selection. The beers consist mainly of European imports and hard to find domestics. One thing to note: since they are located in Massachusetts they can carry higher potency beers. You certainly can find some 9 percents and a few scary 12 pecents that I have yet to try. This is a good stop for the adventurous beer drinker. They have a satellite store in Nashua at the Greystone Plaza. Check in for their monthly beer and wine tastings, as well as specials.

The Liquor Store is located next to Trader Joe’s, by the Tyngsboro 12 AMC Theater. Judging by the name, you can figure this establishment carries more than beer. You can buy hard alcohol, browse through wines and check their beer selection. Couldn’t find what you wanted? Just ask at the register and they’ll order whatever it is your heart desires. My friend Mark ordered a case of Sawtooth Ale from Colorado’s Left Hand Brewery, and now this shop carries that beer. This is a great stop after you hit up Trader Joe’s for some granola,because you need something to wash it down.

Australia has grown into a force in the international wine community. And one of the more recent Australian imports comes from the Razor’s Edge Winery. In 2004, they came on the scene with a Shiraz that received much critical acclaim.

Last night, we had the chance to try the 2006 Razor’s Edge McLaren Vale, Cabarnet Sauvignon. It was like many Australian Cabs in that it was smooth, but did not overwhelm you. Like most great bottlings of Cabernet, it had notes of a mild herbal aroma, which were followed by big fruit flavors.

My wife-to-be and I enjoyed the bottle along with a late evening snack of cheeses, humus, and grilled flatbread.

It was well worth the ~$12 bottle price.

Getting ready for a vacation, we decided to do some shopping. We were tired of the area malls and wanted to try something different. We had nothing on our schedule for the day, so there were no time or distance constraints.

We decided to travel to Kittery, Maine, and shop the outlet stores. With a plethora of outlets to visit, we spent several hours checking out cool kitchen gadgets and looking for new clothes for both of us. By early afternoon, we had developed huge appetites. Not wanting to leave Route 1, where the outlets are located, we decided to try a local restaurant, Robert’s Maine Grill. Being amidst all these shops, with almost no other choices, we were uncertain as to the quality of the food.

Much to our delight, we were pleasantly surprised!  They had a unique menu of dishes and a great list of beverages. Plus, each week they create a different infused vodka.

As we were not in a rush, we decided to start our late lunch with an appetizer and drink for each of us.  One of the drink specials was a blueberry margarita.  This drink was delicious, made with blueberry puree, tequila, and a few other ingredients.  It was served with ice and a sugared rim.  It was slightly sweet from the blueberry, but not so sweet as to be overwhelming.  It was a perfect cooling afternoon drink.

My fiance chose to try that week’s vodka, which was cucumber-infused.  It could be served over the rocks or in a drink special.  He opted for the special- cucumber vodka and bloody Mary mix served with a salt and pepper coated rim, ice, and celery.  His drink was amazingly good.  This drink delivered the flavor of cucumber perfectly and made a wonderful contrast to the spiciness of the bloody Mary mix.

Robert’s Maine Grill  is a great place to relax, have a drink or two, and enjoy some delicious food.